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Dutch gamers break world record by playing for 50 hours straight
A group of six Dutch gamers played Red Dead Redemption for 50 hours straight over the weekend, garnering them recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records. The event took place at a Dixons store in the Netherlands, where six players started out as competitors, but eventually decided to keep playing and get the world record together. All six will receive recognition from Guinness, a $1300 prize and a Twistdock connector from the event's sponsor. There are two things that make this stand out from your average weekend-long play session. First, we're talking 50 hours for all six gamers with no breaks. While that's definitely been done before (with less than healthy consequences), Guinness was there to put the official stamp on everything. So, until you get them to watch you play Final Fantasy XIII and all of its optional missions all in one sitting, this record will probably stand.
Red Dead Redemption's 'Legends and Killers' screens revealed
One of the upcoming DLC packs for Red Dead Redemption -- henceforth referred to as "the one without the zombies" -- has been captured in screenshots. Titled "Legends and Killers," the pack includes nine multiplayer maps, eight playable characters from the original Red Dead Revolver, a tomahawk projectile weapon, and new Trophies and Achievements, which you presumably unlock by implementing the tomahawk in an unorthodox manner. Like, for spreading mustard on a delicious ham sandwich. The "Legends and Killers" pack will land on Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Store next month for 800 MSP ($9.99). Check out a few screenshots of the new content in the gallery posted below. %Gallery-97637%
June NPD: Hardware's way up, Red Dead reloads
Compared to last month's disappointing NPD numbers, with the industry down 5 percent overall, this month's numbers are ... well, they're still sort of a bummer with industry sales down 6 percent, but for nearly opposite reasons! While hardware was down in May, 20 percent year-over-year, it's up 5 percent this month with every console posting positive percentages. The newly revamped Xbox 360 led with the biggest improvement, with sales up 132 percent while the Wii managed to place 3rd, with the lowest overall improvement at 26 percent. While last month's software sales were up 4 percent, mostly riding on Red Dead Redemption's back, this month's numbers are still Red Dead-heavy, but down 15 percent year-over-year as Rockstar San Diego's horse opus fell from a combined 1.5m units to just shy of 1m. This month's numbers also put Red Dead as the top seller for the year thus far, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Much of the month's software lineup looks the same as last's – there's Super Mario Galaxy, barely dropping at all; there's UFC and Wii Fit; and, of course, New Super Mario Bros. – but we're also welcoming Just Dance back to the top 10 along with newcomers Toy Story 3 on DS and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 on Wii. Check the full software list after the break. DS: 511K, up 127K (+33%) 360: 453K, up 257K (+132%) Wii: 423K, up 88K (+26%) PS3: 305K, up 150K (+97%) PSP: 121K, up 62K (+105%)
Red Dead Redemption studio lays off 40 employees
Red Dead Redemption developer Rockstar San Diego has let about 40 employees go, according to a statement given to IGN. "As Rockstar San Diego transitions from the launch of Red Dead Redemption onto future projects," studio manager Steve Martin said in the statement, "we are realigning our resources in order to continue to develop games as effectively as possible." The remaining team members are " hard at work on the development of downloadable content for the game." It's common for development teams to grow during the creation of a game and shrink following that game's completion, a tendency that Martin himself notes. Regardless, we wish the best to all of those who find themselves riding into the sunset.
Crackdown 2 jumps to top of UK charts
Crackdown 2 has broken the "petrificus totalus" spell cast upon the UK sales charts for the last couple weeks. Skills for broken spells, agent? Ruffian's compulsive orb-collecting sequel leaped ahead of Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and Red Dead Redemption, which found comfortable homes on the range at second and third, respectively. Ubisoft's Just Dance took its greatest tumble to date, dropping all the way down to ninth place -- most likely because everyone in the UK already owns it. However, proving that Just Dance wasn't a singular sensation for the publisher, newcomer Dance on Broadway steps up from sixth to fourth. Check out the UK top ten after the break.
Red Dead Redemption to get four new DLC packs (also: zombies)
Starved for more Red Dead Redemption content? Rockstar just announced four new DLC packs for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, with the first one -- dubbed "Legends and Killers" -- due in August for $10. You can expect new characters, weapons and active map locations (for both freeroaming and competitive multiplayer modes) to be added to New Austin over the coming months. Also ... zombies. Mosey on past the break for the full rundown.
Lego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers
The boy who lived placed a binding curse on the Chart Track's UK all-formats chart last week, sticking Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Red Dead Redemption and Super Mario Galaxy 2 in their present descending order, with Mr. Potter grabbing the golden snitch (and top spot) for the second week in a row. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, available on all the major consoles, premiered at number four last week. Also, the Wii's one singular sensation, Ubisoft's Dance on Broadway, let in the sunshine and basked with a sixth place premiere. Of course, perennial favorite Just Dance was ballroom dancing with its Broadway partner in the seventh spot. Find the complete UK top ten after the break.
NPD on the Red Dead, Alan Wake, and Split/Second retail showdown
Take-Two Interactive CEO Ben Feder recently mentioned that Red Dead Redemption "sucked the oxygen out of the room" at retail upon its release -- wow, he wasn't kidding. Data provided to Joystiq by the NPD group shows that high-profile releases Alan Wake and Split/Second sold 145K and 86K units in the US during May, respectively. In comparison, Red Dead Redemption sold 1.51 million copies. All three games launched on the same day in the States. NPD analyst Anita Frazier explains, "What I found interesting about Red Dead is that it is the second game in the franchise. First game got middling review scores and sold good but not great -- 920K life-to-date. I applaud it when a publisher can take a franchise with solid results and improve on it significantly next time out the gate." Perhaps when (if?) Alan Wake and Split/Second receive sequels, they'll have better sales luck (and no oxygen-sucking beasts around).
May NPD: Red Dead rustles up top spots, Super Mario Galaxy 2 takes third
Hoo-doggy! Look at them critters go! While video game hardware sales were down 20 percent month-over-month in May – yeah, we're looking at you, handheld sales – software sales were up! Sure, you're right, they're only up 4 percent month-over-month and the industry is down 5 percent in total, but can't you just relax and enjoy the vista? Red Dead Redemption sold 1.5 million units across both the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms this month and Super Mario Galaxy 2 came in at 560 thousand units on the Wii. Even dear old Alan Wake made the grade, though his sales aren't listed. Find them all after the break. Of course, these numbers come courtesy of the monthly NPD report, which lists the top 10 selling games (stored after the break) and the hardware sales for North America. The DS continues its free-fall after dropping 37 percent last month, losing another 13 percent. Notably: It's still the best-selling console this month! The Wii is up 21 percent after a 50 percent dip last month, and the Xbox 360 is up 5 percent after last month's 45 percent drop. Unfortunately, Sony is bringing up the rear, with the PS3 down 15 percent and the PSP down 10 percent. However, NPD's Anita Frazier notes that "The PS3 platform has enjoyed the greatest percentage growth, with platform sales across hardware, software, and accessories up 32 percent for the month, and 28 percent year-to-date." A reminder that it's not always as simple as hardware sales. DS: 384K down 57K (-13%) Wii: 335K up 58K (+21%) 360: 195K up 10K (+5%) PS3: 155K down 27K (-15%) PSP: 59K down 7K (-10%)
Red Dead Redemption will be profitable, Take-Two CEO says
Take-Two Interactive CEO Ben Feder recently told VentureBeat that runaway stagecoach hit Red Dead Redemption, which supposedly ended up having one bucking bronco of a budget after six years of development, will be profitable for the company. Take-Two announced last month that the western had shipped over 5 million units, putting it en route to surpass the alleged 4 million units in sales it needed to recoup costs. The executive added that Red Dead Redemption "sucked the oxygen out of the room" upon its release, leaving little room in the market for anything that launched around the same time. The UK sales charts would agree, with RDR having held a prominent place since launch. Now, we wait for the US NPD figures (which will cover two months of data) to give us an idea of how the game's been doing in the States. %Gallery-43816%
UK charts: Harry Potter casts Chartium Supremus on Red Dead
If you're wondering what it would take to best Rockstar's dust-em-up, Red Dead Redemption, in a battle for UK chart supremacy, it would seem it only takes a wizard -- a blocky, mute interpretation of the nation's own Harry Potter. It only makes sense that Lego Harry Potter: Years 1–4 would debut at the top spot. Isn't he like the UK's Prime Minister now? The boy with a scarred forehead has pushed nearly everyone down a spot from last week: Red Dead Redemption has fallen to second, while Super Mario Galaxy 2 now takes up third. Also of note are strong UK debuts of several games, including Naughty Bear, Demon's Souls and Transformers: War for Cybertron. Find the complete top ten sales breakdown posted after the break.
PSA: Red Dead Redemption 'Outlaws to the End' DLC available today
Just as we expected, Rockstar's promised DLC for Red Dead Redemption has saddled up and rode off into the digital distribution sunset. It's currently available for download via Xbox Live for free, and should arrive on PSN later today. "Outlaws to the End" offers players six new missions, playable for two to four players -- including new Achievements and Trophies to unlock. Feel free to check out some new screens in our gallery below, then head past the break for a new trailer. %Gallery-94335%
Red Dead Redemption and Mario Galaxy 2 in UK sales chart standoff
Nobody was going anywhere at the top of Chart-Track's UK all-formats sales chart last week. Red Dead Redemption is still the sheriff in town, with Super Mario Galaxy 2 and 2010 FiFA World Cup maintaining their number two and three positions, respectively. Rockstar's Grand Theft Horsey retained the top spot despite a 24 percent drop in sales (Galaxy slipped 29 percent) and increased its sales gap with Mario from 1,000 to almost 5,000 units, according to Chart-Track. Rooms: The Main Building and perennial chart topper Just Dance are waltzing together, with Ubisoft's dance title stepping on Rooms' toes to take the fourth spot. (!) Elsewhere on the chart, PSP's Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker sneaked in at 18th. Check out the UK top ten after the break.
Red Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts
Red Dead Redemption sales may have dropped 34 percent in the UK last week, but the Western beat Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the charts and continues riding high for a fourth week in a row. Meanwhile, with focus turning to the real World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa slipped on the field to the third spot. Now for a little bit of weirdness: Rooms: The Main Building surged the charts from 12 to the fourth spot. Oh yeah, and Just Dance is still cha-cha-ing along at fifth. Check out the UK top ten after the break.
Rockstar has 'no current plans' for Red Dead Redemption on PC
Sorry, keyboard cowpokes, it appears Rockstar Games has "no current plans" to mosey Red Dead Redemption over to PC. A Rockstar rep dropped the info nugget on the company's site when asked whether a PC version of the console exclusive hit was in the works. Red Dead Redemption has turned out to be a surprise hit for Take-Two Interactive, shipping over 5 million units since it rode onto the scene in May.
PlayStation Network down for 'regularly scheduled maintenance' -- RDR posses take the day off
Wondering why your murderous, alcohol-fueled rampage across the old Southwest has been interrupted? The PlayStation Network is taking a personal day for maintenance (it happens sometimes, even on services we pay for, so insert PSN+ rumors here) from 8 a.m. (PST) to 8:30 p.m. Turning on your PS3 for some Red Dead Redemption or other gaming in the interim displays the above message so for now, all of your Home friends will have to wait. In the meantime, Netflix streaming is still a go so queue up 3:10 to Yuma (the original version, of course) and give that tired horse a break. Update: Looks like everything is back up and running, let us know if you spot any extra features, dimensions or otherwise. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Red Dead Redemption surpasses 5 million units shipped
More than 5 million copies of Red Dead Redemption have been shrink-wrapped and shipped to retailers across North America and Europe since the game's May 18 release -- and, presumably, folks are buying 'em. Publisher Take-Two announced the mailing milestone today, amidst its quarterly earnings, celebrating the commercial and critical success of Rockstar's little Western that could. Just five months ago Red Dead Redemption appeared doomed. At that time, an anonymous Rockstar source told us, "It will take 4 million sales at full price to recoup the development costs of Red Dead. The good news is they are not expecting to make money with Red Dead Redemption." The accuracy of that estimate notwithstanding, today's shipment announcement suggests that Take-Two and Rockstar now expect to enjoy strong, continued sales of Red Dead. Of course, let's not get too celebratory over a measly 5 million shipped. As if to put the upstart Western in its place, Take-Two also revealed today Grand Theft Auto IV's lifetime global numbers: 17 million sold.
Red Dead Redemption rides atop UK charts for third week
Ain't nuffin' gettin' between the Brits and a tumble around the Wild West, partner. Not only is Red Dead Redemption the top selling game in the UK for the third week in a row (despite a 22 percent dip in sales) but, according to Chart-Track, it sold more units than the all-format chart's numbers two through seven combined. Red Dead Redemption's feat is made even more impressive by the knowledge that second place finisher 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa's sales slipped a measly three percent. Rounding out the rest of the top five are UFC 2010: Undisputed, Just Dance (of course!) and Wii Fit Plus. The complete UK top 10 can be found after the break. Source – Red Dead Redemption holds No1 [GFK Chart-Track] Source – Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]
Red Dead Redemption 'Outlaws to the End' DLC due on June 22
If you think Red Dead Redemption's desolate landscape is best explored and conquered with a band of gun-toting ne'er-do-wells at your side, you'll be pleased to note that the free Outlaws to the End DLC pack has roped in an official release date: June 22. It'll toss six online co-op missions (for two to four players) into the sandbox and take your posse uphill, downstream and in-between several shootouts. You'll need a PSN account or an Xbox Live Gold Membership to partake, of course, but we're assuming most of you have access to such wonderful luxuries. Spare a thought for life in the olden West, where folks had to get by with just 28.8k modems and AOL keywords. %Gallery-94335%
Red Dead Redemption tops UK charts again; Blur loses out to Split/Second
Rockstar's western opus, Red Dead Redemption, has saddled up and rode for first once again in the GFK Chart-Track derby. Even though it's suffered a 40% drop in sales -- likely a byproduct of those shortages -- it was enough to best UFC Undisputed 2010, which debuted at second place. Also of note is the debut of Blur at the 14th spot -- well below Black Rock Studio's previously released arcade racing rival Split/Second (6th) and United Front Games' ModNation Racers (12th). Source - Top 40 Entertainment Software, Week Ending May 29 2010 Source - Red Dead Redemption Still Riding High at No. 1
