Daily Wrap-Up 1.11.07
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 5:58 PM
Here's what went down today in the world of videogames, popular culture and technology!
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TAGS: Daily Wrap-Up
Fresh Ink: Red Hulk, Revisionist Spidey, Etc.
Posted by Mike D'Alonzo - Friday, January 11, 2008 5:35 PM
Ga-Schlapp! Blair Butler is back and she's giving you the best of the first crop of comics for 2008, including The Hulk, Amazing Spider-Man, Infinite Horizon, Pax Romana, and The Twelve. Sure is a lot of comics, don't you think? We thought so, too, which is why we made this a super-sized episode of the Ink.
Enjoy!
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TAGS: Fresh Ink
'Bioshock' Movie In Works?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 2:16 PM
Right now it's one of those internet rumors attributed to a "reliable source," but it seems reasonable to us: Word is, a movie based on Bioshock is in the works.
Execs at a major studio have reportedly been meeting with 2k and talking about the feasibility of big screen Big Daddies.
According to joystiq.com, "The studio hopes to bring the fallen aquatic utopia of Rapture to celluloid life through extensive use of green screen technology, an approach not dissimilar to Legendary Pictures' interpretation of 300. If the computer generated approach is deemed feasible and fitting, the focus can then shift to capturing BioShock's secondary (and uninhabited) characters."
Hmmm... much like we were when present with the moral choice of harvesting Adam or saving Little Sisters, we're torn. It could be awesome, but it could be horrible.
Rumors that the Bioshock movie will be directed by Uwe Boll are almost certainly not true, as I made them up.
IGN: BioShock Movie Buzz!
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TAGS: Movies, Videogames, Xbox 360
One Console Future?
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 2:06 PM
 Legendary game designer David Jaffe (he created a little something called God of War) is calling for all the console makers to get together and create a single platform--one console to rule them all.
"Can anyone explain to me how having one console would be bad for gamers? Or game developers for that matter?,” Jaffe wrote on his Game Design blog.
“We have it with DVD, we had it with VHS. We have it with televisions (in the sense that- for the most part- every TV is capable of broadcasting the same signal). So what do we lose by having it for game consoles?”
You could argue that it would be bad for companies that make their money from distinctions between their hardware and other companies. Like Nintendo, for instance, whose re-design of game hardware is causing a re-imagining of game software...
But, on the positive side, it would end all the dumb internet arguments about which console is better. That's a huge plus.
Next Generation: David Jaffe Calling All Consoles to Merge
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TAGS: Videogames
Universal NOT Going All Blu Ray
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 1:50 PM
In spite of rumors to the contrary, Universal Pictures has flatly and forcefully denied the are abandoning the HD DVD format.
"Contrary to unsubstantiated rumors from unnamed sources, Universal's current plan is to continue to support the HD DVD format," said Ken Graffeo, executive vice president of HD strategic marketing for Universal Studios Home Entertainment and also co-president of the HD DVD Promotional Group.
Hmmm... Now you know.
Betanews: Universal: We're staying with HD DVD
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TAGS: Movies
The Mighty, Mighty Samsung Battle
Posted by Frank Meyer - Friday, January 11, 2008 1:49 PM
Samsung Mobile is launching a Virtual Unsigned Battle of the Bands contest, giving one band a Spot on the Rockstar Get a Life Tour college campus 2008 tour featuring The Used and Straylight Run, $7,500 in cash, and more
Competitors in this virtual battle will create band profiles on the Unsigned Battle of the Bands web gallery by uploading mp3s, band, bios and photos. Then legions of fans and fans-to-be will vote for their favorite artists and decide which one of them will land this opportunity. Voters also have a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000 cash and a trip to catch the Get a Life Tour in the city of their choice as well as instant win prizes.
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Music
Rockstar Causes Mayhem!
Posted by Frank Meyer - Friday, January 11, 2008 1:44 PM
 Get yer masks ready, kiddies, ‘cause alt-metal titans Slipknot and Disturbed will double-team (he he) on the road this summer on the first ever Rockstar Mayhem tour.
Sponsored by Rockstar Energy drink and assembled by Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and John Reese, the tour will go through July and August, with additional artists and dates to be announced soon.
Slipknot will be supporting its new album, due out in August, while Disturbed's new album, Indestructible, is due in May.
Billboard.com: Rockstar Mayhem Tour
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TAGS: Music
Adult Entertainment On G4!
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 1:37 PM
 Are you an adult? Do you like being entertained? Then we have just the show for you!
G4’s got the Adult World Unzipped as we take you deep inside the 2008 Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas!
It’s the planet’s largest convention that showcases the stars, films and milieu of the porno world.
Catch the highlights of this year’s show in our 2-hour exclusive TV event. G4 will interview filmmakers, adult-film industry executives, and, of course, the stars. See all the action on Sunday, January 13 at 10PM ET, only on G4!
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TAGS: G4
Live Ticket Nation
Posted by Frank Meyer - Friday, January 11, 2008 12:30 PM
 Concert promoter Live Nation announced today that it will start its own ticketing business in 2008 after it ends its relationship with Ticketmaster.
It’s all part of Live Nation’s “strategy shift to provide a complete pipeline of marketing, ticketing and merchandising services for artists and events, creating new competition for Ticketmaster and music labels alike.” Part of the plan is to lure more big pop star like Madonna from their long-term record label deals top sign with them instead.
Live Nation will hock tickets for its own concerts as well as third-party events and estimates the new business will add at least $17 million in operating income in 2010. They have already signed a 10-year agreement to license ticketing software and services from Germany's CTS Eventim AG.
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TAGS: Music
RIAA To Go Bye-Bye?
Posted by Frank Meyer - Friday, January 11, 2008 12:20 PM
Rumors are a-flyin’ that EMI is yanking its funding from music trade groups like the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) as part a big ol’ internal review of its operations.
Yeee haaaw!
EMI has been unhappy with the trade groups' work for awhile and says that the review is prompted in large part "by falling industry revenues resulting from the decline in global music sales."
Yeee haaaw!
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TAGS: Music
The MMO Report: Friday, January 11th
Posted by Patrick Roche-Sowa - Friday, January 11, 2008 12:11 PM
Guess who's back.
Back again.
Casey's back.
Tell a friend.
After a nice two weeks off, the MMO Report returns well fed, well rested, and well gifted. Our holiday taught us something, we miss making this show. The funny was building up like a hilarious boil on our necks while we were away, so to start off the new year right, we immediately lanced it and you all get to appreciate the outcome. Watch for a special quest appearance.
So strap in, tune in, turn on, and drop out. This is...
The MMO Report.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, The MMO Report
'Assassin's Creed' DS Details Revealed
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 11:52 AM
The first details are starting to show up on Assassin's Creed for the Nintendo DS, as well as the above scan of the box art: Hawt.
The game is a prequel to the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 title. Portraying Altair's ascent through the ranks to Master Assassin before his fall from grace, this 3-D,game seems to be primarily controlled with the traditional buttons, although there are touch-based mini-games in which you interrogate suspects and rifle through someone's bag to pickpocket them.
We're psyched. There is no release date as yet, but keep checking back and we'll fill you in when we know anything.
Wired: First Screens, Details Of Assassin's Creed DS
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames
Laughter: The Best Medicine
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 11:42 AM
Gamershelp's list of videogame characters who look like famous people made us laugh.
Everyone needs a good laugh now and again, right?
Check it out yourself.
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TAGS: Videogames
Ubisoft Has Digital Kids
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 11:33 AM
French game developer Ubisoft has completed their acquisition of Japanese video game development studio Digital Kids.
Established in 1996, with offices in Nagoya and Osaka, Digital Kids currently has a team of 20 developers specialized in games for the Nintendo DS. Which games, you ask? Well: Ubisoft's Petz line of game (we like Iguanaz the best.).
We doubt this news will make much difference in the cousr of your day, but hey, you never know, right?
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames
Online Video Popularity Doubled in 2007
Posted by Brian Leahy - Friday, January 11, 2008 11:22 AM
A new report put out by the Pew (pew!) Internet & American Life Project claims that online videos doubled in popularity over 2007.
In December of 2006, 33% of surveyed internets users had been to online video sites. That number has increased to 48% over 2007.
Pew (pew!) also claims that the growth of online video is just starting and they expect it increase greatly over the coming years.
Please join TheFeed in saying, "Duh!"
Yahoo News: Popularity of Online Video Doubled in 2007
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TAGS: Internets Culture, Videos
No Wii-Mote Lightsaber Coming
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 11:19 AM
Looks like there will not be a Wii-mote lightsaber peripheral.
There may be a lightsaber game, but according to an unsourced article on wiinintendo.net (via kotaku, via max console via IGN, etc.) "Nintendo won’t let anyone, Lucasarts included, make any type of ‘bat-like’ peripherals for the Wiimote."
Apparently, Nintendo is worried about gamers safety, because you know you'd smash your little brother in the face with this.
wiinintendo.net: Don’t expect an officially licensed lightsaber peripheral for the Wii.
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TAGS: Videogames, Wii
Chat With X-Play Hosts Adam and Morgan
Posted by Jonathan Hunt - Friday, January 11, 2008 10:25 AM
Talk live with the hosts of X-Play! The chat starts at 7PM ET, and will feature one of the cast members talking live with you about all things X-Play. This week, the Webbtastic one herself, Morgan Webb, will be taking your questions on Monday, January 14th, at 4PM PT & 7PM ET.
But that's not all, as there is an upcoming Chat with Adam Sessler, Wednesday, January 16th, at 5:30PM PT & 8:30PM ET.
Why not find out what these videogame experts have to say for themselves?
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TAGS: G4, TV
'Dungeon Siege' Movie Opens Today
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 10:22 AM
Do not miss Uwe Boll's film adaptation of Dungeon Siege.
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale opens today, and, while we are in no way suggesting it will be gone next week, we are saying you'll want to catch this one on opening night so it won't be ruined by everyone talking about it tomorrow. Know what I mean?
"But sjohnson, is it going to be good?" Judge for yourself from this review from the Globe and Mail.
Sounds awesome or what? We'll see you there.
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TAGS: Movies, Other People's Misfortune, Videogames
Olympics Game Coming Out
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 9:57 AM
 We'd like to tell you about how the upcoming videogame version of the Beijing Olympics will capture the pageantry and artistry of this ancient contest of athletic prowess.. but we're worried.
The last Olympics games we played were Nagano Winter Olympics and Athens 2004 and they scarred us.
But we'll have some hope for Beijing 2008. It's from Sega Beijing 2008 will appear on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC with simulations of more than 35 official events and online multiplayer modes.
It comes out this summer...just in time for the games!
Please, be half as good as the old "Winter Games" we used to play on the Commodore 64.
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TAGS: PC Gaming, PlayStation 3, Videogames
Gates: Xbox To Be Most Reliable
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 9:01 AM
According to Bill Gates in an interview with the BBC, the Xbox will be the most reliable console on the market.
He addressed the issue of the Red Ring of Death thusly:
"We certainly had to apologize to our users about a number of boxes that had to be replaced. We did that for free for all those people. We've gotten a lot of positive feedback about the way we've handled it. We've got incredible reliability on the new work that we've done," Gates said.
He continued, "Our commitment is that it'll be the most reliable video game box out there. People really love the Xbox because of the content, but we have to make sure the hardware never stands in the way of that."
So good luck with that.
Game Daily: Bill Gates: Xbox 360 to be 'Most Reliable' Console on Market
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TAGS: Videogames, Xbox 360
Nugget From The Net
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 8:51 AM
This trailer for Cinephobe Pictures Skid Marks reminds us that people are still making low-budget unfunny comedies in the Police Academy vein.
We're positively nostalgic...but we really hope this writers strike ends soon.
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TAGS: Nuggets From The Nets
CES 2008: Prank Causes Controversy
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 8:29 AM
 Maverick tech blog gizmodo were bad at CES. Using a TV-B-Gone remote, the bloggers turned off monitors in the middle of the show floor and during presentation, causing rage and hair-pulling from exhibitors and lulz for themselves.
The movie they took is sweeping the internet with debate about the ethics and morals of the whole deal.
Here's a video. Watch it and let us know what you think.
TheFeed's reaction is mixed. On one hand, we enjoy a good prank, and think CES takes itself way too seriously for a convention of new televisions, cell phones and car stereos, so the punk-kid half of our personality thought it was funny in a dumb way.
But the grown-up half thought: That guy doing that presentation didn't do anything to those bloggers, and showing off TVs is his job. Should he lose an order because a retailer now sees those displays as unreliable, someone should be punched in the mouth.
What about you? Mean? Funny?
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TAGS: CES, Other People's Misfortune, Tech
'Apollo Justice' Gets Date
Posted by Stephen Johnson - Friday, January 11, 2008 7:56 AM
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney is scheduled for release in North America on February 12, 2008. Order in the fake court.
According to the company, this is the first Ace Attorney game developed specifically for Nintendo DS. The fourth title in the series by the creators of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, AJAA (as we call it) will feature all new characters, including new defense attorney Apollo Justice.
Click the cut for the official features list.
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TAGS: Nintendo DS, Videogames
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