General Gaming News II: Steam Helpdesk Site Leak

**Rokku** · 2013-01-13 16:47

Aside from the fact that that Chima Lion looks really derpy, the whole thing has a kind of 2012 Thundercats vibe.

**6souls** · 2013-01-14 10:00

Sony and Microsoft will reveal their next-generation game consoles during “special Apple-style press conferences” during or “near the Game Developers Conference in late March,” according to a Game Informer report (via VideoGamer).

The Game Developers Conference will take place in San Francisco, California from March 25 to 29.

“We hear that both Sony and Microsoft are targeting special Apple-style press conferences to unveil their platforms near the Game Developers Conference in late March,” reads the magazine’s February issue.

“E3 in June may be the industry’s biggest event, but both companies want to give their systems their own limelight.

“That doesn’t mean E3 won’t be without its surprises. Next-gen games will be announced at the convention in preparation for the systems’ release at the end of the year.”

The magazine also suggests PlayStation 4 will release ahead of Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox.

“We hear that Sony in particular is determined not to come out last this time like the PlayStation 3 did this generation, so we’ll have to see how soon it can get the PlayStation 4 out the door, and whether Microsoft is motivated to prevent this from happening.”

The report contradicts statements made from Sony Home Entertainment vice president Hiroshi Sakamoto, who teased a PlayStation 4 reveal for May or June at the Consumer Electronics Show last week.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/rumor-ps4...for-late-march
http://www.videogamer.com/news/rumou..._in_march.html

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/...8166591-x1.jpg

Spoiler: show

http://www.motogpvideogame.com/

**6souls** · 2013-01-14 20:14

Calling all importers, Sony is re-releasing a bunch of Japanese PSP and PS3 games as part of the PlayStation the Best (Japan’s Greatest Hits) series. You will be able to pick up Suikoden: The Woven Web of a Century for 2,940 yen ($32) on disc or 2,300 yen ($25) starting on February 7.

A bunch of Tales games and anime titles like Gundam Memories will also join the PlayStation the Best line up next month. Here’s what you can get on sale and with a yellow stripe.

Spoiler: show

http://www.siliconera.com/2013/01/14...drop-in-price/

Spoiler: show

A new challenger has arrived in Onimusha Soul, Capcom’s browser based Onimusha game with cards representing characters from the entire series. Ryu shows up in a dream story as a fiend for players to fight. Your reward for defeating Ryu is a pair of zori (Japanese sandals) and he joins your group as a warlord.

Lilith and Morrigan from Darkstalkers made cameos in Onimusha Soul too.

Onimusha Soul was Capcom’s foray into the world of browser games, but so far Onimusha Soul is only for Japan.

http://www.siliconera.com/2013/01/14...usha-universe/

**6souls** · 2013-01-15 23:33

Sega Europe and Sega of America in a partnership with Double Fine Productions, are jumping over the hillbilly moon to announce the launch date and price for the upcoming adventure game, The Cave. Created by legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, The Cave will be available on January 22nd in North America and on the 23rd January in Europe for the PlayStation Network for $14.99/ €12.99/£9.99. On January 23rd, it will be available on Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system for 1200 MSP and Steam for $14.99/ €12.99/£9.99. The release date for the Nintendo eShop on Wii U will be announced soon.

The Cave is a new adventure game from Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion creator Ron Gilbert and Double Fine Productions, the award-winning studio behind Psychonauts and Brütal Legend. Players can assemble their team of three from seven unlikely adventurers, each with their own unique personalities and stories and then descend into the mysterious depths of The Cave.

Namco Bandai’s “btw” teaser site is for a PlayStation 3 Kamen Rider game called Kamen Rider: Battleride War, this week’s Famitsu reveals.

While it’s different in appearance to a Musou game (Dynasty Warriors style gameplay), it is different than a Musou game—perhaps the developer behind Saint Seiya: Sanctuary Battle. It is an action game where secret military corps appear in succession and are amassed and mowed down. Players will be able to fight while riding a motorcycle, and move around while riding to help out allies. It promises “beautifully realistic graphics” and a crossover scenario mode. Kuuga, Den-O, Agito, Wizard, W, Kabuto, OOO, and Fourze are confirmed as playable characters.

The game will launch on May 23 for 7,480 yen. A 10,480 limited edition will include a 30 song compilation that can be used as BGM music while playing the game.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/kamen-rid...-playstation-3
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/karinchan/20130116/1358305354
http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/btw/

CD Projekt RED has seemingly teased The Witcher 3 in a REDkit beta update post on the official Witcher community website.

“Oh, and if you are wondering what’s that in that picture above,” teases the post, “well, we’ll leave it for your imagination to answer.

”

The developer is scheduled to announce its newest project on February 5. And while it hasn’t said it’s The Witcher 3 by name, CD Projekt RED did say it is a “fully open-world game with an intense story” and that “you can probably guess the game we’re talking about.” Considering The Witcher is the only series its worked on next to its upcoming Cyberpunk RPG, The Witcher 3 is pretty much a given.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/cd-projek...3-teaser-image
http://www.thewitcher.com/community/entry/327

Here we go again. This week’s surprise Famitsu scoop, teased last week, appears to be Killer is Dead (Suda 51′s new game—stay tuned for an update on that) (or it could be Kamen Rider, I’m not sure). But Famitsu has another surprise scoop for next week.

“Surprise new scoop,” reads the magazine. “New activity regarding that popular series? The information will surprise you!”

The issue will also have the latest report on Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/surprise-...n-next-famitsu
http://gamenyarth.blog67.fc2.com/blog-entry-12694.html

**6souls** · 2013-01-16 20:49

Kamen Rider: Battride War
(PS3)

Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel
(PS3/360)

Shinkawa is preparing a very special surprise for our MG 25th Anniversary. Do you want him to personally answer your questions ? Leave them in a comment now !

http://www.facebook.com/mgs

So, you may remember Valkyrie Profile developer tri-Ace has been working with Konami. The two companies made Frontier Gate, which is coming back on the market with additional content as Frontier Gate Boost+.

And no re-release is complete without crossover items, right? Famitsu reports Frontier Gate Boost+ will have collaborative equipment from Quiz Magic Academy (a popular arcade game series) and Rumble Roses. Frontier Gate Boost+ puts you in the shoes of a pioneer on a new continent, so we assume that cow bustier was made out of real leather from a fallen enemy. We’re not sure how it’s going to protect you from… um… dinosaurs.

Frontier Gate Boost+ is slated for release on PSP.

http://www.siliconera.com/2013/01/16...er-gate-boost/

**Vendog** · 2013-01-16 22:34

cant you make a separate thread for japanese imports?

**Insanecyclone** · 2013-01-16 22:39

Wouldn't be called general if it didn't mean everything included. If it was West general only and Japan general only then sure.

**Qalbert** · 2013-01-16 22:40

can't you quit bitching?
the point of a catchall gaming news thread is for stuff that doesn't deserve its own thread

**Doombear** · 2013-01-17 02:03

Chances are big news is out of Japan more often anyway, sucks that we don't/won't get to see a lot of these releases. As a gamer though, it is still something I am very interested in hearing about it. Honestly, if it wasn't for 6, this topic and several others would have very little news in them at all anymore. I got no problem with JP news.

Hell, here's some. The big Famitsu reveal that people have been wondering about for next week is still under wraps, but the reveal this week was a bit... well... weak (when isn't it? we hype too hard).

New Suda 51 game, Killer is Dead.

Remember last week when we told you that Japanese gaming mag Famitsu was teasing a "surprise scoop" on a "long awaited title" in their next issue?

Well, this "next issue" has now hit newsstands and unfortunately, it's not The Last Guardian. However, it's still a better scoop than your standard obscure JRPG. The surprise reveal is none other than Suda 51's Killer is Dead. which is being made by Grasshopper Manufacture with Kadokawa Games publishing.

For now, you'll have to be content with the image above while the translation and whatnot are ironed out.

Disappointed with the reveal? Don't really see why, but if so, you'll be glad to know that Famitsu will once again have another "surprise scoop" in their next issue! According to this week's issue, there will be a "Surprise new scoop" and adds, "New activity regarding that popular series? The information will surprise you!"

Could this be for a new Persona game? Something Final Fantasy related? Your guess is as good as mine at this point. We will, of course, update you on what this new scoop is all about once the mag is available to the public.

Back to waiting for next week's big "shocking!" reveal.

**6souls** · 2013-01-17 20:43

Spoiler: show

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/...f2e85635-o.jpg

http://us.playstation.com/ps3/system...te-bundle.html

So, the Kinect is a total bust, right? We can all agree on that point by now, can’t we? I bought my Kinect about a year and a half ago since there was a good deal for a free game bundled with the thing. Since then, just about every game I’ve ever played with the device—with the exception of Double Fine’s Happy Action Theater—has been a mess. The most notable and most disappointing among them was Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor, which just didn’t work.

So good news! A post on CVG today reports that Microsoft has sent out dev kits for Kinect 2, meaning that we will be treated to a whole new host of games featuring the shoddy motion tracking hardware soon enough. The news comes by way of a “games developer familiar with the situation,” though there isn’t much more to the story than that.

Back in August, we got what looked to be a leaked image of the Kinect 2’s more sensitive motion tracking capabilities in action…but I’m still skeptical. So far, the Kinect’s been a fun, if finicky, remote control enhancer for Netflix. Other than that, it’s a straight-up flop.

Am I forgetting any of the Kinect’s saving graces? It’s great when it’s hacked, and I love hearing stories about the way it helps veterans and kids struggling with autism. The Kinect is amazing—just not for video games.

http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/201...o-game-makers/
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...n-circulation/

Jerry Lambert, the actor who plays Kevin Butler, hilariously child-like vice president of everything in PS3 advertisements, has settled his lawsuit with Sony, clarifying that his appearance in a commercial involving a Nintendo Wii last year might have created confusion regarding what products his character endorses.

Due to the settlement, Lambert has agreed to avoid appearing in any advertising related to video games (outside of Sony/PlayStation) for two years. When that wraps up, he can go on a video game-endorsement rampage should he choose to do so. However, he’ll have to report any appearances he makes to Sony, according to Media Post.

In their words, this will allow Sony proper time to “assess whether or not Lambert’s intended performance violates [Sony's] rights in the Kevin Butler character”. After all, Sony owns the rights to that character, and will maintain that ownership into the foreseeable future.

As for whether or not we’ll see more of Kevin Butler, well, we’ll simply have to play the waiting game.

http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/201...re-commercial/
http://www.mediapost.com/publication...#axzz2I6orQvBH

A post on Joystiq today reports that Nintendo will be consolidating its handheld and home console divisions in an effort to start dreaming up the future of video game systems. The news comes by way of Japanese newspaper Nikkei, which says that 150 handheld and 130 console engineers will be brought together in a new $340 million building near Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters. No austerity budgeting there, no sir.

What does this mean from a practical standpoint? Not too much just yet, aside from the fact that Nintendo’s had a long history of keeping its divisions pretty separate. The blurred line between departments represents a shift in the way things are done at the company now. In addition, it also shows how close the “handheld” and “home console” concepts have become in general.

The Wii U is an easy example of this: the GamePad is a handheld, though one that is totally dependent on the home console for power. But the 3DS isn’t too far away from a powerful home console anyway in terms of what it can do graphically and gameplay-wise. I’m hopeful some cool 3DS/Wii U connectivity is on the way soon.

But beyond that, mobile phones and smart devices are the new video game accessories that everyone wants to have. Need to look up a tip? Text your buddy to organize a multiplayer game? Want to send an Xbox message while you’re playing Amazing Spider-Man? A handheld, mobile phone is the way to do it. Nintendo merging these departments signifies an organized and concerted effort on their part to make sure that whatever they come up with next will be right there to take advantage of this concept.

http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/201...ole-divisions/
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/ni...by-next-month/
http://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXNZO...C1TJ0000/?dg=1

PlayStation 4 will have a run-capability of 1.84 teraflops and the next Xbox a run-capability of 1.23 teraflops, developer sources have reportedly told VG247 after meetings at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week.

The numbers would mean PlayStation 4 will have 33 percent more computational power than the next Xbox.

However, the site has been told that the next Xbox is has the advantage in RAM. PlayStation 4 will have 4 gigabytes of RAM, with 1 gigabyte reserved for OS, security, and apps, while the next Xbox will have 8 gigabytes of RAM, with 3 gigabytes reserved for OS, security, and apps.

Both systems will supposedly be able to read 100 gigabyte Blu-ray discs.

In terms of graphics, the next Xbox is said to be based on the Radeon HD 8770 GPU, while PlayStation 4 has been previously rumored to be based on AMD’s A10 APU.

Both systems have been rumored for E3 or near-E3 reveals.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/rumor-ps4...t-xbox-at-1-23
http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/17/show...720-at-1-23tf/

Gundam Breaker

**Qalbert** · 2013-01-18 08:25

http://kotaku.com/5976999/rumor-mons...to-the-ps-vita

Oh boy. If this is true (big if!), the PS Vita could be poised for, ahem, a monster comeback.

According to Japanese game magazine Game Lab, Nintendo 3DS exclusive Monster Hunter 4 was delayed to summer for a reason other than "improving quality". That reason is apparently that the game is also being developed for the PS Vita. Rumors say (via Game Lab) that the game's getting a simultaneous release on the 3DS and the PS Vita.

Why is this a big deal? In Japan, Monster Hunter is the reason why the PSP was so popular. Having it can make a system.

Game Lab's rumors certainly aren't always correct. It did correctly say God Eater 2 was going to the PS Vita before that was officially announced.

But to be honest, I do not believe that Monster Hunter 4 would get a simultaneous 3DS and PS Vita release. Nintendo, for one, would never allow it. But since Capcom does like multiplatform titles, I would not be surprised if Monster Hunter 4 made it to the Vita in some form or another. Eventually. Now that I believe.

Kotaku is following up with Capcom and will update this post should the company comment.

**Doombear** · 2013-01-18 11:19

I refuse to believe this until 5-15 people have played it, streamed it, or chewed a bit on the corner to make sure that ...yes, it is indeed real gold. Capcpom hurts me.

**6souls** · 2013-01-18 23:44

The God and the Fate Revolution Paradox
(PS3)

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/...ht-5-art-1.jpg
(PSP)

(PSP)

**6souls** · 2013-01-21 02:29

http://www.jp.playstation.com/info/r...newcolors.html

**6souls** · 2013-01-21 08:46

The U.S. branch of Atari has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to an L.A. Times report.

The publisher hopes to separate the U.S. business entirely from its French parent, Atari, SA, and find a buyer to take the company private within the next few months.

According to a source, the publisher’s new focus would be digital and mobile games.

While Atari’s U.S. operations have been profitable in the past two years, its profits have been small and revenue has plummeted.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/atari-u-s...for-bankruptcy
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment...,0,25279.story

Starbreeze Studios, the developer behind The Chronicles of Riddick, The Darkness, and more recently, Syndicate, is working on a new “co-op sci-fi FPS” called Storm, a new page on its official website indicates.

“Currently in development,” reads the page. “Co-op sci-fi FPS. It is our future.”

An piece of artwork, attached right, can also be seen on the page.

Platforms have not been announced.

The studio is also currently developing Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, a new download game due this spring about two brothers seeking a cure for their father’s illness.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/starbreez...s-new-ip-storm
http://www.starbreeze.com/?page_id=197

Spoiler: show

**6souls** · 2013-01-22 19:54

The God and the Fate Revolution Paradox
(PS3)

(Rumor)
Flashback HD
(PC/PSN/XBLA)

Spoiler: show

Quantic Dream, the developer behind Heavy Rain & Beyond: Two Souls, has registered a web domain for a game called Singularity. While that may not mean much, they went a step further and added PS4 to the domain name.

http://who.is/whois/singularityps4.com

**Gokulo** · 2013-01-23 01:06

There already is a game called Singularity. FPS on PC.

**Qalbert** · 2013-01-23 08:18

yeah, the game itself will presumably have a subtitle or something for trademark purposes.

**6souls** · 2013-01-26 23:14

Spoiler: show

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/6...7875e025_z.jpg

Spoiler: show

A new Sonic game will be announced in mid-February, according to Sonic Stadium “sources close to Sega.”

The game, whose name is apparently not yet finalized, will follow the full 3D to side-scrolling 2D switch mechanics demonstrated in Sonic Unleashed, Colors, and Generations, according to the source. It will be released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, PS Vita, and 3DS, as well as “next-gen” consoles.

The console, PC, and PS Vita versions are said to feature the same content, while the 3DS version will be “another Sonic Rush styled game.”

Stages are said to feature multiple routes, with each route leading to different exits that take you to different stages. The developers are aiming to include at least 20 stages, excluding boss battles, claims the source. The last stage of the game will always be the same.

Players will reportedly start the game with Sonic and unlock additional characters by completing stages. “Altogether we’re looking at about 10 different characters to play with,” said the source. “And no, Sonic isn’t getting any new friends. All of the playable characters will be existing Sonic characters.”

Each character is said to have their own skills “to help them progress in stages easier where others will have more difficulty.” For example, Sonic and Shadow may not easily be able to make it up a wall, but Tails can fly and Knuckles can climb, allowing them access to an exit that the two hedgehogs can’t reach.

The 3DS version will be “similar in idea, but smaller in scope,” says the source. It will feature fewer stages, still with multiple paths, but there doesn’t seem to be more than two branches per stage.

This new Sonic, said to be in development since before Sonic Generations was released, will launch this fall the earliest, or winter the latest, the source ends.

http://gematsu.com/2013/01/rumor-seg...ame-next-month
http://www.sonicstadium.org/2013/01/...me-next-month/

A group of video games developers from Sony's defunct Liverpool operation have created a studio in the city.

Sawfly Studios told the BBC it planned to release its first game - targeted at smartphones and tablets - within the next couple of months.

About 100 people lost their jobs when Sony closed what was one of the UK's oldest games developers last August.

The unit was responsible for the Wipeout racing series, but dated back to 1984, when it was called Psygnosis.

Four of its former employees are involved in the new business - two designers, a programmer and an artist - but they said they might take on other ex-Sony Liverpool Studio workers once they had launched their initial title.

"Most people have already been hired, but there still a few that are looking for work," said Sawfly's managing director Mike Humphrey.

"The closure of the studio came as a bit of a shock and the artists in particular have had to spend time creating their portfolios and getting them out in the world to show what they are capable of doing.

"We want to grow our studio over the coming years and to take on experienced, talented people - and the workers at Liverpool Studio were exactly that. So if the opportunity arises we'll definitely be looking to grow in the city."

Racing experts

Sawfly is currently working on a project commissioned by British publisher Ripstone, the details of which are still under wraps.

In addition Sawfly said it was in discussions to work on other publishers' titles and planned to develop its own intellectual property.

Under Sony, the studio's workers had specialised in racing games, including Formula 1, Motorstorm and their last release Wipeout 2048.

But Mr Humphrey said their current project marked a "change of direction" into another genre.

He added it was much easier to make decisions now the designers were not involved with a big corporation.

But he stressed that while Sony's action had been a surprise, there was no "ill will" towards the company - rather a recognition that few jobs in the industry were as safe as they used to be.

Industry turmoil

The games sector is currently in a period of transition.

New consoles from Sony and Microsoft are expected later this year following the recent launch of Nintendo's Wii U.

But the relatively expensive titles for such machines are facing competition from cheap and free-to-download games for smartphones and tablets. The upcoming launch of Valve's Steam Boxes - which aim to make it easier for PC titles to be played on TVs - poses another potentially disruptive challenge.

Meanwhile, the rise of gaming on web-based social networks appears have gone into reverse as users spend less time visiting sites like Facebook on PCs and more time using mobile devices where they tend to prefer standalone apps.

Against this backdrop Sony is not the only firm to have enforced cutbacks.

In recent months EA has also closed its PopCap Dublin studio, Zynga shut its Japan unit, and Eurocom - the Derbyshire firm behind several James Bond and Harry Potter games - went out of business.

Most recently THQ - the California-based 23-year-old publisher and developer - collapsed.

Although many of its divisions have been sold on, the firm confirmed on Wednesday that its Vigil Games unit had failed to find a buyer and had been shuttered. The subsidiary was responsible for the Darksiders franchise.

"I think the truth is the industry is changing under our feet and none of us really know where it will settle," said Mr Humphrey, reflecting on the latest developments.

"The advantage of being the size we are now with Sawfly is that we can adapt quite quickly to a changing market. Obviously if you're a large studio with 100 or 300 employees, you cost a lot every month [to run] - just changing direction can be crippling.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the industry continues to change and I have no idea where it will end up - but I feel we're now in a good position to weather the storm."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21177604
http://www.sawflystudios.com/
http://www.ripstone.com/

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has been fined £250,000 ($396,100) following a "serious breach" of the Data Protection Act.

UK authorities said a hack in April 2011 "could have been prevented".

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) criticised the entertainment giant for not having up-to-date security software.

Sony told the BBC it "strongly disagreed" with the ruling and planned to appeal.

"Criminal attacks on electronic networks are a real and growing aspect of 21st century life and Sony continually works to strengthen our systems, building in multiple layers of defence and working to make our networks safe, secure and resilient," a spokesman for the firm added.

The company had previously apologised for the hack which saw its PlayStation Network knocked offline for several days. In May 2011 company executives bowed in public and offered users free games to show their remorse.

'Not good enough'

The ICO's report said technical developments had led to user passwords not being secure - leaving data such as names, addresses, dates of birth and payment card information at risk.

"If you are responsible for so many payment card details and log-in details then keeping that personal data secure has to be your priority," said David Smith, deputy commissioner and director of data protection at the ICO.

"In this case that just didn't happen, and when the database was targeted - albeit in a determined criminal attack - the security measures in place were simply not good enough."

Since the hack, which angered gamers who wanted to play over 2011's Easter weekend, Sony has said it has rebuilt the PlayStation Network system to be more secure.

But the ICO said the fine reflected the severity of the security lapse, adding that it was among the most serious it had ever seen.

"There's no disguising that this is a business that should have known better," Mr Smith added.

"It is a company that trades on its technical expertise, and there's no doubt in my mind that they had access to both the technical knowledge and the resources to keep this information safe."

One positive from the hack, Mr Smith said, was that polls conducted after the breach suggested a greater awareness of the risks in handing over personal data.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21160818
http://www.ico.gov.uk/news/latest_ne...ease-2013.aspx

PC Games to reveal a sequel to a mystery 2011 game

Spoiler: show