Kmart Ad Trumpets Xbox Price Dip

A Kmart advertising circular is a strong indication that the rumors about a possible price cut for the Xbox 360 might be right. The discount chain's sales ad for the week of July 13 lists a US$299 price for the 20 GB Xbox 360. It represents a $50 decrease from the $349 Amazon.com lists as the price for the console.

When asked to confirm the price drop, Microsoft spokesperson Katie Abrahamson declined to do so.

However, Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, told that the $50 drop is not a surprise -- though it comes a bit earlier in the year than he had anticipated.

"We thought they were going to do a price cut before the back-to-school season. This is a little earlier than I think most folks figured it was going to happen, but sales for consoles are typically slow now. The Xbox is the oldest of the three [current generation consoles]. With Nintendo ramping reasonably well into the holidays, it was about time for Microsoft to pass some of the cost savings it's been seeing on the component side back to consumers,"

he said.

Odd Timing

Price cuts for items with a big draw during the holidays typically occur closer to the end of the summer season, and Enderle said slashing the price in July seemed a little early and catches people when they historically are not in the market for a video game platform.

"I probably would have done it closer in so that I could catch the wave of people wanting to buy. Doing it this early -- people aren't really in the 'buying the game console mode' right now, and typically don't get into it until Christmas,"

he explained.

However, what may make this year different is an economic downturn, Enderle pointed out.

"[People] are staying home. They're thinking about things to do with the kids now that they aren't going anyplace. One of the things parents are likely to do is buy them a game system or something else to keep the kids entertained,"

he said.

Pricing Strategy

The $50 drop for the 20 GB Xbox 360 still leaves Nintendo's Wii as the lowest-priced gaming console available. However, for the Wii, the price of the console is not the major draw, according to Enderle.

"The things that are moving the Wii have to do with what the Wii does and not necessarily price,"

he said.

"I'm still continually disappointed by their price cuts,"

Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman told.

"They would be in a much better position if they would be a little more aggressive on the price front -- create [a] little separation between themselves and Sony and create a better reason [for consumers to buy an Xbox 360]."

Microsoft needs to put distance between itself and the PS3 and lessen the distance between the 360 and the Wii, he said.

Enderle also expects to see a price cut from Sony for its PlayStation 3 console this summer.

"The price of components continues to drop, and the Blu-ray drive is a fraction of the price it once was. I think a lot of folks are anticipating that Sony will take a pricing action before we get into back to school,"

he explained.

Source: TechNewsWorld

Sony Pulls Update Following PS3 Firmware Fiasco

Sony's 2.40 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 video game console ran into problems less than an hour after the company made it available for download Wednesday. Owners began reporting problems as a result of the download on the PS3 Forum, leading Sony to pull the update from availability.

"A limited number of PS3 users have reported that the XMB (XrossMediaBar) is not displayed after updating to the PS3 system software ver. 2.40. We have temporarily taken the 2.40 update offline and are currently conducting tests to determine the cause of this problem. We will announce through our Web site as soon as we are ready to resume the system software update,"

said Al de Leon, a Sony spokesperson.

The firmware flop has "embarrassed Sony," according to Michael Gartenberg, a JupiterResearch analyst.

"To release an update like that and then have to pull it because it was turning people's PS3s into PS paperweights is an embarrassment. This is a pretty big black eye for them. You can be sure before this update gets released again into the wild Sony's going to really go over it with a very fine-toothed comb to make sure this circumstance doesn't happen again,"

he told TechNewsWorld.

Black Eye

Gamers have reported a variety of maladies related to the firmware upgrade, Chris Roper, editor-in-chief at IGN.com, PlayStation Team, told TechNewsWorld.

"Some people weren't able to install the update -- their system would just reset at some point without having applied the patch. Others have had worse issues, where their system would no longer even boot. It seems that it has something to do with a hard drive corruption issue, as swapping out for a fresh hard drive then allows it to boot,"

he said.

After downloading and installing the update and then trying to play a game, claimed forum poster ASickness, the PS3 displayed nothing but a blank screen.

"I get a black screen forever ... I can't even get demos to start ... I got my PS3 on Launch day ... so my warranty is out now ... any advice?"

ASickness wrote in a post.

Damage Control

"[Sony] did respond quickly, and the good news for them is that they acted responsibly and pulled the update until they could figure out what was going on. The problem is that ... firmware upgrades can be tricky because you're basically reflashing the device, and all you need is a byte to go in the wrong place and suddenly things stop working,"

Gartenberg explained.

However, he continued, it is incumbent upon vendors to ensure that this type of situation does not happen when they release firmware upgrades. That is especially true for Sony as it tries to push the PS3 as an entertainment device beyond gaming.

"It's pretty unacceptable, about as unacceptable as you can get. In the course of any type of firmware upgrade or operating system upgrade, you're going to have a certain number of users who may experience problems. The challenge for Sony -- and every vendor in this day and age -- is that we live in the age of the Internet. So all of a sudden when things go wrong, they are not isolated problems. Everyone knows about them, and the perception may be worse than reality, and what matters is the perception,"

Gartenberg pointed out.

In the Dark

While Sony responded quickly, removing the software from its servers less than 24 hours after releasing the update and learning of potential issues, the company has dropped the information ball since then, Roper said.

"It pulled the update within a reasonable amount of time, but as far as what we've seen, there has been no explanation of what the problems are or how to fix them, or when a patched update would be back online,"

he noted.

"Just this past Friday, Sony wouldn't tell us the release date for the update since they were still trying to figure out when it would be done. Coupled with these issues, it seems like it was rushed out the door without proper testing,"

Roper continued.

As for Sony's ultimate response to gamers whose systems have indeed become paperweights, Roper said Sony should fix the machines free of charge. In doing that, the company would be taking a page out of archrival Microsoft , which spent billions of dollars to repair its gaming platform when users experienced issues following the release of the Xbox 360 .

"Given that this is Sony's fault and not the end users', Sony needs to help people out and fix their systems. Hopefully that wouldn't require shipping the entire system back, but if need be, that's what really needs to happen,"

Roper advised.

CoD 4: Rank Up, Soldier!

Now that you know how the Rank and Unlock systems work, it’s time to get dirty and earn some experience points. Even with the knowledge of how things work, the game might seem a little daunting to new players. So be patient, follow our tips, and you’ll be just fine:

Gunplay
You might be a Counter Strike or Battlefield veteran and feel like you know your guns pretty well, but trust me when I say that the guns handle a lot different in CoD 4. For starters, while gun recoil is present, it’s much more forgiving in this game; so you can actually run around wildly with your trigger pulled down at times. This works mainly with submachine guns since they’re meant for close-quarter battles.

As usual, assault rifles are ideal for midrange combat since they’re far more accurate, but less maneuverable. What I’m trying to say is: choose the right tool for the job. After you play a whole map cycle on a particular server, you’re bound to understand the maps a little better. Pay attention to what kind of combat you’re involved in most of the time and select your weapon accordingly.

If there are long corridors or open stretches in the map, an assault rifle may be viable. In that case, I suggest you stick to the M16 and work your way to M16 Marksman Level I, II and eventually III. Doing this with this weapon (or any other) will allow you to get more than 1500 bonus experience!

If the map you’re playing has a lot of closely-knit areas (such as Shipment or, to an extent, Wetwork), using an SMG is a better option initially. Pick up the MP5 since it’s an effective weapon that's very easy to use. Again, when you decide on the weapon, use it till you complete all three Marksman Challenges (which involves getting only 150 kills; very doable if you’d ask me) with that weapon.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part VI

Iron Man

Platform: PC, Xbox360, PS3, PS2, Wii
Release Date: May 2008
Based on the upcoming movie of the same name, the Iron Man game will plant players firmly in the boots of billionaire industrialist Tony Stark AKA Iron Man as he embarks on a quest to stub out all things evil just like any other self-respecting superhero. The game will take place from a third person perspective and a major chunk of it will focus on aerial combat; something all of us have been looking forward to ever since the crapfest that was Superman Returns graced consoles.

Backbreaker

Platform: Xbox360, PS3
Release Date: TBA 2008
I’m not a big fan of American football but the only reason this game’s managed to catch my eye is because it’s being made using Natural Motion’s Euphoria engine along with AGEIA’s PhysX engine – which means that not only will tackles look highly realistic (and painful) but each tackle will play out differently... or so the developers claim.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part V

Killzone 2

Platform: PS3
Release Date: April 2008
Well, what do you know; Sony’s 300 LB beast that’s been hiding in the shadows for over two years will finally see the light of day this April. While the game doesn’t look as good as the E3 2005 footage claimed it would, it still looks better than tons of games out there and from the most recent video shown at E3 2007, it looks to be about as intense as a Call of Duty game.

Borderlands

Platform: Xbox360, PS3, PC
Release Date: TBA 2008
Take a bit of Mad Max, add in a dash of Diablo’s RPG style of gameplay, sprinkle over 500,000 weapons and seal the deal with an awesome co-op mode... and you’ll begin to understand what Brothers in Arms’ developer Gearbox Software is working on. And yes, the game will be made using the Unreal 3 engine.

Duke Nukem Forever

Platform: PC
Release Date: 2008?
According to the teaser trailer released by 3D Realms in December 2007, the Duke is still alive and he’s looking pretty decent after being stuck in development hell for over ten years. As of now we have absolutely no info on this game but we’re hoping (and praying) 3D Realms finally deliver the game they’ve been promising us forever (pun intended) this year.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part IV

Bully: Scholarship Edition

Platform: Xbox360, Wii
Release Date: March 2008
All those who never got to try out Rockstar’s high school sim on the PS2 will now get a shot at the game when it hits the Xbox360 and Wii this March. Besides a visual facelift, both versions are expected to have bonus content – like new missions, newer classes, a fancier wardrobe, and much more.

Dark Messiah of Might and Magic Elements

Platform: Xbox360
Release Date: January/February 2008
Just like Rockstar’s Bully: Scholarship Edition, DMoMM Elements isn’t a new game; it’s a port of the Source-powered action RPG that hit PCs in 2006. As expected, the game will ship with a bit of extra content in the form of three new single player levels and new multiplayer maps. Not too impressive to those who’ve played it on the PC.

Tomb Raider Underworld

Platform: Xbox360, PS3, PC
Release Date: TBA 2008
While the name may sound a bit similar to the werewolves VS vampires flick of the same name, the next iteration of Tomb Raider will not feature any of the above mentioned oddities and will take place after the events of Tomb Raider Legend. A brand new engine is being developed for the game by Crystal Dynamics that’ll boast of some mad, ultra realistic lighting and weather effects.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part III

StarCraft 2

Platform: PC, Mac
Release Date: TBA 2008?
Every strategy gamer’s wet dream, StarCraft 2 has already booked its spot as one of the most played games of 2008. The day the game is released will be most auspicious for all of us StarCraft fanboys. I really can’t wait to give up a good chunk of life to indulge in some more Zerg on Marine action!

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Platform: PS3 (and by the looks of it, the Xbox 360 later on)
Release Date: May/June 2008
If you’ve played the previous MGS games, you’re bound to be super-horny for this one! After all, it’s going to be bigger than ever with its classic cinematic moments, its intriguing wtf-arousing storyline and extremely deep, lovable gameplay. If you’re a fan of Hideo Kojima’s work, you better keep an eye out for this one.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part II

Grand Theft Auto 4

Platform: Xbox360, PS3
Release Date: March/April 2008

The more I think about this game, this more it depresses me so I’m just going to leave it at that and say that it's going to own anything and everything out there next year.

/Fanboyism over!

Turok

Platform: Xbox360, PS3, PC

Release Date: February 2008

Our Channel Editor for cameras and printers, Gagan Gupta, cried himself to sleep the day he heard of Turok’s delay (it was to come out in 2007) and has promised us that he’s not going to play any other dino-hunting game till Turok hits the stands. I’m sure he’s happy now.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

Platform: Xbox360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP
Release Date: April 2008

I’m not a big Star Wars fan and I find the whole universe ultra-geeky, but one look at this game’s insane physics (combined with some crazy over-the-top force powers) had me fantasizing about the Dark Side. The Force unleashed will put players into the boots of Darth Vader’s secret apprentice and will take place between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

Upcoming Games of 2008: Part I

Hello there. It’s that time of the year once again when we sit you down and educate you on all the upcoming games you can expect across all major platforms this year. And by major platforms we mean the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 (since the Wii has not launched in India officially and procuring Wii games in India can be a bit of a bitch – one of my colleagues was spotted stalking gray market dealers for a copy of Super Mario Galaxy!)

Handheld gaming seems to have picked up once again with the new PSP Slim-n-Lite hitting Indian markets in 2007, so we’ll give you the lowdown on some cool PSP games as well.

On Halloween we had published our Upcoming Horror games of 2008, which included ten of the games we were about to mention in this list as well. Since we really don’t like repeating ourselves why don’t you head right there, crap your pants, and head back.


Platform: PC
Release Date: March/April 2008
When Crytek and Ubisoft parted ways, the Far Cry franchise (which, by the way, was developed by Crytek) stuck with the French publisher while the German developer decided to make our PCs spasm with Crysis. Far Cry 2 will still retain the sandbox feel of the original game but this time round the action has shifted to Africa and will apparently take the whole “Go anywhere, Do anything” ideology to the next level by offering players over 50 square miles to mess around with (remember, the vast expanses of Oblivion just extended to around 16 square miles). Oh and this time, you’ll be able to heal yourself by actually ripping the bullet out from your wound with your bare hands… whoa! Unfortunately this game is a PC exclusive right now but we’re hoping Ubisoft change their minds really fast.

Online games battle for top spot

Challenges to the dominance of World of Warcraft over online games and gamers look set to emerge in 2008.

So say industry watchers looking back on a year in which the field as a whole matured and signs emerged which show how the industry sector is developing.

During the year Blizzard's flagship title consolidated its hold on gamers as its subscriber base kept growing.

But debuts by Age of Conan, Warhammer Online and many others may mean that hold begins to weaken.

Numbers game

"We expected, like all the analysts, to see a dip in subscriptions in 2007,"

said Paul Younger, an editor at the Inc Gamers network.

"As it turns out we've seen the rise and rise of WoW."

At the start of 2007, the number of active subscribers playing World of Warcraft was eight million but by the end of summer the number had passed 9.3 million.

According to statistics gathered by Nielsen the average WoW player racks up 17 hours of play per week - 12 hours more than its nearest competitor The Sims. As such it was the most played PC game between April and November 2007.

In online games such as World of Warcraft players create an avatar or character, give them a profession and venture out into the game world to battle monsters, find treasure and turn their novice into a powerful hero or heroine.

Mr Younger said online games such as Lord of the Rings Online, Tabula Rasa and Hellgate: London were widely tipped to poach significant numbers of players from Blizzard but, he said, it was not clear that had happened.

"There seems to be an inability by other massively multi-player game makers to capture what Blizzard managed to capture,"

said Mr Younger.

Rob Fahey, industry veteran and columnist for Gameindustry.biz, said the new launches and continued success of WoW showed how strong the industry had become.

"There's plenty of choice out there for players now,"

he said

"You can even play massively multiplayer dancing games, if killing monsters isn't your thing."

Another sign of the growing maturity of online gaming was the notable failure of titles such as Vanguard.

Although released in February it was error prone and has taken months to become reliable enough.

"It's clear that it's no longer acceptable to release buggy games, and players aren't prepared to pay a monthly fee to test an unfinished product,"

he said.

Fantasy figures

The importance of the final polish is also thought to be behind the delayed arrival of Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Both were originally due in 2007 but now are expected before next summer.

Many see these as serious contenders to WoW because like that game they trade on a long history of earlier works.

Conan is familiar to many from Robert E Howard's original stories, the films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and the many contemporary novels that explored the world of the iconic barbarian.

Warhammer is the creation of UK firm Games Workshop and has many fans who played the tabletop game, the role-playing system, the earlier games and has read the books set in its world.

Perhaps more importantly the titles are attempting to move online gaming on from the mechanics established by Blizzard.

In Warhammer many areas of the game are contested and factions will battle to regain control of these areas. Solo players as well as those who prefer pitched battles will contribute to this back and forth that will see a lot of the game world's territory change hands many times.

By contrast Age of Conan is explicitly aiming at a mature audience - in particular combat will be bloody and realistic. The game will also allow player teams, or guilds, to set up and run their own cities or lay siege to each other's strongholds.

But, said Philip Wride, boss of consultancy firm Elysium Gaming, it could be something entirely outside the field that has a big impact on online gamine in 2008.

In the UK the Byron Review is scrutinising video games with a view to drawing up new regulations and guidelines governing them.

"It's about educating parents more than anything and perhaps making changes in terms of rating systems,"

he said.

This was likely to mean best practice guidelines for parents but may eventually involve new legislation.

"That would alter how online games are both portrayed and played,"

said Mr Wride.

Manhunt 2 to face court challenge

British censors have won the right to fight the UK release of video game Manhunt 2 in the High Court.

A judge accepted the British Board of Film Classification's argument that the game had been approved for release on a misinterpretation of the law.

The game was banned in June but the Video Appeals Committee said the game could be classified and released.

The BBFC said that the VAC had been guilty of "a very serious misdirection of law" on the question of harm.

The judge said:

"I have taken into account the high public interest in the possibility of harm to children."

Mr Justice Wyn Williams ruled the Board had an arguable case that should go to a full hearing.

Both sides agreed that the game was not suitable for children, but the BBFC argued that if given a certificate for release, it could still end up in the hands of minors.

The judge also suspended the VAC's decision that the game should be classified, halting any possibility of it going on sale until after the High Court challenge, due to take place before 31 January next year.

The BBFC said it would pay any damages that developer Rockstar might suffer as a result of the stay, if the Board loses its legal challenge.

The Board had warned that if the VAC decision had stood, it would have fundamental implications for all of its decisions, including those about unacceptable levels of violence.

Rockstar Games said that Manhunt 2 was "well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment".