An in-depth look at the changing world of video games

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Chris Morris

There are a lot of sites discussing the state of the video game industry today, but many just skim the surface. Well-respected video game industry analyst Scott Steinberg is hoping to change that with Game Theory, a new site launching today that will offer designers, executives and journalists the opportunity to discuss and debate the day’s top issues, while giving fans a deeper look at the inner workings of the game world.

The site is a mix of written columns (disclaimer: I’m contributing regular opinion pieces to the project) and video documentaries. The first video (embedded above) polls developers and executives about the dramatic changes the industry is facing these days.

Facebook: More popular than games and email

Posted on August 2, 2010 by Chris Morris

If you still doubt the power of social media, the Nielsen Company would beg to differ. New research from the ratings service finds sites like Facebook and MySpace are dominating nearly one-quarter of the time Americans spend online these days.

The sites are so popular that their usage is more than twice that of video games and triple that of email. And they’re growing at an incredible rate.

Nintendo preps 3DS details

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Chris Morris

Nintendo’s still not ready to spill all the beans about the 3DS, its handheld game system that projects stereoscopic 3D images without the need for special glasses, but it’s getting close.

The company cryptically announced it would give details of a ‘new product’ on Sept. 29. And while it’s possible the company has something unknown up its sleeve, most industry observers expect it will use that date to give the launch date and price for the 3DS.

Amazon unveils new Kindle

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Chris Morris

Although some parties thought the eReader would fall by the wayside when the iPad hit shelves, Amazon is making an emphatic statement to the contrary. The online retailer has unveiled a new, upgraded Kindle device as well as a new lower-priced model.

The new Kindle, like the old one, boasts a 6-inch screen, but uses a newer type of e-Ink – the same that’s used in the high-end Kindle DX device. It’s also 21 percent smaller, has twice as much storage (4 GB) and Amazon says it has an improved battery life as well.

Starcraft II hits. Productivity halts.

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Chris Morris

July 27 is “Starcraft II” day. And while that might not mean a lot to some people, for others it’s reason for celebration.

Twelve years after the original “Starcraft” hit PCs and became a cultural phenomenon, Blizzard Entertainment is trying to bottle lightning for a second time. And no one is betting against them.

Retailer GameStop tries life as a publisher

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Chris Morris

GameStop has taken a few knocks for being behind the times when it comes to digital distribution, but now the brick and mortar retailer is showing at least some awareness of the online world. It just might not be exactly what investors were hoping for.

The company has launched the Facebook game “Gangsta Zombies” through its Jolt Online Gaming arm. It’s the second social media game the company has released.

BBC’s Doctor Who game hits the states

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Chris Morris

The BBC has seen a lot of buzz surrounding this season’s “Doctor Who,” with the recasting of the titular role as well as the show’s omnipresent companion. Now it’s hoping that excitement will carry over into the gaming world.

The broadcaster has released the first two chapters of an episodic game based on the series (and featuring voice work by Matt Smith and Karen Gillan) to the U.S. and other territories. (U.K. gamers got their hands on it last month.)

Kinect price: $150

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Chris Morris

Looks like the rumors were pretty much spot-on when it came to Kinect pricing. Microsoft has announced that its new gesture-recognition peripheral will retail for $150 when it hits stores this November. That price will include a bundled version of the “Kinect Adventures” game.

Microsoft’s main focus with Kinect is to attract new users to the Xbox 360, so it will also offer a larger bundle, which includes an Xbox 360 (with 4GB of storage), a Kinect and “Kinect Adventures” for $299.

Netflix heads north

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Chris Morris

Netflix is taking the first steps to expanding globally. The online film rental service has announced plans to offer its streaming service to Canada beginning this fall.

The company will not offer rentals-via-mail to Canadians, as it does in the U.S. Instead, it is dubbing this expansion its “first streaming-only service.” Netflix, in recent years, has been focusing much more extensively on its online streaming services, striking U.S. partnerships with television and Blu-ray player manufacturers as well as video game consoles, Tivos and other devices.

Chris Morris: Journalist

Category Archives: Variety – Technotainment