http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:02:10 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-phil-spencer-gets-a-promotion-to-head-of-xbox-promises-incredible-new-chapter-for-gaming/1100-6418670/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492152" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492152"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft Studios executive Phil Spencer has received a promotion. The veteran Microsoft executive and "games guy" is now leading the entire Xbox ecosystem as the "Head of Xbox," it was announced today. His new position as leader of the Xbox team will see him overseeing the Xbox and Xbox Live, as well as the creative teams at Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Microsoft Studios. Spencer has been with Microsoft for more than a quarter-century.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Combining these teams will strengthen the connection between some of the world's most innovative creators and those building the Xbox itself. I am incredibly proud of the talented Xbox employees around the world and believe, like they do, in the power of technology to bring games and entertainment to life across console, PC, tablet and mobile devices," Spencer <a href="http://news.xbox.com/2014/03/xbox-one-a-new-day-at-xbox" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">said in a statement on the Xbox Wire</a>. "It's been a remarkable year for Xbox and I am honored to lead the team at this incredible time for Microsoft and the games industry."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Games and gamers have always been at the core of Xbox and the core of my work--and gaming will be our core as we take Xbox forward," he added.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Spencer will report to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/exec/myerson/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Microsoft operating systems executive Terry Myerson</a>, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/misc/2014/mar14/03-31corpemail.aspx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="03-31">email to employees today</a>. Also in that email, Nadella confirmed that former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop will join Microsoft as its Executive Vice President of the Microsoft Devices Group, which includes Xbox. This move, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-division-s-new-boss-is-the-guy-who-reportedly-wanted-to-sell-it-off/1100-6417946/" data-ref-id="1100-6417946">first reported last month</a>, will become effective when the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-buys-nokias-mobile-phone-business-for-72-billion/1100-6413969/" data-ref-id="1100-6413969">$7.2 billion Microsoft/Nokia deal</a> closes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Spencer said the past year has been a "growth experience" for himself and the entire Xbox team. He's likely referring to the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-we-shouldn-t-have-sugar-coated-the-xbox-one-controversy/1100-6418296/" data-ref-id="1100-6418296">controversial summer Xbox endured last year</a> and the policy reversals that came as a result. "Our mission is to build a world-class team, work hard to meet the high expectations of a passionate fan base, create the best games and entertainment, and drive technical innovation," he said. "As we continue forward, this renewed focus and mission will be a foundational part of how I lead the Xbox program."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Spencer teased that Microsoft will have "much more" to share in a few months during the Electronic Entertainment Expo.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"You will hear much more as we head into E3, but we are at the beginning of an incredible new chapter for Xbox and I can't wait for the days and years ahead. This is going to be fun," he said.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-phil-spencer-gets-a-promotion-to-head-of-xbox-promises-incredible-new-chapter-for-gaming/1100-6418670/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-reaches-41-million-in-funding-now-getting-procedurally-generated-content/1100-6418669/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2013363" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2013363"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/star-citizen/" data-ref-id="false">Star Citizen</a>, the upcoming PC space sim from<a href="/wing-commander/" data-ref-id="false"> Wing Commander</a> creator Chris Roberts, continues to soar. The game has now pulled in an <a href="https://robertsspaceindustries.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">astonishing $41 million in lifetime funding</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">That's up from <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">$40 million less than a month ago</a>. A total of 417,219 people have backed Star Citizen so far. According to Roberts, this <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">proves that the PC space sim genre is not niche</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Now that funding has reached $41 million, Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pc-space-sim-star-citizen-funding-reaches-an-astonishing-39-million/1100-6417890/" data-ref-id="1100-6417890">will add procedurally generated content to the game</a>. Should funding hit $42 million, the developer will <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">add a "Galactapedia" to the game</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Star Citizen is already the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-the-top-crowdfunded-project-of-all-time/1100-6410717/">most successful crowdfunded project in history</a> from a dollars perspective, easily surpassing the next closest competitor: the Pebble Watch (<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android" rel="nofollow">$10 million</a>).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">To put Star Citizen's new funding milestone into context, Epic Games revealed in 2006 that development on the <a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rein-puts-dev-cost-for-gears-of-war-at-10m" rel="nofollow">original Gears of War cost $10 million</a>, while Tim Schafer's <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/brutal-legend-2-i-would-love-to-go-back-there-tim-schafer-says/1100-6417258/">2008 action game Brutal Legend had a budget of around $25 million</a>.</p><p style="">Star Citizen is due to launch in full sometime in 2015.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:03:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-reaches-41-million-in-funding-now-getting-procedurally-generated-content/1100-6418669/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-company-will-buy-your-used-video-games-no-matter-what-you-think-they-re-worth/1100-6418668/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492136" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492136"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">If you've tried to unload your used game collection at retailers like GameStop or Wal-Mart, you know that those retailers will pay almost nothing, if anything, for certain games. But the same is not true for new company Decluttr, which will buy any CD, DVD, or video game from anyone.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3028131/this-company-buys-every-cd-dvd-and-video-game-that-you-dont-want-anymore?utm_source" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"><em>Fast Company</em></a> profiled Decluttr recently and reports that the company pulled in revenue of $150 million globally last year from buying and selling media that no one seems to want.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The secret to Decluttr's success appears to be in the fact that they won't turn anything away. President Brett Lauter says that by accepting everything--including items that probably won't sell--they are bound to eventually hit upon something that will.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The first CD you scan in may be another [Alanis Morissette's <em>Jagged Little Pill</em>]. If we say we're not going to buy it, you may give up. We just lost you," Lauter said. "So we're going to give you the minimum, 50 cents, because maybe your second one is Green Day's <em>Insomniac</em>, and oh my gosh, this will sell quickly."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Of course, you could sell your old games, movies, and CDs on eBay, but anyone who's gone through that process knows it can sometimes be a hassle. Decluttr aims to streamline the process, Lauter says. The amount Decluttr pays is based on a proprietary algorithm that factors in how many copies of an item are already in its warehouse, what the item sells for on Amazon or eBay, and how quickly it sells.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Decluttr hasn't done much marketing, but the company is already buying 10,000 items per day and Lauter said he expects the company will become profitable by the end of the year.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">You can sell your games to Decluttr <a href="http://www.decluttr.com/sellit_information.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">through the company's website </a>or by downloading the<a href="http://www.decluttr.com/iphone/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> iOS</a> and <a href="http://www.decluttr.com/android/index.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Android</a> mobile app that scans the barcode on the back of your game, DVD, or CD. The catch? All media needs to come with original artwork and you need to sell a minimum of 10 items per batch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Decluttr currently accepts PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PlayStation Vita games. The company does not accept PC games. You can<a href="http://www.decluttr.com/sellit_information.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> read more about Decluttr on its website</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:45:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-company-will-buy-your-used-video-games-no-matter-what-you-think-they-re-worth/1100-6418668/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/luigi-is-really-going-to-suck-in-the-new-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds/1100-6418667/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492121" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492121"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">One of Luigi's moves for the upcoming <a href="/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/" data-ref-id="false">Wii U and 3DS Super Smash Bros. game</a> will have the younger brother using his "Poltergust" vacuum to trap enemies. That's according to a new image from the game shared by game director Masahiro Sakurai as today's "<a href="http://smashbros-miiverse.com/pic-of-the-day" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Pic of the Day</a>."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sakurai writes, "Luigi might be thinking, 'Who would've thought I'd get to show off the Poltergust in Super Smash Bros.?!' Wondering if it's going to suck something in? Yeah, it probably will."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As you can see in the image, Luigi is outlined by a gold glow that suggests he'll use the Poltergust as his Final Smash move. In <a href="/super-smash-bros-brawl/" data-ref-id="false">Super Smash Bros. Brawl</a> for Wii, Luigi's Final Smash was the trippy "Negative Zone" that inflicted damage upon enemies caught in its damage zone.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS is expected to launch sometime in 2014, though Nintendo has not provided a firm release date yet. Luigi's Poltergust vacuum most recently appeared in 2013 3DS game <a href="/luigis-mansion-dark-moon/" data-ref-id="false">Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon</a></p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:04:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/luigi-is-really-going-to-suck-in-the-new-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds/1100-6418667/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-universe-is-pvp-with-a-twist/2300-6418057/ Is Transformers Universe's robot-on-robot action a tactical challenge, or will you just be spamming the attack button the whole time? Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-universe-is-pvp-with-a-twist/2300-6418057/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-cuts-profit-forecast-in-half-due-to-rapid-changes-in-the-games-market/1100-6418666/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051845" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051845"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Dead Rising and Resident Evil publisher Capcom announced today that it had slashed its profit forecast for the year ending March 31 (today) by a whopping 51.5 percent due to "rapid changes" in the games market. The Japanese publisher previously expected to post a profit of ¥6.8 billion yen ($66 million) but is now anticipating net income of ¥3.3 billion ($31.9 million), a dropoff of ¥3.5 billion ($33.9 million).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Capcom's expectation to post a "special loss" for the year primarily came down to the company's struggles in the mobile business, the publisher said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Due to rapid changes taking place in the market for games, Capcom is building a sound base for earnings by reorganizing the product development framework and improving development processes. These are two core elements of the company's operations. The objective of these activities is to earn consistent earnings in each fiscal year. However, these initiatives have not yet started to produce benefits mainly in the Mobile Contents."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">At the same time, Capcom raised its net sales (revenue) forecast for the year from ¥97 billion ($939 million) to ¥101.5 billion ($983 million), an increase of 4.6 percent. Capcom attributed the uptick in its sales forecast mainly to "strong sales" of <a href="/monster-hunter-4/" data-ref-id="false">Monster Hunter 4</a>, as well as the "highly successful" slot-machine game Monster Hunter Gekka Raimei.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Sales are expected to be higher than one year earlier due in part to the launch of major titles," Capcom said. "However, Capcom anticipates declines in operating income, ordinary income, and net income because of increases in the cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">One of Capcom's latest major titles was <a href="/dead-rising-3/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Rising 3</a> for the Xbox One. That game has <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-rising-3-has-shipped-1-million-copies/1100-6417261/" data-ref-id="1100-6417261">shipped over 1 million copies to date</a>. </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-cuts-profit-forecast-in-half-due-to-rapid-changes-in-the-games-market/1100-6418666/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-rethinks-its-bid-to-appeal-to-the-mass-market-after-bravely-default-success/1100-6418665/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2447323" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2447323"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Square Enix has said it is rethinking its approach in making games specifically designed to cater to a massive global audience after the success of <a href="/bravely-default-flying-fairy/" data-ref-id="false">Bravely Default</a>, which it considered to be a niche title.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking in an <a href="http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/special/20140328/1056236/?P=9" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">interview with Nikkei Trendy</a> (<a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2014/03/31/bravely-defaults-success-west-making-square-enix-rethink-jrpgs/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">translated by Siliconera</a>), Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda said company had "lost its focus" after trying to make games that appealed to a wide global audience.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Not only did they end up being games that weren't for the Japanese," said Matsuda on the company's recent slate of Japanese titles, "but they ended up being incomplete titles that weren't even fit for a global audience."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">But Bravely Default, seen as a niche title for hardcore JRPG fans, has helped Square Enix rethink that approach. "On the other hand, there are games like the JRPG we made for the Japanese audience with the proper elements, Bravely Default, which ended up selling well all around the world."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Square Enix has suffered over the last year, and has restructured many of its operations following an "extraordinary" loss at the start of 2013. The company now expects to return to profit this year, fuelled partly by the successful relaunch of <a href="/videos/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-video-review/2300-6414801/" data-ref-id="2300-6414801">Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"If you focus too much on the global aspect, you might lose sight of who you're actually making the game for," explains Matsuda. "For example, if you look back at 2013, we've had some home console games made for a global audience that struggled."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Matsuda mentioned <a href="/hitman-absolution/" data-ref-id="false">Hitman: Absolution</a> as an example of a game that had a hard time in attempting to appeal to this mythological global audience, and suffered as a result.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The development team for Hitman: Absolution really struggled in this regard. They implemented a vast amount of 'elements for the mass' instead of for the core fans, as a way to try getting as many new players possible. It was a strategy to gain mass appeal. However, what makes the Hitman series good is its appeal to core gamers, and many fans felt the lack of focus in that regard, which ended up making it struggle in sales."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Square Enix is now refocusing its efforts on returning its AAA series' to their roots and appealing to the core fans.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"So, as for the AAA titles we're currently developing for series, we basically want to go back to their roots and focus on the core audience, while working hard on content that can have fans say things like 'this is the Hitman we know'. I believe that is the best way for our development studios to display their strengths," concluded Matsuda.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6400282" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6400282/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Martin Gaston is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/squidmania" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @squidmania</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:16:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-rethinks-its-bid-to-appeal-to-the-mass-market-after-bravely-default-success/1100-6418665/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-s-delayed-naval-strike-dlc-finally-out-for-pc/1100-6418664/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6417810" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6417810/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a>'s <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/delayed-battlefield-4-dlc-launching-today-on-xbox-one-pc-players-need-to-wait/1100-6418611/" data-ref-id="1100-6418611">delayed Naval Strike DLC last week launched for Xbox One</a> and now it's available for PC players, developer DICE has <a href="http://blogs.battlefield.com/2014/03/take-the-fight-to-the-sea-with-battlefield-4-naval-strike/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">announced</a>. If you have a Battlefield Premium membership ($50), you can download the content beginning today, while all other players will need to wait two weeks to start playing.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Naval Strike's release went off with a hitch on March 25 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. However, DICE would later delay the PC version because it was concerned that the combination of the expansion's release and previously planned updates would lead to performance issues on mid-range to high-end PCs.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">DICE previously announced that Naval Strike's release on PC might not come until April, so its arrival today is actually somewhat ahead of schedule.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Naval Strike DLC for Battlefield 4 introduces four new multiplayer maps, five new weapons, two gadgets, and a new hovercraft vehicle that can traverse both land and water. It also adds the<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-s-how-battlefield-4-s-homage-to-battlefield-2142-s-titan-mode-will-work/1100-6418169/"> Carrier Assault mode</a>, which is an homage to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-2142/">Battlefield 2142</a>'s fan-favorite Titan mode.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:08:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-s-delayed-naval-strike-dlc-finally-out-for-pc/1100-6418664/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/did-you-know-that-david-bowie-is-actually-every-metal-gear-solid-character/1100-6418663/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492082" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492082"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">David Bowie is an acclaimed musician, but he is also every Metal Gear Solid character. At least that's what this image <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/21r2to/til_that_every_metal_gear_solid_character_is/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">spotted on Reddit</a> (via <a href="http://kotaku.com/david-bowie-is-every-metal-gear-solid-character-ever-1554990761" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a>) would have you believe.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The connection between Bowie and Metal Gear Solid is nothing new. In fact, <a href="/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/" data-ref-id="false">Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater</a> contains numerous references to Bowie's "Major Tom" character. In addition, series creator Hideo Kojima said earlier this year that he wanted to use Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" as the <a href="http://www.metalgearinformer.com/?p=13749" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">opening song for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bowie's connection to gaming goes deeper still. He is also the father of Duncan Jones, who is currently <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/warcraft-movie-cast-revealed-colin-farrell-not-listed/1100-6416553/" data-ref-id="1100-6416553">directing the movie based on Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft franchise</a>.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/did-you-know-that-david-bowie-is-actually-every-metal-gear-solid-character/1100-6418663/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-fan-made-half-life-3-trailer-is-frustratingly-good/1100-6418661/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492073" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492073"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">A group of Half-Life fans have created a most excellent trailer for Valve's long-awaited <a href="/half-life-3/" data-ref-id="false">Half-Life 3</a>, though we apologize if it makes the wait for the real game that much more painful to endure.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deviant Pictures Films used Source Filmmaker to create the trailer you see below. It shows Gordon and Alyx seeking shelter in the face of a brutal snowstorm. Of course, it's not just the harsh weather that the pair face.</p><p style="">Tomorrow is April Fool's Day, so keep your wits about you as you traverse the Internet. Half-Life 3 has <a href="http://store.steamppowered.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">made for great April Fool's Day fodder in the past</a> and it wouldn't be surprising for someone to attempt to fool us again. </p><div data-embed-type="video" data-src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUtBhF-6RKs" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fvideoseries%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26list%3DUUaqVlhpgIHn4GVF2LizQucQ&wmode=opaque&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCUtBhF-6RKs%26list%3DUUaqVlhpgIHn4GVF2LizQucQ&image=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FCUtBhF-6RKs%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=6efca6e5ad9640f180f14146a0bc1392&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:35:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-fan-made-half-life-3-trailer-is-frustratingly-good/1100-6418661/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-not-abandoning-xbox-360-and-ps3-anytime-soon/1100-6418660/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449263" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449263"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft isn't abandoning the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 anytime soon, according to vice president of creative Lionel Raynaud. Speaking with <a href="http://www.edge-online.com/news/ubisoft-will-continue-to-support-old-gen-consoles-for-years-to-come/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"><em>Edge</em></a>, Raynaud said Ubisoft will support those last-generation platforms for several more years.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We will have games for PS3 and 360 for this year and probably the years after," Raynaud said. "We want to be able to provide games to people who are playing on these consoles. [<a href="/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag/" data-ref-id="false">Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag</a>] was the first Assassin's Creed game of this new generation but it was designed with that in mind, but I wouldn't say it was a cross-generation game, as it has features that could only be for this generation."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Notably, Raynaud spoke to the site ahead of the <a href="/assassins-creed-unity/" data-ref-id="false">Assassin's Creed Unity</a> announcement for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, his comments might lend credence to last week's report that another Assassin's Creed game, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-2014-s-other-assassin-s-creed-game-will-let-you-play-as-a-templar/1100-6418593/" data-ref-id="1100-6418593">reportedly subtitled Comet</a>, will come to Xbox 360 and PS3.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.png" data-ref-id="1300-2492066" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.png" data-ref-id="1300-2492066"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.jpg"></a><figcaption>Assassin's Creed Unity</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Some developers, like The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, maintain that supporting two generations of systems for a single release <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/cross-gen-development-means-compromise-says-witcher-dev/1100-6406439/" data-ref-id="1100-6406439">means developers needs to make compromises</a>. But Raynaud doesn't think this has to be true.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's a choice--even when you do a game that has old-gen and new-gen versions, we decide which one is lead," he said. "So if you decide that new gen is lead for all of your games, then you have no restrictions at all--you're just saying that the other generation will maybe not be able to have everything but still be a better game than we're used to having on this generation. We never made choices on Assassin's Creed or Watch Dogs where because we have this other generation we couldn't put something in the game. It would be a very bad call from a company and brand perspective."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Raynaud said Ubisoft developers have been busy over the past year discovering new ways to leverage the power of the Xbox One and PS4 to make games that not only have better visuals, but also deep online connectivity and features.</p><p style="">"The team that has been working on PS4 and Xbox One on Black Flag have already learned and they are still learning," he said. "It's not only about visuals, it's going to be about connectivity and the fact that these consoles are always online. That allows us to create more surprising experiences that exploit that. It's going to be a long progression, because each generation brings new potential. We will be able to measure that as the dev team master the new technology. This will keep on improving for a very long time, actually."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:07:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-not-abandoning-xbox-360-and-ps3-anytime-soon/1100-6418660/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-teases-destiny-collector-s-edition-what-should-it-include/1100-6418659/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2442087" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2442087"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bungie might formally announce a collector's edition for its upcoming shared-world shooter <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> next week, the developer teased on its website as part of the latest <a href="http://www.bungie.net/7_Bungie-Weekly-Update-03282014/en/News/News?aid=11462" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Bungie Weekly Update</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Ask us again next week," Bungie wrote in response to a question regarding a collector's edition for Destiny.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">If there is indeed a Destiny Collector's Edition, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, as Bungie has a long-established tradition of supporting its marquee titles from the Halo series with premium bundles.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It's unclear what Bungie might include with a Destiny Collector's Edition, though if the past serves as precedent, you can likely expect a mix of physical and digital goodies. Bungie even showed off some <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-character-development/2300-6406169/" data-ref-id="2300-6406169">beautiful Destiny concept art last year</a> that could be included in the pack.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Destiny launches<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-announces-destiny-release-date-delays-beta/1100-6416594/" data-ref-id="1100-6416594"> September 9 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4</a>. Bungie will hold a beta for the game beginning this summer <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-beta-hits-ps3-ps4-first/1100-6416200/" data-ref-id="1100-6416200">first on PS3 and PS4</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><em>What would you like to see in a Destiny Collector's Edition?</em></p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-teases-destiny-collector-s-edition-what-should-it-include/1100-6418659/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-is-deus-ex-mankind-divided/1100-6418658/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492049" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492049"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Square Enix has <a href="https://oami.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/trademarks/012735353" rel="nofollow">filed a trademark</a> for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, but is that the title for the new Deus Ex game currently in development for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC?</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deus Ex studio boss boss David Anfossi revealed in October 2013 that a title for the new consoles and PC was in the works, as part of something called Deus Ex: Universe--which would be designed to create a connected game universe across multiple titles and platforms.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The concept behind Deus Ex: Universe is to create an ongoing, expanding and connected game world built across a generation of core games," said Anfossi at the time. The studio also released a single piece of concept art (pictured), designed to show the "ghetto city" that segregates trans-humans.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The people in this segregated class have reshaped their environment, nostalgic for their ideal of Cyber Renaissance. This dark and dystopian vision sets the tone for things to come in Deus Ex."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's a commitment on our part to deliver meaningful content that expands the franchise on a regular basis," concluded Anfossi, "and to deliver a deep conspiracy that will span several connected Deus Ex games, creating a more immersive and richer experience than ever before."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deus Ex: Mankind Divided could always be a mobile game designed to slot into the Deus Ex universe, then: Square Enix has already dabbled in mobile titles, such as last year's <a href="/deus-ex-the-fall/" data-ref-id="false">Deus Ex: The Fall</a>.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6330615" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6330615/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Martin Gaston is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/squidmania" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @squidmania</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-is-deus-ex-mankind-divided/1100-6418658/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-watch-dogs-demo-because-demos-take-time/1100-6418657/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449264" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449264"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft will not offer a demo for upcoming open-world action game <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> because "demos take time" and Ubisoft would rather spend that time working on the main game, creative director Jonathan Morin said on Twitter.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Responding to a flurry of questions, Morin <a href="https://twitter.com/Design_Cave/status/450075740634357760" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">said</a> there is no Watch Dogs demo "planned before release. Sorry for the wait. Doing my best." He <a href="https://twitter.com/Design_Cave/status/450345349018685440" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">explained further</a> that "doing demos takes time. The focus is on the game. You will see more footage before release."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Watch Dogs was originally expected to launch in November 2013 as a launch title for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game was later<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-delayed-to-spring-2014/1100-6415591/" data-ref-id="1100-6415591"> delayed to spring 2014</a> and is now expected to release <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-release-date-announced-for-everything-except-wii-u/1100-6417977/" data-ref-id="1100-6417977">May 27 </a>for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC.</p><p style="">The Wii U version is coming sometime later. For more on Watch Dogs, check out <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:27:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-watch-dogs-demo-because-demos-take-time/1100-6418657/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-director-leaves-ubisoft-for-arkham-origins-developer/1100-6418656/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051634" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051634"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Splinter Cell: Blacklist director Patrick Redding has left Ubisoft to join Warner Bros. Games Montreal.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/supererogatory/status/450509492485369857" rel="nofollow">Superannuation noticed</a> that the developer says he's joined the <a href="/batman-arkham-origins/" data-ref-id="false">Batman: Arkham Origins</a> studio as a creative director, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patredding" rel="nofollow">his LinkedIn profile states</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-03-31-ubisofts-patrick-redding-joins-wb-montreal" rel="nofollow">GamesIndustry</a> notes that Redding joined Ubisoft Montreal in 2004 to work on Far Cry: Instincts, and was the narrative designer for Far Cry 2. He joined the Splinter Cell team in 2009.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Warner Bros. Games Montreal has also worked on the Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition for Wii U and Lego: Legends of Chima Online.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It is unknown what project Redding is working on, but the move suggests the studio could be gearing up for a major new title.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6412933" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6412933/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:06:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-director-leaves-ubisoft-for-arkham-origins-developer/1100-6418656/
http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:02:10 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-phil-spencer-gets-a-promotion-to-head-of-xbox-promises-incredible-new-chapter-for-gaming/1100-6418670/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492152" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492152"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492152-spencer1.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft Studios executive Phil Spencer has received a promotion. The veteran Microsoft executive and "games guy" is now leading the entire Xbox ecosystem as the "Head of Xbox," it was announced today. His new position as leader of the Xbox team will see him overseeing the Xbox and Xbox Live, as well as the creative teams at Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Microsoft Studios. Spencer has been with Microsoft for more than a quarter-century.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Combining these teams will strengthen the connection between some of the world's most innovative creators and those building the Xbox itself. I am incredibly proud of the talented Xbox employees around the world and believe, like they do, in the power of technology to bring games and entertainment to life across console, PC, tablet and mobile devices," Spencer <a href="http://news.xbox.com/2014/03/xbox-one-a-new-day-at-xbox" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">said in a statement on the Xbox Wire</a>. "It's been a remarkable year for Xbox and I am honored to lead the team at this incredible time for Microsoft and the games industry."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Games and gamers have always been at the core of Xbox and the core of my work--and gaming will be our core as we take Xbox forward," he added.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Spencer will report to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/exec/myerson/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Microsoft operating systems executive Terry Myerson</a>, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/misc/2014/mar14/03-31corpemail.aspx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="03-31">email to employees today</a>. Also in that email, Nadella confirmed that former Nokia CEO Stephen Elop will join Microsoft as its Executive Vice President of the Microsoft Devices Group, which includes Xbox. This move, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-division-s-new-boss-is-the-guy-who-reportedly-wanted-to-sell-it-off/1100-6417946/" data-ref-id="1100-6417946">first reported last month</a>, will become effective when the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-buys-nokias-mobile-phone-business-for-72-billion/1100-6413969/" data-ref-id="1100-6413969">$7.2 billion Microsoft/Nokia deal</a> closes.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Spencer said the past year has been a "growth experience" for himself and the entire Xbox team. He's likely referring to the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-we-shouldn-t-have-sugar-coated-the-xbox-one-controversy/1100-6418296/" data-ref-id="1100-6418296">controversial summer Xbox endured last year</a> and the policy reversals that came as a result. "Our mission is to build a world-class team, work hard to meet the high expectations of a passionate fan base, create the best games and entertainment, and drive technical innovation," he said. "As we continue forward, this renewed focus and mission will be a foundational part of how I lead the Xbox program."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Spencer teased that Microsoft will have "much more" to share in a few months during the Electronic Entertainment Expo.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"You will hear much more as we head into E3, but we are at the beginning of an incredible new chapter for Xbox and I can't wait for the days and years ahead. This is going to be fun," he said.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-phil-spencer-gets-a-promotion-to-head-of-xbox-promises-incredible-new-chapter-for-gaming/1100-6418670/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-reaches-41-million-in-funding-now-getting-procedurally-generated-content/1100-6418669/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2013363" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2013363"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/3/3/6/3/2013363-684995_20121009_002.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/star-citizen/" data-ref-id="false">Star Citizen</a>, the upcoming PC space sim from<a href="/wing-commander/" data-ref-id="false"> Wing Commander</a> creator Chris Roberts, continues to soar. The game has now pulled in an <a href="https://robertsspaceindustries.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">astonishing $41 million in lifetime funding</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">That's up from <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">$40 million less than a month ago</a>. A total of 417,219 people have backed Star Citizen so far. According to Roberts, this <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">proves that the PC space sim genre is not niche</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Now that funding has reached $41 million, Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pc-space-sim-star-citizen-funding-reaches-an-astonishing-39-million/1100-6417890/" data-ref-id="1100-6417890">will add procedurally generated content to the game</a>. Should funding hit $42 million, the developer will <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-hits-40-million-and-proves-that-pc-space-sims-aren-t-niche-chris-roberts-says/1100-6418224/" data-ref-id="1100-6418224">add a "Galactapedia" to the game</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Star Citizen is already the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-the-top-crowdfunded-project-of-all-time/1100-6410717/">most successful crowdfunded project in history</a> from a dollars perspective, easily surpassing the next closest competitor: the Pebble Watch (<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/597507018/pebble-e-paper-watch-for-iphone-and-android" rel="nofollow">$10 million</a>).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">To put Star Citizen's new funding milestone into context, Epic Games revealed in 2006 that development on the <a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rein-puts-dev-cost-for-gears-of-war-at-10m" rel="nofollow">original Gears of War cost $10 million</a>, while Tim Schafer's <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/brutal-legend-2-i-would-love-to-go-back-there-tim-schafer-says/1100-6417258/">2008 action game Brutal Legend had a budget of around $25 million</a>.</p><p style="">Star Citizen is due to launch in full sometime in 2015.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 08:03:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-citizen-reaches-41-million-in-funding-now-getting-procedurally-generated-content/1100-6418669/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-company-will-buy-your-used-video-games-no-matter-what-you-think-they-re-worth/1100-6418668/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492136" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492136"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492136-games.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">If you've tried to unload your used game collection at retailers like GameStop or Wal-Mart, you know that those retailers will pay almost nothing, if anything, for certain games. But the same is not true for new company Decluttr, which will buy any CD, DVD, or video game from anyone.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3028131/this-company-buys-every-cd-dvd-and-video-game-that-you-dont-want-anymore?utm_source" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"><em>Fast Company</em></a> profiled Decluttr recently and reports that the company pulled in revenue of $150 million globally last year from buying and selling media that no one seems to want.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The secret to Decluttr's success appears to be in the fact that they won't turn anything away. President Brett Lauter says that by accepting everything--including items that probably won't sell--they are bound to eventually hit upon something that will.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The first CD you scan in may be another [Alanis Morissette's <em>Jagged Little Pill</em>]. If we say we're not going to buy it, you may give up. We just lost you," Lauter said. "So we're going to give you the minimum, 50 cents, because maybe your second one is Green Day's <em>Insomniac</em>, and oh my gosh, this will sell quickly."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Of course, you could sell your old games, movies, and CDs on eBay, but anyone who's gone through that process knows it can sometimes be a hassle. Decluttr aims to streamline the process, Lauter says. The amount Decluttr pays is based on a proprietary algorithm that factors in how many copies of an item are already in its warehouse, what the item sells for on Amazon or eBay, and how quickly it sells.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Decluttr hasn't done much marketing, but the company is already buying 10,000 items per day and Lauter said he expects the company will become profitable by the end of the year.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">You can sell your games to Decluttr <a href="http://www.decluttr.com/sellit_information.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">through the company's website </a>or by downloading the<a href="http://www.decluttr.com/iphone/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> iOS</a> and <a href="http://www.decluttr.com/android/index.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Android</a> mobile app that scans the barcode on the back of your game, DVD, or CD. The catch? All media needs to come with original artwork and you need to sell a minimum of 10 items per batch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Decluttr currently accepts PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PlayStation Vita games. The company does not accept PC games. You can<a href="http://www.decluttr.com/sellit_information.asp" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> read more about Decluttr on its website</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:45:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-company-will-buy-your-used-video-games-no-matter-what-you-think-they-re-worth/1100-6418668/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/luigi-is-really-going-to-suck-in-the-new-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds/1100-6418667/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492121" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492121"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492121-luigipolter.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">One of Luigi's moves for the upcoming <a href="/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/" data-ref-id="false">Wii U and 3DS Super Smash Bros. game</a> will have the younger brother using his "Poltergust" vacuum to trap enemies. That's according to a new image from the game shared by game director Masahiro Sakurai as today's "<a href="http://smashbros-miiverse.com/pic-of-the-day" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Pic of the Day</a>."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sakurai writes, "Luigi might be thinking, 'Who would've thought I'd get to show off the Poltergust in Super Smash Bros.?!' Wondering if it's going to suck something in? Yeah, it probably will."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As you can see in the image, Luigi is outlined by a gold glow that suggests he'll use the Poltergust as his Final Smash move. In <a href="/super-smash-bros-brawl/" data-ref-id="false">Super Smash Bros. Brawl</a> for Wii, Luigi's Final Smash was the trippy "Negative Zone" that inflicted damage upon enemies caught in its damage zone.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS is expected to launch sometime in 2014, though Nintendo has not provided a firm release date yet. Luigi's Poltergust vacuum most recently appeared in 2013 3DS game <a href="/luigis-mansion-dark-moon/" data-ref-id="false">Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon</a></p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:04:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/luigi-is-really-going-to-suck-in-the-new-smash-bros-for-wii-u-and-3ds/1100-6418667/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-universe-is-pvp-with-a-twist/2300-6418057/ Is Transformers Universe's robot-on-robot action a tactical challenge, or will you just be spamming the attack button the whole time? Mon, 31 Mar 2014 07:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/transformers-universe-is-pvp-with-a-twist/2300-6418057/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-cuts-profit-forecast-in-half-due-to-rapid-changes-in-the-games-market/1100-6418666/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051845" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051845"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/1/8/4/5/2051845-718577_20130822_007.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Dead Rising and Resident Evil publisher Capcom announced today that it had slashed its profit forecast for the year ending March 31 (today) by a whopping 51.5 percent due to "rapid changes" in the games market. The Japanese publisher previously expected to post a profit of ¥6.8 billion yen ($66 million) but is now anticipating net income of ¥3.3 billion ($31.9 million), a dropoff of ¥3.5 billion ($33.9 million).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Capcom's expectation to post a "special loss" for the year primarily came down to the company's struggles in the mobile business, the publisher said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Due to rapid changes taking place in the market for games, Capcom is building a sound base for earnings by reorganizing the product development framework and improving development processes. These are two core elements of the company's operations. The objective of these activities is to earn consistent earnings in each fiscal year. However, these initiatives have not yet started to produce benefits mainly in the Mobile Contents."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">At the same time, Capcom raised its net sales (revenue) forecast for the year from ¥97 billion ($939 million) to ¥101.5 billion ($983 million), an increase of 4.6 percent. Capcom attributed the uptick in its sales forecast mainly to "strong sales" of <a href="/monster-hunter-4/" data-ref-id="false">Monster Hunter 4</a>, as well as the "highly successful" slot-machine game Monster Hunter Gekka Raimei.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Sales are expected to be higher than one year earlier due in part to the launch of major titles," Capcom said. "However, Capcom anticipates declines in operating income, ordinary income, and net income because of increases in the cost of sales and selling, general, and administrative expenses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">One of Capcom's latest major titles was <a href="/dead-rising-3/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Rising 3</a> for the Xbox One. That game has <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dead-rising-3-has-shipped-1-million-copies/1100-6417261/" data-ref-id="1100-6417261">shipped over 1 million copies to date</a>. </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/capcom-cuts-profit-forecast-in-half-due-to-rapid-changes-in-the-games-market/1100-6418666/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-rethinks-its-bid-to-appeal-to-the-mass-market-after-bravely-default-success/1100-6418665/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2447323" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2447323"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1197/11970954/2447323-stq3dimy3dbm1vynvrd6jzrwuils2kyc.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Square Enix has said it is rethinking its approach in making games specifically designed to cater to a massive global audience after the success of <a href="/bravely-default-flying-fairy/" data-ref-id="false">Bravely Default</a>, which it considered to be a niche title.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking in an <a href="http://trendy.nikkeibp.co.jp/article/special/20140328/1056236/?P=9" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">interview with Nikkei Trendy</a> (<a href="http://www.siliconera.com/2014/03/31/bravely-defaults-success-west-making-square-enix-rethink-jrpgs/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">translated by Siliconera</a>), Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda said company had "lost its focus" after trying to make games that appealed to a wide global audience.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Not only did they end up being games that weren't for the Japanese," said Matsuda on the company's recent slate of Japanese titles, "but they ended up being incomplete titles that weren't even fit for a global audience."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">But Bravely Default, seen as a niche title for hardcore JRPG fans, has helped Square Enix rethink that approach. "On the other hand, there are games like the JRPG we made for the Japanese audience with the proper elements, Bravely Default, which ended up selling well all around the world."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Square Enix has suffered over the last year, and has restructured many of its operations following an "extraordinary" loss at the start of 2013. The company now expects to return to profit this year, fuelled partly by the successful relaunch of <a href="/videos/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-video-review/2300-6414801/" data-ref-id="2300-6414801">Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"If you focus too much on the global aspect, you might lose sight of who you're actually making the game for," explains Matsuda. "For example, if you look back at 2013, we've had some home console games made for a global audience that struggled."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Matsuda mentioned <a href="/hitman-absolution/" data-ref-id="false">Hitman: Absolution</a> as an example of a game that had a hard time in attempting to appeal to this mythological global audience, and suffered as a result.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The development team for Hitman: Absolution really struggled in this regard. They implemented a vast amount of 'elements for the mass' instead of for the core fans, as a way to try getting as many new players possible. It was a strategy to gain mass appeal. However, what makes the Hitman series good is its appeal to core gamers, and many fans felt the lack of focus in that regard, which ended up making it struggle in sales."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Square Enix is now refocusing its efforts on returning its AAA series' to their roots and appealing to the core fans.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"So, as for the AAA titles we're currently developing for series, we basically want to go back to their roots and focus on the core audience, while working hard on content that can have fans say things like 'this is the Hitman we know'. I believe that is the best way for our development studios to display their strengths," concluded Matsuda.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6400282" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6400282/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Martin Gaston is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/squidmania" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @squidmania</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:16:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-rethinks-its-bid-to-appeal-to-the-mass-market-after-bravely-default-success/1100-6418665/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-s-delayed-naval-strike-dlc-finally-out-for-pc/1100-6418664/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6417810" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6417810/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a>'s <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/delayed-battlefield-4-dlc-launching-today-on-xbox-one-pc-players-need-to-wait/1100-6418611/" data-ref-id="1100-6418611">delayed Naval Strike DLC last week launched for Xbox One</a> and now it's available for PC players, developer DICE has <a href="http://blogs.battlefield.com/2014/03/take-the-fight-to-the-sea-with-battlefield-4-naval-strike/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">announced</a>. If you have a Battlefield Premium membership ($50), you can download the content beginning today, while all other players will need to wait two weeks to start playing.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Naval Strike's release went off with a hitch on March 25 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. However, DICE would later delay the PC version because it was concerned that the combination of the expansion's release and previously planned updates would lead to performance issues on mid-range to high-end PCs.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">DICE previously announced that Naval Strike's release on PC might not come until April, so its arrival today is actually somewhat ahead of schedule.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Naval Strike DLC for Battlefield 4 introduces four new multiplayer maps, five new weapons, two gadgets, and a new hovercraft vehicle that can traverse both land and water. It also adds the<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-s-how-battlefield-4-s-homage-to-battlefield-2142-s-titan-mode-will-work/1100-6418169/"> Carrier Assault mode</a>, which is an homage to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/battlefield-2142/">Battlefield 2142</a>'s fan-favorite Titan mode.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 06:08:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-s-delayed-naval-strike-dlc-finally-out-for-pc/1100-6418664/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/did-you-know-that-david-bowie-is-actually-every-metal-gear-solid-character/1100-6418663/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492082" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492082"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492082-bowie.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">David Bowie is an acclaimed musician, but he is also every Metal Gear Solid character. At least that's what this image <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/21r2to/til_that_every_metal_gear_solid_character_is/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">spotted on Reddit</a> (via <a href="http://kotaku.com/david-bowie-is-every-metal-gear-solid-character-ever-1554990761" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a>) would have you believe.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The connection between Bowie and Metal Gear Solid is nothing new. In fact, <a href="/metal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater/" data-ref-id="false">Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater</a> contains numerous references to Bowie's "Major Tom" character. In addition, series creator Hideo Kojima said earlier this year that he wanted to use Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" as the <a href="http://www.metalgearinformer.com/?p=13749" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">opening song for Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bowie's connection to gaming goes deeper still. He is also the father of Duncan Jones, who is currently <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/warcraft-movie-cast-revealed-colin-farrell-not-listed/1100-6416553/" data-ref-id="1100-6416553">directing the movie based on Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft franchise</a>.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/did-you-know-that-david-bowie-is-actually-every-metal-gear-solid-character/1100-6418663/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-fan-made-half-life-3-trailer-is-frustratingly-good/1100-6418661/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492073" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492073"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492073-hl3new1.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">A group of Half-Life fans have created a most excellent trailer for Valve's long-awaited <a href="/half-life-3/" data-ref-id="false">Half-Life 3</a>, though we apologize if it makes the wait for the real game that much more painful to endure.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deviant Pictures Films used Source Filmmaker to create the trailer you see below. It shows Gordon and Alyx seeking shelter in the face of a brutal snowstorm. Of course, it's not just the harsh weather that the pair face.</p><p style="">Tomorrow is April Fool's Day, so keep your wits about you as you traverse the Internet. Half-Life 3 has <a href="http://store.steamppowered.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">made for great April Fool's Day fodder in the past</a> and it wouldn't be surprising for someone to attempt to fool us again. </p><div data-embed-type="video" data-src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUtBhF-6RKs" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2Fvideoseries%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26list%3DUUaqVlhpgIHn4GVF2LizQucQ&wmode=opaque&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DCUtBhF-6RKs%26list%3DUUaqVlhpgIHn4GVF2LizQucQ&image=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FCUtBhF-6RKs%2Fhqdefault.jpg&key=6efca6e5ad9640f180f14146a0bc1392&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:35:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-fan-made-half-life-3-trailer-is-frustratingly-good/1100-6418661/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-not-abandoning-xbox-360-and-ps3-anytime-soon/1100-6418660/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449263" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449263"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/536/5360430/2449263-watch_dogs_running_on_ltrain_.png"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft isn't abandoning the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 anytime soon, according to vice president of creative Lionel Raynaud. Speaking with <a href="http://www.edge-online.com/news/ubisoft-will-continue-to-support-old-gen-consoles-for-years-to-come/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"><em>Edge</em></a>, Raynaud said Ubisoft will support those last-generation platforms for several more years.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We will have games for PS3 and 360 for this year and probably the years after," Raynaud said. "We want to be able to provide games to people who are playing on these consoles. [<a href="/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag/" data-ref-id="false">Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag</a>] was the first Assassin's Creed game of this new generation but it was designed with that in mind, but I wouldn't say it was a cross-generation game, as it has features that could only be for this generation."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Notably, Raynaud spoke to the site ahead of the <a href="/assassins-creed-unity/" data-ref-id="false">Assassin's Creed Unity</a> announcement for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. However, his comments might lend credence to last week's report that another Assassin's Creed game, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-2014-s-other-assassin-s-creed-game-will-let-you-play-as-a-templar/1100-6418593/" data-ref-id="1100-6418593">reportedly subtitled Comet</a>, will come to Xbox 360 and PS3.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.png" data-ref-id="1300-2492066" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.png" data-ref-id="1300-2492066"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1179/11799911/2492066-unity.jpg"></a><figcaption>Assassin's Creed Unity</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Some developers, like The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, maintain that supporting two generations of systems for a single release <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/cross-gen-development-means-compromise-says-witcher-dev/1100-6406439/" data-ref-id="1100-6406439">means developers needs to make compromises</a>. But Raynaud doesn't think this has to be true.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's a choice--even when you do a game that has old-gen and new-gen versions, we decide which one is lead," he said. "So if you decide that new gen is lead for all of your games, then you have no restrictions at all--you're just saying that the other generation will maybe not be able to have everything but still be a better game than we're used to having on this generation. We never made choices on Assassin's Creed or Watch Dogs where because we have this other generation we couldn't put something in the game. It would be a very bad call from a company and brand perspective."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Raynaud said Ubisoft developers have been busy over the past year discovering new ways to leverage the power of the Xbox One and PS4 to make games that not only have better visuals, but also deep online connectivity and features.</p><p style="">"The team that has been working on PS4 and Xbox One on Black Flag have already learned and they are still learning," he said. "It's not only about visuals, it's going to be about connectivity and the fact that these consoles are always online. That allows us to create more surprising experiences that exploit that. It's going to be a long progression, because each generation brings new potential. We will be able to measure that as the dev team master the new technology. This will keep on improving for a very long time, actually."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 05:07:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-not-abandoning-xbox-360-and-ps3-anytime-soon/1100-6418660/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-teases-destiny-collector-s-edition-what-should-it-include/1100-6418659/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2442087" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2442087"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/642/6422750/2442087-mars01.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bungie might formally announce a collector's edition for its upcoming shared-world shooter <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> next week, the developer teased on its website as part of the latest <a href="http://www.bungie.net/7_Bungie-Weekly-Update-03282014/en/News/News?aid=11462" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Bungie Weekly Update</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Ask us again next week," Bungie wrote in response to a question regarding a collector's edition for Destiny.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">If there is indeed a Destiny Collector's Edition, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, as Bungie has a long-established tradition of supporting its marquee titles from the Halo series with premium bundles.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It's unclear what Bungie might include with a Destiny Collector's Edition, though if the past serves as precedent, you can likely expect a mix of physical and digital goodies. Bungie even showed off some <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-character-development/2300-6406169/" data-ref-id="2300-6406169">beautiful Destiny concept art last year</a> that could be included in the pack.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Destiny launches<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-announces-destiny-release-date-delays-beta/1100-6416594/" data-ref-id="1100-6416594"> September 9 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4</a>. Bungie will hold a beta for the game beginning this summer <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-beta-hits-ps3-ps4-first/1100-6416200/" data-ref-id="1100-6416200">first on PS3 and PS4</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><em>What would you like to see in a Destiny Collector's Edition?</em></p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-teases-destiny-collector-s-edition-what-should-it-include/1100-6418659/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-is-deus-ex-mankind-divided/1100-6418658/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492049" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2492049"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1493/14930800/2492049-6953642183-13962.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Square Enix has <a href="https://oami.europa.eu/eSearch/#details/trademarks/012735353" rel="nofollow">filed a trademark</a> for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, but is that the title for the new Deus Ex game currently in development for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC?</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deus Ex studio boss boss David Anfossi revealed in October 2013 that a title for the new consoles and PC was in the works, as part of something called Deus Ex: Universe--which would be designed to create a connected game universe across multiple titles and platforms.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The concept behind Deus Ex: Universe is to create an ongoing, expanding and connected game world built across a generation of core games," said Anfossi at the time. The studio also released a single piece of concept art (pictured), designed to show the "ghetto city" that segregates trans-humans.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The people in this segregated class have reshaped their environment, nostalgic for their ideal of Cyber Renaissance. This dark and dystopian vision sets the tone for things to come in Deus Ex."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's a commitment on our part to deliver meaningful content that expands the franchise on a regular basis," concluded Anfossi, "and to deliver a deep conspiracy that will span several connected Deus Ex games, creating a more immersive and richer experience than ever before."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Deus Ex: Mankind Divided could always be a mobile game designed to slot into the Deus Ex universe, then: Square Enix has already dabbled in mobile titles, such as last year's <a href="/deus-ex-the-fall/" data-ref-id="false">Deus Ex: The Fall</a>.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6330615" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6330615/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Martin Gaston is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/squidmania" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @squidmania</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:28:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-is-deus-ex-mankind-divided/1100-6418658/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-watch-dogs-demo-because-demos-take-time/1100-6418657/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449264" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png" data-ref-id="1300-2449264"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/536/5360430/2449264-watch_dogs_vigilante_alley.png"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft will not offer a demo for upcoming open-world action game <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> because "demos take time" and Ubisoft would rather spend that time working on the main game, creative director Jonathan Morin said on Twitter.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Responding to a flurry of questions, Morin <a href="https://twitter.com/Design_Cave/status/450075740634357760" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">said</a> there is no Watch Dogs demo "planned before release. Sorry for the wait. Doing my best." He <a href="https://twitter.com/Design_Cave/status/450345349018685440" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">explained further</a> that "doing demos takes time. The focus is on the game. You will see more footage before release."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Watch Dogs was originally expected to launch in November 2013 as a launch title for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game was later<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-delayed-to-spring-2014/1100-6415591/" data-ref-id="1100-6415591"> delayed to spring 2014</a> and is now expected to release <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-release-date-announced-for-everything-except-wii-u/1100-6417977/" data-ref-id="1100-6417977">May 27 </a>for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC.</p><p style="">The Wii U version is coming sometime later. For more on Watch Dogs, check out <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 04:27:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/no-watch-dogs-demo-because-demos-take-time/1100-6418657/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-director-leaves-ubisoft-for-arkham-origins-developer/1100-6418656/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051634" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2051634"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/mig/1/6/3/4/2051634-614208_20130821_006.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Splinter Cell: Blacklist director Patrick Redding has left Ubisoft to join Warner Bros. Games Montreal.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="https://twitter.com/supererogatory/status/450509492485369857" rel="nofollow">Superannuation noticed</a> that the developer says he's joined the <a href="/batman-arkham-origins/" data-ref-id="false">Batman: Arkham Origins</a> studio as a creative director, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patredding" rel="nofollow">his LinkedIn profile states</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-03-31-ubisofts-patrick-redding-joins-wb-montreal" rel="nofollow">GamesIndustry</a> notes that Redding joined Ubisoft Montreal in 2004 to work on Far Cry: Instincts, and was the narrative designer for Far Cry 2. He joined the Splinter Cell team in 2009.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Warner Bros. Games Montreal has also worked on the Batman: Arkham City Armoured Edition for Wii U and Lego: Legends of Chima Online.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It is unknown what project Redding is working on, but the move suggests the studio could be gearing up for a major new title.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6412933" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6412933/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p> Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:06:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-director-leaves-ubisoft-for-arkham-origins-developer/1100-6418656/
