Kojima says MGS: Ground Zeroes may be too 'risky' to release

Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes may be too "risky" to ever see release. Designer Hideo Kojima explained in a roundtable interview session attended by Videogamer that the game's focus on mature and taboo themes may make it too controversial to sell, even if it does release.

"That's precisely what I want to try to tackle with Ground Zeroes. Honestly I'm going to be targeting a lot of taboos, a lot of mature themes that really are quite risky," Kojima said. "I'm not even sure if I'm going to be able to release the game, and even if I did release the game then maybe it wouldn't sell because it's too much. As a creator I want to take that risk."

Kojima said games have not matured much in the past 25 years--including Metal Gear Solid games--, saying "It's always about killing aliens and zombies." He said he thinks these games are fun, but claimed they have "a long way to go before they can mature."

Kojima does not seem too worried about hitting sales targets for Ground Zeroes. Ultimately, he said creativity trumps sales.

"I'm approaching the project as a creator and prioritizing creativity over sales," he said.

For more on Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

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Gaming Meme History - Lost In Translation

@tempertress @Renunciation @IamTakkun  Oh, I wasn't complaining about you over-or-under -enunciating!  

I admit that I did find you a bit difficult to hear at times, however -- especially when you were speaking directly towards the camera, as opposed to doing the voice-over parts.  The volume levels between the camera mic and voice-overs seemed a bit unbalanced, and you spoke differently in each:  louder (and more treble) in front of the camera, and quieter (with more bass) on the voice-overs.

I think perhaps the going-back-and-forth between both modes during the video may have resulted in a mildly jarring experience, where it could take a few seconds for a listener to get used to the changes... and that might be real source of the original "enunciate" problems.  (Or maybe I'm just old and slow!)

Perhaps sitting or standing back a bit further from the mic (and thereby projecting more) for voice-over sessions would help smooth out the transition between the two audio modes.   And yeah, awesome hair.

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RIFT China publisher hires Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade as spokesperson

February 24, 2013 11:20PM PST

Chinese publisher Shanda Games said to have spent 8-figure sum for NBA star.

RIFT has a new face promoting the MMORPG in China; Miami Heat point guard Dwayne Wade.

Shanda Games' official website has confirmed NBA basketball player Dwyane Wade's new role as Rift spokesperson. Based on the video here, the catchphrase for the promotion is "RIFT: the true American style, just like the NBA".

According to additional information from website MMO Culture, Shanda Games paid an 8-figure sum in US dollars to hire the basketball player. GameSpot is currently reaching out to Shanda Games for clarification on this payment.

On February 9, Shanda Games announced that it had partnered up with Trion Worlds to publish the MMO in China. The game was praised by critics for its rift and invasions game mechanics, flexible class system, and visuals.

By Jonathan Toyad, Associate Editor

Born and raised from a jungle-laden village in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jonathan Toyad has been playing games since the early 90s. He favors fighting games, RPGs, and rhythm titles above every other genre, and occasionally spaces out like Pavlov's dog to video game music on his iPod.

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Divergence Online seeking crowdfunding

Divergence Online, a sandbox sci-fi MMO that has been on hiatus since its original announcement in 2006, is now back in development, and is seeking crowdsourced funds to keep its momentum.

According to an IndieGogo crowdfunding page, the goal the project needs to hit is $50,000. Players who contribute $10 are guaranteed beta access, while players who pay more can get other tiered rewards ranging from an exclusive character class to a personal in-game island.

The project has raised $860 at this point in time, with 57 days left before it closes. For more information, check out the game's IndieGogo page.

Back in 2006, developer Stainglass Llama announced that it was creating a sci-fi sandbox MMO called Divergence that allowed players to toggle between an action-style interface or a traditional auto-attack system. The game also featured a non-linear world, open PvP, lootable corpses, and unique races and breeds.

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UK Chart: Crysis 3 lands top, Aliens: Colonial Marines sales drop 84%

EA's Crysis 3 has taken pole position in the UK charts, firing an arrow into the chart dreams of the disappointing Aliens: Colonial Marines. Gearbox's FPS saw an 84% drop in sales and finishes in fifth place.

Konami's Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance lands in the second spot, with 5500 sales separating first and second place.

It's the first week this year where there's been a new No 1 and No 2 in the charts. However, neither managed to shift as many copies in its opening weekend as Dead Space 3 or Aliens: Colonial Marines, which still holds the record for biggest-selling opening week of 2013.

Elsewhere, the ever-reliable FIFA 13 hangs around in third, followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops II in fourth. Dead Space 3 is sixth, Far Cry 3 is seventh, Need for Speed: Most Wanted eighth, Assassin's Creed III ninth and Hitman: Absolution tenth.

The Top 20 UK charts for the week ending February 23:

1. Crysis 3
2. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
3. FIFA 13
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
5. Aliens: Colonial Marines
6. Dead Space 3
7. Far Cry 3
8. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
9. Assassin's Creed III
10. Hitman: Absolution
11. Just Dance 4
12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
13. Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed
14. Skylanders Giants
15. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
16. Halo 4
17. LEGO The Lord of the Rings
18. Grand Theft Auto IV
19. The Sims 3
20. Forza Motorsport 4

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Capcom axes annual Captivate event for 2013

Capcom isn't planning to hold its annual Captivate event this year, the publisher has confirmed. It has been running the event, which is designed to showcase its annual line-up, since 2008.

"This year we're likely to be looking at announcements around other events or not at events at all. So there isn't a Captivate planned this year," said Capcom staffer Sven on the Capcom Unity forums.

Capcom will, however, be attending E3, Comic-Con, and PAX.

Capcom is currently working on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Wii U versions of well-liked 3DS adventure Resident Evil: Revelations, and Capcom veteran Yoshinoro Ono unveiled the studio's newest game, Deep Down, as part of Sony's PlayStation 4 announcement last week.

The publisher is also working on Ace Attorney 5 and Monster Hunter 4, and will be releasing Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on the 3DS and Wii U in North America and Europe in March.

Last year Captivate was held in Rome; in 2011 it took place in Miami.

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Destiny ViDoc - Pathways out of Darkness

Our weekly video game news discussion show with John Davison, Brendan Sinclair, and Tom Mc Shea. Topics: Activision calls for Destiny in 2013, Street Fighter's opportunistic 25th Anniversary bundle, and more on this week's Quoted for Truth.

Posted May 25, 2012 | 34:56 | 11,003 Views

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Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance - Tactical Combat Trailer

This week we check out Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, Crysis 3, Assassin's Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington - The Infamy, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Hearthfire and Capcom Arcade Cabinet. Beats provided by DJ VInroc.

Posted Feb 15, 2013 | 2:10 | 21,107 Views

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Soul Sacrifice bundle pack available in Singapore for pre-order

February 18, 2013 1:28AM PST

Pre-orders to be open from February 22 to March 6.

Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong has announced that it will soon take Singapore pre-orders for the regular and premium edition of the PS Vita title Soul Sacrifice.

The premium version contains a cosmic red PS Vita with a special Soul Sacrifice decal on the back, the Japanese version of the game, a cosmic red head set, and a 16GB memory card. The bundle will cost S$469 ($378), while the regular version of the game costs S$69.90 ($56).

Customers who pre-order the game--standard or premium edition--between February 22 and March 6 will also get a Soul Sacrifice key chain and A4 folder. The game is slated to be out in Asia on March 7.

For more information on the action game, check out GameSpot's gamespace on the title.

By Jonathan Toyad, Associate Editor

Born and raised from a jungle-laden village in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jonathan Toyad has been playing games since the early 90s. He favors fighting games, RPGs, and rhythm titles above every other genre, and occasionally spaces out like Pavlov's dog to video game music on his iPod.

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UK Chart: Aliens: Colonial Marines the biggest launch of 2013 so far

Gearbox's panned FPS Aliens: Colonial Marines has shot to the top of the UK charts despite its massive critical drubbing.

Aliens: Colonial Marines also enjoyed the best opening-week sales of any game this year so far--beating Dead Space 3, which Aliens: Colonial Marines also shunted into second place in the charts.

But could the sales numbers be down to the fact Aliens: Colonial Marines launched on a Tuesday, whereas Dead Space 3 launched on a Friday?

Colonial Marines didn't manage to outsell Rebellion's 2010 take on Aliens vs. Predator, however. Last week one reported former Gearbox employee said the development of Colonial Marines was a "total train wreck."

FIFA 13 is third, enjoying a 39 per cent sales increase this week thanks to young people being off on half-term. Call of Duty: Black Ops II takes fourth, Far Cry 3 fifth, Assassin's Creed 3 sixth, Need for Speed: Most Wanted seventh, Just Dance 4 eighth, Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed ninth, and Halo 4 tenth.

The Top 20 UK charts for the week ending February 16:

1. Aliens: Colonial Marines
2. Dead Space 3
3. FIFA 13
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
5. Far Cry 3
6. Assassin's Creed 3
7. Need for Speed: Most Wanted
8. Just Dance 4
9. Sonic & All-Stars Racing: Transformed
10. Halo 4
11. Hitman Absolution
12. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
13. Skylanders Giants
14. Hitman: HD Trilogy
15. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
16. LEGO Lord of the Rings
17. Forza Horizon
18. Football Manager 2013
19. Dishonored
20. Grand Theft Auto IV

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta scheduled for late February

February 18, 2013 1:52AM PST

First phase to be limited to areas around in-game nation Gridania, as well as feature level 30 instanced dungeon with a boss battle.

Square Enix has announced that the beta for the PC version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will start on February 25.

The beta, dubbed as phase one, will feature a Full Active Time Events system. These quick events will take place in non-instanced areas and can happen to random to players as long as they are within proximity. Players aren't required to party up to experience these encounters.

The phase one beta will be limited to areas around the Gridania nation. Players can also expect to check out an instanced dungeon, complete with a boss battle, that only allow players who are at level 30.

For more updates and information, check out the forum thread featuring the producer's notes here. Players who wish to sign up as beta testers can do so on the game's official page.

By Jonathan Toyad, Associate Editor

Born and raised from a jungle-laden village in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jonathan Toyad has been playing games since the early 90s. He favors fighting games, RPGs, and rhythm titles above every other genre, and occasionally spaces out like Pavlov's dog to video game music on his iPod.

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JoJoÂ’s Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle out late August in Japan

February 18, 2013 1:52AM PST

Fighting game from Asura's Wrath developer to also have limited edition featuring sculpted figure of main character Jotaro Kujo.

Fans of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga series can look forward to taking their favourite characters into battle, as Namco Bandai has announced the release date of the upcoming PS3 game JoJo's Bizarre Adventure All-Star Battle.

The game will be out in Japan on August 29 in both standard and limited editions. The latter will contain the game, a sculpted figure of Jotaro Kujo, a gold plate featuring a drawing by series creator Hirohiko Araki, a soundtrack disc, a notepad themed after series character Hayato Kawajiri, and a special box to house the aforementioned items. The bundle will cost gamers 16,980 yen ($182), while the standard edition will cost 7,980 yen ($85).

First-print runs of both the standard and limited editions will contain a DLC code to download one of the series' antagonist Yoshikage Kira as a playable character. For more information on the fighting game, check out our Tokyo Game Show 2012 demo video above.

By Jonathan Toyad, Associate Editor

Born and raised from a jungle-laden village in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jonathan Toyad has been playing games since the early 90s. He favors fighting games, RPGs, and rhythm titles above every other genre, and occasionally spaces out like Pavlov's dog to video game music on his iPod.

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PlayStation Vita gets price cut in Japan

February 18, 2013 1:55AM PST

Both the 3G and Wi-Fi versions of device to cost 19,980 yen ($213) starting February 28.

Sony Computer Entertainment has announced a price cut for all PlayStation Vitas being sold in Japan.

The device will drop from its 24,980 yen ($266) and 29,980 yen ($319) launch price--for the Wi-Fi and 3G/Wi-Fi model, respectively--to a 19,980 yen ($213) price tag for both versions of the console. The price cut will be effective starting February 28.

Just last week, rumors surfaced that a new version of Sony's handheld device may include a HDMI and a USB port. Sony will be hosting a PlayStation press conference in New York City on February 20, where the company is expected to announce the PlayStation 4, or even a new version of the PS Vita.

By Jonathan Toyad, Associate Editor

Born and raised from a jungle-laden village in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jonathan Toyad has been playing games since the early 90s. He favors fighting games, RPGs, and rhythm titles above every other genre, and occasionally spaces out like Pavlov's dog to video game music on his iPod.

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Sony looks at PS2 and PS3 history ahead of PlayStation 4 unveiling

Sony has continued its Evolution series of videos on the PlayStation Meeting 2013 site, ahead of the New York event on February 20 where the company is widely expected to formally unveil the PlayStation 4.

Following on from Friday's video, which chronicled the life of the original PlayStation--and also potentially teased a PlayStation 4 announcement on Wednesday, the two new videos go on to detail the success of the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.

"Working with Toshiba, PlayStation 2 was powered by all-new technology, including the breakthrough Emotion Engine CPU," says the first video. "If driving the transition into a digital future wasn't enough," adds the second video, "PlayStation 3 also brought with it a new way to play: with the Move controller. This unique controller would help offer a new level of motion-controlled gaming never before seen on a PlayStation console."

The latest PlayStation 4 rumours include alleged specifications for the PlayStation 4 made available online. Various other rumours have said the device with have multi-user logins and will be focused more on new ways to play rather than technical power.

On top of that, two photographs of the PlayStation 4's devkit controller have recently surfaced online, showing a front-facing touch screen, integrated speaker, and headphone jack.

Sony's PlayStation Meeting will take place in New York on February 20 at 18:00 EST/15:00 PST/23:00 GMT. GameSpot will be in attendance and broadcasting the event live.

For the latest PlayStation 4 information, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

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Resident Evil 6 'lost its momentum' to fall 2M short of target

The contentious multi-campaign mishmash of Resident Evil 6 fell 2 million short of its estimated sales target of 7 million, Capcom has announced.

Speaking as part of its Q3 FY2013 results, the publisher revealed the latest Resident Evil managed to sell 4.8 million copies worldwide. "Despite recording brisk sales when it debuted," says Capcom, the game "subsequently lost its momentum, resulting in the failure to achieve planned sales and fulfill its role as a driver of sales expansion."

As a result, the company has revised its Resident Evil 6 sales estimate to a total of five million units shipped before the end of its financial year on March 31. Ninja Theory's DmC: Devil May Cry has also had its sales figure shrunk to 1.2 million--down significantly from the 2 million sales Capcom predicted last year.

Resident Evil 6 was critically panned upon its release in October, receiving a 4.5 in its GameSpot review. "Resident Evil 6 is a mishmash of elements put together without any sense of care or direction. Series faithful might stumble through for the sake of story, and perhaps to appreciate those few moments that recall when Resident Evil was at its peak glory," said our reviewer Kevin at the time. Capcom is now talking about the possibility of rebooting the series.

Overall, Capcom has announced a 39.2 percent year-on-year increase in profits and sales on the last three months of the year. The publisher specially praised the success of Dragon's Dogma and the HD re-release Monster Hunter Tri G on the Wii U, and also attributed its rude health to Japan's burgeoning social and smartphone markets.

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Nacht der Untoten - Left 4 Dead 2 Modding

Valve unveils its plans for Steam and Left 4 Dead 2 on everyone's favourite Linux distribution, analyst Michael Pachter says Call of Duty publisher Activision strong-armed Nintendo into making the Pro Controller.

Posted Jul 17, 2012 | 3:21 | 11,944 Views

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Notch discusses Minecraft money

Independent sandbox game Minecraft was not only a critical success for creator Markus "Notch" Persson, but also a financial boon. According to a Swedish media report (via GamesIndustry International), developer Mojang recorded revenue of $240 million in 2012, with pre-tax profits landing at around $92 million. Persson explained on Reddit recently that he has been blown away by the wealth he's amassed from Minecraft, describing it is a "sh*t ton of money."

"It's weird as f*ck," Persson said. "I grew up in a relatively poor family, but once I got a decent job, I never really had to worry about money. My hobbies were playing games and programming, so there wasn't any real drain. I could eat out when I wanted to, and go to the movies without having to save up for it. I still had to save up for trips and to be able to buy computers or consoles, but that just felt normal."

The success of Minecraft did not change Persson's interests, he said, noting he still enjoys gaming and programming. Though with his new wealth, Persson said he plans to set some aside for his family and give to charities that help children and promote freedoms.

"Now, all of the sudden, as a result of how modern society works, I managed to somehow earn a sh*t-ton of money," he said. "I still like playing games and programming, and once I had the latest computer and consoles, there really isn't much more to spend the money on than traveling. I might eventually get a driver's license so I can buy a car."

"I think the right way to use money like this is to set a decent portion aside to make sure my family is comfortable, spend some on living out your dreams, and then try to put the rest towards making society a better place," he added. "For me, this includes charities that help children, and charities that help promote freedoms I think are vital in the coming dozens of years, such as the [Electronic Frontier Foundation]."

The EFF is a donor-funded nonprofit organization aimed at defending digital rights. Persson donated $250,000 to the group's new patent reform project in December.

The Minecraft series (PC/Mac, Xbox 360, and mobile) has sold over 20 million units to date. The PC/Mac version of the game remains the most popular, selling around 9.2 million units as of this writing.

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Dead Space 3 demo hits 2 million downloads

February 4, 2013 5:53AM PST

EA reveals nearly 2 million gamers across Xbox Live and PlayStation Network tried out upcoming action game.

The public Dead Space 3 demo was downloaded nearly 2 million times across Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, Electronic Arts has announced. This represents a double-digit increase over the demo for Dead Space 2, EA said. The Dead Space 3 demo launched January 22.

EA also claimed that during last week, gamers mentioned Dead Space 3 more than 100,000 times across various social media. The game's Facebook page netted 90,000 new "likes."

In addition, EA said last week during a financial call that Dead Space 3 preorders are outpacing those of Dead Space 2, though no specific figures were divulged.

Dead Space 3 launches tomorrow in North America for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, with a European launch slated for February 8. Those who preorder the PC digital version through Origin will receive the original Dead Space for free.

By Eddie Makuch, News Editor

Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.

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IGN sold

February 4, 2013 6:22AM PST

Ziff Davis parent company J2 Global confirms acquisition of IGN Entertainment for undisclosed sum.

The rumors were right. IGN Entertainment has been sold. Ziff Davis parent company J2 Global today confirmed it had acquired the gaming unit (and it network of sites) from News Corp.

Terms of the deal were not specified, though a prior report suggested J2 Global scored a deal on IGN, paying "considerably" less than the $650 million News Corp. purchased the company for in 2005.

News Corp. was reportedly hoping to sell the gaming unit for $100 million.

IGN has been up for auction for the past six months, with past bidders reportedly including Break Media, SAY Media, and unnamed private equity firms.

IGN president Roy Bahat left the company in August.

By Eddie Makuch, News Editor

Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.

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Twitch reveals $9/month premium membership

February 4, 2013 6:51AM PST

Streaming video company unveils ad-free "Twitch Turbo" premium offering.

The next era of Twitch has arrived. The streaming video company today announced Twitch Turbo, a $9/month premium subscription option that gives members a range of benefits, including ad-free broadcasts.

In addition to uninterrupted viewing, Twitch Tubo members will receive an exclusive Turbo badge, only given to paying members. On top of that, premium subscribers will get a custom emoticon set, expanded chat colors, and priority customer support.

Twitch said the above-listed Turbo benefits are "just the beginning" of what the company hopes to offer through the premium service. The company said it wants to hear from users regarding what they would like to see added in the future.

Those interested in subscribing to Twitch Turbo can do so today beginning at 9 a.m. PDT through the company website. Twitch support for Call of Duty: Black Ops II was added last week.

By Eddie Makuch, News Editor

Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.

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L.A. Noire gag reel released

February 4, 2013 7:30AM PST

Face-scanning company Depth Analysis releases blooper reel from Rockstar Games' 2011 detective game.

Depth Analysis, the company behind the MotionScan face-scanning technology that brought L.A. Noire characters to life, has released a gag reel video showing the game's characters like never before.

Posted to the company's website (and embedded below), the five-minute video was put together by Depth Analysis staffer Sam Henman and features outtakes and bloopers from the MotionScan recording process.

L.A. Noire was developed by Team Bondi for Rockstar Games and released in May 2011. It garnered a positive critical reception and shipped 4 million units. A sequel is a possibility.

By Eddie Makuch, News Editor

Eddie Makuch (Mack-ooh) is a News Editor at GameSpot. He works out of the company's Boston office in Somerville, Mass., and loves extra chunky peanut butter.

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