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.

Paramount’s Rango gets an online world

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Chris Morris

Paramount Pictures has teamed with browser-based game developer Funtactix to create an online game based upon its upcoming animated feature “Rango.”

The game, dubbed “Rango: The World” will bow alongside the film on March 4 and allow fans to create an avatar and explore the movie’s world with friends and strangers. Players will interact with characters from the film – minus Johnny Depp’s titular chameleon – and complete quests and play minigames.

Activision unplugs Guitar Hero – for good

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Chris Morris

The fat lady has sung in Activision’s “Guitar Hero” franchise.

The publisher today announced that it was discontinuing development on future games in the series – as well as related titles such as “DJ Hero” and “Band Hero”. Also cancelled was “True Crime: Hong Kong”.

Battlestar Galactica – the game – goes live

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Chris Morris

Battlestar Galactica was one of the more popular television programs to ever hit the airwaves with the video game culture. The show’s intelligent balance of sci-fi action with a deep storyline struck a chord with players, who discussed it endlessly in message boards and chat rooms.

So it might make sense that a massively multiplayer game based on the show would be a natural hit. But as Bigpoint’s new game goes live today, there’s a distinct lack of chatter amongst the inhabitants of the gaming boards.

Chris Morris: Journalist

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