This site requires that JavaScript be enabled and the Flash plug-in be installed. If you already have Macromedia Flash Player 8 installed, then you may continue browsing the site.
Daily Wrap-Up 1/2/2008Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 6:01 PM
Permalink
|
1 Comment(s)
Sessler's Soapbox: 2007 Year In ReviewPosted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 6:00 PM
It may be a new year, but that doesn't mean that Sessler is done with his ravings on the gaming industry. In this week's Sessler's Soapbox, Adam looks back at 2007 as examines how the year stand us in retrospect. Was it truly the greatest year for gaming ever? Check out the video and let us know what you think below or share your thoughts in our forums.
Permalink
|
17 Comment(s)
Videogame Stocks SoarPosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 2:56 PM
Activision's stock rose 34.1% in December. EA was up 4% to $58.41 last month, while THQ was up 15.3% to $28.19. Pachter's price target on EA is $72 and it is $35 on THQ. Take Two's stock rose 23.2% last month, in spite of the delay of the latest Grand Theft Auto game, although most analysts rate the stock a "sell," and attribute its recent rise to speculation that the publisher was an acquisition target. Hollywood Reporter: Video game publisher stocks rise with holidays
Permalink
|
9 Comment(s)
Grand Theft AutographPosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 2:48 PM
Permalink
|
14 Comment(s)
Nugget From The NetPosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 2:24 PM
Girls Gone Grabblin' We don't get it either, but in this video "35 Southern Women bring you the thrill of catching catfish weighing up to 44lbs. with their hands and wrestling them to the bank."
Permalink
|
7 Comment(s)
Mumbia Death Camp Sex Kitten MassacrePosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 2:06 PM
Whew! Yes, the Censor Board chief Sharmila Tagore will head a task force aimed at finding which games are too violent, gory or sexy and preventing them from getting into the hands of the area children. “This is true that there is a proposal that the Censor Board should start censoring all video games - and I agree with proposal totally,” confirmed Sharmila Tagore, the chairperson of the Censor Board. “We have already submitted our proposal to the ministry and the draft is being considered by them."
Permalink
|
13 Comment(s)
Get Out Of RIAA P2P Suit OnlinePosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 1:58 PM
Getting your ass sued by the Recording Industry Association of America over file-sharing? Have questions about a P2P lawsuit? Do you want to settle a case online? Wanna learn how to download legally? Well, thankfully, the RIAA has set up a website where you can do all this and more! Yes, you can even settle your suit online and pay the fee, without having to bother fighting your case in court. Now, if only I could get the criminal courts to use the same method so I can could just pay a fine and get out of that pesky double-homicide rap...
Permalink
|
8 Comment(s)
Advertisement
PSP To Get Skype Support?Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 1:29 PM
Sony's CES press materials list it as a feature of the portable system along with a few features that are already confirmed. Would you use Skype on your PSP? Will this usher in an entirely new side-talkin' fad that hit the net after the N-Gage? Find out next week on the next exciting episode of CES. Gizmodo: Skype Coming to Sony PSP
Permalink
|
4 Comment(s)
You Will Have Sex With RobotsPosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 1:04 PM
According to British author/computer-chess-pioneer David Levy, if you're under 35, you will live long enough to have sex with robots. Levy says that by 2050 we'll be creating robots "so lifelike, so imbued with human-seeming intelligence and emotions, as to be nearly indistinguishable from real people." Then, we will have sex with these robots. TheFeed would like to point out that the robots have been screwing us since the uprising began, so we don't see what the fuss is about. Here's what the sexy robots will look like. We hope.
Permalink
|
77 Comment(s)
No 'Rock Band' For Wii PlannedPosted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 12:55 PM
Though Harmonix is committed to bringing Rock Band to 'every important platform' at some time, there are no plans to bring the game to the Wii at this time, according to EA. Now, this doesn't mean that the game isn't coming to the Wii eventually, it just means that they're not ready to announce plans for the Nintendo version right now. However, we'd be willing to bet that you will see a Wii version of this extremely popular game before the end of 2008, perhaps lining up with next year's holiday season, because, you know, game developers are good like that. In the meantime, Wii lovers, find a friend who has a PS3, 360, or PS2, and play the game. GamePro.com: Rock Band Wii? EA says "no" (for now)
Permalink
|
15 Comment(s)
Pepsi Sponsors Anti-Obesity GamePosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 12:48 PM
PepsiCo really, really cares about childhood obesity. The benevolent multi-national vendor of sugar-powered water is taking their fight against fatties right to Mexico by sponsoring an education program aimed at getting kids to burn the calories they take in. The centerpiece of the program, a "Tamagotchi-like" videogame that teaches kids about nutrition. According to England's Guardian, in the game, "a child called a nutrin must be guided through everyday decisions about what to buy, what to eat and what sports to play. Periodic visits to the doctor provide health checks." Hilariously, 80% of Mexicans don't have access to clean drinking water, so soft drinks are often the only thing they can drink! PepsiCo executives deny any irony or contradiction, saying the program is not an attempt to whitewash the company's image or avoid legal hassles later. Another fun fact: 72% of adults in Mexico are overweight or obese - slightly higher than in our country. USA! USA! USA! Guardian: Pepsi tackles childhood obesity with videogames in Mexico
Permalink
|
16 Comment(s)
Wu Tang Anti-Gun Web VideoPosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:45 AM
Watch this awesome and hilarious and chilling Wu Tang anti-gun web ad my boy Eskay from Nahright hipped me to. Who knew U-God almost killed The Chef Raekwon when they were kids?
Permalink
|
7 Comment(s)
Tyler Perry In New 'Star Trek'Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:35 AM
There's not been confirmation of what Perry's role will be in the film, but there has been some speculation. However, that's also a spoiler, and so, you should only read it if you want to know some of the fundamental plot pieces of the film. Don't say you haven't been warned. Dark Horizons.com: Tyler Perry Enlists In Starfleet
Permalink
|
9 Comment(s)
Advertisement
Government's Digital TV Site LivePosted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:25 AM
This website contains all of the information your grandma needs to ensure that she will be able to watch her stories after February 17, 2009. Why would you take that away from her? It's all she has. You never call, either. SlashDot.org: Official DTV Converter Box Coupons for Americans
Permalink
|
1 Comment(s)
Cohen To Play Abbie Hoffman On FilmPosted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:15 AM
Hoffman was a pretty radical activist, and a lightning rod for a generation of people who felt disenfranchised. You have most likely never heard of him. Now, you'll have the opportunity to do just that, won't you? Dark Horizons.com: Sacha Baron Cohen Put On "Trial"
Permalink
|
17 Comment(s)
20 Overlooked Games Of 2007Posted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:11 AM
The beginning of a new year brings a myriad of lists, including the following collection of twenty games you should have played this year, but did not. Included are awesome sleepers like:
Consider this an essential guide to tomorrow's bargain bins today! So, what's your favorite of the year that no one else seems to have picked up on? Poisonous-Pixels: The 20 Games that You Should Have Played for 2007, But Didn’t
Permalink
|
11 Comment(s)
More 'Indy IV' News, PicsPosted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:01 AM
There's bad news, too. In fact, there's some bad news that's maybe the worst news regarding this film yet, but it falls quite firmly into spoiler territory, so you're going to have to hit the jump to see it...
Permalink
|
29 Comment(s)
Microsoft Has Xbox 360 CES Announcement?Posted by Brian Leahy - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 10:32 AM
Looks like the pre-show scuttlebutt is pointing to some big Xbox 360 announcement at CES from Microsoft. Analysts are predicting things like a new 360 SKU with a built-in HD-DVD drive or the licensing of Xbox technology to other companies. This would lead to, for example, something like a Toshiba HD-DVD player and DVR that could also play Xbox 360 games. A new SKU would just suck and confuse people. Licensing out the technology could be completely awesome (and maybe another company can actually make the hardware properly and stop the red rings!). We'll be there next week to tell you about it, but what do you think it'll be? Destructoid.com: Microsoft teases with 'important' Xbox 360 news for CES
Permalink
|
44 Comment(s)
Major Nelson Saves The Day... Sort OfPosted by Jonathan Hunt - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 10:26 AM
Signing in has been slow or sometimes even impossible. Matchmaking Call of Duty 4 (obviously, among the most popular multiplayer LIVE games) has been an absolute disaster. There are even reports of people losing their achievements and, in some cases, their entire account. But fret not, fellow traveler! Major Nelson is here to save the day. Or, at least, to let us know that Microsoft understands that the day needs to be saved. Over the last several days, the Major has left a string of messages updating the world on the state of Xbox LIVE and its ongoing repairs.
Permalink
|
106 Comment(s)
Odin Heats It UpPosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:57 AM
Helly Hansen has launched what the company is calling a “technologically advanced apparel system.” The name of said clothing system? Helly Hansen 's Odin, of course! Odin will include various garments for extreme climates, incorporating the Odin PCM Soft-shell. The clothes feature automatic temperature control via a fabric that is able to store heat and only release it when the external temperature falls drastically sounds like the answer to our clothes-based prayers. The heat balancing is due to Schoeller PCM smart textiles, and the fabric is not only thermoregulating and waterproof, is also highly durable due to the non-binding nature of its construction. The Odin project textiles will initially be launched in a series of Helly Hansen jackets and pants. Oh, Odin was also the name of a cheesy ‘80s metal band out of L.A. They are pictured above… Gizmodo.com: Helly Hansen Apparel Keeps You Warm When the World Will Not
Permalink
|
1 Comment(s)
Top 2007 Youtube VideosPosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:48 AM
That annoying Britney Spears fan was #2. Yes, Chris Crocker’s "Leave Britney Alone" clip, where he crys and yells at the media for picking on his hero has been watched more than 14 million times and is the fourth-most-commented-on video in YouTube's history. …Jesus, we’re all going to hell in a handbasket….
Permalink
|
6 Comment(s)
Toys 'R' Us Offers Lame BundlePosted by Stephen Johnson - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:44 AM
Toy 'R' Us, we are not impressed with you Holiday offerings, nor are we impressed with your colorful giraffe mascot. For the holiday season, you are selling the lamest Wii bundle we have ever heard of, taking advantage of the shortage of systems to force people into paying for software no one wants. Here was the deal: Consumers spend $700 for a Wii plus 10 games. That price is exactly what you'd pay for the games plus the Wii separately, but the Toy R Us deal forces harried parents to buy the following ten games.
Zack and Wiki is excellent, and we her good things about Geometry Wars and Raving Rabbids. But the rest of those games... So jeers to you, Toys 'R' Us. RipTen.com: Toys”R”Us Offering “Bend Over” Bundle - Wii Plus 10 Games At Full Price
Permalink
|
18 Comment(s)
MC Hammer Touches The NetPosted by Frank Meyer - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:32 AM
The man who made the phrase “You Can’t Touch This” famous (hey, does anyone even remember that phrase?) is scheduled to launch the site later this month, which will stage head-to-head competitions where contestants submit videos that will be judged by viewers ala Dancing With The Stars. The site also will provide demonstrations and information about a wide variety of dances. Hammer (a.k.a. Stanley Burrell) is co-founder and chief strategy officer for the site, and managed to convince Silicon Valley investor Ron Conway provided DanceJam with $1 Million in startup funds.
Permalink
|
9 Comment(s)
Download DS Games Through The Wii?Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Wednesday, January 02, 2008 9:11 AM
Soon, Nintendo fans who own both the Wii and the DS will be able to see their fantasies realized, as Reggie Fils-Aime, head honchinator for the company, says that users of the Wii Virtual Console will be able to download entire games for the Nintendo DS to their Wii, and then beam them (the technical term, of course) directly to their DS for game play. This is not a new concept, as PlayStation Home offers pretty much the same service for PSP games, but it's good to know that Nintendo is consolidating their output so that you can get all of the goodness in one spot. Good on ya, Nintendo. Game Daily: Nintendo: DS to Download 'Complete Games' Via Wii
Permalink
|
11 Comment(s)
|
According to the Hollywood Reporters, the holiday season was very, very good to the major game companies, with EA, THQ, Take Two, Vivendi and Activision all seeing stock surges.
After many requests by Mumbian parents to do so, the I&B ministry of Mumbia has finally agreed to censor violent videogames.
Word on tech street is that the PSP could be getting Skype support in the near future.
Tyler Perry has been a very successful filmmaker over the course of the past few years, making a cottage industry out of his movies, but he's not ever starred in another filmmaker's project...until now, that is. Perry will play a key member of Starfleet in the new Star Trek film, directed by J.J. Abrams.
If your grandma still has an analog TV you'll want to point her to the following website: 
Sacha Baron Cohen is everywhere these days, even though he's 'retired' both Borat and Ali G. Now, the British comedy star will be making a foray into drama, playing 60's activist Abbie Hoffman in The Trial of the Chicago Seven, the story about the seven defendants who were convicted of inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
By now, you must all be aware that one of the most anticipated events of 2008 is the release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Well, as we get closer to that hallowed day (May 22nd, to be exact), we're going to get more news and pictures than you can possibly handle. In this case, it's a Vanity Fair piece featuring on-set photos by Annie Leibovitz. That's the good news.
Rumor time! Population: You!
So Xbox LIVE has been having problems ever since the holidays, as we're sure anyone with a 360 has probably noticed.
Rap vet MC Hammer is launching a website called DanceJam.com that hopes to give Youtube a run for the money in the online dance video world.
UPDATE: Turns out, this story isn't true.