Gizmondo and the Swedish mafia
You just can't make this stuff up. It seems a former Gizmondo exec had some convictions relating to his connections to the Swedish mafia:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12547
I didn't even know they had a mafia in Sweden. I thought they just had Muslim street gangs and bad poker players.
ESA research compilation released
The ESA has released a survey of existing studies on the impact of video games on the minds of children:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12521
XBox 360 sales estimates revised downward
Estimates for XBox 360 shipments have been revised downward to approximately 1.5 million units:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12368
It appears the XBox 360 isn't selling as well as the original XBox did at launch--not because of lack of demand, but due to lack of supply.
PlayStation 3 in 2007?
The PS3 may not be available in some territories until as late as 2007:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12281
EA signs Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg has signed with Electronic Arts to do three original titles for the publisher:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12250
EA is the biggest dog in the pound, but they've been lacking in the area of in-house franchises, at least in recent years.
XBox support into 2007
Microsoft expects the original XBox to continue receiving publisher support into 2007:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=12104
I guess that's good news, given the XBox 360's supply struggles.
BRICKGENIUS - the new game for Pocket PC
BallShooter.com is happy to present our new game for Pocket PC named "BrickGenius", where you need to build the mosaics by sliding bricks.
This game offers a REALLY innovative gameplay and we guarantee that you have never seen anything like this before!
How it works:
1) The game board is a mosaic of 15x15 cells. 2) Your aim is to cover all the black cells with a sliding bricks. 3) Sometimes, you will be awarded bonus bricks that possess special qualities: the Lock, the Ligthning, the Vortex, etc...
Demo version of "BrickGenius" is available to download: http://ballshooter.com/genius/
ScreenShot: http://www.ballshooter.com/images/upload/shot1_138.gif
Battle Carry Trial and Purchase Available
Battle Carry, by A Few Screws Loose, is now available in a trial download, and for retail purchase!
Battle Carry is a multiplayer action game focusing on fast paced tank combat. The fighting is dynamic and intense with lots of air time and tricks thrown into the mixture. The trial features four unique playable tanks, and the level "Chapel" playable in Objective Match mode.
Players who enjoy the trial can purchase a retail key to convert their trial version into the full release. More information and downloads can be found from either www.afslgames.com or www.battlecarry.com
7 Sultans Casino test site
7 Sultans Casino has a test site set up where new players can get a temporary $500 for 15 minutes. Any winnings above the $500 mark are yours to keep:
http://www.7sultans.com/freetime.asp
Access code: Test777
It's a test site, but the money is real!
PSP 2.0 firmware cracked
The PSP 2.0 firmware has been cracked, allowing unsigned software to be successfully run on the handheld:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11809
Space Invaders Evolution
Rising Star has announced "Space Invaders Evolution" for the Sony PSP. It's due to be released in November.
New Grand Theft Auto releases
"Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Special Edition" for the PS2 will be released on October 18. It includes some DVD video footage, but the game appears to be identical to the current version.
"Grand Theft Auto Trilogy" for the XBox will also be available on October 18. It includes GTA3, Vice City, and San Andreas.
Nintendo has gone insane
Nintendo has completely lost its mind. The Revolution controller looks like a TV remote, and features a sensor that detects the position and angle of the controller:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11573
I already suspected that the next generation would be strictly Microsoft vs. Sony, but now I know it.
No XBox 360 core system in Japan
The Japanese version of the XBox 360 will be available in only one package at launch:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11539
There are no current plans for a cheaper core system for Japan, although this may change in the future.
XBox 360 release dates
For those who haven't heard already, here are the XBox 360 release dates:
North America: November 22 Europe: December 2 Japan: December 10