E3 2011: Where’s the Supreme Court verdict?

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Chris Morris

Last November, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in a case that could have a massive effect on how the video game industry operates. But nearly seven months later, we’re still waiting for a ruling.

The Court once again did not issue a ruling on Brown v. EMA Monday morning, which mildly surprised some industry observers who had expected it to come down as the industry starts its annual trade show. The next opportunity for a ruling in the case will come Thursday, as E3 kicks off its last day.

E3 2011: EA launches digital distribution service

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Chris Morris

Valve Software’s Steam has been the big dog in the PC digital distribution space for a while now, but one of the industry’s biggest publishers is ready to take it on.

Electronic Arts has announced Origin, an updated “direct-to-consumer gaming platform” that will let people buy titles directly from the company, rather than via retail or another service. Given how heavily EA is betting on PC games in the year to come, it’s not an altogether shocking move.

Tennessee passes strict Web entertainment theft bill

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Chris Morris

If you live in Tennessee and a buddy offers to loan you his or her login to Netflix, it might be wise to politely decline.

A new law in the state, signed into legislation yesterday, makes it a crime to use another person’s log-in to stream video or music – even if that person has given you permission to do so.

Expect Microsoft to focus on more than games at E3

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Chris Morris

Granted, E3 is a video game trade show, but in between all the talk about Kinect and “Gears of War 3” at its pre-show press conference this year, expect Microsoft to have plenty to say about the non-gaming world.

The Xbox 360 has been a leader in general entertainment among the major consoles – but other devices, particularly Sony’s PlayStation 3, have been playing a good game of catch up. A recent statement by the company’s VP of corporate communications, however, indicates the company is hoping to ready to jump back out in front.

PBS hackers threaten to target Sony

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Chris Morris

Just days after hacking the PBS servers, the hacker group that calls itself LulzSec says its is turning its attentions to Sony.

The group, which also claims responsibility for an attack on Sony’s BMG Website in Japan over a week ago, said via Twitter that it was “working on another Sony operation” – adding “this is the beginning of the end for Sony.”

Hurt Locker lawsuit hits record levels

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Chris Morris

Roughly a year after Voltage Pictures filed suit against alleged pirates of its Best Picture-winning film “The Hurt Locker,” the company has updated the complaint – and it’s a whopper.

The suit has grown from the original 5,000 users to a record-breaking 24,583, topping the number of people being sued for illegally downloading “The Expendables”.

YouTube adds stereoscopic 3D offerings

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Chris Morris

While there are a handful of 3D videos on YouTube already, they’re anything but cutting edge.

The only 3D format the service supports is anaglyph – requiring the old-school red and blue glasses to see the effects. That’s hardly ideal for studios looking to promote upcoming films or publishers looking to showcase 3D video games. But that’s all about to change.

Report: Social games giant Zynga to file IPO

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Chris Morris

With a valuation of $10 billion, Zynga is by far the largest private game maker in the industry. Now investors hoping to get a piece of that pie may have their chance.

Tech blog AllThingsDigital reports the company could file for a public offering as early as this week. Once that IPO takes place, the company is widely expected to be the second biggest publicly-traded publisher in the industry, far surpassing Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive Software.

Vudu earns a button on the remote control

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Chris Morris

When select TV manufacturers announced plans to include a Netflix button on their remote controls, it raised a few eyebrows, but wasn’t exactly shocking, given the company’s dominance in the streaming video space.

Now Vudu is getting the same treatment – and this time, people are shocked.

Gloves come off in Apple vs. Amazon

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Chris Morris

Apple is certainly the biggest music/tech company around, but Amazon has been very clear in its intention to up the stakes in the fight with the company – and today, it threw a haymaker.

Amazon is offering a daily special for Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” offering the entire album as a digital download for 99 cents. That’s less than the cost of a single track on iTunes.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Category Archives: Variety – Technotainment