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In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz (blessed folk that they are for bringing this to our attention), Microsoft Game Studios' protocol for releasing games was officially revealed.

Inquiry into the six month delay of Mass Effect's inevitable release to the PC unearthed that Microsoft's premier game studio was purposely delaying PC versions so that hardcore PC gamers would buy an Xbox 360 instead.

Business development manager Peter Zetterberg of Microsoft Game Studios Europe takes it away:

On a global scale the Windows Vista business is as important as our Xbox 360 business. But in Germany for example, we want more gamers to buy our Xbox 360. If we launch a game that is on 360 and PC simultaneously, we basically shoot ourselves in the foot by allowing the German market to choose to play the PC version - because they are more likely to buy [a PC version] than spend their money on the Xbox 360.

If that statement is accurate, then Microsoft is purposely delaying the release of PC games just so they could sell more Xbox 360s. But why would they attempt that stunt in what the gaming community would call the core of PC gaming? And moreover, isn't that a step backwards for promoting the PC game?

Zetterberg claims that they would have more game sales on the PC than on the Xbox 360 because the user base of the PC would rather pick up the game on the same platform instead of getting Microsoft's next generation console. He said:

On a global scale the PC is very relevant to us. And I would say that 90 per cent of the games that are pitched to us are on console. We're strongly perceived as a console publisher because we're the first-party publisher even though the Windows operating system is equally important to us. If we launched a Halo game on PC and 360 in Germany simultaneously, 80 per cent of sales would be on the PC. So we need to pick and choose our formats.

So on one hand we've got Kevin Unangst of the Games for Windows initiative pouring out countless campaigns to revitalize PC gaming, while on the other, Microsoft Game Studios continues to bleed the PC gaming population into the Xbox 360 gaming population for console sales.

Apparently it's not just piracy that's eating up the PC game, folks. We'll get back to this at the upcoming Weekend Warrior issue. For now, we'll keep an eye out for more developments.

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Related articles:

• Stardock: PC gaming's poor performance 'not Microsoft's fault'
• Blizzard's Paul Sams thinks Microsoft should put more focus on PC gaming
• Vista and X360 are not separate gaming platforms says MS exec
• Mass Effect 2: possible timed exclusive, PC version confirmed
  

Ceasar S. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

Looks like we're gonna be seeing another handheld from Sony sometime in the unknown future. Reports are circulating on the Internet revealing that the gaming giant has just been granted a patent by the US Patent & Trademark Office for a handheld that incorporates touchscreen features.

Hmm.. PSP Phone, anyone? Now, now. We don't want to get you all excited over something that is far from being confirmed yet. But for what it's worth, you're free to speculate on this patent's application. Admit it, after that heartbreaking categorical denial from Sony last year, that would be sweet if it did turn out to be the PSP Phone, right?

Interesting, isn't it? The documents show ex-Sony exec Phil Harrison as the inventor for this patent. Now that he's with Infogrames, it's a wonder if Sony will still push through with this. Frankly, we don't see any reason why not. They have been awarded the rights, after all. Besides, another entry in the handhelds arena won't be so bad, too. Competition always drives ingenuity after all.

Anyways, you might as well stack this news at the back of your head for now, cause patent approvals like this doesn't mean we'd be hearing anything substantial soon. Some even takes years to come to fruition. In the meantime, keep those fingers crossed.

Mabie A. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

  

Blizzard apparently has yet another project in the works, and so their game portfolio is not just limited to the big three we know today. Senior vice president Rob Pardo of Blizzard claimed in a recent interview with German news site OnlineWelten that there was another "unknown" game cooking in their kitchen.

Before the interview, we all heard that Blizzard was looking for new blood to help them on a mystery next-generation MMO project. This project is the same unannounced game that Pardo said existed. No other details on the project were divulged, nor were any hints aggressively milked.

On that note, however, the senior VP did clue in to Blizzard's plans to revamp Blizzard's premier online multiplayer service, Battle.net, which will result in the inclusions of new features. Though asked about future costs in utilizing the service, Pardo did not care to comment if the new features would incur additional costs on the players' part.

Now here's the kicker: Blizzard hopes to unveil their ideas for expanding Battle.net's feature list by the time they implement StarCraft II Beta. This officially confirms the rumors that a Beta will be conducted to test the real-time strategy engine, units and tactics within real-life multiplayer matches, even though the "when" portion is still up in the air.

For World of Warcraft gamers, don't you worry - Wrath of the Lich King's progress will not be hampered by the inclusion of Diablo 3 to Blizzard's workload - or at least they hope so. As with any of their games, WotLK will ship "when it's ready," and not before it passes the developer's high standards of quality.

We hope to get our mitts on more updates, so stay tuned while we dig up details. Find the full video interview by OnlineWelten directly at the source link given below.

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Related articles:

• Starcraft 2 Beta coming at the end of 2007?
• Blizzard talks Korean affection for StarCraft; mystery title in the works
• Blizzard Worldwide Invitational 2008: Diablo 3 unveiled

Ceasar S. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

Hey, everyone. It’s time again for the PLAYSTATION Store weekly update.

Qore Digital Magazine

Qore Episode 02: July, 2008 ($2.99 Issue, $24.99 Annual Subscription)
Episode 02 of Qore: Presented by the PLAYSTATION Network includes Part one of a three part series following the development of Resistance 2 and the exclusive release of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm demo.
File size: 1.71 GB

Add-on Game Content

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock July 4th 2008 Holiday Single (free)
FREE “Top Gun Anthem” as performed by Steve Ouimette. For all song credits please visit www.redoctane.com
File size: 14.9 MB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Promised Land” - Vesuvius (free)
• “Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?” - Trapt ($0.99)
• “Time Is Running Out” - Papa Roach ($0.99)
• “Down at the Whisky” - Motley Crüe ($0.99)
• Crüe Fest Pack 1 ($2.99) - includes “Time Is Running Out” - Papa Roach, “Down at the Whisky” - Motley Crüe, and “Who’s Going Home with You Tonight?” - Trapt.

File sizes: 23.3 MB - 30.6 MB (singles), 74.2 MB (track pack)

Game Videos (free)

Killzone 2 Trailer
Two years after the Helghast assault on Vekta, the ISA are taking the fight to Helghan. Their primary objective is to capture the Helghast leader, Emperor Visari, and bring the Helghast war machine to a halt. You assume the role of Sev, a battle-hardened member of the Legion, a special forces unit tasked with securing the Pyrrhus, the capital of Helghan.
File size: 33 MB (SD), 66 MB (HD)

Valkyria Chronicles Teaser Trailer
An introductory trailer to the epic world of Valkyria Chronicles.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Bad World Trailer
Haggard and Sweetwater have a serious discussion about a well known song.
File size: 47 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Rainbow Sprinkles Trailer
Sarge tries to stack the troops up to breach an important objective.
File size: 62 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company Snake Eyes Trailer
See what the characters of B-Company encounter on their journey for gold.
File size: 53 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #2
The second issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 269 MB (HD)

Dead Space Animated Comic Issue #3
The third issue of the six part Dead Space Animated Comic Series created by Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston.
File size: 368 MB (HD)

Tiger Woods ‘09 Course Video
Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’09 features new and improved course-rendering technology that gives all of the courses in the game a special look; one that captures the essence of the courses themselves. To see the improvements first-hand, check out these videos from EA Sports.
File size: 104 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #1
Not all is what it seems on this cold, wet night. A waitress, having just finished her shift begins her long walk home as she becomes frightened and takes a wrong turn down a dark alleyway. This could be the last mistake she will ever make.
File size: 153 MB (HD)

Vampire Rain Altered Species #2
Strategy is a key factor here. Use extreme caution when planning your course of action. One wrong step and this team of elite AIB agents could end up the main course of a Nightwalker buffet. There are no rules of engagement here: kill ‘em all!
File size: 116 MB (HD)

Movie and Blu-ray Trailers (free)

Lakeview Terrace
In Lakeview Terrace, a young couple has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship.
File size: 29 MB (SD), 108 MB (HD), 148 MB (1080)

John Mayer Live In Los Angeles
This special concert includes three sets: an acoustic performance, a rare set with John Mayer Trio, as well as a set featuring Mayer’s full band.
File size: 134 MB (HD), 178 MB (1080)

Vantage Point
While giving a speech in Madrid, the President of the United States is shot and a bomb explodes killing dozens of people. The incident is seen from the perspective of different people, including secret service agents and the assassins, led by a well-known terrorist.
File size: 98 MB (HD), 129 MB (1080)

Persepolis
Writer and Director Marjane Satrapi draws a poignant story about a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, when people’s hopes were dashed as fundamentalists took power.
File size: 76 MB (HD), 99 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes (free)

Woodward Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Woodward Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 3.18 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme
Customize your PS3 system with a cool Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Theme. This theme allows you to change up the look of your background and XMB icons. Download today!
File size: 2.32 MB

PS3 Wallpaper (free)

Top Spin 3 Wallpaper
Customize the background of your PS3 system with this new Top Spin 3 Wallpaper.
File sizes: 203K - 883K

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There, you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Themes (free)

PSN Theme
Woodward Theme

Hope you enjoy!

Grace Chen on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under PlayStation Network, playstation store, psn | No Comments -

 

The Medic and Pyro classes have received some boost via their Team Fortress 2 (also on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3) class packs that were released recently, and now the next in line is our sweet, lovable Heavy. Valve Corporation has something different in mind when coming up with the Heavy's pack of goodies: giving fans a glimpse on how they come up with each class's new weapons and achievement packs.

As stated by Robin Walker in the official Team Fortress 2 blog, their main goal for the Heavy is to make the big guy be more effective even when there's no medic around. Here are also some things that they should consider when coming up with extras for the Heavy:

• How much work is it? How many new models, sounds, effects, etc?
• Does it deepen the Heavy's skill curve? Is it easy to learn? Hard to master?
• Is it an interesting tool to choose relative to the base Heavy weapon it's replacing? What scenarios can you envision in which each is useful? What arguments can you raise for why each is better than the other?
• How often does the Heavy need to think about it? Is it something he uses once every 5 minutes, or is it something he needs to be constantly thinking about? A greater impact on player decision making is generally a good thing.
• How many other features of the game does it affect? Often, the best ideas are "economical", with a small set of required actions, but a wide set of resulting effects.

Why is Valve cluing in their fans into the developmental process that goes into making each and every Class Pack? Aside from letting them see how much work and decision-making goes into every new content, Valve also wanted to let TF2 players think about what should be considered when giving any of the characters new weapons and such.

There are other guidelines and problems that Valve outlined in their blog; you guys should check it out through the Via link and plunk in your own thoughts about what to give the Heavy (and Sasha).

Sally B. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

SouthPeak Games has announced a new hybrid RTS-FPS game for the Xbox 360 and PC, called Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger. As it happens, this game might remind you of Savage 2: A Tortured Soul, but it's different in that the game expects you to master both FPS and RTS roles to succeed.

Raven Squad lets players control of two groups of mercenary squads who crash land in the Amazon. Each of the eight squad members possesses distinctive skills and weaponry that the player will have to use wisely to progress through the game's story driven objectives and escape to safety.

Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger is planned for an Autumn release. If you want to see more of the game, feel free to check out the screenshots we have for you here.

Buy: [Raven Squad: Hidden Dagger for the Xbox 360]
Buy: [Raven Squad: Hidden Dagger for the PC]

Victor B. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

 

Sakya has released an update for his popular LightMP3 media player application, turning it into LightMP3 v2.0.0 BETA 2. For those who haven't heard of it, LightMP3 is a lightweight, power-saving music player application (supports MP3, OGG Vorbis, ATRAC3 , and FLAC).

Here's a list of changes since LightMP3 v2.0.0 BETA 1 was released:

• Added: Switched to OSLib MOD, now supports intraFont
• Added: New skin system (now all the elements can be moved, see skin.cfg) Font is defined in the skin.cfg file
• Added: In the Media Library you can play a track pressing CROSS (like in the file browser)
• Added: You can rate your tracks in the Media Library (CROSS DPAD UP/DOWN)
• Added: english, italian, portuguese, russian language. Many thanks to fabiom, coach777, Magic PSP
• Added: help (press L R)
• Added: you can add selected playlist to the current one (press START in the playlist browser)
• Added: Directories are marked with a leading "/" in the file browser
• Added: You can check a playlist with triangle (removes dead-links)
• Added: option for keys autorepeat interval
• Added: "Top 100" in media library
• Added: Option to enable/disable splash screen
• Added: "Borwse All" in media library
• Added: Cover displayed in file browser and in Media Library (stay 0.5 seconds on an item). Works only with folder.jpg and cover.jpg (doesen't read coverart from ID3v2)
• Added: Display now fades in and out when you toggle economy mode
• Added: Music pause if you remove the headphones while listening to a track
• Fixed: Playback of mono MP3 using libMAD
• Fixed: Faster navigation between functions
• Fixed: crash in playlist editor when press UP, RIGHT or NOTE on an empty list
• Fixed: stop FLAC playback
• Fixed: Analog was working also in HOLD
• Fixed: Minor bugs

LightMP3 v2.0.0 BETA 2 has been tested and works on CFW 4.01 M33-2. Folks who want to know more about the application can download it below and check the readme for installation and usage information. The source code is also included, so coders can check out what's new with the build. In any event, feel free to download and enjoy!

Download: LightMP3 v2.0.0 BETA 2
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Victor B. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

NVIDIA revealed that they have discovered some issues with certain laptop graphic processing units (GPU) which have reportedly been shipped in "significant quantities".

According to the reports, the company has not yet established exactly what is causing the higher failure rates on these units. They suspect though that it may relate to the packaging material used with some of the chips and the thermal design in some laptops.

To solve this problem, the company has released a driver which will make system fans work much sooner to reduce the thermal stress on the chips. Derek Perez, spokesman for NVIDIA, pointed out that the driver was provided directly to the laptop makers.

In light of this unfortunate incident, NVIDIA will be taking a US 150 to US 200 million hit in their second-quarter earnings to cover the costs of repairing and replacing the defective GPUs. In addition, their stock also dropped by 24 percent to US 13.56.

Enrico S. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

 

Developer thecobra, author of the Robot Warriors DC and JOKEtopia programs, has released a new application for the PSP called Change-D. It's a simple prx that lets you switch between games and applications in the VSH by pressing the L button.

The author says that the program is compatible with all custom firmwares. The program has also been quickly updated to be able to swap between 150, 3xx, and 4xx folders. Be sure to read the documentation included in the download for more information.

Here are the developer's notes for Change-D v0.2:

Installation

1. First create Two folders in the ms0:/psp/ folder and called them games and apps. transfer all your Games to the games folder and all your applications to the apps folder. then delete the normal game folder( this is important or else the prx wont work) then
   
2. Just copy CHANGE-D.prx to your SEPLUGINS folder and add the line: ms0:/seplugins/CHANGE-D.prx
3. vsh.txt, enable it in your recovery menu and you are able to use it.

Usage

• L Trigger button to switch between games and apps. Everytime you do this you must select the memorycard in one of the other section in vsh and the go back to the memory card in the game section( this is because you need to let the vsh reread the memorycard game section)
• i just update it so it could have 150 and 3xx and 4xx folders available to swap

Download: Change-D
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Isaac C. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -

The weekly update for PlayStation Network Store in Europe is looking pretty good. The July 3 update is particularly beefy as it contains some pretty sweet downloads such as the Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2: Gift Pack and a free MGS 4 OTC Theme for PlayStation 3 owners, among others. In addition, a Space Invaders Extreme Demo is also available for PlayStation Portable Owners.

Seeing as the list is pretty long, we're not going to keep you guys any longer so you have more time to pour over the list. Here it is, have fun!

Game

• Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3, 6.99

Packs

• Guitar Hero 3 - July 4th 2008 Holiday Single, FREE
• Tom Clancy s Rainbow Six Vegas 2:Gift Pack, FREE
• Buzz! Australian Culture Quiz, 3.49
• Buzz! UK Culture Quiz, 3.49
• Buzz Rock Legends, 3.49
• Buzz Sci Fi, 3.49

Video

• Movement - Movement Ep1 Lets hit the road , FREE
• Movement ep2 Paris Respects to Jim , FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Be with you, FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Continue, FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Interview, FREE
• Movement Pravda Interview, FREE
• Movement Pravda Je suis french , FREE
• Movement Pravda Tu es l Ouest , FREE
• BIA HH Ubidays Trailer, FREE
• Haze Launch Trailer, FREE

Wallpapers

• Top Spin 3 Wallpaper, FREE
• Elefunk Forest Wallpaper, FREE
• Elefunk Circus Wallpaper, FREE

Themes

• MGS4 OTC Theme, FREE
• Elefunk Theme, FREE
• Echochrome Theme, FREE

PSP content available to download via PS3 Console store

Demo

• Space Invaders Extreme Demo, FREE

PC store
Demo

• Space Invaders Extreme Demo, FREE

Video

• Movement - Movement Ep1 Lets hit the road , FREE
• Movement ep2 Paris Respects to Jim , FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Be with you, FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Continue, FREE
• Movement Minitel Rose Interview, FREE
• Movement Pravda Interview, FREE
• Movement Pravda Je suis french , FREE
• Movement Pravda Tu es l Ouest , FREE

Themes

• Space Invaders Extreme, FREE

Enrico S. on July 3rd, 2008 | File Under Uncategorized | No Comments -