playboy
Latest
Bigpoint teams with Playboy for Poisonville
Playboy has teamed up with MMO developer Bigpoint, and plans to enter the MMO industry before the end of 2010. The first title from this partnership will be Poisonville, a 3-D, browser-based title full of hardened criminals, fast cars, and beautiful women. It's not an unfamiliar title to MMO fans -- Bigpoint had plenty of information to offer on this game back in March at GDC. Bigpoint's founder and CEO Heiko Hubertz is optimistic about the partnership: "Launching this new game through Playboy.com will allow us to directly tap into our ideal gaming audience – avid, online men between the ages of 18-35. We look forward to engaging gamers in new and exciting ways through Playboy's network of high-traffic websites." While the title doesn't have a firm launch date yet, a new trailer is up and running, so follow along after the jump for a look at Poisonville.
Playboy teams up with BigPoint, forming new games label in late 2010
Playboy, otherwise known as "that stack of mags you hide from your mom under the mattress," is stretching out beyond the flesh game and into the online gaming game. A press release (past the break) announces intentions to offer online games through a new games label, which Playboy will formally announce later on this year. In the meantime, Playboy is teaming up with Bigpoint, which is currently working on Battlestar Galactica Online yet offers other free-to-play games via its own web portal -- which Playboy will now also distribute through its domain. The first game to get the red carpet treatment is Poisonville (link is probably NSFW) with "select titles" available in the future. Playboy also mentions other "development partnerships" in the coming months." "Gaming is a growing, mainstream area. And part of our plan is to extend Playboy's brand into the mainstream," Paul H. Lee, Playboy's managing director for new digital ventures, told PaidContent. "Previously, Playboy's gaming interests included a few licensing deals and some editorial in the form of gaming reviews. But there was no clear, over-arching strategy in place. With Bigpoint, we've established a clear path in terms of where we want to go." Apparently, the 18-35 male audience Playboy has is also into gaming. Hey, we're just as surprised as you guys! Jokes aside, Lee said that Playboy is investing a "significant" amount in this new venture. Here's hoping it works out for 'em, because we're not really sure what they could fall back on if things go south -- oh, right.
Playboy mags make Dead Rising 2 more inappropriately sexy
What better combination could there be than the sexy ladies of Playboy magazine and rotting, unnaturally ambulatory corpses? Capcom and Playboy have reached an agreement wherein Playboy magazines and imagery will be seen throughout the world of Dead Rising 2, in the form of magazines, as well as billboards and other advertisements. Judging by the costume in one of the new screens, Fortune City is host to a Playboy Club as well. Playboy is just one of the publications used for the game's new "magazine system," which, like Dead Rising's book system, will offer enhancements to the player's stats. Playboy imbues Chuck Greene with a "unique and special upgrade" -- good that it has an actual gameplay purpose, because on its own, stopping to check out some babes while on the run from thousands of undead monsters is highly questionable, both in terms of tactics and just plain sanity. %Gallery-94955%
Vintage Playboy centerfolds grace Mafia II
It appears mobsters aren't the only things getting rubbed out in Mafia II, as 2K Games announces it has signed a license agreement with Playboy magazine for the mob saga. The pictorial publication will have over 50 of its "vintage covers and Centerfolds" inside the game when it eventually releases. The iconic publication first premiered in 1953, so unless the game, which covers the '40s and '50s, is rewriting history, the Playboy collectibles won't show up until the latter part of the game's story. The magazine apparently won't merely be window dressing either, as players will have the ability to "collect virtual copies of the iconic magazine" -- to read the articles, of course. If you have roommates, we recommend investing in Purell hand wipes. We're not implying anything, simply "safety first." It is still flu season, after all.
Guitar Hero 5 ad features Hugh Hefner, plethora of Playboy Bunnies
Activision continues its Risky Business ad campaign (remember Guitar Hero World Tour's and Guitar Hero Metallica's?) with Guitar Hero 5, which shows Hef and some of his gals (okay, mostly his gals) rocking out with plastic guitars. It's an effective ad, for two reasons: It shows that, should we pick up Guitar Hero 5, we too could have a room full of hotties gyrating and looking all sexy-like Playboy Bunnies are skilled in the art of clairvoyance and don't even need to look at the TV to play
Preteen's mom ticked about Maxim/EGM swap
Had we been consulted, we would have told the parties responsible that fulfilling subscriptions of the now-defunct EGM with the dumb man's Playboy (Maxim) was a pretty crummy idea. Now we've got some evidence of that courtesy of Kathleen O'Donnell, who's none too happy that her 12-year-old Jake has received two issues of Maxim, despite her requests that it stop. "When I saw it, I didn't think it was a magazine my son should be looking at," she told CBS affiliate WBZ.It's a cruddy situation all around, but we'd like to give a small protip to young Jake: If someone starts sending you pictures of half-naked ladies, keep that to yourself.[Via The Escapist]
Hulu coming to Roku video player?
Hef's not exactly known for his tech punditry, but the latest issue of Playboy says Hulu is eventually coming to the Roku video player. We don't have to tell you how big a deal that would be -- we're sure half of you would drop cable immediately in favor of the charming $99 box -- but we've got our doubts about this particular rumor, since the networks and cable companies seem intent on keeping Hulu far, far away from the living room at the moment. Here's the thing, though: although Roku PR just told us they're "not sure" where this info came from, they wouldn't give us an outright denial, so something very well could be up -- only time will tell if there's truth here or if we're all just dealing with another of the bunny's airbrushed fantasies.
Jolt Online announces 'casual MMO' Playboy Manager
Utopia Kingdoms and Legend of Zork creator Jolt Online Gaming just announced its next MMO project -- surprisingly, it ditches the company's usual fantasy-themed offerings in favor of ... well, more fantasy, we guess, but a different kind of fantasy. Like, grown-up folks fantasy.Yes, Jolt recently unveiled its partnership with Playboy as the two develop a "massively casual online game set in the world of Playboy," titled Playboy Manager. Little has been confirmed as far as gameplay details go, though Virtual Worlds reports the title will "combine content from Playboy, trading card and turn-based gaming, and the Playboy brand lifestyle." Also, probably some nudity. We bet there'll be some nudity in there, somewhere.[Via Massively]
Jolt Online Gaming announce Playboy MMO
Yes, you read that right. Jolt Online, who are probably better known for Legends of Zork and Utopia Kingdoms, have announced they're partnering up with Playboy to produce a 'massively casual online game set in the world of Playboy' called Playboy Manager.While we're sure scantily-clad ladies in see-through underwear is the name of the day, Virtual World News is reporting that the game will see the player in the shoes of a Playboy manager who has to look after hordes of (probably scantily-clad) models and also include content from various Playboy brands and the trading card game. Until then you can visit the official site or follow Playboy Manager on Twitter.
Noblegarden: Sexy or Sexist?
We are nearing the end of Noblegarden, but haven't discussed here at WoW Insider the most controversial part of the event: Shake your Bunny-Maker. For this achievement, you have to put bunny ears on one female of each race that is over Level 18.Before we go any farther in this discussion, I would like to state that I am female. Not that I am speaking for all females (no one can), but I think that it is important that you know where I am coming from. I also have a young daughter and would like the world to be a better place for her, as all parents do. It is also worth noting that the title for this post was inspired by one of my favorite movies: This is Spinal Tap. The band wants to release an album called Smell the Glove with a cover of a naked woman who is leashed and is forced to smell a glove. The lead singer mistakes the word "sexist" for "sexy". Hilarity ensues.
Onechanbara's Aya goes nude for Playboy
Sex sells, and nobody knows that more than the folks at D3 Publisher and Playboy, who have just teamed up to promote the mag's review of Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad -- complete with some pictures of the game's lead heroine, Aya, in the buff. You're going to click over for the article, right? It's a pretty good review. We've read it. Like 4 times.[Via Go Nintendo]Source - (NSFW) Playboy review for Onechanbara
Playboy phasing out DVD in favor of internet content
This year has seen porn studio Digital Playground go Blu and a growth in adult VOD offerings on the market, and even the venerable Playboy has seen declining DVD sales. But rather than jump on the Blu bandwagon, the house that Hef built is taking a more Vudu-like approach and giving up on physical media altogether in favor of online distribution. As the linked article describes, changes in the adult media market since Playboy's inception have a lot to do with the company's current troubles, but you can't totally dismiss the decision to skip over Blu-ray either. For now, we'll categorize this under "notable;" Playboy is only one producer and porn is a natural fit for anonymous delivery via internet and VOD. What's your call?
Witness Richard Garriott launch into space on October 12
One of the MMO industry's most recognized names, Richard Garriott, is about to become the world's sixth private citizen to participate in a space mission aboard the International Space Station. The trip into space comes at no small cost through Space Adventures, and the whole experience of gearing up for the trip is documented on Garriott's dedicated site. The MMO tie-in is that Garriott's space walk is part of "Operation Immortality" which we've touched upon in the past here at Massively. Garriott fans can watch him launch into space via streaming video at NASA TV, NASA Select TV (Australia), or the NASA TV Public Channel. Haters can do the same thing, just describing it as "seeing him strapped to a rocket and shot into space." It's all about perspective. Regardless of whether you think Operation Immortality and the trip to the International Space Station is interesting or not, it's a first in the industry. If you're in the Austin area, there will be a space watch party at Opal Divine's Penn Field restaurant, with live music and pre-launch activities.The launch is scheduled for October 12, at 1 pm Kazakhstan time. Since we suspect most of our readers don't reside in Kazakhstan, that's Sunday at 2 am Central, 3 am Eastern, and midnight Pacific. Best of luck with the flight, Richard.
Playboy model to join TR's Operation Immortality
The list of celebrities donating their digitized DNA for Tabula Rasa's Operation Immortality is becoming a bit staggering, but this latest one should help perk your interest. Jo Garcia, Playboy Magazine's Cyber Girl of the Year for 2008 will be the latest to store her digitized DNA on the International Space Station along with others like Stephen Hawking, Stephen Colbert, Tim Draper and more.Although the title of Cyber Girl of the Year has nothing to do with gaming, Garcia considers herself an avid gamer. "People don't understand that that the whole gaming world is not just for geeks, and assume that every person who plays video games is a geek that wears glasses," Garcia said in a recent interview with Kotaku. "It's a misnomer that needs to be put to rest."
Qore's Veronica Belmont makes Playboy's list of hottest bloggers
Imagine how many more hits we would've gotten if we chose our alternate headline, "Qore's Veronica Belmont featured in Playboy." But, that would've been misleading. The host of PlayStation's monthly video magazine won't be posing nude in an upcoming issue. Rather, she's been (rightfully) recognized as one of the web's hottest bloggers. On that list includes Boing Boing's Xeni Jardin, Rocketboom's Amanda Congdon, and TV Squad's former Brigitte Dale. It's a hard act to balance being beautiful and being a nerd ... yet Belmont has succeeded. Congrats to her rather unusual (but nonetheless flattering) accolade.(Don't forget to check her out in "our very own episode of Qore.")[Thanks, Peter!]Editor's Note: We are linking to the official Playboy website. The content of the article is safe for work, but viewer discretion is still advised.
Second Life marketing: still strong
Two years ago, BusinessWeek did a cover story on Second Life and sparked an explosion of interest in marketing in virtual worlds. Many of the early efforts to market in Second Life were little more than unimaginative billboards copying real-world advertising. Despite downbeat reports, more than a dozen advertising agencies are actively developing advertising campaigns within Second Life.BusinessWeek looks back on how successful ad agencies have used the particular strengths of the virtual world to get their messages across. Second Life users are intensely devoted to their world. Advertisers who identify the various sub-communities and narrow their focus can put the power of a dedicated fan community to work for them. Secondly, using online space to mimic real world advertising, such as putting goods in a virtual shopping mall, actively rejects the very things that make advertising in virtual worlds so effective. Lastly, use the brands the virtual worlds brings to the table, such as Playboy encouraging third-party brands to sell virtual versions of their goods on their Playboy Island.Publishing your brochure unchanged in a virtual world won't entice anyone. Put your products on display in a creative, interactive way, let your customers enjoy virtual versions of your products, and know your community, and your virtual world money will be well-spent.[Via Virtual Worlds News]
Playboy hints at creating their own virtual world
Sex sells, as they say. For this reason, it makes perfect sense for Playboy to create their own branded virtual world. They already lay claim to one of the most popular company-sponsored islands in Second Life, so why not branch off and create their own virtual world?Playboy chairperson and CEO Christie Hefner recently discussed the company's plans for the future, indicating the possibility of their own virtual world. We think this is an inevitable step in the direction of social networking and virtual worlds in which many major companies are recently realizing the possibilities. This, of course begs the question: do we really need separate virtual worlds for each major company, or is a one-stop-shop a more viable alternative? With the advent of MetaPlace approaching, and the wild success of Second Life, it will be interesting to gauge the market trends in regards to businesses populating established virtual worlds, or creating their own.
Cinemassively: Real Biz in SL interviews Playboy island owner
In February, the Second Life Cable Network announced a new series, Real Biz in SL. This half-interview, half-tour show centers around Cybergrrl Oh. Each week, she interviews a new guest that has a real business in Second Life and then tours their location.Last week, Cybergrrl asked Marc Girolimetti, of Green Grotto Studios, five questions relating to his work with Playboy. As one of the more popular real life islands, they've seen a decent amount of success. They may even bring the magazine, which is most certainly not link-safe, to SL!We're definitely going to keep an eye on this series. It's smart, funny, and informative!
THQ gets Playboy bunnies going mobile
THQ continues to grow its licensing buffet and recently added Playboy Enterprises to the menu. GameDaily reports THQ Wireless will develop "lifestyle themed" mobile games using the Playboy name that will ... eh, "not have nudity" in them? Looks like someone missed the point of this license. The first title expected this summer is Playboy Games: Pool Party. So, adding insult to injury, its a Playboy pool party with no nudity? Yup, little confused on this issue.The multi-year agreement between Playboy and THQ didn''t have a public dollar number attached to it. Hopefully at some point they'll make some "move-the-tiles-around" puzzle game to put back together the digi-boob girls Playboy featured for the last four years. What's the fun of playing a mobile Playboy game if the old lady next to you on the train doesn't gasp at naked bunny Peggle?
Playboy: Heavenly Sword has 'Best Jiggle Factor'
There are some awards our favorite games receive that make us happy they get the recognition they deserve, and there are some that leave us ... well, scratching our heads. Take Playboy's Best of Games of 2007 awards for instance as it awarded Heavenly Sword the "Best Jiggle Factor" award. We're not really sure what it means, but we're pretty sure it's a compliment. Here's what they had to say about the game: "This game has more than a few rough edges, but we loved its compelling scenario and character design. Nariko is gorgeous but also strong, angry and vulnerable. By the end, you don't just want to date her, you want to marry her." It beat out other scandalous and lewd games such as Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Conan and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary. With this well-deserved recognition, could it mean that Nariko could have a future spread in Playboy's Girl's of Gaming?
