It's been another busy week in the world of video games news. Dare I say historic? The untimely passing of this generation's Thomas Edison is pretty much at the very top of the list, but we also have a studio closing its doors, despite being responsible for one of this year's biggest hits, proof that Microsoft's plan to take over your entertainment center is very much real, and all sorts of hijinks as it relates to buggy games...
The man who created Apple Computer (along with the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, among other things) passed away earlier this week, at the age 56 and of pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind a wife, 4 children, and a legacy that will not be matched for some time. In addition to bring computing to the masses, he helped to pioneer assorted technologies and technological trains of thoughts, which in turns has changed the way we consume content, primarily entertainment. Which furthermore has shaped how they are produced and distributed, including games.
iPhone 4S Announced
The day before Jobs' passing, Apple held an event to formally announced the next iPhone, the 4S. It packs the same processor that the iPad 2 has and will be able to do many of its tricks, plus more. One of the key features touted was a seven-fold increase in graphical capabilities, and to demonstrate, the sequel to Infinity Blade was demonstrated, which featured PS3/Xbox 360 class graphics.
iPod Touch Proclaimed Most Popular Gaming Handheld
During the same press event, Apple also claimed that the iPod Touch is the most popular mobile gaming platform on earth. No exact numbers were given, but given the popularity of the iOS device for everything, including gaming, its a fact that few have seen reason to challenge.
Rockstar, via their blog, explained that Red Dead Redemption will never be released for the PC despite multiple requests from fans. No specific reason was stated, but they did explain that they usually create a PC port whenever it's possible, and that's just not the case this time around. Sucks to hear, but it does sound like Rockstar's hands are tied (and they clearly love making extra money whenever possible). Meanwhile...
LA Noire Developers Shut Down
Team Bondi, the developers of Rockstar's most recent hit, has officially closed its doors. Despite helping to produce one of this year's most critically acclaimed and financially successful games, almost no one (including Rockstar) wants anything to do with the outfit. Including its own employees; shortly after the game shipped, there was a mass exodus, and many began describing the hellish developmental cycle of the game, which dragged on for seven years. And which would have lasted longer if Rockstar hadn't stepped in, but the difficult nature of Bondi's bosses pretty much shot down the chances of any future collaboration.
Details Regarding The 360 Being A Cable Ready Device. UFC First To Formally Announce Plans
Some additional information regarding Microsoft's initiative to stream cable content via the Xbox 360 was divulged. Which included a long list of outlets that have signed up, including HBO, Bravo, SyFy, and UFC. Specific plans have yet to be laid out, but it appears as if Comcast and Verizon will provide some of their basic offerings via apps for the 360 (channels mentioned thus far have included MTV, Spike, Cartoon Network and Comedy Central), while some channels will deliver content directly, like the aforementioned UFC. They just announced plans to provide both in demand content plus pay per views, along with assorted interactive elements.
Early Uncharted 3 Multiplayer Access Via Subway
Hot on the heals of Activision and PepsiCo's Ran Up XP campaign, which promises double the amount of XP points in multiplayer matches if one redeems codes found on Mountain Dew and Doritios, which in turn has turned in a public relations nightmare for both companies, Sony and Subway has announced something similar for Uncharted 3. But this one is somewhat similar; codes found on large fountain drinks will enable one to participate in multiplayer matches all October long, before the final release date of November 1. Experience gained will be carried over, along with a few exclusive items, like Subway themed apparel and Naughty Dog themed firearm. It remains to be seen if the latter will be available in some form or fashion in the final game, otherwise a similar uproar from gamers might ensue.
Uncharted 3 Confirmed To Use Online Pass
It has also been revealed that Sony's upcoming blockbuster sequel will also require an online pass. Hardly a shock, given how most publishers these days are trying their best to gouge the second-hand game market. This will be Sony's second attempt at such a thing; the first was Resistance 3. The official reason given was that it helps to combat piracy, which is certainly a bonus one must assume.
Gamers across the country have been enjoying the multiplayer beta for Battlefield 3 all week long, though many of the game's bugs have also been widely disclosed. Just a casual search of YouTube will produce all manner of proof, including footage of disappearing terrain, artillery that simply in mid air at random, and soldiers that exhibit hilarious (or in some cases freakish, to point of being disturbing) behavior. At least it's a beta; the PC version of Rage has been plagued with issues that are unbecoming of a retail product. It mostly has to do with texture appearing too late, or not at all, which are only rectified with the latest drivers for your graphics card. Why this wasn't made clear before the game's release remains a mystery.
