Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gizmondo CEO: rumors of mafia connection were 'manipulation']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/gizmondo-ceo-rumors-of-mafia-connection-were-manipulation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/gizmondo-ceo-rumors-of-mafia-connection-were-manipulation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/gizmondo-ceo-rumors-of-mafia-connection-were-manipulation/#comments Gizmondo CEO rumors of mafia connection were 'manipulation'The Gizmondo story was already insane enough on its own - the out-of-nowhere launch, the lavish spending on events and a retail location, Momma Can I Mow the Lawn. An in-depth article at Eurogamer adds even more insane details than we knew.

For example, Gizmondo had plans for a widescreen followup - which CEO Carl Freer reportedly showed off at meetings about the launch of the original system. The company even pitched an Xbox-branded version (above). "We were featured on the Windows CE Exhibition Tour for quite some time, even after the company went down," Gizmondo CEO Carl Freer told Eurogamer. "I think the mock-up was probably from one of the presentations with them, about how we could bridge the gap between the Xbox and the mobility. But no, there wasn't any agreement for us to do an Xbox device."

By far the most famous aspect of the Gizmondo story was executive Stefan Eriksson, who became infamous after he crashed a $1 million Ferrari and blamed a driver who was nowhere to be found. Afterward, it was revealed that he had been convicted of receiving stolen goods. Freer claims that reports of Eriksson's connections to the Swedish mafia were overblown. "I don't think Sweden has a mafia," he said. "That terminology has been somewhat over-used. I knew about his criminal past, but when he started working for us he was not a wanted man. He'd served his time and paid his dues."

Furthermore, an article in Sweden's Aftonbladet newspaper about Eriksson's criminal past was "fabricated from an agenda," Freer said. "I'm talking about the power of share manipulators who have influence over what the media writes. When a lot of money is at stake, you start attracting people who are not interested in the longevity of the company but the performance of the stock. That's the dark side of running a company."

JoystiqGizmondo CEO: rumors of mafia connection were 'manipulation' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl-freergizmondostefan-erikssonMon, 06 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo man goes back to jail, does not pass go (again), does not collect $200 (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/gizmondo-man-goes-back-to-jail-does-not-pass-go-again-does-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/gizmondo-man-goes-back-to-jail-does-not-pass-go-again-does-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/14/gizmondo-man-goes-back-to-jail-does-not-pass-go-again-does-n/#comments
After serving three years in the US prison system for, among a litany of other things, totally disrespecting a $1 million Ferrari Enzo, Gizmondo's ex-CEO Stefan Eriksson is heading right back to jail. Last Friday, the District Court of Uppsala, Sweden sentenced Eriksson to one and a half years in prison for allegedly "making illegal threats, attempted blackmail, and robbery," though given his past offenses (being a head of the Swedish mafia, for instance), we're surprised the rap sheet is so light.

After being released from American prisons in early 2008, Eriksson ran into legal trouble again upon re-entering Sweden. Talking to The Local, his lawyer's initial response to the verdict was, "This is unacceptable, but we must sit down and discuss how we should proceed." We're tentatively suggesting, "Get Eriksson away from cars, money, and other people," but that's just us.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqGizmondo man goes back to jail, does not pass go (again), does not collect $200 (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferrari-enzogizmondoprisonstefan-erikssonswedenthe-localuppsalaTue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two guys want to make a Gizmondo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/two-guys-want-to-make-a-gizmondo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/two-guys-want-to-make-a-gizmondo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/two-guys-want-to-make-a-gizmondo-movie/#comments
Remember Bo Stefan Eriksson, the Gizmondo bigshot that wrecked that sweet Ferrari Enzo and then went to jail? His life hasn't been too great lately, but apparently his trials and tribulations are interesting enough for a Hollywood movie. We guess driving drunk and running a company into the ground makes for entertaining cinema ...

But, we digress. The men who want to turn this sad tale into a sad tale starring more beautiful people for the silver screen are writer-director Craig Zobel and producer Beau Flynn. These two have optioned Wired's "Gizmondo's Spectacular Crack-up," which was written by Randall Sullivan and chronicles the events that led up to that infamous crash. Flynn's production company Contrafilm will handle most of the heavy lifting.

When you think about it, though, is this really movie theater entertainment? Wouldn't this be a good cautionary tale for an after school special or that Intervention show?

[Via Engadget]

Read - Film gets optioned
Read - The original Wired article

JoystiqTwo guys want to make a Gizmondo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-flynncontrafilmcraig-zobelenzoferrariferrari-enzogizmondogizmondos-spectacular-crack-upstefan-erikksonwiredFri, 01 May 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo misses its 2008 resurrection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/gizmondo-misses-its-2008-resurrection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/gizmondo-misses-its-2008-resurrection/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/gizmondo-misses-its-2008-resurrection/#commentsFiled under: ,

We didn't expect the biggest news of 2008 to hit so late in the year. Folks, we've got some bad, bad news for you: the Gizmondo is not making its 2008 rebirth as originally planned. We'll give you time to let that sink in. The culprit, according to co-founder Carl Freer (you know, the one who isn't a felon), is the global economy. To be sure, GIzmondo still lives and is expected to come in two mobile OS variants,Windows CE and Android, and as such the device will still be usable as a phone.

Although not officially priced, it will not come out for the onetime-announced $99. Said Freer, "The simple reason [is] that it costs more to by from OEM's than if you have a large manufacturer who can build everything from scratch." Fear not, true believers, the Gizmondo will rise again ... someday.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqGizmondo misses its 2008 resurrection originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl-freergizmondoMon, 22 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/#commentsFiled under:


We usually use the Wii Warm Up to discuss and dissect Wii-related minutiae, but today we want to know more about your non-Nintendo gaming habits. Which other consoles do you own (current-gen or otherwise), which is your favorite (after the Wii, naturally), and what did you last play/are you currently playing through?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: The others originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braidgizmondopcps3pspwwuxbox360Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo refuses to stay dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/gizmondo-refuses-to-stay-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/gizmondo-refuses-to-stay-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/gizmondo-refuses-to-stay-dead/#commentsFiled under: ,


After giggling off yesterday's Gizmondo teaser site for all its "the legend is reborn" and "exciting psychic worlds" posturing, we've now discovered that the spectacularly unsuccessful gadget will get to enjoy the last laugh. The menacing, synthesized cackling you hear originates from the halls of UK electronics design firm Plextek, which has confirmed to Eurogamer that the Gizmondo is indeed coming back.

Though "it will be a while" before the handheld system returns in some form, Plextek technical director Ian Murphy insists that "the product has been recovered from the liquidators and [Plextek is] bringing it back to market." Former Gizmondo exec and Ferrari killer Stefan Eriksson won't be along for the ride this time, but company founder Carl Freer is reportedly on board. He was recently quoted by a Swedish journalist as saying, "I'm going to resurrect Gizmondo." In the same interview, Freer saw the device's second coming happening as soon as May 2008.

Perhaps consumer applause will be a bit more rapturous this time.

Read - Carl Freer interview
Read - Engadget summary
Read - Eurogamer confirmation

JoystiqGizmondo refuses to stay dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carl-FreerComebackGizmondoThu, 24 Jan 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Gizmondo' site teases a 2008 rebirth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/gizmondo-site-teases-a-2008-rebirth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/gizmondo-site-teases-a-2008-rebirth/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/gizmondo-site-teases-a-2008-rebirth/#commentsFiled under:

Gizmondo is back! Sort of, anyways. Or not. A teaser for the device's phoenix-like return has been posted online, boasting "the legend is reborn," "exciting psychic worlds" and "we will democratize gaming." Also mentioned is open source gaming ("create your own games") and Gizmondo Live Marketplace, which we're guessing for the moment means a portal for open source software. The Gizmondo originally debuted in 2005 and has a rather storied history of failure and scandal.

More "information" is available at ekonominyheterna, for those who can read Swedish (there are some pretty shoddy translations out there, too). We wonder if the recently-released former Gizmondo executive Stefan Eriksson will be involved. If you liked the flash-based teaser, you can make your own here - it turns out the template only costs $66.

Update: In case the aforementioned template didn't make it explicitly clear, here's more on the Gizmondo's disappointing non-return.
Well, so much for the "rumor smash." The Gizmondo is coming back.

[Via Engadget]

Joystiq'Gizmondo' site teases a 2008 rebirth originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gizmondoWed, 23 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most failure-prone video: Console duds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/todays-most-failure-prone-video-console-duds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In today's video pick, GameTrailers counts down its list of the top ten console failures, including the Jaguar, Virtual Boy, and 3DO. We were tortured by watching footage of these console failures, yet we couldn't turn away, wishing that the hardware had succeeded while laughing about all the obvious reasons the systems bombed. The list covers the systems we expected; would you have added others?

See the video after the break.

Continue reading Today's most failure-prone video: Console duds

JoystiqToday's most failure-prone video: Console duds originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32-x3d03do5200atari 5200Atari5200cdigame.comgenesisgizmondojaguarMobilen-gagengagephantomsega cdSegaCdtigervirtual boyVirtualBoyMon, 07 May 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo at CES?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/gizmondo-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/gizmondo-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/04/gizmondo-at-ces/#commentsIndustry shows are interesting beasts to witness. Frequently, we get clues about the future of gaming simply by looking at who decides to show up. There is one big surprise listing at the 2007 CES.

According to the CES website, "It's all fun and games for AMD, Apex Digital, ATI, Dell, Logitech, Nvidia, Alienware, Microsoft, Sony and Gizmondo." This is a fairly odd sentiment given the company is now bankrupt and isn't making games anymore. Maybe the CES doesn't pay much attention to the news (or found it near-impossible to decipher) or Gizmondo pre-paid over a year ago and gets an empty booth.

Gizmondo doesn't seem to be dying a graceful death. Stories like the Bo Stefan Eriksson story keep cropping up. Maybe the empty booth at the 2007 CES will be the dénouement of this pathetic riches-to-rags story; or maybe a huge surprise with the return of Gizmondo.

[Thanks, Falafelkid]

JoystiqGizmondo at CES? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcyBo Stefan ErikssonBoStefanErikssoncesCES-2007EnzoErickssonFerarriFerrari enzoFerrariEnzoGizmondogizmondo bankruptcyGizmondoBankruptcyhandheld gamingHandheldGamingStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonThu, 04 Jan 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Gizmondo exec goes directly to jail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/gizmondo-epic-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/gizmondo-epic-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/gizmondo-epic-ends/#commentsFiled under:

Former Gizmondo executive, Bo Stefan Eriksson, plead guilty yesterday to embezzlement and drunk driving charges. He will serve 3 1/2 years in prison, have his California mansion seized to pay debts and be deported from the U.S. after his prison sentence is over. So ends the epic of Gizmondo.

The plea comes a week after a Los Angeles jury deadlocked 10-2 of convicting Eriksson on embezzlement and car theft charges. The cars that Eriksson allegedly stole includes the $1 million Ferrari Enzo he obliterated. The Ferrari incident took the Gizmondo story of corruption, from passing fancy, to full-blown prime-time gaming industry soap opera.

See also:

JoystiqFormer Gizmondo exec goes directly to jail originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erikssongizmondoWed, 08 Nov 2006 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Gizmondo exec trial: day one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/ex-gizmondo-exec-trial-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/ex-gizmondo-exec-trial-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/25/ex-gizmondo-exec-trial-day-one/#commentsFiled under: ,

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ferrari24oct24,0,114976.story?coll=la-home-headlinesLos Angeles Times paints a vivid portrait of a courtroom scene seemingly cast to ease the transition into primetime TV drama.

The star of course, Bo Stefan Eriksson, the now infamous ex-Gizmondo exec, is squeezed into a tight blue suit. He's accompanied by Jim Parkman, the Alabama bred defense attorney who muses jurors with a "grand-mammy" saying: "No matter how thin you make a pancake, it still has two sides." Manicured Swedish interpreters relay the message to Eriksson who swivels in his chair, winking back at his wife.

Later, the prosecution calls its first witness. A banker with a thick British accent settles into the stand. Pushing his slipping spectacles back up, Mr. Hyett begins to recite the finer points of lease purchase agreements, licensing authorities, and registered introducers. Near the back of the courtroom, a family waiting for their lawyer dozes off.

They awake from a stir. The prosecution has just posted an enlarged copy of the Ferrari sales receipt, complete with a striking image of the exotic sports car. Murmurs ensue.

See also:
Former Gizmondo executive, two others linked to Swedish mafia
Former Gizmondo exec. involved in Ferrari Enzo crash
Gizmondo exec's Ferrari, before and after
Gizmondo exec's life continues to spiral into infamy
Ex-Gizmondo exec arrested, faces grand theft charges

JoystiqEx-Gizmondo exec trial: day one originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bo Stefan ErikssonBoStefanErikssonGizmondoWed, 25 Oct 2006 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GP2x sells 30,000 units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/15/gp2x-sells-30-000-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/15/gp2x-sells-30-000-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/15/gp2x-sells-30-000-units/#commentsFiled under: ,

GameSpot reports that the GP2X has sold 30,000 units since its European launch earlier this year. Craig Rothwell, Director of GP32/2x Distribution, expects the Linux handheld sales to total 50,000 by the end of the year.

Is 50,000 a lot? We think it's a reasonable amount and could sustain a well-run business. According to gamesindustry.biz, the ill-fated Gizmondo sold less than 5,000 units in its first three months. (Both devices were launched in the United Kingdom.) While the GP2X has had three times as long to reach 30,000, over its life-span, the GP2X has sold twice as well as the Gizmondo.

The European Nintendo DS launch dwarfed both systems, totaling 87,000 units in two days. Comparing the GP2X and DS is like comparing an office softball team with the Yankees, but that doesn't mean that both can't coexist. (And yes, the DS Phat was caught juicing, which is why the Lite is so scrawny.)

Read: Q&A: GP2X chief Craig Rothwell
Read: GP2X handheld expected to reach 50,000 sales by Xmas

[Thanks, JamesO]

JoystiqGP2x sells 30,000 units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Oct 2006 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Craig RothwellCraigRothwellGizmondoGP2XGP32Sun, 15 Oct 2006 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo's Colors uses prison sex as game mechanic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/gizmondos-colors-uses-prison-sex-as-game-mechanic/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/gizmondos-colors-uses-prison-sex-as-game-mechanic/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/18/gizmondos-colors-uses-prison-sex-as-game-mechanic/#commentsFiled under: ,


We haven't had Gizmondo news in forever! In the last episode of the defunct handheld's now epic saga, Stefan Eriksson, the former CEO who was ousted after it was discovered he had committed fraud in the '90s, totaled his million dollar Ferrari Enzo.

The guys at Lost Levels got their hands, by nefarious means we presume, on a never-released title for the console and now have an "exclusive" review of the Gizmondo's would be killer-app, Colors. Although slightly embellished, Lost Levels' Frank Cifaldi swears that the game, and the soon to be mentioned game mechanic, are absolutely true.

Colors looks like your standard GTA knock-off, except when you get arrested by the cops, you'll be sent to jail. After talking to a few people in the cell, a tattooed bear named James Earl Wyatt will help you get out of jail -- for a special fee that won't cost you a dime! All the player has to do is agree to be (choosing words carefully) willingly violated in the backside of the moon region to the point that it will cause enough damage that your character will wake up in the hospital.

Well, it is a much easier method to get out of jail than what the guys on Prisonbreak had to go through!

JoystiqGizmondo's Colors uses prison sex as game mechanic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorsgizmondolostlevelsMon, 18 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best PSP driving game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/best-psp-driving-game-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,


So this is why that Gizmondo dude mutilated his $1 million Ferrari (other than street racing while drunk). Lumines on the sun visors.

JoystiqBest PSP driving game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 May 2006 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscrashE32006FerrarigizmondoPSPSun, 14 May 2006 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo Halo "project" used cam-mouselook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/05/gizmondo-halo-project-used-cam-mouselook/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/05/gizmondo-halo-project-used-cam-mouselook/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/05/gizmondo-halo-project-used-cam-mouselook/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back before "Fast" Stefan Eriksson was crashing cars and lying to police, he ran a little portable gaming company called Gizmondo. Their scam? Defraud investors by promising them a way into the very attractive, and lucrative, gaming market.

One of their most effective tools was to promise a Gizmondo-exclusive portable Halo title. Gizmondo did have an arrangement with Microsoft Game Studios to produce some titles, including the popular MechAssault series, but Halo was definitely not a part of that arrangement. A former-Gizmondo employee told GameSetWatch that the title had only "a storyline and basic game structure at the very earliest stage of concept" and that it was all done "with a wink and a nudge to extract more cash out of the investors." Isn't that sweet?

It isn't all bad though: the engineers at Gizmondo managed to get code running -- using one of id's open-source game engines -- enabling the Gizmondo's rear-mounted camera to control the "mouselook", allowing for a uniquely precise handheld FPS control scheme. Who knows what could have come of the Gizmondo if the execs weren't busy lining their pockets?

[Via /.]

JoystiqGizmondo Halo "project" used cam-mouselook originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 May 2006 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FraudGizmondoHaloStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonFri, 05 May 2006 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Eriksson was driver in stolen car crash, says detective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/eriksson-was-driver-in-stolen-car-crash-says-detective/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/eriksson-was-driver-in-stolen-car-crash-says-detective/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/01/eriksson-was-driver-in-stolen-car-crash-says-detective/#commentsFiled under: ,

GizmondoDetective Zack Conner testified that ex-Gizmondo exec Bo Stefan Eriksson was indeed the (intoxicated) driver during the now infamous Ferrari crash this past February in Malibu, ruling out claims that "Dietrich" - Eriksson's imaginary friend - was behind the wheel. In addition to the DUI charge, Eriksson has been pegged with embezzlement, grand theft, and possession of a gun by a felon.

The gaming industry's bad boy is no stranger to the criminal lifestyle. He served 5 & 1/2 years in Swedish prison for assaults, threats, and extortion.

See also:
[Thanks, elvisizer]

JoystiqEriksson was driver in stolen car crash, says detective originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 May 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultBo Stefan ErikssonBoStefanErikssonDUIembezzlementextortionFerrarigizmondogrand theftGrandTheftMon, 01 May 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Gizmondo exec goes to jail [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/another-gizmondo-exec-goes-to-jail/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/another-gizmondo-exec-goes-to-jail/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/27/another-gizmondo-exec-goes-to-jail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Los Angeles Times reports that Carl Freer, co-founder and managing director of Gizmondo, was arrested yesterday for allegedly impersonating a police officer in order to obtain a .44 magnum handgun.

Police searched Freer's home and 100-foot yacht, turning up 12 rifles and four handguns.

A little advice from Joystiq to Freer and Ericksson: what with the guns, the millions wasted, the totaled Enzo Ferrari, the drunk driving, the garage full of "misappropriated" exotic cars, the swank mansions and the yacht, y'all can probably lay off building "street cred" now. We believe you. You're hard. Real hard.

Question is, will Fiddy believe you enough to make room for you in his G Unit?

[Update 1: Fixed an error in the number of rifles found on Freer's property.]

JoystiqAnother Gizmondo exec goes to jail [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erickssonfreergizmondoThu, 27 Apr 2006 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo Execs land at Xero Mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/22/gizmodo-execs-land-at-xero-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/22/gizmodo-execs-land-at-xero-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/22/gizmodo-execs-land-at-xero-mobile/#commentsFiled under:

Whenever a company asks us to modify anything on the site, we always conduct some research to determine if the item that offends the company is in fact false. Early yesterday morning, Xero Mobile asked us to remove a reader comment that was, in their view, incorrect.

The comment suggested that Stefan Ericksson -- the now-jailed exec who totalled a million-dollar Enzo Ferrari and multi-million dollar games company Gizmondo -- still held an executive position at MVNO Xero Mobile.

We removed the comment from Joystiq because we could find no proof that it was true. However, in doing this research, we did turn up information about Xero Mobile's connection to Ericksson's now-defunct Gizmondo.

The most reliable source we could find on the subject was the venerable Financial Times, which states that "Peter Lilley, who headed up Gizmondo's Smart Adds business unit, David Levett who was formerly chief software architect at Gizmondo, and Rich Clayton, US producer for Gizmondo, are involved in setting up a new company called Xero Mobile, based in Beverley Hills."

Plenty of others (Sean Ryan, Om Malik, Moco News, The Inquirer, to name a few) have chimed in on the linkage between the companies, and have further noted the similarities between Gizmondo's "Smart Adds" technology and the business model of Xero Mobile, which will provide free cell phone service to users who are willing to watch or listen to advertisements in exchange for that service.

In short, we could find no link between Ericksson and Xero Mobile, though ample linkages exist between Xero and Gizmondo, according to multiple sources, some of them quite reliable.

JoystiqGizmondo Execs land at Xero Mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Apr 2006 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcensorshiperickssongizmondomvnotelecomxeroxero mobileSat, 22 Apr 2006 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The speed of the Ferrari that split in half?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/the-speed-of-the-ferrari-that-split-in-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/the-speed-of-the-ferrari-that-split-in-half/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/the-speed-of-the-ferrari-that-split-in-half/#commentsFiled under: ,

Slate's Daniel Engber explains how it is we know that shady Gizmondo chieftain Stefan Ericksson's grand theft auto'd Ferrari Enzo was going precisely 162mph at the time of impact, ripping the car into two pieces. It would be difficult to condense the variables that go into this determination, but here goes:
  • Inventory where the pieces ended up (like the gun ... or Dietrich?)
  • Factor in the "coefficient of friction" of the surface
  • Apply some rudimentary physics
  • ?
  • Voilá!
Investigators also use the level of damage from the impact and, using data compiled by manufacturers and insurance companies (who else?), they can extrapolate the car's speed. Oh yeah, and there's a black box whose information isn't always reliable or applicable, so investigators usually use a combination of all three techniques to triangulate a correct answer. In this case: 162mph.

Question is, how much--in Gizmondos--does an investigation like this cost taxpayers? Twenty Gizmondos ... fifty?

JoystiqThe speed of the Ferrari that split in half? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FerrariFerrari EnzoFerrariEnzoGizmondoSlateStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonWed, 19 Apr 2006 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Gizmondo exec's bail set at $7.5M, considered flight risk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/ex-gizmondo-execs-bail-set-at-7-5m-considered-flight-risk/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/ex-gizmondo-execs-bail-set-at-7-5m-considered-flight-risk/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/18/ex-gizmondo-execs-bail-set-at-7-5m-considered-flight-risk/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stefan ErikssonLast week, former Gizmondo executive officer Stefan Eriksson was jailed and held without bail. According to Deputy DA Tamara Hall, bail has now been set at $7.5 million. In other words, Eriksson ain't goin' nowhere. A judge has scheduled a bail review hearing for April 24.

Eriksson has pleaded 'not guilty' to charges of embezzlement, grand theft, and possession of a gun by a felon. If convicted, he faces up to 14 years in prison. Eriksson also continues to dispute two misdemeanor counts of drunk driving associated with the now infamous Ferrari crash.

JoystiqEx-Gizmondo exec's bail set at $7.5M, considered flight risk originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GizmondoStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonTue, 18 Apr 2006 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Gizmondo exec arrested, faces grand theft charges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/ex-gizmondo-exec-arrested-faces-grand-theft-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/ex-gizmondo-exec-arrested-faces-grand-theft-charges/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/10/ex-gizmondo-exec-arrested-faces-grand-theft-charges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GizmondoFormer Gizmondo executive officer Stefan Eriksson has been arrested on grand theft charges and is being held without bail. Authorities allege that Eriksson doesn't own the Ferrari that was totaled in February and two other exotic cars, including the Mercedes that was confiscated last month and a second Ferrari that has also been seized. Eriksson has been charged for failing to make payments on the three vehicles, worth a combined $3.5 million, which were imported from the UK. Immigration authorities are also investigating Eriksson's visa status.

In addition, Eriksson could face additional charges related to the February crash. While Eriksson maintains he was not the driver, authorities continue to investigate the incident since evidence points to Eriksson driving the vehicle while intoxicated. Eriksson is also being investigated for fraud, as it appears he purchased the exotic cars in question as part of a failed business venture. British banks claim that Eriksson purchased the cars by using loans. He made a minimum first payment, promising to resell the cars at a higher price and pay back the loans. According to the banks, Eriksson has not made any additional payments.

[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]

JoystiqEx-Gizmondo exec arrested, faces grand theft charges originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Apr 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GizmondoStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonMon, 10 Apr 2006 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo exec's life continues to spiral into infamy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/gizmondo-execs-life-continues-to-spiral-into-infamy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/gizmondo-execs-life-continues-to-spiral-into-infamy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/gizmondo-execs-life-continues-to-spiral-into-infamy/#commentsFiled under: ,

2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLarenFormer Gizmondo executive officer Stefan Eriksson has lost his second exotic car, a $400,000 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Last month, Eriksson's $1 million Ferrari Enzo was totaled in a shady crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. This past Sunday, Beverly Hills police confiscated his Mercedes after the driver, Eriksson's wife, was discovered to be operating the vehicle without a license. In addition, police determined that the car was not registered in the US and, upon contacting Scotland Yard, confirmed that it could be stolen - an unidentified financial institution claims ownership of the Mercedes.

Spyder Dobrofsky, a 13-year-old car enthusiast, captured the entirety of Sunday's incident on video.

[Thanks, SickNic]

JoystiqGizmondo exec's life continues to spiral into infamy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GizmondoStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonWed, 29 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Welcome, one and all, to PS3 Fanboy!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/welcome-one-and-all-to-ps3-fanboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/welcome-one-and-all-to-ps3-fanboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/29/welcome-one-and-all-to-ps3-fanboy/#commentsFiled under:

A silver PlayStation 3 pictured with its prototype controllerWhether you're here because you saw the related post on Joystiq Central or because a link was flashed elsewhere online, we wish to warmly welcome you to PS3 Fanboy, the site that loves Sony's next console with all its heart (even if it ends up with that batarang prototype as a controller).

For a few more details on the wild 'n' crazy guys responsible for bringing this site to you, check out our unofficial welcome post with its shameless bios and boastful claims.

We couldn't be happier to join the Joystiq family of fanboy blogs (especially our dearest brother Gizmondo Fanboy), and we certainly hope you enjoy your stay here. Just six weeks till the E3 overload... are you all ready yet?

JoystiqWelcome, one and all, to PS3 Fanboy! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 02:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batarangbiosblogsE3GizmondoJoystiqPS3 FanboyPs3Fanboywelcomewild 'n' crazy guysWild'n'CrazyGuysWed, 29 Mar 2006 02:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The Gizmondo Saga: Oh, what a tangled web...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/the-gizmondo-saga-oh-what-a-tangled-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/the-gizmondo-saga-oh-what-a-tangled-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/09/the-gizmondo-saga-oh-what-a-tangled-web/#commentsFiled under: ,


Been trying to follow the Gizmondo Ferrari story but can't seem to keep the facts straight? Well we don't personally see how a simple little story about an illegally imported excusive Italian sportscar, a video game exec for handheld has been Gizmondo, the Swedish Uppsala mafia, Homeland Security, a mysterious ammunition clip, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and a transportation service for old people run out of an auto repair shop is the least bit confusing at all, but some of you apparently required some visual aids.

Enter Game Revolution's fun-for-all-ages flow chart, the piece de resistance of their extensive Gizmondo coverage aptly called "Gizmondo Bizarro." It's only a matter of time before they turn this into a made-for-TV movie featuring Eric Roberts as Stefan Ericksson in what will be heralded as "a gripping performance." They'll call it Crash and Burn: The Real Life Story of the Gizmondo Saga.

See also:
Gizmondo exec's Ferrari, before and after
Former Gizmondo exec. involved in Ferrari Enzo crash

[Thanks, duke]

JoystiqThe Gizmondo Saga: Oh, what a tangled web... originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Mar 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GizmondoStefan ErikssonStefanErikssonThu, 09 Mar 2006 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gizmondo exec's Ferrari, before and after]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/gizmondo-execs-ferrari-before-and-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/gizmondo-execs-ferrari-before-and-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/28/gizmondo-execs-ferrari-before-and-after/#commentsFiled under:


Eurogamer managed to dig up some pics of Gizmondo exec Stefan Eriksson's Ferrari Enzo before it got split in half. Well, we should clarify that sentence. They managed to dig up pictures of the Ferrari that got totaled in addition to some pics of his other Ferrari. That's right folks, the dude's got two of em.

GameSetWatch manages to track down a webpage devoted to the incident at the impressively niche-website, WreckedExotics.com, full of obsessive coverage of the whole thing, complete with pictures, videos, links, and a map. Don't worry, since no one was really hurt it's alright to laugh.

JoystiqGizmondo exec's Ferrari, before and after originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FerrariGizmondoTue, 28 Feb 2006 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[End of the line for Gizmondo Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/08/end-of-the-line-for-gizmondo-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/08/end-of-the-line-for-gizmondo-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/08/end-of-the-line-for-gizmondo-europe/#commentsFiled under:

We've followed the Gizmondo from the beginning, so it only seems right to see it through to its end. After filing for bankruptcy, Gizmondo UK has been ordered to liquidate by the High Court. As part of this, the liquidators will probably have to sell off the company's assets -- watch out, discount Gizmondos may be coming to market stalls near you.

The company is still continuing operations in the US, but this is hardly going to imbue buyers with confidence. Despite Gizmondo's failure so far, other portable gaming companies are still trying to make it big, but will they find the market too impermeable? Or was the Gizmondo simply aiming for the wrong niche, with the wrong timing? It's not impossible for new handheld devices to succeed, but it may require a stronger brand to create a third player in the portable market.

[via Engadget]

JoystiqEnd of the line for Gizmondo Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2006 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgizmondohandheldliquidationWed, 08 Feb 2006 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tough times for Tiger Telematics; filing for bankruptcy in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/23/tough-times-for-tiger-telematics-filing-for-bankruptcy-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/23/tough-times-for-tiger-telematics-filing-for-bankruptcy-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/23/tough-times-for-tiger-telematics-filing-for-bankruptcy-in-uk/#commentsFiled under:

The video game world has been rocked by the news that one of the true giants of the industry has filed for bankruptcy protection in the UK, their homeland. At least that's the way Tiger Telematics would prefer the headline to read; in fact it reads something closer to this: comically ugly video game console hemorrhages money, almost kills company.

The bankruptcy filing surfaced today in an explanation to the SEC regarding plans for their US operations. While Gizmondo Europe "made a reduction in payroll of approximately 50% of monthly staff costs during the week prior to the court application," operations elsewhere continue unabated. "The action does not affect any other subsidiary of the Company including its United States operations and sales under Gizmondo USA Inc."

Does this mean the tens of fans clamoring for the widescreen version will be disappointed?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqTough times for Tiger Telematics; filing for bankruptcy in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GizmondoTiger TelematicsTigerTelematicsMon, 23 Jan 2006 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 2005 cover athletes announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2004/10/05/fifa-2005-cover-athletes-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/10/05/fifa-2005-cover-athletes-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/10/05/fifa-2005-cover-athletes-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

FIFA 2005It looks like Freddy Adu will have to wait for another year, EA has announced the newest athletes to appear on the cover of the latest FIFA installment. In North America, FIFA Soccer 2005 will feature Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Morientes, and Oswaldo Sanchez. "I love EA SPORTS, especially the FIFA franchise," said Sanchez. Now that's a spokesman! FIFA hits stores next Tuesday, we'll have more coverage then.

JoystiqFIFA 2005 cover athletes announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2004 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFIFA-05FIFA-2005FIFA-Soccer-2005GameCubeGBAGizmondoMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS1PS2SportsXboxXbox-360Tue, 05 Oct 2004 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 2005 demo scores GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/10/fifa-2005-demo-scores-goooooooaaaaaaaalllllllll/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/10/fifa-2005-demo-scores-goooooooaaaaaaaalllllllll/http://www.joystiq.com/2004/09/10/fifa-2005-demo-scores-goooooooaaaaaaaalllllllll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

fifa 2005

To celebrate the opening day of American football comes the FIFA 2005 demo, the premiere soccer video game. Okay, okay I'm being facetious. Weighing in at a mere 86 MB, the demo will let you play for six minutes with Arsenal vs. AC Milan in the Highbury Stadium. The marketing hype claims that every slight move of the controller will show up as human movement on the screen. Actually, if you watch the clips they may not be stretching the truth too much. Better yet, download the demo and play it yourself.

JoystiqFIFA 2005 demo scores GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2004 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-CanadaEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFIFA-05FIFA-2005FIFA-Soccer-2005GameCubeGBAGizmondoMicrosoftNintendoPlayStationPS1PS2SportsXboxXbox-360Fri, 10 Sep 2004 13:58:00 EST