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."
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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 2009 issue will be the final issue of the publication. With demand for print continuing to decline amongst both advertisers and readers and the content being produced by 1UP no longer available for use in the publication, it simply did not make sense for us to move forward with this business any longer." (Via Gamasutra)
It is sad to see such a great publication go, one can only hope that some day in the future EGM can return.
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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.
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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 as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group’s first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.
“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”
“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group."
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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 would it turn into what EA wants them to do and limit the freedom? Only the future will tell!
Source: EA Press Release
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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.
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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!
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