Read more about Xbox 360’s new controller free gaming from Telegraph.co.uk:
Microsoft says the enthusiasm of developers and publishers highlighted the “widespread enthusiasm” for Natal, a gaming system based on the Xbox 360 that enables players to do away with a conventional controller and instead make natural gestures to control on-screen action.
Several major publishers, including Activision, Blizzard, Capcom, Electronic Arts and Sega, will announce at this week’s Tokyo Games Show that they are working on games that will complement the Project Natal platform and work with its gesture-controlled interface.
It has raised speculation that the gaming system could be in shops by the end of next year, sparking a new console war with rival platforms Sony and Nintendo.
“Project Natal could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” said Peter Moore, president of EA Sports. “Some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”
Project Natal was unveiled at the E3 games show in Los Angeles in June. It is designed to work with existing Xbox 360 games consoles, and uses a camera, depth-sensor and microphones to track the movement of a player and replicate it on-screen.
“We see enormous opportunities with Project Natal,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive of Ubisoft. “With the 3D camera, your body becomes the interface. Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished.”
Console makers and game developers have already set their sights on the next generation of gaming and entertainment solutions. Nintendo’s Wii, which uses innovative motion-controlled ‘Wiimotes’, has attracted a new audience to gaming, and other companies are keen to tap in to the casual gaming trend.
Sony is also working on its own gesture-controlled gaming interface, and demonstrated a prototype of the system at E3. Sony emphasised the accuracy of its system, claiming that it could track and replicate the movements of a player in real time, and even understand from their gestures how hard they had hit a ball, and map its flight using the angle of the player’s body.
Although Microsoft has yet to officially announce a launch date for Project Natal, the company’s chief executive, Steve Ballmer, said that a new Xbox 360 with “a natural interface” would be launched in 2010.
Ballmer later back-tracked on his comments, and Microsoft maintains that it is “not even halfway through the current console generation lifestyle”.
“We believe the Xbox 360 will be the entertainment centre in the home for long in to the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time.”
Eventually it seems everything will just be better and easier on the iPhone… better get one soon or be really out of the loop. Read more from USAToday.com:
Already a winner in the cellphone game, the iPhone is now ringing up success as a game portable to rival Nintendo’s DS and Sony’s PlayStation Portable.
“This next generation of iPhone games” has emerged, says Dean Takahashi of VentureBeat.com, because Apple has “a big market with 40 million iPhones and iPod Touches. That’s big enough to target with a fairly significant game-development effort.”
FUN AND GAMES: Five iPhone apps to download
Among games with amped-up action:
•Doom: Resurrection ($10), just out, makes use of monsters created for Doom 3, developed for PC and Xbox less than five years ago. “What was a $10 million to $15 million game development” has moved to the iPhone with “minimal conversion,” says id Software co-founder John Carmack.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Facebook | Sony | Twitter | Nintendo | Sega | Apple Inc. | John Carmack | ID Software | Dean Takahashi•Players of new sci-fi strategy game Star Defense ($6) can send challenges to one another over the iPhone or via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail, thanks to last week’s update of Apple’s operating software. “People are willing to ’snack’ on games, to experiment a little bit more,” says former Sega executive Simon Jeffery, who joined developer ngmoco last month. “There isn’t the same barrier to entry” as with traditional $60 video games.
•The smooth graphics in aerial combat F.A.S.T. (Fleet Air Superiority Training, $3) from Social Gaming Network put you into the cockpit of a fighter jet. “You are flying around in a 3-D world, shooting down other pilots from all over the world,” says SGN’s CEO Shervin Pishevar. (The game is No. 6 in sales of paid apps on iTunes.)
Apple’s App Store, launched last year with only 500 apps, now has more than 50,000, one-fourth games (some free, others 99 cents to $9.99). In addition to independent developers, top-tier publishers such as EA are bringing high-end versions of games such as The Sims 3 to the iPhone.
With the iPhone, Apple has “something that is potentially a threat” to traditional game systems, says Windsor Holden, an analyst with Juniper Research. “They are not quite console games, but they are not far off.”
iPhone game sales could hit $1 billion in the next three to four years, says SGN’s Pishevar. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “It’s just going to get better and better.”
News from the BBC:
Video and photos of the PSP Go have been leaked online, revealing a smaller, more lightweight console that has dropped the failed UMD disk format.
There have also been reports that Sony will announce a re-designed, slimmer PlayStation 3 but BBC News understands this will not be launched at E3.
The new PS3 model will be out later this year, BBC News understands.
Microsoft will kick start proceedings at E3 in Los Angeles with a press conference on Monday, at which the company is expected to showcase a raft of new features for its online games and content service, Xbox Live.
There have been reports that Microsoft will show off a new controller that uses many of the same features as Nintendo’s Wiimote, as the company tries to broaden the appeal of its console to non-gamers.
Sony is expected to unveil the PSP Go on Tuesday, following a number of high-profile leaks of announcements to come out of the firm in the last few weeks.
The most recent, about the PSP Go, came after an official video showcasing the new device was mistakenly posted to a Sony website before being hurriedly pulled.
In the video, Sony’s John Koller said: “It’s a 3.8-inch screen, it’s 43% lighter than the PSP-3000, 16 gigs flash memory, Bluetooth support and all digital content so the UMD drive goes away.
“So it’s going to be something a lot of consumers like - download straight to a hard drive.”
A spokesman for Sony would not confirm the launch of the PSP Go but said any announcements would be given on Tuesday.
Industry leader Nintendo is expected to focus on new software for its popular Wii console.
It is also likely to announce the availability of its Wii Motion Plus device, which adds greater sensitivity and control to its controllers, along with games that support the add-on.
Nintendo needs a big show after last year’s announcements were criticised for being lack lustre, and recent evidence of a slow down in sales of its Wii console.
Analyst Mike Hickey, of Janco Partners, told the AFP news agency: “Nintendo needs something; everyone is saying that.”
from Electronista.com:
Zeebo this morning unveiled a self-titled console which it says could bring video gaming and other Internet features to countries that previously haven’t had widespread access to the technology. The system combines a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM processor with a free, 3G link over HSPA that lets the console perpetually remain connected to the Internet without requiring a hardwired connection. Users can buy and download games anywhere the console gets coverage; the cellular link will also allow frequent system updates and, eventually, the ability to share the Zeebo’s connection with computers or other devices that might be relegated to dial-up in developing areas.
The hardware will primarily focus on mobile-class 3D games and already has the support of Capcom, EA, Gameloft and other significant developers. About 1GB of flash memory provides the permanent storage, while an SD card slot lets owners add more. Control is more like a traditional TV-attached console with three full-size USB ports and one mini allowing multiple dual-analog gamepads and other peripherals.
Reflecting its attention on the developing world, Zeebo the company says its system will first be available in Brazil when it ships next month. Although early pricing in the South American country is set at the equivalent of $199, other countries should get the system for $179. Zeebo hopes that economies of scale will let it push the system price down to $149 by 2010.
From Kotaku.com:
Although PC online gaming has dipped slightly, a recent survey by the NPD Group shows that online gaming as a whole has increased from 19 to 25 percent this year.
The console leader for online gaming is, not surprisingly, the Xbox 360 which dominates the survey with 50 percent. I was more than a little surprised to see that the survey shows that Nintendo’s Wii, and not the Playstation 3, is in second place with an amazing 29 percent. The PS3 rounds out the group in third place.
Looking at the demographics, online gamers ages 13 to 17 increased from 17 percent in 2008 to 22 percent in 2009, while the percent of 18 to 34 year olds, as well as those 35 to 54, decreased slightly.
“Online gaming is enjoyed by a diverse group of players,” said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. “The sheer variety of content and ease of access makes online gaming attractive to a much larger demographic than what we typically see in retail.”
Finally, the survey shows that Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 owners are downloading more content than owners of other systems. But, overall downloading has slowed compared to last year.
It is important to keep in mind NPD Group’s methodology when looking over these numbers. The report is based on online survey responses from more than 20,000 members of NPD’s online consumer panel ages 2 and older (respondents age 2-12 were captured via surrogate reporting).
The survey data was then weighted to represent the U.S. population of individuals ages 2 and older. Fieldwork was conducted from January 6–26, 2009.
From PCWorld.com:
Sony’s redesigned PSP is rumored to be getting a new look. But all changes to this portable gaming device, expected to be released later this year, are largely cosmetic.
The biggest change to the PSP’s design is a sliding screen; as shown in a mock-up from VG247, it slides up to reveal various controls that are hidden beneath it when closed. new PSP, dubbed the PSP 4000, may be “significantly smaller in width,” because of the new design, Eurogamer says.
According to reports, the PSP 4000 will have to be in the open position to play full-featured games, but there’s no word on whether the rumored design includes game controllers or a keyboard underneath the screen. The 4000 may also allow you to play basic games, like LocoRoco, using the shoulder buttons (the L and R buttons at the top of the device) when the screen is closed.
This latest rumor comes after last week’s news that the PSP may let go of its UMD drive to offload more bulk from the game system. Instead of the disc drive, Sony may look to sell games through the online PlayStation Store or perhaps even on Sony Memory Sticks. If the rumors are true, then the 4000 is a significant step forward for the PSP; however, the new PSP will still be based on current PSP tech with no improved graphics or gaming features. That being said, with the PSP 3000 and these new rumors, it’s refreshing to hear about PSP updates that go beyond new colors, various entertainment bundles and incremental firmware updates.
The rumored release date for the 4000 is late 2009, and may be followed by a PSP2 in 2011 or 2012.
The Press Release from Activision:
Santa Monica, CA – May 22, 2008 – When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Guitar Hero® World Tour. The latest installment from the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour will transform music gaming by marrying Guitar Hero’s® exhilarating guitar gameplay, with a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes. The game will feature a slick newly redesigned guitar, a genuine electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock and roll anthems, along with online Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands.”
Delivering the largest on-disc set list in a music-rhythm game to-date, Guitar Hero World Tour is comprised entirely of master recordings from some of the greatest classic and modern rock bands of all-time including Van Halen, Linkin Park, The Eagles, Sublime and many more. Additionally, the game will offer significantly more localized downloadable music than ever before on all of the next-generation consoles. Budding rock stars will also be given creative license to fully customize everything from their characters’ appearance and instruments to their band’s logo and album covers.
In addition to a newly designed more responsive guitar controller and microphone, Guitar Hero World Tour will deliver the most realistic drum experience ever in a video game with an authentic electronic drum kit. Featuring three drum pads, two raised cymbals and a bass kick pedal, the drum controller combines larger and quieter, velocity-sensitive drum heads with soft rubber construction to deliver authentic bounce back and is easy to set up, move, break down and store.
“Guitar Hero has set the standard for music-based gaming and with Guitar Hero World Tour and the game’s groundbreaking Music Studio, we are once again delivering unprecedented innovation that has the potential to revolutionize consumer generated music, much in the same way that video sharing hubs have driven user generated video,” said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for RedOctane. “With the introduction of our advanced high-quality new wireless instruments, in-depth customization options and advanced online functionality, the game enables music fans and gamers globally to share in the most social and expressive music experience ever.”
Guitar Hero World Tour delivers more ways to play than ever before. Virtual musicians can live out their rock and roll fantasies by playing either a single instrument, or any combination of instruments, in addition to the full band experience. In addition to all of the online gameplay modes from Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero World Tour introduces Battle of the Bands mode which allows eight players to join online and challenge each other band-to-band to determine who is the best of the best. In the Band modes, up to four players can jam together, online or off, as they progress through the game, and in single-player Career Mode, players can jam on any of the instruments in branching venue progression enabling them to rock out in the order of their choice.
The game’s innovative new Music Studio lets players express their musical creativity by giving them access to a full compliment of tools to create digital music from scratch, utilizing all of the instruments, and then play their compositions in the game. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes™ where other gamers can download their unique compositions and play them.
Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. The Wii™ version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA–(Marketwire - March 3, 2008) -NEWS FACTS: Punch Entertainment, a developer and publisher of community-based mobile games out of Mountain View, Calif., today announced the launch of a new social networking game for mobile phones, EGO. As the first game of its kind to be made available in the U.S., the game allows you to create your own customized super-avatar that has emotions, abilities, needs and an evolving personality based on your actions within the game. Through your “EGO,” you can meet and interact with friends on your buddy list, as well as with other EGOs in the virtual world in real-time. As a community-based game geared towards teens and up, EGO introduces a new type of platform for communication and interaction.
EGO (http://www.ego-city.com/) is designed to be played on your mobile phone but also features a Web component that allows you to interact further within the virtual world of EGO. The mobile phone and Web versions of EGO are synched with each other. Users can try out a limited version of the game on the Web site, which is available now in beta. The EGO Web site launches with mobile carrier support from T-Mobile and additional carriers will be added soon.
How EGO works:
Each EGO is affected by how you interact in the EGO world and social network. EGOs can eat and play. They can be scolded or praised. In real- time, you can chat, fight, flirt, argue, compete and do just about anything with other EGOs.
EGO was built to be a community-based game. You can add people to your buddy list, chat, post messages, blog and send messages to other people, all through your EGO.
Each EGO comes with his or her own room, which serves as a means of self-expression and allows you to learn about other EGOs. You can decorate your room, and list the songs you’re listening to, the movies you enjoy watching and the books you’re currently reading. Your room is like a home base for your EGO.
When you start playing the game, you are assigned an initial EGO archetype after answering some questions, but as you play the game, your EGO evolves and will acquire new archetypes — unlocking new characteristics, activities and other appearance choices, including new clothes and cool accessories.
By challenging other EGOs to games and competitions like fights, roshambo, ESP battles and debates, you win social points that will increase your level and status. With 30 social levels within the game, the goal of EGO is to progress through each of the life stages: High School, College, Professional, Career and Enlightened.
Punch Entertainment will be launching new activities and “clubs” over the next few months, including “Fight Club” and “Love Lounge.” A “virtual store” where EGOs can buy clothes, furniture, pets and other items, will also become available in the future.
EGO Facebook Application:
Through the EGO Facebook application (http://apps.facebook.com/egomail), you can use your custom EGO (avatar) to send animated messages or EGOmail to your friends. You, can determine how your EGO greets your friends in your message… Will your EGO be nice, mean or sexy? You can also choose from a variety of basic EGO characters to send a message, if you do not have a custom EGO from playing the game. As you send out more and more EGO invitations to your friends, you can unlock additional EGO animations within EGOmail.
EGO has already gained attention for its design, winning the “Most Innovative Game Design” award at the inaugural Independent Games Festival (IGF) Mobile, which was part of this year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC).
QUOTES
“With the launch of EGO, Punch Entertainment is attempting to take mobile games to an entirely new level, by expanding the boundaries of what a mobile game can do.” - Tobin Lent, CEO and Founder of Punch Entertainment
“With the growing popularity of social networking, especially among teens, EGO is a fun, new platform for not just communicating but also interacting and playing with others, whether it is through your mobile phone or on the Web.” - Steve Nix, Creative Director, Punch Entertainment
ABOUT PUNCH ENTERTAINMENT
Punch is a next-generation mobile games developer and publisher focused on creating innovative community-based, virally-driven mobile content for consumers worldwide. Punch leverages both traditional and alternative distribution channels to reach a wide global audience. With offices in Silicon Valley and Asia, Punch has the resources and technology to create and deploy high quality entertainment content to virtually every mobile device on the planet.
For more information, visit www.punch-entertainment.com.
Is Steve Jobs out of the loop? In what seems like a desperation move to help the sinking AppleTV product Jobs claimed that you can now “Watch YouTube on your TV”… Hold on… Couldn’t you do that all along with the Wii? Not to take anything away from the AppleTV, but the Wii is cheaper and also plays kickass games with a magic wand! Check out the link below for more of a comparison on the two products.
The study took five girls and seven boys, aged 13-15, and measured the impact of playing an inactive and active console. Results show that 15 minutes play with a traditional controller increased energy expenditure above resting values by an average of 60%. Playing with an active console - the Wii - the participants’ average energy expenditure rose 156% above resting.
The report also notes that based on an average 12.2 hours of gaming in a week, a gamer could burn off around 1,800 calories using the Wii, a 40% increase over using a traditional console controller.
“Through our testing it is clear that the motion sensor-controlled console can make an impact on a child’s heart rate, energy expenditure and the amount of calories burned,” said lead researcher Professor Tim Cable. “Research that, on average, gamers in the UK currently spend around 12.2 hours a week playing computer games. Therefore, it is important to promote as much activity as possible during this time.”
Read the rest of the article here from Pro-G.co.uk
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