This is quite interesting news as the online communities for most games that are released earlier in a console’s life cycle are arguably almost guaranteed to diminish over time. This might prove to be an interesting strategy for a revival of the game’s online community. Bethesda has not mentioned whether or not any changes to the game are being made, or if any additions will be included. Quake 4 will be available June 19th in North America.

Sources:

http://www.bethblog.com/2012/04/11/quake-4-returns-to-xbox-360/

http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/722671/quake-4-re-releasing-on-xbox-360-in-june/

• The reason Spartans are able to fight against each other in the multiplayer portion of the game is because they are actually training in a giant virtual simulation prgoram within the confines of a giant ship floating through space. This program is capable of simulating multiple different environments suited to their needs for the purpose of combat training.

• It has been confirmed that Elites will not be included in Halo 4′s multiplayer.

• The popular game mode Firefight will not be in Halo 4. Instead they’ve replaced it with what is being referred to as Spartan Ops. Spartan Ops is being described as a Halo meets Spec ops from Call of Duty. It is promised to be just as story driven as Halo’s single player aspect.

• A new currency as been revealed as Spartan Points. These points can be used to unlock Ops missions, armor abilities, and cosmetic upgrades.

The article of which IGN wrote, is much more expansive and we highly recommend you check that out, as this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of content.

Sources:

http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/04/05/may-cover-revealed-halo-4.aspx

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/122/1222537p1.html

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/25722/Halo-4-Multiplayer-Details-Revealed/

In case you have yet to see the trailer for GTA 5, click here to view the trailer.

Sources: http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/rockstar-north-employee-cv-gives-grand-theft-auto-v-an-october-l/

Gameplay Preview

The teams goal for this film was $5,000 budget of which they have just short of $3,000. While the release date is still unknown one of the crew for the fan film mentioned they are casting more armor and are debating one whether or not to open up another donation page in order to get attain the rest of their goal in donations.

For those unfamiliar with the mod or Company of Heroes should know its a popular WWII rts developed by Relic. The mod itself brings the game into modern warfare as its name suggests. The two factions pitting the United States against China after tensions rise in the near future and eventually break out into combat. One or both of the expansions (Opposing fronts and Tales of Valor) are required to play the mod as the factions are based off of the two dlc factions. Those interested in downloading the mod can go here.

A little bit more on the multiplayer side of things has been released with two maps having been revealed. The first is Wraparound which is an ancient Forerunner power facility used to power the shield worlds. The second is Warhouse a human military base with a large cyclops power suit being built in the middle of it. Multiplayer is planned to be tied into the campaign in some form with players stepping into the shoes of Spartan IV’s, 343 promises that a legitimate reason for the reds and blues to be fighting one another will be revealed in the game. Armor customization will now have an effect on the player using them, this new system while not elaborated on is planned to be more in depth than the loadouts in Halo: Reach.  A video covering most of the above points and also revealing footage from both aspects of the game can be found here.

Players chomping at the bits to get a shot at some free Killzone 3 need only wait until this upcoming Tuesday February 28th. Sony may not have been the first company to do this, however with a major title such as Killzone it is certainly noteworthy. It may also indicate a possible future trend to draw in a wider consumer base.

However these films have only served to tease what a feature film could be. Many fans have taken it upon themselves to fill the gap that Microsoft has not. Operation Chastity is the most notable of these having built their own warthog,  despite having built a warthog and having raised a large sum of money the last front page news article was a feature of their project in the July issue of Xbox Magazine. In addition to a delay for a teaser trailer that was promised this past summer that still has yet to appear.

However there is another group with slightly smaller aims that have succeeded to actually release footage, that is Helljumper directed by Dan Wang. Helljumper is based off the short story Dirt in which a wounded ODST tells the story of how he became and ODST and what lead him to his being wounded years later. Rather then go for a full length feature Helljumper has opted for more of a miniseries format and has already released the first two episodes. However due to the high cost of props, transportation, gear, and filming locations some serious cash ($65,000 to be exact) is needed. Dan Wang has asked fans to donate to the cause. Those who drop enough cash can get a range of special items, the high end of which includes a marine helmet prop and an executive producer spot. In order to make episode 3 the required cost is about $45,000, however they crew will attempt to release anything they can provided they fall short of that goal.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Alongside the standard retail edition, a special Collector’s Edition of SOULCALIBUR V will also be available at launch. Packed in a specially designed ‘book’ box, the Collector’s Edition will include a high quality art book, a CD containing a selection of music spanning the history of SOULCALIBUR, the making-of videos, a DLC card for the Black Knight and White Knight armour sets, plus original artwork and letter on reproduction parchment paper signed by the team at Project Soul.

Fans who pre-order either edition of the game from participating retailers will receive a code to unlock Dampierre as a playable character as soon as they fire up the game.

Following the launch of the game, NAMCO BANDAI Games are organising a tournament schedule to unite the community and let fans publicly demonstrate their weapon-wielding prowess. More details on this will follow soon.

Developed by the Project Soul team at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. in Japan, SOULCALIBUR V picks up 17 years after the events of SOULCALIBUR IV with new heroes and returning warriors clashing in an epic showdown between good and evil. The tale of Patroklos, son of Sophitia Alexandra, unfolds as his family’s destiny becomes entwined with the Soul swords. With improved character customization and new gameplay features including the Critical Edge and Quick Move systems plus the dangerous presence of master assassin Ezio Auditore de Firenze, SOULCALIBUR V is shaping up to be the essential fighting game of 2012.

Plus a Crap ton of Screenshots, and 3 Videos:

• A lot of Soul Calibur V Screenshots
• Character Trailer
• Soul Calibur V How to QuickMoves
• Soul Calibur V How to Critical Edge

We here at Judge Game want to wish you all a Happy New Year. And may it be a great year for gaming.

Thanks,

Judge Game

FortressCraft already offer lots of cool features, like the factory, and your helpers(Digger and Builder), but now has a host of new features like:

• Auto Generate Trees
• Choose your climate(eg: tropical paradise or a alpine wonderland)
• Eight new light channels
• New Copy and Paste Features allow you to copy whole sections and past them, thus making it less tedious.
• A test of the new FPS(Fight, Protect, Survive)
• Oh yeah and DOORS!!!!

In the FPS Mode, you are given a lightning gun and are tasked with killing harvesters and wasps in order to collect metal resources to build resources to help you survive and prosper. However, with each kill, your threat level rises and more angry wasps come after you.

FortressCraft is available now for purchase on Microsoft’s XBOX Indie Game Marketplace for 240 MSP, Head over and pick it up.

Just wanted to stop the time and say Merry Christmas, to all and I hope you all have a wonderful and great Christmas. If you dont celebrate christmas, then we wish you a very Happy Holiday.

Thanks,

Judge Game

Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc.,  announced that the Los Angeles Superior Court has denied a motion brought by Electronic Arts, Inc. for summary judgment, thereby permitting Activision to proceed to trial on its $400 million contract-interference suit against EA..  At a hearing held yesterday, December 21, 2012, Judge Elihu Berle denied EA’s motion, finding that the evidence presented by Activision supplied a basis for a jury to potentially conclude both that EA had intentionally interfered with Activision’s employment agreements with former Call of Duty game developers, Jason West and Vince Zampella, and that EA had aided and abetted West and Zampella’s breach of fiduciary duties to Activision.  A related summary judgment motion put forth by West and Zampella was also denied.

In the suit Activision alleges that West and Zampella breached their contracts and duty of loyalty to Activision by conduct that was insubordinate and otherwise improper and that West and Zampella’s misconduct was caused, at least in part, by EA’s unlawful tampering.  A jury trial in the case is scheduled to begin on May 7, 2012.

I say they should through the 2 CEO’s in a pit for a battle Royale type of deal, fight to the death and who ever wins get the $400 Million

On 17 Jan, the battle for Sera rages on as Microsoft and Epic mark the New Year with the release of “Fenix Rising,” the third major game add-on for the most critically-acclaimed shooter of 2011, “Gears of War 3.” Featuring five spectacular new multiplayer maps inspired by significant locales in the “Gears of War 3” campaign, “Fenix Rising” also introduces four new character skins and a new system that allows players to rank up through level 100 multiple times to unlock exclusive emblems and weapon skins.

With the purchase of the add-on, players who attain level 100 will have a choice to “Re-up” for another tour of duty to showcase their valor and dedication as elite “Gears of War” fans. Their experience and rank will be reset, but all other progression (including TrueSkill rating) will remain intact. Players can “Re-up” up to three times, earning a new rank icon color each time: Bronze (default level 100), Red, Green and Gold. Each “Re-up” level after Bronze also awards the player an exclusive, custom weapon skin that cannot be obtained by any other means:

• Re-Up Plasma – Animated flowing plasma in gold.
• Re-Up Omen – Shiny, red Omen.
• Re-Up Electric – Animated, golden electric shocks.

Available on Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft Points or included as part of the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass, “Fenix Rising” expands the multiplayer battlefield with an arsenal of stunning maps that deliver endless hours of frenetic online action across Versus Multiplayer, Horde and Beast Mode:

• Academy – The lineage of the Fenix family can be traced back along a distinguished line of military officers.  Officer training at the Oracle Academy was simply the expected path for Marcus, and he had visited the grounds many times in expectation that he would walk the same path as his ancestors.  But it was not to be, and Marcus broke with tradition to be with his best friends Dom and Carlos.  Like any number of fine Seran traditions, the Academy is now lost to the invasion of the Locust Horde.

• Anvil – The fortress of Anvegad was called Anvil Gate because its impenetrable walls were forged in the fires of war.  Huge cannons sat atop battlements that guarded sprawling walls running the line of the UIR borders.  Marcus went there to find Hoffman, and they both thought that Anvil Gate would offer protection from the incoming forces of Locust and Lambent.  They were wrong, and little remains other than the ruined shell of a once mighty fortress.

• Depths – The excessive opulence of Azura defied all normal reasoning.  Adam Fenix however could see the cracks in the veneer of splendor from the moment he arrived at this underwater processing center.  All that beauty mattered not at all once he was held captive by the Locust.  Out of options, he had to find a way to contact Marcus, and finally reveal the truths he’d been keeping to himself for all these many years .

• Escalation – Haldane Hall has been the home of the Fenix family for countless generations.  But the only history that matters to Marcus are his memories of warm summer evenings spent with his mother, Elain, relaxing in the estate’s gardens.  Sadly, all the estate’s history and beauty was lost when the Locust destroyed it in an attempt to kidnap his father.

• The Slab – Convicted for insubordination and treason, Marcus was incarcerated in Jacinto Maximum Security Prison.  Known as “The Slab”, this prison is not a correctional facility – it’s a place where Sera’s worst offenders are locked up and forgotten.  The inmates are brutal, parole is not an option, and the average life expectancy is about two years.  But that was before the Locust showed up, and what couldn’t get worse, suddenly did.  Now your life expectancy there is around 2 minutes.

Additionally, players who purchase “Fenix Rising” will gain access to the following character skins for use in Versus Multiplayer and Horde Mode (if COG):

• COG:

1. Recruit Clayton – Clayton was born a Gear, grew up a Gear, and on the very day he became eligible, he signed himself up to become the capable, confident, and devoted Gear he’d always known he could be.
2. Thrashball Cole (Limited Edition) – The Cole Train prefers to take the most direct path to the Locust Horde in any situation. What he lacks in finesse, he makes up in raw energy.

• Locust:

1. Savage Marauder – Locust Marauders were the first to form any sort of organisation outside of the Hollow – if their brutal infighting and bloodthirsty raiding parties could truly be called organised.
2. Savage Kantus (Limited Edition) – The Savage Kantus were profoundly impacted by the loss of the Hollow.  They have reverted to a primal, shamanistic state, and their battle cries have taken a dark, melancholy turn.  Few sounds are as terrifying to human ears.

Players can obtain “Fenix Rising” and all the previously released add-on content for “Gears of War 3,” including “RAAM’s Shadow” and the “Horde Command Pack,” and secure access to one more upcoming game add-on by purchasing the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass for 2400 Microsoft Points, which entitles them to the first four game add-ons for a total discount of 33 percent.

Wikipedia

“PlanetSide is a massively-multiplayer online first-person-shooter computer game published by Sony Online Entertainment and released on May 20, 2003.

PlanetSide chronicles the efforts of three factions as they fight for territorial control over ten different continents on the planet Auraxis. Players take on the role of individual soldiers fighting for one of the three factions within the game, and can specialize in various fields such as combat vehicle crewman, infantry, invisible infiltrator or a variety of combat support roles such as combat medic or combat engineer. The game is played primarily in a first person perspective, with the option of third-person.

Unlike most shooting games, in which small-scale matches take place in essentially an instanced map, PlanetSide battles can involve hundreds of players in a single fight. PlanetSide battles concern control over territory and strategic points, and can cause repercussions to all three factions. To date, PlanetSide remains one of the few MMOFPS games ever created.”

“Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances is the first MMO Free Command & Conquer series. We are delighted to bring this innovative initiative to this successful franchise, “said Martin Löhlein, senior producer at Phenomic. “We will allow our loyal fans to indulge in their favorite game wherever they go, while promoting the exciting world of Tiberium to new players. “

With social functions and information flows in-game, Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances puts you in the heart of an experience as interactive and dynamic. The articles and information are updated in real time, which forces you to rethink your tactics and adapt on the spot. The strategy will play a role in this MMO qu’haletant as fast!

Command & Conquer Tiberium Alliances is not the only novelty in the Command & Conquer franchise since Command & Conquer Generals 2, developed by BioWare, was announced December 10, 2011. For more information on Command & Conquer Generals 2, go to the address www.commandandconquer.com.

We also wanted to stop and thank the one person that make this Whole site possible. Thank you Bryan. With out you none of us would have this opportunity to write for this site. It really is an honor and a privilege to work with you. Hope you get well soon and can get back to writing more stuff for this awesome site.

Thank you,

The Judge Game Team.

Some of you might currently be in a beta for the New Dashboard. Tell us what you think. We would love to hear from you.

In addition to the PC version of the game, the Robin Bundle Pack is now available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for 560 Microsoft Points, PlayStation®Network for £5.49, as well as all supported digital platforms.

In the Robin Bundle Pack, Robin will come complete with his own unique gadgets and special moves, and will be playable in all challenge maps in the game, as well as two additional challenge maps that are included with the pack – Black Mask Hideout and Freight Train Escape. The pack will also contain two alternative Robin character skins.

Here is a trailer for the Robin DLC Pack… Enjoy

Sumthing Else Music Works, through its licensing relationship with Microsoft Studios, proudly presents Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Soundtrack featuring new orchestrations of the classic Halo: Combat Evolved music originally created by award-winning composers Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Soundtrack will be available as a 2-disc CD album released to retail outlets worldwide on November 15th through Sumthing Else Music Works www.sumthing.com and for digital download at Sumthing Digital www.sumthingdigital.com, Amazon MP3, iTunes® and other digital music sites.

Created in celebration of the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history; Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is a spectacularly remastered version of the original Halo campaign. In addition to all of the new features, achievements, challenges and new fiction to uncover, Halo: Anniversary includes six of the most popular multiplayer maps in the history of Halo and one new Firefight map for cooperative play over Xbox LIVE®.

The official release also gives out some details on multiplayer, though most of its pretty sparse. Promising a huge variety of both co-op and multiplayer experiences. Players will be rewarded for working together as a team with good communication and the ability to make split second decisions. Unfortunately not much to go off of for multiplayer plans.

Now that we got the formalities out the way, We would love to hear what you guys think its going to be. Where its going to take place(LA, Ny, Chicago, Miami etc…)? Who you think the main character will be?

Id also like to hear what game you guys think will be better SR3 or GTA V? I know they are not the same game But We would still like to know.

Personally I think its going to be either in LA or Chicago. I think the main character is going to be a new character. And again personally I thin SR3 is going to be better but thats be cause im a  Saints Row Fan. “Saints Row Bitch Saints Row” – David Banner Saints Row

Any ways that all.

Talk to you all later.

P.S. If you a Saints Row Fan keep an eye out, going to be doing a Saints Row 1 Montage this week.

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While this is our third code, more will be on the way at some point so just make sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Gotham City Imposter Beta Code

Bellow are the instructions on how to redeem the code.

1.Go to http://www.gothamcityimpostors.com/
2.Click “Sign Up for Beta”
3.Create/Sign-In to your WBID Account
4.Complete the registration Process as instructed

The Sinestro Corp needs a new recruit for sector 2814, the first person to get the code into the Redeem Codes section of their PS3 will be rewarded with the Sinestro Corp skin for Batman: Arkham City. The skin is usable in challenge maps and after beating the campaign once.

LJ86-MCNM-9TMQ

Taking you deeper into the fight with three explosive new maps, three new playable characters, two new weapon skins, and additional achievements worth 250 Gamerscore, the Horde Command Pack also includes new fortification upgrades to help you mow down the Lambent and Locust threats in the fan-favorite Horde mode.

Available for 800 Microsoft Points or for download automatically to consumers who have purchased the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass, which entitles you to the game’s first four game add-ons at a 33 percent discount, the Horde Command Pack includes:

Three spectacular new maps:

• Blood Drive – The Jacinto Medical Plaza was overwhelmed by evacuated citizens after the government-sanctioned Hammer Strikes, and the ensuing riots quickly turned this safe haven into a dangerous inferno. An abundance of high ground and funneled choke points make this map a returning favourite to Horde.

• Rustlung – Once the pride of the Royal Tyran Navy, the foredecks of this decommissioned battleship are now riddled with bullet holes. Any team with the fortitude to hold the exposed central torpedo bay will find that the ship’s Loader has been replaced with a battle-ready Silverback mech suit.

• Azura – This island resort was once the exclusive domain of Sera’s educated elite, but the tranquil water gardens and lush foliage have become a hotly contested combat zone. Dual snipers overlook a powerful explosive weapon, while the defensive central platform may be your last resort of retreat.

New fortification upgrades:

• Command Center – A brand new type of fortification that allows you to call in fire support from sniper teams, mortar strikes and even multiple Hammers of Dawn.

• Decoy Upgrade – A new fortification level that turns your decoy into an Onyx Guard bot that will fight in your defense.

• Sentry Upgrade – This upgrade adds a fire bolt sentry that deals much more damage and is very effective against Berserkers.

• Silverback Upgrade – This advancement allows you to upgrade your Silverback exo-suit with devastating rockets and extra levels of repair cost reduction.

New characters:

• Onyx Guard

• Big Rig Dizzy

• Bernie

New weapon skins:

• Team Plasma

•   Jungle Camo

Also playable in Beast mode and privately hosted Versus matches, the Horde Command Pack promises to extend your “Gears of War 3” experience with countless hours of multiplayer mayhem on Xbox LIVE. Stay tuned for future game add-on announcements including new campaign and multiplayer content, bringing you more of the year’s biggest blockbuster later this winter. To download the first four game add-ons as soon as they are available at a discounted price, be sure to pick up the “Gears of War 3” Season Pass today for 2400 Microsoft points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.

The post also reveals who will take over for Stahl at the end of the month when he leaves. Stephen D’Angelo chief technical officer of Cryptic and former lead programmer of Star Trek Online. D’Angelo was noted to have put in a lot of work on the games Foundry system, in order to help fans better understand what type of work he has done.  It is currently planned for D’Angelo to lead the game as executive producer until the free to play launch and probably for sometime afterwards at which point he will be replaced with a permanent executive producer. Anyone interested to see what exactly Stahl wrote to the community can be found here.

The final group is the Legendary players, who as you might expect enjoy unlimited use of the games features at the cost of $15.00 a month. In addition those who choose to stay subscribed as part of the Legendary group will gain free access to DLC as it released. SOE said they hope to release DLC on a quarterly basis. A breakdown of the different tiers of players can be found here.

In addition to the new company will send out PS#, Xbox 360, and Wii titles in a similar fashion to the upgrade to blu-ray option. CEO of Reed Hastings released a video apologizing for the way in which they changed the service, and explained why they made the changes.

Ballmer said they have a chance to succeed where others have failed for two main reasons. The first is the large number of xbox consoles already in homes allows Microsoft to add new capability to hardware many people already own, rather then forcing them to go out and buy something brand new. The second is Kinect support, users will be able to use voice commands to have Bing search for the show you want. This should work to also find a certain season or episode, but that feature did not work in the demo at the meeting.

Expert opinions on the matter are mixed with some analysts saying Microsoft is uniquely positioned to succeed and others questioning why someone would use a service they already have on their television. Some also believe Microsoft will need a way to drive users towards new content rather then just the ability to search for something they have already seen is a vital function needed to set it apart.

While pricing and the exact date of launch have yet to be revealed, it is a good possibility it will launch at the same time as the new dashboard which is planned to launch this Holiday season as well, with beta starting for that next month.

Source: CNN

That being said Parcel Gamer of the Game Gavel Network believes they have come up with a pretty good solution to include the publishers in second hand game sales and at the same time get more money to the consumer. It might not be the solution for what is becoming the slow death of the physical media, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Parcel Gamer plans to benefit players by giving 30% more for games that you trade in. Choose which games you would like to trade in and simply mail the game in with a postage paid and pre-addressed package.  At this point a valid credit card on file will get credited before Parcel Gamer even gets your games. After games are ordered online they should arrive within two to three days with shipping covered by Parcel Gamer. Further more Parcel plans to work with publishers to include online passes in used copies of their games.

Planning to give publishers back 10% back from all sales, Parcel projects they will give back $500 million to the publishers within the first four to five years. In addition they plan to give publishers statistics on the sales of their games in order to help determine a games popularity. Mike Kennedy CEO of  Game Gavel Network stated they already had one large developer on board with them, and they hoped to have around six to eight more publishers by October.

Both the publishers and consumers win so you are no doubt asking whats the downside by now. Well there is the requirement of a valid credit card which may stop would be younger consumers unable to meet that requirement for one reason or another. Second they plan to deal only with newer games, so if you have an old PS2 title your out of luck. Industry analyst Michael Pachter of Pach Attack predicts that the risk is to high and the pay off to little for it to work, despite the fact that he believes gamers will be attracted to the new idea.

Source: The Video Game Writers

“Class Action Waiver. ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS, WHETHER IN ARBITRATION OR COURT, WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION OR AS A NAMED OR UNNAMED MEMBER IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, REPRESENTATIVE OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION, UNLESS BOTH YOU AND THE SONY ENTITY WITH WHICH YOU HAVE A DISPUTE SPECIFICALLY AGREE TO DO SO IN WRITING FOLLOWING INITIATION OF THE ARBITRATION. THIS PROVISION DOES NOT PRECLUDE YOUR PARTICIPATION AS A MEMBER IN A CLASS ACTION FILED ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 20, 2011.”

In other words if your looking to sue Sony for something it has or has not done, then you will have to do so alone. While this seems like a way to partially worm out of its responsibilities to its user base, they do give users a way to opt out of the waiver AND continue to use the Playstation Network. In addition to the above another part also will restrict users from taking Sony to court stating they will need to use a neutral arbitrator that is not a Judge or Jury.

RIGHT TO OPT OUT OF BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER WITHIN 30 DAYS. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE BOUND BY THE BINDING ARBITRATION AND CLASS ACTION WAIVER IN THIS SECTION 15, YOU MUST NOTIFY SNEI IN WRITING WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE THAT YOU ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT. YOUR WRITTEN NOTIFICATION MUST BE MAILED TO 6080 CENTER DRIVE, 10TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045, ATTN: LEGAL DEPARTMENT/ARBITRATION AND MUST INCLUDE: (1) YOUR NAME, (2) YOUR ADDRESS, (3) YOUR PSN ACCOUNT NUMBER, IF YOU HAVE ONE, AND (4) A CLEAR STATEMENT THAT YOU DO NOT WISH TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WITH ANY SONY ENTITY THROUGH ARBITRATION.

The above states that if you do not want to be bound by the class action waiver and arbitration waiver you can opt get out of your agreement if you mail them a letter to the above address stating clearly you do not want to take part in it. You will also need to send in the other information asked for above to the address provided. While its certainly not convenient as clicking the button that agrees to the waiver in the first place, it is a way out that doesn’t require you to stop using the Playstation Network.

Announced today at the Tokyo Game Show, “Breakneck” (also known as “Headlong” in classic mode) takes you back to “Halo 2’s” fan favorite large-scale multiplayer map and lets you experience the pulse-pounding action like never before with “Halo: Anniversary’s” stunningly updated visuals

HEADLONG (Breakneck) – Section 21 once looked out onto the New Mombasa Orbital Elevator with pride and optimism. Now, with much of the city eviscerated by the Covenant’s brutal assault, the skyline remains only a shattered ghost of what it once was. Headlong provides a large, skyscraper-hemmed construction site with numerous vantage points for clever snipers as well as a large central basin for excellent vehicle combat. (8 – 16 players)

Additionally, 343 Industries debuted and demoed the very first “Halo” campaign level ever, “Pillar of Autumn” in its newly remastered, “Halo: Anniversary” form. While the corridors and corners of the iconic starship remain true to their classic form, the all-new graphical treatment and remastered audio paint an altogether more detailed, visceral introduction to the “Halo” universe and its iconic hero, the Master Chief.

Also in Tokyo, 343 Industries revealed new details around the highly anticipated title update for “Halo: Reach.” Announced at Halo Fest, the update features the return of the iconic “Halo: Combat Evolved” Magnum pistol and classic playlists designed to reignite the multiplayer mayhem players first enjoyed a decade ago.

The update will also introduce a myriad of multiplayer fixes fans have been clamouring for, including balancing armour abilities like Armour Lock and Active Camo. Players will be able to experience a first taste of some of these changes when beta playlists become available on 4 October. The beta will be open to all “Halo: Reach” players with an active Xbox LIVE Gold membership, and will culminate with the launch of a full suite of classic playlists and map variants when “Halo: Anniversary” arrives on 15 November.

For additional details on the title update and how to participate in the beta, please visit www.halowaypoint.com/TU.

With a bounty of new features including cooperative play over Xbox LIVE, a bundle of some of the most beloved multiplayer maps in “Halo” history re-imagined, new challenges and new story to uncover, “Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” is a must-have experience, coming exclusively to Xbox 360 on 15 November 2011

For screenshots of Headlong/Breakneck, Please click here.

“We wanted to create a world that captured the spirit of the Western,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “We are thrilled that Red Dead Redemption’s vision of the West resonated with so many people.”

Red Dead Redemption: Game of the Year Edition will include the full, original Red Dead Redemption game; all free and paid downloadable content packs released to date, including the wildly popular Undead Nightmare single- and multiplayer offerings; and all bonus content. The comprehensive package includes:

•             Original Red Dead Redemption game with a brand-new hardcore single-player mode;

•             Undead Nightmare single-player campaign and multiplayer* modes;

•             Legends and Killers Pack*, featuring additional multiplayer map locations, multiplayer characters, and the Tomahawk projectile weapon;

•             Liars and Cheats Pack*, including the Stronghold multiplayer competitive mode, Free Roam gambling games, multiplayer horse races with combat, and the Explosive Rifle.

•             Hunting and Trading Outfits Pack, featuring two outfits with corresponding gameplay challenges for John Marston;

•             Outlaws To The End Co-Op Mission Pack*, including six co-op missions for up to four players;

•             All original pre-order content, including the Deadly Assassin Outfit, War Horse, and Golden Guns Weapon Pack;

•             Solomon’s Folly single-player gang hideout and challenges available for the first time on Xbox 360;

•             Just-released Myths and Mavericks Bonus Pack, featuring fan-favorite multiplayer characters and all-new locations to battle in.

Set in the early years of the 20th century, Red Dead Redemption is an epic Western journey across the vanishing American frontier through the eyes of former outlaw John Marston. Alongside the rich, immersive single-player experience, Red Dead Redemption’s multiplayer offers a world of dynamic challenges and competitive games suited for a player of any skill level.

Red Dead Redemption: Game of the Year Edition is rated 18 and will be available at retail stores in the UK beginning October 14, 2011. The Myths and Mavericks Bonus Pack is out now and available for free to download on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network.

When asked about when players could expect to see the bulk of content that was said to follow the last major update Cryptic stated they had planned to release it with the transition to F2P set for sometime before the end of this year. They did say it was possible it may get released before that point to the test server for players to play around with it before the transition. This new content includes creating one undivided galaxy, as opposed to the current setup of several instanced maps.

Cryptic also says that they are also now in the process of hiring more employees to work on all areas of the game. However they did not state what specfically the current plans are for the new hires. They also said Perfect World is working on localization of the game to other languages, though they said the process may take a while.

Species which must currently be bought will become rewards in some form, though details are still up in the air. Cryptic is looking at setting them as part of a lifetime membership, veteran rewards, and maybe achievements.

Is response to a question if paid members will have any priority over free members when it came to new content, Cryptic responded that they would have priority login if the need for it arose.

There is a great deal more information found in the link provided above, but I am going to cut this off here in order to keep it relatively short.

Smedley also stated the current plans for the beta placed it in late 2011 or early 2012. Though he specifically mentioned the US, its likely other countries will start to test around the same time. Crafting was also brought up, Smedley simply responded saying he was unsure what they meant by crafting, but that plans for players to be able to make weapons not available at launch existed right now.

The second reason behind putting a stop to the beta for the weekend was a new build of the game was being released that would not be ready for the weekend. In addition they did not want to ask the EU to have to download the client a second time. Bioware and EA have stated that TOR will be linked to feedback from the beta and as such that may mean a delay is a bad thing. Especially when Reid said he could not guarantee any more beta testing weekends during the month of September. However EA still insists the game will be released before the end of the year, and they said they hope to have the release date out sometime next month.

Just wanted to let you know that the Live Feed has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 10th, 2011 at 8pm EDT. Its still going to be on the same page but just encase you didn’t bookmark here is the original post…

We at judge game have a vision of what we want the Judge title to become. As of right now we are but a small minnow swimming in the ocean that is the internet. We have a plan, and its starting to take shape and we would be honored if you would join us. So please if you are interested is seeing where judge game is going next, please check out this page, Tuesday September 6th, at 8:00pm EDT Saturday, September 10th, 2011 at 8pm EDT.

There will be a live video feed of whats to come of judge game, as well as a chat that goes along side of it. I will do my best to answer as many questions as I can. Please check it out. It would mean a lot to us.

Thanks,
Steven Costello
Judge Game – Co-Founder

They were quick to issue a statement and apology on the matter. Deep Silver said “These unfortunate actions were of one individual at developer company Techland and do not in any way represent the views of publishing company Deep Silver.” Techland responded to Eurogamer saying they would investigate the issue  and issue a statement later. Though they did apologize and say it should never have happened at that time.

Official response came later and is as follows “It has come to our attention that one of Dead Island’s leftover debug files contains a highly inappropriate internal script name of one of the character skills. This has been inexcusably overlooked and released with the game. The line in question was something a programmer considered a private joke. The skill naturaly [sic] has a completely different in-game name and the script reference was also changed. What is left is a part of an obscure debug function. This is merely an explanation but by no means an excuse. In the end that code was made a part of the product and signed with our company name.

“We deeply regret that fact and we apologize to all our customers or anyone who might have been offended by that inappropriate expression. The person responsible for this unfortunate situation will face professional consequences for violating the professional standards and beliefs Techland stands for.”

While its hard to judge the sincerity of the company’s response, its probable the dev who created the code will be severely reprimanded if not fired. Either way this will be one more strike against Techland and its going to hurt badly after the build issue.

-Team vs Team has been added to the player arena

-Ability to check gamer cards in Xbox Live matches

-News ticker added to the main menu

-level 256 cheat, data copy glitch, and sandworm experience glitch all squashed

-Wedding crashers save fixed when leaving flowery fields

-smoothed alien hominids splash power when traveling over water

-Iceskimo’s power drainage from magic slowed

-Alien hominid, Demon, and Iceskimo improved elemental attacks

-Animal orbs no longer fight if you die

-fixed floating characters in beefy arena

-sandwiches can now be picked up after volcano boss fight

In addition to the above changes two new avatar items have been added, the orange knight helmet and the cardinal pet orb. Also two DLC’s have been released. The Pink Knight has been released as a free download, however with each of the first 50,000 downloads $1.00 will be donated to the Keep a Breast foundation. The pink knight also features several new weapons for players to save the king and his daughters. The blacksmith is the second DLC but will come at the cost of 160 Microsoft points, described as a non-Mel Gibson Braveheart the blacksmith also comes sporting new weapons and an awesome look.

Players will now be gold (subscribed members) and silver (free) If you used to pay but would like to go free you will be able to convert your character, but you may lose access to some of your gear or veteran rewards. Klingon’s are now unlocked at level 25, players who already have Klingon’s will keep them but their level will be increased. Ability to create a fleet will be limited as well as chat (to help avoid spammers), credit limit, character slots, inventory. Access to the foundry will also be given only to gold members, though silver players can play foundry created missions.

Forums and customer service are both limited which I find personally a bit of a let down. Several game currencies are being made into one new type called Dilithium like in the TV shows. This new currency will also now be used to buy standard ships in game and can be earned through “normal means”.

It has not been stated if this transition will affect how new content is put out, currently Cryptic tries to put out small amounts of stuff over short period of time resulting in a steady stream of content. In addition they have not said whether you will still be able to earn C-store items through free in game means such as crafting or marks (now Dilithium)

“I had a great run at Microsoft,” Payton told Kotaku. “I don’t regret one day of it. But after a few years, there came a point where I wasn’t creatively excited about the project anymore.”

“Continuing, Payton added, “The Halo I wanted to build was fundamentally different and I don’t think I had built enough credibility to see such a crazy endeavor through.”

This doesn’t mean Payton thinks Halo 4 will be a bad game. The core team is top flight, and they are there because they want to make the best Halo they can. It’s just not the Halo Payton wanted to make.

So what do you think this means for the Halo franchise, Who do you think they are going to get to fill the void?

I know I promised you a look in to the future of Judge Game, and I will keep that promise, but unfortunately there has been a delay in the process.  The script that we were going to use, one of their lead developers has fallen ill and can not make the finishing touches on the software till he gets better. They said that they will still release the Beta of the script this week, but they have yet to announce a new date. I will keep you guys posted as to when we will be demoing it for you guys.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience.

Thanks You,
Judge Arrow
Steven Costello – Co-Founder

There will be a live video feed of whats to come of judge game, as well as a chat that goes along side of it. I will do my best to answer as many questions as I can. Please check it out. It would mean a lot to us.

Thanks,
Steven Costello
Judge Game – Co-Founder

Each presentation will be open to all interested investors through a live audio Web broadcast via the Internet on the  Investor Relations Event Calendar page of THQ’s website located at  http://investor.thq.com. An archived replay of each presentation will also be available on the company’s website approximately 24 hours following each live broadcast.

Seams to me that they are papering for a big announcement. Wonder what it could be?

Characters

Landon Ricketts, Vicente DeSanta, Drew MacFarlane, Deputy Eli, Deputy Jonah, Javier Esquella, Nastas, and Uncle.

Locations and their new gametypes

Cochinay – gold rush, shootout, gang shootout, stronghold

Nekoti Rock – gold rush, shootout, gang shootout

El Presidio – gold rush, shootout, gang shootout

Plainview – gold rush, shootout, gang shootout

Gaptooth Mine - shootout, gang shootout

Pike’s Basin - shootout, gang shootout

Rio Bravo - shootout, gang shootout

Perdido – hold your own, grab the bag

Benedict Point – hold your own, grab the bag

Beecher’s Hope – stronghold

Torquemada - stronghold

Armadillo - stronghold

Chuparosa - stronghold

Tumbleweed -  stronghold

Shield damage bleed through

Currently when you melee someone with low shields their health is untouched, the planned changes will have any extra damage to the shields take away from health like the former games.

Adjustable reticle bloom

Bloom has been a harsh topic of debate for the Reach community, with most saying that it needs to go all together. This new feature would make it so you could reduce it to zero and remove the bloom effect all together, or increase it so bloom takes even longer to go away and further decreases accuracy.

Armor Lock

Stickies will now stay attached, damage reduces how long it can be used, how much damage affects remaining time can be adjusted.

Active Camo

In short the time someone can stay in active camo has been reduced to try and decrease it use to stay in one spot for several minutes.

Remove sword block

Personally I disliked the sword block a great deal when the game first released. While I have grown a bit more used to it and it has saved me from certain doom on a number of occasions I am looking forward to its removal.

Halo CE pistol

The pistol can now be made automatic, adjustable rate of fire, adjustable damage. The doom bringer what more can I say?

Co-op Campaign and firefight not longer require an HDD

Well that one is the featured change….

New clues are to be posted every week for players to solve on a facebook page linked to the site. The website states the more people that are involved the chances for a greater reward are increased. What the reward(s) will be are as of now still unknown, however the mystery man says he will send us real things when he can which suggests it is probably the rewards.

PS3 users started to notice problems this evening with installing their downloaded PSP games they have purchased from the Playstation Store when they received an error code.  Shortly after that “Undergoing Maintenance” messages began to appear when trying to access the Playstation Store, the Account Management tool and when attempting to log in to the Playstation website.  It does not appear that this was scheduled as it occurred not long after the Playstation Store was updated with this week’s new releases.  No word from Sony on this yet.  Hopefully this is not related to another hacking attempt and will be resolved soon.

Mini Guide – This feature will give you a preview of content that can be found right at the bottom of the screen. One such example is Saturday college footbawill and the ability to switch to the game at half time and the go back to check earlier highlights to catch up on what you missed.

Live Alerts – Live Alerts bolsters the mini guide by posting score changes for college games just in case you missed the score.

College Football Scoreboard – The above coincides with this feature as well, you are instantly able to jump to this feature which is capable of running in the new split screen mode. As you might expect this is a live scoreboard for college football.

My Sports – You will now be able to select your favorite sports and teams, this adds a new channel which you can jump to view the new most relevant to you.

Split Screen – I mentioned this feature before, you are now able to run two different feeds at the same time. this feature also allows you to run the screens separately.

BottomLine – This will contain breaking news and scores from all sports.

Reminders – Such a big sports fan that you have a hard time keeping all the games straight? Not a problem, ESPN has got your back with the ability to set reminders on the events you don’t want to miss.

Voice Control – You will now be able to control ESPN on your xbox with your voice with the support of Kinect.

This is certainly a great addition for Halo fans already looking to get the game, however if you planned on buying it just for the warthog you may want to put your pre-order towards something else.

A quick web search will reveal just how popular this mod is, and hopefully with that support the hoped for features will come to fruition. 15 Pokemon currently exist in the mod, however all 151 original Pokemon will be added. Each Pokemon should be generated into the correct biome, some form a party system, a nameplate and health system. In addition plans to add team rocket and other trainers who will use hostile pokemon to battle you will be added. The biggest things being the battle support and multiplayer are still in the works, but hopefully once both are finished I will begin a Pokemon underground fight where you pink slip your Pokemon. While more items, gyms, and towns are planned to be added, some fans have already been hard at work recreating the Pokemon game world literally one block at a time. They have already completed Kanto, Hoenn, work on Sinnoh is still incomplete however.

Notch has now come back and issued a challenge to Bethesda saying that if he wins the matches he gets to keep the name, however if Bethesda wins Notch will have the name of the game changed as requested. He also said either way he would also be willing to add something to the game to differentiate the two games. While this sounds like a bit of a joke to take a knock at the lawsuit, however Notch insisted he was series about the challenge. The details of the match state each company picks its top three players, each picks a map of their choice, and then they play for twenty minutes and the team with the high number of kills wins.

Personally I am pulling for Notch over such a silly lawsuit, however I think it would be a great move on the part of both Mojang and Bethesda if they settled this in a game rather then in a court room.

The most important addition though has to be the additions made to the Archenemy gametype, six new single player campaign levels and eleven new Archenemy campaign levels as well as four challenges added to it. Players will now be able to step into the shoes of the Archenemy and fend off three planeswalkers during the campaign. In addition players will now be able to play as and against a human Archenemy during the campaign.

The beta is currently closed access, however plans are currently set to open it up on a national level early in 2012. Members of Gamestop’s power up rewards program will gain access to a demo of Spawn’s client. Release of the final version of the spawn client will be roughly mid 2012 with more specific information on it set to release on it early in the year.

New Xbox 360 dashboard planned for later this year will be called twist control. Robin Burrowes discussed the planned update at Gamescon, stating the ultimate goal for the system would be a less cluttered display and to show the Xbox Live service is capable of looking beyond the gaming aspect. Burrowes said the inclusion of Disney into the Zune marketplace attracted a more general audience and made it necessary to clean up the marketplace which contains close to 20,000 items.

Assuring 360 fans Microsoft remains devoted to the 360′s core fan base he made mention of new kinect support features, cloud gaming, facebook. Kinect users will be able to use voice commands and the motion sensor to navigate this new dashboard right away an example of which can be seen in the above image. However players who use a controller will be given new channels and sections as well, the top display near the hand icon will be used for quick browsing of the new dash. New sections such as the beacons will be added, from which users will be able to access social channels which contains things like facebook from which they will be able to post right from their xbox. Users will also be able to use Bing on the new dash, in the example shown bing was asked to find Batman, it then pulled up all related Batman shows, movies, games, and DLC.

While PS3 users have likely used voice chat for various online games that they play, this is a feature of the game rather then the PS3. This means that players will not be seeing cross game voice chat on the PS3.

Source: Eurogamer

The idea behind a “MSP” would be that players would be capable of playing a game that was more dynamic then a single player game. Designed for those who would not want to deal with other players or simply enjoyed their privacy. Despite not actually interacting with other players they could effect the world around you such as the economy or perhaps the control over factional control over a region However the actual features of such a game will likely remain unknown until it is actually made (if it is).

However one can speculate from information on the website that it takes place sometime in the 1940′s or possibly earlier, it is dealing with some sort of invasion probably aliens as they are from the sky, your defenders is likely the US government, it is possible the governments denial means everyone is unaware of the aliens and they are denying their existence, or they are already here and the government insists they are friendly. Once again all of this second paragraph is speculation.

Weapons have been re-balanced with the aim to expand beyond the four main weapons (those being AWP, AK, M4, D.Eagle according to Levine) Levine said the current set up over powers weapons such as the SMG’s while leaving rifles under powered, in addition new weapons that were seen included a new heavy machine gun, new pistols, and a new shotgun. Valve has designed the weapons to be easily adjustable which means feedback on the weapons will be far easier to put into effect before launch.

New items also include a Molotov cocktail which does what you would expect it to do, Levine said it was useful for redirecting the other team and slowing the push on an objective. He also mentioned a decoy grenade which replicates the sound of gunfire in order to give the illusion of being a player. Players during these tests also started out with full Kevlar and different weapon prices, it has been stated that depending on how testers react and use these that these are likely to change.

- Auto upload feature for online save back up

- Trophy’s will now sync at time of auto download

- Recommendation system for Playstation store items

- XMB TV/Video Services section to contain Netlix, Hulu Plus, Vudu

- My Channels allow you to easily access downloaded applications

- 3D support for java based features on Blu-Ray

- Lossless audio supported for Blu-Ray 3D movies

- 3D digital photos can be viewed in MPO format in the photo gallery

F1 ONLINE: THE GAME will give players the chance to be the driver and the team boss in a game that combines intuitive top-down racing gameplay with a rewarding management game as players create and manage their own team. Gamers can see the first F1 ONLINE: THE GAME screenshots and register their interest to receive updates about the game by logging into www.F1OnlineTheGame.com.

“FORMULA ONE is a proven major games brand that resonates with players on a global level and is recognised as one the biggest sports licenses in videogames. As the worldwide gaming market evolves, 2012 is the perfect time to extend this series to the free-to-play market,” said David Solari, VP, Codemasters Online.
“Building on the commercial and critical success of our high-definition FORMULA ONE games, this is an exciting opportunity to bring our passion for the sport and our expertise in racing to a new audience. With a bespoke design for accessible browser play, F1 ONLINE: THE GAME is a perfect complimentary experience to the HD series and will appeal to a broad spectrum of FORMULA ONE’s millions of fans worldwide.”

Developed under Codemasters’ exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited, F1 ONLINE: THE GAME will feature all the official drivers, teams and circuits from the 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™. F1 ONLINE: THE GAME will deliver a persistent world of FORMULA ONE to players through their internet browser, perfect for anytime racing.

Fans will be able to race with their favourite team in online multiplayer races across a range of game modes, from entering the full 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP to GRAND PRIX™ events complete with practice and qualifiers and a range of challenges and time trials. Gamers will be able to track and share their progress via a range of leaderboard and social network features.

Players will have the opportunity to create their very own team and become immersed in a world of FORMULA ONE on a grand scale; choosing their team name, designing a livery and leading the development of a personal franchise. As racer and team boss, they will manage the commercial, research, production and race crew functions required for success on track.

F1 ONLINE: THE GAME is being developed in house at Codemasters using the Unity game engine, to deliver stunning performance in a web browser. Iconic tracks including Monaco, Silverstone and Spa will be authentically brought to life by using track data and assets taken from the forthcoming F1 2011™ for high definition consoles and PC Games for Windows.

F1 ONLINE: THE GAME is set to launch in Q1 2012. To register interest, gamers can visit www.F1OnlineTheGame.com. To get all the news straight from the studio race over to www.facebook.com/F1OnlineTheGame or follow the team on twitter at www.twitter.com/F1OnlineTheGame.

From September 3-11, PlayStation^®Plus members and Uplay members will enjoy exclusive access to the multiplayer beta on PlayStation^®3. The multiplayer beta offers access to nine characters (The Sentinel, The Vanguard, The Guardian, The Vizier, The Thespian, The Deacon, The Bombardier, The Trickster and The Champion), three maps (Knight’s Hospital, Antioch, Constantinople) and four playable modes (Wanted, Manhunt, Deathmatch *NEW*, and Artifact Assault *NEW*), which are only a sample of the final multiplayer content.

In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of the legendary Altaïr on a journey of discovery and revelation. It is a perilous path – one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilize the region.

Assassin’s Creed^® Revelations will be available on November 15, 2011 along with the Collector’s Edition, the Animus Edition and the Special Edition.

ALT1 Games has plans to release new updates during the open beta test, as well as run a number of events including beta key giveaways for new and current users. For the open beta test, ALT1 Games has changed the game engine to enhance the quality of game graphics and improve game. If you participated in the previous test, you can check how much the graphics have changed. You can view the updated graphics at the Troy Online official homepage.(http://troy.alt1games.com/)

ALT1 Games has placed a server in Europe to solve the lagging problems which plagued international users. The strong point of the game was that the battle system allowed more than a hundred users to fight at once and thelag did not allow players to experience these wars. The lag issues should slow down if not cease entirely with the implementation of a European server.

ALT1 Games has also announced that they will continue to update the game to reduce further lagging issues and place servers in other territories in accordance with user distribution.

To participate in the open beta test, players need to sign up at the Troy Online official website and download the client. All players, even those with the closed beta client, must download the new client. Don’t miss the open beta events, starting August 12^th! Check out more details at the event page.

OnLive membership is free, providing free instant demos of any game, exclusive massive spectating with voice chat of any live game in play on OnLive—whether in the UK or around the world, Brag Clip® videos of the most awesome (or most hilarious) gaming moments, and Facebook Brag Clip postings and notifications.

Over 100 games, including top titles released the same second as consoles and PCs, available for great deals under a range of pricing plans, including OnLive’s flat-rate PlayPack bundle with over 70 games, rentals and full purchases. With free try-before-buy demos, spectating and trailers all with full Web-based parental controls.

Just sign up for free at www.onlive.co.uk, and get priority access, starting 22^nd September with almost any PC or Mac via a small browser download, on the iPad or Android tablet via the free app, or on any HDTV via the OnLive Game System.

“OnLive will utterly transform gaming in the UK,” said OnLive Founder and CEO Steve Perlman. “No discs, big downloads or specialised hardware needed. OnLive gives you the latest games instantly, anytime, anywhere on HDTV, PC, Mac, as well as iPad, Android tablets. High-performance gaming as accessible as streaming video, with unique social features such as massive spectating with voice chat and Facebook integration.”

As previously announced, OnLive is working closely on its UK launch plans with BT plc, our exclusive broadband partner in the UK. Further details will be announced shortly.

OnLive in the UK will be fully integrated with OnLive’s North American service, including trans-Atlantic massive spectating and voice chat, as well as multiplayer gaming for games suited for long-distance multiplayer. OnLive will steadily expand to other European countries as well as to other continents following the UK launch. Subject to local rules and regulations, OnLive Player Tags will give OnLive members access to their OnLive account anywhere in the world that OnLive is available.

As well as being able to try, rent or buy games, UK members will have access to the best value in gaming: the OnLive PlayPack Bundle. PlayPack subscribers have unlimited access to a growing library of more than 70 games including Homefront Large-Scale Warfare Multiplayer, F.E.A.R. 3 Multiplayer, LEGO^® Batman and the original Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition.

Gamefly is currently in talks with publishers about signing up with the program, stating several have already signed but that they will not be announcing who as of quite yet. They also stated that unlimited PC play will not be part of a separate package but part of the standard setup. Gamefly plans on launching the beta sometime in September coinciding with an L.A. launch event, the attendees of which will receive two beta codes to the program to use and share. Those who cannot make it to yet another L.A. based event can request a beta invite here.

First was being greeted by a fifteen part privacy policy and a terms of service I needed to agree to in order to play online.The other was the improvements and changes made to the game, for instance the side view you are now given when kicking off which I found to be quite awkward. In addition more subtle changes to fine details such as animations when tackling have been added for a more realistic feel.

This comes after several company employees and other outside sources such as a team building company that visited the studio made claims of a hostile work environment. The claims say the boss of the team Brendan McNamara often yelled at the team out in the open, and forced them to work isolated from one another. McNamara responded saying “Is that a bad thing?” The claims continue on to discuss long working hours expected of employees and that the developments leads were often phased out of decisions by those above them.

She also says allowing your kids to teach you the game is a good opportunity for your child to break something down and explain it to someone else. In some cases if a child is having a difficult time getting past a point in a game they may become frustrated, Olson says this is a great opportunity to teach them about frustration and delayed gratification which I often hear many parents complaining about now. She suggests that parents can also help children by selecting games in areas in which they struggle, she gives the example of buying a game with more text for a child that is struggling to read.  Most simple but possibly most important of all the benefits playing with your children grants is the opportunity to become closer to your kid and talk to them in a comfortable situation without driving them away.  The article on Huffington Post also advises parents not to keep gaming system in their kids room, and to monitor what games their kids play.

It is important to note that on early access that after the three day period the digital download on the system of their choice will expire when the actual game launches. However achievements and trophies will carry over to the full version of the game. The first content to be provided will be the customization center packs for FIFA Soccer 12. In addition to all of this subscribers will receive a membership badge in both physical and digital forms, the digital form will be connected to your profile on EASPORTS.com .

Pre-orders will also net you some extra bonuses, both versions will receive Kar98  9130 Nagant Bayonets, and both Russian Guard and German Assault badges. 10% reduction in price will be given to those who pre-order, and a 20% bonus will be given to owners of the first Red Orchestra.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are taking this show on the road, and fans and media will be able to get their first look at the game at Gamescom 2011 from August 17 – August 21, and at PAX Prime (Booth #3417) from August 26 – August 28.

In the game, the single-player storyline is revealed through a series of flashbacks as Marine Staff Sergeant Henry Blackburn races to prevent an attack on New York City by a deadly force known as the PLR. As Blackburn recalls key events leading up to the attack, players take control of several characters in heart-pounding missions across land, sea and air. One of these characters is Dmitri “Dima” Mayakovsky, a legendary and pragmatic GRU operator in the twilight of his Special Forces career. Known as a “cleaner”, Dima is the sort of person that does whatever it takes to get the job done. The book picks up where the game leaves off, allowing McNab and Grimsdale to give a thrilling new perspective into Dima’s own personal quest as well as the events of Battlefield 3.

“It is impossible for any single medium to fully capture the emotion and intensity of war. The Battlefield 3: The Russian novel is one window into the experience, and the game is another. They complement each other perfectly,” said Andy McNab. “Working with DICE has been a fantastic ride. Battlefield 3 is going to surprise people this autumn. The story, the characters, the world and the intense action come together to create a resonant, memorable experience.”

McNab is also working with the team at DICE to ensure the authenticity and grittiness of today’s warfare is experienced in the single player, co-op and multiplayer campaigns. Capturing the intense reality of modern warfare across the globe, from the densely populated city streets of Paris to the barren dustbowl of the Tehran desert, Battlefield 3 is the next installment in the internationally acclaimed Battlefield series. Battlefield 3 recently took home an unprecedented 47 industry awards at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) including Best Action Game and Best Online Multiplayer from the Game Critics Awards.

Grabbing the headlines is Ultimate Game Of The Year, one of gaming’s biggest accolades and the one everyone in the industry wants in the trophy cabinet. Contenders for 2011 include Call Of Duty: Black Ops, L.A. Noire and Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, reflecting a spectacular 12 months in gaming.

While the One To Watch category looks to the future with pre-order essentials like Halo 4, Mass Effect 3 and Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Voting is live now at www.goldenjoystick.com. Voters who participate in all 14 public categories are in with a chance of winning the GamesMaster Ultimate Gaming Prize – including consoles and many of the award-nominated games.

Robin Alway, Editor-in-Chief of GamesMaster says: “The combination of 1.5 million votes last year and an outstanding 12 months for games meant the pressure was really on when it came to picking the shortlist for the Golden Joysticks. But while that was difficult, voting is easier than ever and we want every gamer to have their say.

“The shortlist features huge sequels living up to the hype, new IP establishing itself, and incredible innovation and creativity wherever you look. There could be some major upsets when the winners are announced.”

Following the success of 2010’s event, with more than 1.5 million votes cast, the GamesMaster Golden Joystick Awards has been enhanced by a number of changes.

New categories, including dedicated gongs for downloadable, mobile and free-to-play games, allow for a wider breadth of games than ever before, including success stories like Minecraft and Angry Birds.

The 2011 shortlist has been selected by a hand-picked panel of Future’s gaming experts, chaired by GamesMaster Editor-in-Chief Robin Alway.

And the brand new website at www.goldenjoystick.com makes voting quick and enjoyable – as well as easy to share thanks to full social media integration.

The new site makes it more straightforward than ever before for games players, creators and publishers alike to mobilise support for their chosen titles – the key to winning a prestigious Golden Joystick.

Winners are announced at the awards ceremony, taking place at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza on Friday 21st October. Among the surprises on the night will be a number of exclusives and reveals from all across the games industry.

Simon Maxwell, Group Publisher of Future’s Entertainment portfolio, says: “We’re drawing on 29 years of heritage to make this year’s Golden Joysticks the biggest and best ever. Table sales are moving at speed, so don’t delay if you want to be in the room for the gaming event of the year.

“We can’t wait to crown the very best gaming has to offer – get voting and make sure your favourite gets the recognition it deserves.”

To vote in the GamesMaster. Golden Joystick Awards 2011 visit www.goldenjoystick.com.

GamesMaster Golden Joystick Awards 2011 categories

• Ultimate Game of the Year
• One To Watch
• Best Shooter
• Best Action/Adventure
• Best RPG [Role-Playing Game]
• Best MMO [Massively Multiplayer Online game]
• Best Fighting Game
• Best Racing Game
• Best Sports Game
• Best Strategy Game
• Best Music-based Game
• Best Free-to-play Game
• Best Mobile Game
• Best Downloadable Game

These new accessories are actually no stranger to xbox but come with new features and looks. First up is the addition of a Bluetooth wireless headset. Capable of connecting to mobile phones, PC, and ironically a PS3. It will also operate in a separate mode using standard frequencies to communicate with your xbox. It will use blue and green LED lights to distinguish between the two. It stated if it would improve quality of sound. The cost of the new bluetooth headset  $59.99  and will be available sometime early in September, 2011.

The new  media remote does just as you would expect, it features A,X,B,Y, guide, and a D-pad buttons. In addition live tv if provided on your xbox 360 by your service provider can be controlled using the media remote. The remote will be available at the same time as the headset at the cost of $19.99

Playstation 3: $9.99

PC/Mac: 800 Bioware points

Xbox 360: 800 Microsoft points

The contest has already started and standard rules apply which can be found here. The entrance application for the contest can be found here, entrants will first be asked to enter their birth date into a name date to verify that they are old enough to participate.

In addition to the free time given to players for SWG Sony is extending this offer to a number of their other MMOs starting on October 15, 2011 and going until the end of December players will also be able to play at full paid subscriber status in Free Realms, Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, EverQuest, EverQuest II, and DC Universe Online. Further information on both in and out of game events as well as the discontinuation of services refer to the FAQs page on the SWG website.

Original story from Joystiq

Until August 5, 2011, fans can head to http://www.soularchive.jp/npc_recruiting/ to enter their name and favorite weapon fighting style for a chance to be selected for inclusion in the retail version of SOULCALIBUR V for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.  The chosen names will appear as CPU opponents for players to battle against when the game ships next year.

“Talia is such a complex character and it was great to voice her in Batman: Arkham City,” said Katic regarding her role in the game.  “I was amazed at all the detail put into the project and it’s great to see how excited the fans are about the game.”

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players soaring into Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – and the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Set inside the heavily fortified walls of a sprawling district in the heart of Gotham City, this highly anticipated sequel introduces a brand-new story that draws together a new, all-star cast of classic characters and murderous villains from the Batman universe, as well as a vast range of new and enhanced gameplay features to deliver the ultimate experience as the Dark Knight.

The  Sid Meier’s Pirates! App is an adventure-driven entertainment experience where swashbucklers descend upon unsuspecting ports of call to assemble a motley crew of seafaring bandits. Captains can collect secret treasure maps, undertake daring missions, wreak havoc with local townspeople, and swiftly hand out pirate-style justice to local braggarts before setting sail for breathtaking open sea engagements.

Overflowing with intense pirate action, the  Sid Meier’s Pirates! App has a treasure chest of gameplay riches, including classic mini-games from the original title, such as Sword Fighting, Ship Combat and Dancing. In addition, the game offers iPad 2-exclusive features, including visuals that are optimized for the iPad, the ability to “piratize” photos to display on ships, and Game Center support.

The  Sid Meier’s Pirates! App is available now at the App Store on iPad or at  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sid-meiers-pirates!-for-iphone/id451086151?ls=1&mt=8. Additionally, in celebration of the launch of the  Sid Meier’s Pirates! App, 2K Games is proud to announce that the  Sid Meier’s Civilization^® Revolution^TM  App for iPad (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/civilization-revolution-for/id364150646?ls=1&mt=8) is on sale for $6.99 until July 25, 2011.

Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle

This first ever custom Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle includes an R2-D2 blue-and-white themed console, a custom Xbox 360 Wireless Controller inspired by C-3PO and the first ever white Kinect sensor.  The bundle is set to debut alongside Kinect Star Wars, but is available now for pre-order through participating retailers.

The Xbox 360 Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars Bundle will include:

• Kinect Star Wars game
• Custom R2-D2-themed Xbox 360 Console with custom sounds
• White Kinect Sensor
• Custom C-3PO-themed Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
• 320 GB Hard Drive
• Xbox 360 Wired Headset
• Kinect Adventures game
• Exclusive downloadable content

Bellow are 2 screenshots

“We are beyond ecstatic to debut GoldenEye 007: Reloaded to the millions of fans who have been clamoring for it to arrive on Sony and Microsoft home consoles,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President at Activision Publishing.  “And now with full PlayStation Move functionality, 007 fans all around the world can play the game in full HD in more ways than ever before.”

“Promising to be one of the most immersive and interactive Bond games to date, this is an outstanding opportunity for PlayStation fans to experience one of the most iconic and action-packed shooters in an all new way with PlayStation Move and the Sharp Shooter peripheral,” said Rob Dyer, Senior Vice President, Sony Computer Entertainment of America.  “By bringing together GoldenEye 007: Reloaded, and PlayStation Move’s Sharp Shooter, we are continuing to expand the new world of motion-based entertainment appealing for hardcore fans and only possible on PlayStation.”

GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a contemporary James Bond experience featuring HD visuals and realistic environments running at 60-frames per second, akin to today’s elite action games.  Additional to the legendary story campaign, the game introduces the brand new ‘Mi6 Ops Missions’ – new, distinct levels separate from the campaign that span the varied environments from the story and challenge players to complete different Assault, Elimination, Stealth and Defence objectives.  GoldenEye 007: Reloaded also takes multiplayer to new heights, maintaining and improving its renowned four-player split-screen action and adding full, adrenaline-pumping 16-player online matches with more maps, weapons, characters and game modes than ever before.

To see the Reveal Trailer click here

To see some screenshots click here

The Batman: Arkham City Collector’s Edition will include the following extensive bonus content:

Custom Batman statue produced by Kotobukiya

Collectible art book

Early access to the  Iceberg Lounge Challenge Map and Batman: The Dark Knight Returns skin

Batman: Arkham City album from WaterTower Music including original songs by hit artists, available via digital redemption

Bonus DC Universe animated original movie, Batman: Gotham Knight

In each new copy of a Uplay Passport-enhanced game will be a one-time use registration code that, when redeemed, provides access to Uplay Passport content and features. The code can be found on the insert card inside the game box. Gamers can identify Uplay Passport-enhanced games by looking for the logo on the back of the box.

Uplay Passports will also be available for purchase on PlayStation®Store for $9.99 and on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points. Customers that rent, borrow or purchase a pre-owned game can also purchase a new Uplay Passport online for $9.99 and automatically unlock the game’s online content and features. Starting with the upcoming DRIVER^® San Francisco release, games featuring the new Uplay Passport will offer gamers exclusive bonus content plus access to online features.

• Master Chief Avatar Armour – Heroes never die, and to honour the 10^th Anniversary of John 117, you will finally be able to transform your Xbox LIVE Avatar into the iconic hero by outfitting it with Master Chief’s signature MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armour.

• “Grunt Funeral” Skull – An exclusive, game-modifying skull that changes the rules of the game for an explosively humorous experience, “Grunt Funeral” sends “Halo’s” most lowly and lovable enemy out in a blaze of glory. And plasma. And then more glory. Once the skull has been activated, every grunt’s methane tank will explode like a plasma grenade when killed. Watch out for the grunt chain reaction!

Be sure to check out the latest “Halo: Anniversary” behind-the-scenes feature on Halo Waypoint and HaloWaypoint.com for in-depth developer commentary on the creative process behind developing one of the year’s most highly anticipated games.

To learn more about the “Halo” series and the expansive fiction it helped inspire, drop by 343 Industries’ “Halo” Universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where the creative minds behind the franchise will be delivering exclusive insights into the “Halo” universe, answering fan questions and more.

And also a preview of the “Grunt Funeral” Skull

Rewards Chart

]]> http://www.judgegame.com/2011/07/xbox-live-rewards-comes-to-canada/feed/ 0 http://www.judgegame.com/2011/07/microsoft-to-bring-11-million-song-catalog-to-xbox-live-this-fall/ http://www.judgegame.com/2011/07/microsoft-to-bring-11-million-song-catalog-to-xbox-live-this-fall/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:02:41 +0000 Judge Arrow http://www.judgegame.com/?p=1037 Read More »]]> Microsoft is bringing a Music Service to Xbox Live this fall, CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed yesterday at the Microsoft Partner Conference. This new service will be part of the Kinect update that brings lots of new features to the Xbox Dashboard. Such as Voice Search with Bing, which was demoed at the Microsoft E3 2011 Press Conference.

The news comes from Business Insider, which reports that the content will come from an 11 million song catalog. And hey, look! Here’s Microsoft’s Mark Winters at CES 2011 talking about Zune Marketplace’s 11 million song catalog!

See conversation here: http://twitter.com/#!/CaseyDHudson/status/89900893394321409

@MESevenfold Awesome, much appreciated! Stay tuned for news on demo plans in a few months.

So what does this tweet mean, Are they going to be doing a demo for ME3, or are they just going to say no demo? What do you think

Quote Nate Anderson of ArsTechnica.com – Link to article/a>

Baby steps to mitigation

The complete list of “alert” steps is included below for your reading pleasure:

First Alert: In response to a notice from a copyright owner, an ISP will send an online alert to a subscriber, such as an email, notifying the subscriber that his/her account may have been misused for content theft, that content theft is illegal and a violation of published policies, and that consequences could result from any such conduct. This first alert will also direct the subscriber to educational resources which will (i) help him/her to check the security of his/her computer and any Wifi network, (ii) provide explanatory steps which will help to avoid content theft in the future and (iii) provide information about the abundant sources of lawful music, film and TV content.

Second Alert: If the alleged activity persists despite the receipt of the first alert, the subscriber may get a second similar alert that will underscore the educational messages, or the ISP may in its discretion proceed to the next alert.

Third Alert: If the subscribers account again appears to have been used for content theft, he/she will receive another alert, much like the initial alerts. However, this alert will provide a conspicuous mechanism (a click-through pop-up notice, landing page, or similar mechanism) asking the subscriber to acknowledge receipt of this alert. This is designed to ensure that the subscriber is aware of the third copyright alert and reminds the subscriber that content theft conducted through their account could lead to consequences under the law and published policies.

Fourth Alert: If the subscribers account again appears to have been used for content theft, the subscriber will receive yet another alert that again requires the subscriber to acknowledge receipt.

Fifth Alert: If the subscribers account again appears to have been used for content theft, the ISP will send yet another alert. At this time, the ISP may take one of several steps, specified in its published policies, reasonably calculated to stop future content theft. These steps, referred to as Mitigation Measures, may include, for example: temporary reductions of Internet speeds, redirection to a landing page until the subscriber contacts the ISP to discuss the matter or reviews and responds to some educational information about copyright, or other measures that the ISP may deem necessary to help resolve the matter. ISPs are not obligated to impose any Mitigation Measure which would disable or be reasonably likely to disable the subscribers voice telephone service (including the ability to call 911), e-mail account, or any security or health service (such as home security or medical monitoring). The use of the mitigation measure is waivable by the ISP at this point.

Sixth Alert: Whether or not the ISP has previously waived the Mitigation Measure, if the subscribers account again appears to have been used for content theft, the ISP will send another alert and will implement a Mitigation Measure as described above. As described above, it’s likely that very few subscribers who after having received multiple alerts, will persist (or allow others to persist) in the content theft.

Lead by Microsoft Studios Senior Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth and Pyramind Studios COO/Audio Director Paul Lipson, the duo inspired Pyramind Studios industry-leading team to re-orchestrate and reproduce the original score by composers Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori. Talent also includes the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra recorded at world-renowned Skywalker Ranch, and Chanticleer – the Grammy winning men’s vocal ensemble widely considered one of the best in the world.

“It was a huge undertaking to transcribe, orchestrate, and produce every note from the original game soundtrack files” said Lipson, Pyramind Studios COO/Audio Director. “Our team approached every aspect of the music with an immense amount of skill and care, keeping the core Halo sound while updating the production to today’s highest standards.”

Microsoft Studios Senior Audio Director Kristofor Mellroth agrees, adding; “This wasn’t just a simple remaster, it was a completely new orchestration and recording using renowned talent and top live players. We are striving to create the ultimate love letter to Halo fans and celebrate Marty O’Donnell’s and Michael Salvatori’s original vision with grace and style”.

Pyramind Studios’ production team rose to the challenge of bringing Halo: Anniversary to life, and included some well-known video game luminaries on the Halo: Anniversary music team including: Paul Lipson, Gregory J. Gordon, Matt Donner, Tom Salta, Lennie Moore, Brian Trifon, Wataru Hokoyama, and esteemed vocalist Jillian Aversa.

Fans will also appreciate new live guitar performances by Bryan Dale, and the roster of Grammy-winning talent including Skywalker Sounds’ Leslie Ann Jones and the singers of Chanticleer performing the famed Halo Monks choral melodies.

Players are able to enjoy most of the features of the original version minus campaign, HD graphics, and support of user made add-ons and mods. More information as well as download links can be found here at their website.

The true purpose for Aerospace is actually to help indie developers create mobile and social games. The first official partnership within Aerospace is harebrained schemes, the same people who created the I love bees ARG campaign for Halo 2.

In the post Urk hinted that Bungie may still be working on a game, though he did not say what it was.

“Q. Is this why you have been hiring mobile developers?

Actually, we’re completely committed to building our next big action universe (noses to the grindstone and all that). Bungie Aerospace allows us to partner with small teams and help THEM make their kick ass games while we stay laser focused on ours. The mobile developers we’ve hired, and will hire, are working on secret stuff we can’t talk about yet.”

Source David Richards http://smarthouse.com.au/Gaming/Industry/N9C8F6S9

GIVING YOU MORE THAN EVER BEFORE (AND TAKING NOTHING AWAY) - With over 30 million online players around the world, the Call of Duty community is too large and diverse to create a one size fits all approach, and Call of Duty Elite must be purely additive to the experience. The Call of Duty “out of the box” experience that our players expect: a great single player campaign, co-op missions, and the deepest and most accessible multiplayer anywhere – at no additional cost – remains the same as ever. Our promise to you is this: Elite only adds to the Call of Duty experience. Nothing will be taken away from the experience you know and love. If you want to continue to play Call of Duty as you always have, you will still be able to do just that, including the ability to buy Map Packs ala carte. With Call of Duty Elite, we’re adding a new choice for those who want to get even more out of the game. Even haters can play for free.

THE BEST FREE SERVICE ON THE MARKET – How can we say that this is the best? We believe that the free elements of Call of Duty Elite will be superior to any free service currently on the market because we are offering more features than any other service out there. Additionally, many of Elite’s free features which will debut with Modern Warfare 3 are industry firsts and offer a new level of innovation.

A selection of Elite’s free features will let you:

• Access Elite through the web as well as Elite’s free custom iOS and Android applications for smartphones and tablets
• Communicate any way you want across mobile, console and the web with your friends
• Track and share thousands of stats with friends – k/d ratios, score-per-minute, win % and loads more, all represented in easy to understand charts and infographics
• Create your own custom leaderboards to track friendly rivalries – who is moving up and down in your group of friends?
• Analyze advanced heat maps detailing your match-by-match performance – where you killed or got killed, when it happened, and more
• Analyze your weapons performance – which weapons you are best with in which situations
• Upload and share videos of your greatest moments through our exclusive theater mode with the touch of a button
• After you analyze your performance to your heart’s content – Customize your loadout – search through all the weapons, attachments and perks, and push them directly into the game menu from the web or your mobile device with the touch of a button
• Join dozens of groups and find other players with common interests to play with and compete against – find people who make the game the most fun for you – TDM, Lakers’ fans, Weekend Warriors
• Create a Clan with players who share your interests and taste for competition
• Bring your Facebook friends right into the game, easily taking your existing network into the Call of Duty experience.
• Seamlessly be placed into Groups with those who share your affinities and interests based on your Facebook profile.
• Start tracking your Call of Duty career – everything you wanted to know about your performance across the franchise starting with Black Ops

And that’s just the beginning. The service will continue to evolve and we will continue to add new features.

A PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP THAT RESETS THE BAR - The premium membership of Call of Duty Elite (which is completely optional) will set a new gold standard for what the multiplayer and community experience for a console game can be. Why are we not revealing all of the features that are part of the premium service today? Simple. Because the service was designed to be deeply integrated with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and will not be demonstrable until we are closer to the launch of the game. We know seeing is believing, and over the next few months we will be revealing and demonstrating more of the premium features and by the end of the summer, we will reveal the entire service in full.

The reason we announced the service today was so we could begin recruiting for a free beta with the multiplayer community of Call of Duty: Black Ops, which will allow us to test the service at scale. This is a critical step to us launching the service successfully this fall. So we appreciate your patience.

Bellow is some Q&A about the Elite Service. Enjoy.

Is Elite a new website?

Will you be charging for multiplayer?

What about stats? Do I get free access to my stats with Elite?

How will Elite compare to free offerings that currently exist?

Is there a beta? When can I try Elite for myself?

Will the beta include everything that comes at launch in November?

Can you tell me more about what “Connect, Compete, Improve” means?

The Program Guide sounds cool, but I’m an average player. How can I have a chance to participate in competition?

Is Elite only for hardcore players?

Will Elite support Call of Duty: Black Ops?

How is Elite different with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?

When will Elite launch?

Where will Elite be available?

How can I become a member?

So, if I just want to buy Map Packs standalone, I can still do that?

If I get the premium membership to Elite, do I really get all of the DLC?

Will there be Customer Service?

Why announce now if you can’t show us all the MW3 launch features and pricing?

Are you letting people buy prestige weapons or levels through Elite?

When will launch details be released?

Who is Beachhead Studios?

Here are what Playstation 3 and PSP owners can get when the Playstation store returns in the U.S.  If you have been thinking about gettting a PS3 or PSP this may be a good time to get them.

First of all, all PSN customers will be offered two free games of their choice from the following list:

• Dead Nation
• inFAMOUS
• LittleBigPlanet
• Super Stardust HD
• Wipeout HD + Fury

PSP users will also get two games. Their choices are the following:

• LittleBigPlanet
• ModNation Racers
• Pursuit Force
• Killzone Liberation

As far as both platforms are concerned, the games will become available when the PlayStation Store is restored and will remain available for 30 days. Once you’ve downloaded your two games, you’ll be able to keep them forever.

In addition to a couple of free games, everyone is getting 30 free days of PlayStation Plus (existing PlayStation Plus subscribers will get 60 days free). Music Unlimited Premium Trial subscription members will receive an additional 30 days of free premium subscription while existing Music Unlimited Premium/Basic members will get 30 days plus time lost. PlayStation Home will be offering 100 free virtual items as a ‘welcome back,’ and Sony will be making a selection of movie rental titles available to PSN customers for one weekend (where Video Service is available).

There is a huge amount of content that has been waiting to get out all this time that is available if you can and want to buy it  including the latest episode of Qore. However, that may be problematic if you canceled the credit card you had registered with Sony since at this time Account Management is still unavailable. Account Management is available but may take several tries to access.

To check out the list of what is new on the Playstation Store check out the blog at http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/06/01/playstation-store-is-available-and-updated-now/

Purchase the L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass, a new way to pre-order and receive DLC that gives players access to all of the upcoming downloadable content for L.A. Noire, available for a limited-time discounted price of just $11.78 on PlayStation Network and 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE.

Then, later this summer, look for two brand new DLC cases. The “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson case (coming June 21st) and the “Reefer Madness” Vice case (coming July 12th). Below is the full breakdown of L.A. Noire downloadable content pricing and release dates, along withthis afternoon’s video:

Now Available
“Chicago Lightning” Detective Suit (Free via the Social Club)
“Chicago Piano” Machine Gun (Free)
L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass ($11.78 PSN / 800 MS Points until June 14th)
“The Naked City” Vice Desk Case ($5.22 PSN / 320 MS Points)
“A Slip of The Tongue” Traffic Desk Case ($5.22 PSN / 320 MS Points)
The Badge Pursuit Challenge ($2.60 PSN / 160 MS Points)
“The Broderick” Detective Suit ($1.29 PSN / 80 MS Points)
“The Sharpshooter” Detective Suit ($1.29 PSN / 80 MS Points)

Available June 21st
“Nicholson Electroplating” Arson Desk Case ($5.22 PSN / 320 MS Points)

Available July 12th
“Reefer Madness” Vice Desk Case ($5.22 PSN / 320 MS Points)

The sleek base accommodates four controllers of either type (Navigation or Motion) so two full pairs of controller sets can be charged at once. Status lights for each charge station glow blue to show a full charge and red to show charging is underway.

The base is powered by AC adapter allowing it to be placed anywhere within reach of an outlet without taking up a PlayStation USB port. The base includes two sets of built-in USB 2.0 ports positioned between charging stations for powering additional peripherals, with a total of four slots available.

Rechargeable batteries are standard in Move controllers so no special batteries or connections are required. The Elite Quad Charging Bay for the PlayStation Move keeps controllers charged and in convenient reach.

This Charging Bay is available on Amazon (http://amzn.to/kVjl7B) and other retailers where CTA Digital products are sold.

SONY AND SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE FULL RESTORATION OF PLAYSTATION®NETWORK SERVICES

Tokyo, May 31, 2011 – Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced today that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will fully restore all PlayStation®Network services in the Americas, Europe/PAL territories and Asia, excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea by the end of this week. The company will also resume Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity™ for PlayStation®3 (PS3®), PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), VAIO and other PCs. Details for Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea as well as the remaining services on Qriocity will be announced as they become available.

The company implemented considerable security enhancements to the network infrastructure, as well as conducted testing of the payment process and commerce functions. The first phase of PlayStation Network and Qriocity restoration began on May 15 in the Americas and Europe/PAL territories, followed by Japan and Asian countries and regions on May 28, when the company brought partial services back online. With this partial restoration users were able to access to some of the services such as online game play, account management, friend lists and chat functionality were restored. The full restoration of PlayStation Network as well as part of services to become available on Qriocity will include:

• Full functionality on PlayStation®Store
• In-game commerce
• Ability to redeem vouchers and codes
• Full functionality on Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, VAIO and
other PCs
• Full functionality on Media Go

Customers will be able to purchase and download games and video content from the PlayStation®Store on PS3 or PSP. In addition, consumers will have full access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity through PS3, PSP, VAIO and other PC’s. Service restoration of Video on Demand powered by Qriocity™ and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for a variety of network-enabled Sony devices will be announced later.

Developed from the ground up by Activision’s new Beachhead studio, Call of Duty Elite offers cutting-edge features that significantly enhance the franchises’ multiplayer experience and deliver a new level of social engagement that will unite more than 30 million players worldwide. Additionally, the service will offer exclusive, high-production value, original entertainment programming designed exclusively for the Call of Duty community.

“The average Call of Duty player spends 58 minutes per day playing multiplayer. That is more than the average Facebook user spends per day on Facebook. And yet, right now, there are very few tools to unite and super charge that social community,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “Whether it’s allowing you to connect with your friends, or people of a similar skill level, people who live in your city, people who share your favourite passions, join competitive clans or social groups, or upload, view and comment on the incredible mass of player-generated content, or watch and comment on exclusive created content, Call of Duty Elite will give people more ways to connect with fellow players than ever before. Elite will also allow players of every level to improve their game with an intuitive suite of tools, and compete in tournaments for both real and virtual prizes.”

Call of Duty Elite will include several industry-first innovations, and is a key differentiator for this year’s most anticipated game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.   Elite will offer two-way communication between the service and the game, so that the choices and decisions that players make in Elite through the mobile and web interfaces will affect their in-game experience.  The service will be fully integrated into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and will launch alongside the game on 8^th November, 2011 .

Call of Duty Elite’s features and services engage the community in three key ways:

• Connect : Call of Duty Elite gives players unprecedented control over their multiplayer experience, transforming it into a true social network. Players can compete against friends, players of similar skill levels and players with similar interests, join groups, join clans, and play in organised tournaments. They can also track the performance, progress and activity of their entire network, both in the game itself, as well as through mobile and web interfaces.  Elite will be an “always on” way for players to connect with the Call of Duty community.

• Compete: Call of Duty Elite establishes the most exciting, competitive environment in a multiplayer game.  Players will have available a constant stream of events and competitions, tiered to group them with those with similar abilities . Both in-game and real-world prizes will be rewarded to all skill levels.

• Improve: Call of Duty Elite is like having a personal online coach. It provides players with a dynamic strategy guide that tracks their statistics and performances down to the most minute details.  It can show gamers how they stack up against their friends or others in the community. Tools and information are provided so players can learn and up their game.

Carrying forward to future Call of Duty games, Elite will chronicle a player’s gameplay history in a cohesive career record, keeping track of every kill, every game and progress.

“Call of Duty Elite has been tailored for Call of Duty’s diverse base of players – hardcore gamers, casual weekend warriors and even beginners,” added Hirshberg.  “Over 7 million gamers play Call of Duty online each day logging hundreds of hours of multiplayer per player per year.  Of course, the out of the box Call of Duty multiplayer experience that gamers have come to love and expect will continue as is.  However, for those players looking for more, Call of Duty Elite will supercharge their experience.”

Many key features of Call of Duty Elite will be available to Call of Duty players free of charge.  Additionally, for players who want to up their game, Call of Duty Elite will offer a premium membership with a wide range of state-of-the-art services, exclusive entertainment programming and all-inclusive game content for less than the cost of any comparable online entertainment service currently in the market.

The service will be accessible on a number of platforms – via web browsers, mobile devices, through game consoles and within the game interface itself – so that players can connect with Call of Duty Elite whenever and wherever they want.

Call of Duty Elite will launch this autumn with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. However, to test the scale of the service, Activision will hold a public beta this summer for Elite with Call of Duty®: Black Ops.  For more information, go to www.callofduty.com.

“With its blend of real crime influences and noir atmosphere, L.A. Noire contains boundless potential for new stories and new cases,” said Sam Houser, founder of Rockstar Games. “The four new cases are strong standalone stories that sit perfectly alongside the main game.”

Starting today in North America and Europe, players can purchase the L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass, a new way to pre-order DLC, which gives players access to all seven paid DLC. The Rockstar Pass is available for a limited-time price of $10.00 (PlayStation Network) / 800 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE)—a 50% discount compared to purchasing the DLC content individually. Once purchased, the Rockstar Pass enables gamers to download all the announced DLC for free as it becomes available on the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE, which totals four unique cases, two detective suits and a collectible challenge. Xbox 360 Achievements and PlayStation Trophies will be available in each of the four cases.

All seven pre-order DLC options will be available to purchase from Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network starting today with The Badge Pursuit Challenge and the Sharpshooter/ Broderick detective suits to download for $2.00/160 Microsoft Points and $1.00/80 Microsoft Points, respectively. “The Naked City” Vice case and “A Slip of the Tongue” Traffic case are also launching today. Both cases will each be priced at $4.00 (PlayStation Network) / 320 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE).

Two brand new cases, the “Nicholson Electroplating” Arson case (June 21, 2011) and the “Reefer Madness” Vice case (July 12, 2011), will also be available for download later this summer, each priced at $4.00 (PlayStation Network) / 320 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE). Inspired both by famous noir fiction and real-life crimes taken straight from the headlines, these downloadable cases will provide unique experiences for players independent of the game’s primary storyline. All of the DLC will be available for purchase through the L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass, priced after the limited discount period at $12.00 (PlayStation Network) / 960 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE)—a 40% discount off individual DLC pricing.

As a token of thanks to fans, members of the Rockstar Social Club will also receive a free download of the Chicago Lightning Detective Suit. In addition, Rockstar will unlock the Chicago Piano machine gun for free to all players via the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE. Both are available now. Registration to join the Social Club is free of charge and can be accessed at http://socialclub.rockstargames.com.

• Chicago Lightning Detective Suit (Social Club only) – May 17;
• L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass (limited-time discount price) – May 31;
• “The Naked City” DLC case – May 31;
• “A Slip of The Tongue” DLC case – May 31;
• Broderick Detective Suit and Gun – May 31;
• Sharpshooter Detective Suit and Gun – May 31;
• The Badge Pursuit Challenge – May 31;
• Chicago Piano Machine Gun (free community unlock) – May 31;
• L.A. Noire Rockstar Pass (standard price) – June 14;
• “Nicholson Electroplating Disaster” DLC case – June 21;
• “Reefer Madness” DLC case – July 12.

We will keep you updated.

UPDATE

Sony has announced that users may encounter problems signing in as they are working on full restoration.  If this was voluntary downtime in order to fully restore all services Sony may receive criticism for having selected a long weekend to do it if online gameplay is down for an extended time.

Update

PSN Online is back up after a couple of hours downtime this morning but the Playstation store is still unavailable.

Update Details

Also they announced a New DLC Pack called “Fire Sale” which will launch June 7th. The “Fire Sale” pack will Include 2 new maps. See below for more details

Fire Sale Details

For more information check out the source of this article:
Xbox 360 Title Update Release & DLC Announcement

Judgegame.com will keep you updated.

Update May 25 2011 at 9:09 A.M. CDT

The following statement has been released by Microsoft.

“Users may experience difficulties with the following services: Browsing Indie Games from the Xbox 360 console or Xbox.com, browsing the Games for Windows – LIVE Marketplace on a PC, Browsing Games Marketplace from the Xbox 360 console or Xbox.com.
“We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.”

Update May 25 2011 at 5:08 P.M. CDT

We reported earlier that Xbox Live Marketplace was down and came back up a few hours later.  This editor experienced said issues when trying to finally purchase Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale.  The MS points were deducted and the title downloaded but it was no where to be found in the game library or in the memory.  I went back to Marketplace and it appears as if I had not purchased the title yet it does show in my account history that I did in fact purchase it.

Microsoft Support told Judge Game that they are aware of some users still experiencing issues and are working to correct the matter as soon as possible.

Update May 25 2011 at 5:50 P.M. CDT

We were able to download and finally launch Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale.  There still seems to be some odd issues but obviously Microsoft is being very responsive in fixing problems.

Hosted by video game industry charity organization, Gamers Outreach Foundation, Gamers for Giving is a non-profit competitive gaming event that features multiple video game tournaments and special guests from the video game industry. Profits from the event are used to fund the efforts of Gamers Outreach Foundation, which builds portable video game kiosks for children’s hospitals, sends games to U.S. soldiers serving overseas, and hosts online activities benefitting various non-profits.

Headlining activities include 2-v-2 Halo Reach, 4-v-4 Call of Duty Black Ops, 1-v-1 Starcraft 2 tournaments, in addition to an all-out, 100-person “bring your own console” LAN party. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers of each tournament. The event will begin Saturday morning at 10:00 AM, and will last until 10:00 PM.

“We’re really excited to be gearing up for our fourth-annual fundraising event,” says Zach Wigal, Founder, Gamers Outreach. “Gamers for Giving combines passion for video games with charitable action. It gives people an opportunity to play video games, have fun and make a difference all at the same time.”

Individuals interested in attending Gamers for Giving can find more information and register for the event’s activities at GamersforGiving.org.

With Ghost Recon Online, Ubisoft is delivering the most social, connected and customizable Ghost Recon experience yet. The game offers players the ability to choose between three different classes of Ghost, customize their weapons, deploy cutting-edge military technology, and share intel with their team. Ghost Recon Online also features a rich lobby platform for hosting social and persistent progression features. Ubisoft also will back the game with a full set of services, including regular events and game content updates, customized content based on community feedback, and live support.

The online features complement Ghost Recon Online’s rich graphical environments and maps, which rival the quality of those traditionally seen only in retail games. And while the game is free for anyone to play, players also can purchase premium items and fully personalize their experience.

“Ghost Recon Online takes the best attributes of the Ghost Recon game franchise and brings them online, making the experience of being a Ghost accessible to millions of new players and fans,” said Hugues Ricour, senior producer at Ubisoft. “This game was designed from the start to be a free-to-play experience. Our development teams are dedicated to making Ghost Recon Online a truly unique, top-quality online title.”

Ghost Recon Online is Ubisoft’s latest entrant in the online gaming market and its first shooter to be offered in a free-to-play format. “For Ubisoft, delivering games as a service means offering fans the opportunity to stay connected to their favorite gaming worlds, to participate in fan-based communities and play with millions of peers from around the world.”

“The online market is an exciting new frontier for video games and for gamers,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “With Ghost Recon Online, and other major upcoming projects, Ubisoft is creating online experiences that allow our fans to stay connected to their favorite brands and to continually receive new content and gameplay. This direct link with our fans will allow us to create new and ever better experiences for them.”

Players can sign up for the closed beta and find more information on the game at www.GhostReconOnline.com.

In the revamped Be a Pro mode, experience the pursuit of greatness and legendary moments in your playing career, shatter historic records and cement yourself in NHL history. Additionally, the better you play, the more ice time you’ll get where you can simulate to your next shift so you’re always on the ice as you play out your entire career in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

The NHL 12 Full Contact Physics Engine puts you in the rink with everything now live on the ice, from players to the environment – everything is interactive and in play. Experience the skill and aggression of hockey from shattered glass to flying helmets to knocking players over the boards and into the bench; crash the crease too hard and you’ll knock the net off and send the goalie flying. Size and physicality will be emphasized as bigger players will be able to throw their weight around as they screen the goalie and battle in front of the net.

This year marks the first time players will face dynamic goalies in the game. Players can knock the net off and make contact with goalies, knocking them down or out of position, as they crash the crease. Watch as goalies battle through screens to make awe-inspiring saves. Additionally, we’re reigniting the beloved fighting engine that first appeared in NHL 10 with all-new goalie battles. When the action gets heated, send a message by leaving the net, dropping the gloves, and trading punches with rivals during fights.

All new gameplay presentation creates an authentic, fresh new look and feel throughout NHL 12 with presentation graphics that mimic real life hockey broadcasts. For the first time ever lace up outdoors under the lights in one of the biggest hockey events of the season, the 2011 NHL Winter Classic® at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, within seconds of putting in the disc. Inspired by the NHL GameCenter Ice Tracker, the all-new EA SPORTS Action Tracker simulates action without missing a beat with a shift-by-shift breakdown of stats and key moments leading up to your next shift.

This is just a sneak peek of what’s to come in EA SPORTS NHL 12. Stay tuned in the coming months for more news on the franchise as well as the EA SPORTS Hockey League and Hockey Ultimate Team. To get in on the action now visit www.easports.com/nhl to pre-order your copy of NHL 12.

“Duke Nukem Forever is the game that was once thought to be unshippable, and yet here we are, on the precipice of history,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Today marks an amazing day in the annals of gaming lore, the day where the legend of Duke Nukem Forever is finally complete and it takes that final step towards becoming a reality.”

Created over the span of 15 years, Duke Nukem Forever was first developed with the intense passion and commitment from an inspired group of dedicated designers, artists and programmers at 3D Realms under the direction of game industry icon, George Broussard.

“Duke Nukem Forever and its journey to store shelves is legendary,” said George Broussard, creative director at 3D Realms. “It’s an epic tale of four game development studios that banded together and did the unthinkable and shipped the unshippable. When you play this game you will be reminded of that epic journey at every turn and in every small detail of the game. The character, attitude, interactivity, gameplay and political incorrectness combine to make a Duke Nukem game a unique gaming experience. In the timeless words of Duke Nukem it’s finally time to ‘Come Get Some’. Come be a part of gaming history.”

In 2009, after many believed that Duke Nukem Forever would never be completed, a small team of intrepid developers, known as Triptych Studios, resurrected the dream. Through their inspiring and steadfast commitment to the game and their exemplary talent and skill, they finally assembled the pieces to create an incredible, epic and cohesive gameplay experience. Under the production of Gearbox Software, Triptych Studios, Piranha Games and many other contributors joined together in a heroic effort to complete the long awaited game as a polished, full-featured triple-A title.

“Always bet on Duke, I did,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “I bet on all of the developers who have ever been a part of this legendary project and I bet that none of us want to live in a world without the Duke. I’ve played the final game and it is an incredible experience – a once-in-a-lifetime opus of interactive entertainment that reminds me once again why Duke Nukem is our King.  The developers of Duke Nukem Forever at 3D Realms, Triptych, Piranha and finally at Gearbox deserve our thanks and respect for never giving up and have truly shown us that they have balls of steel!”

Strictly for the biggest Duke Nukem fans, the First Access Club grants members exclusive access to the pre-release demo on June 3, 2011 so that they are amongst the first to experience gaming history in the making. There are multiple ways fans can join the exclusive First Access Club, by pre-ordering the game from select retailers or by purchasing the Borderlands Game of the Year Edition on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC.

True Duke Nukem die-hards will want to get their hands on the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition. This package is spilling over-the-brim with legendary content that is not to be missed by those who want the ultimate experience of this historic arrival. Premium items, such as a Duke Nukem Bust and an art book that chronicles the development of Duke Nukem Forever, flank a package that is overflowing with content. Check out www.dukenukemforever.com/preorder/ to see exactly how much stuff could be crammed into one box.

Apologising to no one, Duke Nukem Forever is the high-octane video game equivalent of a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Starring the legendary lady killer and alien slayer, Duke Nukem Forever brings gamers back to a blastastic time when games were filled with head-popping, bone-rattling action, brazenly crude humor, impossibly statuesque women dying for affection, and catchy one-liners meant to make you laugh out loud.

Duke Nukem Forever is rated 18 by BBFC. For more information on the game, including where to pre-order, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com.

The E3 Expo, scheduled to take place June 7-9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is among the year’s biggest events for the global video game industry. Exclusive Nintendo Network programming will be viewable at http://e3.nintendo.com and on the Nintendo Channel throughout the week, offering the latest information and updates on Nintendo’s announcements.

Brooklyn, NY – CTA Digital (http://ctadigital.com) introduces the new Adjustable Tripod Stand for the Kinect, enabling perfect camera position atop the TV or anywhere in a game room setup.

While the specially designed mounting clip works well in the default position at the top center of a monitor or TV, many game room set-ups dictate another approach. CTA’s flexible new tripod system handles any arrangement by allowing placement wherever floor space permits.

The adjustable Xbox Kinect stand can be set anywhere within cable reach, using a specially adapted tripod that adjusts from 18.5 to 44 inches high. This movable and height-selectable solution is ideal for smaller players facing a large screen or gamers using home theater-type projection displays.

The tripod mount also clips front and center on screens up to seven inches thick using a unique extending bracket that keeps the lightweight tripod attached. The one-piece design makes switching setups fast and easy-just lift the tripod up and off from behind the TV and position as needed. Collapse the tripod and hang on the TV again to change back.

The hanging clip approach also makes the tripod system ideal for players who want to take their game on the road. The Kinect sensor can even stay attached for an easy grab-and-go trip. Almost regardless of the arrangement on the other end, the tripod and clip design adapts quickly and easily to get the game started.

The Kinect camera base securely clips onto the tripod head and is locked in place. The positive-action locking mechanism uses a button latch on the side of the mount to release the camera. The Xbox sensor can also be aimed using the pan and tilt functions of the tripod head even while clipped to the top of a TV, allowing for exact adjustment to the play area.

The Adjustable Tripod Stand for the Kinect can be found at Amazon (http://amzn.to/lxFkWL) and other retailers where CTA Digital products are sold. A video demonstration of this product can be seen on YouTube at http://bit.ly/jBrKbp.

“They’d be mad not to do it, is all I can say,” an unnamed source source told VG247. “The machine is not only very capable, it’s more capable than the PlayStation 3 of doing stereo, assuming you don’t have one of the old crappy ones with the composite leads… assuming you have a HDMI Xbox.”

The Games Showcase starts on Saturday, May 28 at 12pm and runs until 3pm at DePaul University (243 South Wabash Avenue, Room 924, Chicago, IL 60604).  Visit our Meetup group (http://www.meetup.com/IGDA-Chicago/) to let us know you’re interested, or check it out on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=226949990652893)

Fun for Our Troops
PO BOX 602
Newtown, PA 18940

The Game-a-Thon will be spread among different JustinTV channels (http://www.justin.tv/thegamefanatics and   http://www.justin.tv/bangbangsami ), covering both Xbox and PS3 games (with goodies to be given away in each channel!).  Items from SpiritHoods (http://spirithoods.com), Cooler Master (http://coolermaster-usa.com)  Evil Controllers (http://evilcontrollers.com), Astro Gaming (http://astrogaming.com), and Steel Series (http://steelseries.com) are up for grabs. Along with these cool products, several games and DLC codes will be given away in the streams above. The games played will be multiplayer games so viewers get a chance to join in on the fun!
Along with The Game Fanatics,  FraggedNation (http://fraggednation.com) and Beyond Gaming (http://beyondgaming.com) will be supporting the event. This is a great way for gamers to rally for a good cause and win great prizes in the process!
If you’re interested in donating directly to Gamers Outreach, please visit this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=58JBCHRDLQ3SL.

Irvine, Calif., May 23, 2011 – The world leader in Free2Play® massively multiplayer online games, GamersFirst (www.gamersfirst.com) today launched the highly anticipated APB Reloaded open beta. In addition to the long list of closed beta improvements already launched during the redevelopment of the game, the APB Reloaded open beta adds a brand new skill rating system, redesigned “witnessing” game mechanics, new items and weapons in the Armas Marketplace, as well as an additional East Coast datacenter to host the game.

Upcoming improvements that are scheduled during the open beta phase include new clan-based combat mechanics aimed at higher level players, additional match making improvements, and brand new district and game modes giving the player more control over the game experience.

“From the start of the development of APB Reloaded last fall our focus has been to remove obstacles preventing players from having fun. While our development and design teams have done an amazing job improving driving, shooting, skill ratings, witnessing and other key elements of the game, I am also thrilled with the changes slated to be released during the latter part of open beta,” said Bjorn Book-Larsson, Chief Operating Officer for GamersFirst and CEO of Reloaded Productions Ltd. “We expect APB Reloaded to set a new bar for what is possible to achieve in a free to play MMO game, and the open beta represents another big step in that direction.”

New In-Game Witnessing Mechanic
Open beta includes a much improved “witnessing” system that captures the core of the cops vs. robbers game mechanic. When Criminals commit open-world crimes they gain a stash of dirty money that must be laundered before it is earned as a mission reward. A stash multiplier grows with the Criminal’s heat rating as they continue their crime spree, while carrying an ever growing pile of dirty money. Enforcers can witness Criminals committing crimes and opt into a mini-mission to stop the Criminal. Should the Enforcer successfully arrest or defeat the criminal, the ill-gotten gains convert to evidence, necessitating the Enforcer to race to their randomly-selected Evidence Locker in order to earn the stash as a mission reward. As Criminals fight to protect and ultimately launder their dirty money Enforcers fight to requisition the dirty money, creating a furious back-and-forth firefight for control of the resource.

New Items and Weapons
San Paro’s in-game merchant, the Armas Marketplace, is expanding during the open beta phase and will launch with 10 never-before-seen weapons as well as a large catalogue of permanent clothing, icons, vehicles and accessories designed to enhance the APB Reloaded game experience. During open beta, players will also be able to lease weapons using in-game cash or using GamersFirst’s exclusive G1 credits.

New Hybrid Skill Rating System
In order to create more-balanced PvP gameplay, APB Reloaded is transitioning from a straight win-loss system to a skill-based hybrid rating system, sourced from several proven skill rating algorithms such as ELO and Glicko. This new skill-based hybrid rating system aims to better reflect all gamers’ actual skill levels when compared to the opponents they defeat.

APB Reloaded is a massively multiplayer online third-person shooter game based in the modern-day fictional city of San Paro. In a state of near anarchy, players choose between two factions, Enforcers and Criminals, in order to control the city. Criminals and Enforcers battle in this open-world environment to control territories, commit or stop petty crimes, and gain notoriety within their own organizations. Be it on foot or from the driver seat, APB Reloaded melds player-on-player combat within the immersive world of a city on the edge of total chaos. With a robust set of customization tools, gamers can choose the exact look of their in-game avatar, character crests, clothing and even the cars they drive.

Players can get instant access to the APB Reloaded open beta by creating a GamersFirst account, downloading the GamersFirst Live! game downloader and installing APB Reloaded. Once installed gamers choose a side and then create customized characters that fight over control of San Paro. To get up-to-date information on GamersFirst and APB Reloaded’s Community and Fan Pages, check out the following links:

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/APBReloaded
Development Blog – http://apbreloaded.blogspot.com
Website– http://www.gamersfirst.com/apb/
Twitter – @APB_Reloaded @GamersFirst

Before this reveal happens early next week, a teaser site went live; hinting about what the new game is going to be about.

The link to the teaser site is:
http://www.grip-games.com/epic/

Some basic facts that can be shared at the moment:

• The game will be released in July 2011.
• An original Grip Games’title, exclusive to the PlayStation® Network.
• As epic game as minis games can get.

Claranet SOHO director, Jason Keen, is a recent convert to fibre broadband and as an avid gamer he says; “On a personal note, before switching to FTTC, I would be constantly banging my head against the wall when playing online. The lag would often cause my game to stall, resulting in my untimely death! Since moving to fibre, I can happily play online, even when my wife and son are using the Internet. It makes sense that if I think FTTC is this good, that Claranet SOHO offers the service to other gamers across the UK”.

The technology making this all possible is Fibre To The Cabinet and involves installing fibre optic cables up to local street side cabinets, with the rest of the journey, usually within 300 metres of the premises, made up of copper wire. Because the majority of the journey is made up of fibre optic cables, the loss of service is minimal, as opposed to copper where the signal quality degrades over distance. This ensures permanent high speeds, which is great news for online gamers.

At the moment, coverage is limited to about 10-15% of the country but new exchanges and cabinets are being added daily, meaning that FTTC is becoming a reality for gamers everywhere.

Claranet SOHO is a premium ISP with a secure, business grade network. Operating since January 2010 the company has built up a fantastic network for their business customers and in March 2011 opened up their services to the UK gaming market. Traditionally ISPs have been reluctant to offer gamer packages, as gamers are often heavy internet users, playing at peak times and slowing networks down, but Claranet SOHO believe their FTTC service could revolutionise the online gaming experience for users across the UK.

As a special offer, Claranet SOHO is offering our Optimal 2Mb FTTC package for £36 per month on a 24 month contract*. This offer includes a free install, all the hardware you need to get you started and your new Fibre broadband connection.

Features

• Up to 40Mb/s downstream speeds (with a minimum speed of 8Mb/s at peak times**)
• 2Mb/s upstream speeds (with an option to increase to 10Mb/s for an extra £5 per month◊)
• Unlimited downloads¹
• Free Zyxel NBG4604 Wireless N Gigabit router
• Free active NTE
• Free data extension kit (that can be installed up to 30 metres from the master socket)
• 12 or 24 month contract options

Benefits

• Connect all of your devices to the internet at once, with little loss in performance
• Create wireless home entertainment networks
• Leave other online gamers in the dust with super fast ping rates
• Download the latest movies in high definition
• Connect to offsite servers quickly and securely
• No need for ADSL microfilters
• Faster, more stable service than ADSL
• Stream HD content to different devices around the house…at the same time!

This package would normally cost you over £50 per month.

**For an extra £5 per month you can increase the minimum download speed to 12Mb/s at peak times.
¹Fair usage policy applies.
◊10Mb/s upstream speeds are not available on all lines. Please ask us to check at the time of ordering.

All prices are quoted inclusive of VAT.

• User Review System Implemented
• Login/Logout links Updates
• New Latest User Review Widget added

There are still updates to come below are some of the things we have planed for Judge Game

• Upgrade the forums layout so it matches the site
• Adding some new Sections to Judge Game (more to come in the next week or so keep a eye out)
• Podcast section added to the site
• More Community related features

Thats all we currently have planed but if you have any suggestions that you would like to make feel free to email me with the ideas at judge_arrow@judgegame.com

Thanks,

Steve C

Thats all folks…

Thanks,
Steve C

CTA has bundled some critical components that can assist in securely positioning the Kinect camera for best sensor alignment while accommodating a wide variety of game room arrangements. The kit hits all the bases, including a mounting clip and wall mount, extension cable, cleaning kit and silicone camera wrap.

The Universal Camera Clip & Wall Mount adjusts to make a perfect fit onto most TVs and flat screen monitors. Non-slip rubber padding on all the contact surfaces protects TVs and monitors from marring, and compresses for a good place-holding grip. In addition, the clip features wall mounting key-cut openings to anchor the clip firmly onto screws in walls or cabinets. Mounting screws are included with the kit.

When added to the 10′ cable on the Kinect Camera, the 10′ Extension Cable, gives even more set up options, allowing a total of 20 feet in distance between the camera and the XBOX 360 Console.

CTA’s Premium Starter Kit also helps maintain optimal camera performance with a Cleaning Kit that includes cleaning solution, a scratch-free cleaning cloth and dust brush for the utmost care during lens cleaning. The Silicone Sleeve gives the camera one more layer of protection.

A video demonstration of this product can be seen on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/CTADigital#p/u/2/7G7OaAYsInw), and it is available for purchase at Amazon (http://amzn.to/kugURL) and other retail stores where CTA Digital products are sold.

Strictly for the biggest Duke Nukem fans, the First Access Club grants members access to highly volatile, eye-popping content, including never-before-seen materials, top secret information, and for-your-eyes-only art concepts. There are several ways fans can join the ultra-exclusive First Access Club, including pre-ordering the game from select retailers and by purchasing the Borderlands Game of the Year Edition on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC.

True Duke Nukem die-hards will want to get their hands on the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition. This package is spilling over-the-top with legendary content that is not to be missed by those who want the ultimate experience of this historic arrival. Premium items, such as an epic Duke Nukem Bust and an art book that chronicles the development of Duke Nukem Forever, flank a package that is overflowing with content.

Apologising to no one, Duke Nukem Forever is the high-octane video game equivalent of a Hollywood summer blockbuster. Starring the legendary lady killer and alien slayer, Duke Nukem Forever brings gamers back to a blastastic time when games were filled with head-popping, bone-rattling action, brazenly crude humor, impossibly statuesque women dying for affection, and catchy one-liners meant to make you laugh out loud and blush.

In the interim, Duke Nukem Forever fans can pay their respects to the King by visiting the official Duke Nukem Forever website – www.dukenukemforever.com. It’s loud, lewd and definitely Duke approved. The site provides fans with stimulating content that will ease their eagerness, including Duke’s Boobtube channel and The Duke Cave, featuring babe and alien surveillance.
Duke Nukem Forever will make history when it launches internationally on June 10, 2011 and in North America on June 14, 2011. For more information on Duke Nukem Forever please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated 18+ by PEGI.

The first phase for North America and Europe includes:

• Sign-in for PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords.
• Restoration of online gameplay across PlayStation 3 and PSP.
• Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Store Video Store on PS3, PSP and Media Go.
• Music Unlimited, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC.
• Access to third party services such as VidZone and MUBI.
• Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc.
• PlayStation Home.

Judge Game has tested services in the U.S. and is pleased to say thus far these services seem to be working well.

The Day One Launch Event will kick off at 8pm EDT with a podcast introduction of the Brink TV staff to the Brink community.  This will be followed by a roundtable discussion between the Brink TV staff and special guests from the competitive scenes of previous Splash Damage titles. Topics will be centered on competitive features in Brink–discussing what we know is in, what we think will survive a “Pro Mod” cut, and a wishlist of competitive needs that will be forwarded to Splash Damage after the event.  To cap off the event, Brink TV will be giving away multiple PC copies of the game while servers are being populated for the night’s finale:  Brink TV will host and shoutcast a series of team-based King of the Hill matches open to anyone in the community.

On May 11 at 9pm EDT, Brink TV is bringing together noteworthy members of the Brink community for a panel discussion composed of league administrators, fellow broadcasters and representatives from the top two North American ETQW teams. Panelists will share their first impressions of Brink and provide insight into the competitive nature of the game. All are welcome to ask our panelists questions through our chat room and responses will be given live, on-air.

With the founding team behind Quake Live TV and Games Cast TV at its helm, Brink TV is working to gather an experienced roster of top-tier broadcasters, competitive gaming advocates, and community leaders. With this team behind Brink TV, it hopes to produce the most entertaining and in-depth coverage of live Brink competition.

You can find more information about both events and Brink TV at www.thebrink.tv/launch

We are proud to announce two official  L.A. Noire soundtrack releases, the  L.A. Noire Official Soundtrack and  L.A. Noire: Remixed.

The  L.A. Noire Official Soundtrack was inspired by the sweeping orchestral scores of the great films of the 1940s. This all-original score was recorded in London’s legendary  Abbey Road Studios and composed by Andrew Hale,  of the band Sade and  Sweetback and whose credits include scores for such films as  Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. The soundtrack also features modern takes on the classic torch songs of the period. Three original vocal recordings were created for the soundtrack, all produced and written by  Stephen Coates (of The Real Tuesday Weld) and featuring the guest vocals of  Claudia Brucken (of  Propaganda). Additional music was composed for the score by  Woody Jackson, who won multiple awards for his work with Bill Elm on the original score of Red Dead Redemption.

Players will also hear over 30 classic licensed jazz tracks in the game itself, including songs from such greats as  Billie Holiday,  Dizzy Gillespie,  Ella Fitzgerald,  Louis Armstrong and  Thelonious Monk.

L.A. Noire Remixed is the fruit of a partnership with  Verve Records that provides a modern take on the music found throughout the world of L.A. Noire. This unique EP is a collection of six jazz standards re-interpreted by some of today’s most acclaimed DJs, producers and remixers, including  Dave Sitek,  DJ Premier and  Truth & Soul.

L.A. Noire Remixed and the  L.A. Noire Official Soundtrack will be available for purchase on iTunes on May 17th, and look for song previews and additional information to be released at  www.rockstargames.com/lanoire next week.

Personals I think this is F***ing awesome. and should be make in to a real game type by bungie. But we would love to hear what you guys think so come on post a comment.

• Play as your favorite train wreck celebrity-turned reality TV star, take aim as your least favorite overpaid prima donna professional athlete, or don a cape as Steelport’s newest superhero (or villain).
• Save your master creations and share them with friends. Download other characters for your own use, or tweak them just the way you like.
• Collaborate with a friend to create your own dynamic duo for co-op play. Cowboy and Indian? Dominatrix and sex slave? Tag-team wrestling partners with sordid pasts? Your twisted imagination is the limit.

The Saints Row Initiation Station will be available free on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in advance of the release of Saints Row: The Third this holiday.

As a special bonus, those who pre-order Volition’s upcoming destruction-fest Red Faction: Armageddon, from Game Stop will be granted exclusive early access to the Saints Row Initiation Station. Players will receive an early-access code prior to the release of Saints Row: The Third this holiday.

Red Faction: Armageddon is scheduled to release on 10 June. If you’ve pre-ordered Red Faction: Armageddon from Game Stop already, you’ll automatically get an early access code. If you haven’t, pre-order Armageddon here.

> Pre-order Red Faction: Armageddon at Game Stop

Initially launched in 2007, the first three Assassin’s Creed^® games have sold more than 28 million units worldwide, and the franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series on next generation consoles. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed has transcended video games, branching out into other entertainment experiences such as comic books, Facebook, novels, short films and more.

In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, Altaïr, on a journey of discovery and revelation. It is a perilous path – one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilize the region.

In addition to Ezio’s award-winning story, the acclaimed online multiplayer experience returns, refined and expanded, with more modes, more maps and more characters that allow players to test their assassin skills against others from around the world. The latest chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga also includes revolutionary gameplay, allowing players to manipulate the construct of Desmond’s memories and the Animus to decipher the mysteries of his past and gain insight into the future.

“Delivering the final chapter of the Ezio trilogy is an important milestone in the Assassin’s Creed franchise for us and for our fans,” said Alexandre Amancio, Creative Director at Ubisoft Montreal. “Assassin’s Creed Revelations includes lots of new features and some significant surprises. We can’t wait to show our fans what we have in store at E3 this year.”

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, visit:  www.assassinscreed.com and www.facebook.com/assassinscreed.

From the studio that brought you the Ostrich Hammer and the purple sex-toy bludgeon, Volition unveils its next weapon of crass destruction: Mr. Toots!

A miniature magical unicorn so powerful it lays entire cities to waste, Mr. Toots farts joyous rainbows of pure devastation. Never before has hyper-colored flatulence wrought such destruction, and, for the colonists of Mars in Red Faction: Armageddon, inspiration.

With 1 million downloads of the Red Faction: Armageddon demo, available today for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Volition shall unleash Mr. Toots as a playable weapon in Red Faction: Armageddon. With Mr. Toots at your side, force your enemies to taste the rainbow… the rainbow of pain.

Today, in partnership with the L.A. Times and their  Archives group, and inspired by the L.A. Times’ own acclaimed  Crime Map project – we present the  L.A. Noire 1947 Edition Crime Map some of those other cases from that landmark year of Los Angeles crime that were researched – ranging from the fascinating to the frightening.
Including true tales of:

• 72-year-old oil man, E.J. Miley, who picked up three hitchhiking youths as he left on a drive from LA up to Fresno. The trio were petty thugs who thought they had an easy mark on their hands…
• A pair of weightlifting rivals in Pacific Palisades who agreed to head to the gym to “settle the question of superiority”, but it winds up being far from a fair lift-off…
• A horrible account of a young, disturbed returning veteran who, with no warning or apparent cause, murdered his bride and himself at his in-laws house one evening…
• Acrobat burglars who broke into a market by ripping off a skylight, chopped a hole in the ceiling, and slid down a pole to make off with $2500 in cash (yes, that was a LOT back then) along with several hundred pounds of meat – but not before stopping to apparently chug several quarts of milk.

Plus a bunch more. Read the original clippings of these stories as they appeared in the L.A. Times that year, and see exactly where they happened in Los Angeles with the 1947 Edition Crime Map at www.latimes.com/lanoire.

Look for more true crime stories to be added there during the week of L.A. Noire’s release.

If your readers didn’t get a code last week, here’s their chance! Simply visit http://gamesforwindows.com/ageofempiresonlinebeta between 9:01am on Thursday, 5 May and 9:01am on Saturday, 7 May.

During this time, the Games for Windows Marketplace will prompt you to sign up for a Windows Live ID and download the beta immediately – no waiting!

For more information about Age of Empires Online, visit ageofempiresonline.com

According to Darrell Foxworth, a spokesperson from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, “The FBI is aware of the reports concerning the alleged intrusion into the Sony on line game server and we have been in contact with Sony concerning this matter. We are presently reviewing the available information in an effort to determine the facts and circumstances concerning this alleged criminal activity.”

Anyone with information concerning the breach is asked to contact the FBI at 858-565-1255 or 1-877-EZ-2-TELL. Cyber tips may be e-mailed to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

UPDATE:  As of 11:10 p.m. CST www.kotaku.com is back up.  No word yet on the cause of the outage.

Here’s Sony’s statement:

“We have a clear path to have PlayStation Network and Qriocity systems back online, and expect to restore some services within a week.

We will keep the service down to allow us to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure smooth operation of our network services when they return; we are working hard to resume the services as soon as we can be reasonably assured our security concerns have been addressed.”

Hulu has already made efforts to do damage control as the PS3 is one the Internet devices that Hulu Plus subscribers can use to stream television shows and movies.  Apparently, they will giving all of their Hulu Plus Members (even those who do not have a PS3) a free week.  No word if this will be expanded as the outage goes on.  Sony has apparently planned compensatory, and perhaps celebratory, events once they come back online.

Rothken Law Firm has jumped into the fray with a class-action suit as a result of the intrusion.  Sony PSN Customers who wish to join the lawsuit and fill out an online form at http://www.techfirm.com/contact/

“We bought this lawsuit on behalf of consumers to learn the full extent of Sony PlayStation Network data security practices and the data loss and to seek a remedy for consumers,” Ira P. Rothken, an attorney who filed the complaint, said in a statement. “We are hopeful that Sony will take this opportunity to learn from the network vulnerabilities, provide a remedy to consumers who entrusted their sensitive data to Sony, and lead the way in data security best practices going forward.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/when-will-the-playstation-network-be-back-2011-4#ixzz1Kl5rn8jb

First Sony’s PS3 was hacked and valuable information stolen. Just last night I had been listening to a conversation in which a friend said he wasn’t worried about that happening to xbox.

Well It would seem that Xbox has sent out an alert on their support website here stating that title specific messages from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 are being sent out in a phishing attempt. While at this time it is unclear the extent of users phishing for information or if it extends beyond phishing. If you are worried your account may be at risk Microsoft has a list of fairly obvious precautions that can be taken, which can be found here.

“We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network”

Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained.

Wondering if the hackers have taken your CC number? Sony is wondering the same thing.

“While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility.”

Sony is also advising that you call up the three major U.S. credit bureaus and place yourself on fraud alert status which will make it harder for people that aren’t you to buy things in your name. Which reminds me, I think I need to make a call…

Source:  http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/04/26/update-on-playstation-network-and-qriocity/

@judgearrow