videogame
Latest
GameplayHD's videogame animated series "Sacred Road" launches this fall
Voom's GameplayHD channel has a new 3D animated action series on the way, Sacred Road. As if we weren't already getting enough HD gaming in (CoD4 anyone?), the new series is being created entirely within a videogame engine, taking Red vs. Blue's concept to a whole new level. With graphical assets courtesy of Gearbox Software's Brothers in Arms game, Sacred Road is about a group of WWII soldiers caught up fighting Nazi's with an army of undead World War I fighters at their command. Check it out this fall, either on GameplayHD or via the website.[Via GameIndustry.com]
Today's most stylistic video: "video game" vs. "videogame"
It's a debate that's at least as old as our 2005 poll on the subject (which ended in a statistical dead heat) -- should the term "video game" be one word or two. Copy editors, designers, and journalists have all weighed in on the subject (as well as a certain book author and blogger). Now, finally, we have an official answer from a well-respected, authoritative source: the fine fellows over at College Humor.The video does a great job of skewering the self-importance of those that obsess over such a pointless argument (present company included). But then they link to an official petition (currently down) that purports to support College Humor's preferred, one-word spelling. Are they taking themselves too seriously, or is it just another layer of the meta-joke? We report, you decide.
EA's CEO nonchalantly mentions "coming launch" of Rock Band for Wii
Finally got around to trading in that raincheck for your very own Wii? Good. Ready to pick up Rock Band? Believe it or not, we think we know that the aforementioned title is indeed headed to Nintendo's darling -- that's according to EA's CEO John Riccitiello, who was reportedly heard mentioning its "coming launch" on a recent conference call. Apparently, IGN even went the extra mile and pinged EA for additional confirmation (and got it), and while no details surrounding a release date, price or wicked new setlist were uncovered, at least you've got a few ticks to start scrounging up spare change.[Via Joystiq]
The "999,999,999 in 1 Super Game" system
We have no idea if this thing is real, but if it is you can probably expect to pick one up from nondescript street markets across China. With a claim to fame of one less than a billion games included, the "999999999 in 1 Super Game" should give the "big three" consoles a run for their money.[Thanks, Rico]
Penny Arcade game coming to Mac next year
The Penny Arcade Expo was held this past weekend in Seattle, Washington, and we got lots of news about the Penny Arcade videogame, officially titled (you might want to sit down for this one) Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One. I told you it would be long.The game is scheduled to appear on PC, Mac, and Linux (as well as downloadable on consoles) in 2008, and will feature a robust character creation system, and all of the Penny Arcade characters. The "Episode One" part also hints at what might be an interesting mechanic-- you'll be able to create a character in the first game, and then carry that character over other episode releases. Joystiq reports that the game looks good, and should be a fun, if short, experience.So look for an interactive Penny Arcade on your Mac next year. And in the meantime, watch out for those Claw Shrimp. They're vicious.
WWDC Video: Unity 2.0 sneak peek
The gang from Over the Edge gave us a sneak peek of two new features in Unity 2.0: a cool terrain tool and real-time dynamic shadows. Check out the video, but also check out their page of all the other features coming soon to Unity.[Note: we'll have all these WWDC videos available for direct download soon!]
Ben Heck lends his hand to emulation-friendly Gameport handheld
It looks like those not able to get their own one-of-a-kind Ben Heck creation could soon be able to get their hands on the next best thing, as Ben (whose work on Engadget can be found here) has now lent some of his considerable talents to the forthcoming Gameport handheld, which promises to let you get your old school emulation fix with no questions asked. While the Gameport isn't entirely Ben's doing, he did design the casing for the device, not to mention pick the name for it. The non-Ben Heck aspects of the device seem to be decent enough as well, with it boasting a 480 x 234 LCD display (the exact size isn't clear), an SD slot to handle all storage needs, and even a port to connect two systems together for multiplayer games. According to Ben, only Atari 2600 and Colecovision games are supported for the time being, although emulation of other systems will apparently be possible through software upgrades (it'll also function as a basic PMP). Unfortunately, it's still in prototype form, so it looks like we'll have to wait a while to get an idea of pricing or availability.[Via Ben Heck]
Ben Heckendorn prepping his first commercial product
While you'll still have to go the DIY route to get your hands on an Xbox 360 laptop, those pining for a Ben Heck creation of their very own will soon have a slightly easier go of it, as he's now teamed up with eDimensional Inc to bring out his first commercial product. Of course, Ben's not saying exactly what his product is just yet, only going so far as to say that it's a video game accessory and it'll cost less than $100. If you're feeling particularly prognostic about that, you can head over to eDimensional's site and enter their contest, where one lucky winner will take home the mystery accessory signed by the man himself.P.S. -For those not already in the know, ol' Hecky is an Engadget columnist. We'd like to think that won't sway your feelings about his mystery product, though.[Via Ben Heck, thanks Rasmus]
Duke Nukem-like video game to help measure depression?
Contrary to popular belief, the lives of gamers aren't necessarily all lame and depressing. In fact, recent studies from the US National Institute of Mental Health shown that depressed people pwn less than non-depressed people in video games that test spatial memory. Depression has been associated with a shrunken hippocampus, a part of the brain that influences spatial memory performance. USNIMH researchers have developed a video game based on scenes from Duke Nukem where players navigate around a virtual town trying to hit up as many landmarks as possible in a limited amount of time. The depressed players averaged at 2.4 locations in comparison to "healthy" players with 3.8 locations. Players suffering from deeper depressions yielded lower scores -- an indicator that these tests may someday lead to quantitatively measuring different levels of depression. Of course, it's hard to quantify how much a continued lack of Duke Nukem Forever might have tainted these results.[Thanks, Matthew S.]
Videogame Style Guide writes the book on game journalism
We here at Joystiq don't usually post about our own outside work, but I figured I'd make an exception for my first foray as a dead tree book author. The Videogame Style Guide and Reference Manual is an effort to set down some consistent answers for those niggling copy editing questions that constantly come up when writing about games -- questions like whether videogame should be one word or two (the guide says one, you say two), whether to capitalize the B in Xbox (no) and whether the term "Wiimote" should be excised from the English language forever (yes, yes, a thousand times yes). Not everyone will agree with our choices, and others won't even care, but as I say in the book's introduction, we hope that addressing these issues will "build trust and respect for both our art and the emerging field of gaming as a whole." The guide will be available in hardcover, paperback and eBook editions on June 1, 2007. Working game journalists can register for a free eBook edition for a limited time by e-mailing freebook@gamestyleguide.com. Read - Excerpt from the Guide's introductionRead - Official Guide web site
Game marketing book free to industry folks
All right, so you've got a great game -- totally original, with an engaging story and tight, responsive controls and intuitive play mechanics. One problem: there isn't a big-name license or franchise attached to it, so getting attention from press or gamers is an uphill battle. Enter The Definitive Guide to Videogame Marketing and PR. Game marketer and freelance journalist Scott Steinberg promises the book has everything you "need to know to ensure every title's a surefire smash." What's more, the eBook version is being offered for free to all "working industry professionals" in a limited time offer -- just e-mail your interest to freebook [AT] sellmorevideogames [DOT] com. The book will be available in hardcover and paperback on May 15.
Gizmondo units available on the cheap
It looks like those trying to round out their collection of handheld video game systems now have a decent chance at picking up one of the more infamous entries in the class relatively cheaply, with a lot of 15 Gizmondo units recently turning up on eBay and bidding not exactly going through the roof. While original games for the handheld are few and far between, you should still be able to put its built-in camera and PMP functions to good use, not to mention load it up with any number of the "homebrew" games available for the system. We wouldn't worry too much if you're not lucky enough to score one this time around though, with these likely only a sign of future cut-rate systems to come.[Thanks, John W]
University students bring Bomberman to life, sans bombs
A group of students at the University of Aalborg in Copenhagen have taken their Bomberman fandom to some grin-inducing new heights, crafting an updated version of the game that tosses out the traditional joystick and gamepad in favor of an all new toque-based interface. The system works by using a ceiling-mounted camera that monitors the movements of the two behatted players below, relaying their positions in real time to the game to control their respective characters. It's not yet quite perfected, however, with the all-important bomb dropping action simply controlled using a wireless mouse instead of a gesture-based interface. It also appears that it only supports two players for the time being, which certainly cuts down on the fun somewhat, but no doubt helps to prevent some unintended injuries. And, yes, there is a video -- check it out after the break.[Via Joystiq]
NES hacked into an NES controller
Sure, you could go out and buy one of those ready-made systems-in-a-controller that provide a handful of games to let you wax nostalgic about your button-mashing youth, but to really fulfill that old school craving without cluttering up your living room with dusty consoles, the DIY route remains your best bet. While it may not be quite on the level of some of Ben Heckendorn's own NES hacks, benheck.com forum member G-force nonetheless holds his own with his modded NES controller. Using the ever-versatile system-on-a-chip, the controller boasts 70 built-in, not-quite-legal games, and a cartridge slot on the back so you can put your well-worn collection of carts to good use. The controller also apparently manages to squeeze in a port for a second controller, or a light gun, should the Duck Hunt mood strike you. Of course, no hack would be complete without the requisite LED lights, which G-force artfully positioned inside to illuminate the Nintendo logo when the controller's in use (check it out in action after the break). Unfortunately, he hasn't provided step-by-step plans for the less-l33t among us to build our own unit, but skilled modders should be able to crib enough from the ample supple of pics to whip up their own variation.[Via Ars Technica, thanks Mike]
What's in the name "video game"
Stephen Totilo's recent hour-long interview with Sony Computer Entertainment Studio Head Phil Harrison focused mainly on the past, present and future of the PlayStation systems and brand. But possibly the most interesting quote in the whole piece came at a point where Harrison waxed philosophical about the branding of the industry as a whole."I fervently believe that the biggest challenge we face is that our industry is referred to as 'video games,'" Harrison told Totilo, echoing concerns aired last month by former ESA head Doug Lowenstein about the image of the term. With two industry luminaries bringing up the same issue in such a short time, we had to wonder: Is our industry being held back by its name?It's true that the word "game" in video game automatically makes some people think that our industry is devoted to nothing more than child's play, a claim that is pretty demonstrably false. Still, terms like "interactive entertainment" and "entertainment software" always struck us as a little too clunky and snobby-sounding for everyday use. Then again, terms like "graphic novel" and "cinema" probably sounded a little clunky before they came into common usage to describe the serious side of comics and movies, respectively.So we put the question to you, dear readers. Do video games need to be re-branded to erase their childish image? If so, what new term would you use to describe the industry?
Hooking up a Wii to your HDTV? Preorder cables now
The Nintendo Wii might max out at a 480p resolution, but plenty of HDTV owning gamers will be picking one up at launch. Unfortunately, component cables for the console (not included -- although even some high priced consoles don't have them either) won't be available on store shelves at launch either. With the cables not listed as arriving until December at popular videogame retailers, the only sure option is to order now from Nintendo's website and spend extra on shipping. If you're asking yourself why cables are so important when the system is at best EDTV anyway, remember the lessons learned from the last generation. PlayStation 2 and Xbox games (and other sources) are considerably clearer on HDTVs when using component connections as compared to S-Video or composite cables, and early reviews of the Wii show the same trend. Remember, friends don't let friends game in 480i.Read - Wii component cables available online now, in stores December 5Read - PSA: Use the right cables for your TV
Nintendo DS brings home the BAFTAs
Though they were both nominated in multiple categories, Brain Age (aka Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old is Your Brain?) and Electroplankton each picked up a single award in yesterday's British Academy of Film and Television Awards. Electroplankton was acknowledged for audio achievement (color us unsuprised at that one) and Brain Age was named the most innovative of the year's titles by the British organization. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter for the Xbox 360 picked up the nod for game of the year, beating out Brain Age. Trauma Center and New Super Mario Bros. were both nominated as well, but picked up no awards. We're pretty sure that's probably a crime against humanity, but just this once, we'll let it slide.[Thanks, elbono!]
DS gets some love from BAFTA
It's the first time the U.K.'s gaming awards have been in their own spotlight (instead of relaxing in the shadow of the film and television awards), and the Nintendo DS has snared some of the attention. We would expect nothing less. Electroplankton and Brain Age both picked up nominations in multiple categories, and they'll be butting heads (brains?) when it comes to which game is Britain's choice for the most innovative of the year. Trauma Center got a nod as well in the simulation category. We're not sure the other nominees are even worth mentioning next to that one. Too bad there isn't a category for games that make you sweat, 'cause they're just that damned hard at times. Trauma Center has always made us idly wish for a third hand, but we love it like ice cream. Can't say we agree with everything they're doing across the pond, though -- they've got New Super Mario Bros. tagged as a children's game. Oh well. I guess we should all put it down and step away slowly. The winners will be announced on October 5. Check back for confetti and poppers when the DS snags some awards.
Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi: HD is very important to gaming
Finally, someone who gets it. While some (Nintendo) seem to believe HD comes at the expense of gameplay, Tetsuya Mizuguchi believes that the increased resolution can give games even more emotional impact. He remarks on a feeling that many of us have had, when watching a movie we've seen over and over, watching it again in HD can give an entirely new feeling. Sure playing Mike Tyson's Punch-Out on NES was (and is) fun, but this is 2006. High definition allows you to appreciate lumping up opponents faces in Fight Night Round 3 in ways the SNES never could. Even simple games like Geometry Wars are even more inpressive on HDTVs, there's nothing like having millions of multicolored geometrical shapes chasing you on an enormous screen with no blurring whatsoever. In the interview with Games Industry Mizuguchi goes on to add that he thinks other elements like 5.1 surround sound and particularly online connectivity combine with high-def as a new frontier for gaming.This is the man who created such classics as Sega Rally, Lumines, Rez, Manx TT and others. He understands the importance of good gameplay, but instead of shrugging off HD as a niche product with little value, he's willing to acknowledge the possibilities and look for ways to enhance gamers experience, rather than limit it.
Samsung rolls out SCH-B450 gaming phone
DS and PSP be damned -- if you happen to be in Korea, that is. Looking a bit like a D307 on performance-enhancing substances, Samsung's new SCH-B450 is designed with entertainment in mind, and it's packing enough tech to make the 2-megapixel camera possibly the least interesting feature of the device. Frankly, the spec sheet is a bit overwhelming: you get TV-out, A2DP, a motion sensor for Wii-like interaction, a game-friendly keypad, 3D acceleration, S-DMB reception, Immersion's VibeTonz, and that clever (yet frighteningly fragile-looking) dual hinge design. The B450 is sadly destined for Samsung's home market only, but we can always pick up a D307 and play make-believe, right?[Via Akihabara News]
