Every 
Thursday, I join Chris Salcedo and Rachel Sutherland on the mid-day edition of America’s Radio News Network to discuss trends and news in the technology and video game space. This week’s topics were Blackberry’s last-ditch effort to remain relevant in the mobile space, the unexpectedly long delay of Grand Theft Auto V and why this is the best time of the year to buy an HD TV.
Monthly Archives: January 2013
Why GTA V’s delay could cause an industry-wide ripple effect
So 
Rockstar delayed another game. Is anyone really, truly surprised by that?
In my nearly 20 years covering video games, Take-Two’s crown jewel has missed more initial deadlines than I can count, but that hasn’t stopped them from knocking it out of the park more times than they’ve whiffed. This delay, though, could have a more notable impact on the industry than previous postponements.
New systems seek to unseat Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo in 2013
The 
console war is about to get a lot more crowded.
While announcements of next-generation devices from Microsoft and Sony are bound to grab headlines this year, a wave of new machines from various corners of the games industry is threatening to shake up the traditional three-company battle over your living room.
World of Warcraft movie gets a new director
When 
famed director Sam Raimi dropped out of the long-in-development World of Warcraft film last summer, fans feared it would never get made.
That discouragement has turned to optimism once again, though, as Duncan Jones — whose directorial work on films such as “Source Code” and “Moon” has earned him heaps of critical praise — has signed on to shepherd Azeroth to the big screen.
Controversial app lets you beat up your boyfriend
Apple 
has a zero-tolerance policy for apps that contain nudity, and they’re usually quick to shut down any that promote violence against women. But an app that encourages girls to abuse their significant other is apparently fair game.
Boyfriend Trainer, which is available in both the App Store and the Android market, lets players slap, electrocute, or mace a virtual boyfriend for what most people would call minor transgressions, including drinking their girlfriend’s drink or leaving his shirt on the ground.
Gamer grandpa is a viral smash
Video 
games — especially shooters like Black Ops II and Halo 4 — have been in an uncomfortable spotlight for the past month and a half. The controversy over violent games has overshadowed the joy that can come from immersing yourself in these virtual worlds.
That’s what makes this absolutely adorable video even more engaging. A pair of gamers invited their 84-year-old grandfather to play along – and his reactions are priceless.
GameStop positions itself to survive in a growing digital age
In 
an industry where sales are increasingly going digital, GameStop is at a crossroads.
Traditional brick and mortar isn’t going away anytime soon – and used game sales are still a viable force. But day one digital purchase options are becoming more and more frequent on consoles and DLC is one of the fastest growing segments in the industry.
To adapt, the retailer has been in the process of pivoting for a while now. And Brad Schliesser, director of digital content for GameStop, says the efforts are paying off.
Oculus Rift prepares to ship 10,000 dev kits
While 
it has popped up at trade shows here and there for the better part of the past seven months, the Oculus Rift has only been in the hands of three groups for more than a few minutes: id Software, Valve Software and the team at Oculus itself.
That all changes in March, when the company plans to ship out some 10,000 developer kits. And while a lot of those will end up in the hands of eager fans who won’t quite know what to do with them, Oculus is hoping the ones who do will move the virtual reality headset into the fast lane.
Video game songwriter fights back against ‘Glee’
Last 
week, songwriter Jonathan Coulton, who most gamers know through his legendary work on Valve’s Portal series, accused the FOX show ‘Glee’ of ripping off his cover of Sir Mix-a-lot’s “Baby Got Back.” Coulton’s version, released in 2006, transformed the hip-hop anthem into a laid back folksy jam, which apparently was so catchy that it caught the ear of the arrangers at ‘Glee’, who pretty much ripped it off.
Producers for the show haven’t made any public statements, though Coulton says on his blog that they acknowledged his complaints privately.
Rule the table with these Air Hockey tips
Stick 
your head into any arcade around the country and you’re likely to find an Air Hockey machine. Since its introduction in 1972, the fast-paced game, with its gently floating pucks and distinctive mallets, has become a favorite of kids and adults alike.
But while it’s often the source of epic, occasionally unfriendly battles between friends, few people think of it as a skill game. Turns out, it is. And if you’re looking to improve your game, following these simple tips can help you become nearly unbeatable – or at least the baddest player in the arcade.
Chris Morris: Journalist 