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Topics - TJ Spyke

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1
General Gaming / NCAA ends deal with EA
« on: July 17, 2013, 04:31:29 PM »
The NCAA announced today that they will not renew their contract with EA Sports when it expires in June 2014 (making the just released NCAA Football 14 the last entry in the series). They essentially cite legal reasons. Though they don't say it, GameSpot speculates that it may have to do with the lawsuit several former college players brought against EA and the NCAA for using their likeneses.


EA says they will continue making college football games, just not affiliated with the NCAA. They could theoretically make separate deals with the different Bowls, schools, and conferences (like the FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer games do).


http://www.gamespot.com/news/ncaa-wont-renew-ea-sports-contract-6411604?tag=nl.e513&s_cid=e513&ttag=e513

2
Nintendo Gaming / Wii U supposedly hacked
« on: April 30, 2013, 03:54:41 PM »
A group of hackers are claiming they have cracked the Wii U, finding a way for people to circumvent the systems copy protection ad play pirated games from USB media. They say it's compatible with all Wii U models and regions and does not require soldering. The group claiming to do it apparently made one of the most popular drive chips for the Wii.


It can't be verified yet if this is true, but what impact do you guys see this having if it is? This is not somebody coming up with a way to mod a system to play homebrew games, these guys did this specifically as a way to let people pirate games.


http://www.gamespot.com/news/wii-u-copy-protection-hacked-claims-modding-group-6407737?

3
NWR Forums Discord / TJ Spyke is not a gentleman.
« on: April 22, 2013, 09:28:34 PM »
Nope, you're not saying that.

4
General Chat / Um, Apple thread
« on: April 14, 2013, 11:24:32 PM »
There is one for Android, so I thought maybe there could be a general thread on Apple news and discussion. I will start it off with general stuff.


Reports are that Apple will unveil iOS 7 at the 2013 Worldwide Developers Conference (iOS 5 was announced at the 2011 one, and iOS 6 at the 2012 one), which would mean a mid-August release at the earliest. It will supposedly be sleeker and more simple.

UK consumer watch dog the Office of Fair Trading is investigating Apple over the issue of in-app purchases in games aimed at children following a 300% increase in complaints about it from consumers (including a UK police officer who reported his own child for fraud after refused to refund $5,680 worth of in-app purchases his kid made). Although any ruling would only affect the UK, the size of the UK market could lead to any ruling to cause Apple to tighten rules on in-app purchases from childrens games.


Code in the beta version of OS X 10.8.4 suggest that future Mac's may support 802.11ac, the proposed next generation of wi-fi (currently its 802.11n). 802.11ac is not yet ratified by the IEEE (though its expected to do so by late 2013 or early 2014). It will provide a major bump in speed and performance, up to 1.3Gbpsm though it only uses the 5Ghz band and isnt as efficient at getting through solid objects like floors and walls.
[/size]
[/size]Apple has reportedly agreed to pay $53 million to settle a 2010 class action lawsuit regarding Apple refusing to honor warranties on iOS devices.

5
General Gaming / Sell millions, still a failure?
« on: March 26, 2013, 12:53:40 PM »
So Square Enix released their financials today, and one thing I noticed that is further proof that gaming budgets are getting way out of hand. The re-boot of Tomb Raider has already sold 3.4 million copies (not even counting digital sales) since launching March 4, but the company still says the game has failed to meet sales expectations.


Overal, Square Enix expest to post a loss of ¥13 billion ($138 million) for the fiscal year ending March 31. This has led to long time CEO/President Yoichi Wada to resign, he had been CEO since Square and Enix merged in 2003 (before that he had been CEO of Square since December 2000). He will be replaced by by former company director Yosuke Matsuda.


http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-03-26-square-enix-revises-full-year-forecast-expects-major-losses?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-03-26-yoichi-wada-steps-down-as-square-enix-ceo?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily

6
Nintendo Gaming / Interview with Nintendo on indie developers
« on: March 25, 2013, 06:39:57 PM »
Gamasutra has posted a interview they did with Dan Adelman, who is the man responsible at Nintendo for working with indie developers. Some of the highlights:


*Mentioning that Nintendo has dropped the requirement that developers have to have a office separate from their home
*Mentioned stuff like eShop developers getting to choose their price (citing the example of Little Inferno starting at $14.99, the the developer put it on sale at $9.99 and deciding it was selling so well that they would keep it at that price) and that patching games are easy
*Nintendo has started providing Unity Pro 4 (which normally costs $1,500) free of cost to licensed developers, pointing out how this will make it easy for developers with Unity and a Wii U dev kit to port a game from Unity to Wii U and vice-versa. Also said that at GDC they will unveil new tools for developers to use HTML5 and JavaScript to make games
*Mentioned that Nintendo has dropped the requirement for digital games after WiiWare to sell a minimum number of copies before developers get revenue. This means that for DSiWare, 3DS eShop, and Wii U eShop, developers get revenue the moment they sell any copies.
*They worked and continue to work with developers on feedback for stuff like what functionality they want in the eShop, how they can make developer tools better, etc. They also try to make it easier to interact with, making sure to answer any question or at least reply within 24 hours.


http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/189180/Nintendos_indies_guy_tells_you_how_to_get_your_games_approved.php

7
General Gaming / Steam Box
« on: March 12, 2013, 10:04:53 PM »
On Spak's suggestion, maybe this can be the official thread for the Steam Box. Here is what we know about Xi3's version of Steam Box:

It's launching Holiday 2013.

There will be 3 configurations. One will be $999 and come with a 128GB SSD. The next will be $1,340 with a 256GB SSD. The final will be $1,750 with a 512GB SSD.

All three will come with 8GB of RAM and a 3.2 GHz Quad Core AMD A10 processor. Valve has said they have nothing to do with Xi3's version of Steam Box, which is codenamed "Piston".

8
General Gaming / Sony patents tech to block used games
« on: January 04, 2013, 01:36:09 PM »
Yesterday Sony patented a technology that would allow them to block used games from being played. Essentially every disc would have a RF tag. When the system checks the disc, if the tag doesn't match (i.e. it's linked to another system), the disc will not play. In the patent application, Sony says game creators receive no compensation from sales of used games. New reports out today say Sony themselves might not use the tech, but would put it in the system and let developers choose if they want to use it for their games.


http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2013-01-03-sony-patent-would-suppress-second-hand-sales


I saw a note on IGN's Daily Fix which correctly pointed out that this would also stop you from sharing games with friends.

9
NWR Feedback / Origin
« on: November 14, 2012, 07:46:19 PM »
There is an option to add your Steam ID to your profile, so how about adding the option for your Origin ID? I know I am not the only one who uses it, and it would be fair.

10
General Gaming / ESRB to introduce free ratings for download games
« on: October 24, 2012, 12:20:44 PM »
The ESRB is trying to expand the use of its rating system, and is doing do by letting downloadable games be rated quickly and for free. Developers will be able to get their game rated instantly by just filling out an online questionnaire  and can have it done for free. In addition to the age rating, this Digital Rating Service (as they are calling it) will also have privacy descriptors for customers. It will warn if a "game shares their personal information with third parties, their location with other users, or allows uncensored user interaction through direct communications, media sharing, or user-generated content."
[/size]
[/size]I assume this could apply to console and handheld games, but I think this was obviously aimed at iOS/Android/Windows Phone games.
[/size]
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-10-24-esrb-rolls-out-no-cost-ratings-for-downloadable-games?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily

11
General Gaming / IGN up for sale
« on: October 17, 2012, 01:55:51 PM »
It's being reported that News Corporation is working with investment bank Allen & Co. to sell IGN (after a year of failing to find buyers). The Wall Street Journal (which is also owned by News Corp.) expects IGN to be sold for $100 million (come on NWR, you have that kind of money, ;) ). This is far less than the $650 million News Corp. paid for it back in 2005. Don't forget that News Corp. also bought Myspace for $580 million in 2005 and sold it last year for only $35 million. Some of the interested parties include Break Media (which owns break.com and ScreenJunkies) and SAY Media (which owns sites like Dogster).
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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-10-16-ign-going-up-for-auction?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us-daily

12
General Gaming / Weekly releases
« on: August 18, 2012, 10:29:53 PM »
Thought I would start a thread where each week I will post the new releases of the week (for those wondering). Maybe evolve it over time. This week's new releases in North America for August 11-18. Maybe I will add PC games later:


*Mama's Combo Pack: Volume 1 from Cooking Mama Limited and Majesco for the DS. This compilation contains Cooking Mama and Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures.
[size=78%]*Mama's Combo Pack: Volume 2 from Cooking Mama Limited and Majesco for the DS. This compilation contains Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends and Crafting Mama.[/size]
[size=78%]*Crazy Chicken: Pirates from Teyon for DSiWare, you can download it on DSi/DSi XL/3DS. It's a point and shoot action game.[/size]
[size=78%]*Crazy Chicken: Pirates 3D from Teyon for the eShop, you can download it on 3DS. It's a point and shoot action game.[/size]
[size=78%]*The Last Story from Mistwalker and Xseed Games for Wii. It's a epic-RPG from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and FF composer Nobuo Uematsu.[/size]
[size=78%]*Mama's 2-Pack from Cooking Mama Limited and Majesco for Wii. It's a compilation of Cooking Mama: Cook-Off and Cooking Mama: World Kitchen.[/size]
[size=78%]*Darksiders II from Vigil Games and THQ for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Very Zelda-esque, you star as Death (of the Four Horsemen of the [/size][size=78%]Apocalypse[/size][size=78%]) in this story that runs parallel to the first Darksiders.[/size]
[size=78%]*Sleeping Dogs from United Front Games and Square Enix for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This is a open world game that was originally known as True Crime: Hong Kong before Activision sold it to Square Enix.[/size]
[size=78%]*Papo & Yo from Minority for the PlayStation Network on PlayStation 3. Star as Quico in this adventure game as he escapes reality and his alcoholic dad.[/size]
[size=78%]*Dust: An Elysian Tail from Humble Hearts and Microsoft Studios for Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360. This is a side-scrolling action RPG.[/size]
[size=78%]*The Expendables 2 Videogame for ZootFly and Ubisoft for Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360 and PC. An action game based on the movie of the same name.[/size]
[size=78%]*Comedy Night from Neil Jones for Xbox Indie Games on Xbox 360. It's a puzzle game.[/size]
[size=78%]*One Million Taps from Clay Schubiner for Xbox Indie Games on Xbox 360. It's a puzzle game.[/size]
[size=78%]*Maze of Apes from Blanc Game Studio for Xbox Indie Games on Xbox 360. It's a puzzle game.[/size]
[size=78%]*0 Gravity Y3030 from Evolving Software for Xbox Indie Games on Xbox 360. It's a driving game.[/size]
[size=78%]*Sticky Bump from KeeWeed for Xbox Indie Games for Xbox 360. It's a action game.[/size]

13
General Chat / Developing for iOS
« on: June 25, 2012, 08:23:48 PM »
Does anyone know of free programs to develop for iOS? Not necessarilyfor games, but just for something like education apps. I can't seem to find any that are free.

14
General Gaming / Activision Blizzard possibly being sold
« on: June 07, 2012, 06:28:14 PM »
Bloomberg is reporting that at their annual executive meeting next month, Vivendi SA will consider selling their 61% stake in Activision Blizzard. The company is their 4th largest unit (they also own Canal+, Universal Music, and several telephone companies) and 2nd fastest growing, but the companies stock has dropped from €19 to €13 in the last year. Other plans may include dividing the company in two with ACTV, Universal, and Canal in one.

If Vivendi were to sell their majority stake in Activision Blizzard, who would most likely buy it? I am sure EA or Microsoft could afford it and would love to have stuff like the Skylanders series making money for them.

15
Nintendo Gaming / eShop
« on: March 19, 2012, 07:55:11 PM »
I don't think there is a central topic to talk about the eShop and its games, so maybe this can be it? I don't have much experience with it, but still.

Anyways, GameStop has started selling download codes for Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins and Pushmo on their site. AFAIK, the eShop still doesn't have a gift function, so you could use this as a way to gift the games to people (by buying the game and giving them the code).

16
General Chat / NYC Trip
« on: November 02, 2011, 01:07:03 AM »
I am going to NYC from December 1-4 (an old friend of my girlfriend is celebrating her birthday, and I am going with her to celebrate her friend's birthday). Any advice for the trip? Both of us will be on a limited budget. So stuff like the most cost effective way to get around, and stuff like that. I am trying to see if I can convince her to go to Rockefeller Plaza so I have an excuse to check out the Nintendo World Store. LOL

17
NWR Forums Discord / Screw loko
« on: September 09, 2011, 10:13:03 PM »
First, I have been drinking Four Loko (LOVE IT), so I may regret some of this tomorrow.

I don't give a crap if someone doesn't like me. I speak my mind, and some people don't like that. If you don't like me, I DON'T CARE.

I miss the own format of the forum.

I love the forum, so much fun to read posts from most of the posters.

I am glad politics aren't allowed, I don't need that stress here. I will say I am  liberal on most issues and that I HATE tea and parties involbing them.
Playboy should do another video game issue, with Peach, Chun-Li, and Samus. Hmmm, that might boost sales of their games.

I want a world government, with one currency. If I was absolute leader, I would do so much good for everyone. Give me one year, if I don't make most people happy I would be happy to step down.

We need more female posters.

18
General Chat / TouchPad firesale
« on: August 20, 2011, 03:34:08 AM »
I assume several people have already heard about this since it was announced days ago, but Hewlett-Packard is shutting down WebOS and related devices. Not it appears that they are doing a fire sale to get rid of their inventory. Apparently right now many stores in Canada and HP's website have slashed the price of the 16GB and 32GB models of the HP TouchPad from $499 and $599 to $99 and $149. It's supposed to be made official today (Saturday) and no official US announcement has been made so far. Even if you don't really care about the TouchPad that much, that is a pretty good deal and maybe worth considering for people who want a tablet for storing music and videos and stuff.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2391460,00.asp

19
General Chat / Sperm donor
« on: August 15, 2011, 10:03:06 PM »
Would anybody here ever be willing to be a sperm donor? If a woman (doesn't really matter who) asked you to help get her pregnant because she can't afford to get a professional donation, so she would want you to impregnate her the old fashioned way but then walk away and have no involvement with her or the child, would you do it?

20
General Gaming / True Crime: Hong Kong revived
« on: August 02, 2011, 02:56:56 PM »
Square Enix announced today that they have purchased the rights to True Crime: Hong Kong. However, Activision Blizzard retains the rights to the IP itself, so SE will have to change the name of the game. Developer United Front Games will continue development of the game. I wasn't personally looking forward to it, but I know others were.

http://www.industrygamers.com/news/true-crime-hong-kong-acquired-by-square-enix/

21
General Gaming / Electronic Arts purchases PopCap Games
« on: July 12, 2011, 05:51:16 PM »
It was rumored awhile ago that Electronic Arts was looking at buying PopCap Games, today they announced that the rumor is true. EA announced today that they bought PopCap for $650 million plus $100 million in EA common stock. PopCap can also get up to $550 million in earn-outs if they hit certain 2013 financial milestones and they expect to close the deal in August. I am not too surprised since EA has shown a desire to expand their reach in social/casual games ever since they purchased Playfish, this is a good purchase for them.  http://www.industrygamers.com/news/ea-has-purchased-popcap-for-650-million/

22
Nintendo Gaming / Animales de la Muerte Cancelado
« on: March 07, 2011, 10:42:27 AM »
Didn't see this posted, but a few days ago High Voltage Software announced that they are canceling the WiiWare version of Animales de la Muerte. The game will still come out on PC, Xbox Live Arcade, and PlayStation Network. They said it was a better fit for the HD systems because they can fit more enemies on screen and have more content. They also said that XBLA games tend to sell better than WiiWare games, and that also factored in. I was never looking forward to this game, but it was disappointing to see another game that had been announced as a WiiWare-exclusive end up being canceled and then released on a different system (which is what happened with Super Meat Boy).

23
General Gaming / PSP price cut
« on: February 25, 2011, 03:42:59 PM »
I guess in an effort to clear out systems before the launch of NGP later this year, Sony announced today that they are cutting the price of the PlayStation Portable from $170 to $130 and the PSP Entertainment bundles will be $160. They also added some more PSP games to he Greatest Hits lineup ($20):

Assassin’s Creed Bloodlines
Dissidia Final Fantasy
LittleBigPlanet
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
Resistance: Retribution
Toy Story 3


and the Favorites lineup ($10):
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Daxter
Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
Killzone: Liberation
SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Fire Team Bravo
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary

24
General Gaming / Microsoft to support hackers
« on: February 21, 2011, 05:36:11 PM »
Well, sorta. According to BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, Microsoft will start allow use of Kinect Software Development Kits (SDK) for personal use. A free of charge version for non-commercial use will be released this Spring, a commercial version will be released at a later date. There is speculation that this is because of how fast Kinect was hacked (about 1 week after it was released) and that Microsoft eventually said they were OK with it as long as it didn't harm the system.

25
General Gaming / Double Fine moving to Sesame Street
« on: February 16, 2011, 12:13:20 PM »
Double Fine Productions (Tim Schafer's studio that developed Psychonauts and Costume Quest) announced today that they are working on a Sesame Street game. The game, to be published by Warner Bros. Interactive, will be called Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster and will be a Kinect game. Schafer says they are doing it because the show had a profound effect on him and other studio members when they were kids. The game is supposed to be released this fall.

I am sure they will do a good job with it based on their past games, but the game will obviously be geared towards little kids.

http://www.industrygamers.com/news/double-fine-working-on-sesame-street-title-for-kinect/

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