Gearbox to show “never before seen footage” of its games at PAX Prime

Gearbox Software will be attending PAX Prime, and according to the panel listing, it’s to show “never before seen footage of upcoming releases.”


According to the panel description, Randy Pitchford and co. will dish some “juicy exclusives, surprising disclosures, unbelievable scoops and behind the scenes access on what Gearbox is up to”.

Sounds pretty nifty.

These “juicy exclusives” could or will include information on the fourth DLC pack for Borderlands, Aliens: Colonial Marines, or the three unannounced titles listed on the company website, one of which may or may not be Duke Nukem Forever – Pitchford refuses to confirm or deny the rumor.

Guess we’ll all find out what’s in store for us come Sunday, September 5 at 3.00pm PST/5.00pm EST when Pitchford, Brian Martel, and Mikey Neumann take the stage.

PAX Prime run September 3-5 in Seattle, Washington.

Thanks, BigDownload.

FFXIV PS3 delay down to “memory,” says Square Enix

The PlayStation 3 version of MMO Final Fantasy XIV was delayed due to “memory” issues, producer Hiromichi Tanaka told VG247.


Speaking to us at gamescom last week, the developer explained for the first time why the PS3 version was held back into March next year.

“The main reason was the memory,” said Tanaka via his translator.

“On the PC, they have enormous memory. For PS3, there’s a restriction.

“They are adjusting the memory size and customising it; it took longer then we were expecting. But we’re really working hard to bring it out as soon as possible.”

When asked if this was a memory issue with either the Blu-ray or HDD, Tanaka just said in English: “Memory.”

In hindsight, he was probably referring to RAM issues.

Final Fantasy XIV launches at the end of next month for PC, and enters an open beta early next month.

The PS3 version lands in March 2011. Tanaka told us a 360 version was still being talked about with Microsoft.

4Gb 360 Slim launches in Japan on September 9

Microsoft’s announced it’s launching the 4Gb Xbox 360 Slim in Japan next month.


The newest SKU will go on sale in the country for ¥19,800 on September 9, with the launch of a separate 250Gb HDD for ¥15,540.

Microsoft announced the new SKU last month alongside the pricing of Kinect in the US and Europe.

Thanks, Joystiq.

Microsoft denies Kinect voice control launch omission

Microsoft has just denied that voice controls have been dropped from Kinect’s launch, despite an MCV story to the contrary.


It looks as though there could be a foreign language element to the story, though: Microsoft refused to comment on the availability of all languages at launch.

“Voice control is an exciting part of the Kinect for Xbox 360 controller-free experience and we can confirm that it will be available at launch in November 2010,” said the firm in a statement.

“Only on Xbox 360 will you be able to navigate the Kinect Hub using your voice to control your movies, TV Shows and music.

“We do not have additional details to share about local voice availability at this time.”

MCV reported earlier today that there would be “no voice control for Kinect launch”.

“Microsoft has confirmed to MCV that Kinect will not boast any voice control functionality at launch,” said the site.

“Speaking at Gamescom, marketing manager for Xbox Live EMEA Robin Burrowes stated that “we will be announcing when voice control will be turned on in due course.”

The site then updated its piece to say, “MCV can also confirm that chat software Video Kinect will also not feature as part of the accessory’s launch. Like voice control, that will also arrive at a later date.”

Reach to be MS’s biggest marketing spend ever

Microsoft’s has told Advertising Age it will go OTT with its Halo: Reach marketing spend, promising it to be the biggest ever for one of its games.


Global product manager Michael Stout didn’t give exact figures, but Halo 3’s launch spend was $6.5 million back in September 2007.

Plans for the Bungie shooter’s advertising include 300 million Mountain Dews, 30 million bags of Doritos, a UFC sponsorship, live action TV spots and a robot in San Francisco.

Halo: Reach launches worldwide on September 14 for 360.

Xbox 360 will continue to be offered into 2015, says Lewis

Microsoft Europe’s VP of interactive business, Chris Lewis, has told BusinessWeek that the company will continue to offer Xbox 360 for another five years.


Speaking at gamescom last week, Lewis’s comment confirms the console will have a ten-year life-cycle – the console launched in 2005 – alongside Sony’s much reported intention to continue with a ten-year life-cycle for PS3.

Another five years of longevity is all down to Kinect, according to Lewis.

“Kinect really gives us, I think, a very genuine additional five years,” he said in Cologne.

“What Kinect does is broaden us out to users that we weren’t addressing in the past.”

When asked if Microsoft would release a new console while 360 was still on sale, Lewis said “we’re not fixated on that right now.”

Sony’s already admitted it’s working on new hardware, while Nintendo president Satoru Iwata’s said his company is “studying and developing the next console to Wii”.

Western Vanqush demo coming next week

Sega’s announced it’s releasing the western demo of Vanquish on August 31 for PSN and Xbox Live – that’s next Tuesday, if you can’t keep count.


The August 31 date applies to the US only: Europe gets it the following day on September 1, followed by the previously announced Japanese taster on September 2.

The demo is one level long, featuring two difficulty levels: casual or normal.

Sci-fi actioner Vanquish releases on October 19 in the US and October 22 in the UK for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Resistance 3 finally announced in Cologne

Update: Trailer added.

Original: Sony’s finally announced Resistance 3 during its gamescom press conference in Cologne tonight.


A trailer was shown of the Insomniac shooter sequel at the event, beginning with a train going through a countryside, before showing a gun being readied in a destroyed landscape town.

People on the train are then seen clasping their hands in fear, before gunfire erupts and the Chimera emerged.

The reveal will finally put gamers at ease in regards to the game after first being outed in a billboard last year, followed then by a retail listing in July.

No date other then 2011.

Insomniac announces Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One

Insomniac Games has announced a new Ratchet & Clank title during Sony’s gamescom conference in Cologne.


Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One is a four-player co-op experience with huge battles and tons of cooperative gameplay.

You will be able to play as Dr.Nefarious and Captain Qwark alongside both Ratchet and Clank. There will also be an online drop-in, drop-out feature, so you can play together side-by-side or online with up to three other friends.

Insomniac promise more exclusive Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One content soon.

Thanks VG247.

GT5 finally dated for Europe

Sony has finally dated Gran Turismo 5 for Europe; the game will be hitting shelves on November 3.

Sony announces new 320GB PS3 Move SKU

Sony has announced a 320GB PS3 Move bundle for €347/$399.99 and also a 160GB PS3 for $299.99 which will replace the current 120Gb model.


Sony said the new models will “continue to offer the same advanced features and functions of the current models, but with approximately 33 percent more capacity and at compelling price points”.

Folks wanting an increased HDD can thank the folks who downloaded over 1 billion pieces of content off PSN as of July 2010.

The 160GB model PS3 is now shipping to retailers at the same price as the existing PS3 model.

As part of the September 19 launch of Move, the PS3 Sports Champions Move bundle will introduce the 320GB model PS3 system along with one Move motion controller, a PlayStationEye camera, a copy of Sports Champions, and bonus Blu-ray game demo disc.

“With the launch of PlayStation Move just around the corner, we’re expecting many new consumers to join the PlayStationfamily,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of product marketing. “The PS3 Sports Champions Move bundle provides those families with everything they need to get into motion control gaming at a great value, with the 320GB model PS3 system as the centerpiece of the package.

“Also, as PlayStation Network continues to evolve with exciting new services, the hunger for digital content grows; these larger storage capacities address that demand and encourage consumers to take full advantage of the complete PS3 experience.”

Thanks VG247.

Dead Space 2 screens show horrible space monsters

EA has released four new Dead Space 2 screens from gamescom.

Get ‘em below.


They show our hero Isaac fighting space monstrosities.

Dead Space 2 will be available on January 25 on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

The PS3 version will have Move support and the game will be released in HD for the first time ever.

2K responds to criticism over PS3 version of Mafia II

2K has posted on its official forums a response to user criticism of the PS3 version of Mafia II, advising users there are some differences between the various versions.


Apparently, folks were a bit confused as to why the PS3 version of the game did not contain the grass details, pools of blood, or cloth movement as other versions.

We’ll cut to the chase and just let you get to the response posted by Elizabeth Tobey, 2K’s senior manager of interactive marketing:

“When designing Mafia II, we optimized for each of the three different systems the game would run on to make sure the core experience was the best it could be. Because of this, there are some differences from one platform to the next.

“In terms of the PS3 version, I wanted to clarify a couple points you have been asking about: There will not be highly detailed grass or large pools of blood, the cloth movement is less noticeable than, for example, the PC version, and the visual fidelity in the demo is generally representative of what you’ll see in the full game.”

This is in contrast to a earlier comment which stated the grass free version was a earlier build of the game and its sure to anger fans., although 2k say there’s nothing to worry about as the experience will remain the same.

“Our aim is to make a cohesive and immersive experience and optimize the game for each platform so that it could run its best. And while there are some differences between each version, I’m sure you’ll find that the core gameplay and the heart of Mafia II remains no matter whether you play on PS3, 360, or PC.”

Mafia II is out next week on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Need for Speed limited Edtion announced

EA and Criterion announced a Limited Edition version of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit.


The Limited Edition features six of the world’s most exotic cars: the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Ford Shelby GT500, Audi TT RS Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Porsche Cayman S and Dodge Challenger SRT8.

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Ford Shelby GT500 are only available in the Limited Edition and will not be available at any other time.

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit will be available on November in the UK on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Crysis 2 gets limited and nano edtions

EA has announced two special editions for its shooter Crysis 2, a Limited Edition and the Nano Edition.


Both editions will feature premium packaging and special unlocks in the Crysis 2 multiplayer game, although both editions will only be available for pre-order in limited quantities.

The Crysis 2 Limited Edition will be available for no additional cost and features four in-game unlocks for the ultimate multiplayer experience:
Bonus XP – Players will jump into multiplayer battles with an edge by starting with enough experience points to gain early access to all 5 preset class load-outs.
SCAR Hologram Decoy – This special attachment to the SCAR will project a hologram image of the player, allowing them to confuse their opponents with the decoy.
SCAR Weapon Skin – This digital camouflage skin will allow players to add a personalized touch to one of the more popular assault rifles in the game.
Platinum Dog Tag – This special one-of-a-kind dog tag is one of over 250 that will be collectible in Crysis 2 multiplayer, helping to separate you from the rest of the field.

The Crysis 2 Nano Edition is designed for the ultimate Crysis fan and will include the Limited Edition housed in a steel case plus an 11” / 28 cm statue of the game’s hero “Prophet” on top of a New York taxi cab, a high-quality art book, all packaged inside a backpack modelled after the Nanosuit itself.

The Nano Edition is available in extremely limited quantities via pre-order only for £119.99.

Finally EA and Crytek also announced a multiplayer beta for the game, which will be exclusive to Xbox 360 later this year.

EA announces Mass Effect 2 for PS3

EA has just announced Mass Effect 2 for PS3.


Did you fall out of your chair with the news or where you expecting it?


We fell out of our chair, but for different reasons.

Anyway, the long-rumored and long-wished for PS3 version of our favorite space opera is coming in January 2011.

Thanks VG247

EA debut FIFA 11 gameplay

EA has released a brand new gameplay trailer for FIFA 11 on its Facebook page.


The video highlights new features such as Pro Passing, Personality +, 360 degrees fighting for possession and pink football shirts.

Two other announcements include 11 vs. 11 online play and also for the first time the series introduces Be A Goalkeeper allowing you to making saves from a free kick, punching balls safely out of danger, handle the pressure of the corners, and most importantly, keeping a clean sheet.

Awesome or what?

A demo for it will be released on September 16.

Check out the trailer here.

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Kinect compatible

EA has announced its new Harry Potter title will be compatible with Microsoft’s Kinect, allowing you to cast offensive and defensive spells, controller free with a friend.

The Weasley twins from the movie, James and Oliver Phelps, were on stage to demonstrate the Kinect demo, which showed an on the rails style level, with the players standing still while using hand gestures to cast spells at the enemies.

Deathly Hallows Part 1 takes place outside of Hogwarts as the kids try to stop Voldemort and his minions by destroying the Big V’s Horcruxes.

The game is out this November, and the movie hits theaters on November 19.

Brian Jarrard: Reach defines Bungie’s Halo

Bungie’s Brain Jarrard has told VG247 Halo: Reach will set the benchmark for all future games in the series.


Speaking to Pat during Microsoft’s Play Day, Jarrard said the game is a culmination of all that is great about the series.

“We feel every new franchise is unique, therefore when we are creating a game improve upon that,” he said. “The goal is to look at the whole franchise and carry forward and improve upon all the releases so far, Reach is the culmination of that.

“So in our opinion, Halo: Reach is the best Halo game bar none.”

Jarrard elaborated as to why Reach will be such a great game for Halo fans, going through the series games one by one.

“It’s definitive for fans who love Halo 2’s multiplayer as we have pushed that further, we have kept and improved upon the storytelling elements of Halo ODST and we have added new features based on Halo 3,” said Jarrard.

“So this is the game that defines Bungie’s Halo and this is the game that will set the bar for all Halo games to come.”

You can listen to the whole interview and watch Johnny dancing by clicking here.New screens for Firefight’s “Corvette” and a new video are here as well.

Halo: Reach – New video, Firefight’s “Corvette” revealed

In just four weeks, Halo: Reach will be out and loads of you will call in sick to work.

To celebrate, Bungie has released a new video called A Spartan Will Rise, and you thought the one found on YouTube this morning was all you’d get.


In it, the video offers a preview of Noble Team’s story, who “through great sacrifice and courage, saved countless lives in the face of impossible odds”.

Watch it here, on Halo Waypoint.

Halo: Reach is currently available for pre-order in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions at participating retailers with the Standard running £49.99, and the Limited and Legendary editions of the game for £59.99 and £99.99, respectively.

Oh, and don’t forget about the Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach Bundle for £249.99 exclusively at GAME and gamestation, especially if you’re needing a new system anyway. A headset and wireless controller are also available for £39.99 and £34.99, respectively.

The game launched worldwide on September 14.

Kinect launches on November 10 “across Europe”

And we have lift off. Microsoft’s kicked off gamescom’s press conference day by announcing a November 10 European release date for Kinect.


The announcement of the motion camera’s European launch comes as no shock, and is thought to be Microsoft’s main spill for its “Play Day” event in Cologne later today.

Kinect launches on November 4 in the US, as announced at E3.

There was a little confusion over the date this morning. While Microsoft’s press release stated Kinect will launch on November 10 in Britain, an included Chris Lewis quote said the peripheral will appear on November 17.

Microsoft has now confirmed to VG247 that the Lewis quote date is in fact a typo, and Kinect will release “across Europe” on November 10.

“We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we’re committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox’s global success,” said the European Xbox boss.

“With Kinect launching on November 10, it’s set to not only transform our business but also change how we use entertainment.

“With Kinect, YOU become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We’re already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share.”

Ubisoft dishes details on Ghost Recon Wii and PSP for November

Ubisoft has detailed Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon for Wii and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Predator for PSP, both of which are scheduled to ship in November 2010.

Ghost Recon Predator on PSP takes place in the jungles of Sri Lanka, where the Ghosts have 72 hours to prepare the way for a US invasion force. As open conflict with Pakistan looms, the Ghosts uncover proof that they’ve been targeting the wrong enemy. Now they must act before “falsified intelligence lures America into an unpredictable and devastating war”. You can get shots of it over on the US PS Blog.

Game features include:
An exclusive tactical experience: Decide what tactics are best – use your massive firepower to eliminate powerful enemies or use the jungle to sneak behind enemies and strike using the element of surprise.
Electronic warfare: Use high-tech equipment to hunt, such as drones, air support and prototype weapons. Gaining experience for your squad allows customization of your Ghosts, making them more powerful.
Multiplayer co-op: Create a rifle team with two other friends (up to three players ad-hoc). Use flanking tactics with your teammate to outsmart the opposition.

In Ghost Recon Wii, soldiers Hibbard and Booth must operate as a two-man team after being inserted in Moscow and separated from the rest of their team. Both must reply on the intel of the local militia and fight their way to their target in a city infested with enemies. With the numbers clearly not in their favor, they will have to “use their advanced weaponry and training to make sure the odds are”. You can watch a video of it over on YouTube, courtesy of Revo Gamers.

Game features include:
A true Ghost Recon experience: Progress through 12 missions of high intensity combat, tactical infiltration and WOW moments, from the villages of Norway to the streets of Moscow. No matter your skill level, Ghost Recon on Wii is designed to specifically accommodate a wide range of players, from casual players to hardcore gamers.
Built from the ground co-op experience: Two players in third-person on one screen make the experience more natural, more intuitive and more social than ever. Co-Op Hot Join: Friends can hop in and out of co-op at-will, with the AI taking over as needed.
Arcade Mode: Play in cooperative mode and compare your score online on the world leader boards.

This means you’ll get your hands on some Ghost Recon: Future Solider before it hits elsewhere, because as you know, it’ been delayed into 2011 on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.

It’s expected to hit retail sometime between January 1 and March 31.

Square announces Gun Loco for Xbox 360

Square has announced a new third-person shooter called Gun Loco for Xbox 360.

Apparently, takes place in a solar system where only the “craziest criminals in the universe” are incarcerated on a remote prison planet. There are no walls and they’ve been forgotten by society.


Here’s a story and background blurb:

In this long-abandoned world, the only rule is anarchy, as each faction fights in a bloodthirsty race for survival, power and freedom. Through several seven climate zones and numerous stylized maps, players must fight through the ruins of the world’s previous civilizations, taking on each region’s inmates in a frantic and frenetic struggle to survive.

Gun Loco’s characters feature a unique visual style with each created from the original design concepts of respected designer and toy maker Kenny Wong. Founder of kennyswork, Co-founder of Hong Kong-based Brothersfree and co-creator of the cult Brothersworker series of collectible action figures, Kenny’s incredible design style and unique characterization are a perfect fit for the bizarre world of Gun Loco. Painstakingly crafted by hand, each comic caricature has been designed from scratch as a real, poseable action figure in the Brothersworker vein before being digitally scanned into the game. Gun Loco brings these memorable misfits and surreal sociopaths to life through animation, audio and unforgettable action gameplay.

It’s contains both single and multiplayer in a “sprint-action shooter format”, meaning its a run-and-gun game, and to keep from getting mowed down by enemies, players must run, jump, duck and vault while using the environments to their advantage.

Each character comes with its own kill move, a mocking take-down taunt, comic style gameplay, and 12-player online multiplayer matches.

Gun Loco will be out for 360 next year, and until then, find out more on the official website once it launches on August 18.

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Howard: New Bethesda game “pretty far along”, working on another

Todd Howard has said the unannounced game he and his team of over 90 staffers are currently at work on has been in development for around two years now, and furthermore, Howard said he’s also at work on another unannounced title at Bethesda.


Speaking with Eurogamer at QuakeCon, Howard said the title furthest along will be announced soon, but he wouldn’t say when to expect the reveal.

“I spend a lot of my time on the game that’s in pre-production, but the new game that’s percolating takes the most of my time,” he said. “Right, so we’re in production on the new game, and we have a design going for the one after that.

“We’re not ready even to talk about [the timing of the announcement], because it might change. I don’t want to disappoint people.

“One thing I can say is that from when you first hear about it to when it’s out will be the shortest it’s been for us. It’s pretty far along. When we show it, we want to show a lot, because there’s a lot of game there to play right now.

“You know, if [global VP of PR and marketing] Pete Hines came in and said, ‘I want you to show it,’ I’d be like, ‘Okay, I’m ready to show it.’ But we’ve just decided for now not to yet.”

Howard wouldn’t even hint if it was a new Elder Scrolls title or not, but instead mentioned the game was created using modified version of Fallout 3’s engine.

“Fallout 3 technically does a lot more than Oblivion,” he said. “The new stuff is an even bigger jump from that.

“I can say it is on the existing platforms, which we’re really happy with. You almost feel like you have a new console when you see the game.”

Howard first revealed the unannounced title during his QuakeCon panel last week with RAGE producer Tim Willits and Respawn Entertainment’s Vince Zampella and Jason West.

Hollenshead: Doom 4 for simutaneous release, thinking about Wolfenstein

id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead has said Doom 4 will be targeted for simultaneous release on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, while adding Wolfenstein is still in the “thinking about it” phase.


Speaking in response to a Kotaku question on the very subject, Hollenshead said, “That’s absolutely what we’re thinking, that would certainly be the hope.”

As for Wolfenstein, Hollenshead commented: “It would be sad if there’s not another Wolfenstein game because I’m a personal fan of the franchise.

“Wolfenstein 3D is the game that got me started in PC gaming. So personally I have a lot of emotional and sentimental attachment to that game. Even before I was working at id I was playing Wolf 3D, but we’re still in the ‘thinking about it” phase at this point.”

id’s next big game comes in the shape of Rage, which will be released this September.

Crysis 2 dated for March

Crytek’s just announced a March release for Crysis 2.


In the US, it’ll release on March 22, and in Europe on March 25 for PC, Xbox 360 andPS3.

Crytek announced the news via Twitter.

It was due by the end of this year, with its release even pushed up to autumn, but EA announced last week it had delayed the title into Q4 FY2011.

But all’s well that ends well, eh?

Thanks, Gamerzines.

Respawn’s Vince Zampella and Jason West at QuakeCon – not very much happened

Following on from Todd Hollenshead and John Carmack’s DOOM 4-less QuakeCon keynote last night, ex-Infinity Ward bosses Vince Zampella and Jason West took to the Texan stage this morning to talk about making blockbuster games.


The execs’ QuakeCon panel today marked a first public appearance since their very public sackings as heads of the Modern Warfare developer in March.

Now heads of start-up Respawn Entertainment, Zampella and West are sitting alongside RAGE producer Tim Willits and Bethesda’s Todd Howard, talking about how to create monster games.

Arkane: We were more “dependent” than “independent”

At Quakecon yesterday, Bethesda announced during the opening keynote its parent company Zenimax had acquired Arkane Studios; something which the Arkane’s CEO and co-creative director Raphael Colantonio welcomes because “it’s not fun to be independent”.


Speaking with Gamasutra following the announcement Colantonio and co-creative director Harvey Smith said the firm was more “dependent” than “independent”.

“I don’t think [being independent] was in our DNA,” said Colantonio. “From day one, doing Arkane was a vehicle to make the games that we wanted.

“To be honest, if I could have made them at Electronic Arts when I was at EA, I would have made them there. If I could have made them at the company I was at after that… I would have made them there. But the people I was working with weren’t interested in considering them. It’s not like making a business was fun for me — I’m not a business guy.

“If you look at our history, we’ve had a lot of good intentions, and there was always something a little off, like the publisher wouldn’t quite support what we wanted, or they wouldn’t understand the game so they would market it the wrong way, or whatever.

“It’s not fun to be independent — really, this is called more a ‘dependent developer’, if you ask me…There’s no better [company] than Bethesda to understand [our games] and be successful in marketing the games that we do.”

Harvey Smith added Bethesda wasn’t the first firm to approach Arkane with an offer, but it was the first one it accepted.

“They approached us to talk about the kind of games that we are known for, the kind that Raph and I love, that we advocate,” said Smith. “That was a weird moment in time… that’s when we knew they were different.

“Without going into too much detail, I can say I’ve worked with publishers in the past that all they’ve wanted to do is work with me, but change what I wanted to do. And it was different with Bethesda, they said ‘We’re interested in working with Arkane because of what Arkane does’”.

Arkane has described the current game it’s working on as a cross between Underworld, Half-Life, and Deus Ex.

No word if this “current game” is The Crossing or not, which the firm put on hold last year due to financial constraints.