I also expect to see the Xbox 360 touted as an all in one media device, featuring a new streaming television service, as well as Skype integration. Microsoft did just purchase Skype, so I would say that is a highly likely move on their part. Further integration with their Windows Mobile phones is also a possibility, and maybe even a few exclusive games will be announced for that platform as well. Microsoft will also address a major bottleneck with the Xbox 360, disk space and storage. We already know that Microsoft plans on opening up a couple of extra GB on their current disk format, but what about freeing up gamer's hard drives? I think they will have a cloud sharing infrastructure to reveal that will eliminate most of our problems.
Microsoft's E3 press conference starts on Monday, June 6 at 10AM PDT. What will we see there? I think the most obvious focus will be Kinect, seeing as how that has renewed a lot of interest in the aging platform. I think the system will be around for another two years at least, with core oriented games featuring Kinect integration sustaining the system. I expect to see support in new Halo and Gears of War titles announced, as well as third party titles like Mass Effect 3, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and a rumored Rainbow Six game. We will also see sequels for Kinect Sports, Kinectimals and Dance Central announced, to keep a wider audience interested in the peripheral as well.
I also expect to see the Xbox 360 touted as an all in one media device, featuring a new streaming television service, as well as Skype integration. Microsoft did just purchase Skype, so I would say that is a highly likely move on their part. Further integration with their Windows Mobile phones is also a possibility, and maybe even a few exclusive games will be announced for that platform as well. Microsoft will also address a major bottleneck with the Xbox 360, disk space and storage. We already know that Microsoft plans on opening up a couple of extra GB on their current disk format, but what about freeing up gamer's hard drives? I think they will have a cloud sharing infrastructure to reveal that will eliminate most of our problems.
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THQ has finally unveiled the uDraw game tablet they had previously announced for the Xbox 360 and PS3. The tablet features a number of upgrades over its Wii exclusive predecessor, including input at 2000x1600 resolution, multitouch surfaces for "pinch-and-stretch and rotation features, and built-in tilt sensors to mimic the effect placing the Wii remote in the tablet used to accomplish. The bundled software is also improved, uDraw Studio: Instant Artist includes new tutorials and a new interface. THQ also announced that a new version of Pictionary was also planned for the new device. I will be very curious to see how well this does on the HD platforms.
Blizzard is hiring for a "Senior Software Engineer, Console -- PlayStation 3 Specialist" within the Diablo 3 team, suggesting that the game might be headed for consoles.
From Blizzard's website: "This position is responsible for overseeing Playstation 3 (PS3) architecture design," the listing explains, "as well as other PS3-specific game code development to maximize platform performance." Could this be a sign of things to come, or a cruel tease? We might find out during next week's e3, but Blizzard isn't known to make big announcements there, so probably not. Watch out Steam (Not really), EA's Origin is coming to town. This will be the greatest destination for downloadable copies of EA games, past and present, including special editions of games that will be found nowhere else. It is also the exclusive downloadable destination of Star Wars: The Old Republic, a move that is likely to cause some interest in the service. According to the press release the service also includes the ability to "find and connect with friends, see what they are playing, and digitally download and play PC games." That might sound familiar to those that have used Steam for several years, but Origin is still in its infancy and promises growth. "Today we're launching Origin.com and the Origin beta application. Over time, Origin will grow with new functionality and unique new content that consumers can't get anywhere else," says EA CEO John Riccitiello.
Source: EA Nikkei, the same source that leaked the DSi, DSi XL and 3DS has now confirmed many of the rumors that have been floating around about Nintendo's next home console. The controller will supposedly contain a 6" screen for tablet like controls, a front facing camera, and a built in rechargeable battery. Most interesting of all? The confirmation that the controller itself can act like a portable game system. I am frothing at the mouth for Nintendo's e3 conference next week. You can catch it here Tuesday June 7 at 9 a.m. PDT
Source: Adriasang During Konami's pre-e3 press event Hideo Kojima, the man behind the Metal Gear Solid series, announced a new game development engine for use on Xbox 360, PS3, NGP, PC and probably even the next Nintendo console. The lighting looks pretty good, but the textures look a bit too plasticky for my tastes. Certainly not impressed by it so late in the generation, hopefully the fact that it is supposedly very scalable will make multiplatform development easier for Kojima's team. Click "Read More" to see screen shots of the Fox Engine in action. Premium Agency, a Japanese game development and CGI animation studio has announced that Yu Suzuki, of Virtua Fighter and Shenmue fame, has joined their team as an executive producer on a wide range of products, including a Xbox 360 Kinect enabled fighting game. If any one can make that work it's him right?
The NGP (VISTA next week?) will not only play all of the PSP games on PSN, it will make them better. The new device will offer much needed dual analog support to a variety of games, as well as smooth out any rough graphical edges. The dual analog functionality was shown with Resistance: Retribution, but it said to be compatible with several other games as well. This would certainly help the Monster Hunter games, as well as the obvious choices like first and third person shooters. Look for more details on what the NGP offers existing PSP games at next week's e3. Now to convince Sony to get Lumines on PSN...
For just $99.99 Uncharted fans can net themselves a copy of Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception, a replica belt buckle of the one Nathan Drake wears in the game, a necklace with a ring on it, and even a figurine of Nathan Drake wearing both of these items. The game itself comes in a steel case with the whole bundle packed in a chest. Sony is also offering unique DLC depending on where you reserve the game, so be sure to check with local retailers for access to unique weapons or powerups with a pre-order.
Remember that nasty DRM Capcom announced for the PC version of Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition that only let you use about half of the game's roster if you played offline? It is now gone, thanks to a vocal outcry of fans. Capcom's Christian Svensson did point out that, "to get any of the benefits of the online services you must be online and logged in." Meaning(online multiplayer, replay sharing and watching, achievements, among other things. I am glad to see Capcom cares about legitimate fans being inconvenienced by DRM. Please don't make it come back to bite them by pirating the game.
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