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Seagate confirms 3TB hard drive for 2010, possible 32-bit OS issues
Seagate has been pushing the areal density envelope for years now, but by and large, these "developments" we hear about typically fade into the cold, harsh winter night without ever amounting to anything tangible. Not so this go 'round, with the company confirming to Thinq (and reaffirmed on our end) that it will be "announcing a 3TB drive later this year." If you'll recall, 2TB drives have held the crown for the world's largest since early 2009, and if all goes to plan, we'll be able to buy drives 50 percent larger than even those before the dawn of 2011. The company didn't talk details -- we're still left to envision a price, release date and spindle speed -- but it didn't hesitate to mention a few issues that users with older operating systems may encounter. Essentially, you'll need to have a rig that's fully capable of handling the Long LBA (logical block addressing) standard, which means that you'll need updated drivers, an updated BIOS and either a 64-bit copy of Vista, Windows 7 or "modified version of Linux." As you'd expect, Windows XP users needn't pay this platter any mind, and while Seagate is hopeful that industry players will all rally in short order to support the new HDD, there's still a chance that these growing pains will lead to delays. What we're most jazzed about here, crazily enough, isn't the predictable jump in capacity -- it's the fantasies of über-cheap 2TB drives once they fall from the top. [Thanks, JC]
Rumorang: Elder Scrolls MMO three years into development
According to VG247's "very reliable" source, Bethesda Softworks is already three years deep into development on an Elder Scrolls MMO. Recent court documents in the ongoing Bethesda/Interplay lawsuit have allegedly revealed that Bethesda has "close to 100 people working on a secret World of Warcraft-type MMO" -- a tasty piece of info that it's said to be currently fighting to have redacted from a 218-page court transcript. Furthermore, the unannounced MMO is said to be "very close" to being unveiled. We could even be seeing a release of the purported title later this year, as the transcript is said to also reveal a four-year development cycle (starting in late 2006 would put that either later this year or early 2011). Bethesda has commented in the past that it is currently not working on an MMO, though ZeniMax Online (another studio under Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media) is working on a currently unannounced title. We contacted Bethesda for comment and were told, "We aren't talking about what that studio is working on and don't comment on rumors and speculation." Source 1 - VG247 Source 2 - Duck and Cover Forums
Rumorang: Retailer promotes 'new exciting PlayStation 3'
Above: Front-page Kmart ad A banner ad on KMart's website has reportedly promoted a "new exciting Playstation 3," along with a price cut for old and boring models (see: millions of concurring rumors). The Kmart ad is sure to contribute to the ongoing frenzy of speculation surrounding Sony's upcoming press conference at GamesCom -- well, probably. That's just speculation on our part.In addition, Kotaku claims to have received a promotional poster meant for retailer FYE. It also suggests that the 80GB PlayStation 3 will have its price reduced to $299.99, while the Uncharted 160GB bundle will be trimmed to $399.99. Update: A slightly different promotional ad (seen above) is now up on Kmart's front page. Source - KotakuSource - Kmart[Via Engadget]
Rumorang: PS3 Slim to be revealed at Gamescom
Hong Kong gaming magazine GameWave is reporting that the PS3 Slim will be revealed at Gamescom next week. This comes following French media site JVN's report, which also indicated that the new model would be revealed at the European conference. The image on the magazine's cover isn't the real console, so don't get too excited. Also, thank goodness. We'll level with you: the buzz is that the PS3 Slim will be revealed in Cologne next Tuesday at Sony's Gamescom press conference. However, with Sony remaining tight-lipped, we're still waiting for the official announcement or solid images at this point. [Via Examiner; Thanks, SpiderMike]
Rumorang: Survey suggests Netflix streaming on Wii
A survey we reported on back in March about the possibility of Netflix video streaming on the Nintendo Wii has popped up again on our radar, but this time with one very noticeable difference. Today, a former Joystiq staff member was given a similar survey to fill out, but instead of the $10 charge for the "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" mentioned in the previous questionnaire, this time it noted the disc would be "available for free."We contacted both Nintendo and Netflix for comment. The House of Mario had nothing to say on the matter. A Netflix spokesperson informed us, "Netflix is always looking for ways to expand its service, but for now our game platform is the Xbox 360."We'll say exactly what we said last time: This survey in no way validates that Netflix support is confirmed for the Wii, but it wouldn't be the least bit shocking that the service would want to tap into the Wii's "particular" demographic.
Rumorang: PSP music downloads in discussion
It seems like Sony's been talking -- surely thinking -- about a PSP music download service for years now. There was, of course, a survey in January that queried consumer interest in such a feature. The most surprising implication about the latest rumor that Sony has discussed the possibility of music downloads for PSP with other major recording companies (Sony itself being one of four big labels) is that CNET, whose anonymous sources are credited for the report, has dubbed the meeting of the music moguls as "only preliminary."We suppose that Sony is really taking its time to get it right ... for the next one. Perhaps a digital music store is meant for the "PSP Go!" wish list? While we're at it, let's add phone capabilities and a touch screen, too. Oh, wait a minute ... [Via Engadget]
Rumorang: Sony making lime green PSP
Lately, Sony has taken a Skittles-esque liking for more PSP colors. Japan just got the new Carnival set and a lilac system is heading to North America soon. And, as it would appear, a lime green PSP is also in the works. According to Chinese website VGSky.com, the lime green PSP-3000 model pictured above was produced in a Sony factory in China. It's currently unknown whether this specific color is being mass-produced or just a prototype. Japan already has 12 different PSP color variants released on the market, and North America will soon have six. Where will this new color go, if it is indeed legit? [Image]
Rumorang: Riddick dev helming new Syndicate game
A new report suggests that Starbreeze Studios is working on a new Syndicate game, with Electronic Arts set to publish. Word of the Riddick and The Darkness dev's involvement with the title first made the rounds last October. Possibly related is a new casting call posted on superannuation for actors in an upcoming "futuristic" Starbreeze/EA title called "DART," which according to the post will be set in a "high tech city."Though nothing has been formally announced, sources tell GI.biz that the Syndicate series is behind EA and Starbreeze's mysterious Project RedLime, which was originally referred to as a "classic franchise" for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. While that project was said to be "already deep in development" in February 2008, don't expect to revisit the classic cyberpunk series anytime soon. According to the report, the new Syndicate title won't be released until Starbreeze finishes up its current project based on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne. Until then, the four gentlemen in the corner giving us the crazy eyes will just have to wait.
Rumorang: Turok 2 was real, now really dead [updated]
Having cropped up amid a slew of recent layoffs at Disney Interactive and related studios, a rumor that Propaganda Games was working on a sequel to its PS3, 360 and PC FPS, Turok, has been given a little more credence. Garrett Knights, a former Propaganda employee and UI designer, has added interface mockups from the game to his online portfolio.One menu screen (above removed) shows what looks to be yet another refresh of Acclaim Comics' dino-hunting character; the rest of the images in Knights' online collection are primarily layout / typography examples, along with two brief menu animation tests. [Update: Mr. Knights has removed the portfolio from his site and asked us to remove the example at the top of this post.]Hey, this is kind of like digging up fossils. Have any of your own to share?
Rumorang: BBFC rates 'Silent Hill'
We hope Konami may soon be ready to scare some truth out of earlier rumors of a Silent Hill remake for the Wii and PSP. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) recently posted a '15' rating for Silent Hill, with a listing that contains an interesting breakdown of scenes from the game with titles like "ANKH ROOM" and "CYBIL'S DEATH." Last month's rumor laid dev duties at the feet of Silent Hill: Origins creator Climax, though Konami has yet to make anything official. We're trying to reach either Konami or Climax for comment ... but the lines are cut, and there's an unsettling noise coming from behind the door.Of course, this could just as well be a PSN re-release. And yes, we'll take one of those too.[Via Kotaku]
Rumorang: Mass Effect DLC mentioned in new ME release documentary
If reports from the recently released Mass Effect Platinum Hits edition are to be believed -- and we're wont to believe the people who made the game -- then more Mass Effect DLC is on its way and it's going to be combat heavy. On the second disc that comes packed in with Mass Effect Platinum Hits is a documentary titled (appropriately enough), "The Future of Mass Effect," in which project director Casey Hudson and principal lead designer Preston Watamaniuk confirm -- at very least -- the existence of more Mass Effect DLC. Roughly one quarter of the way through the documentary (embedded after the break), Preston Watamaniuk says, "Things we're working on right now, for the Mass Effect universe next ... we had something in Mass Effect 1 that again, we weren't able to pull off just because we didn't have the time and we didn't think we'd be able to do it well enough, which was a fight club or an arena. So we're actually working on that for our next downloadable content piece and we're hoping it'll be really special." Casey Hudson expands on that, saying, "So we wanted to be able to give people a much more combat-oriented, lighter-story experience. You're going to go to a kind of casino gaming fight club space station." You heard it here first: a casino gaming fight club space station. Batarians be damned, we're going gamble-fighting in outer space! We've, again, put word into BioWare regarding this and will update accordingly as news comes in.[Thanks, Daniel]
Rumorang: More Mass Effect DLC on the way
You remember, eight freaking months ago, when we reported on BioWare talking about" more DLC for Mass Effect? Well, while you were vicariously experiencing the New York Comic Con through our virtual window into the Jacob Javits Center last weekend, BioWare community manager Jay Watamaniuk was dropping bombs on CinamaBlend.com's Pete Haas regarding that very same DLC, though remaining notably vague. "Watamaniuk mentioned earlier in our chat that a second Mass Effect DLC episode was on the way," reads the piece, noting that Watamaniuk quickly redirected the conversation. We've reached out to BioWare for comment and have yet to hear back, but will update this post accordingly as word comes in.
Konami: 'We're actively looking' into MGS4 on Xbox 360
And here you thought we'd escaped TGS without this rumorang whizzing by again. Oh no, we most certainly did not (duck!). "We're actively looking into a [Metal Gear Solid 4] release for the Xbox 360," a Konami rep told Japanese investment research firm Morningstar for a TGS report published today (in Japanese). Feel free to take that as "no duh" or a renewed glimmer of hope -- Morningstar's report does not include further evidence that Konami is any closer to bringing a MGS4 port to Xbox 360 than when the rumor first appeared ... two years ago!As IGN notes, the key dilemma is in the discs. How to transfer all that optimized Blu-ray data? And, where to put it? [Via IGN; thanks Joe!]
Rumorang: Xbox 360 external Blu-ray drive ready, waiting
Aw, and we were just starting to miss our Blu-box graphic ... Sure enough, after several months of peaceful bliss, here we are again on the verge of an Xbox 360 Blu-ray announcement! Or not. Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology Corp. (not to be confused with plain old "Toshiba Corp.," which is apparently "strictly against Blu-ray") has allegedly been contracted to manufacture an external Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360, reports X-bit labs. The drives are rumored to retail at around $100 to $150 in an attempt to cut into PlayStation 3 sales (combine a $150 drive with the Xbox 360 Arcade, for example, and the total cost would be $350).X-bit labs speculates Microsoft may launch the external drive this holiday, but with reportedly low sales, Blu-ray could likely wait until a proper CES unveiling. Still, we've got TGS popping off in mere hours and Blu-ray's clock ticking down every day. No time to waste then?
Rumorang: Max Payne 3 won't stay dead
According to CVG, Xbox World 360 magazine (also owned by Future Publishing) claims that Max Payne 3 is being produced internally at Rockstar Toronto, the team behind The Warriors. This follows rumors by EGM that the game is currently in development. Original Max Payne developer, Remedy, is currently picking its nose hard at work on Alan Wake. There's currently no timetable for when (or if) Max Payne 3 will become official. We've contacted the folks at Take-Two in the hopes that they'll shed some light on the issue.
Rumorang: Killer Instinct 3 comes back ... as sheet music!
(click image for full size) No matter how many times Rare tries to tamp them down, rumors about a continuation of the Killer Instinct franchise continue to surface periodically. This time the rumors come from fan site MundoRare, which received the above photo of purported Killer Instinct 3 sheet music from an anonymous "someone at Microsoft."Of course, this shot doesn't really prove anything -- that header at the top could just as easily read "ULTRA Punch Out!!" or "The MORE Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy" and work just as well. We're sure some photoshoppers out there will have their own ideas of what other big name sequels this photo could possibly confirm. What we're really interested in, though, is what this purported music actually sounds like. Anyone out there with some MIDI sequencer skillz want to help us out?[Update: The community comes through! Check out the alleged theme as either a MIDI (thanks Dan H.) or a violin synth MP3 (via Giant Bomb)][Update 2: Check out this awesome remixed version of the "theme" (via NerdiestKids)]
Rumorong: New Guitar Hero peripheral not a keyboard
Remember when Neversoft's Brian Bright allegedly told G4 that a new peripheral was coming to Guitar Hero World Tour, and G4 speculated it would, in fact, be a keyboard? We had a chance to talk to the very same Brian Bright who told us that "a keyboard controller deserves to be introduced with its own game. This is something we're thinking about." B-b-b-but what about all the keyboard section in the song creator? Bright says, "there are reasons why we haven't included a keyboard controller." He elaborates that not all of the songs have keyboard parts so, "adding a keyboard controller would either have limited our choices, or the players."... so Keyboard Hero: Billy Joel confirmed? Check out the full interview for more on World Tour's song creation system.
Rumor: $199 Xbox 360 Arcade with motion controller
Building on reports of an impending Xbox 360 price cut, which allegedly will drop the Arcade SKU below Wii to $199, comes the reemergence of Microsoft's elusive motion controller, now rumored to be included with the Xbox 360 Arcade this holiday. A source "close to Microsoft's marketing department" detailed the bundle to X3F, claiming the new Arcade system will feature a 512MB memory card (in place of a hard drive), the New Xbox Experience pre-loaded and a motion controller, along with a few compatible minigames developed by Rare. The motion controller supposedly will be sold separately as well, in a package that includes even more minigames. The controller is said to be compatible with all versions of Xbox 360. So how 'bout it, Nintendo -- you gonna trump this by tacking on HD?
Wrath of the Lich King friends & family alpha concludes
The Wrath of the Lich King alpha is a wrap. Several days ago, WoW informants tipped sister site WoW Insider the news that the Wrath of the Lich King alpha was offline. Yesterday morning the rumorang came full circle as World of Warcraft, Community Manager Eyonix confirmed the fears alpha players had suspected all along. The official notice stated the WotlK alpha had closed down and a message of thanks was left with a reassurance that all alpha testers would be able to participate in the beta which would start soon. The message was leaked on Deathknight.info. No actual date was given on when the WotlK beta will start, but active WoW players who were not in the alpha or already guaranteed a beta slot can take a gamble with the optional-in beta signup that went live recently. It shouldn't be long now. WoW Insider is also reporting on some scuttlebutt from a purported family member of a developer, and their belief that Blizzard is rushing development to meet an arbitrary deadline. With the first phase of beta starting soon there is still plenty of time left for the WoW developers to polish out the 76-80 content. If WotlK is not ready Blizzard will more than likely push the release back as they did with TBC. [Via WoW Insider]
Rumorang: 60GB Xbox 360 model is in, 20GB is out
We're very relieved to know that the 20GB Xbox 360 model isn't advanced enough to experience the equivalent of a mid-life crisis. Not only are a string of alleged retailer ads knocking its asking price down to $299 in July, but an Opposable Thumbs source is suggesting that the model will soon be discontinued and replaced by younger, better model packing 60 gigglebytes. Still, it's a rumor we've heard before (remember this?), one the "usually trustworthy source" indicates will become reality during E3. Fluctuating hard drive capacities, multiple SKUs and retired models: Welcome to the current generation!
