Gaming Today

Netflix on Xbox 360 No Longer Streaming Sony Columbia Pictures Films

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:55:07 +0000

Talk about a case of bad timing. On the eve of the big launch for the New Xbox Experience — which, remember, marks “a new dawn in home entertainment” — we’ve learned that Netflix streaming won’t have quite as many films available as we had been hoping. Joystiq learned earlier this evening that a number of films — including both Ghostbusters and Bad Boys — are now unavailable to be streamed to the Xbox 360. The common link between the suddenly unavailable flicks is that they are all from Columbia Pictures, which is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The films haven’t disappeared from Netflix altogether; they are still available to be played on PCs and on TVs through other devices, making this seem like a petty move on Sony’s part to try and take the wind out of Microsoft’s sails.

As it turns out, it seems like this is simply a matter of licensing. Given that Sony BMG music is available through the Zune Marketplace and other Sony Pictures Entertainment movies are still available for streaming through Netflix to the 360, this might not be the proverbial middle finger that some assume it is.

MTV Multiplayer contacted Netflix and received a reply from their VP of corporate communications, Steve Swasey. He confirmed that these movies “are still available to be watched on subscribers’ computers and on TVs via other partner devices, and we hope they?ll be licensed for Xbox 360 shortly.” While he wouldn’t comment on whether the timing is pure coincidence or if Sony put in a request to put this in motion, but he did say:

As watching instantly becomes a more prominent part of the Netflix service, our goal is to have all of our streaming content licensed for all of our partner devices. We’re doing well in this area, but it will take some time before we fully achieve that goal. Today, titles regularly come in and out of license and there is a natural ebb and flow to what we have on license at any given point in time.

We contacted Microsoft to see what their take was on the situation and, as you’d expect, they declined to provide any comment, saying that it wasn’t their comment to make.

What this all seems to comes down to are the intricacies of the licensing process to distribute streamable video.

What would be interesting to find out is what take those involved in the affected movies have on the situation. If this really is a simple petty quarrel between Sony and Microsoft, you can bet the cast and crews would be none too pleased. Should it really be a licensing problem, it’s nothing short of one hell of a big coincidence. Without any proof, we can’t go around pointing any fingers just yet. But if Sony happens to release PlayStation Home to the masses tomorrow, we might just have our answer.

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New Xbox Experience Marks "A New Dawn in Home Entertainment"

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:02:49 +0000

Hyperbole comes in all sorts of different forms, but Microsoft’s new push going out today strikes me as downright silly. A press released entitled “A New Dawn in Home Entertainment for Everyone Begins Nov. 19″ was sent out today containing the objectionable comparison between the release of the New Xbox Experience tomorrow and the release of the color TV in 1954.

With the expectation of reaching 25 million consoles sold worldwide by the end of the month, Microsoft is trying to make a push into the realm of social networking. Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business VP Shane Kim explained to Forbes that the release of the NXE is “a big part of [Live's] transformation from a multiplayer matchmaking service to a social and entertainment network.” Microsoft plans on “investing more in social networking capabilities” that will allow them to “tap into is the growth of social networking and the disruption in the media industry,” according to Kim.

But are Avatars, Xbox Live parties, and Netflix streaming capabilities enough to turn the Xbox 360 into a social networking entertainment box that the whole family can gather around? Microsoft will be trying to appease a lot of demographics with a lot of different initiatives. It’ll be difficult to win on every front and not deliver a subpar performance to some of those groups, but if there’s a company with enough money to pull something like this off, it’s Microsoft.

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Gaming Today Hooks Up with Twitter

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:34:51 +0000

Gaming Today has taken another step into the wonderful world of instant communications. Make sure to get signed up for the new Gaming Today Twitter feed. Get all the latest on games and gaming culture at home, in the office and on the go.

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Castlevania Judgement Launch Trailer Takes the Stand

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:07:31 +0000

Castlevania Judgement has a new launch trailer to get gamers excited about the series’ first game for the Wii. This action fighting title features all the most memorable characters from 22 years of Castlevania games. You can download the Castlevania Judgment Launch Trailer.

Castlevania Judgement is out in North America and will hit Japan January 15, 2009. There’s no solid release date for Europe, but you can expect to see it in early 2009.

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Microsoft Says Xbox 360 is "Recession-Proof" (Meanwhile, MS Stock Has Hit a 10-Year Low)

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:51:31 +0000

It’s well-known to most everyone that the economy isn’t doing so well these days. But while most people are wondering how this will affect those forced to sell their homes or find new jobs, the video game companies would like you to know that they are doing just fine. Or at least, that’s what they say.

Recently, vice president and Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division, Mindy Mount, commented at a BMO Capital Markets Interactive Entertainment Conference that the Xbox 360 is “recession-proof” (Via Softpedia). Her argument is that a slow economy means people will consider their personal spending more carefully and may try to find the a way to get more bang for their leisurely spending:

“In tough economic times, people tend to cut back on very high-ticket items like travel and automobiles, but they still want to be entertained. Video games already offer some of the most hours of entertainment per dollar than any other form of entertainment.”

I can see her reasoning, but the real irony of stating the 360 is immune to a recession comes when you find out Microsoft’s stock was at the lowest it has been in ten years just a few days ago (Via SeattlePI). The stock recently dropped to $19.19 per share, which is apparently the lowest it has been since 1998. That’s also down 43% from last year. Of course, those stock problems are most likely due to the PC side of the company, but you still have to wonder just how “recession-proof” the gaming industry really is.

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Strong Bad Episode 4: Dangeresque 3 Demo Now up for Grabs

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:41:34 +0000

Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People has a new episode coming up for which you can now get a free demo. Strong Bad Episode 4: Dangeresque 3 is James Bond meets Dirty Harry Strong Bad style. You’ll be playing the part of the part of dirty cop Dangeresque. Your mission is to defeat your arch-nemesis, grab some fat loot and save the world.

To try before you buy, grab the Strong Bad Episode 4: Dangeresque 3 Demo from FileFront. Check out the latest screenshots in Strong Bad’s gallery while you’re there.

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IGG Releases New Wonderland Online Client and Patch

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:35:01 +0000

IGG’s Wonderland Online has a new available and a patch to go with it. When I picture Wonderland in my mind’s eye I’m thinking cats, tea and giant mushrooms. Wonderland Online is none of these things. The fantastical setting features the Mayan and other South American cultures with elements of the Pacific islands with the Easter Island statues thrown in for good measure.

Taking a second look the new screenshot above, I could be mistaken about the cats. The game has catgirls at the very least. You can find the latest screenshots, the Wonderland Online v3.0.0 client and the Wonderland Online v3.0.0 client patch hosted on FileFront.

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Play Rock Band 2 with Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:47:20 +0000

Satirical rock band Tenacious D, featuring Jack Black and Kyle Gass, will be on Xbox Live November 20 to play with members in Rock Band 2 and to celebrate the recent release of The Complete Masterworks 2 DVD . If you’re a Gold member, and you want a chance to play with Tenacious D, send a friend request to the Gamertags JBTenacious and KGTenacious and be sure to be online early–and this means by 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 PST).

The Complete Masterworks 2 DVD of Tenacious D is a follow-up to the group’s first platinum-selling DVD. The new 2-disc DVD includes a full-length live concert of the band at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, a one-hour documentary about the making of their movie Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny and bonus features including music videos and the band’s appearances on the MTV Awards, Saturday Night Live, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.

Xbox Live Game With Fame featuring Tenacious D

WHEN: November 20th

TIME: 5:30PM to 7:30PM (PST)

GAME: Rock Band 2

GAMERTAG: JBTenacious, KGTenacious

If you get a chance to play with Tenacious D, we want to hear about it–so send us an email or post something about your experience in the comments section below. If you can get screenshots of you going up against Tenacious D, we will even post them here on Gaming Today.

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FEAR 2: Project Origin Behind the Scenes Trailer

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:04:01 +0000

FEAR 2: Project Origin Behind the Scenes Trailer

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Monolith have released the first in a series of Behind the Scenes videos for their upcoming first-person/action title F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. In today’s video, Primary Game Designer Craig Hubbard, takes some time to talk about the story in the game.

The sequel to F.E.A.R. will continue the original game’s spine-tingling supernatural suspense story of an escalating paranormal crisis that threatens to destroy a major American city. At the center of the calamity is the mysterious Alma, whose rage against those who wronged her triggered a chain of events that have spiraled completely out of control. Now that she has free reign, the consequences will be unimaginable.

F.E.A.R. 2 is expected to be released for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on February 10, 2009.

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National Geographic Gets into the Gaming Business; First Release "Herod's Lost Tomb" Launches Today

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:53:52 +0000

Looks like National Geographic is getting into the gaming business, and have launched their own gaming company, National Geographic Games (NGG), which will publish and develop games across major gaming console, handheld, online and mobile platforms. The purpose of these games is to not only extend the National Geographic Society’s mission but to also reach out to people in a different way to get them interested in caring for the planet and its inhabitants.

Working with publishers such as Namco Bandai, Sony and Merscom, their goal is to create fun, high-quality games based on National Geographic’s core themes and media properties. The team they have assembled so far includes Chris Mate, former Take2 Interactive and Bethesda Softworks executive, who will from here on out be known as vice president and general manager for NGG and will oversee and manage the group’s daily global operations.

To kick things off, NGG along with Merscom have launched their first in-house produced game, Herod’s Lost Tomb which is based upon and highlights content from the upcoming December 2008 issue of National Geographic Magazine as well as the broadcast special on the biblical figure King Herod which airs November 23. This hidden-object game takes you on an archeological dig to which promises to give you a the experience of a real-life archaeological adventure. The game features photography from National Geographic, a story following the life and death of one of the most famous rulers of the ancient Middle East, King Herod of Judea, and consists of over one thousand objects to discover, six different environment, and five mini-games with footage, scenes and highlights from the show.

The game will be available online in a flash version for free via the National Geographic Channel and for the PC, Mac and iPhone which includes full features and high production content.

National Geographic Games Release Schedule:

November

National Geographic - “Herod’s Lost Tomb”
Namco Bandai - “National Geographic: Panda”
Sony - “National Geographic: Africa”

December 2008

National Geographic - “Sudoku Traveler: China”

2009

National Geographic - “Rain Forests”
National Geographic - “Greencity”

I wonder if my magazine and channel subscription would give me a discount? Probably not.

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