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March 20, 2012

6waves Lolapps lays off dev team

Social gaming firm 6waves Lolapps has laid off its entire interal development team, and will instead focus on thirdparty publishing. The company confirmed to Gamasutra that the staff behind Ravenwood Fair - a social game on which Doom creator John Romero served as a consultant - and Ravenskye City were no longer with the company. The Raven franchise will be passed to an "external team," the company said.
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/166457/6waves_Lolapps_lays_off_dev_staff_to_focus_on_publishing_business.php
Gamasutra

Social gaming firm 6waves Lolapps has laid off its entire interal development team, and will instead focus on thirdparty publishing.

The company confirmed to Gamasutra that the staff behind Ravenwood Fair - a social game on which Doom creator John Romero served as a consultant - and Ravenskye City were no longer with the company. The Raven franchise will be passed to an "external team," the company said.

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Report: Hydrophobia dev enters administration

Dark Energy Digital, Manchester-based developer of Hydrophobia, has entered administration. Sources have confirmed to Gamesindustry.biz that administrators Leonard Curtis moved in on Friday, and that assets could be snapped up by a new firm set up by Dark Energy Digital's owners.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-19-dark-energy-digital-under-administration
gamesindustry.biz

Dark Energy Digital, Manchester-based developer of Hydrophobia, has entered administration.

Sources have confirmed to Gamesindustry.biz that administrators Leonard Curtis moved in on Friday, and that assets could be snapped up by a new firm set up by Dark Energy Digital's owners.

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Binary Domain confirmed for PC

Binary Domain will be released for PC in April, publisher Sega has confirmed. The thirdperson, squad-based shooter from Toshihiro Nagoshi's Yakuza Studio launched for PS3 and Xbox 360 last month, and will be released for PC digitally and at retail.
http://blogs.sega.com/2012/03/19/binary-domain-heading-to-pc-in-april/
Sega

Binary Domain will be released for PC in April, publisher Sega has confirmed.

The thirdperson, squad-based shooter from Toshihiro Nagoshi's Yakuza Studio was released for PS3 and Xbox 360 last month, and will be released for PC digitally and at retail.

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Report: Zynga keen on Draw Something dev

Zynga is one of a number of firms keen on an acquisition of Draw Something developer OMGPOP, according to reports. TechCrunch reports that Zynga is already in talks to buy the New York-based developer of what is now the most popular game on Facebook with 12.2 million daily active users, and has been downloaded 30 million times on mobile devices.

Zynga is one of a number of firms keen on an acquisition of Draw Something developer OMGPOP, according to reports.

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BBC iPlayer hits Xbox 360 today

Microsoft will launch the BBC iPlayer application on Xbox 360 in the UK today.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-20-bbc-iplayer-on-xbox-goes-live-today
Eurogamer

Microsoft will launch the BBC iPlayer application on Xbox 360 in the UK today.

The application will roll out throughout the course of the day and is expected to be available for all UK users by the end of Tuesday, Eurogamer reports.

The iPlayer app outputs in high definition and also features Kinect support, enabling users to navigate content using gesture and voice controls.

Unlike other TV applications available on Microsoft’s console, it will be free to use for all Xbox Live members, including non-paying subscribers.

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New iPad sells three million units in record time

Apple has sold over three million units of its new iPad since launching the device on March 16.

Apple has sold over three million units of its new iPad since launching the device on March 16.

Philip Schiller, the company’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said the third generation tablet has enjoyed the best launch in iPad history.

“The new iPad is a blockbuster with three million sold - the strongest iPad launch yet. Customers are loving the incredible new features of iPad, including the stunning Retina display, and we can't wait to get it into the hands of even more customers around the world this Friday.”

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March 19, 2012

Opinion: Tale spin

Leigh Alexander questions the assumption that games' highest calling is the telling of stories.

Listening to gaming’s most arch supporters, particularly the critical press, you’d think that what we want most – indeed, what videogames most need to move forward – is to be a storytelling medium. At least, that’s the definition that sounds best when, for example, we’re confronted with a nonbeliever. “Aren’t those things incredibly violent?” blinks your elderly neighbour, and you say: “Some are, but the ones I’m interested in tell great stories.”

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30 per cent pay to play World Of Tanks

Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi says conversion rate may be "the highest in the industry" and says the studio has "created a new sector."

Between 25 and 30 per cent of players of free-to-play military MMOG World Of Tanks spend money on in-game items, according to developer Wargaming.net.

Speaking to us at GDC earlier this month, CEO Victor Kislyi said that the game's rapid success - it has amassed 20 million registered users since its launch in 2010 - meant that the studio had "created a new sector."

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"Millions" of sales as Amazon Appstore turns one

Online retailer Amazon says its Android download store has hosted "millions" of downloads as the service celebrates its first birthday. The retailer is running a week-long promotion to celebrate the Amazon Appstore's first year in business, with discounts planned for the likes of Fruit Ninja, Tetris, The Lost City and Plants Vs Zombies.
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120315005423/en/Amazon-Appstore-Android-Celebrates-Birthday-Week-Deals
Amazon

Online retailer Amazon says its Android download store has hosted "millions" of downloads as the service celebrates its first birthday.

The retailer is running a week-long promotion to celebrate the Amazon Appstore's first year in business, with discounts planned for the likes of Fruit Ninja, Tetris, The Lost City and Plants Vs Zombies.

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MPs urge government for Games Tax Relief

The All Party Computer And Videogames Industry Group, a collection of MPs working to promote and discuss issues affecting the UK game industry, has called on government to introduce targeted tax relief for the nation's videogame companies.

The All Party Computer And Videogames Industry Group, a collection of MPs working to promote and discuss issues affecting the UK game industry, has called on government to introduce targeted tax relief for the nation's videogame companies.

The call comes in a letter to chancellor George Osborne ahead of his March Budget, which will be delivered on Wednesday. The group, which is co-chaired by MPs Tom Watson and John Whittingdale, refers to a recent TIGA report which highlights the advantages of, and potential returns from, giving tax relief to videogame companies.

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National Geographic publishing Angry Birds book

National Geographic is to publish a book to coincide with the release of Angry Birds: Space later this week. The paperback, dubbed Angry Birds: Space - A Furious Flight Into The Final Frontier, is the official companion to Rovio's upcoming sequel, promising to help readers "learn all they can about planets, moons, stars, galaxies and the mysteries of the universe."

National Geographic is to publish a book to coincide with the release of Angry Birds Space later this week.

The paperback, dubbed Angry Birds Space: A Furious Flight Into The Final Frontier, is the official companion to Rovio's upcoming sequel, promising to help readers "learn all they can about planets, moons, stars, galaxies and the mysteries of the universe."

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Molyneux: "industry wasn't ready" for Milo And Kate

Peter Molyneux has said the reason Lionhead's Kinect concept Milo And Kate never saw release was that the videogame industry "wasn't ready for something as emotionally connecting as Milo." Speaking to VG247 last month, before news broke of his departure from Microsoft, Molyneux admitted that Milo And Kate, which was first shown off at E3 in 2009 and played a key role in Microsoft's early promotion of the Kinect sensor, was "the wrong concept for what this industry currently is."
http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/19/sleight-of-hand-peter-molyneuxs-final-journey/
VG247

Peter Molyneux has said the reason Lionhead's Kinect concept Milo And Kate never saw release was that the videogame industry "wasn't ready for something as emotionally connecting as Milo."

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Rayman Origins 3DS delayed

The 3DS version of striking Ubisoft platformer Rayman Origins has been delayed to June to allow its developer to "fine-tune a few details." Michel Ancel's game was supposed to be released for 3DS in Europe last Friday, but according to Eurogamer it will now be released on June 8. While unconfirmed, it seems safe to assume the game will not meet its intended US release date of March 20.

The 3DS version of striking Ubisoft platformer Rayman Origins has been delayed to June to allow its developer to "fine-tune a few details."

Michel Ancel's game was supposed to be released for 3DS in Europe last Friday, but according to Eurogamer it will now be released on June 8. While unconfirmed, it seems safe to assume the game will not meet its intended US release date of March 20.

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EA closing online services

Electronic Arts has announced that it will be shutting down servers supporting several games' online modes, including some which use the Online Pass system, which requires users who buy second-hand games to pay a further fee to access online modes.
http://www.ea.com/1/service-updates
EA

Electronic Arts has announced that it will be shutting down servers supporting several games' online modes, including some which use the Online Pass system, which requires users who buy second-hand games to pay a further fee to access their online components.

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Metal Gear Solid 3D: Snake Eater review

A must-have if you want to show off the 3DS.

You can read this review in full in our print edition.

Our March issue, which is on sale now, features reviews of all the most important releases, together with in-depth Post Script articles, including Final Fantasy XIII-2, WipeOut 2048 and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

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Game store closures begin

Game Group has begun the process of closing down 35 of its 610 UK stores, and is notifying customers in writing that their local store is closing its doors. A Eurogamer reader sent in a letter confirming the closure of Game in Bracknell, Berkshire, with the company pointing him towards his local Gamestation. Forum posts have also confirmed closures in Hull and Wrexham.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-16-game-store-closure-letters-go-out-to-customers
Eurogamer

Game Group has begun the process of shutting down 35 of its 610 UK stores, and is notifying customers in writing that their local store is closing its doors.

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The Untouchables: Super Mario Galaxy

Limbo and BioShock's designers pull Nintendo's gravity-defying platformer back to earth.

This is the sixth and final article in our series looking for the flaws in some of the greatest and most discussed games of all time. You can read our previous dissections by following these links: 

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Draw Something dethrones Zynga on Facebook

OMGPOP's Draw Something is now the most popular Facebook game in terms of daily active users, unseating Zynga's Words With Friends. The New York studio's Pictionary-like game has 12.2 million daily active users on Facebook, according to AppData, ahead of Zynga's Words With Friends on 8 million, CityVille on 7.9 million and Hidden Chronicles, on 6.7 million.
http://www.appdata.com/leaderboard/apps?list_select=apps&metric_select=dau&start_date%5Bmonth%5D=3&start_date%5Bday%5D=19&start_date%5Byear%5D=2012&fanbase=0&genre_id=Select+category
AppData

OMGPOP's Draw Something is now the most popular Facebook game in terms of daily active users, unseating Zynga's Words With Friends.

The New York studio's Pictionary-like game has 12.2 million daily active users on Facebook, according to AppData, ahead of Zynga's Words With Friends on 8 million, CityVille on 7.9 million and Hidden Chronicles, on 6.7 million.

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FIFA Street tops UK chart

FIFA Street is the new UK all-formats number one, EA's tricksy football game giving the publisher a third consecutive chart-topper following Mass Effect 3 and SSX. With another EA football game, FIFA 12, at number four, it means EA titles occupy the top four spots in the UKIE-compiled chart, a feat the publisher has only managed twice before, in two consecutive weeks in 2003.

FIFA Street is the new UK all-formats number one, EA's tricksy football game giving the publisher a third consecutive chart-topper following Mass Effect 3 and SSX.

With another EA football game, FIFA 12, at number four, it means EA titles occupy the top four spots in the UKIE-compiled chart, a feat the publisher has only managed twice before, in two consecutive weeks in 2003. With Mario Party 9 at number five, it means none of the top five games are available at Game Group, the UK's biggest specialist videogame retailer.

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UKIE "encouraged" by TV tax break

UK trade association UKIE has said it is "encouraged" by reports claiming the government is to introduce a tax break for TV production. In a press release, UKIE praises the government's recognition of the role targeted tax relief can play in stimulating growth in the creative industries, and calls on it to extend the measure to the nation's videogame industry.

UK trade association UKIE has said it is "encouraged" by reports claiming the government is to introduce a tax break for TV production.

In a press release, UKIE praises the government's recognition of the role targeted tax relief can play in stimulating growth in the creative industries, and calls on it to extend the measure to the nation's videogame companies.

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Report: lenders turn down Game Group bid

Game Group's chances of survival appear to have slimmed further after reports claimed lenders had turned down a private equity firm's rescue bid for the beleagured videogame retailer. Last week OpCapita, a retail salvage specialist which recently bought ailing electronics retailer Comet for £2, offered to buy Game's debt from its lenders and settle accounts with suppliers, giving a glimmer of hope to the nation's largest specialist videogame retailer which had put itself up for sale in a bid to meet its quarterly rent bill and avoid slipping into administration.

Game Group's chances of survival appear to have slimmed further after reports claimed lenders had turned down a private equity firm's rescue bid for the beleagured videogame retailer.

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BAFTA crowns Portal 2 game of the year

Valve sequel and Battlefield 3 each win three awards at London ceremony.

Portal 2 was the big winner at the BAFTA Videogame Awards on Friday night, winning in three categories including the coveted Best Game award.

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March 16, 2012

UKIE laments computer science drop-off

Next Gen Skills, the cross-industry coalition formed by UK trade association UKIE which seeks to promote the study of computer programming skills, says there are 17,000 fewer students of computer science in UK universities than there were a decade ago.

Next Gen Skills, the cross-industry coalition formed by UK trade association UKIE which seeks to promote the study of computer programming skills, says there are 17,000 fewer students of computer science in UK universities than there were a decade ago.

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Mass Effect 3 tops Nordic chart

Mass Effect 3 is the new number one in the Nordic chart, which collates sales data from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Last week's number one, SSX, slips to number three, with The Sims 3: Showtime in second place meaning the entire top three are published by EA. Capcom's fighting crossover Street Fighter X Tekken debuts in eighth.

Mass Effect 3 is the new number one in the Nordic chart, which collates sales data from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Last week's number one, SSX, slips to number three, with The Sims 3: Showtime in second place meaning the entire top three is published by EA. Capcom's fighting crossover Street Fighter X Tekken debuts in eighth.

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Watch the BAFTA Videogame Awards online tonight

The BAFTA Videogame Awards are being held in London tonight, and the Academy is streaming the event live on its website. The ceremony kicks off at 9pm UK time, and a video stream will be available at the source link below.
http://www.bafta.org/games/awards
BAFTA

The BAFTA Videogame Awards are being held in London tonight, and the Academy is streaming the event live on its website.

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