Gary's Blog

Just a place to find out what's on my mind, or what's occupying my time whilst I avoid actual "work."

 

VGN for November 11th, 2005

Video Game news:

Game Over, Katamari?

Posted: 01:10 on 11 Nov 2005
By: Chris Leyton

Keita Takahashi hints at future away from videogames and takes a swipe at sales & marketing...

Speaking to the BBC Online Katamari Damacy creator has cast doubt on his future in the videogame industry, claiming he won’t be making games in 10 years time. What would the man behind one of the biggest surprises in the last few years contemplate leaving this for, to make “bumpy” playgrounds for children, who he believes, should be spending more time outside and less time stuck in virtual worlds.

Keita Takahashi moves on to criticise the “safe-bet” current nature of videogame publishers, claiming that We Love Katamari wasn’t his idea originally, however NAMCO’s assurance that it would go ahead regardless of his involvement spurred him into making sure players wouldn’t be disappointed – although he’s not entirely happy with the final version.

Machinima, what's your pick?

By JAKE COYLE, AP Entertainment Writer
Thu Nov 10, 6:53 PM ET
 

NEW YORK - In "Red vs. Blue," one of the short films at this weekend's third annual Machinima Film Festival, two gun-totting, faceless patrolmen from the video game "Halo" act more like Samuel Beckett characters than intergalactic warriors.

"The only reason that we set up a red base here is because they have a blue base over there," one says to the other. "And the only reason they have a blue base over there is because we have a red base here."

Surely, an existential dilemma if ever there was one.

Perhaps the most popular incarnation of machinima, "Red vs. Blue" is now up to 66 episodes with more than a million total viewers. A combination of "machine" and "cinema," machinima is a burgeoning new genre of do-it-yourself animation, rendered by using the environments and characters of video games.

Michigan gets an injunction...
By BREE FOWLER, Associated Press Writer
Wed Nov 9,11:19 PM ET
 

DETROIT - A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday stopping a Michigan law that bars retailers from selling or renting violent video games to minors from going into effect until a lawsuit filed by the gaming industry is resolved.

The Entertainment Software Association, a trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers, filed the suit in September, charging that the law is unconstitutionally vague and limits First Amendment rights. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the law in September, and it was scheduled to take effect Dec. 1.

THQ gets Conan.
Posted: 14:49 on 10 Nov 2005
By: Jon Wilcox

The barbarian is set to return across all current and next-gen formats...

THQ has today announced the acquisition of the Conan license in a deal with Paradox Entertainment and Conan Properties International. The multi-year deal, which stretches across all current and next-gen platforms, coincides with a media re-launch of the character.

"Combining the epic adventures and stunning environments found throughout the Conan Universe with next-gen video game technology will add a whole new chapter to Conan's rich history," said Germaine Gioia, Vice President of Licensing, THQ. "The agreement delivers a strong addition to our world class video game portfolio and will provide Conan's huge fan base and gamers worldwide with hours of thrilling entertainment."

"THQ's proven success with high-profile licensed properties will ensure Conan games deliver an interactive experience worthy of a truly legendary character," said Fredrik Malmberg, Head of Licensing & Creative Affairs at Paradox Entertainment. "Developing next-gen console games is a huge commitment and we're happy to be working with one of the strongest companies in the video game industry."

What I've been playing:

Heroes of the Pacific

Stubbs the Zombie--Almost beat it!!

The Incredible Hulk!

Anime News:

Advent Children delayed?
GATV reports that Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children has been pushed back to January 10, 2006 in order to facilitate a possible limited theatrical release.

Miyazaki Fest
Turner Broadcasting has sent out a press release officially announcing the Turner Classic Movies January spotlight on Hayao Miyazaki. Of particular note, the press release announces that each movie will be presented in English first, with an encore presentation in the original Japanese. The only exception will be Only Yesterday, which will be presented twice in Japanese.

 

posted by: Gary1059 at 08:02 | link | comments |