IP Media Monitor: GAMING - articles

PC Games, Once Down, Show Signs of Rebound

MICHEL MARRIOTT — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Navigating the aisles of a GameStop video game store in Midtown Manhattan, Bennett Kirschner passed by the latest titles for consoles like Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 2 and 3, and Nintendo's runaway hit, the Wii -- all lit and displayed like best-selling novels.

Xbox 360 Out of Order? For Loyalists, No Worries

MATT RICHTEL — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Owners of the Microsoft Xbox 360 have watched their machines break down. But the game Halo 3 could redeem the company going into the holiday selling season.

Virtual Worlds: Risky Business?

Security and corporate image issues remain — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Security and corporate image issues remain, but so do opportunities, a Gartner report says.

Wikia Unveils Gamers' Guide

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new tool from Wikia and Playxpert will soon expand from World of Warcraft tool to other games.

Scouts look to expand the tent

Keith O'Brien — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

LAWRENCE -- Charles Boddy thought they got it. He believed the Spanish-speaking ministers sitting before him embraced his message: that membership in the Boy Scouts would be great for Latino youths. But as he left the church that day, one minister approached him with a simple question.

Microsoft Disputes FCC's Rejection of Web Devices That Use TV Airwaves

Kim Hart — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

(Washington Post) Today Microsoft plans to try to convince regulators that it can connect consumers to high-speed Internet over unused television airwaves without interfering with existing broadcasts... 8/13 [Registration Required] Inside Energy Extra - 8/9 A daily report on U.S. energy policy [pdf file; ORNL subscription - internal use]

Report: Halo 3 Takes Sting Out of Failing Xbox 360s

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The New York Times says the imminent and highly anticipated release of Halo 3 is making Xbox 360 owners feel much, much better.

Best Buy Raises Prices on Xbox 360 Accessories

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The price of several Xbox 360 accessories at Best Buy is $3 above the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Facebook Source Code Leaked to Internet

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Social networking site says the leak didn't compromise user data.

Microsoft Offers Publishing Contract to Four Indie Game Developers

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

To help promote the XNA Game Studio Express software, Microsoft has been running a Dream-Build-Play contest at this weeks XNA Gamefest event.

The Subtle Pleasures of Building a Dungeon

Clive Thompson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Dungeon Maker confronted me with how damn hard is it to build a good video-game dungeon to lure the most lethal and interesting monsters into battle. I now wish that more RPGs offered the ability to design your own levels -- because as I've discovered, architecture can be a weirdly enjoyable pastime.

Gamers ready to compete on TV and the Web

E-mail — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

If people will watch race cars circle the track, they'll watch video game competitions, says Bonnie "Xena" Burton, 16, of Carlisle, ...

'King of Kong' follows players in pursuit of the high score

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

First-time director Seth Gordon never planned on his childhood love affair with video games powering up his fledgling film career. ...

Your next move: Watch, don't play, video games

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

With nearly 100 million people playing video games in the USA, the pursuit has gone mainstream. Now Hollywood and other promoters ...

Microsoft's Bach sold additional stock before Xbox news

using this site — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft Corp. executive Robbie Bach sold $3 million more in company stock during the period leading up to an announcement about a costly flaw in its Xbox video game console than previously reported, according to a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Microsoft readies hard drive only Xbox 360 games

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft will no longer restrict the amount of hard drive space MMO game developers can use.

Shifting Internet Landscape: Content Is King

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Internet users spend half their time viewing online content, up 37 percent from four years ago.

Gamefest 2007: XBL Arcade on PC by Holidays

Patrick Klepek — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In November, Microsoft will roll out a developer update for their Games For Windows Live tools in anticipation of Xbox Live Arcade games rolling out in "holiday 07." The panel did not, however, reveal what games will make the leap from Xbox 360 to PC.

Touchdown! Let the 'Madden' frenzy begin

Story Highlights — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

"Madden NFL 08," debuts Tuesday

Best in show: Emerging technologies at Siggraph

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Also: Connectivity could mean the end of work as you know it. Read these stories and more from around the Web on News.com Extra.

Game Theory: Madden on the Wii: Fun Even for Nonenthusiasts

CHARLES HEROLD — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

If a friend invited me over to play the game, I wouldn't hesitate to play for an hour or so. And for a football hater like me, that is high praise indeed.

Maker of Video Games Is Notified S.E.C. May Act in Options Case

MATT RICHTEL — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Take-Two said it received notice from the Securities and Exchange Commission that it may face civil charges for backdating stock options.

Sony Claims PS3 Failure Rate of Less Than 1 Percent

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

PS3 failure rates are "around 0.02 percent" according to a Sony executive.

The Chinese Novel Finds New Life Online

Aventurina King — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Chinese publishers discover that online novel sales help move physical books off the shelves. And for a growing number of authors and readers, epic tales on the web are a thriving art form.

First look: Olyphant learns to get in the game for 'Hitman'

Scott Bowles — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Timothy Olyphant might not seem the obvious choice to play one of the most iconic figures in the video-game universe. His gaming ...

'3rd World Farmer' teaches of hardships

Jinny Gudmundsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

3rd World Farmer was developed by a group of students from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark for the purpose of letting ...

European Legal Circles Await Ruling by Top Appeals Court on Microsoft

KEVIN J. O'BRIEN — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Europe's top appeals court will announce its decision Sept. 17 on Microsoft's appeal of Europe's largest antitrust case ever.

Hewlett Introduces a Web Feature to Make Document Printing Mobile

JOHN MARKOFF — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Hoping to alleviate a frustration of mobile computing, Hewlett-Packard has introduced a free service designed to make it possible to print documents on any printer almost anywhere in the world.

Paramount to Drop Blu-Ray HD DVDs

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation will offer next-generation DVDs in the HD DVD format and drop support for Blu-ray.

Courts Block Laws on Game Violence

SETH SCHIESEL — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As video games have surged in popularity in recent years, politicians around the country have tried to outlaw the sale of some violent games to children. So far all such efforts have failed.

First-Person Shooter BioShock Owes More to Ayn Rand Than Doom

Kieron Gillen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

BioShock , the game Xbox 360 fans anticipate, is an undersea dsytopia that raises ethical questions.

Halo 3: How Microsoft Labs Invented a New Science of Play

Clive Thompson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Systematic testing in a state-of-the-art facility lets developers study players' actions and reactions to the new game. The end result? A satisfying sequel that's carefully tweaked to deliver maximum fun.

Study: Gaming Consoles to be Star of Digital Living Room

Batman on Xbox — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new technology is taking hold in the living room: digital media adapters, standalone or embedded devices that route audiovisual content from other sources, such as PCs and the web, to TVs and...

Playstation 3 Folding@Home Updated to Version 1.2

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new update to the popular Playstation 3 Folding@Home client adds several new features.

This is your brain on video games, ads

Stefanie Olsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

It may sound like science fiction, but one company is helping market researchers track how the brain responds to content like games and ads.
Photos: Scanning brain waves

Manhunt 2 Meltdown Shows Game-Killing Power of Adults-Only Rating

Chris Kohler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board hands out product-killing AO ratings to games that would never qualify as "adults only" in movie form.

Microsoft targets hard-core gamers with new mouse

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday it plans to introduce a computer mouse designed for PC gaming, in an effort to capture a growing segment of the computer peripheral equipment market.

BT, Sony unveil PlayStation with video calling

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's BT Group Plc and Japan's Sony Corp have unveiled new software that will allow millions of gamers using portable PlayStations to make video and voice calls and send instant messaging.

Microsoft to retrofit Xbox wheel after malfunction

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it was giving customers free retrofits to a wireless racing wheel with its Xbox 360 video game system after hearing of malfunctions in a wheel component.

Game Boom Predicted

half in the next four years — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The market for video games will grow by half in the next four years, game publisher says.

Golf is par for town's course

Michael Vega — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The first inclination would be to say there had to be something in the Blackwater River.

Microsoft Says Xbox 360 Wheel Overheats

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft will send out replacement parts for its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel after 50 reports that the video game controllers overheated and released smoke when plugged in.

Sony Launches TV Tuner, Recorder for PS3

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony said it would sell a device to let users record live television that can be stored on the game console or transferred to the PlayStation Portable for later viewing.

Hate to wait? Play a game

Christiaan Hetzner — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

LEIPZIG, Germany (Reuters) - Mobile game publisher Glu Mobile aims to eliminate the boredom that plagues the taxi driver while he waits for a fare or the commuter during those interminable minutes before the train.

Sony PS2 still a contender in gaming market

Niclas Mika — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

While Sony battles with Microsoft over which of their next-generation video game consoles will dominate, its seven-year-old PlayStation 2 still has a lot of life in it.

GameStop shares up after profit jumps

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

GameStop Corp posted on Thursday a better-than-expected seven-fold jump in quarterly profit and raised its full-year outlook on strong sales of games like "Guitar Hero II" and "NCAA Football '08," sending its shares up 6 percent.

Next-Generation Memory Faster, but Slow to Take Off

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Chip manufacturers are hesitant to invest in phase change memory, which is set to replace slower flash memory.

Strategy Game Trains Cops and Firefighters

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

They practice emergency scenarios using Ground Truth, a real-time strategy game.

New Games Take Advantage of the Web

Kemp Powers — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Games designed for Sony and Nintendo consoles are finally catching up with PC games in online interactivity.

Microsoft reports more Xbox woes

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SEATTLE -- Microsoft Corp. will send out replacement parts for its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel after 50 reports that the video game controllers overheated and released smoke when plugged in, the software maker said yesterday.

The Dorks Behind Penny Arcade, an Obscure Webcomic Turned Vidgame Empire

Chris Baker — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Webcomic superstars Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, creators of the Penny Arcade strip and videogame, are about to host the largest game conference in the United States. Here's the story of how two guys from Spokane, Washington, became ultra-powerful players in the videogame industry.

Wii still tops in sales; PS3 gains momentum

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony dropped the price on its PlayStation 3 in July from $599 to $499 for its 60-gigabyte model and got a bump in sales, but ...

Hot deal Xbox 360 HD-DVD, plus six HD-DVD movies, for $170

Emily Shurr — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Blog: Have the Xbox, want the HD-DVD player? This one plugs right in, and we just found you a discount.

Online gaming offers escape from piracy

Christiaan Hetzner — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

LEIPZIG (Reuters) - Sprawling virtual worlds in which electronic avatars do battle with mythical beasts may offer game publishers a unique chance to combat piracy, especially in Asia, where the format is wildly popular.

Add Fantasy Football to List of top Online Time-Wasters

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Fantasy football presents a challenge for workplace productivity, as employers will lose time to workers going online to check on their teams, but blocking access could hit morale.

Sony: 'We Should Have had More Original PSP Games'

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony's European boss admits that the PSP has suffered from a shortage of games.

Online gamers become guinea pigs

Carolyn Y. Johnson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

When an estimated 4 million people encountered a deadly epidemic called Corrupted Blood that left the landscape strewn with corpses, scientists were intrigued, not horrified. Similarly, when Whypox, a measles-like disease, was unleashed into a community of over 1.2 million young adults, researchers sat back and took notes.

Review: 'Boogie' a fun but flawed music game

Marc Saltzman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Thanks to its unique motion-sensing controllers, the Nintendo Wii has enjoyed critical and commercial success by offering fresh new game-play experiences.

Get your game on

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CNN's Matt West reports on what's hot in the video gaming industry.

Underwater Shooter Game Surfaces as Success

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Take-Two regains momentum with another controversial story in BioShock.

Online Games Escape Pirates

Christiaan Hetzner — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Creative pricing for multiplayer online games is thwarting softare piracy, vendors say.

Feds Boost Tech Spending

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

U.S. government spending on information technology is spiking this quarter, a study reports.

Mobile Devices Compromise the Enterprise, Study Says

workers — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Tech managers fear businesses are more vulnerable to malware because of wireless devices used by workers

Hate to Wait? Play a Game

Christiaan Hetzner — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Mobile game publisher aims for shorts, snacks, and even sexy pasttimes.

"Manhunt 2" game approved for sale

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

"Manhunt 2," a brutally violent video game that was effectively banned in the United States, has risen from the grave in a modified form and will go on sale for Halloween, its publisher said.

Digital kids: Growing up wired

Stefanie Olsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CNET News.com examines the young generation's unique immersion in the Web, cell phones, IM and online communities.

Photos: Cracking open the Wii

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A step-by-step summary of TechRepublic's project to take apart the Wii. Caution: This will seriously void your warranty.

"Manhunt 2" game approved for sale

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - "Manhunt 2," a brutally violent video game that was effectively banned in the United States, has risen from the grave in a modified form and will go on sale for Halloween, its publisher said.

Crysis Single Player Demo Coming Sept. 25

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A single-player demo for the much-anticipated DX10 game is coming to PC on September 25.

Penny Arcade Site Debuts

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new Web site promotes the multiplatform adventure game starring Gabe and Tycho from the popular webcomic Penny Arcade.

Old Faithful: PlayStation 2 Still Dominates PS3, Xbox 360

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony's PlayStation 2 has sold a reported 115 million units worldwide making it the best selling console in history.

Parallels Beta 2 Now Available

A new beta version of Parallels Desktop for Mac — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new beta version of Parallels Desktop for Mac, the software that lets Intel Mac owners run Windows without having to first reboot their machines, is now out.

Video game car ads change, update

Heather Newman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Your sleek, shiny car screeches through a turn in the popular Need for Speed: Carbon video game and there in front of you is ...

High-def formats duel over prices, new films

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

If you're thinking about buying into one of the new high-definition video disc formats, your decision just got tougher. That's ...

Cranium Expands Into Digital Thinking

MARKETING JOBS — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Game and puzzle maker Cranium is looking to extend its reach to digital audiences, reports the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The company has partnered with Ubisoft Entertainment to created a Nintendo...

Don't let your boss catch you reading this

Corinne Heller — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - If you are at work, chances are you are probably doing it right now.

Mobile Broadband Offers Connectivity without Boundaries

Courtesy of Dell — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Mobile broadband is designed to give you connectivity almost anywhere you go. Instead of needing to find a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can have high-speed connectivity built in to your notebook computer, always ready and available when you need it.In the past two years, mobile broadband (also known as...

Study: Video Gamers Valuable for Advertisers

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

As many on Madison Avenue contemplate ways to integrate digital platforms in media allocation models, the "gamer market" is a valuable option, according to BIGresearch's Simultaneous Media Survey...

Nintendo: Revised Wii "Not out of the Question"

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nintendo vice president of marketing George Harrison confirmed on Monday that an upgraded Wii may arrive, though not for a while.

German Firm Confirms iPhone Talks

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Deutsche Telekom is negotiating with Apple to sell the iPhone in Germany, and expects an announcement soon.

Wired Ethernet on its way out says Analyst

According to IT research firm the Burton Group — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

According to IT research firm the Burton Group, 802.11n will begin to erode the market for wired ethernet in two to three years.

Marketers Get Wise to Wii Parties

Tennis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Video game demographic activity has evolved, from teenage boys locked in the basement for hours in game-swathed solitude, to mass audiences now playing together. According to Advertising Age, new...

Movies to video games Where entertainment has traveled

Don Reisinger — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For a business that relies on entertaining people, the movie industry really needs to take some pages out of the video game play book.

Forget Mark Cuban. I want the "Monkey Boy"

Charles Cooper — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

ABC chose the wrong tech billionaire to participate in its upcoming reality show. If the network really wanted sizzle, Steve Ballmer is the hands-down choice.

Slim PSP, in the flesh

John P. Falcone — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

It won't be going on sale until September 10, but CNET's got an early look at the new, slimmed-down PSP.

"Family Guy" ties into Xbox Live

David Ward — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - 20th Century Fox has struck a deal with Microsoft Corp. to make the first two seasons of the animated series "Family Guy" available for downloads on the Xbox Live service beginning Monday.

Game Developers Strive to Stay True to Golden Compass

Susan Arendt — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Shiny Entertainment's Dax Berg outlines the challenges of bringing the beloved books to interactive life in videogame form, even as a movie adaptation rolls toward the silver screen.

50 Million Adults Play Casual Video Games to Bond with Children, Grandchildren

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nearly a third (31 percent) of adults surveyed indicated they had children or grandchildren under 18 who played family-friendly "casual" computer/video games - puzzle, word and simple action games -...

Mass Effect Launching Nov. 20 for Xbox 360

According to Microsoft and Bioware — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

According to Microsoft and Bioware, the highly anticipated RPG will launch on November 20 exclusively for Xbox 360.

FCC Proposes 911 Fines for Mobile Carriers

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Proposal would levy $2.8 million in fines to Alltel, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular for failing to meet E911 coverage requirements.

Internet Pipes Can't Keep up in YouTube Age

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Study warns that investment in network capacity may not keep up with increasing demands for bandwidth.

Take Flight With 'Lair' and Other New Games

Chris Kohler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Ready to soar like a dragon through medieval world or fly through space on a psychedelic rocket ride? Lair , Project Sylpheed and Space Giraffe let you get your altitude on, with varying degrees of success.

Pump up your mind with 'Brain Age 2'

Jinny Gudmundsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In 2006, Nintendo revolutionized video gaming with Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. The Nintendo DS game contained ...

Sony PS3 narrows Nintendo Wii sales lead in Japan

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nintendo Co Ltd's video game console Wii outsold Sony Corp's PlayStation 3 by a ratio of three to one in Japan in August, but Nintendo's overwhelming lead in the market narrowed for the second consecutive month.

Sony Readies Wii-like PS2

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The PS2 for the holidays will bundle a karaoke game, two mics, and white controller.

Sony Responds: 60GB PS3 Back in Stock

Responding to consumer demand — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Responding to consumer demand, Sony has restocked the 60GB PlayStation 3 online.

A place where online gamers can hang out after the game

Hiawatha Bray — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The millions who play Internet-based adventure games like World of Warcraft don't just log on to fight orcs and demons. The games also help them hang out with old friends and meet new ones. They're social networking services - Facebook with broadswords.

Director John Woo takes aim at games

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

John Woo's latest Hong Kong thriller won't be found in movie theaters. The legendary director chose to bring back his beloved ...

Review: Intense 'BioShock' one of year's best

Marc Saltzman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft Xbox 360 owners in search of an intense 3-D shooter need not wait for Halo 3.

Messiah's PS3 Blu-ray remote looks like a cell phone

Matthew Moskovciak — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The Messiah Darklite DVD remote looks a lot like LG's Chocolate cell phones, and it allows you to control your PlayStation 3 without using a gaming controller.

Microsoft says a Zune phone "not unreasonable"

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday that it is "not unreasonable" for the company to introduce a mobile phone combined with features of its Zune digital music player to compete with Apple Inc.'s iPhone.

Analysts: 80GB PS3 Dropping to $499 by Year End

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

An announcement could come at the Tokyo Game Show later this month.

Video game industry launches into holiday mode

VICTOR GODINEZ / The Dallas Morning News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

For the video game industry, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

'Blue Dragon' has some bite, but it's no 'Fantasy'

Brett Molina — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

To many role-playing game veterans, Hironobu Sakaguchi is a legend. His creation, Final Fantasy, is heralded as one of the greatest ...

Schwarzenegger appeals ruling on video game law

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appealed on Wednesday a federal judge's decision striking down a state law barring the sale of violent video games to minors.

One in four gamers play at work

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Colleagues tapping away busily on their BlackBerry, phone or laptop at the office might not be as productive as they seem -- with one in four video gamers admitting playing at work, even in meetings, according to an online survey.

One in four gamers play at work

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

PS3 Gains on Wii in Japan

three to one in — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Though Wii outsold the PlayStation 3 by three to one in August, its lead continues to narrow.

Google Files Patent for Mobile Commerce

text message or SMS. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

'Gpay' would support payments from vending machines and retailers by text message or SMS.

Britain to review video game, Web laws for young

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Britain's government said on Thursday it had launched an inquiry to see what new legal measures may be required to protect children from the impact of violent video games and Web pornography.

Sony needs consistent PS3 strategy: videogame publisher

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp needs to establish an unwavering marketing strategy for its PlayStation 3 game machine to drive growth of its console business, the head of Japanese videogame publisher Square Enix Co Ltd said.

Game gets kids off the couch

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Some video games are giving kids quite a workout, as Judy Fortin reports in this Health Minute.

Sony seen needing consistent PS3 strategy

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Electronics sellers find buyers have price limits

Michelle Kessler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Despite record sales, electronics makers are discovering limits to what consumers will pay for the latest tech gadget.

Getting an education, China style

Paul Waide — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. , the company famous for its prep courses and stellar market performance (it's up 60.8% year to date) is at the vanguard of private Chinese education companies.

Stop with the Exclusives, Already!

Loyd Case — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Exclusive deals are purely driven marketing ploys designed to 'create incentive' for you to buy a particular product. Don't fall for them.

Classic rock songs take on modern form

Mike Snider — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Billboard's chart of the top-selling digital download tracks reflects the hottest tunes of the day: Leading the most recent list ...

Take-Two Confirms 'BioShock' Sequels

1UP Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Yes, sequels. As in at least two of them. Take-Two Interactive is so smitten with BioShock's critical and commercial success they're already considering bi-annual follow-ups.

Study: More Plan to Buy Wii Than Xbox 360, PS3

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new consumer report contradicts popular belief that surging Wii sales will ultimately wane due to the console's outdated graphics and newfangled controls.

The Age of Flash Memory is Upon Us

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Hard drives continue to offer more gigabytes per dollar, but they only get so cheap. The all-silicon advantages of flash memory are making it more attractive - and soon, hard drives will disappear from many devices altogether.

Square Enix lines up behind Xbox 360

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 games console got a big boost on Wednesday when Square Enix Co. Ltd., the last major Japanese games developer not to have embraced the console, said it would release a title on the platform.

Full-On Rock Band Makes Jamming Follow-Up to Guitar Hero

Chris Kohler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Harmonix's new game, the aptly named Rock Band , will be released for Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 by year's end. The company had a surprise success with its previous franchise, Guitar Hero , but Rock Band -- along with its four peripherals -- will retail for $200, four times as much as a typical game.

Intel to buy Irish game software tools firm

Duncan Martell — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp said on Friday it would buy Havok Inc, a provider of software and services to the games and movie industries, as the world's top chipmaker seeks to beef up its visual computing and graphics efforts.

Monster Fun. But Is It Art?

Mike Musgrove — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

On a recent Saturday morning, I headed over to the house of Pulitzer Prize-winning Post book columnist Michael Dirda with an Xbox 360 under my arm. I plugged the device into his TV, showed him how to turn on the console and vanished. My assignment for Dirda was to try a new game called BioShock.

RadioShack may dive into video games

MARIA HALKIAS / The Dallas Morning News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Is RadioShack trying to become GameShack?

Man dies after 3-day online binge

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

China has 140 million Internet users, second only to the U.S.

"Halo" no longer just a game for Microsoft

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp wants video gamers to "finish the fight" when the last chapter of its "Halo" trilogy comes out next week, but a carefully crafted merchandising strategy will make sure Master Chief lives on for years to come.

Indian gaming now a serious business for console makers

Janaki Krishnan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's nascent $30-million gaming industry is set to grow to $700 million in the next five years, driven by global companies that are pushing new generation gaming consoles in the Indian market, industry watchers said.

Sony postpones PS3 "Home" virtual community service

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CHIBA, Japan (Reuters) - Sony Corp said on Thursday it would postpone the launch of its "Home" virtual community service for its PlayStation 3 game console to early next year, the latest setback in its video game battle with Microsoft Corp and Nintendo Co Ltd

Sony delays PS3 "Home", but no talk of price cuts

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CHIBA, Japan (Reuters) - Sony Corp said on Thursday it would postpone the launch of the "Home" virtual community service for its PlayStation 3 game console to early next year, the latest setback in its videogame battle with Microsoft Corp and Nintendo Co Ltd.

Video Game Market to Set New High Score

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The wait for new consoles is over.

Rivals Scramble for Nintendo's Scraps at Tokyo Game Show

Chris Kohler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

With Nintendo a no-show, Microsoft and Sony battle for scraps. But the company that owns the Japanese market with its Wii and DS hardware still makes an impact on the show floor.

Sony delays launch of "Home"

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Review: 'Lair' gorgeous, but bungled

Marc Saltzman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

"Lair" is a beautiful fantasy-action game with a good story and extraordinary music.

Microsoft "Halo 3" wins high marks from reviewers

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - "Halo 3", the highly anticipated video game from Microsoft Corp , won high praise on Sunday from game reviewers who gushed over the lush settings, cinematic feel and array of multiplayer features.

Gaming Technology: Beyond Entertainment

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The massive, low-cost computing power that has transformed video gaming will bring benefits to many important industries.

'Halo 3,' Coming Soon to an LCD Near You

Danny Dumas — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Gird your aching loins for one of the biggest game launches of all time.

Wii popular with geriatric gamers

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Senior citizens can't get enough of Wii video games. CNN's Alphonso Van Marsh reports.

Microsoft readies "Halo 3" for launch

Franklin Paul — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp geared up on Monday to launch "Halo 3", the acclaimed science-fiction video game that it hopes will widen its lead over rival Sony Corp in the battle for industry dominance.

Nvidia Preps GeForce 7xxx Series for Tues. Launch

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nvidia is rolling out a graphics microchip that will be embedded in the main collection of components that make up a personal computer, as the company goes toe to toe with Intel in the integrated graphics chip market.

Fans brace for latest 'Halo 3' for Xbox 360

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Can "Halo" hero Master Chief blast his way past "Spider-Man 3" too?

Microsoft targets blockbuster debut with 'Halo 3'

Story Highlights — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Can "Halo" hero Master Chief blast his way past "Spider-Man 3" too?

Inside Halo's Secret Lab

Geeks — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Geeks, guns and glory: The mad scramble to finish Halo 3, the most anticipated video game of all time

One morning in August, when an unfamiliar car pulls into the parking lot of the video-game developer Bungie Studios, it is quickly greeted by no fewer than three uniformed guards. Bungie is best known for creating Halo, a "first-person shooter" set in the year 2552 that has become one of the most popular video games of all time. It's only a month before the September 25th release of Halo 3, which has been three years in the making, and security is tight at Bungie's headquarters just outside of S...

Next for Microsoft Xbox: winning casual gamers

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp has cemented its reputation among hardcore gamers with the launch of alien shoot-out "Halo 3," but it is still struggling to attract the mass market audience that has flocked to Nintendo Co Ltd's Wii console.

Microsoft offers to replace damaged "Halo 3" discs

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp is offering to replace damaged discs of its just-launched "Halo 3" game for the Xbox amid reports that special limited-edition packaging is scratching them.

Five PC Gaming Myths

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Feature: PCs are gravely misunderstood by console gamers and even most of the gaming and mainstream press. If you didn't know better, you'd think PC gaming is costly, complicated, and dying a slow death. Let's dispel some of these myths right now.

Halo 3 Storms Manhattan

Lewis Wallace — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A New York City launch event draws hundreds of Master Chief fans for a "midnight madness" sale.

Some 'Halo 3' disks scratched by packaging

Story Highlights — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Within hours after die-hard fans finally got their hands on a copy of "Halo 3," blogs brimmed with reports that special limited-edition packaging is scratching the video game disks.

Sony sells 250,000 new PSPs in four days: magazine

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp sold about 250,000 units of the new version of the PlayStation Portable in Japan in the four days since its launch, a game magazine publisher said on Wednesday, roughly matching total Japanese sales of the original PSP in the two months through August.

Execs admit plenty of missteps in new media world

Paul Thomasch — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Executives at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia took great pains earlier this year to make certain the company's redesigned Web site looked flawless before rolling it out to the public.

Not a "Halo" fan? Other games beckon

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft's "Halo 3" has dominated video game headlines this week, but if blasting aliens isn't appealing there is more on offer in other games, including role-playing the composer Frederic Chopin.

Review: Specialized search engines fit the niche

For when the Google net spreads too wide — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Alternative search sites offer enhanced results for songs, movies, source code, engineering data and more -- for when the Google net spreads too wide.

Joel's Gaming Update: Old Games, New Games, and Halo 3

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Joel Durham Jr: Joel weighs in on gaming: new games, old games, buggy games, and, of course, Halo 3.

Sony FCC Filing: Is a Cheaper PS3 on the Way?

1UP Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Praise to patents and the FCC! If it wasn't for either, we wouldn't have the fun of guessing the meaning behind mysterious filings drummed up by eager gamers looking for the latest scoop.

Teach your iPhone some new tricks

ANDREW D. SMITH / The Dallas Morning News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

12:02 AM CDT on Friday, September 28, 2007 By ANDREW D. SMITH / The Dallas Morning News

'MySims,' 'Rune Factory,' 'Drawn to Life': Save Cat-Bunnies, Farm With Monsters in Altruistic ...

Lore Sjberg — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Buddy, can you lend a thumb? MySims , Rune Factory and Drawn to Life give gamers a chance to play the selfless card.

Insider's guide: Halo 3

Story Highlights — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A new video game, so what?

Sci-Fi, Serendipity Spawn Halo 3's New Weapons

Clive Thompson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Research into physics and real-world military armaments inform the design of in-game killing tools like the Spartan Laser.

Sony to launch world's first OLED ultra-thin TV

Kiyoshi Takenaka — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp said it will launch an ultra-thin flat TV in December, the world's first television based on organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology into an $82 billion market dominated by LCD and plasma models.

Wii Japan sales overwhelm PS3

Mon Oct — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Nintendo Co Ltd's Wii videogame console outsold Sony Corp's PlayStation 3 by more than four to one in Japan in April-September, game magazine publisher Enterbrain said on Monday.

Microsoft Mum on Manufacturing Process

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Rumors are flying around the Web speculating that the Halo 3 edition of the Xbox 360 contains chips built on a 65nm (down from 90nm) die process. Is there any truth to them?

Free Nintendo Wii 'Jackets' Fight Sweaty Palms

1UP Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

On Tuesday, Nintendo Wii owners were greeted with a pulsing blue light to alert them to the "Wii remote jacket," a cushioned glove that fits around the Wiimote to keep it soft if it happens to hit something... or someone.

AMD Licenses Graphics Tech to Qualcomm

ExtremeTech Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Advanced Micro Devices said Tuesday that it had agreed to license certain graphics technologies to Qualcomm, which will use the in forthcoming handheld products.

Video-Game Review: 'Heavenly Sword'

MATT SLAGLE — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

-- The hack-and-slash genre brings a certain mindless, yet simply satisfying, element to video games. Call it a quirk of gaming, but sometimes there's just an odd pleasure in pressing the same few buttons over and over again.

Sony PSP Japan sales hit record high

Thu Oct — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp said on Thursday it sold a record number of its PlayStation Portables (PSP) in Japan in September as a slimmer and cheaper version of the handheld game machine helped drive demand.

Nintendo gets touchy with new "Zelda"

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Nintendo has reworked one of its most beloved franchises in a new "Zelda" video game designed to appeal to a broader audience.

Microsoft says "Halo" 1st-week sales were $300 mln

Thu Oct — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Thursday that its "Halo 3" video game racked up worldwide sales of $300 million in its first week, making it one of the year's best sellers and helping to nearly triple sales of its Xbox 360 console.

Healing Through Technology

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Joel Durham Jr: Joel has a bum back, but as you read this, it's getting better. He'll be in better shape than ever in a month or two.

Sources: Sony to Sell PS3 Graphics Plant

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony Corp is in talks with Toshiba Corp to sell its production facility in western Japan's Oita prefecture that makes graphic chips used in the PlayStation 3 game console, sources close to the matter said.

Rock Band Vs. Guitar Hero

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The two biggest music releases of the year aren't albums: They're video games. Inside the fight for number one.

In a Boston office with a Fender Strat leaning against the wall, Eric Brosius, a sound designer for video-game developer Harmonix, is staring at clusters of tiny blue bars on his computer screen: Keith Moon's madman drum part from "Won't Get Fooled Again," as mapped out note for note by an on-staff musician. The company that developed Guitar Hero has spent the past year transforming that song and dozens of others -- from the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" -- int...

Pro gamers spurn geek stereotype as go mainstream

Daisuke Wakabayashi — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Geoff Robinson does not fit the stereotype of a hardcore geek gamer. The Oregon State University student is sociable, an avid weight lifter, studies English and history -- not computer science -- and wants to be a high school teacher.

Booze Cruise video game gives teens reality check

Wojtek Dabrowski — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TORONTO (Reuters)- The Canadian developers of a video game that simulates drunk driving hope it will make teenagers think twice about getting behind the wheel after a night of heavy drinking.

Microsoft "Halo" creators to be separate company

Fri Oct — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Friday that the video game studio that created its hit "Halo" franchise will become an independent company.

Sony to start selling 40GB PS3 in Europe next week

Fri Oct — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sony Corp will start selling a new configuration of its PlayStation 3 video game console, with less built-in storage capacity, in Europe on October 10, priced at 399 euros, the company said on Friday.

Sony Confirms 40GB PS3

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Europe is getting a 40GB PS3 for 399 Euros. Can other territories be far behind? Oh, and the new model has no backward compatibility at all.

Microsoft Sets Bungie Free

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

It looks like the rumors are true: Microsoft no longer owns Bungie. It still owns Halo, though. And Bungie will continue to developer for Microsoft Game Studios.

Toyota's Latest Commercial Is Not on TV. Try the Xbox Console.

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

AMONG other new features, the new Toyota Yaris has a giant tentacle that reaches out of its roof to shoot enemies as it races through a futuristic tunnel, sometimes within inches of soaring fireballs.

Microsoft's Massive In-Game Reach

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Jay Sampson, vice president of North America and Asia-Pacific sales for Massive Inc.

Free the Avatars

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Virtual worlds may be freewheeling environments where cyber-behavior is unconstrained by many terrestrial mores. But they are also gated communities, and the gates keep the digital denizens locked inside.

Microsoft Confirms Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft announces a two-game bundle for the Xbox 360 game console.

Microsoft to Upgrade Games for Windows Live in Nov.

Mark Hachman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft said Tuesday that the company will roll out a 1.2 version of its "Games for Windows Live" service in November.

Video games encourage teens to check out library

JEFF MOSIER / The Dallas Morning News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Molire has a new neighbor at the public library: Nintendo's ubiquitous Mario.

Toy industry, gathering in Dallas, takes steps on safety

MARIA HALKIAS / The Dallas Morning News — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Every parent's Christmas nightmare is not being able to find the one big toy that Santa is supposed to put under the tree.

Sony Cuts PlayStation 3 Prices in Japan

MARI YAMAGUCHI — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

TOKYO -- Sony Corp.'s game unit said Tuesday it will cut the prices of its PlayStation 3 game consoles sold in Japan next week, and offer a new model in November.

Universal avatars bestride worlds

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A virtual character, or avatar, for all the virtual worlds in which people play is the goal of a joint project between IBM and Linden Lab.

How to engage the consumers who count

Dave Garvin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

There is a group of consumers that has more influence on your brand message than you might realize. Find out who these consumers are and what it takes to win them over.

Electronic Arts to Add 2 Video Game Studios to Its Stable

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Seeking to fill gaps in its product lineup, the video game publisher Electronic Arts said Thursday that it would acquire two software studios from Elevation Partners in a deal worth $860 million, the largest in its history.

Call of Duty 4 Demo Available

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The PC demo for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is now available. The large download features on level from the single-player game, but it's a good look at one of this Fall's hottest titles.

Another Executive Leaves Nintendo

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nintendo Co Ltd is losing another senior executive from its U.S. operations. Vice President of Marketing Perrin Kaplan said on Thursday she would leave the video game company at the end of the year.

An Online Game Pioneer's Blank Slate

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Richard Garriott, creator of NCsoft's Tabula Rasa, talks about his efforts to redefine multiplayer online gaming .

Meet the (New) Man Behind 'The Legend of Zelda'

1UP Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

1UP sits down with Eiji Aonuma, who has helmed the iconic "Legend of Zelda" Nintendo game franchise through the last three iterations.

Sony to Sell PS3 Chip Lines to Toshiba

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony Corp will sell its production facilities for making key microchips used in its PlayStation 3 game console to Toshiba Corp, pulling back from the heavy investment needed.

New Ads for Old Video Games

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

An interview with Julie Shumaker, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Double Fusion

Why video gamers make the best spies

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

British intelligence agencies are to offer video gamers hooked on espionage-inspired adventures the chance to live out their fantasies.

EA wants 'open gaming platform'

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Rival gaming systems should make way for a single open platform, a senior executive at Electronic Arts has said.

Q&A: Sony Explains Cheaper PS3

Patrick Klepek — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In an interview with 1UP, Sony's vice president of PlayStation marketing talks about the new, cheaper PlayStation 3, backwards compatibility, and why gamers shouldn't feel bad about dusting off older consoles.

Virtual Worlds, Real Ad Dollars

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Kids and marketers enter pixellated space.

With launch of TakeTV and Fanfare, SanDisk aims to bridge the gap between PC video and TV

John P. Falcone — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Apple TV and the iTunes Store are directly in the crosshairs of SanDisk's one-two combo punch.

Report EU, Microsoft strike deal in antitrust case

Richard Defendorf — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Three key anticompetitive issues addressed in agreement between European Commission and company, according to news report.

First Look: Sony Eye of Judgment PS3 Game

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since Sony's EyeToy , a glorified webcam for the PlayStation 2, had kids immodestly hopping, dancing, and flailing in front of TV screens well before the Nintendo Wii muscled in on motion-control turf.

The making of Maker Faire

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Shadowing the organizers of weekend's Maker Faire in Austin, Texas, is an illuminating experience.

Diagram: Comparing The PlayStation 3 Models

Chris Kohler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Confused by the four different models of PlayStation 3 on shelves? Game|Life is at your service with a helpful diagram.

AT&T embraces citywide Wi-Fi, sort of

Marguerite Reardon — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

AT&T is rolling out citywide Wi-Fi networks, but the company is moving slowly as the market develops and the company continues to push its own 3G cellular services.

iPhone could drive citywide Wi-Fi

Marguerite Reardon — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Wi-Fi enabled phones, like the iPhone, will drive demand for fast wireless broadband networks like the ones cities want to build using Wi-Fi, say experts.

Which Came First? (Part Three)

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

(To see Part One of this article, click here . To see Part Two, click here .) "Too bad, it was a cloudy day. You really can't see any shadows." My friend, the inventor Dennis Purcell, corrected me: "I don't think it was cloudy. It was a bright, sunny day. Or perhaps cloudy-bright."

Microsoft playing Nintendo's game?

Don Reisinger — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

With the release of the Xbox 360 Arcade edition, Don Reisinger examines the impact it will have on the family gaming market and tries to come to grips with whether or not the new console will beat out Nintendo.

News.com Extra: The death of the free cell phone game

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Plus: Trivial blogging pursuits. Read these stories and more from around the Web on News.com Extra.

Microsoft investors eye rosy holiday quarter

Daisuke Wakabayashi — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Investors will be looking for signs from Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) of a strong holiday quarter for Xbox 360 video game consoles and new computers loaded with Windows Vista when the company reports results this week.

Microsoft's first quarter A blowout

Ina Fried — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The software maker said it got off to a fast start in the first quarter, with revenue up 27 percent from a year ago.

Robot development conference hits Silicon Valley

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Most robotics business conferences are in Boston or Pittsburgh, but Robo Development brings the technology for creating commercial robots to San Jose.

Relic of a video game offers players a blast from the past

Joseph P. Kahn — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Giddy over their team competing in another Fall Classic, Red Sox fans can relax and chuckle at a vintage horror movie now playing on YouTube: Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, otherwise known as The Groundball That Ate Bill Buckner.

Battle rages for HD movie supremacy

Hiawatha Bray — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Greg Kushmerek of Jamaica Plain likes high-definition television so much, he custom-built a computer just to record HD versions of his favorite shows and play them back in his home theater.

Hot deal 1TB External USB 2.0 hard drive for $280

Emily Shurr — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Got backup? How about a new 1-terabyte drive for $70 off the usual price?

Microsoft: Xbox 360 IPTV still coming--eventually

Tor Thorsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Software giant says Mediaroom functionality won't be in fall update, but service providers will receive software by year's end.

D-Link Ships Next-Gen Gaming Router

ExtremeTech Staff — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

D-Link has begun shipping the next generation of its successful gaming router, the Draft 802.11n Xtreme N Gaming Router with GameFuel technology and built-in OLED display.

Microsoft: No IPTV in Xbox 360, Not Quite Yet

Steve Watts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft hasn't had much luck keeping new announcements under wraps, so this weekend when rumors circulated from Xbox 360 Fanboy about a possible feature for the Fall Update, most weren't surprised of yet another leak.

Review: 15 Great Free Game Sites

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

There are few better ways to use time, a PC, and an Internet connection than by whiling away a few hours with online games. And you frequently don't have to pay to play on the Internet: Hundreds, if not thousands, of sites offer a veritable cornucopia of free games, from online versions of classic...

Rockstar Cleared of 'Manhunt' Hack Liability

Patrick Klepek — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive are cleared of responsibility for users removing filters that had hidden scenes of brutal violence in the new "Manhunt 2" game.

Video games are now history

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony developing even smaller PS2

Clement James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Electronics giant Sony is reportedly gearing up to give the iconic PlayStation 2 another lease of life in the face of sluggish sales from its more advanced, and expensive, successor the PlayStation 3.

Upgrading the Living Room

Jason Cross — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Jason Cross: I recently decided to ditch the PC 5.1 speakers in my living room and upgrade to some real home theater equipment. The difference is remarkable.

Microsoft adds new parental controls to Xbox 360

Staff Writers — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft said on Wednesday it is adding a feature to its Xbox 360 that limits the amount of time children can play video games.

IBM creates video game for budding entrepreneurs

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

IBM has designed a new video game to help university students and young professionals develop a combination of business and IT skills..

Sony announces holiday season video game lineup

Caroline McCarthy — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The company's Sony Computer Entertainment America division releases a lengthy list of all the titles that will be available for its handheld and console platforms.

Sony adds remote access to PlayStation 3

Clement James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

PlayStation 3 owners in the US will be able to download the latest firmware for the gaming console today, adding several new features including making the unit accessible remotely..

Taming the Baja 1000 in a tech-ed out 1969 VW Beetle

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A team from Silicon Valley hopes to make it through the grueling 1,300 mile race, Twittering as they go.

Apple Notes: Finding Clues About Movie Rentals

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Where do you look for hints about what Apple is doing next? In bits of text woven into Apple software.

Picture near-perfect: a new era of projectors

Cindy Atoji — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Bentley College professor Phillip Knutel remembers the days when you'd have to turn down the lights to use a classroom projector. While the projector would flicker in the darkness, inevitably, one or two students would fall asleep.

Microsoft adds Family Timer to Xbox 360

Matt Chapman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Microsoft has added a parental control feature to the Xbox 360 allowing parents to limit the amount of time their kids can use the console..

Warner Bros to acquire TT Games

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Warner Bros has entered into an agreement to acquire independent game developer TT Games..

Nintendo Wii to get DVD next year

Clement James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nintendo has confirmed that it is preparing to add DVD capabilities to the Wii games console, but not until next year..

Xbox 360 Fall dashboard update to add original Xbox downloads

Jeff Bakalar — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The new Fall dashboard update will supposedly support the downloading of original Xbox games.

Smartphone sales skyrocket

Marguerite Reardon — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Smartphones are hot and getting hotter--and are outpacing the sale of laptops, according to market research firm In-Stat.

Microsoft hit with class action suit over Xbox live fees

Paul McDougall — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

A man who claims Microsoft improperly allowed his underage son to use his debit card to subscribe to the company's Xbox Live gaming service and automatically renewed the subscription without authorization is suing the software maker for consumer fraud.

Why 'Guitar Hero' is rockin' the game charts

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Following record-breaking week of sales, exec behind Guitar Hero franchise credits success in part to our "primal" fantasy to be a rock star.

Poll shows a generational divide over video games

Alan Fram and Trevor Tompson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

WASHINGTON - Jesse Lackman says his son spends a dozen hours a week waging medieval combat across the dreary dreamscapes of computer games. Just don't expect to find Lackman sitting beside him battling ogres and dragons.

Singapore bans Microsoft's video game for sex scene

Staff Writers — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Singapore has banned a Microsoft Corp video game which contains a scene showing a human woman and an alien woman kissing and caressing each other, a local newspaper reported.

'Guitar Hero III' users reporting problems with their axes

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

While Activision has sold more than $100 million worth of the game, some users are reporting that buttons on their wireless guitars aren't working as they should.

Digital kids: Growing up wired

Stefanie Olsen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

CNET News.com examines the young generation's unique immersion in the Web, cell phones, IM and online communities.

Gameworld: Nintendo, Sony roll out big titles

Scott Hillis — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Two new video games from Sony and Nintendo have players exploring jungle islands for lost treasure or skipping across the galaxy to save a kidnapped princess.

Is Russia's tech future in Israel's tech past?

Charles Cooper — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Some say Russia can mirror the Jewish state's success. It's not a pipe dream, writes News.com's Charles Cooper, but the analogy needs a few asterisks.

At Wired Store launch party, 'Guitar Hero' and gadgets galore. (And tequila.)

Caroline McCarthy — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

The tech magazine throws a soiree to celebrate the opening of its annual holiday gadget shop.

Microsoft’s Plan to Be King of All Media

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

In November 1994, I had breakfast with Nathan Myhrvold, then the chief technology officer of Microsoft. He talked about how the soon-to-be-introduced MSN online service would best America Online.

Sony Needs a Hero for PlayStation3

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Video game sales are hot, despite the continued lag of Sony's PlayStation 3 console. Such is the takeaway of the latest figures from NPD Group, a market research firm that monthly tallies domestic video sales. There is continued good news for the sector overall.

The Failures of the Zune and the Record Labels

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

I posted a few excerpts from my conversation earlier this week with J Allard of Microsoft about the company's grand plans and its ideas about cellphones . What about Zune itself, the music player that Mr. Allard oversees?

Analyst Floats Claim of Lighter Nintendo DS Lite

Steve Watts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

File this one very deep in the rumor folder. Engadget is reporting that Evan Wilson, a Pacific Crest Securities analyst, claims to have some inside information that could be very interesting for gamers.

Research: Wii has the most downloadable games

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Nintendo Wii currently has the greatest number of games available for download, though all are re-released titles says, Electronic Entertainment Design and Research.

Video Gamer Demos Trend Younger

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Could gaming among adults have peaked?

PC gaming industry is fine, say PC gaming executives

Tom Krazit — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Executives from the PC gaming world reassured their best customers Friday that all is well with the PC gaming world, but they also acknowledged that they have work to do to get the average gamer interested in the PC again.

McAfee paints grim picture for 2008

Shaun Nichols — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Smarter botnets and attacks targeting web services will be the two most serious threats facing users next year, according to McAfee..

Calssic games move onto mobiles

Staff Writers — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Video game developer ID Software has joined forces with Fountainhead Entertainment to create ID Mobile, which will develop games for mobile phones, Nintendo's DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable.

Report PlayStation 3 price cut helping console recover

Daniel Terdiman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Lower prices and better games seem to be convincing observers that the PS3 has a brighter future.

Wal-Mart's Secret Saturday Sale: PS3 Plus Movies

Mark Hachman — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Those of you who remember the secret $99 HD DVD sale at Wal-Mart may be interested in the "sequel": a Sony PlayStation 3 game console with ten Blu-ray movies, for $499.

Sony halves price of Playstation 3 development kit

Antone Gonsalves — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00

Sony cut by nearly half the price of its PlayStation 3 software development kit, in an attempt to encourage more game development on the struggling videogame console.