Activision teases the next Call of Duty [Updated: It’s a hoax]

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Chris Morris

The countdown is on for the next installment in the “Call of Duty” franchise – and all signs are pointing to “Modern Warfare 3”.

Activision has sent out dog tags to select members of the press that include the message “end the war” and refer to athe website FindMakarov.com. That site (which is getting hammered right now) features a countdown clock that’s set to expire Wed. March 2 at 7am PST.

[UPDATED: Activision has issued a statement that the site has no ties to the “Call of Duty” franchise. The publisher has further clarified it had nothing to do with the dogtags sent to some media outlets, either.]

The Creator’s Project launches studio

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Chris Morris

The Creator’s Project, a creative showcase initiative created by processor giant Intel and media company Vice (which is behind Vice Magazine and VBS.tv), is undergoing a dramatic expansion.

The initiative will today announce the launch of a multi-million dollar major studio that will produce multimedia works for leading and emerging talents from the art, film, design and music worlds.

I’m a bad, bad person…

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Chris Morris

Ok, I recognize this is just clever marketing from THQ, meant to appeal to my ego. I know they’re using me here to promote “Homefront,” as it nears its March 8 ship date. I even realize other game-focused media sites are likely posting similar clips around the Web.

That said, this is a clever piece of propaganda recreation. And I would like to be the first to apologize for “cruelly attack[ing] the facilities that provide oil for you to stay warm in winter.” I assure you that the Variety propaganda production mentioned in this audio file is of the highest caliber.

Amazon launches movie-streaming service, targets Netflix

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Chris Morris

Amazon is escalating the battle among video streaming services.

The online retailer has flipped the switch on Amazon Instant Video, a ‘free’ streaming service for paying members of its Amazon Prime program. The service is squarely targeted at the growing service Netflix has been building over the past few years, with over 5,000 titles – and a lower monthly cost.

Panasonic unveils gesture-controlled TV

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Chris Morris

You have to give Panasonic credit for pushing the envelope. After launching a TV last year that let owners record programs to an SD card, the company has now taken the wraps off of a new set that does away with the remote control.

Customers in Japan can now buy the VIERA DMP-HV200, a gesture-controlled set that allows users to adjust the volume and change channels with a wave of their hands. The 10.1-inch sets will go on sale March 18 for a converted price of $640.

More cuts coming at Disney Interactive

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Chris Morris

When Disney Interactive Studios laid off hundreds of workers last month, insiders warned that the cost cutting wasn’t over. Now the executives overseeing that division have confirmed that.

Cco-president John Pleasants and James Pitaro, speaking at an investors conference this week, said they plan to reduce operating costs by another 25 percent before they’re through cutting. They did not detail how they plan to do that, but most workers feel like the axe is still hovering over their heads.

Game sales slide in January

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Chris Morris

The bad news is video game sales continued on their downward trajectory in January. The good news is it was nowhere near as bad as analysts were expecting.

Game sales fell 5 percent last month as compared to the same period in 2010, according to the NPD Group. That’s considerably better than the 11 percent some industry observers had predicted.

Warner unveils ‘app editions,’ an alternative to iTunes

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Chris Morris

Warner Bros. is doubling down when it comes to digital distribution on Apple products.

The company has unveiled “app editions” of both “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad – an alternate way for people to buy their films and an opportunity for consumers in 23 countries not served by iTunes to get a copy as well.

PlayStation Phone is finally (officially) real

Posted on February 14, 2011 by Chris Morris

The worst kept secret in the cell phone world has finally been formally acknowledged. Sony Ericsson has taken the wraps off of the Xperia Play, better known as the PlayStation Phone.

Verizon will be the sole distributor of the device starting this March. The phone will be supported by a catalog of up to 50 games, with four titles preloaded onto the device.

AIAS awards honor the video game world’s best

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Chris Morris

It’s not just awards season in Hollywood. The video game world is honoring its best with a series of ceremonies in the first quarter as well.

Last night, the 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards took place at the ongoing DICE Summit in Las Vegas, with “Mass Effect 2” walking away with the year’s top honors. The title won “Game of the Year” from the organization – while Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk, founders of the studio behind the game, were inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Category Archives: Variety – Technotainment