Category Archives: Special report
The new Xbox to be announced!
Firstly let me just say due to academic reasons I’m sorry this blog has not been updated frequently however please keep checking back as I plan on more frequent updates this summer!
Now that is out the way as I’m sure many of you are aware the Xbox (the new console, one up from the 360) is due to be announced today 9am Pacific time which is 5pm for everyone in England.
This announcement will finally recall the look and features of the new Xbox by Microsoft and set aside the rumours allowing us to immerse between fact and fiction.
Make sure you watch the event live on YouTube or IGN or catch up on the event later for those of you who will be busy during this time.
Here is the link for those of you who would like to watch the event via IGN with IGN editors Ryan McCaffrey and Daemon Hatfield joining them is the one and only Peter Molyneux, Fable Creator and former Lionhead boss.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/05/08/watch-the-xbox-reveal-event-live-on-ign
Xbox 720 Reveal Date
Ever since Sony shown off it’s latest console, the PlayStation4, to the world gamers, including myself, have all been wondering what will the Xbox 720 look like and just how Microsoft are going to respond.
Rumours have always been appearing on the internet however just like what happened before Sony lured gamers with the “see the future” event these rumours may start becoming truth. There is no confirmation of the name, price, or release date Microsoft are being very quiet however we could be close.
21st May 2013
This is the date every gamer, Microsoft, Sony fanatic should be aware of.
“Windows watcher Paul Thurrott revealed recently that Microsoft is planning an Xbox event for May 21st, and we understand this date is accurate. This is the tentative date for a next-generation Xbox announcement, but Microsoft had originally planned an April 24th event.” According to The Guardian.
Companies such as The Verge, IGN also suspect a May release date which will then benefit Microsoft by showing off their latest console just one month later at E3.
IGN quote that “Despite fears to the contrary, Thurrott also asserted in the podcast that the Xbox 720 will be a gaming device first and foremost, and will not attempt to serve as an entertainment hub for the living room. Supposedly another model of the console was originally planned to target that niche, but the idea has since been put on the back-burner.”
The Xbox720, who’s name may be changed, will hopefully focus more on gaming rather than an entertainment system,however download content such as movies may once again make the 720 an entertainment system. It is rumored to make use of Windows 8 and a separate unit set to appeal to the more ‘casual gamer’.
Interestingly it may have to be connected to the internet therefore being DRM, as quoted once by Thurrot,
“The thing that interests me, going back and looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says ‘must be internet-connected to use’ in the notes,” he explained, before adding, “And that’s all I have, but it does say that.”
This could be Microsoft way of exploring cross-platform opportunities which may eventually lead towards a phone and television set. However this is another story.
Please remember as of yet there is no comment from Microsoft.
Sources;
IGN (2013) Veteran Tech Blogger Spills Xbox 720 Reveal Date, Pricing and More – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/04/08/veteran-tech-blogger-spills-xbox-720-reveal-date-pricing-and-more [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
The Guardian (2013) Press Start: Xbox 720 event rumoured for May. [online] Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/apr/09/press-start-game-news [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
The Inquirer (2013) Microsoft might announce the Xbox 720 in May. [online] Available at: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2259815/microsoft-might-announce-the-xbox-720-in-may [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
What’s Your Tag? (2013) Xbox 720 Reveal Date and Pricing. [online] Available at: http://whatsyourtagblog.com/2013/04/08/xbox-720-reveal-date-and-pricing/ [Accessed: 9 Apr 2013].
Recent events in the gaming world
Hello everyone! Due to recent events in my life such as catching up with university work, going on holiday to Spain and starting a new job I haven’t be able to blog as much as I’d like 😦 Here is a catch up of all the events which have happened within the gaming world recently just to catch you, and me up.
Game Developers Conference
25th to 29th March 2013 saw the Game Developers Conference (GDC) being held in San Francisco, California, to catch up in full visit the following link http://www.gamasutra.com/gdc-2013 Companies who attended the event included Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft, OnLive and many more! Sony did not attend this event, I believe they are saving the best for E3 later this year, TechRadar quotes “A room full of potential PS4 developers got a run down of the system’s architecture, design philosophy and online features. However, as local multiplayer fanatics, we loved hearing that the system will use its controller tracking to automatically swap split screen, should players rearrange themselves on the couch.” Personally it will be interesting to see what will become of this and how it works, if it goes well perhaps other developers will look into this in the future. UMB Tech Game Network have confirmed that GDC 2013 attracted 23,000 attendees, the largest crowd in the show’s history. Future game ‘Battlefield 4’ seventeen minute footage was leaked, the footage is shown below.
Electronic Arts Boss denied there is any link between video game content and “actual violence”
Video Games and Violence is a topic of personal interest and hype in the gaming world as many gamers know video games do not cause violence, here are links to my other blog posts which feature this topic https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/a-brief-look-at-video-game-violence-a-political-and-video-gamer-view/ and https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/video-games-and-violence/
John Riccitiello, the boss of EA voiced the thoughts of many gamers in which he says video games can instead be good and they do not cause for any gamer to become violent or take part in violent acts.
Disney cancel the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ game
Sad news for any fan of Star Wars and gaming LucasArts has been closed by Disney. Star Wars 1313 which had a demo at E3 in 2012 will no longer go ahead. This game was set to place “players in control of a deadly bounty hunter as he uses an arsenal of exotic weaponry to hunt down his marks and uncover the truth surrounding a criminal conspiracy.” However LucasFilm spokesperson Miles Perkins, spoke to BBC, saying production on Star Wars 1313 has simply been “halted.” Therefor this game could still get the go ahead at some time in the future.
Sources;
BBC News (2013) EA denies games encourage violence. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21274482 [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Game Developers Conference (2013) Game Developers Conference | Exhibitor List. [online] Available at: http://www.gdconf.com/expo/exhibitorlist.html [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
IGN (2013) Star Wars 1313 . [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/games/star-wars-1313-project/xbox-360-135469 [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Mashable (2013) Disney Closes LucasArts. [online] Available at: http://mashable.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/ [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Norris, E. (2013) Star Wars 1313 Isn’t Canceled, It’s Just ‘Halted’. [online] Available at: http://www.craveonline.com/gaming/articles/474643-star-wars-1313-isnt-canceled-its-just-halted [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Slash Film (2013) Star Wars Bits: ‘Star Wars 1313′ Game Would Have Starred Boba Fett. [online] Available at: http://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-bits-star-wars-1313-game-would-have-starred-boba-fett-plus-ilm-layoffs-and-clone-wars/ [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Sony PS4 Playstation (2013) GDC 2013: Developer Conference record attendance at GDC 2013. [online] Available at: http://sonyps4playstation.com/gdc-2013-developer-conference-record-attendance-at-gdc-2013/ [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
TechRadar (2013) GDC 2013: top 10 moments from the conference. [online] Available at: http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/gdc-2013-what-to-expect-1129300 [Accessed: 6 Apr 2013].
Dishonored wins Best Game BAFTA
‘Dishonored’, a famous first person shooter video game in which gamers play a bodyguard-turned-assassin who seeks revenge on members of a conspiracy which framed him for murder, has been named Best Game at the 2013 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) video games awards which took place in London last night (5th March 2013).
It managed to beat an astounding fifty two other video games which include the likes of
- Far Cry 3
- FIFA 13
- Journey
- Mass Effect 3
Journey, PlayStations own title, left with the most awards (5), which included Artistic Achievement and Online – Multiplayer.
BAFTA Video Game Awards Breakdown
Best Game: Dishonored (winner)
Nominations: Journey, Mass Effect 3, The Walking Dead,
FIFA 13,
Far Cry 3
Online Multiplayer: Journey (winner)
Nominations: Assassin’s Creed III, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Need For Speed Most Wanted, Halo 4, Borderlands 2
Game Design: Journey (winner)
Nominations: Dishonored, Far Cry 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 2, The Walking Dead
Artistic Achievement: Journey (winner)
Nominations: Halo 4, Borderlands 2, Far Cry 3, The Room, Dear Esther
Original Music: Journey (winner)
Nominations: Diablo III, Assassin’s Creed III, The Unfinished Swan, The Walking Dead
Audio Achievement: Journey (winner)
Nominations: Far Cry 3, Beat Sneak Bandit, Halo 4, Assassin’s Creed III, Dear Esther
Mobile & Handheld: The Walking Dead (winner)
Nominations: LittleBigPlanet (Vita), New Star Soccer, Incoboto, Super Monsters Ate My Condo, The Room
Story: The Walking Dead (winner)
Nominations: Journey, Far Cry 3, Thomas was Alone, Mass Effect 3, Dishonored
Game Innovation: The Unfinished Swan (winner)
Nominations: Fez, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Wonderbook: Books of Spells, Journey, Kinect Sesame Street TV
Debut Game: The Unfinished Swan (winner)
Nominations: Deadlight, Forza Horizon, Dear Esther, Proteus, The Room
Action: Far Cry 3 (winner)
Nominations: Hitman: Absolution, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Halo 4, Mass Effect 3, Borderlands 2
British Game: The Room (winner)
Nominations: Need for Speed Most Wanted, Forza Horizon, Dear Esther,
Super Hexagon,
LEGO: The Lord of the Rings
Performer: Danny Wallace (The Narrator) (winner)
Nominations: Nolan North (Nathan Drake), Melissa Hutchinson (Clementine), Dave Fennoy (Lee Everett), Adrian Hough (Haytham), Nigel Carrington (The Narrator)
Family: Lego Batman 2 (winner)
Nominations: Minecraft: XBOX 360 Edition, Just Dance 4, Skylanders Giants, Clay Jam, LEGO The Lord of the Rings
Strategy: Xcom – Enemy Unknown (winner)
Nominations: Dark Souls: Prepare To Die, Diablo III, Great Big War Game, Total War Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai, Football Manager 2013
Ones to Watch: Starcrossed (winner)
Nominations: Project Thanatos, Pixel Story
Online Browser: SongPop (winner)
Nominations: The Settlers Online, Merlin: The Game, Runescape, Amateur Surgeon Hospital, Dick and Dom’s HOOPLA!
Sports/Fitness: New Star Soccer (winner)
Nominations: Forza Horizon, F1 2012, Nike+ Kinect Training, Trials Evolution, FIFA 13
Fellowship: Gabe Newell (winner)
Nominations: n/a
Sources;
BAFTA (2013) Games in 2013 | Bafta Awards. [online] Available at: http://awards.bafta.org/award/2013/games [Accessed: 6 Mar 2013].
BBC News (2013) Dishonored wins Best Game Bafta. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21677124 [Accessed: 6 Mar 2013].
Guardian (2013) Bafta video game awards 2013. [online] Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/mar/05/bafta-video-game-awards-2013-live [Accessed: 6 Mar 2013].
Xbox plan to announce the 720 soon!
With all the hype surrounding the latest PS4 and the announcement which took place last week in New York, Microsoft have indeed reacted to this, although not in the way that you may have expected.
Of course there is, and probably will always be, a dispute between Sony and Microsoft who are the biggest competitors when it comes to Video Game Platforms, WHOIS data, has allegedly stated that XboxEvent.com was registered yesterday.
Another rumor is that Xbox may reveal the Xbox720 at E3 on 11th June, however with the Game Developers conference happening very soon perhaps Microsoft may decide to announce then.
More will be released on this story soon!
Updated 17th April 2013: Please note that since this post has been published the website mentioned is now removed. Please visit https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/xbox-720-reveal-date/ for more Xbox 720 news.
Video Games and Violence
Hi!
I am doing some research based on video games and violence. Please can you take some time to complete my survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M8CGXX8 and let me know your thoughts, all answers are anonymous.
For more information surrounding video games and violence check out my blog post, https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/a-brief-look-at-video-game-violence-a-political-and-video-gamer-view/
THANK YOU!
Don’t forget to check out my other gaming posts below.
Sony PS4 Announcement today!!
In just a few short hours the world shall lay eyes upon the new PlayStation 4, or ‘Orbis’ if you would like the working title. I’m unbelievably excited to see not only what this console will look like, but also which of the rumors we will see become real. At 6 p.m. in New York, Eastern time, 3 p.m. Pacific time and 11 p.m. GMT, it will be time to see the future of PlayStation unveil. No matter what you are doing, whether at work, at home or maybe travelling somewhere, I recommend that you tune in and watch it for yourself on IGN (Too bad for those who are in class…however if you are maybe you will find a way!).
Here is the link; http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/watch-the-220-playstation-event-on-ign
Sony and PlayStation – The Teasers
Knowing all the excitement that is before them Sony have been teasing us. Lets recap on what exactly they did;
Free Monday – For those who are lucky enough to already own a PlayStation console it may be very wise to check your inbox if you haven’t already! PlayStation Network gave away $10 to its users (i’m so not jealous!) which they can spend on anything they like within the store.
PlayStation Vita Announcements – Sony Japan from out of thin air decided to tease an online streamed event, focusing entirely on PlayStation Vita, this event was held on 18th February at 5pm (Tokyo time).
What will the announcement unveil?
Apart from the obvious, that being the latest gaming console(!), this is what I am excited to discover from the conference (in no particular order);
-
Games
As of yet virtually no games have been officially announced for this console, however the games that are announced will be crucial as from this we will gain an insight into what the console will be like. Titles which have been rumoured for the launch are, Killzone 4, Uncharted 4 and LittleBigPlanet 3 among others. Highly anticipated are Destiny, Star Wars 1313, Watchdogs, Untitled Guerrilla New IP and Santa Monica New IP.
-
The Controller
Originally Sony seemed to be heading towards a screen and dropping the much loved dual-shock controller, however the recent prototype which appeared on the internet clearly showed controllers similar to the dual-shock, although it has been advanced. From researching numerous gaming sites they also mentioned a ‘share’ button, which may well allow gamers to take ‘screen grabs’ or video clips to post on a social networking site. If this is proven true I know that there are some gamers who would take great advantages of this. Apparently we will also see for certain the touch pad as well.
-
Date and price
After the announcement Sony will have to inform the world of its several release dates and prices. The rumour in England is that it will start from a somewhat reasonable £299.
For more of my blog posts about Sony and the PlayStation 4 view the links below,
https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/playstation-4-prototype-controller-vs-playstation-3-controller/
https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/special-report-playstation-4-ps4-the-latest-surrounding-rumours/
and do not forget to check the ‘Sony See The Future Announcement’ countdown a third of the way down this blog! Currently 9 hours to go!
Sources;
IGN (2013) Watch the PlayStation Event Live on IGN – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/watch-the-220-playstation-event-on-ign [Accessed: 20 Feb 2013].
IGN (2013) Sony Japan Teases Imminent PlayStation Vita Announcements – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/18/sony-japan-teases-imminent-playstation-vita-announcements [Accessed: 20 Feb 2013].
IGN (2013) PlayStation Is Giving Out Free Money . [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/20/playstation-is-giving-out-free-money [Accessed: 20 Feb 2013].
the Guardian (2013) Sony’s PlayStation 4: five things we want to know. [online] Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/feb/20/playstation-4-five-things-we-want-to-know?INTCMP=SRCH [Accessed: 20 Feb 2013].
PlayStation 4 PrototypeController vs PlayStation 3 Controller
There is much speculation behind the PS4 controller but has it already been revealed? In just a few short days (3 to be exact), Sony are set to announce the reason behind their “See The Future” announcement. Of course all clues (the most obvious one being the PlayStation symbol buttons appearing in the “See The Future” teaser trailer) lead to the announcement being highly rumored of the new PS4. Let’s look at the apparent prototype and how it compares with the current controller.
You can read more about the Sony announcement here; https://pwnersmanual.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/sony-ps4-update/
Special Report: PlayStation 4 (PS4) The latest surrounding rumours
In these, I discuss some ideas as to what the new controller will look like. This is a main focus point to the PS4 as Sony are thinking of dropping the much loved dual shock controller. I’m sure Sony have a very legitimate reason behind this, for some people playing on a PlayStation and growing up with the dual shock this has become a key feature of gaming.
An apparent “trusted source” has released the following image of what the PS4 controller may look like, and although this is a prototype it is set to change between now and when the console is announced, it does make me wonder if the controller can really be changed all that much.
Prototype PS4 controller
The image seems to be confirmed by gaming website “IGN” however I cannot help but feel a little let down that the screen is smaller than anticipated, although I do like how it looks like Sony have ‘leveled-up’.
The above image shows a breakdown of all the features on the prototype controller while below is a breakdown of features (and their functions) on the current PlayStation3 controller.
Comparing these two pictures it is easy to spot the resemblance and note what Sony have (for now) altered. There are people who also note a resemblance between the Xbox controller and Dreamcast VMU.
New Features on the PS4 Prototype
Analog Sticks – although not new in concept as they feature on the PS3 controller, the analog sticks appear to be slightly further apart though they remain level, which of course is a good thing, unlike the Xbox 360 controller’s unevenly placed sticks. However, the sticks themselves are concave – like the Xbox 360’s.
Touch Pad – the new front controller should embark a touch pad that can be used in different ways depending on the choice of publishers. It is also possible according to other rumors that this surface hides a small LCD screen. This is highly rumored.
Motion-Tracking LED – It is this technology that equips the PlayStation Move and will hopefully have been developed to be more precise.
Also the R2 and L2 buttons may actually be more in line with spring-loaded Xbox 360-like triggers.
Sources;
IGN (2013) This Is PlayStation 4’s (Prototype) Controller. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/15/is-this-playstation-4s-controller [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
Logic Sunrise (2013) [ Rumors ] Prototype of the new controller PS4 (SplitShock) *shift*. [online] Available at: http://www.logic-sunrise.com/en/news-599731-rumors-prototype-of-the-new-controller-ps4-splitshock-shift.html [Accessed: 18 Feb 2013].
Nintendo Direct!
For just a second forget our prediction of Sony announcing the PS4 in less than a week and lets focus our attention upon another major name within the gaming world – Nintendo!
At 2pm (GMT) today, Nintendo held a very special Japanese broadcast/ video presentation, featuring an all new Mario and Donkey Kong, a release date for HarmoKnight and more, it is time to discover what Nintendo had in store for us.
The highlights
Who doesn’t love discovering a new game or playing a new game in a much loved series?! I certainly do! A main feature of today’s announcement, and the highlights, was multiple new 3DS eShop titles being announced during the presentation
Mario and Donkey Kong
The pair are back and this time a new entry in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, an instant classic, was revealed. Titled ‘Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move’. Altering from from previous entries in the much loved series players will now view all the action in full 3D. Another interesting feature is we will also have the ability to create our own levels. There is no release date set currently. Click below to view the trailer.
HarmoKnight
Although already being released in Japan, on 14th March, exactly one month from now, this game will be released in North America…the free trail version that is. Created by the much loved Pokemon developer Game Freak, this rhythm action game will then be released on 28th March. In this game you play as a young hero called Tempo, him along with his friends explore and discover thoughout music-themed stages. Each level has different notes distributed throughout it that cleverly correspond to the music that is playing. While collecting these notes and following along with the rythm, you will have to fight off enemies named “Noizoids” and choose between branching paths, saving the world of Melodia is your duty. Click below to view the trailer.
eShop Sale!
To really grab our attention (and re-gain it) Nintendo announced at the end of their broadcast that some of the already released games will be on sale. This is a really clever trick into making us purchase Nintendo games which we may not have thought about previously and so our admiration, and their sales increase.
Gaming website IGN quote the following are already currently, or will be, on offer.
Starting Today:Bit.Trip Saga is five bucks off, marked down to $9.99 from its normal price of $14.99.
Starting February 21:Crashmo goes on sale for $5.99, down three dollars from its normal $8.99.
Starting February 28: Fractured Soul for four bucks cheaper, down to $7.99 from its usual $11.99.
Starting March 7:Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword drops two dollars, down to $4.99.
Starting March 14: Same deal for Ketzal’s Corridors. It goes to $4.99, a savings of two dollars.
Starting March 21:Mutant Mudds hits $5.99 from its normal $8.99.
The complete broadcast can be seen in the following link, please note that the complete broadcast is in Japenese however if you have ever wondered what a man dressed up as Luigi is like then it is worth the watch.
Nintendo 3DS Direct Luigi Special
Sources;
Blistered Thumbs (2013) Rhythm Hunter: HarmoKnight Hits the 3DS eShop Next Month. [online] Available at: http://www.blisteredthumbs.net/2013/02/rhythm-hunter-harmoknight/ [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
IGN (2013) The Nintendo Direct 3DS eShop Roundup. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/14/the-nintendo-direct-3ds-eshop-roundup [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
IGN (2013) Nintendo Direct Coming Tomorrow – IGN. [online] Available at: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/02/13/nintendo-direct-coming-tomorrow [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
Joystiq (2012) Game Freak’s HarmoKnight coming to 3DS in North America. [online] Available at: http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/game-freaks-harmoknight-coming-to-3ds-in-north-america/ [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
Nintendo (2013) Nintendo 3DS Direct Luigi special 2013.2.14. [online] Available at: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/direct20130214/index.html [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
Nintendo World Report (2013) Nintendo Reveals Several New 3DS eShop Titles – News – Nintendo World Report. [online] Available at: http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/33309 [Accessed: 14 Feb 2013].
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