3D Realms' Scott Miller responds to Earth No More lawsuit

Now that 3D Realms is facing a lawsuit filed by Darin Scott and Edward Polgardy of Cinemagraphix Entertainment over the first-person shooter Earth No More (being developed by Recoil Games) for the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and PC, 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller wants to send a few points across. In particular, he made a comment saying his company is fully innocent.

In reply to Shacknews' report on the issue, Miller said stated:

...I will say we are fully innocent, and that these guys are just looking for a quick score. 3D Realms has been in many lawsuits like this over the years, and we've always proven our full innocence. For example, a few years ago a retired wrestler named Maxx Payne sued us, claiming we stole his name and persona. He utterly failed to prove his case, and lost a lot of money funding his feeble effort.

3D Realms' head honcho explained that working in a high-profile industry means people will try to cash in. He stressed out that no one associated with the project had ever heard of Earth No More as Cinemagraphix Entertainment's property.

Miller added that Scott and Polgardy actually want more than US 150,000 for statutory damages. According to the CEO, Cinemagraphix also requests 20 of game revenues and settlement fees. However, he made it clear that "if [3D Realms is] in-the-right (as we've always been), we battle to the end just on principle alone."

With that said, he doesn't have any plans for settlements since he believes companies that settle invite dozens of lawsuits like this. Here's to hoping this commotion won't hurt Duke Nukem Forever's development.

Grand Theft Auto 4 to have realistic drunks due to Euphoria

 

Using the power of NaturalMotion's Euphoria technology, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 4 (Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3) promises the most convincing drunkenness in video games to date.

NaturalMotion's CEO Torsten Reil explained how protagonist Niko Bellic will move realistically after downing a few bottles, and we're definitely eager to see Grand Theft Auto 4 in action after hearing what he had to say.

According to Reil and NaturalMotion's head of technology Simon Mack, Euphoria is a full AI and motion system that creates characters with fully simulated bodies, muscles and nervous systems. Rockstar used this technology together with other physics middleware to create AI character reactions coupled with accurate animation in Grand Theft Auto 4.

NaturalMotion is developing its own game, Backbreaker, which will employ Euphoria to create a realistic football game where players have limitless ways tackle. Learn more about it by clicking on the "Via" link below.



Buy: [ GTA IV (PS3) ]
Buy: [ GTA IV (Xbox 360) ]

QuickJump QuickPeek special edition: a format war history in hi-definition

 

It's been a long and grueling war between the hi-def formats. Both the Blu-ray camp and the HD DVD camp gave and took hits, but it seems the format war may finally see its end as Toshiba, one of the major players in the war, has withdrawn support for the HD DVD camp.

During the previous months, the HD DVD camp has had a series of losses, a movement which probably started when Warner Bros. decided to go Blu-ray exclusive. The war may end soon, but for now let's take a look back and see how the war escalated to this level.

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Both formats were released back in 2006 and played an important role in the console war as well. Analyst Michael Pachter predicted that the winner of the format war will decide the winner of the console war as well.

By mid-2007, it felt like the Blu-ray format was winning: Toshiba's HD DVD sales weren't performing as well as expected, while Target - the second largest retail outlet in the US - and Blockbuster decided to go Blu-ray (Blockbuster being exclusively Blu-ray).

But in August of that same year, HD DVD reached into its sleeve and took out an ace, announcing that Paramount and Dreamworks will be going HD DVD exclusive. This deal brought major movies like "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third" appearing on HD DVD, keeping the format well within the hearts of consumers.

Such was the announcement that talks of a stalemate between the two formats started up. Toshiba's Mike Eves said the two formats will exist together rather than one format winning out. However, analysts believed that the stalemate would be over by 2008.

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Then, right at the beginning of 2008, Warner Bros. Entertainment announced its decision to go Blu-ray exclusive. Sony stocks rose while Toshiba's fell after this announcement. A week after this announcement, Blu-ray hardware dominated 90 of the market share.

The news racked the industry and a huge wave of other media companies followed suit like Woolworths, National Geographic, Netflix and Best Buy, and just recently, Wal-Mart.

While Toshiba gave its continued support, it and Microsoft remained as the largest backers of the HD DVD format. Soon after Wal-Mart's announcement, a spokesperson for Toshiba made a statement that may suggested that they may reconsider their position.

The day after the spokesperson made this statement, an insider told Reuters that Toshiba will be giving up the format soon. The source went on to say that Toshiba was in its final stages of planning to give up the format.

At this point, the fate of HD DVD possibly hinged with Toshiba. Should Toshiba decide to go Blu-ray, that would leave Microsoft as the format's largest spearhead. And as big as Microsoft is, keeping a format afloat by itself is a tall order. However, word surfaced that even Microsoft is planning to withdraw its support for the format.

Insiders say that Microsoft even plans to go over to the Blu-ray camp. They say that Microsoft is putting together a standalone Blu-ray player, while other people think they could release an external Blu-ray add-on for the Xbox 360 much like how they decided to release the external HD DVD player.

The rumor even goes so far as to say that Microsoft will be making a built-in Blu-ray player for the console (which is far more than what it was willing to do for the HD DVD format so this sounds a little too incredulous - but at this point, who knows?).

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Just recently, Toshiba has finally made an official announcement saying that they have given up the format. In doing so, they are expected to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in withdrawing their support for the format.

Given Toshiba's decision, some are now led to concur that the disc manufacturing company likely sealed the coffin of HD DVD. Universal Studios made the switch to Blu-ray not long after Toshiba's announcement; remaining HD DVD supporters may soon follow suit.

The HD DVD camp may have another ace up its sleeve, but considering the odds of how things have been going, even more people believe it's highly unlikely: with Toshiba's support withdrawn, we could probably expect the format to be phased out completely soon after.

So it looks like we have just witnessed the end of the war, but the story isn't over yet. It remains to be seen how this would affect the console war between the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. You can bet it will have repercussions.

Michael Pachter and other analysts have already given their forecasts, saying that consumers now have a clear path towards the PlayStation 3. However, some believe that the end of the format war won't affect the Xbox 360 at all.

Rumors speculate that Microsoft will choose to adopt Blu-ray, but Pachter believes that this won't happen. Only time will tell what kind of waves the end of the format war will have on the future of the consoles.

We'll keep you posted on developments, but for now, this is where the format war stands.

Originally posted on February 20, 2008 at 1:34 p.m.

Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 reaches two million units sold worldwide

Capcom is sending out word that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the video game Devil May Cry 4 have easily broken the two million mark in terms of total units sold worldwide.

The game became first available in Japan last January 31. This was then followed by the launch of DMC 4 in North America on February 5 and in Europe last February 8.

The total number of sales is expected to increase even more as the PC version of the title is yet to be released. All in all, this feat brings the whole Devil May Cry franchise to nine million units sold around the globe.

It also makes the series one of Capcom's most successful creations. The company attributed the success to its dedication to fans:

At Capcom, it is our continued goal to bring our properties to multiple platforms to provide the best entertainment experiences in the next-gen gaming arena.

We hope to continue meeting and exceeding the expectations of gamers with our dedication to developing solid titles for the best gaming platforms available while increasing the gaming user base around the world.

Capcom, lastly, has yet to announce a concrete release date for the PC version of Devil May Cry 4. But officials of the company has been quoted before that the build is going to be excellent in terms of gameplay and content.

Keep checking back here at QJ.NET for the latest on this game and other developments.



Buy: [Devil May Cry 4 (PS3)]
Buy: [Devil May Cry 4 (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Devil May Cry 4 (PC)]

XBL Video Store performing well, skewing substantially to HD

Robin Burrowes, UK Xbox Live Marketing Manager, said that XBL Video Store has been performing well and that their studio partners are pleased with the performance.

In a recent intreview, Burrowes said that they were performing above expectations. In addition to that, Microsoft has been able to indicate that their high definition content is more popular than the standard definition content.

According to Burrowes, movies like 300, Ocean's 13, TMNT, and Harry Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix have been performing particularly well in terms of download.

Furthermore, studio partner Warner Bros., has said that it was pleased with the performance of the service so far. Burrowes noted that this will "be boosted with the announcement made yesterday that Paramount is also now on board."

Burrowes, finally, believes that they have been able to "hit the nail on the head" in terms of prices of their items. He added that Microsoft will look at additional rental options for the people in the future.

THQ announces Red Faction: Guerrilla for PS3, PC, Xbox 360

THQ has finally confirmed that the hit series Red Faction will have another sequel in the form of Red Faction: Guerrilla.

The game is expected to ship during fiscal year 2009 for platforms Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Guerrilla is set 50 years after the original events of the first game took place.

Here, players are sent to Mars and take on the role of an insurgent fighter with the newly re-established Red Faction movement as they battle for liberation from the oppressive Earth Defense Force.

Volition, Inc. President Mike Kulas had this to say, "With a new third person perspective, a full cover system that allows for guerrilla style tactics and a diverse planet to explore we're excited to revitalize the gripping world of Red Faction for high-definition platforms."

Like Kulas mentioned, there will some changes that will be implemented in the game like the series' debut to the open-world genre. There will also be several multiplayer component, including modes focused on destruction-based gameplay.

Brad Carraway, THQ Director of Global Brand Management, seemed excited about the game as he mentioned:

Red Faction is one THQ's most successful and critically acclaimed original franchises to date, with a huge global base of loyal fans waiting to join the new revolution.

With the game's unique pairing of true physics-based destruction, fast-paced guerrilla warfare style combat, and a massive world to explore - Red Faction: Guerrilla will redefine the limits of open-world gaming.

Keep checking back here at QJ.NET for more information about this new game.

Codemasters quashes Overlord for PS3 buzz

Veteran British game developers Codemasters have commented on the rumor of their title Overlord (PC, Xbox 360) being ported to the Sony PlayStation 3. They were quick to shoot down the buzz, but gave other interesting hints.

The devs called the prospect of Overlord on the PS3 mere "rumor and speculation" and said that they don't comment on things of the sort. However, they also commented that we "haven't seen the last of Overlord just yet."

The Xbox Live Marketplace saw the release of Overlord's Hellraiser expansion pack. Codemasters said that this sparked renewed interest in the title, and they're looking to capitalize on the opportunity.

Overlord was released late last year on the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the PC. It combined hack and slash gameplay with RTS elements to create one of the season's most unique experiences. The game was driven by a comedic script and a non-linear style of play which made it appealing to those who tried it.

Buy: [Overlord (PC)]
Buy: [Overlord (Xbox 360)]

XNA Chief at GDC 2008: Community Games for Xbox 360, new Zune game

 

XNA Chief Chris Satchell has just dropped a couple of bombs at GDC 2008. He announced that Xbox Live will be hosting a new service called Community Games. This feature allows developers to post their games and subject it to community scrutiny. If it passes then the game will be released on Xbox Live.

Satchell's description of the entire process seems to be pretty comprehensive. He pointed out that Developers will be giving "creator identities" very similar to GamerTags which will track what games the user has made and submitted.

When games are submitted, it'll have ratings for various factors such as violent. The games will then be reviewed by other game creators to vet for objectionable content. If a creator's game passes all those tests it goes on Xbox Live.

Satchell showed some new games which have already been added to the service, including one called Little Gamers, a Peanuts-like child drinking beer and shooting zombies with shotguns.

Another game Zune owners will be excited about is Xuna. Described as an arcade game reminiscent of Galaga, this game can be played on the Zune, Xbox 360, and even PCs and Laptops.

Satchel estimates that Community Games should bring in at least 1,000 new games on Xbox Live by next year.

UPDATE : Gears of War 2 confirmed with debut trailer

Article originally posted Feb 20, 2008 at 12:28PM

Gears of War2 by Epic Games for the Microsoft Xbox 360 has been confirmed in Italy. Or has it? That's a question we can expect to be answered within the hour.

NeoGAF has just posted what they say is a press release from Microsoft Italy confirming the highly-awaited action sequel from Epic Games.

If the Italian news is to be believed, we'll be taking care of Locust problems again using Marcus Fenix come November of 2008. However, the scene over at GDC may tell a slightly different tale.

What we saw in GDC was a short footage of "what Gears of War may look like in the latest version of Unreal Engine 3". Featured was a dense swarm of Locust troops laying waste to city ruins. What this could mean for the franchise was never stated.

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UPDATE : Gears of War 2 has just been confirmed at GDC 2008. At the tail-end of the Microsoft keynote, Cliffy B chainsawed his way to glory, saying that Gears of War was a setup, while Gears of War 2 will be bigger and better than the first. The logo for the sequel appears, and the crowd goes nuts!

Gears of War 2 will be available in November 2008, just as the Italian press release said. An English edition of the Italian press release has also been sent out, further reiterating Gears of War 2's November release as well as a little teaser saying that the game "continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution."

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UPDATE 2 : The debut trailer for Gears of War 2 is now out. Check it out below:

GDC 2008: Grand Theft Auto IV Episode 1 in Spring, Xbox 360 exclusive

 

Microsoft vice president John Schappert has revealed that more than a thousand new games will be released on the Xbox 360 this 2008.  Among these games will be a little title from Rockstar Games called  Grand Theft Auto IV.

Fans of the series will be pleased to know that Microsoft has already confirmed that the first downloadable episode for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto IV will be arriving this August and it will be released exclusively on the Xbox 360.

Currently tagged as Grand Theft Auto IV: Episode One, it is expected to be the first of two downloadable episodes for the game. While it hasn't been confirmed yet, this exclusive deal is said to have cost Microsoft quite a bit of money.

Gamers can expect Grand Theft Auto IV to be out on April 29.

Buy: [ GTA IV (PS3) ]
Buy: [ GTA IV (Xbox 360) ]

Tokyo Game Show 2008 theme: 'Ready for GAME Time!'

With the date for this year's Tokyo Game Show 2008 already decided, the organizers of the event have recently announced this year's theme as well as the list of planned exhibits and the tentative schedule for the four-day gaming event.

This year's theme is "Ready for GAME Time!". It expresses the enjoyment both casual and veteran gamers get from playing games, which in turn becomes the aspiration for developers to create new content for everyone to enjoy.

Here's a snippet taken from the Tokyo Game Show website, describing the new theme in a nutshell:

The Tokyo Game Show 2008 aims to bring together makers striving to develop the next generation of games and other entertainment sector businesses in their work to bring fun and excitement of games to the world. This year s theme is an expression of our hope to provide a great four-day Game Time full of dreams and excitement.

The event will be organized by both the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. Over 180,000 people are expected to attend the TGS 2008 which will be held at Makuhari Messe in Mihama-ku, Chiba City.

Gamers looking to get their game on in Japan this October should look forward to being there as some of the biggest names in the industry will be showing off the latest and greatest game releases for everyone to look forward to.

Heavenly Sword studio Ninja Theory working on new project

Heavenly Sword put Ninja Theory on the map. Now, the development studio is set to come out with a new game, teasing us with a few bits of concept art that they've displayed at their newly refurbished website (which you can visit by following this link).

The art doesn't look like it belongs to the world of Heavenly Sword, so it's probably not a sequel. It looks more like a Matrix-type dystopian future. It could be an entirely new IP. At any rate, it looks interesting and we're excited to hear more news about it.

Ninja Theory didn't give any clues as to what this new video game is all about, only that it's set to be bigger and better than Heavenly Sword. We don't even know what platforms they're planning to release it on. Here's what they were willing to spill:

Right now we're working on an exciting new concept that has got everyone we talk to buzzing. We can't say a lot except that it's going to be great to work on and should be even better to play! It'll take all the things we loved about Heavenly Sword and make them bigger and better than ever before.

Games Convention Asia 2008 dated, details revealed

With the success of last year's Games Convention Asia (GCA) and Games Convention Asia Conference (GCAC), it's no surprise that the organizers have put up another one this year. For those who plan on attending, the dates and venue for both events have already been revealed.

The GCA will be held at the Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre Singapore from September 18 to 20 while the GCAC will be held alongside it from September 18 to 19 at the same location.

The focus for this year's GCA is the public exposition and business area where product presentations of the latest industry innovations will be held. In addition, attendees can expect the promotion of international business contacts and the creation of business solutions for their companies.