Eurogamer.net • News

Modern Warfare 3, Just Dance top January US chart

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:50:00 +0000

Yet again, Modern Warfare 3 was the best selling game of the month in the US.

According to NPD data for the month of January, Activision's shooter beat out Just Dance 3 to the top spot.

Skyrim finished third, NBA 2K12 fourth and Battlefield 3 fifth. There were no new entries in the top 10.

Double Fine Adventure raises $1m in less than 24 hours

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:35:00 +0000

Double Fine's effort to crowd fund a new adventure game has raised a staggering $1 million in less than 24 hours.

Tim Schafer's studio had hoped to raise $400,000 over the space of a month to pay for the game's development and an accompanying documentary.

However, it seems to have underestimated gamers' enthusiasm for a return to Schafer's point-and-click roots.

Jaffe: Developers should focus on gameplay, not story

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:21:00 +0000

Developers need to focus their efforts on gameplay innovation rather than a misguided insistence on telling a fully-formed story, so says Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe.

Speaking today at the DICE event in Las Vegas, the famously outspoken Eat Sleep Play boss argued that the recent vogue for prioritising a game's narrative is both a waste of money and a threat to creativity.

According to Gamasutra's report, Jaffe stated that an over-emphasis on story "is a bad idea, waste of resources, of time and money and worst, has stuffed the progress of video games, to our own peril."

Diablo 3 release date narrowed

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:51:00 +0000

Blizzard has narrowed down the release window for keenly anticipated action RPG sequel Diablo 3 to the second quarter of 2012 - so some time between 1st April and 30th June.

CEO Mike Morhaime announced the news during an investor call earlier today.

"We can also confirm that we are targeting a Q2 launch for Diablo 3. We expect to announce more details about the release schedule in the coming weeks he said," he said.

Activision promises "meaningful innovation" in next Call of Duty

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:40:00 +0000

This year's entry in the Call of Duty franchise brings with it "meaningful innovation" for the series, according to Activision Publishing chief Eric Hirshberg.

Speaking during an investor call earlier today, Hirshberg announced work is well underway on the 2012 iteration of the FPS juggernaut.

"This year, we expect to further expand our presence with the launch of an all-new epic first person shooter title under the Call of Duty brand," he said.

Modern Warfare 3 has 12% more online gamers than Black Ops

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:39:00 +0000

Modern Warfare 3 has seen a 12 per cent increase in unique online gamers over last year's Call of Duty outing, Black Ops.

The figure, released as part of Activision's annual financial report today, accounts for the first two months following each game's launch.

The publisher also announced its Call of Duty Elite service now has over seven million registered user, of which more than 1.5 million have coughed up for a premium subscription.

UKIE lobbies to make crowd funding legal in the UK

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:23:00 +0000

The UKIE games trade body is drawing up a report to call for crowd funding initiatives, such as the Kickstarter programme so effectively adopted by Double Fine earlier today, to become legal in the UK.

The new report, due to be published on 17th February, will call for changes in legislation that will allow game developers and other interactive entertainment businesses to use crowd funding to help finance their projects.

As it stands, crowd funding in the UK is restricted by the current legal and regulatory framework.

Skyrim patch 1.4 now live for Xbox 360

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:18:00 +0000

UPDATE: According to a Tweet from Bethesda, Skyrim update 1.4 should now be available for PlayStation 3 owners in Europe, with a US roll-out to follow.

ORIGINAL STORY: The long-awaited Skyrim patch 1.4 is now live for Xbox 360, Bethesda has confirmed.

It is trickling out across the various territories now.

Itagaki: Tecmo tricked me into releasing unfinished Dead or Alive 2

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:20:00 +0000

Tecmo tricked former Team Ninja boss Tomonobu Itagaki into releasing an unfinished version of PlayStation 2 brawler Dead or Alive 2, so claims the eccentric developer.

Speaking at the DICE summit in Las Vegas earlier today, as reported by Wired, Itagaki revealed that his team was only give two and a half months to port the fighter onto the PlayStation 2 in order to make the console's launch.

"All of the staff, led by me, fought for a victory with all their energy," siad Itagaki. "But unfortunately, the result wasn't what we expected."

Spec Ops: The Line lets you shoot "unarmed civilians", "angry mobs"

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Forthcoming 2K third person shooter, Spec Ops: The Line allows players to gun down unarmed civilians and open fire on "angry mobs".

The potentially controversial content was flagged up in the game's ESRB listing, which went live earlier today.

"Battles are highlighted by realistic gunfire, screams of pain, slow-motion effects (during headshots); injured characters emit blood splashes when hit, and continue to incur damage when killed," it read.

Arkham City developer laments health of UK games industry

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

London-based Batman: Arkham City developer Rocksteady Studios has called on the government to step in and help revitalise the flagging UK games industry.

Speaking in an interview with CVG, studio game director Sefton Hill lamented the talent brain-drain caused by superior tax incentives abroad, especially in Canada.

"A lot of my friends have moved abroad to get work; there's a real talent drain," he said.

Killzone composer recruited for new PS minis shooter

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0000

New PlayStation minis shoot 'em up Velocity features music from award-winning Killzone composer Joris de Man, developer FuturLab has announced.

As detailed on the PlayStation Blog, the game is a traditional top-down shooter with a twist - you can teleport your ship around the screen to evade enemies, collect power-up and solve puzzles. See the trailer below for a better idea of exactly how the mechanic works.

"It sounds incredible and is a genuine, high-quality homage to the classic games we older folk remember fondly," wrote James Marsden, boss of the UK-based studio.

Square cuts back on Final Fantasy 14 servers

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

Embattled Square Enix MMO Final Fantasy 14 is shrinking, with the developer announcing a series of server merges.

As detailed on the game's official site, the number of Worlds is being reduced from 18 down to ten as of 27th March.

All players will be required to re-assign their characters to one of the new servers. If you fail do so by the 19th March, Square will automatically choose one for you.

World of Warcraft universe recreated in Minecraft

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:18:00 +0000

An ambitious, time-rich Minecraft player has taken it upon himself to recreate the entire World of Warcraft universe within Mojang's indie phenomenon.

Minecraft forums member Rumsey has put together some custom software to help transfer Warcraft's world map over to Minecraft, and is using a mod to circumvent the game's 128 block height limit.

He aims to complete every single continent and dungeon in the game, and has already polished off the Kalimdor region.

Apple to reveal iPad 3 in first week of March - report

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:56:00 +0000

Apple will reveal the next iteration of its phenomenally successful iPad tablet in the first week of March.

Sources close to Apple told AllThingsD that the new device will debut at an event in San Francisco early next month - most likely held in the company's favoured Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

If it follows the same release model as the iPad 2, the new tablet will then be on shelves a few weeks later.

David Braben discusses consumer Raspberry Pi release

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Elite co-creator David Braben hopes the consumer version of the intriguing Raspberry Pi device - the $25 credit-card sized computer - will be made available to the public in the third quarter of this year.

A pre-order system for the uncased, developer version of the Raspberry Pi will be unveiled in the near future, Braben told Eurogamer.

"We've not got a pre-order [system] for the commercial one yet because we need to determine the price, determine roughly when it's going to be," he said.

Calligraphy-themed fighter Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior's Rise for XBLA

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:43:00 +0000

Arty beat-'em-up Kung Fu Strike: The Warrior's Rise launches on Xbox Live Arcade early this year, publisher 7sixty has announced.

It mixes "over-the-top martial arts movies" and distinctive paintbrushed looks, meant to be reminiscent of ancient Chinese calligraphy.

Kung Fu Strike is the first project from Chinese indie developer Qooc Soft. It won Microsoft's annual Dream Build Play competition in 2009 when showing off the game, then named HurricaneX.

Inside the Alan Wake PC Collector's Edition

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Nordic Games has revealed the insides of the Alan Wake PC Collector's Edition.

Stand-out features include the addition of in-game audio commentary and background information, and The Alan Wake Files collection.

The retail version of Remedy's thriller launches on 2nd March. As previously announced, the digital version launches on Steam on 16th February. It goes live on "other popular digital channels", such as EA's Origin, "soon afterwards".

Will there be a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:18:00 +0000

Will there be a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2? Co-developer Big Huge Games would love to make it, but it needs enough sales of the first game to convince a publisher to fund it.

Reckoning finally launches in the UK tomorrow, Friday 10th February. It marks the end of a long journey for BHG, which has worked on the game in some shape or form for half a decade.

You'd think, then, that BHG would fancy creating something entirely different for its next big project. Not so, according to lead designer Ian Frazier. In fact, not only would the team be happy to work on a sequel to its open world fantasy RPG - it would love to.

Asura's Wrath delayed

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Asura's Wrath has been delayed to Friday, 9th March, Capcom has confirmed to Eurogamer.

Capcom's quirky god-filled action game was due out on 24th February.

Capcom said the delay was "due to the uncertainty of the UK retail market" - surely in reference to GAME and its current, well-documented troubles.

English language Cannon Fodder 3 hits GamersGate

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:24:00 +0000

An English language version of the Russian-made Cannon Fodder 3 is now available to download from GamersGate.

It costs �19.95 and weighs in at 542.59MB.

These are the system requirements:

New copies of PlayStation Vita Ridge Racer come with Gold Pass

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:34:00 +0000

UPDATE: Namco has announced plans to launch a PlayStation Vita app featuring information on its upcoming games, including Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen and Touch My Katamari. Both titles will receive demo versions and will be supported by both free and premium DLC after launch.

ORIGINAL STORY: Fresh copies of Ridge Racer on PlayStation Vita will, for a limited time, include a "Ridge Racer Gold Pass" that unlocks free downloadable content.

The Gold Pass will be packaged in an unspecified number of Ridge Racer boxes. Digital versions of the game, meanwhile, will run out of the Pass on 31st March.

Dirt 3 Complete Edition announced

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:12:00 +0000

Codemasters has announced the Dirt 3 Complete Edition, which comes with �20 worth of extra content.

The Complete Edition is due out on 9th March for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and carries a suggested retail price of �29.99/€39.99.

It has 12 new routes across two locations, new cars and a range of liveries (via download on PC).

Super Smash Bros. convinced Harada to make Tekken 3DS

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Tekken boss Katsuhiro Harada was convinced to bring the fighting series to the 3DS after watching passionate Nintendo fans playing Super Smash Bros.

Namco producer Harada witnessed the diversity of Nintendo gamers playing at the US Major League Gaming tournament.

"Super Smash Bros. had everyone from adults to kids, even women so I thought they would be all playing cheerfully together," Harada revealed in a new Iwata Asks interview.

Mode 7 to discuss Frozen Synapse at next GameCityNights

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:34:00 +0000

Indie developer Mode 7 will discuss the creation of superb strategy game Frozen Synapse at the next GameCityNights event in Nottingham.

Mode 7 managing director Paul Taylor headline's this month's show, devoted to the best Independent Game Festival 2012 finalists.

Taylor's talk is called 'Frozen Synapse - From Concept to Creation'. He will discuss the inspiration, influences and internal workings of his turn-based strategy shooter.

Batman, Battlefield, Skyrim make BAFTA GAME Award shortlist

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:16:00 +0000

Heavy hitters Batman: Arkham City, Battlefield 3 and Skyrim have made the BAFTA GAME Award shortlist.

It is the UK's only publicly-voted award at the British Academy Video Game Awards.

A panel of industry experts, including Eurogamer's own Johnny Minkley, bashed their heads together to come up with the list of candidates, reproduced below.

Skyrim makers create dragon riding, Kinect shouts, new skill trees

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:47:00 +0000

Bethesda Game Studios created dragon mounts, Kinect shouts, a werewolf skill tree and more as part of a Game Jam for Skyrim, Todd Howard has revealed.

Speaking at the DICE 2012 keynote in Las Vegas, Howard revealed a raft of new features Bethesda's staff made work in the gargantuan fantasy role-playing game as part of a week dedicated to new ideas.

Features added included seasonal foliage, spears, kill cams, water arrows for enhanced stealth, new follower commands, building your own home, goblins, mounted combat, dragon mounts, Kinect shouts, added skill trees, becoming a flying vampire, a huge mud crab and, wait for it, fat giants.

Psychonauts developer Double Fine making fan-funded adventure game

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:19:00 +0000

UPDATE: Double Fine's adventure game will be made - it's just shot past the magical $400,000 goal it set itself last night.

The $400,000 barrier was breached just after 10am UK time on Thursday, 9th February - with 33 days to spare.

"$407,470. I love you, world. Double Fine fans are the greatest fans in the whole world. Your gonna make me cry. :) :) :)" wrote an emotional Tim Schafer on Twitter.

The Last of Us story details revealed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Naughty Dog has talked in detail for the first time about the plot of forthcoming PlayStation 3 survival adventure The Last of Us.

As seen in a clip on GameInformer, game director Bruce Straley and creative director Neil Druckmann explained that the game takes place 20 years after a virus outbreak decimates the world's population.

Survivors huddle together in a number of military-run safe zones, where times are hard and life is cheap. Inhabitants are executed for the most minor infractions and anyone who screens positive for the virus is immediately euthanised.

Team Meat prototyping Super Meat Boy iOS concept

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Team Meat is currently tinkering around with a smartphone version of its hit platformer Super Meat Boy.

Studio co-founder Edmund McMillen told Eurogamer that it has an idea for how to make the precision jumper work on a touchscreen and is prototyping the concept.

"We are currently developing tech for the next game that might be a touch remake of Super Meat Boy for both [iOS and Android] platforms mentioned," he explained.

Bethesda: Skyrim update 1.4 should hit Xbox 360 tomorrow

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Good news Xbox 360 patrons: Skyrim update 1.4 arrives tomorrow to clean house and squash a huge list of game-wrecking bugs.

A post on the Twitter feed of Bethesda marketing boss Pete Hines earlier today announced that the patch should be ready for Microsoft's console some time in the morning, US time.

"PS3 update is looking good too. We'll update if we get more info from Sony," he added.

Jetpack Joyride downloaded 14 million times

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Painfully addictive smartphone timewaster Jetpack Joyride has been downloaded a whopping 14 million times, developer Halfbrick has revealed.

According to a Joystiq interview with the studio's marketing chief Phil Larsen, the game sold around a million copies when it was a premium 69p app.

However, download numbers have gone through the roof since it went free-to-play in December.

Nintendo hires Uggie as its first "spokesdog"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:36:00 +0000

Hot on the heels of news that its Retro subsidiary has snagged key talent from Uncharted developer Naughty Dog, Nintendo's proud HR department has announced another big name hire: Uggie, the ubiquitous board-treading pooch from Oscar contender The Artist.

The platform holder today revealed that it has agreed terms with the talented Jack Russell, with the mutt taking on the newly created role of official "spokesdog" with immediate effect.

Alas, no corner office and long distance conference calls with president Iwata for this poor old hound. Uggie will hit the road and show his muzzle at a few photo calls to help the publisher flog 3DS title Nintendogs + Cats.

Battlefield 3: Aftershock lands on App Store

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Battlefield 3: Aftershock arrives on the iOS App Store today, EA has announced.

The free download is a multiplayer-only spin-off from last year's DICE-developed FPS blockbuster. The single-player mode promised when the game was first announced last year doesn't appear to have materialised.

Control is via virtual thumbsticks and there are four weapons to get to grips with from the start, with an additional gun unlockable as you progress. Check out the screens below for a closer look.

Epic secures rights to Fighting Fantasy iOS games

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:17:00 +0000

Gears of War publisher Epic Games has secured the rights to release four iOS titles based on the classic Fighting Fantasy role-playing series.

As part of the Make Something Unreal Live challenge, it has tasked four start-up studios with adapting one book each, using its Unreal Development Kit.

The books chosen are The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, The Citadel of Chaos, Deathtrap Dungeon and Armies of Death.

Batman: Arkham City ships 6m copies

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Batman: Arkham City has now shipped over six million copies worldwide, publisher Warner Bros. Interactive has announced.

The new figure was released as part of the entertainment group's annual financial report, which saw a healthy bump in revnues.

The Filmed Entertainment division, which includes Warner's gaming interests, reported revenues of $12.6 billion, up from $11.6 billion last year, and operating income of $1.3 billion, up from $1.1 billion.

Japan chart: SoulCalibur 5 struggles, Dragon Age 2 makes top 10

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:42:00 +0000

SoulCalibur 5 has entered the weekly Japanese software chart at number two, but sales are well below its predecessor.

The latest entry in Namco's beat 'em up series sold a modest 34,328 copies on PlayStation 3 in its first week on shelves, compared to the 74,607 SoulCalibur 4 managed back in 2008.

It was beaten to the top spot by last week's number two, Resident Evil: Revelations. Capcom's 3DS adventure saw sales drop 70 per cent week-on-week to 43,575, but that was still enough to take the chart crown.

Battleship movie gets Activision game tie-in

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:12:00 +0000

A video game adaptation of forthcoming sci-fi blockbuster Battleship launches this April, publisher Activision has announced.

Developed by Silent Hill: Homecoming studio Double Helix Games, it's "a blend of strategic naval command and first-person action gameplay."

The game won't follow the movie's plot, instead telling a standalone story set in the same universe. See the screens below for a closer look.

Official Mass Effect 3 Xbox 360 and PS3 console mods revealed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:01:00 +0000

Mass Effect 3 publisher EA has signed up hardware case creator Calibur11 to create Commander Shepard-themed Vault armour for your console.

The Vault case envelopes your slim Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 with N7 branded suit armour, exactly like the suit hero Shepard wears in-game.

Perhaps it's even bullet proof? It's probably not bullet proof.

Full SSX soundtrack track list revealed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:51:00 +0000

There are 36 pieces of music on the SSX soundtrack, and EA has named them.

The tunes come from a diverse bunch of brains, their number including Run-DMC, DJ Shadow and Lateef the Truthspeeker, who's mentioned in The Bible.

If you don't like EA's music, you can import your own, and have your playlists play while browsing menus or when navigating the pistes.

Massive Square Enix sale hits Xbox Live

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:24:00 +0000

A generous range of Square Enix games and goodies are now available at a discount from the Xbox Live Marketplace.

If you've yet to try it, Lara Croft and her excellent 9/10 Xbox Live Arcade adventure Guardian of Light should be top of your menu.

Lara comes 50 per cent off - a cheap Valentines date for yourself at the price of 600 Points (about a fiver), instead of the usual 1200.

Vodafone 3G Vita offers free WipEout and 4GB memory

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

Mobile phone mammoth Vodafone is offering a perky PlayStation Vita package.

For �279, you receive a 3G Vodafone Vita and a free 4GB memory card. And if you top-up the 3G SIM with �5, Vodafone will throw-in a copy of WipEout 2048 for free.

On its own, Sony's 4GB memory card costs �17.99. WipEout 2048 is currently going for just under 30 quid.

Yakuza: Dead Souls release date announced

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Yakuza: Dead Souls launches in Europe on 16th March, Sega has announced.

Dead Souls is the Western name for Of the End, the zombie-themed PlayStation 3 exclusive Yakuza game.

Elsewhere, a Limited Edition of PC strategy game Total War: Shogun 2 Fall of the Samurai launches on 23rd March 2012.

Square Enix makes Sleeping Dogs official

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:00 +0000

Square Enix has made Sleeping Dogs, the game formerly known as True Crime: Hong Kong, official.

United Front Games' "gritty" and "visceral" openworld cop drama launches in the second half of 2012 for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

You play undercover cop Wei Shen as he tries to take down the Hong Kong Triads. There's driving, close combat and shooting.

Killzone 1 for PlayStation 3 "delayed indefinitely"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Killzone 1 for PlayStation 3 has been "delayed indefinitely," Guerrilla Games has announced.

"With regards to KZ1 for PS3, not sure what happened but I've been informed that it's been delayed indefinitely," read a post on the official Killzone Twitter account.

Then: "I have no further info about KZ1 for PS3, save for the fact that it's delayed indefinitely. If I learn anything else, I'll tweet it here."

The Simpsons Arcade on EU PlayStation Store today

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Ancient cartoon spin-off The Simpsons Arcade skateboards onto the EU PlayStation Store today. It comes competely free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, or costs �9.99 for regular folk.

An array of discounts see everyone get money off 2K mob tale Mafia 2, while a gun barrel of Grand Theft Auto games and content comes cheaper on PSP.

Cel-shaded beat-'em-up Shank 2 also launches, plus there's a new co-op mission for Uncharted 3 which sees series villains Zoran Lazarević, Eddy Raja and Harry Flynn team up.

ZX Spectrum management sim series Football Director returns

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:48:00 +0000

ZX Spectrum management sim series Football Director has returned.

A new version, courtesy of UK company Sports Director, launches later this month for iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Samsung Bada and Windows Phone 7.

It includes 15 international leagues (four of which are English), live league tables during matches and a "balanced" transfer system.

Ex-Blizzard leader Bill Roper becomes Disney's games boss

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Nomadic former Blizzard leader Bill Roper has been promoted to leader of Disney's games business.

He replaces Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian, who held the role for one year, according to Gamasutra.

Roper joined Disney last July to head the Marvel gaming division.

Ubisoft apologises after online server switch snafu

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000

Ubisoft has admitted its online server switch has affected games previously promised to be safe from the current maintenance.

Which games these are, Ubisoft hasn't said. But gamers posting on the publisher's official forum report being unable to sign in to the PC version of Driver: San Francsico.

Futuristic city-building simulation Anno 2070 is apparently also experiencing problems.

Square Enix announces Sleeping Dogs at retailer event

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:20:00 +0000

More from the talkative Destination PlayStation event - this time concerning True Crime.

According to a tweet by Future Shop Gamer, which attended the event, Square Enix has revealed Sleeping Dogs, due out on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in August.

Future Shop also published an image, which looks a lot like True Crime: Hong Kong, the game Square Enix picked up after Activision ditched it halfway through development.

New LG TVs can play Unity games with Magic Motion Remote

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:08:00 +0000

TVs these days: the 2012 collection of LG tellies will come with a motion-sensing Magic Motion Remote and the ability to play Unity-powered games.

One of those games is Madfinger's chunky third-person shooter Shadowgun. It's not quite Gears of War, but from a distance, and if you squint... Oh the things technology can do today.

Bright and colourful family-friendly game Frisbee Forever is on-board as well.

Mass Effect 3 gets From Dust day-one DLC

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:49:00 +0000

US shop GameStop is selling codes for a Mass Effect 3 DLC pack named From Dust - ahead of the game's March release.

From Dust costs $10, according to a receipt snapped by Joystiq - likely meaning the usual �7.99/800 Microsoft Points price point in the UK.

What do you get for your money? EA and BioWare are yet to say.

First NeverDead DLC announced

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Konami has announced the first DLC for Rebellion's head-rolling action game NeverDead.

It adds a new character, expands the Asylum level, adds three new challenges and two new costumes for main character Bryce Boltzmann.

The NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 1 launches on 21st February.

Mass Effect Infiltrator, Datapad iOS games incoming

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:08:00 +0000

Mass Effect 3 will be supported by two iOS apps, BioWare has revealed. Mass Effect Infiltrator is a third-person shooter, while Mass Effect Datapad allows players to stay in touch with their crewmates on-the-go.

Both games will boost players' Galactic Readiness rating through Mass Effect 3's Galaxy at War metagame.

Infiltator sees players freeing prisoners from hostile Cerberus bases and uncovering evidence of the group's misdeeds. It's coming to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.

Valve makes Portal 2 Space Core mod for Skyrim

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:56:00 +0000

Brilliant developer Valve has made a Portal 2 Space Core mod for brilliant game Skyrim.

Dubbed Fall of the Space Core, Vol. 1 (more to come?), this literally drops the little round Space Core robot into your Skyrim world. Better still, the robot appears to be voiced by none other than mister promiscuous voice, Nathan North. Sorry, Nolan Drake.

"To celebrate the opening of the Steam Workshop for Skyrim, Valve and Bethesda have teamed up to bring you the Portal 2 Space Core mod, which will let the aggressively space-centric little robot tag along on your adventures in Tamriel," Valve's blurb on Steam reads.

Ridge Racer Unbounded Day One Edition revealed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:45:00 +0000

Namco Bandai Europe has revealed the Ridge Racer Unbounded Day One Edition, due out alongside the standard edition on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on 30th March.

The Day One Edition is available at the standard retail price, and includes three extra cars and five new paint jobs.

The cars are The Ghoster, a low rider coupe; The Immortal, a red sports car; and The Road Wolf, a classic red coupe inspired by the cars of the sixties.

Sony improves PlayStation 3 web browser with system update v4.10

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:10:00 +0000

Sony has improved the display speed of the PlayStation 3 web browser with a new system update.

Firmware v4.10, which is now available to download, optimises the display of web content and increases the accuracy when viewing page layouts. The PS3 now supports some websites it struggled with before, displaying them correctly.

4.10 also implements the already announced account name change into the Terms of Service. Your PlayStation Network account will now be known as your Sony Entertainment Network account.

PSP UMD discs not transferable to Vita

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Update: Will Europe share North America's fate? Sony Europe won't yet say.

"We've not made any announcement about the program in the UK and Europe as yet," a Sony spokesperson told Eurogamer. "We'll let you know as and when that changes."

Original story: PSP owners will not be able to transfer their physical UMD games across to a PS Vita system, Sony has confirmed.

Xbox creator on why his Atari "dream team" is still relevant

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0000

News last week that Seamus Blackley, the man responsible for the original Xbox concept, had gathered together a gang of silver-haired Atari veterans to make small, innovative digital titles, raised two big questions.

Firstly, can the "grizzly old farts" - as Blackley describes the group - who made Asteroids, Missile Command and Centipede possibly have anything new to say 30 years after their original flush of creativity?

Secondly, considering almost all involved went on to have long and lucrative careers in the tech industry, why do they need THQ's help to release a few humble iPhone games? Especially when said publisher appears to be on the brink of financial ruin.

First games for Windows 8 store spotted - report

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Ms Splosion Man, Toy Soldiers, Hydro Thunder and Ilomilo are among the first batch of games to go on sale in Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 store, according to an insider source.

The Verge's mole offered a list of titles that will be on offer in the new operating system's forthcoming preview version, expected to go live later this month.

Here's the rundown:

Double Fine: "Tim and Markus are talking" about Psychonauts 2

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Doublefine boss Tim Schafer and Minecraft creator Markus 'Notch' Persson are in discussion following the latter's insistence that he wanted to help get a Psychonauts sequel off the ground.

A spokesperson for the developer told Eurogamer, "Tim and Markus are talking. Who knows what might happen?"

As reported earlier today, a Tweet from Notch directed at Schafer this morning read "Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen." He later added, "Also, I'm serious."

LittleBigPlanet Kart Racing incoming - report

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:23:00 +0000

It looks like LittleBigPlanet Kart Racing is on its way to PlayStation 3.

A Tweet from US online retailer FutureShop stated that the title was announced earlier today at a Sony "Destination PlayStation" event, alongside a new Move steering wheel peripheral.

Sony hasn't offered an official confirmation that the game exists, but the event definitely took place and Sackboy was in attendance.

Brink developers launch online services system

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:54:00 +0000

Senior staff from Brink developer Splash Damage have set up a new company to sell their online expertise.

The start-up, called Fireteam, plans to launch an "online services suite" which will offer other developers a way to easily integrate online features into their games, such as matchmaking, transmedia connectivity across multiple devices, friend features, player stats and in-game stores.

The platform will support Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, and will launch in the "near future".

Next round of Modern Warfare 3 DLC announced

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:31:00 +0000

The next batch of Modern Warfare 3 DLC launches on Xbox 360 from 21st February for premium Elite members, Activision has announced.

It's a new multiplayer map called Overwatch set on a construction site atop a New York skyscraper - see the screenshot below.

"Battle takes place along two levels in a near symmetrical layout, with the central bridge and side routes open to attack from multiple angles. Watch your every step, as a lack of boundaries surrounding the perimeter leaves nothing to prevent you from falling far to the ground below," read the announcement blurb.

New Gran Turismo 5 update goes live

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:03:00 +0000

A new update has just gone live for PlayStation 3 racer Gran Turismo 5, developer Polyphony Digital has announced.

The patch addresses various bugs and glitches, as well as making some improvements to online performance.

Here's the full changelog, as posted on the game's official site:

Skyrim gets high-res PC texture pack

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:03:00 +0000

UPDATE: Bethesda has confirmed that a Skyrim PC high-res texture pack is now available for free download from Steam, alongside the Creation Kit.

To run it, you'll need Windows Vista or Windows 7, a minimum of 4GB of system RAM and a DirectX 9.0c compatible NVIDIA or AMD ATI video card with at least 1 GB of RAM and the latest drivers.

ORIGINAL STORY: Is a high-res PC texture pack for The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim the "special surprise" developer Bethesda teased last week?

Uncharted 3 gets new co-op DLC

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception gets a fresh batch of co-op content in the US today, developer Naughty Dog has announced.

As explained in a post on the PlayStation Blog, the Fort Co-Op Adventure, priced at $5.99, sees series villains Zoran Lazarević, Eddy Raja and Harry Flynn team up in a new add-on that further explores the mystery behind the Janus head statue from the original on-disc co-op adventure.

A batch of new character skin packs are also available to purchase from today.

Xbox Live boss details Microsoft's "war on fraud"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Microsoft is taking "aggressive steps" to combat the recent surge in Xbox Live account hijackings but also needs gamers' help to stamp out cyber-theft, according to the service's general manager.

An open letter from Alex Garden published on Major Nelson's blog today didn't explicitly reference the storied FIFA Ultimate Team exploit but did acknowledge that "account hijacking across the internet continues to grow".

"While we here at Xbox have no evidence of a security breach in the Xbox Live service, that is of little comfort to our members whose accounts have been compromised by malicious and illegal attacks," he wrote.

Kinect Star Wars release date announced

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Kinect Star Wars makes its way onto shelves from 3rd April, Microsoft has confirmed.

The previously announced limited edition Star Wars Xbox 360 console bundle arrives on the same day, priced at �349.99, including the game and a Kinect unit.

Developed by Ghostbusters: The Videogame studio Terminal Reality, the game features five separate modes: Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Duels of Fate and Galactic Dance-Off.

Witcher 2 dev: next Xbox not playing pre-owned games "a bad thing"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:24:00 +0000

No, Saints Row developer Volition - the next Xbox possibly preventing people from playing pre-owned games "can be a bad thing".

Those words belong to Adam Badowski, managing director of Polish Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt Red, who spoke to Eurogamer today.

"It can be a bad thing," Badowski said of the rumoured next Xbox technology.

Twisted Metal developer Jaffe starting new studio, has "huge next-gen game ideas"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe has confirmed and explained his surprise exit from Eat Sleep Play, the studio he founded in 2007.

In a series of posts on his Twitter page, the outspoken developer described the struggle of making games remotely, and revealed his desire to work directly with a team again at a new studio, which he plans to set up.

News of his exit emerged this afternoon in a Salt Lake Tribune report that revealed ESP layoffs and claimed Jaffe intended to make casual games.

Activision announces Skylanders Giants

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Activision has announced Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to toy/video game hybrid Skylanders Spyro's Adventure.

It introduces over 20 new figures, including super-sized giants and characters featuring light technology. There are also new challenges, a new story and better integration across console, handheld and mobile devices.

Included are eight new figures that are more than twice the size of the main skylanders cast in both physical and virtual form. These are the Giants.

EA outlines Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning House of Valor day-one DLC/Online Pass

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

EA has outlined Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's controversial day-one DLC, House of Valor.

Reckoning, out today in the US and on Friday in the UK, drew attention when it emerged EA's Online Pass unlocks single-player content.

The Online Pass, included in new copies of the open world fantasy RPG, unlocks the House of Valor faction quest, which includes seven individual single-player missions. In addition, it unlocks a Mass Effect 3-themed in-game item - the N7-inspired Shepard's Battle Armour.

Over 100 pieces of Gotham City Impostors DLC go live before launch

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

Over 100 pieces of Gotham City Impostors DLC have gone live on the Xbox Marketplace ahead of the online shooter spin-off's launch.

105 items are available, ranging in cost from 80 Microsoft Points to 320 Microsoft Points.

80 points gets you the Premium Card Pack 1, for example, which unlocks five unique Calling Cards - essentially online profiles players can see in between matches.

Notch offers to fund Double Fine's Psychonauts 2

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:21:00 +0000

Multi-millionaire Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has said he is willing to personally fund a sequel to Double Fine's cult classic Psychonauts.

Double Fine head Tim Schafer has continually stated he would like to develop a second Psychonauts game, but has been unable to secure publisher-funding to back the project.

"Let's make Psychonauts 2 happen," Notch tweeted to Schafer earlier this morning.

David Jaffe "expected to leave" Twisted Metal developer Eat Sleep Play

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:18:00 +0000

Outspoken Twisted Metal and God of War co-creator David Jaffe will leave the developer he founded in 2007, Eat Sleep Play, according to a new report.

Now that PlayStation 3 exclusive Twisted Metal is finished, layoffs have occurred at Eat Sleep Play and the studio has decided to make iPhone and iPad 2 games, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.

The newspaper, which is based in the same area as ESP, said eight employees - around 20 per cent of the workforce - have been laid off. 26 staff remain.

Alienware: those who can build the X51 for under �700 "aren't the target audience"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:59:00 +0000

Alienware has admitted it is possible to build your own X51 for under the �700 asking price, but declared: if you can do it, you're not the target audience.

The X51, unveiled last week, is slightly bigger than an Xbox 360 and is designed to work upright or laid on its side. The bottom range X51 can power Battlefield 3 in 1080p at an average of 32 frames-per-second, with high resolution textures, 4x aniostropic filtering and medium anti-aliasing turned on. The top-end X51 can power Battlefield 3 running the same settings at an average of 54 frames-per-second.

Inside the X51 can be either an Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor. That can be complemented by either an Nvidia GeForce GT 545 or an Nvidia GeForce GTX 555. RAM varies from 4GB, 6GB or 8GB DDR3, and there's plenty of digital storage space thanks to the 1TB 7200 RPM hard-drive.

GAME confirms layoffs at head office

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:34:00 +0000

GAME has confirmed layoffs at its head office as part of a restructure of the company.

The troubled high street retailer will reduce headcount at its 400-staff strong Basingstoke HQ by 46.

This, GAME said today, "will change the way that we operate and will enable us to be significantly more efficient in our relationships with suppliers and customers".

Play The Darkness 2 now on Eurogamer's Gaikai page

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:44:00 +0000

The Darkness 2 is due out this Friday on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, but you don't have to wait that long to check out Digital Extremes' first-person shooter sequel, because we've just put the demo live on our Gaikai page.

We've also added the excellent Orcs Must Die and Capcom's Dead Rising 2: Off the Record. In recent weeks we've also stocked the shelves with the likes of Alice: Madness Returns, Arcania - Gothic 4 and Mount & Blade: Warband. You can also check out FIFA 12, Crysis 2 and The Witcher 2.

Gaikai is a streaming games service that lets you play PC titles without leaving the comfort of your web browser. All the hardcore processing is done on the server side, so you don't even need a PC or Mac with a decent CPU or graphics card. Not that we're dissing your computer, obviously. I'm sure it's lovely.

Journey's dev-journey a finished journey

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:18:00 +0000

Journey, a very important Actual New Game of 2012, has once and for all been finished, developer ThatGameCompany has revealed.

No more delays, no more wondering why a PSN game has taken three years to build.

"Three years is a long time when you finally finish something and look back [and say], 'What have I done in the past three years?'" tweeted the studio's creative leader, Jenova Chen, knowingly.

Metal Gear Solid HD Vita uses rear touch pad

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0000

The PlayStation Vita version of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection will utilise the handheld's rear touch pad controls.

Hideo Kojima, Big Boss of the Metal Gear franchise, shared the news via his official Twitter feed last night, along with a couple of new pictures of the game in action. Well, in menus.

"You can slice enemy's throat with knife if you flick the rear touch pad," Kojima explained.

Sakaguchi: "excessive" HD graphics distract developers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 +0000

High-quality graphics in video games can be a distraction, Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi has claimed.

The director of Wii role-player The Last Story believes developers would spend their time better by focusing on other aspects of their creations.

"Now that high-quality graphics rule supreme, you can reproduce what you want to communicate visually, but at the same time, I don't know how to put this, but there's an element that's slightly excessive about it all," Sakaguchi said, speaking in a new Iwata Asks interview. "You end up communicating too much to the player."

Beachhead reveals Call of Duty: Elite Clan Operation details, screenshots

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:17:00 +0000

Call of Duty: Elite developer Beachhead has revealed new details and screenshots for Clan Operations.

These are being put through "extensive testing", promised Beachhead on the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 forum. "And while we can't give you a date on when it will be ready, it is getting closer every day," the developer added.

Clan leaders can enlist in a Clan Operation via the Compete section of Elite.

Amazing Spider-Man Web Rush mechanic revealed

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Beenox has unveiled the new Web Rush mechanic for the Amazing Spider-Man game.

It gives players "real-time navigational and combat choices," lead game designer Jacob Berg wrote on the Amazing Spider-Man Facebook page.

"Web Rush can be triggered on the fly, at any moment and immediately presents you with a variety of situational choices, letting you pull off Spidey's signature moves like never before," he said.

Evidence for impending Star Wars: Battlefront 3 mounts

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Evidence continues to mount that a third entry in the Star Wars: Battlefront series is in development at Legendary: The Box developer Spark Unlimited.

As noted by PlayStation Lifestyle, a new job listing at the studio calls for a "senior combat designer for a 3rd Person Action/Adventure sequel in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently greenlit for full production development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets."

The site also spotted the LinkedIn profile of a former senior software engineer that mentions time spent on an "unannounced third person sword fighting game (well known IP, Xbox 360, PS3)". *Cough* lightsabers *cough*.

Dungeon Defenders racks up 1m sales

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Cheerful RPG/tower defense hybrid has now racked up more than a million paid downloads since it launched back in October, publisher Reverb has announced.

Those sales are across PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, according to a Joystiq interview with CEO Doug Kennedy.

"It is a tremendously successful franchise," said Kennedy. "We have lots of plans to support it both with DLC and additional add-ons for the franchise."

Twisted Metal Euro release date announced

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:53:00 +0000

PlayStation 3 fender bender Twisted Metal now launches in Europe on 7th March, co-creator David Jaffe has announced.

The Eat Sleep Play boss mentioned the new date in a post on his Twitter feed earlier today.

As detailed last week, the game's European launch had been pushed back from 14th February due to delays in localising the title.

Microsoft Flight release date announced

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:10:00 +0000

Free-to-play PC plane sim Microsoft Flight takes to the skies from 29th February.

You'll be able to download it from the game's official site.

The game's first expansion, titled Hawaiian Adventure Pack, launches the same day, priced at 1600 Microsoft Points.

Capcom details Resident Evil: Revelations typo fix

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Any gamers in the US ticked off that their copy of 3DS survival horror effort Resident Evil: Revelations sports a stonking great typo on its spine can request a new sleeve, publisher Capcom has announced.

According to the Capcom Unity blog, should your copy feature the error, you can either call in on 650-350-6700 or email accounts@capcom.com for a replacement inlay.

The publisher confirmed that only the first US shipment of the game is affected and all subsequent pressings will correct the mistake.

New Battlefield 3 patch fixes PS3 VOIP issues

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:14:00 +0000

A new Battlefield 3 patch out today has finally fixed the voice chat issues that many PlayStation 3 gamers have been complaining of since launch.

As reported by MP1st, update 1.03 is up for download now, weighing in at around 11MB.

Developer DICE hasn't posted a full changelog, though it appears the VOIP fix is all the patch does.

Hawken launches in December as free-to-play title

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:58:00 +0000

Hawken, the multiplayer indie mech shooter that attracted significant internet buzz last year with its stunning announcement trailer, launches on 12th December as a free-to-play title.

As reported by VentureBeat, developer Adhesive Games hopes to pick up revenue from the sale of virtual goods such as additional weapons and armour.

Gameplay will be fast paced and session-based, with players opting for either 15 or 30 minute skirmishes.

Driver dev making an Xbox 360 Kinect game?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:14:00 +0000

Another day, another LinkedIn leak: an art lead at Ubisoft Reflections appears to have revealed an unannounced Xbox 360 Kinect project.

"After just finishing Driver Wii as lead artist and spending time helping finalise the artwork for Driver: San Francisco, it is onto the next project on 360 Kinect which looks to be very exciting indeed," revealed the expansive LinkedIn summary of the Reflections employee, via Superannuation.

The art lead has worked at Ubisoft Reflections for over five years.

Apple banishes cloned App Store games

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:46:00 +0000

Serial copycat developer Anton Sinelnikov has had his range of cloned App Store games culled by Apple.

The brain behind familiar sounding titles such as Plants vs. Zombie, Numbers with Friends, Angry Ninja Birds and Temple Jump has had his App Store portfolio pruned.

Just 11 of Sinelnikov's apps remain on the App Store, down from a previous total of 68.

Risen 2 Collector's Edition revealed

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:18:00 +0000

The Risen 2 Collector's Edition has been revealed by publisher Deep Silver.

It's for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and launches in the UK alongside the standard edition on 27th April. No mention was made of a PC version.

The Collector's Edition includes:

Sony apologises for new PlayStation Store download errors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:41:00 +0000

UPDATE: Sony says it's fixed the download problems afflicting the PlayStation Store.

"The problems that some users were experiencing with downloading from PS Store have been resolved; apologies for the inconvenience," reads the Twitter account of the EU PlayStation Blog.

ORIGINAL STORY: Sony has apologised for PlayStation Store errors that have left users unable to download paid for content.

Volition dev: next Xbox not playing pre-owned games would be "fantastic"

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0000

The next Xbox possibly disallowing pre-owned games from being played? That would bea "fantastic change for our business", according to Volition (Saints Row) design director Jameson Durall.

In an article on #AltDevBlogADay, Durall offered ideas on how Microsoft might implement such technology.

"The system is already there for Microsoft," wrote Durall, "all they'd have to do is use the DLC and codes model they have to tie a game to your Xbox live account. Each retail disc would likely need that unique key somewhere in the code so the account would be able to link it properly. Ideally it would tie a full version to the console it is registered on so family members can play even if the main account isn't signed in, but this is exactly how their model works now anyway.

Naughty Dog: The Last of Us will have online "component"

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Post-apocalyptic adventure The Last of Us will feature online capabilities, developer Naughty Dog has confirmed.

"We're going to have some sort of online component", the game's director Bruce Straley revealed in the latest Game Informer (via NeoGAF).

But, for now, further details on The Last of Us' online offering remain under-wraps.

Hypership developer: "XBLIG market isn't growing"

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:09:00 +0000

The Xbox Live Indie Game market is not growing, Hypership Out of Control developer Kris Steele has declared.

Why? Because Microsoft effectively "buried" the service with its new Xbox 360 dashboard.

In an impassioned post on his website, Steele totted up first full day and full week trials figures for each of his XBLIG titles to prove his point.

PC exclusive Arma 3 delayed

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:07:00 +0000

UPDATE: Bohemia Interactive has issued Eurogamer the following short statement on the delay of Arma 3.

"We did not reveal exact release date so far but our target was for some time and still is Q4 2012 (instead of early plans of late summer that was announced initially)," said a spokesperson.

"However, we are prepared to give development additional time if it will need it to ensure as good experience as possible. As soon as we have more specific release dates and plans we are going to communicate it clearly.

No more Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Editions will be made before launch

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:50:00 +0000

No more Mass Effect 3 Collector's Editions will be made before the game's launch, BioWare has confirmed.

The Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector's Edition, which costs �70 in the UK, is sold out on a number of US shop websites.

On Amazon.com, for example, a note on the Xbox 360 version product page reads: "Due to high demand (and possibly the imminent Reaper invasion), we have unfortunately run out of our pre-order allocation for Mass Effect 3 - Collector's Edition for Xbox 360.