Episode 649: Activision-Blizzard Sued Again

[This episode has been re-uploaded due to technical issues]

Another week, another time that Activision-Blizzard suffers legal issues — in fact, there are lots of legal shenanigans going on. No Gaming Podcast this week in this short episode, while Microsoft Movie Maker has a comeback.

This week’s news includes:

  • New York City sues Activision Blizzard, says Bobby Kotick is ‘unfit’ to negotiate the Microsoft buyout
  • Reggie Fils-Aimé warned Nintendo about GameBoy Micro
  • Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase announced for June 12
  • Xbox has helped Fortnite sneak its way back onto iPhones

Let us know what you think.

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Wii vs. PS3 in Japan: The Console SlaughterWii vs. PS3 in Japan: The Console Slaughter

Famitsu Magazine is reporting the Nintendo console, Wii, has managed to sell 7-million units in Japan. This is roughly three times the number of Sony’s PlayStation 3, the console with superior graphics and power.

Japan isn’t about graphics and power or they’re not a fan of the high priced PlayStation 3. The three times factor seems odd, still, considering the PS3 isn’t three times the cost and really isn’t that bad of a console. Unless the titles on Japan’s console are just not as inviting, the PS3 should be keeping pace with the tiny Wii console. Sony is a Japanese company as is Nintendo and both have a very good grasp of the games the Japanese culture is attracted to buying. What’s happening here!?

“The Wii’s 7 million sales put it far ahead of its foes in the ongoing console conflict in Japan. According to Enterbrain figures quoted by GameDaily, Japanese sales of the PlayStation 3 numbered just 2.37 million units as of September 30, when the Wii had sold around 6.83 million units in the territory. Sony estimates the PS3 sold nearly 17 million units worldwide by the same date.” (gamespot)

The Xbox 360 still can’t compete against the PS3 or Wii in overall numbers, regardless to boosts when they put out a game the Japanese actually find interesting. If Microsoft and Sony learn anything from this generation of consoles, it’s that simple makes better. No, we’re not telling the developers to end the goals of hardcore gaming… we’re just wondering if branching out a bit to scoop up some casual gaming interest.

Gaming Podcast 205: Scary PoopGaming Podcast 205: Scary Poop

This week’s gaming podcast includes a gaming flashback on Rock N Roll Racing, a game that was very close to the game Derrick thought about last week. We’ve got community comments, as the usual, and a few good news articles that emphasis hacking:

  • PS3 Hacking Begins in Earnest, and Sony “Looking Into” It
  • Mac App Store Cracked
  • Microsoft Thinks PC Kinect Hacks are “Cool
  • Nintendo 3DS to Have 3-8 Hours Battery Life
  • Interplay Calls Bethesda’s Legal Claims Absurd
  • Lord of the Rings Online Triples Profit

The focus on security and hacking brings out the emotions in this episode, we’re sure you’ll have a few things to say about it as well. Say on young warriors! (and warriorette’s). This weeks question of the week: What non-game features do you enjoy on your videogame console, and what features do you find useless?

Game Publishers Hate RiskGame Publishers Hate Risk

It’s clear publishers like Electronic Arts hate to take risks on video games. They’re not alone in their opinion, look how many sequels we’ve got for the holidays compared to new creative titles like Little Big Planet, or how publishers push out sequels to hot titles until we can’t take it anymore; how many Guitar Hero titles will arrive before we scream “enough!”?

Speaking to rocking music, Electronic Arts may pass on the chance to pickup Brütal Legend, a title originally being published by Vivendi Games prior to the Activision Blizzard merger. The title was left without a home when the merger was complete along with other dropped titles.

Why would EA not take the chance with the game? Risk factor. Brütal Legend is a game title developed by Double Fine Productions and has been designed by Tim Schafer, with past games like Monkey Island, NES’s Maniac Mansion and the fantastic title Full Throttle. With such sweet titles under his belt, why wouldn’t a game designed by Tim Schafer be a hot commodity in the market?

The game brings music and action adventure together in a creative twist. No, it’s not Rock Band and it’s not Guitar Hero, thus, MTV and Activision don’t care about it. However, the game plot and storyline are music related and, supposedly, the main character is voiced by Jack Black, vocalist of Tenacious D and popular actor (School of Rock anyone!?)

Creator Tim Schafer has said that roadies have long fascinated him. Schafer originally thought of the game’s title over fifteen years ago. “I was riding a bus, thinking about a game that would be the complete opposite of what we were working on, The Secret of Monkey Island. And Brütal Legend leapt into my head. (wikipedia)

It appears a series of publishers have walked away from Brütal Legend without much hesitation. “I have seen it,” EA CEO John Riccitiello told Gamasutra. “I am well aware of what the game is. It’s a very significant creative risk.” (joystiq)

Where would the game be without significant creative risks? In many ways, World of Warcraft was a risk… it’s only got 9 million or more players.