VIA EUR:

All kinds of Michael Jackson products – including cell phones and X-Box add-ons – could be coming down the pipeline if a judge signs off on a merchandising deal, reports the Associated Press.

The current administrators of the singer’s estate have presented several proposed contracts to a probate judge for approval. The agreements offer a taste of how the King of Pop may be sold in the coming months and years.

Trading cards, T-shirts, calendars, lighters, stuffed animals that play Jackson’s music and games are among the tangible items being considered. So too are denim products and high-end clothing lines, according to the filings.

But Jackson seems destined to try to conquer the digital domain too. Some of the possible products include cell phone screen savers, X-Box themes, video games and digital tattoos for characters in games such as “Second Life.”

The proposed deals are between Jackson’s estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado International Group Merchandising Services. The contract calls for Bravado, which is Universal Music Group’s retailing arm, to receive worldwide merchandise rights. AEG Live will retain rights to sell certain merchandise related to Jackson’s canceled London performances, the agreements state.

As previously reported, a separate agreement is being pursued between the estate’s administrators and Columbia Pictures for a feature length movie based on footage of Jackson’s preparations for his 50 comeback concerts in London. The studio paid $60 million for the rights to the project, the contract filed in Los Angeles Superior Court states. Jackson’s estate — which primarily benefits his mother and three children — would receive 90 percent of the profits from the film, according to the agreement. A judge has scheduled a hearing for Monday to consider the proposals.

Attorneys for the current administrators of his estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain, have stated in court records that they believe Jackson’s estate is solvent. One of the men’s attorneys, Jeryll S. Cohen, wrote in a court filing on Friday that the merchandising and film and other entertainment agreements are expected to generate “advances in the high eight figures.”

Negotiations for other deals are also in the works, Cohen wrote. The administrators have the authority to combat unauthorized merchandise, and the deals provide Bravado with access to the use of Jackson’s name, image, symbols, emblems and other trademarks. Jackson’s estate would have input into which products are ultimately manufactured, the proposed agreements state.

An amendment to an agreement between Jackson’s estate and AEG Live allows for a traveling exhibit of the performer’s memorabilia. Exact details of the exhibit were redacted, but it calls for the displays to be shown only at museums or venues that both sides agree on. If approved, the agreements would continue a trend that Jackson seemed to be pursuing in his final months — marketing products based on his days of superstar status.

A lawsuit filed in January by “Thriller” director John Landis accused Jackson of trying to turn the groundbreaking 14-minute music video into comic books and video games. The director also sued over a proposed Broadway show based on “Thriller.” Landis owns some of the creative rights to the project and didn’t grant approval to the ventures Jackson was apparently pursuing.

VIA DX:

The makers of Guitar Hero have done it again. This time, they have joined forces with the Hip Hop community to bring forth DJ Hero. This new interactive music experience is what many Rap fans have been waiting for in the video game world.

DJ Hero’s Renegade Edition, named after the track Eminem is featured on in Jay-Z’s The Blueprint, will be released around the same time as the standard edition of the game. This edition will feature a package with DJ Hero, a Renegade turntable controller and a turntable carrying case that opens up to become a performance-ready DJ stand. To go along with this, the pack will also feature a 2-CD pack which will contain unreleased Eminem and Jay-Z tracks. This will also include a case to be designed by artist Shepard Fairey.

According to a press release, this game is sure to excite many music lovers.

“DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game by incorporating anthems from legendary artists.”

In the game, players will be able to blend, scratch, cross fade and sample music.

Fans may recall that Jay and Em both appeared on stage to introduce DJ Hero earlier this year in Los Angeles. Both artists also hinted towards this Renegade Edition back in May.

]]> http://theurbandaily.com/special-features/video-games/the-urban-daily-staff/dj-hero-renegade-edition-features-jay-z-eminem/feed/ 1 http://theurbandaily.com/style-news/the-urban-daily-staff/bill-gates-says-project-natal-isnt-just-for-gaming/ http://theurbandaily.com/style-news/the-urban-daily-staff/bill-gates-says-project-natal-isnt-just-for-gaming/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:55:37 +0000 The Urban Daily http://theurbandaily.com/news/style-news/bill-gates-says-project-natal-isnt-just-for-gaming/ VIA GAWKER: In a recent interview with CNET, Bill Gates let spill the true scope of Microsoft's ambitions for the technology behind the Xbox's Read more..]]>

VIA GAWKER:

In a recent interview with CNET, Bill Gates let spill the true scope of Microsoft’s ambitions for the technology behind the Xbox’s Project Natal. Basically, it isn’t just a gaming gimmick—they want to try it everywhere.

Here’s how everyone’s still-favorite Microsoft figurehead (sorry Ballmer!) sees camera-based motion tech playing out:

[The concept also works] for media consumption as a whole, and even if they connect it up to Windows PCs for interacting in terms of meetings, and collaboration, and communication…I think the value is as great for if you’re in the home, as you want to manage your movies, music, home system type stuff, it’s very cool there.

Combined with his statements that it’s specifically “Windows guys” who’ve latched onto the technology, this implies something like a motion-controlled Windows, core application set or, at the very least, Media Center. He doesn’t offer any specifics, but gesture-based music, video and photo manipulation aren’t too difficult to imagine. What about office uses?:

…I think there’s incredible value as we use that in the office connected to a Windows PC. So Microsoft research and the product groups have a lot going on there, because you can use the cost reduction that will take place over the years to say, why shouldn’t that be in most office environments.

So the coolest thing about Natal in the workplace is, based on what we know now, “cost reduction.” Guys, I want dance-actuated PowerPoint presentations at a minimum.

We’ll probably see some meatier details about Microsoft’s wider motion control ambitions soon enough, but even with this scant information, it’s fair to say that the company is serious about the technology. We’re well overdue for an overhaul to the way we interact with computers, and the fact that Microsoft is aware of this—and doing something about it—is promising. Tentatively. [CNET]

I think, no… I need this game. Parties at the crib will never be the same. Hahahaha!

Check out the Def Jam Vendetta killer below:

VIA DX:

Upon the success of his video game “Blood On the Sand,” 50 Cent [click here to read] says he’s interested in making a sequel.

“I’m hoping we’ll be able to do it,” said 50 to MTV News at the Manhattan Play ‘N Trade store, where he and fans enjoyed it together. “With the success of this actual project, we’ll try to do it again.”

“[Fans] said it’s a good video game,” added the G-Unit general. “They enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to play with some people online. That was exciting and another way to reach people that are aware of me.”

Did you play ‘Blood On The Sand’? Peep the full story here! Check out our ‘Hip-Hop Muppets’ gallery below:

Not content with making videogames about himself, 50 Cent now wants to make a movie out of a videogame. He would also like to make a version of Tetris.

50 Cent’s partnership with THQ, the publisher of his game, Blood on the Sand, is proving lucrative beyond the just-released game. The hip-hop mogul now wants to get into the entirely respectable business of producing film adaptations of videogames, and he wants to start with THQ’s Saints Row franchise.

“With my relationship with THQ, they’ll actually see me develop Saint’s Row into an actual screenplay and into a film project,” 50 revealed during a conference call about Blood on the Sand. “I‘m optioning the rights for that right now, so they’ll see that before they see me do it from my own perspective for my game.”

Call me crazy, but it might actually work. Saints Row doesn’t really have much narrative meat to it – it just has a barebones story and then a wacky over-the-top universe in which crazy things happen. It’s more about an atmosphere and a tone than anything else, and 50 Cent knows what it’s like to live in ridiculous and cartoonish faux hip-hop state of mind at all times anyway. In any case, there’s really not that much there to ruin, so why not?

With two games now fully under his belt, 50 Cent also seems to be thinking about taking game development to the next level. No, not 50 Cent 3 (150 Cent?), but something altogether different. “I’d like to be a part of developing, marketing and promoting a game I’m not actually in,” he told MTV. “It could be like Tetris. It’s one of my favorite games.”

50 Cent Tetris. That may make you doubt the man’s capacity for genius ideas, but listen to this. You know the premise of Blood on the Sand? 50 Cent gets a crystal skull, the skull gets stolen, and then 50 and his buddies chase bad guys all over Iraq-but-not-Iraq to get it back? That was his idea.

“The crystal skull actually exists,” 50 revealed. “It’s a diamond, an artifact. I saw it in a magazine in Dubai. I took it and said, ‘Make this what they’re after.’”

SOURCE: Escapist Magazine

With nearly a full year of of game releases ahead, Gamasutra is picking out noteworthy titles due in 2009 for each home and handheld platform, this time for the PlayStation 3.

While lacking hardware sales and its resulting third-place standing in current generation console marketshare has many comparing the PlayStation 3 to the unfortunate GameCube, the PS3 hasn’t experienced the diminished third-party software support that Nintendo’s purple system suffered.

We’ve collected the most anticipated titles from the PlayStation 3′s 2009 slate, previewing 15 in all, from multiplatform MMO games like The Agency to exclusive downloadable titles like Flower.
Bayonetta (also coming to Xbox 360)
Release Date: September 1st
Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Sega

Though there are still a lot of details yet to be released for Bayonetta, expectations are understandably high seeing as Hideki Kamiya, the director behind Capcom’s Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe series, is heading the project.

The action game’s eponymous witch protagonist packs two sets of pistols — one pair attached to her high heels — which she uses to dispatch monsters disguised as angels. Along with her bullet-heavy attacks, she can also perform magical strikes with her hair.

Borderlands (also coming to Xbox 360, PC)
Release Date: 2009
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games

Inspired by the Mad Max films and Blizzard’s Diablo games, Borderlands is a four-player cooperative first-person shooter with RPG elements. Three playable and customizable characters are available, each with their own skill trees, accessories, and back stories.

Players ride in customizable vehicles and explore a lawless, desolate planet filled with randomly generated areas and items (500,000+ weapons, 500,000+ items and armor variations), in search of a vault promising alien technology and secrets.
Heavy Rain: The Origami Killer
Release Date: No date announced
Developer: Quantic Dream
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Described by writer and director David Cage as a “dark film noir thriller with mature themes” Heavy Rain has players controlling four characters and investigating a series of appalling murders. Unlike Quantic Dream’s previous releases (Farenheit, Omikron series), the game does not feature any supernatural elements.

Heavy Rain is designed to provide a “bendable” story in which dialogue choices, interaction with characters, and moral decisions can take the player through different interlocking stories that approach “[adult] subject matter and themes rarely touched upon in video games.”

Killzone 2
Release Date: February 27th
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Killzone 2 takes gamers to Helghan, the home world of the first-person shooter series’ gas-mask wearing antagonists, the Helghast. Along with their squad of Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) soldiers, players go behind enemy lines, fighting the Helghast and their hazard-filled planet during the ISA’s invasion.

The game’s class-based online multiplayer mode allows players to pick two ability sets from a batch of six to best accommodate their playing style or their squad’s needs. 32 gamers can join in for a multiplayer online match, with up to four players per squad (two squads can also form a group together).
Resident Evil 5 (also coming to Xbox 360)
Release Date: March 13th
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

With almost four years past since the acclaimed Resident Evil 4 debuted on the GameCube, Chris Redfield, one of the heroes in the original Resident Evil, returns in the latest entry to the series, now a Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance officer investigating a zombie outbreak in Africa.

Redfield is accompanied by Sheva Alomar, a BSAA member who provides ammo and support. Their cooperative dynamic continues with online and offline multiplayer co-op modes.

Street Fighter IV (also coming to PC, Xbox 360)
Release Date: February 17th
Developer: Capcom, Dimps
Publisher: Capcom

Almost ten years since this fighting franchise’s last numbered release, Street Fighter returns with all twelve characters from the classic Street Fighter II along with eight new playable characters, several of which were unavailable in the game’s Japanese arcade release.

Presented in 3D with an ink-like, seemingly hand-drawn visual style, SFIV features simplified, more approachable controls, but also introduces Focus Attacks, a new counter attack system for Street Fighter veterans, and Ultra Combos, a series of cinematic moves that players can execute after getting hit and filling up their “Revenge Gauge.”

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Release Date: Fourth quarter
Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Nathan Drake is on another treasure hunting quest, hoping to uncover mysteries behind 13th century explorer Marco Polo and his lost ships. Drake is specifically seeking a crystal said to grant its holder a wish. He’s accompanied by a new character named Chloe Frazer, who is voiced by Stargate SG-1 actress Claudia Black.

This (pictured) sequel to the 2007 action-adventure games adds stealth action segments, free climbing over walls, and the ability to flip over objects to use as cover when under enemy fire.

SOURCE: Gamasutra

A just dropped some details on its upcoming title The Godfather II, complete with a release date update and information on pre-order incentives.

Godfather II follows in the footsteps of the 2006 Godfather title in premise and theme, but takes a major detour in terms of gameplay. The sequel plays out in the 1960s and encourages players to get inside the mind of a don, build a crew and work towards becoming the crème de la crème of the mob world. Members of your “family” can be controlled directly in battle, or sent off to do your bidding (bombing rivals, attacking businesses and generally being intimidating) in different cities.

In an attempt to avoid the pitfalls that plagued the first game – namely the feeling that the primary goal was to run around and beat people up – EA has augmented the action gameplay  with new strategic mechanics. Implemented in the form of  “Don’s View” – the feature will necessitate basic management skills, requiring you to coordinate strategy, build your family, watch over your businesses and establish relationships with corrupt government officials all at once.

SOURCE: Game Informer

Hot on the heels of the announcement that the Xbox brand had its most successful holiday season ever in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, VentureBeat.com is reporting that the Xbox 360 passed the 28 million units sold mark worldwide. Not only that, but Microsoft is saying that Xbox Live expanded its number of “active members” from 14 million before the holidays to more than 17 million after.

Those 17 million members have reportedly spent more than $1 billion on Xbox Live since 2005 with this holiday season’s heaviest usage coming between Christmas and New Years with more than 1.4 million concurrent members online. To see what people were playing, click here.

Microsoft attributes the system’s newfound successes to the new Avatar-fueled interface known as the New Xbox Experience. NXE also brought gamers the Netflix streaming service, said to be “one of the most popular new features.

SOURCE: IGN.com

Is it Burnout Paradise, even though they never inserted a crash mode into their game? What about Fallout 3? With its insane graphics and crazy storyline, these are the few games that GameSpot and The Urban Daily looked believed deserved mention for 2008′s “Game of the Year.”

The question is: Who will win?

After a long year of deciding whether to be a good or evil, fighting aliens World War II-style and creating your own world of possibilities, GameSpot and The Urban Daily decided to bring to you the year’s most disappointing games of 2008. Hope next year finds those brains on full dream mode!

Click Here For more Best of Everything 2008

Featuring Iron Mike Tyson. This could stave off the oncoming threat of the new UFC video game. Check out the trailer below.

With 2008 coming to a close, it’s easy to forget about all of the excellent games that were released earlier in the year that you have yet to play. This holiday season is packed with games competing for your hard earned cash. Games like Resistance 2, Little Big Planet, Gears of War 2, Left 4 Dead, Dead Space, Valkyria Chronicles, and Prince of Persia are probably some of the latest games that are on gamer’s minds. This holiday rush of games is going to overshadow the majority of excellent games made in 2008, primarily because they are fresh in people’s minds. However, a lot of great games were made in 2008, and shouldn’t be overlooked. Many of the games listed below are on sale for a discounted price to compete with recent games.

Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Playstation 3, Xbox 360)
Condemned 2 is the sequel to Condemned: Criminal Origins, which was an Xbox 360 exclusive. Condemned 2 is unlike many of the first person games released in 2008, because it’s not primarily a shooter. Although you acquire a few guns in the game, most of the combat is done with your fists, or melee weapons such as pipes, and bricks. The combat is rather enjoyable, as well as brutal, the graphics are very nice, the story is well told, and there is a strong horror vibe to the game, so fans of horror should enjoy this game.

Dark Sector (Playstation 3, Xbox 360)
It’s a bit of a mystery as to why this game didn’t receive more attention from gamers. Dark Sector features a very similar control scheme to Gears of War, or Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. You press a button to run to cover, use the analog stick to pop around the corner, etc. The main difference between this game and Gears of War is the glaive. The main character in Dark Sector is a man named Hayden, and his primary weapon is the glaive, which you acquire early in the game. The glaive is like a three-sided boomerang with blades on it. You’re able to throw the glaive at your enemies, cutting off any limbs in your path. You’re even able to control the glaive itself in slow motion as you guide it towards the specific limb of your enemy that you would like to amputate. While the story in Dark Sector isn’t the best told in the world, neither is Gears of War. The action in Dark Sector is very fun, and if you’re a gore hound, Dark Sector certainly won’t disappoint. This is actually one of the cheapest games on this list. It’s being sold for an insulting $19.99 new in many video game stores.

Eternal Sonata (Playstation 3, Xbox 360)
Although Eternal Sonata has been out since 2007 on the Xbox 360, it has recently been ported to the Playstation 3, therefore it qualifies for this list. Eternal Sonata is an action-RPG set in the mind of Frederick Chopin. It features an enjoyable combat system, an interesting story for the most part, and an amazing art style. The graphics are technically well done, but the art style is absolutely gorgeous. If you absolutely despise anime as an art style, then you will hate looking at Eternal Sonata, but if you’re one of the many anime fans out there, there is no better game than Eternal Sonata when it comes to replicating the anime art style. The combat is relatively easy, and there aren’t many side quests to speak of, so it’s a rather short game. Despite this, Eternal Sonata is a worthwhile RPG, and can be found at a discount for the Xbox 360. The Playstation 3 version is still at full price, but it comes with many bonus features such as new characters available for your party.

Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360)
Lost Odyssey has to be one of the most under rated games of the year. It’s a classic turn based, Japanese RPG. The story of Lost Odyssey is a rather interesting one. It starts off great, and lulls a bit at the end, but overall it’s very engaging. The characters suffer from some RPG standards such as having a quiet tough guy, a comedian, the big breasted woman, the annoying kids, etc, but if you give the game time, the characters are actually well developed over the course of the journey. As stated above, the combat is strictly turn based. If you don’t like taking turns with your enemies in JRPGs, then you won’t like Lost Odyssey. However, if turn based combat is your thing, there isn’t much to dislike. Character, and enemy design is top notch, and the graphics as a whole are impressive. There are many side quests in this game, so if you’re the hardcore type, expect to play upwards of 80 hours. Lost Odyssey is an excellent JRPG, and it’s a pity that it didn’t get the attention it deserved.

Sega Superstars Tennis (Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Wii)
As the name bluntly points out, Sega Superstars Tennis is all about various Sega characters playing tennis, as well as participating in tennis themed mini games. It features a respectable amount of characters to choose from: ranging from the beloved Sonic to the lesser known Beat from Jet Grind Radio. While the tennis itself is enjoyable for a while, it’s the mini games that really make the game. All of the mini games are inspired by classic Sega games. For example, instead of killing zombies with a gun in the House of the Dead mini game, you repel them back to the grave with tennis balls. This may sound lame, but it’s not. It’s a good time. The Puyo Pop mini game is worth the purchase alone. In addition, there is a lot of multiplayer fun to have with this game.

Silent Hill: Homecoming (Playstation 3, Xbox 360)
When Silent Hill fans heard that Team Silent wasn`t developing Silent Hill: Homecoming, expectations for the game dropped dramatically. It was met with generally positive reviews from critics, with most scores ranging from a 6 out of 10, all the way up to a 9 out of 10. The main problem for fans of the series with Silent Hill: Homecoming is that it shares more in common with the theatrical film than the previous games in the series. For those that enjoyed the film, this may not be a problem. Much like the film, the game focuses on a cult. It`s obvious that Silent Hill: Homecoming was based off of the film in many ways, because many of the effects such as transitioning between the foggy Silent Hill, and the hellish Silent Hill look as though they were ripped straight from the film. The combat system is entirely different than it was in previous games. You are able to dodge, and perform finishers. This may be a bit of a turn off for long time fans, but others may find the new combat system to be a breath of fresh air. The graphics are above average, and the enemy and boss design, are particularly impressive. It may not be the best survivor horror ever made, but it’s certainly worth a play through for fans of the genre.

Click Here For more Best of Everything 2008

In a move ballsy enough to put Soulja Boy to shame, 50 Cent has issued a challenge to gamers to beat him at his own game…which isn’t even out yet.

50 Cent: Blood on the Sand isn’t due to drop until January 19th next year, but Fiddy’s apparently already had enough experience with it to know that he can trounce all comers.

“I actually had the opportunity to play it, and I’m pretty good at it,” the hip-hop mogul said in an interview with MTV. Good enough, apparently, to back his claims with his cash. “If anybody out there wants to create a challenge or wants to bet some money online, we could play the game right now.”

50 also spoke on some of the influences on his game, which centers on an destructive escapade to recover a crystal-encrusted skull in a fictional Middle Eastern nation. “The actual aesthetics, the scenery, was inspired by “Blood Diamond” on some levels,” he said. “Blood Diamond“, a film about a war-torn African country and the rampant corruption therein, and the 50 Cent videogame? They both use precious gems as a central motif, I suppose.

Straight out of left field influences aside, 50 remarked that he was extremely pleased with the way the game is turning out. “I’m happy with the videogame,” he said. “I actually went to Los Angeles to meet with some of the programmers, and we sat down. They showed me some options and some things that they had already developed. I told them this idea that I thought would be cool and to merge the idea into what they already had, and it worked out.”

Let’s hope the “idea” wasn’t a built-in handicap for everyone who challenges him in an online match.

SOURCE: The Escapist

As 2008 draws to a close, the increasingly dire economy is dominating headlines in virtually every industry…including games. Just today, PlayStation 3-maker Sony announced it was cutting 16,000 jobs–8,000 of them permanent, the 8,000 other temporary. Just hours later, Electronic Arts lowered its guidance for the year and confirmed it would be further cutting its payroll and canceling several unspecified future projects.

That said, one small bright spot of game-industry news has emerged. Microsoft has confirmed that Gears of War 2, Epic Games’ highly-rated follow-up to GameSpot’s 2006 Game of the Year, sold over 3 million copies in the four weeks after its November release. Since Gears of War took 10 weeks to go triple platinum, that means its sequel is selling at more than twice its forbear’s pace. The original game went on to sell over 5.5 million copies worldwide on the Xbox 360 and, to a much lesser extent, the PC. (The PC version was released a year after the 360 original launched.)

Unlike the first game, Gears of War 2 will remain exclusive to Microsoft’s console, with Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski saying there will never be a PC port. Set six months after the original, the sequel once again follows Marcus Fenix, the gruff leader of the elite Delta Squad as they continue to battle the ghoulish subterranean race known as the Locust. This time around, Fenix and his comrades take the fight further underground and learn more about their enemies’ horrific origins.

Q’s views about the newest Tomb Raider game are pretty much on point. Check out the review below:

Several year ago, the Tomb Raider franchise was trying to overcome the debacle called Angel of Darkness and the stagnation of the Tomb Raider franchise. Then developer Crystal Dynamics took over with Tomb Raider: Legend, followed with Tomb Raider: Anniversary and restored the franchise to its former glory with updated gameplay and great story. Now they’ve returned with Tomb Raider: Underworld and a bag of cool stuff to go with it.

The story revolves around Lara and her adventure of solving a mythological mystery and finding out her mother is. It’s actually a pretty intriguing story that would work as a Hollywood film. From the start of the game, you’re into the story waiting to find out what happens next.

One of the most noticeable additions is Lara Croft ability to stay underwater and complete puzzles and missions. In previous games, Lara was only able to stay underwater for as long as she can hold her breath. There’s also a plethora of new animations and movements added to the game including the ability to shoot at two different targets simultaneously, perch on swing bars, the ability to rappel down walls and melee kicking for close quarters combat. The new additions make Lara so much more fun to control.

Just like previous Tomb Raider games, the puzzles are simplistic in nature, but sometimes it’ll take a moment or two to figure out. Some of them will have you on the brink of heading online to find out what to do, but if you take another moment, it’ll come to you.

To read more of Q’s views, please check out the review at Video Game Examiner.

With November 2008 US sales figures from industry-research firm the NPD Group expected later this week, the top game-industry analysts have released their own estimates for the month. The consensus is that the traditionally frantic holiday season was subdued somewhat by the surging recession, with game sales enjoying only a modest year-over-year increase. Though he believes all three consoles sold in record numbers, Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter thinks that overall, domestic game revenue was $1.4 billion, up just 7 percent from $1.31 billion in 2007.

While cautiously optimistic about the industry as a whole, analysts gave unusually downbeat assessments of two pillars of the game industry. First, Pachter estimates that Electronic Arts will see a 16 percent year-over-year decline in revenue, thanks to poor showings of the new property Mirror’s Edge (300,000 units for the month) and Need for Speed Undercover (350,000 units). Though it enjoyed better reviews, Rock Band 2 also sold a disappointing 350,000 units during the month on two platforms–the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. (PlayStation 2 and Wii versions are due out next week.)

Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Group, the firm helping Midway stave off bankruptcy, went one step further. He thinks the underperformance of Mirror’s Edge, Rock Band 2, and Need for Speed Undercover might lead to more layoffs and Tiberium-esque cancellations. “We believe EA is continuing to review its cost structure and franchise base, and it is possible that management will announce further cuts in headcount and the development pipeline (including existing franchises) over the coming quarters,” he summarized.

While EA’s woes are likely pure schadenfreude to Activision Blizzard executives’ ears, this week also saw Pachter predict its sales would slip 14 percent year on year. This slide is in large part due to one of the megapublisher’s top franchises hitting market saturation. “Probably the most talked about issue this month is the lack of sales for Guitar Hero: World Tour,” declared Jesse Divnich of Electronic Entertainment Design and Research (EEDAR). “Currently, we expect unit sales to decline by more than 50 percent series-over-series for November. This is coming off the October month where series-over-series units declined by more than 60 percent.”

Divnich also pointed out that, rather than command a premium like Wii Fit, Guitar Hero World Tour is beginning to sell under its suggested retail price on the eBay auction service. “It is pretty clear that the series has already reached its peak among the mass-market audience,” he explained with the following caveat. “Of course, we are not suggesting that the Guitar Hero (or Rock Band) franchise will be disappearing anytime soon.”

SOURCE: Gamespot

You’ve seen the footage, you’ve read the hands-on coverage of Killzone 2, but you haven’t gotten any details on when the anticipated first-person shooter from Guerrilla Games will be released. That information has finally been revealed thanks to the PlayStation.Blog. According to Mike Graham, Associate Producer at SCEA Santa Monica, Killzone 2 will officially be released on February 27, 2009 in the United States. Dates for other regions weren’t released, but it sounds like the beginning of March will be filled with the screams of Helghan warriors being shot by ISA guns

We’ve been longing for a resurrection of the arcade sports games genre for a while now. With the digital distribution platforms on consoles today favoring quick, online-enabled titles, games like NBA Jam seem to be a perfect fit. And yet, for whatever reason, no one has stepped up to the plate… until now. By some sort of divine intervention, a brand new EA 3-on-3 hockey arcade game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 has been revealed.

IGN has word that my countrymen at EA Canada are preparing 3 on 3 NHL Arcade, a throw-back to the old-school arcade-style hockey games like NHL Hitz and Rock the Rink. The game is scheduled to land in February for $9.99 (800 Microsoft Points) and will be fully-licensed with real teams and real players. The “no rules” style of play will feature the huge hits, over-the-top special moves, and power-ups that define any good arcade-style sports game. A welcome return to a more simplistic, button-based control scheme and online multiplayer support round out the package.

This is extremely exciting. These kinds of games should be available in droves for the Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network; I’m hoping that EA’s move will prompt other companies to react. The only thing that could top this would be a full HD revamp of NBA Jam with online multiplayer. Midway, you need money, right? Follow EA Canada’s lead here. My wallet is already open and anxiously awaiting February for this one.

A recent article from digital spy (via videogaming247) cites a study from The Diffusion Group (TDG) estimating that “190 million households worldwide will own a next-generation console by 2012.” Of those 190 million households, TDG believes 110 million next-generation consoles will be signed up for Xbox Live, the PlayStation Network, or Nintendo’s Wii Online. Of course, these figures could change if industry sales numbers surpass expectations in 2009, 2010, and/or 2011 like they did in 2006 and 2007.

SOURCE: 1Up.com

Coming off a strong Black Friday performance where Microsoft claims the Xbox 360 trounced the PlayStation 3 by a three-to-one sales margin, Microsoft’s vice president of strategy and business development, Shane Kim, has told Reuters that Microsoft is “cautiously optimistic” about holiday sales. This comes during a year where the industry is expected to grow 20% according to Kim. But next year is where the real concern lies, as it’s impossible to predict what impact the economic recession will have.

Regarding 2008′s growth, Kim said “people are not projecting that kind of growth” for 2009. “Who knows, maybe flat performance will be considered a remarkable achievement. It’s difficult to predict the future.”

As a result, Kim says that Microsoft is preparing for “tough times,” adding, “A big objective for us is to deliver most entertainment value for the dollar.”

If one thing is for sure, though, it’s that there won’t be any shortage of big games to keep an eye on in 2009.

Supporting the ghost busting crew are the talents of Annie Potts, Brian Doyle Murray and William Atherton. Equipped with a variety of unique weapons and gadgets, players will hunt, fight and capture a wide range of supernatural villains in a funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.”

Tekken 6, the latest in Namco Bandai’s seminal fighting series, will be delivering a body blow to consoles next fall. Oh wait, you say, we already knew that. True, Microsoft confirmed last October that in Fall 2009 Feng Wei, Devil Jin and the rest would strike the Xbox 360 across the face. In addition, CVG reports that the game will get an equal bout on the PlayStation 3 at the same time.

The announcement was made during a recent event put on by Atari, which will publish the title in Europe on both platforms, adding yet another marquee feather in the once-struggling company’s hat. Next year is shaping up to be a memorable one for fighting game fans with Street Fighter IV and Tekken 6 going toe-to-toe. So tell us, where do you place your bets?

Those who have been waiting for Projekt Red’s The Witcher to venture into console territory are in for a treat. Today at the Atari Live event in London, Atari and Projekt Red announced a global release of The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Both are expected to release in fall of 2009.

“The creative vision and dedication to the quality of the player experience that CD Projekt Red bring to the Witcher games is extraordinary, and it’s great to be working with them to bring the Witcher universe to console gamers,” said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. “Taking this brilliantly realized world to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gamers for the first time is a breakthrough in the development of this important franchise.”

Rise of the White Wolf is being remade entirely for the shift to consoles, with help of a core team from Projekt Red and France-based Widescreen Games.

You be the judge on what’s the better game?

Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system kicked off the holidays with record- breaking console sales on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year in the U.S. Retailers reported Xbox 360 console sales over the Black Friday weekend were on pace to beat previous years, outselling the PlayStation 3 by a three-to-one ratio and estimating a 25 percent increase from Xbox 360 Black Friday sales figures from 2007.

Strong game sales rounded out a historic Black Friday for Xbox 360, with record-paced software sales continuing for key Microsoft titles, such as Gears of War 2, Fable II, and Lips. Xbox 360 continues to have the highest game attach rate of any console at 8.1 games per console.

Previously: ‘What Is Playstation’s Game Of The Month?’

Within five minutes you’ve killed a couple of Great Whites, then within hours you’ve moved on to black panthers, by way of spiders, bats, skeleton dogs, giant monitors and tigers. Tigers for god’s sake! It just wouldn’t be Tomb Raider if you weren’t indiscriminately killing things that are on the verge of extinction.

Bravo Crystal Dynamics!

The question is, however – is there a correlation between the number of nearly-extinct (or extinct –T-Rex’s haven’t been brought back yet, right?) creatures you get to kill in a Tomb Raider game and its quality? Angel of Darkness, after all, featured close to [MEMORY NOT FOUND]. Oh, bugger, that’s right. Sorry folks, I forgot (ha!) that I had all memories of that game surgically removed from my brain. All I have is a vague recollection of eating chocolate bars off the ground in the sewers of Paris. Shame, because if Angel of Darkness didn’t let Lara drain the bile from Asiatic black bears or club snow leopards to death, then we could have established a correlation. Guess you’ll have to let me know in the comments.

To read more about Tomb Raider: Underworld, please click here.

Wanna know what’s good and what’s not? Quibian Salazar-Moreno has what you need to get by for the holiday season:

Prince of Persia (Xbox 360, PS3) – The long-awaited much-hyped Prince of Persia game for the new generation of consoles is finally here. The game has an entire new look, new gameplay, and new characters and so far the results have been pretty good. This is a must have game for this year.

Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (PS2) – The original Chain of Memories, a direct sequel to Kingdom of Hearts, was released in 2004 for Gameboy Advance. This PS2 version was updated with 3D battles using the same graphics as the original Kingdom Hearts game. There’s also new cut scenes, new battles, voice acting and the “Reaction Command” function.

My Fitness Coach h (Wii) – Capitalizing on the popularity of Wii Fit, My Fitness Coach is a personal virtual trainer that offers more than 500 exercises for flexibility, cardio fitness, strength training and more. You also get to create an exercise calendar with goals along with picking out your favorite kind of music.

Destroy All Humans! Path of The Furon (Xbox 360) – This is the fourth game in the Destroy All Humans! Series and takes place in the 1970’s. You play as an alien named Crypto who is trying to harvest DNA from the humans. There’s five new open worlds to explore plus new weapons and new alien powers.

Wanna know what else is hot? Check out the rest of the releases by clicking here.