The Digital Pulse 08.07.06
Posted by Joshua Richey on 08.07.2006
Is E3 dead? What developers aren't touching the PS3? What is Microsoft's answer to the PS3 launch? Can I make a successful teaser by just asking multiple questions?
I'm back from vacation, I'm sun-burnt, and I'm ready to distribute another luminous edition of The Digital Pulse. It's a bit out of the ordinary that it's been nearly 2 weeks since my last column - and not much has happened in the meanwhile. Sure, we have us some news, but nothing really major to note. But don't take my word for it; see for yourself in the latest Nooz.
Nooz
ESA Destroys E3
Perhaps the most surprising thing to take place while I was off on vacation, was the announcement that the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) would be toning down what goes on at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). E3 has been the premier gaming expo since it's inception 12 years ago. ESA president Doug Lowenstein had this to say on the developments:
"The world of interactive entertainment has changed since E3 Expo was created 12 years ago. At that time we were focused on establishing the industry and securing orders for the holiday season. Over the years, it has become clear that we need a more intimate program, including higher quality, more personal dialogue with the worldwide media, developers, retailers and other key industry audiences."
The ESA has further told the media that from now on - E3 will be by invite only. Meaning that the amount of people given access to the former ‘mega show' will be very limited. Which sucks for me, because I was going to pop my E3 cherry in 07. That will more than likely not be the case now.
There is no doubt that this is a risky move for everyone involved. E3 was the biggest stage for every developer and publisher in the industry. By doing this, they risk the chance of scaring off some of those very same publishers and developers. They are also taking this juggernaut of a trade show, and turning it into a mere ‘other show'.
There is a rumor going around that the ESA's hand was forced on this. Electronic Arts, the Mel Gibson of Gaming Publishers, has been whining about the rising costs of E3, going as far as to threaten to pull out of the show. Fearing the prospect of losing such a immense publisher, the ESA came up with the idea of a smaller (and cheaper) show.
Developers Being Cautious With PS3
There is growing concern within the gaming industry - that PS3 sales will not meet Sony's expectations. Sony's next-gen system is still on track to be released this November, but more and more developers are taking a ‘wait and see' approach. Powerhouse's such as Sega, and Ubisoft have expressed their concern for the new console, and other companies are beginning to follow.
The most recently added companies to the growing list are SNK, Atari and THQ. Last week THQ announced that it was delaying/canceling WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007, for the PS3. Sony fanboys can try to spin this however they want, but there is no doubt that this is not a good sign. The Smackdown series (which has been a Playstation exclusive up until this point) is not only the most popular wrestling series, but it's also one of the most popular franchise's in all of gaming. The game will now be released for the PS2, X-Box, and X-Box 360. This news in itself could be enough to sway one or two people from purchasing the $600 console, which with a price tag like that - Sony could not afford.
Then this week SNK announced that they will not develop for the PS3 until 2009, while Atari stated that they were not going to focus on the PS3 until 2007; after the PS3 has launched. One SNK employee recently told GameIndustry.biz:
"My first impression is that it's expensive. The PlayStation 2 is good enough. It's small and cheap. For us, for manufacturers, we have to invest in a new system, and the PlayStation 3 is a risk,"
Now granted, with the shit that SNK and Atari have been releasing for the past few years - this probably isn't that bad of news, but still, it's not the most encouraging thing to hear 3 months till launch.
[GameIndustry.Biz]
Playstation 3 vs. Gears Of War
Remember late last year when Microsoft CEO Bill Gates announced that upon the Playstation 3's release - it would fall victim to Halo 3? Ahh memories. A year and a half later, and a plethora of remark withdrawals later - that battle will never take place. Instead, Microsoft has announced that it will be Epic's latest descendant, Gears of War, that will go head to head with the launch of the Playstation 3. The game will be launched the very same day as the Playstation 3, here in the US. (November 12th)
Gears of War is 'suppose' to be the next big thing in gaming. This game is suppose to do for the X-Box 360, what Halo did for the original X-Box. One can only hope. My X-Box 360's featured use has been as a dust collector, ever since buying it. I need something to play on it, dammit. So, Gears of War had better meet the hype.
PS3 To Allow PSOne, PS2 Saves
Good News: Unlike the 360, the Playstation 3 will be completely backwards compatible with Playstation and Playstation 2 games. Also unlike the 360, you will no longer be forced to start all over on the games that are backwards compatible.
Bad News: The PS3 will still cost $599.99.
Ubisoft <3's The Wii
Ubisoft would like to be the preeminent third party developer for the Nintendo Wii. The developer/publisher currently anticipating up to seven games to launch with the Wii. Highly anticipated games such as Red Steel and Far Cry are among that list.
Told you it was a slow news week.
One Sentence News
So for those of you who don't feel like reading all of that. I, Joshua Richey, present to you: One Sentence News. All the news that you need, delivered in single sentence form. Here's what we learned this week:
- E3 as we knew it, is dead.
- Developers are taking their time with the Playstation 3.
- Gears of War will be released the same day as the PS3.
- PS3 will allow your old PSOne, and PS2 game saves.
- The Wii finally has third party support.
New Releases This Week
The following games will be hitting store shelves this week:
Games Explosion!: (GBA)
Backyard Baseball 2007: (PC)
Dead Rising: (X-Box 360)
Pirates: Legend of the Black Buccaneer: (PS2)
Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation: (GBA)
Freedom Wings: (DS)
Larryboy and the Bad Apple: (PS2, GBA)
Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots: (GBA)
D1 Grand Prix: (PS2)
Pac-Man: (X-Box 360)
Pony LUV: (PC)
Space Empire V: (PC)
Iron Aces: Heroes of WWII: (PC)
Filler. Filler. Filler!!1!
- My vacation was pretty amazing. It was just a long week of driving, roasting on the beach, and getting scammed by Cubans. I'm only half kidding. The weather, the atmosphere, and the time couldn't have been better. With school fast approaching, it was nice to take a week off of work and Myspace, and just soak in the sun. As in any great journey however, I was able to walk away from it, having learned new life lessons. So here are a list of things that I learned while on vacation this past week:
- Sun screen is your friend.
- Cubans are evil.
- Boiled peanuts are the worst thing that a person could put in there mouth.
- Getting sun burnt on your shoulder blades is beyond painful.
- I can drink 5 beers within 10 minutes, pretty easily.
- Went to Barnes & Noble yesterday. While I was there I picked up the Halo Graphic Novel, by Marvel. The book comes concealed in plastic, so there is no sampling of what the book contains. I had to fork over a good $25; but if you're a fan of the Halo franchise, I would actually recommend it. The book is composited of a flurry of Halo related stories that you'll find interesting. The artwork itself is worth the money.
- Gamefly is a complete waste of money, and they cannot go out of business soon enough.
The (O.T)
Being gone on vacation and all, I didn't do much of anything. No gaming, no CD purchasing; so this week's OT is going to be a bit smaller than it usually is.
Movie of the Week: Talladega Nights
I came away from this movie thinking that it was ‘decent' to ‘okay'. But I also made the mistake of going into it thinking that it would be Anchorman-esque. Which it is not. The movie stands on it's own two feet, and got more than a couple of laughs out of me; but I didn't think it was anything special. It's not as good as Anchorman. It's not on the same level as 40 Year Old Virgin. And it sure as hell isn't Road Trip. Some of the jokes just don't hit the mark. I suppose that they had to dumb it down for the NASCAR fans.
Future Ex-Wife of the Week: Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz is living proof as to how great women could be if they didn't talk. Look at this woman. Not even Lance Bass could resist such a woman; but when she begins to talk - you cannot turn the channel fast enough. It's like listening to all of the sad and suicidal pet birds at your local Wal-Mart SuperCenter.
