GamePlay Unlimited

Infinity Ward's twitter page (as well as FourZeroTwo's ) has alerted us to a series of what seem to be beta invites from Infinity Ward going around for the next Call of Duty. These are fake, do not open them. The e-mails originate from COD5BETA@infinityward.com. If you get an e-mail from this address delete it. Infinity Ward says: "Heads Up - There's a fake Beta Invite going around from COD5BETA@infinityward.com. If you get one, just delete, don't open."

In a good news/bad news situation it has just been announced (via 1Up ) that UGO Entertainment has acquired 1Up and its network of websites including GameVideos, MyCheats, and GameTab. The good news is that 1Up gains a whole new backing of support in the deal with UGO. "We are extremely excited to join the UGO team," said Sam Kennedy, editorial director and creator of 1UP. "Relying on UGO's publishing platform will allow us to focus on what we do best -- creating great content and 'owning the conversation' among gamers through our unique, authentic and definitive voice and community." (Via 1Up ) The bad news is that EGM will be shut down in the transition. EGM has been around since 1989 and will be discontinued after the January 2009 issue. Gamasutra has uncovered an e-mail sent to Ziff Davis employees that illustrates the EGM shut down: "With this transaction happening, we have also made the decision to discontinue publication of EGM. The January 2...

Big news this morning, Square Enix has announced their plan to gain a majority stake in Tecmo. Square is planning to offer stakeholders a 30% premium over the closing price on August 28. Last week Tecmo president Yoshimi Yasuda left the company but the loss did not affect the talks says Sqaure president Yoichi Wada. According to a press release (via IGN ); "Wada addressed the possibility of synergy between the two companies. He noted that Tecmo has strong global titles, something that has attracted his attention for some time. He also noted that Square Enix is an RPG-focused company, and one wouldn't call action it's strongest field. Wada explained that with this in mind, he's hoping not for cooperative development but for the two firms to "inspire" one-another." Stay tuned for more information on this developing story at GamePlay Unlimited.

Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony on February 29. Kazuo Hirai, currently President and Group CEO of SCEI, will take over Harrison's responsibilities immediately. Here is the fill press release: " Tokyo, February 25, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties. Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation®, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well a...

In a big move for the video game industry, EA has put up an offer to buy Take-Two studios for $2 Billion. Take-Two's executive chairman, Strauss Zelnick denied the initial proposal, but EA is leaving the offer on the table and making it public hoping the shareholders may have a different view than Zelnick. EA Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello had this to say: "Our all-cash proposal is a unique opportunity for Take-Two shareholders to realize immediate value at a substantial premium, while creating long-term value for EA shareholders. Take-Two's game designers would also benefit from EA's financial resources, stable, game-focused management team, and strong global publishing capabilities." So the deal appears to be in the hands of the shareholders as of now. I still can't help but think, would this acquisition be good for the industry? Would a buyout offer a good chance for the Take-Two teams to have more resources and a better financial backing? Or woul...

Microsoft's Press conference ended a while ago at the Game Developers Conference and there were some big news stories, hit the jump for the info. First off, Cliffy B showed up to announce Gears Of War 2 coming this November exclusively on the Xbox 360. (Hit the jump for the trailer). Secondly, Microsoft announced that games made using the XNA developer tool by community members would be making their way to Xbox Live and the Zune. 7 of the games are available over Xbox Live now. To download the Game Launcher and games: 1. Go to Marketplace, Game Store, All games 2. Scroll to the very bottom to XNA Creators Club, 3. Download XNA creators club Game Launcher . 4. Go to games blade, games Library, scroll over to XNA Creators Club 5. Press Y to download games, 6. Download Game 7. PLAY! More news will be coming as it happens at GDC '08, so look to GamePlay Unlimited for more updates soon.

We finally have most of the site finished. We're now ready to start posting news. Deadly Cyclone will be the primary writer for most the posts. I will post as well but will also be working on the site design. You may see some minor changes taking place over the next couple weeks as some of final design layouts are being worked on. Otherwise, let us know how you like the site in the comments. Enjoy!