Joystiq

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ remixed for iPhone, iPad, and PC [update]

JC Fletcher — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:25:00 EST

Click: The Ultimate GalleryScratch: The Ultimate DJ was all set to compete against Activision's DJ Hero, but major legal issues delayed the game significantly. Now, the game has resurfaced -- in a form that doesn't use the high-end turntable controller. Numark (managing partner in Scratch DJ Game LLC) announced versions of the game for iPhone, iPad, and PC, due "later this year" -- which constitutes another delay, from the game's previous "spring" date.

The previously announced console versions of the game are not mentioned at all in the announcement, save for an oblique reference in the description of the Scratch Deck controller: "Additionally, Numark has developed a new full-function dual-turntable controller that enables players to manipulate both turntables simultaneously, which will be available for use with the game on a variety of platforms." While the PC may be one of those platforms, it's a safe bet that the controller isn't designed for use with the iPhone or iPad.

It's hard to tell from the announcement whether the console game has been scrapped in favor of this "remixed" release. We're contacting Numark to attempt to clear up the question of Scratch's console release plans.

Update: Numark told Joystiq that the console versions are still in development. In addition, the PC version will use a special controller.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ remixed for iPhone, iPad, and PC [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ deck ain't no half-steppin'

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

"These aren't some made up tricks," scoffs our friendly narrator. "They're authentic scratches heard every night in the hottest clubs in the world." But authenticity -- the act of keeping it real -- doesn't end there for Scratch: The Ultimate DJ's Numark-designed peripheral, the Scratch Deck. Check these street credentials:

"the first legitimate DJ controller for video gamers" (oh snap!)
"Numark have been at the forefront of turntable production since the 1970s" (before you were even born, son!)
"utilizes technology that locks your scratches in the sweet spot of any sample" (bust that scientifical)
"build skills that will transfer over to any DJ setup" (who said anything about mad skillz?)
"you need beats" (just sayin')
"Dr. Dre, Just Blaze and Pete Rock" ( ... just sayin')

"The controller," authenticates Mix Master Mike, "very authentic." With that our narrator concludes, "So, now you're up on everything related to Scratch: The Ultimate DJ." But wait, isn't there, like, a video game somehow related to this peripheral? What up with that?

Update: So what's up with the game? "The game is coming along quite nicely under the direction of the Commotion Interactive team, and we will be releasing some new assets in a few weeks," a Scratch spokesperson tells Joystiq. And adds, "As of now, the release date is still spring 2010."

Gallery: Battle of the best turntable: DJ Hero vs Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ deck ain't no half-steppin' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ's development turned to new studio

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST

With most of its legal issues over, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is ready for a comeback next year under developer Commotion Interactive. The game was previously being created by Activision's 7 Studios, but after a very messy legal entanglement, Scratch DJ Game, LLC -- a joint venture between Numark Industries and Genius Products -- was given the Scratch source code and tools under court order to proceed with development.

Commotion's job now is to get the game out for Xbox 360 and PS3 by "early 2010." A representative for Numark informed us that the Scratch Deck peripheral will remain the same, but couldn't confirm whether it would be compatible with DJ Hero. We've also been told the game has taken a slightly different (visual) artistic direction and that new screenshots should be available in the coming weeks.

We were also curious about the music selection and licensing in Scratch. MTV Games is the licensing muscle for Harmonix's Rock Band, while Activision has gotten good at licensing with Guitar Hero. Who is Scratch adding to its roster? "Our team is doing a great job of handling the music licensing," the representative said. "We already have agreements with; Kanye West, Run DMC, Outkast and others, with more announcements to come."

With DJ Hero set for this year under the mighty marketing banner of Activision, Scratch will definitely need that special magic to make a commotion upon release.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ's development turned to new studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ shows off its deck, new website

Kevin Kelly — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

The battle of the DJ games will be coming to a head soon, reminding of us when Armageddon went up against Deep Impact. But who's going to mix it up and come out on top here? Scratch: The Ultimate DJ just released a video that shows off some of the tech (and DJ know-how) that went into the Scratch Deck, and you can see how it stacks up against DJ Hero's controller.

Watch the video above and take a trip on their extremely urban adventure-themed website for more information. We like the addition of the separate drum pad to their deck, which DJ Hero has on the turntable with two fewer buttons. It's just that Scratch's characters look like they need to eat a sandwich or two. Numark calls the turntable the "first and only legitimate DJ controller for video gamers."

We're reserving judgment on these two until we can play them side by side, but the video above gives us a bit more confidence in Scratch. Now, let's see some more gameplay.

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

Video: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ shows off its deck, new website originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One turntable to rule them all: DJ Hero vs Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

David Hinkle — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:45:00 EST

Click image to compare

With two high profile DJ-'em-up games coming out in DJ Hero and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, many are likely scratching their heads at which turntable and promised experience is going to be superior. Well, we can't comment on the latter (until E3, anyway), but we can take a look at the two competing controllers. We stacked them side-by-side for your viewing pleasure and compared all the known details in our gallery below. Enjoy!

Gallery: Battle of the best turntable: DJ Hero vs Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

One turntable to rule them all: DJ Hero vs Scratch: The Ultimate DJ originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ shows off its ultimate deck

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:15:00 EST

Click to embiggen

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is ready to reveal the plastic peripheral that'll take up your precious living room real estate. The Numark-designed deck will certainly keep wannabe game DJs quibbling whether it's better than DJ Hero's deck.

The Numark deck features a free-spinning, touch sensitive turntable (uh, the thing on the left in the photo) and a crossfader with 5 Akai Pro MPC-style drum pads, allowing players to trigger samples -- you know, just like real DJs. Players can use one of the 60 samples shipping with the game or "record and upload their own ... using a compatible USB microphone." Oh, and don't worry, lefties, the deck is flippable.

We'll be certain to give our hands-on scratch impressions next week at E3, where the unit will be available.

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ controller

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ shows off its ultimate deck originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ to use MP3 turntable

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 May 2009 10:00:00 EST

Should it ever make it into stores, Genius Products' Scratch: The Ultimate DJ might come with a very cool bonus. According to a tweet from producer Quincy Jones III (at least, we think it's really QDIII -- the account is linked from his Myspace account), the turntable controller used for the game will have extra functionality beyond the game.

QDIII's tweet: "The scratch video game also has a real mp3 turn table with a functional fader, just like the real thing... will keep you posted on updates."

If this turns out to be used for Scratch, it will mean that the fake musical instrument for the game is also a real musical instrument -- no modding required. We can't help but wonder, with all the lawsuits happening, if Activision is daring enough to "spontaneously" have the same idea for DJ Hero.

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

[Via The Koalition]

Rumor: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ to use MP3 turntable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ drama continues as 7 Studios countersues

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST

The tangled web of developers, publishers and the various lawsuits between them, has just gotten that much more complex as 7 Studios countersues Scratch: The Ultimate DJ publishers Genius Products. According to court documents obtained by The Cut Scene blog, 7 Studios is asking for $1 million in damages, allegedly attributed to a variety of "unlawful and unsavory business practices."

Among them, 7 Studios alleges Genius Products repeatedly delayed production of the game, didn't deliver various assets on time (music, that is), considered creating a Nintendo Wii version of the game (then subsequently canceled it), and when things didn't work out, tried to cut and run. In so many words, 7 Studios is accusing Genius of asking them to create a game without adequate support and then, when the game was nearly finished, trying to shop it out to other publishers. We've reached out to all parties involved (repeatedly) and, like the Cut Scene blog, heard nothing back. We'll update this post accordingly if we hear anything, but at this point, we're suggesting that you don't hold your breath.

[Image]

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ drama continues as 7 Studios countersues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ granted restraining order

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST

In the ongoing court battle between Scratch: The Ultimate DJ co-publishers Genius Products and Numark vs. DJ Hero publisher Activision, the first of many legal battles has been detailed. According to a press release sent out by Genius Products, the Los Angeles Superior Court has granted the Scratch developers a temporary restraining order and told Activision-owned 7 Studios to return all source code.

Additionally, 7 Studios is being court-ordered to return "pre-existing developer tools and technology" used in the game's 18-month development cycle, presumably including the "nine custom-manufactured turntable and beat-button game controllers" claimed by Numark as being held hostage by 7 Studios and, in turn, Activision. Outside of returning all the equipment used in the development of Scratch, 7 Studios' CEO, Lewis Peterson, has been effectively banned from any involvement with the game and the former Scratch team has been ordered not to speak about its development. This news clashes directly with allegations put forth by Activision last week, positing that the Los Angeles Superior Court had denied said restraining order. We've put in a request for comment to Activision and will update this post as we find out more.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ granted restraining order originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The sordid history of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:55:00 EST

In the pending lawsuit between DJ Hero publisher Activision and Scratch: The Ultimate DJ co-publishers Genius Products and Numark, all we've heard are each sides' allegations and condemnations of the other. What we haven't heard, however, was the long and messy tale leading up to the current state of things between former Scratch developer 7 Studios (now owned by Activision), Genius Products and, apparently, Brash Entertainment. Yes -- that Brash Entertainment.

According to The Cut Scene, Scratch began development in 2007, allegedly by 7 Studios and Brash Entertainment. In summer of the same year, Brash decided to focus on licensed properties and sold off the IP to Genius Products. The piece further alleges that by late last year, Genius Products was having financial problems and was not so much being courted by major publishers (including MTV, EA, Ubisoft and, yes, Activision) as it was trying to sell off a seemingly toxic asset. If The Cut Scene's anonymous sources are to be believed, there's a lot more going on here than it would seem.

The sordid history of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision responds to Scratch lawsuit, court denies restraining order

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST

Moving into day three of Breakin' (the law) 2: Electric Boogaloo, Activision has fired back at Scratch: The Ultimate DJ LLC (Numark and Genius Products' joint business venture). It says allegations made in the lawsuit "are disingenuous and lack any merit," and backs up that statement with the Los Angeles Superior Court's decision not to grant a restraining order against the mega-publisher.

Furthermore, Activision claims that Genius Products is scapegoating the publisher, explicitly stating, "These allegations are nothing more than an attempt by Genius [Products] to place blame for the game's delays, as well as to divert attention from the cash flow, liquidity and revenue challenges Genius detailed in its Mar. 30 SEC filing."

The press release makes no mention of the "nine custom-manufactured turntable and beat-button game controllers" allegedly belonging to Numark nor the current state of development of Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, presumably still being held by Activision-owned 7 Studios. It does, however, tell us that the lawsuit will have "no effect" on the development of Activision's own DJ-based rhythm game, DJ Hero. We've asked Activision for its official side of the story and will update this post accordingly as news develops.

Update: Activision has responded to our request for comment with, "Unfortunately, we do not have anything more to comment outside of the statement we put out."

Activision responds to Scratch lawsuit, court denies restraining order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision: The Ultimate Lawsuit -- day two

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:30:00 EST

Day two of news regarding the Scratch: The Ultimate DJ LLC vs. Activision lawsuit has arrived, and with it a comprehensive analysis of the "full 30-page complaint" by way of Gamasutra. Before we launch into that though, we first put this question to you, dearest readers: What the heck do we call this thing? Scratch-gate? Court Scratch Fever? Breakin' (the law) 2: Electric Boogaloo? You tell us!

Aside from the litany of information we already know, the piece paints an interesting tale of tortuous interference on the side of DJ Hero publisher Activision ostensibly strong-arming Scratch: The Ultimate DJ developer Genius Products (and its partner, Numark) into releasing its game later than Activision's. Furthermore, the suit alleges that 7 Studios, former contracted developer of Scratch for Genius Products (and recently purchased by Activision), is still withholding "nine custom-manufactured turntable and beat-button game controllers" belonging to Numark.

To help break down the analysis with significantly more expertise and clarity, we contacted LGJ columnist Mark Methenitis, who had this to say:

"If you thought Silicon Knights vs. Epic had the potential to get ugly, imagine the stakes when the next major branch of the music game genre hangs in the balance. Taking Genius's claims at face value, Activision is basically trying to bully them out of the market so that Activision's own DJ Hero can become the top billing DJ-based music game. This is similar to the claim that Silicon Knights made, where they alleged Epic was neglecting the Unreal Engine 3 licensees to benefit Gears of War. The major difference here is when Activision couldn't buy the game, it bought the developer to control the game's development and attempt to force the hand of Genius. This gets into tortuous interference with the existing development agreement, the basic gist of which is that as a third party, you're not allowed to interfere with someone else's contract. Of course, there's likely another side to this story, which I'm sure Activision will present in its answer to Genius's claims."

Activision: The Ultimate Lawsuit -- day two originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scratch: The Ultimate DJ developer sues Activision

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:20:00 EST

In a David and Goliath story for the ages, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ LLC (a partnership between Genius Products and Numark formed to develop and publish the game of the same name) have revealed a mountain of details regarding a lawsuit against mega-publisher Activision. The lawsuit alleges Activision and 7 Studios -- contract developer for Genius Products -- have intentionally "conspired to withhold the current version of Scratch in an effort to delay the development and release" of the game. Scratch: The Ultimate DJ LLC is seeking the immediate return of its game as well as "other injunctive relief."

Trevor Drinkwater, president of Genius Products, is quoted as saying, "We believe that Activision and 7 Studios have improperly used confidential information obtained from Genius and 7 Studios to interfere with our efforts to complete the game. In short, we believe that Activision is attempting to sabotage the release of our much anticipated game and prevent it from getting to market prior to the release of DJ Hero." Fighting words indeed!

Interestingly, the details revealed this evening also outline Activision's attempt to "acquire" Scratch: The Ultimate DJ from Genius Products, who apparently rebuffed the attempt. Allegedly, Activision then proceeded to purchase 7 Studios and "conspired to prevent Scratch from getting to market on a timely basis" through a variety of means, including withholding "work product, code, and the proprietary game controller." We've still heard nothing from Activision regarding this lawsuit and due to the late arrival of this information, likely won't hear a response from the publisher until tomorrow at the earliest. We can, however, assure you this won't be the last time we hear about this.

Scratch: The Ultimate DJ developer sues Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kanye, Run DMC and Beastie Boys headline Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

Dustin Burg — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST

Dust off your oversized headphones and brush up on your DJ skills, because Genius Products and 7 Studios just announced that Scratch: The Ultimate DJ will release with a library of over sixty songs.

The complete list of tracks has yet to be revealed, but songs from Kanye West, Beastie Boys and Run DMC are already set to appear on our digital turntables during Q2 2009, on both PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms. Maybe with a more mainstream catalog of music, Scratch can carve out a space in the DJ market.

"Intergalactic" by Beastie Boys
"Flashing Lights" by Kanye West
"Let's Get it Started" by The Black Eyed Peas
"Slacker" by Tech N9ne
"Don't Sweat the Technique" by Eric B. and Rakim
Other Songs From: Run DMC, The Gorillaz, Nelly and Deltron 3030

Kanye, Run DMC and Beastie Boys headline Scratch: The Ultimate DJ originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Scratch: The Ultimate DJ' announced, Numark & QD3 on board

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

7 Studios today made a move toward being the first studio to renew the turntable-based rhythm game, announcing partnerships with DJ equipment manufacturer Numark and hip-hop producer Quincy Jones III, along with Genius Products and Genco Interactive. Dubbed, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, the game will be played using a turntable controller, the "Scratch Deck," designed by Numark, which promises to "allow players to re-imagine songs on the fly and add their own creativity" (no word on an MC counterpart -- or b-boy, for that matter). 7 Studios joins Activision and presumably any other company with half a brain (you listening, Konami?) as it vies for precious mindshare of the next potential gaming phenomenon.

Scratch is scheduled for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 next spring and features "distinctive urban environments" and "original recordings from the catalogs of many top urban artists." Are we sensing a theme here?

Gallery: Scratch: The Ultimate DJ

'Scratch: The Ultimate DJ' announced, Numark & QD3 on board originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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