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The next game from Braid's creator supports the Oculus Rift
After indie game darling Braid's mass popularity, creator Jonathan Blow didn't go crazy and buy a Lamborghini or something. He started a game studio instead, to create his next big thing: The Witness. Blow was on-stage at Sony's big PlayStation 4 announcement event back in February (that was this year!), where he announced The Witness as headed to the PlayStation 4 as a "console exclusive" -- a coup for Sony's PlayStation 4 after Braid initially debuted exclusively on Microsoft's Xbox 360 in 2008. Since that announcement, Blow's been in development mode. The Witness was featured at Sony's PlayStation 4 review event, as well as trade shows like E3 and Gamescom, but he and his team have otherwise been pretty quiet. A few weeks ago, however, Blow posted a duo of enticing images (one of which is seen above) with the headline, "What could it mean??" The internet answered with the logical response: "Jonathan Blow possibly teasing Oculus [Rift] support for The Witness. This game seems like a perfect fit." is Reddit's headline. Surprising no one, The Witness -- at least the PC version -- will support the Oculus Rift. "The main work we are doing is not for the Oculus," Blow told Engadget. "But then, since we are doing 3D it is not that big a step to support the Oculus also, so we are implementing support for it." In other news, apparently The Witness will support 3D televisions! It's not clear how the headset will interact with the game in terms of gameplay input, but we're thrilled enough by the thought of exploring The Witness' first-person open-world using the Oculus Rift. And hey, maybe there'll be a consumer version in sight by the time The Witness launches in 2014!
Amazon opens digital PlayStation store in the UK
While Microsoft is slowly ramping up the price of exclusive Xbox One digital games in the UK, PlayStation 4 owners could soon witness the opposite. Following its launch in the US, Amazon has launched the PlayStation Network store on the other side of the Atlantic, letting you buy digital Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and Playstation Vita titles, as well as season passes and DLC, through its website. Although Amazon offered a number of launch promotions in the US, including $5 credit on digital orders, the company isn't spreading the love to the UK and currently matches Sony's PSN pricing. However, Sony's decision to let PlayStation owners shop around for digital titles looks set to increase competition, lowering prices and helping you discover a Knack for finding the best game deals.
Daily Roundup: SteamOS release, holiday gift guide for the geek, Z Ultra Google Play edition and more!
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.
DC Universe Online's War of the Light DLC and Armories
If you are a follower of DC Universe Online, you know how the developers love to introduce world-changing DLCs for players to adventure in. Last time it was the Sons of Trigon, a massive adventure that threw players against the forces of Trigon, took players through a new zone, handed out a lot of new loot, and introduced a new power set called Celestial. We even played through some of the Trigon DLC with Jens Anderson, Creative Director. This time around the team is introducing several things that players have never seen before, starting with the Blue Lantern Corps, twin sentient planets Mogo and Ranx, and a new Red Light power called Rage. Coming up on top of the DLC will be Armories, displays that players can place in their lairs or hideouts not only to display favorite looks, but to allow players to switch between loadouts and looks on the fly, in the field! So, how will all of this work?
Terraria digs a hole, discovers Vita launch trailer
Thanks to the Vita debut of Terraria you can now mine gold on the subway, construct an elaborate castle while waiting for Chinese takeout or battle flying eyeball demons during your cousin's excruciatingly dull wedding.
Sony Z Ultra Google Play edition hands-on
Sony's gargantuan phone, the 6.4-inch Xperia Z Ultra, is finally getting some quality time in the United States, but not exactly the same way we had envisioned at first. For $650, you can now grab a Google Play edition of the device (in the US, anyway), which is compatible with AT&T's and T-Mobile's LTE and HSPA+ networks. Essentially, this means that the unlocked phone features a stock version of Android 4.4, is free of Sony's software tweaks and carrier bloatware and it'll (in theory) get updated to the latest and greatest version of Android sooner than most other devices. Since the Z Ultra (no Xperia branding this time) doesn't come with Sony's user experience, this means that it's missing some features you normally find on flagship Xperia devices, such as the Bravia Engine. You'll get a stock camera UI, rather than Sony's proprietary interface, which means you won't have access to as many manual settings as you'd probably prefer; that said, at least it comes with a standard HDR setting, so its software algorithms may be a little different from Sony's, and may affect the final image somewhat. Also gone is the native Android gallery that we've grown to love or hate over the years, and in its place is the new Google+ Photos app that was introduced in Android 4.4 KitKat and featured on Nexus devices. Aside from these differences, there isn't much else to the experience; the look, feel and dimensions of the device are all the same, so if you thought the original Z Ultra was too big (and too expensive) for your tastes, there's nothing about this new edition that will change your mind. Still, this is the best option for anyone who wants an official stock Android experience on such a large handset (without venturing into loading ROMs, at least), so perhaps a handful of you may be looking at the Z Ultra in a completely new way now. Either way, we've got some pictures below for your viewing pleasure. Update: Sony has confirmed that the Google Play edition does indeed have Bravia Engine. Update 2: Unfortunately, the Z Ultra came with a few nasty bugs, such as the inability to uninstall apps or access the security settings menu to enable sideloading. These bugs are getting fixed in the update to Android 4.4.2.
Leaderboard: How many same-genre MMOs can you play at once?
I have a hankering for Vanguard. I don't know why, other than it's one of those MMOs that I've always enjoyed despite playing it rather infrequently. This hankering is problematic, though, because I'm already dabbling in Final Fantasy XIV, Lord of the Rings Online, and an offline RPG. All of these games have a fantasy bent, and when you couple that with the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day, I'm sure you can understand my dilemma. Failing some sort of uber-MMO that manages to combine all of the best features from each of these titles, I guess I'll just have to pick one for a primary game and glance longingly at the also-rans every now and again. What about you, Massively readers? How many same-genre MMOs can you play at the same time? Two? Three? None? Vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Choose My Adventure: The weather outside is frightful
December is here, which means it's about time to throw some logs on the fire, grab every blanket in the house, and collapse under the mantle in a freezing, sobbing heap. This week's arctic blast has left the United States feeling a lot like Northrend, but for those of us in certain parts of the country it's just the beginning of what's sure to be a long, hellish winter. However cold it may be outside, there's always a warm, toasty inn waiting in our favorite games. MMOs also provide sunny vistas, hot deserts, and steamy swamps, all of which make great places to escape nasty real-life weather. Even when it's cold in an MMO, it's still warm at our desks. In this edition of Choose My Adventure, I'm depending on you to help me hide from the snow that's piling up outside of my window. You don't have to send me somewhere warm, but I'd appreciate it if you send me somewhere fun.
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: For the Geek who has everything
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides. We all know at least one of them: that borderline-annoying person who always seems to have the latest gadgets the moment they're announced. The Nexus 5 isn't going to cut it for such people; you'll need to think outside the box if you want to really impress them. Consider the ideas below -- from 3D-printing pens to a stunning e-motorcycle, these (probably) haven't found a place in your friends' lives just yet.
Dungeon Tours: Wish you were here!
Synergy? We've got synergy! Welcome to the unveiling of Dungeon Tours, a new multimedia miniseries playing out on both the Massively blog and Massively TV. What is Dungeon Tours, you ask? It's a tour. Of a dungeon. Many tours, in fact, of many dungeons. We're sneaky like that. But there's a method behind this particular madness. Have you ever wanted to see and experience every dungeon and instance in a game? Maybe you're interested in getting a sneak peek at what content is in store for you as you advance in a title you already enjoy, or maybe you want to see what you have missed. It could be that you'd like to get a feel for a game before jumping in yourself. And whether or not you ever have any intention of ever playing a game yourself, you're probably curious about what goes on behind those closed doors! This miniseries is your key to those doors.
Sony patent hints at a touch-enabled PlayStation Move controller
Sony's PlayStation Move controller has helped bring motion-enabled gaming to PlayStation consoles for over three years, but hasn't exactly set the world alight. To better compete with Microsoft's controller-less Kinect and Nintendo's Wii motion accessories, the company has been looking to extract more functionality from its wireless joystick, as evidenced in a recent filing with the US Patent Office. The patent, entitled "Flat Joystick Controller," describes a controller not dissimilar to the PlayStation Move handheld we've come to know and kinda love, but Sony hints that an upgrade could come in the form of a touch-sensitive surface on the front of the handle. The company says the new controller "enables control for a variety of applications and simulations while providing an intuitive interface," allowing gamers to better control in-game characters and select elements without having to alter their grip. While the patent suggests Sony is only experimenting with the feature, similar to the hybrid DualShock/PlayStation Move controller patent it filed last year, we know that the company mulled an all-touch PS4 controller before settling on the DualShock 4, indicating that touch still has a big part to play in PlayStation's future.
SOE patches Vanguard database fixes, eyes Cave of Wonders
SOE has patched the latest version of Vanguard to the live server. Today's downtime was used to implement the database performance improvements that showed up on the game's test server a while back. SOE says that after it's satisfied with server performance, it will be looking to "patch out the first wing of the Cave of Wonders," hopefully in time for the Christmas holidays! [Thanks Mikegonz!]
PS4's share button clicked 10.9 million times [Update]
The Cher share button on players' DualShock 4 controllers has been pressed 10.9 million times according to Sony, which revealed some impressive numbers behind its PS4 livestreaming services today. For starters, Twitch and Ustream have hosted nearly 800,000 gameplay streams and over 7.1 million spectator sessions on the home console since its launch. Sony says that ten percent of all Twitch-broadcasted content has come from PS4 systems since its US launch on November 15, based on the average number of minutes broadcast. That adds up to 20 million minutes of live broadcasting from the console, the length of 21,808.66 consecutive spins of Cher's entire discography. Additionally, PS4 Ustream broadcasts average 31 minutes in length, enough time to listen to "Heart of Stone" 7.35 times. Though let's be honest, we could croon "wish your heart was a heart of stone" much longer than that, but we really don't think we're strong enough. The livestreaming figures follow last week's announcement that over 2.1 million PS4 systems have been sold globally. Once new PS4 owners start to unwrap their new consoles over the holidays, this gameplay broadcasting beat will only go on. Update: Additionally, Twitch told Joystiq that the number of broadcasters using its services increased over 100,000 in the month of November since the launch of the PS4, up from around 600,000 in October.
Sony Xperia Z Ultra and LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play editions officially ready to order on Play Store
Google has finally announced that Google Play editions of the Sony Xperia Z Ultra and LG G Pad 8.3 are not only real, but are actually ready for US buyers to pick up today (sorry, global fans, no word on availability yet). The Xperia Z Ultra is available for $650, while the G Pad can be all yours for $350. From what we can tell, all of the specs appear to be exactly the same as the original versions, but they're offered without the specific OEM customizations that we've grown to love or hate. If you're interested in grabbing one, head here. Update: We'd be remiss not to also mention that the Xperia Z Ultra comes unlocked with plenty of LTE, HSPA+ and GSM/EDGE bands. Here are the specifics: it offers seven-band LTE (700, 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2600MHz), pentaband HSPA+ (850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100) and quadband GSM/EDGE. For US users, this means you'll be able to stick your AT&T or T-Mobile SIM and get full coverage, not to mention you can use it in several regions overseas. Update 2: Interestingly, Google and Sony appear to have dropped the Xperia name from the Google Play edition of the Z Ultra.
PS4 creates 100,000 new users, 10 percent of Twitch traffic
It seems PS4 owners are more than a little curious when it comes to testing out a bit of Battlefield 4 livestreaming. Sony announced today that its new console has accounted for 10 percent of Twitch content since its launch last month. Confirming the numbers, the streaming outfit added that the figure was tallied based on broadcast minutes. Twitch has also added over 100,000 new PlayStation 4 streamers in that time, pushing its user base to over 700,000 total across all platforms. Here's what Matthew DiPietro, VP of Marketing at Twitch, had to say about the stats: When people look back at the true game changers of 2013, the integration of Twitch into the current generation consoles will be on the short list. As testament to the growing appeal of live broadcasting video game content, the amount of broadcasters on Twitch has grown from around 600,000 in October to more than 700,000 in November. In addition to more than 100K new broadcasters signing up since the launch of PlayStation 4, PS4 owners make up ten percent of all content on Twitch based on minutes broadcast.
Now Playing: December 9-15, 2013
Become a puzzle master this week with Peggle 2... Choose your platform to jump to a specific release list:
Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Home Theater
Welcome to Engadget's holiday gift guide! Head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. For many of us, "home entertainment" systems can be tucked in backpacks or propped up on an airline tray table. For diehard media fanatics, however, such lightweight solutions won't do. If you or someone you love knows their LCD from their plasma -- and you have the money to spend -- the TVs below are sure to please. The days of 4K may still be early, but, hey, nothing makes watching Planet Earth more social than a giant, brilliant set. Even if your wallet isn't fat, you can upgrade a living room with our favorite set-top boxes and TVs.
Today's PSN maintenance ups activation slots for portables
If you've been waiting to tie all three of your PlayStation portables to one Sony Entertainment Network account, today's PSN maintenance will make you smile. For everyone else it's five hours of downtime starting at 9AM PT (12PM ET, 5PM UK time) and ending at 2PM PT (5PM ET, midnight UK - that's right, two hours extra for the extra special UK). There are some other, minor improvements being implemented during the maintenance, but the main one is the bumping up of portable activation slots to three. Once it's done, users will be able to tie SEN accounts to three Vita systems, or three PSPs, or a three-hit combo of Vitas and PSPs – go crazy with your combos, the world is your portable oyster. As for the downtime, as usual the PS Store, Home, and account management go offline, but if you've signed into PSN sometime in the last few days it won't affect online play or apps.
Switched On: Expunging Xbox
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. The last installment of Switched On discussed the merits of Microsoft divesting itself of Bing. While Bing is still firmly embroiled in a duel with a company that has seen tremendous momentum in the past decade, the case is very different for Xbox. Few products within Microsoft have as colorful a history as its home video game console. While Xbox stands out as an exception at the company today, it is in many ways a model of its future: an internally controlled hardware platform that supports a robust library of software titles from first and third parties with tight integration to Microsoft services.
One Shots: The storm has passed
"Here is a picture from my days playing Warhammer Online," reader John submitted. "It will be missed." You know what, John? It really will be. Heaven knows it's been kicked around enough in the larger MMO community, but people doing that oh-so-conveniently forget the great times that were had. In a sea of fantasy games, it's still hard to find Witch Hunters battling mutated madmen or suicidal punk Dwarves getting swallowed by a giant squig. Except for here, of course. So take in that lightning and be kind to those who will go through the grieving process this month when WAR is shuttered. Do it for me, will ya? The Gipper. And as you're doing that, also check out our other player screenshots from this past week!
