Episode 518: Mattel Vs Atari Again

It’s seems like old times as there’s a new IntelliVision console coming out to compete with the Atari VCS. The funny part, of course, is that the new IntelliVision will feature Atari 2600 games on it published by Atari. I guess we’re all friends now. This week’s Gaming Flashback is Dead Space.

As for the news:

  • Intellivision Amico console coming in 2020
  • Jade Raymond leaves Electronic Arts
  • Splash Damage ends development of its team-based shooter Dirty Bomb
  • Fortnite‘s Save the World Mode won’t be going free-to-play in 2018

The Question of the Week is: “Which cancelled game would you wish have been completed: Starcraft Ghost, Fallout 3 (Van Buren), Warcraft Adventures, Scalebound, Fez 2, Prey 2, The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive, Full Throttle 2, or something else?”

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Xbox 360 Silver Accounts, Free XBL Cross-Platform GamingXbox 360 Silver Accounts, Free XBL Cross-Platform Gaming

Microsoft has announced they’ll be giving Xbox Live silver accounts access to play some multi-player cross-platform games for free until the fall update. Recently, Microsoft announced free online play with Games for Windows titles, effectively giving PC gamers “gold accounts” to play online.

Most people agree the move to give gold subscriptions to PC gamers was done because PC gamers don’t care to play Games for Windows games online if they have to pay for it. The culture of PC gaming is much different than console gaming on XBL, gamers expect the online experience at no cost; they’re already paying an ISP for network access, paying for a match-making system with a yearly subscription is not desired.

Console gamers don’t have a choice, buying the 360 experience arrives with simple to play games (no drivers, no installs) but limited online choices: pay or go away. Now, silver members will get a little taste of network play, along side PC gamers in the cross-platform Games for Windows titles.

“Supported cross-platform titles include Universe at War, Shadowrun, and Lost Planet: Colonies Edition.” (gamespot)

We question the intention here… is this as a good faith move or are they wetting people’s appitite for XBL so they’ll want to upgrade to gold in the fall? Or, maybe there are some logistical reasons to doing this in the Xbox Live infrastructure to prepare for upgrades where making it free solves a few of their internal upgrade paths and, as a side effect, gives gamers some games to play.

Of course, we’ve seen few people playing Shadowrun or Lost Planet lately. Maybe this will re-popularize a few older titles as well.

Midway Layoffs, Criminal CancelledMidway Layoffs, Criminal Cancelled

Midway’s been around the industry for years, has decided to lay off up to 90 people and cut the Criminal project from their lineup. This is a long term plan of cost reduction by the board of directors to get down costs and keep the company running smoothly.

Their plan seems to be to develop games intelligently, by costing out each project and building what’s needed to make the company profitable without excessive cost. A company always runs best when it’s doing it wisely and looking to reduce overhead, unfortunately a company in a bit of trouble has to let go of employees to get their.

While this was a very difficult decision, we feel it was the right thing to do for the future of Midway,” said Matt Booty, interim CEO and president of Midway Games Inc.. “We view every game as an investment that must meet certain standards for quality, scheduling, and profitability. Midway remains committed to producing the highest quality entertainment, as evidenced by our strong holiday line-up which includes TNA iMPACT!, Blitz: The League II, and Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe starring a team of MK characters and some of the most recognizable DC Comics personalities such as Batman, The Joker, and Superman.” (kotaku)

Hopefully this allows them some breathing room to get out of this sticky situation, we hate to see old names go down in history as failed.

Episode 392: And Introducing…Episode 392: And Introducing…

Yes, it seems strange that we skipped Episode 391, but it was recorded, but some issues prevented it from being posted. Instead, it’ll come out sometime later this year. For now, Episode 392 features the debut of Scott Dirk, aka Alphashard, as a co-host. There are some audio issues, so be warned.

The news includes:

  • Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata passes away at 55
  • Kojima’s name removed from Metal Gear Solid V cover
  • Fallout 4 is about “freedom“, not being the “best looking game,” says Bethesda
  • Shenmue 3 breaks Kickstarter video game record
  • Over 50% of parents worry about their children playing video games online

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