Going On’s in the Game Industry

November 18, 2008

In the turbulent times we are living globally, I thought it would be relevant to highlight some of the industry happenings as there are potential impacts to the gaming public.  Hopefully this will continue as semi-regular Loot-Ninja feature.  The following have been the recent headlines in no particular order.  Hit the links for the Loot-Ninja articles.

Lots of grim news financially and lots of studios shutting down, downsizing, rightsizing, etc.  The global recession taking a toll on the gaming industry, probably.  The above news updates are pretty similar to latest news in the banking industry.  In case you’ve been living in a cave for the past year that means things are not very good.

By Keith Carter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

50 Cent Gets Another Video Game, Everyone Dies a Little Inside

March 28, 2008

50 Cent Blood on the Sand Screen 1

So this press release came across my desk a couple days ago. But I’ve struggled to wrap my around it for a little while. 50 Cent, otherwise known as Curtis Jackson, is getting another video game, entitled 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand. To be honest, after thinking about this for a little over a half hour, my brain made a concerted effort to flee my body.

Why, oh why, do we need another game surround the thug life of 50 Cent and friends Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and DJ Whoo Kid? It’s supposed to be a co-op experience like Gears of War. But what the hell are you going to do? Run around trying to cap Kanye and Cam’ron? Try not to take that 10th magic bullet that could kill you? I can’t wait to see what kind of antics Fitty and friends will be up to this time.

If your head hasn’t imploded like mine, keep reading for the full press release and some more screenshots… who holds a fucking uzi like that anyway?

Hit the jump for more »

By Matt Banks | Tagged , , , | Comments (4)

Activision Confirms Call of Duty 5 and Guitar Hero 4

December 3, 2007

sword-pf-1000-truths.jpgJust in case you have not heard, Activision merged with Vivendi to make a monster development company. The good news keeps coming. During a press conference they confirmed that there will be a Call of Duty 5, no word on format yet, and Guitar Hero 4. Not surprised to hear this due to the fact both games are basically must haves, but its good to know that the franchises are alive and well. They also confirmed that there is no plans to put World of Warcraft on any console.

This seems to be a trend with the merging of these companies. There is way too much money involved in gaming now for any company and/or companies to avoid shrewd business moves that will create bigger and better games which result in more profit. The consumer is the real winner here in the sole reason that games have a pretty standard price. Except for the music games and their expensive peripherals, 60 bucks is the industry standard. The games get better and we still pay the same price. Looks like 2008 could be the year of the consumer.

By Steve Kohlbecker | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (3)

Activision and Vivendi Merge

December 3, 2007

Activision Logo

Didn’t expect this one. In a press release, Activision and Vivendi announced plans to merge to form Activision Blizzard. Just think, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, Starcraft, and World of Warcraft all under on roof.

Rene Penisson, Member of the Management Board of Vivendi and current Chairman of Vivendi Games, added: “We are very confident that by combining forces, Activision Blizzard will set the highest standards in quality, reputation and profitability, and will bring together the best creative teams in the industry. The combination of this unique product portfolio with highly professional employees gives us great confidence in the growth prospects for Activision Blizzard.”

Let’s just hope that quality thing sticks. It’s all about the best games, and I think both Activision and Vivendi intend on keeping it that way.

Hit the jump for more »

By Matt Banks | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)