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[Microsoft IllumiRoom projects its vision for next-gen Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-illumiroom-projects-its-vision-for-next-gen-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-illumiroom-projects-its-vision-for-next-gen-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/microsoft-illumiroom-projects-its-vision-for-next-gen-xbox/#comments IllumiRoom, Microsoft's game-expanding projector technology, is envisioned ideally for the next-generation Xbox, which is set to be revealed next month. Microsoft's Redmond-based Research group says its vision is for an "ultra-wide field of view device sitting on the user's coffee table, projecting over a large area surrounding the television. The device would be connected wirelessly to a next generation gaming console as a secondary display."

Microsoft is showcasing the proof-of-concept technology, first unveiled at CES earlier this year, at this week's CHI 2013 conference in Paris. In a paper published for the conference, Microsoft Research detailed how Illumiroom could be "developed into a next generation game console with game content designed from the ground up, or it could be an 'addon' for existing consoles with gamers writing scripts to mod their favorite games."

The paper adds, "Ideally, IllumiRoom would be directly integrated into a next generation console and new games would be designed for IllumiRoom from the ground up."

A new five-minute video expands upon the brief preview published earlier this year. It shows how IllumiRoom, which incorporates Kinect, projects images to alter the appearance of the room surrounding the TV, including a number of lighting and particle effects, as well as extended field of view. We should hear more about Illumiroom later this week at CHI 2013, and possibly at Microsoft's May 21 event, when the next Xbox is expected to debut.

JoystiqMicrosoft IllumiRoom projects its vision for next-gen Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>illumiroommicrosoftnext-xboxresearchxboxxbox-720Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vice President Biden reiterates need to research violent video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/vice-president-biden-reiterates-need-to-research-violent-video-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/vice-president-biden-reiterates-need-to-research-violent-video-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/vice-president-biden-reiterates-need-to-research-violent-video-g/#comments

On January 16, President Obama asked Congress to approve a $500 million plan with the goal of suppressing gun violence, including measures to limit magazines for military-style assault weapons to 10 rounds, making universal background checks mandatory for gun buyers and adding resource officers to schools that want them. Obama asked for $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control and other agencies to research the causes of gun violence, specifying "research into the effects that violent video games have on young minds."

On January 24, Vice President Joe Biden held a "Fireside Hangout" to field questions about the proposal, noting again that there was no relevant research into the effects of violent video games on human behavior.

"There is no hard data as to whether or not these excessively violent video games in fact cause people to engage in behavior that is antisocial, including using guns," Biden said. He mentioned a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics that concluded that children watching three to six hours of video games can lead to aggressive behavior - the study didn't extrapolate to violent behavior, however.

"So I recommended to the President that we do significant research," Biden said. "Let CDC, let the National Institute of Health, let these people go out and look at the pathology that's behind this, if there is a pathology related to gun violence. We shouldn't be afraid of the facts."

JoystiqVice President Biden reiterates need to research violent video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscdcfireside-chatfireside-hangoutjoe-bidenmicrosoftmobilenihnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspresearchsonyvice-presidentvice-president-joe-bidenviolent-video-gamesvitawiiwii-uxboxTue, 29 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama signs executive orders to curtail, research gun violence [Update: ESA responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/obama-signs-executive-orders-to-curtail-research-gun-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/obama-signs-executive-orders-to-curtail-research-gun-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/obama-signs-executive-orders-to-curtail-research-gun-violence/#comments Obama requests investigation into correlation between games and violencePresident Barack Obama signed 23 executive actions today with the goal of suppressing gun violence and researching the effects of violent media on young minds. The actions supplement a proposed $500 million program to curtail gun violence, including implementing a universal background check for gun buyers, restoring a ban on military-style assault weapons and limiting magazines to 10 rounds, and developing emergency preparedness plans.

Obama mentioned video games once during the conference, asking Congress to provide $10 million for the Centers for Disease Control and other scientific agencies to research the causes of gun violence.

"While year after year, those who oppose even modest gun safety measures have threatened to defund scientific or medical research into the causes of gun violence, I will direct the Centers for Disease Control to go ahead and study the best ways to reduce it," Obama said. "And Congress should fund research into the effects that violent video games have on young minds. We don't benefit from ignorance. We don't benefit from not knowing the science of this epidemic of violence."

Obama's recommendations come after Vice President Joe Biden led a task force to investigate various industries and angles of curtailing gun violence, following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut last month. He met with leaders in the video game industry, including EA's John Riccitiello, as part of his information-gathering tour.

"While there is no law or set of laws that can prevent every senseless act of violence completely, no piece of legislation that will prevent every tragedy, every act of evil, if there is even one thing we can do to reduce this violence, if there's even one life that can be saved, then we've got an obligation to try it," Obama said.

A summary of Obama's recommendations include the following steps: strengthen the background check system to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, help schools to hire more resource officers if they want them, develop emergency preparedness plans, clarify options that mental health professionals have for reporting threats of violence (acknowledging that those with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators), enacting a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun, restore a ban on military-style assault weapons and enact a 10-round limit on magazines, have Congress support severe punishments for criminal gun buyers and sellers, and placing more police officers on the streets.

Obama ended the conference by signing the executive orders, emphasizing the responsibility of Congress to enact his recommendations.

Continue reading Obama signs executive orders to curtail, research gun violence [Update: ESA responds]

JoystiqObama signs executive orders to curtail, research gun violence [Update: ESA responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack-obamacongressexecutive-ordergun-violencejoe-bidenpresidentpresident-obamaresearchvice-presidentvice-president-joe-bidenWed, 16 Jan 2013 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Google report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/google-report-on-game-searches-understanding-the-modern-gamer/#comments Google publishes Understanding the Gamer reportScientific studies have a way of making well-rounded, conscientious people feel as if their lives are contrived, noting how their habits are shared by millions of other people and probably aren't that special in the long run.

In the study "Understanding the Modern Gamer," Google does this with "millions of gamers," but knows how to make us feel special while we're being scrutinized: "Gamers are incredibly savvy Internet users whose searches reveal an extraordinarily high level of intention." Google notes that the gaming industry has "significantly transformed" in recent years and has studied our online search habits - desktop and mobile - for insight into purchasing processes and levels of engagement.

Google finds that gamers are researching games before buying more often, with desktop searches in 2011 up 20 percent year-over-year; searches for marquee titles are up 29 percent. Pre-launch searches are up 37 percent and most gamers consider two different games before deciding on one.

Despite protestations to sequels, gamers get involved in major franchises more heavily with each new game, becoming "active members of growing communities that are interested in year-round interaction with franchise content." Search volume for franchise titles increases significantly with each iteration, as shown in the above desktop and mobile graphs.

Reviews remain relevant up to four months following a game's launch week. Search volume correlates with game sales: A game that accrues 250,000 AdWords clicks in the 10 months around launch is expected to sell 2 - 4 million units in its first four months.

Major games now involve year-round digital interaction from consumers, Google finds. Aiding that year-round boost may be mobile searches, which are up 168 percent year-over-year.

Read the full report after the break.

Continue reading Google report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer

JoystiqGoogle report on game searches: Understanding the Modern Gamer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamergooglemobilepcresearchsciencesearchsearch-engineTue, 25 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamers crack AIDS-related protein, science now obsolete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/gamers-crack-aids-related-protein-science-now-obsolete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/gamers-crack-aids-related-protein-science-now-obsolete/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/gamers-crack-aids-related-protein-science-now-obsolete/#comments Doing something as simple as playing a computer game called Foldit, gamers have helped to unlock the secrets of a protein-cutting enzyme from a virus that resembles AIDS. Though that may not mean much to you, it's a breakthrough that could have real repercussions for those researching AIDS and cancer treatment.

The specifics are ... complicated, but, in short, players of Foldit work together to fill in the parts of research that computers struggle with: namely, spatial reasoning. (Sort of like Folding@Home, only this requires your brainpower rather than unused PS3 horsepower.) This newest collaborative breakthrough is being published in research journal Nature: Structural & Molecular Biology.

While our colleagues at Rock, Paper, Shotgun rush to bring you the heartwarming story, we're distracted by the far more pressing revelation of the study: Games have officially obviated the need for science. That's it, show's over. From now on, when we need an answer to the big questions, we'll make a video game about it.

Leave your pocket protector with Valerie on the way out, Poindexter.

JoystiqGamers crack AIDS-related protein, science now obsolete originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidscancerfoldingfolditmacpcresearchMon, 19 Sep 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/researchers-pit-microorganisms-in-deadly-game-of-pac-mecium/#comments At first glance, the so-called "biotic games" research conducted by a Stanford University team that's installed microorganisms into crude, real-life video games merely raises the question: Wow -- that's a job?

A summary of the team's experimentation on living organisms (red flag!) in this month's Lab on a Chip journal suggests that biotic games could "have significant conceptual and cost-reducing effects on biotechnology and eventually health care," not to mention that they could also "educate society at large to support personal medical decisions and the public discourse on bio-related issues."

Those sure sound like complicatedly-worded, yet noble goals -- or at least good cover for playing video games all day -- but we sense a distressing undertone in the work here. Just watch the clip (after the break) of the researchers' Pac-Man prototype clone, "PAC-mecium," wherein, ostensibly, a player would "guide" unwitting paramecia to happy-face yeast pellets and attempt to keep the poor protozoa from being devoured by a giant zebrafish larvae, or not.

It's pretty clear to us that the next "guinea pigs" in this diabolical plan will be mice, and then probably monkeys. The final stage? Gerard Butler.

Continue reading Researchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium'

JoystiqResearchers pit microorganisms in deadly game of 'PAC-mecium' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biotechnologybiotic-gamesbiotic-pinballciliaballenlightenmentingmar-riedel-krusemicrobashmicroorganismspac-manpac-meciumpolymerracepond-pongpongresearchstanfordthe-prisoners-smellemmaFri, 21 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists use Wiimote to measure water evaporation rates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/scientists-use-wiimote-to-measure-water-levels-evaporation-rate/#comments A recently published report in the Water Resources Research academic journal describes an experiment undertaken by a team tasked with measuring evaporation rates by monitoring water levels. How is this related to our favorite hobby? Well, rather than use a hypersensitive monitor or a high tech ballast system, they used a Wiimote. According to the report, the scientists pointed the Wiimote's IR LEDs at reflectors attached to a float in a water pan, and then used the reflected light (usually used to see where the sensor bar is relative to the controller) to check and see how quickly the water was evaporating.

The results were pretty amazing, actually -- not only did the Wiimote pick up even slight changes in the water level, but it was able to compensate for other movement, due to waves or water displacement. That's impressive for a little $30 game controller. We've already seen Kinect do some pretty impressive things as well, including recreate a Minority Report-style interface, and recognize sign language. That leaves just one motion controller without its own academic degree -- better get a Move on, Sony.

JoystiqScientists use Wiimote to measure water evaporation rates originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicexperimentnintendoreportresearchsciencewiiwiitmoteTue, 04 Jan 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Action games could help you make faster decisions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/study-action-games-could-help-you-make-faster-decisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/study-action-games-could-help-you-make-faster-decisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/study-action-games-could-help-you-make-faster-decisions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Years of action gaming have instilled deep within us an irrational phobia of standing anywhere near red barrels; a syndrome we're sure many of you can sympathize with. But a study from the University of Rochester says those same games might also be helping us make even non-barrel-centric decisions faster.

After giving audio and visual tests to two groups of college students that had recently played either an FPS or The Sims, researchers found that while the two groups got the same amount of answers right, action gamers were able to arrive at those answers about 25 percent faster.

Sadly, the testing had to be discontinued when the FPS players refused to stop marking their triumph by knocking The Sims players to the floor and repeatedly jamming their crotches into the losers' horrified faces.

JoystiqStudy: Action games could help you make faster decisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionfpsresearchthe-simsTue, 14 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: TV and games linked to attention problems in school]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/study-tv-and-games-linked-to-attention-problems-in-school/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/study-tv-and-games-linked-to-attention-problems-in-school/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/study-tv-and-games-linked-to-attention-problems-in-school/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Image credit: dospaz]
A new study conducted by researchers at Iowa State University recently found that viewing television and playing video games were both associated with greater attention problems among young children. The study, which appeared in Pedatrics recently, followed the television and video game usage habits of 1300 "middle childhood" subjects, connected those up with "teacher-reported attention problems," and found that increased exposure to both television and video games was associated with attention issues.

The study doesn't mention that there's a casual relationship here, only that the two were "associated." A separate part of the study involved 210 "late adolescent/early adult participants" who provided self reports on both issues, and also found that some connection existed between the two. This study follows up on previous group research from the same university, but the researchers admit that much more research is needed before clear conclusions can be drawn.

Thanks, Will!

JoystiqStudy: TV and games linked to attention problems in school originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attentionattention-problemschildhoodpedatricsresearchresearchersstudytelevisionvideo-gamesWed, 07 Jul 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR/SMU study: review scores affect perceived quality, purchase intent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/eedar-smu-study-review-scores-affect-perceived-quality-purchas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/eedar-smu-study-review-scores-affect-perceived-quality-purchas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/eedar-smu-study-review-scores-affect-perceived-quality-purchas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A study conducted by EEDAR and SMU's Guildhall found trusted media outlets do affect consumers' perception of video games and their willingness to purchase. Joystiq received an advanced copy of the study (releasing publicly next week), that involved 165 qualified participants split into three groups, who were then exposed to high, low and no review scores for Plants vs. Zombies before playing the game. After the 20-minute session, the subjects were offered either a copy of the game or $10. A result of the study was that participants exposed to higher review scores were 100 percent more likely than those exposed to low scores to take a copy of Plants vs. Zombies over the $10 and "85 percent more likely to take the game than the control group." The study concludes that "because nearly twice as many participants in the high review group took the copy ... that the relationship between video game sales and professional review scores are not correlative but causal."

Plants vs. Zombies was chosen because it's "regarded by the gaming community and by critics as a high quality title of broad appeal." The mock reviews used in the study were from five well-known media outlets and participants were told that the aggregate review score they were given was "comprised of 51 professional" outlets. All participants "played the same game, on the same type of computer, in the same environment, for the same amount of time."

Continue reading EEDAR/SMU study: review scores affect perceived quality, purchase intent

JoystiqEEDAR/SMU study: review scores affect perceived quality, purchase intent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EEDARguildhallmicrosoftnintendopcPlants-vs-Zombiesplaystationps3researchsmusouthern-methodist-universitystudywiixboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study links violent games to violent thoughts and behavior]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/study-links-violent-games-to-violent-thoughts-and-behavior/#comments If you're a subscriber to the APA's Psychological Bulletin (and why wouldn't you be?), you'll find something especially relevant to your interests in the March issue. Psychologist Craig Anderson analyzed existing studies of 130,000 people from the U.S., Europe and Japan, and found that exposure to violent video games was associated with aggressive behavior and thought, along with typical accusations of an inability to foster positive social behavior. A rebuttal to the study from another psychologist and ESA chief Michael Gallagher is featured in The Washington Post article on the subject.

We're not doctors nor scientists ourselves, so we're not going to try to pick apart Anderson's findings. We, like Gallagher, are just going to point towards the research of two people who don't have such a huge axe to grind (as Anderson so clearly does). As Dr. Cheryl K. Olson and Dr. Lawrence Kutner wrote in their Grand Theft Childhood, "the strong link between video game violence and real world violence, and the conclusion that video games lead to social isolation and poor interpersonal skills, are drawn from bad or irrelevant research, muddleheaded thinking and unfounded, simplistic news reports."

Also, we'd ask that Anderson clarify if the tendency toward violent impulses was specifically sparked by playing Modern Warfare 2 online with a bunch of 12-year-old racist homophobes. Because, then dude, yes.

JoystiqStudy links violent games to violent thoughts and behavior originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apaesaesrbgrand-theft-childhoodmike-gallagherresearchstudyviolenceviolent-video-gamesMon, 01 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psn-survey-hints-at-upcoming-subscription-based-features/#comments Sony's European team has sent out a survey to some of its UK PSN members asking them yet again about possible subscription models for the service. The survey is run by a market research company called Ipsos, and appears to offer up a list of possible member benefits for a few different plan tiers, along with pricing for each. The benefits range from more tame ideas like exclusive and early access to content to more interesting options like "free title trials" (first hour of a game for free), user-to-user challenges, "token wagering" and a service called "catch-up TV." Oh, and since it's Sony we're talking about, there's even a listed option for "cloud storage space for games." You can find the full list of possible features after the jump.

The price options differ from plan to plan, but they go as cheap as £2.99 (about $5 U.S.) up to £14.99 (about $25) for monthly fees, with annual fees also listed for 55% less than you'd pay month to month (so around £19.99 up to £99.99, or $32 to $160). Note that just because all of these things are on a survey doesn't mean that Sony has them up and running -- it only means that they're testing the water in terms of what UK members are willing to pay for certain features. But you can just add this to the growing mountain of evidence that Sony is planning some sort of premium subscription service.

[Thanks Marc and everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features

JoystiqPSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-storageeuropeanevidencefeaturesfree-title-trialsgamesipsosmarketingnetworkpoundspricingpsnresearchsceeservicesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropesubscriptiontiersukWed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo might be considering hybrid HD/SD console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/nintendo-might-be-considering-hybrid-hd-sd-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/nintendo-might-be-considering-hybrid-hd-sd-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/nintendo-might-be-considering-hybrid-hd-sd-console/#commentsIn a voluminous response to an investor question about moving to support high-definition output, Nintendo executives laid out their current thoughts on how and when to make such a move in their consoles. Of course, these thoughts shouldn't be taken as a definite indicator of Nintendo's plans, but they might suggest where the company could be headed in the next generation. And if these statements do reflect future events, Nintendo's next console will be HD-capable, but won't require that standard for every game.

Genyo Takeda, GM of Nintendo's Integrated Research & Development Division, said that "moving to HD appears to me a natural flow" given the adoption of HD by television programming. "If we can find out the most appropriate medium, between SD and HD, and flexibly move around them depending on the game's contents, it will be good, I think," he suggested. Shigeru Miyamoto agreed, noting that HD wasn't the most important consideration for something like Wii Fit. "Won't HD be better for the games like Pikmin? The developers should choose the most appropriate graphical format depending on the software they make."

JoystiqNintendo might be considering hybrid HD/SD console originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdevelopmentgenyo-takedahardwarehdhigh-definitionmiyamotoNintendoresearchsdshigeru-miyamotostandard-definitionWiiThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD study finds 40% of recent game purchases were impulse-driven]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/npd-study-finds-40-of-recent-game-purchases-were-impulse-driven/#comments
An NPD Group study, using our Canadian brothers and sisters as guinea pigs, has apparently determined that 40 percent of game buyers purchased on impulse (no, not Stardock's Impulse) in the last six months. GI.biz reports that the study found the driving factor for these losses in willpower were pretty packaging, online accessibility and cheaper pre-owned titles.

NPD's Matthew Tattle notes that it's surprising to find impulse purchasing going on during a recession, but that "it's clear that hardcore gamers will find a way to satisfy their need for something new, different and enjoyable." Or, maybe, their ADD is just kicking in and they can't focus on the fact that we're in a recession?

The average impulse purchase was under $27 (USD), as compared to the average $42 planned purchase. The study also found that females were more likely to buy on impulse and that 15 percent of purchases were made through online transactions. So, apparently some impulse purchases were on Impulse.

JoystiqNPD study finds 40% of recent game purchases were impulse-driven originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaimpulsenpdnpd-groupresearchstudyFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega receives poorly timed online gambling license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/sega-receives-poorly-timed-online-gambling-license/#comments Here's a fun little slice of coincidence to brighten up your life: A pair of Australian researchers recently published a study that tracks the correlation between heavy video game use in teens and pathological gambling tendencies. Not 24 hours before this study -- which concluded that there was some connection between the two activities -- hit the blogosphere, Sega made an unfortunately-timed announcement: The company had secured an online gambling license from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, allowing it to run Sega-branded online casino games for real-life money.

While some may weave these two stories into a tapestry of fear for our young, impressionable youths, we're honestly not that worried. After their first roughing up by professional loan shark Big the Cat, they'll likely shy away from games of chance altogether.

[Thanks, Barry.]

JoystiqSega receives poorly timed online gambling license originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinogamblingonline-gamblingpokerresearchsegastudyThu, 15 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iowa State study links gaming to -- over there, check it out!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/iowa-state-study-links-gaming-to-over-there-check-it-out/#comments If we can stay focused on this post for just a minute, we'll tell you all about a recent Iowa State University study that concluded -- hey, how 'bout all that commotion over Demon's Souls ... crazy, right? So anyway, this study claims there's a correlation between spending a lot of time gaming and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). The study, appearing in the latest issue of Psychophysiology, determined brain wave responses to both proactive (i.e., "attack the monster") and reactive (i.e., "dodge the monster's attack") activities. By the way, have you been following the buzz around Uncharted 2? The game's awesome!

Oh right, so ... The ISU researcher (not this one) found that test subjects playing games for four-plus hours a day showed "significantly diminished" attention levels to proactive activities. Though you're welcome to draw your own conclusions, you little scientists, this deficiency is alleged to -- cue scientific blabber: "reveal a reduction in brain activity and disruption of behavior associated with sustained attention ability." It's possible you'd have a mess of outraged questions at this point, but let's be honest: you didn't read the whole post, did you?

[Image credit: MarsDD]

JoystiqIowa State study links gaming to -- over there, check it out! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addattention-deficit-disorderiowaiowa-state-universityresearchsciencestudyThu, 15 Oct 2009 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sesame Street gives gaming the thumbs up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sesame-street-gives-gaming-the-thumbs-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sesame-street-gives-gaming-the-thumbs-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sesame-street-gives-gaming-the-thumbs-up/#commentsThanks to the recent shift in video games towards introducing more movement in control, our favorite pastime has just gotten the thumbs up from the Joan Ganz Clooney Center at Sesame Workshop, which wrote, "Well-designed digital games show significant potential to promote children's growth and healthy development. They can foster skills and knowledge that help children with academic learning, as well as habits which contribute to better health."

We're happy that The House That Big Bird Built approves. In turn, we'd like to remind everyone that reading is totally horse apples and completely F.P.O. (that's "For Poindexters Only"). So there.

JoystiqSesame Street gives gaming the thumbs up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mainstreamreadingresearchsesame-streetMon, 06 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds 'action' video games can improve vision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/study-finds-action-video-games-can-improve-vision/#comments
So, we've got good and bad news for you. First, the good news: A study conducted by the University of Rochester has found that "the very act of action video game playing enhances contrast sensitivity." Rather, playing lots of Call of Duty might actually help keep your eyes in shape and the contrasts in color sharp as you age. But now, the bad news: Those 100+ hours you sunk into Fallout 3 may not have helped.

The study explains that, of the "expert video game players" tested, the "VGP group" (group playing "action" games Unreal Tournament 2004 and Call of Duty 2) exhibited "enhanced contrast sensitivity" versus the "NVGP group" (the folks playing "non-action" game The Sims 2), especially in the light of the population differences' interactions with spatial frequencies. Wait, WHAT?!

In so many words, majority percentages of the "VGP group" were clustering together on the high end of the scale while "NVGP group" numbers were clustering on the other end. Professor Gary Rubin, of the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, sums up these findings rather nicely, saying, "This is a small study, showing a small effect, but it was carefully done, and merits further investigation."

[Via BBC]

JoystiqStudy finds 'action' video games can improve vision originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-2eyesightfallout-3gary-rubinimagesresearchRPGthe-sims-2university-of-rochesterunreal-tournament-2004Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW 2009: 'Funologists' and unorthodox research methods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/sxsw-2009-funologists-and-unorthodox-research-methods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/sxsw-2009-funologists-and-unorthodox-research-methods/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/sxsw-2009-funologists-and-unorthodox-research-methods/#commentsIn the panel "Funologists Live & In Person: Guerrilla Game Research," a group of experts took turns explaining methods for researching user experience in games that goes in some way beyond the normal focus groups and QA cycle. The often ad-hoc methods provide valuable data about gameplay at a fraction of the budget of most data gathering exercises. And sometimes they involve becoming a frog.

Continue reading SXSW 2009: 'Funologists' and unorthodox research methods

JoystiqSXSW 2009: 'Funologists' and unorthodox research methods originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-fish-gamescrimson-skiesmystery-case-filesninja-bladeresearchsxsw-2009user-experienceSat, 14 Mar 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds unique gaming disease 'PlayStation palmar hidradenitis']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/#comments
Based on a report from BBC, it would appear researchers have discovered a disease that has hitherto gone undiagnosed by modern medicine: PlayStation palmar hidradenitis. As one might imagine, it has something to do with "PlayStation" and the "palms of your hands." See, using that controller is not only killing your (virtual) enemies, it's also killing you.

According to the report, researchers emphasized the case of one 12-year-old girl who arrived at Geneva University Hospital in Switzerland with sores on her palms. She had recently struck up a fascination with a PlayStation game (sorry, the exact title isn't mentioned) and despite developing these sores, continued to play. That's when her folks brought her to the hospital. After 10 days of abstaining from the deadly activity, however, she was sore free! We're sorry, but we wouldn't call that "PlayStation palmar hidradenitis." We'd probably call it: Stop squeezing the controller like you want to break it!

Our favorite line in the entire piece has to be this: "For the disorder to only affect the hands is very unusual." So, wait, you're telling us it's unusual for this so-called disease, the one that comes from using a game controller, to only affect the hands? What other body parts are interacting with your controller?

[Thanks, RazorD!]

JoystiqStudy finds unique gaming disease 'PlayStation palmar hidradenitis' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcgeneva-university-hospitalmedicalmedicineplaystationplaystation-palmar-hidradenitisresearchstudyswitzerlandtherapyWed, 25 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo building new R&D center (not a Death Star)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nintendo-building-new-randd-center-not-a-death-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nintendo-building-new-randd-center-not-a-death-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/nintendo-building-new-randd-center-not-a-death-star/#comments
It's a simple truth: Nintendo makes money. What goes up must also come down, so it's only fitting that the company would dedicate some of its vast funds to researching and developing new ways make money. That's where the company's new R&D office comes in.

Situated in the Minami-ku district of Kyoto, this new plot of land secured by Nintendo is 40,000 square feet and a $138 million labor of love. With the building rights secured last year, Nintendo has not divulged any info as to when it plans to complete this new research center, nor when it'll start cloning Miyamoto there.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqNintendo building new R&D center (not a Death Star) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessjapankyotor-and-dr-n-dresearchresearch-and-developmentTue, 10 Feb 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Violence and gore don't make games more enjoyable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/18/study-violence-and-gore-dont-make-games-more-enjoyable/#commentsFiled under:


Put down that blood-soaked cleaver. After quizzing 2,670 "frequent" gamers and conducting four different experiments with more than 300 university undergraduates, researchers at University of Rochester discovered that, cool as it may be, violence doesn't make games more fun. Except, we assume, for those players who, you know, abhor puppy dogs and rainbows in what they play.

The findings were based on what researchers described as a "good deal of violent content" in games such as Team Fortress 2 (alright), Halo 3 (we're with you so far) and World of Warcraft (okay, you lost us). According to a report by the Canadian Press, one portion of the study involved using a modified version of Half-Life 2 with brutality ratcheted up and another with violence nerfed, after which scholars found that "on average, violent content didn't add to motivation for play."

Only about 5 percent of respondents showed a preference for violent games, individuals who were later quietly taken into the back room and summarily beaten to death with spoons. Or so we're told.

JoystiqStudy: Violence and gore don't make games more enjoyable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-life-2halo-3researchteam-fortress-2violenceworld-of-warcraftSun, 18 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: People prefer playing original Xbox over PS3 in '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/nielsen-people-prefer-playing-original-xbox-over-ps3-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/nielsen-people-prefer-playing-original-xbox-over-ps3-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/nielsen-people-prefer-playing-original-xbox-over-ps3-in-08/#commentsFiled under:

It's not too hard to believe that people are spending more time playing on Xbox 360 or Wii than they are with the PS3. It's also not too difficult to hear that the PS2 is the most played console in 2008 -- everyone and their pet lizard owns one. However, there is one thing which stuns not only us but our comrades as well, and that is hearing that the original Xbox is roping in more gamers than the PS3 for a share of TV time. It's a bit tough to stomach, we know, but that feeling of queasiness should subside within the hour.

Media research group Nielsen reports the PS3 ranks 5th in 2008's "Video Game Console Usage" from data collected during the months of January through October. In that period, PS2 took the top spot with a 31.7 percent share followed by the 360 and Wii with 17.2 and 13.4 percent, respectively. The PS3 is right under the original Xbox's 9.7 percent share by a meager difference of 2.4 percent.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Our choice console did beat out the GameCube by a whopping 3.3 percent. The full statistics can be found after the break.

[via Joystiq]

Continue reading Nielsen: People prefer playing original Xbox over PS3 in '08

JoystiqNielsen: People prefer playing original Xbox over PS3 in '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nielsenps3ratingsresearchstatisticsSat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/02/wii-clinches-bronze-in-console-usage-stakes/#commentsFiled under:

The white coats at Nielsen have been at it again, analysing our gaming lives and charting the consoles we use most. Unlike the Nielsen study we posted about previously, this one takes into account pre-Wii/PS3/Xbox 360 platforms. This means that the PS2 stormed to a predictable, convincing victory: 30.2% of "all measured console minutes" were dedicated to Sony's nine-year-old machine.

Despite its smaller user base, the Xbox 360 was second with 18.3%, while the Wii came third with 13.5% -- high enough, we feel, to put any no-doubt-hilarious Wii/dust jokes to rest. Excellently, the GameCube is following the PS3 more closely than you'd think.

A quick disclaimer before you scuttle past the break to see the data in full: these numbers cover January to October 2008, there's no word on whether non-U.S. gamers were surveyed, and handhelds aren't mentioned, though are presumably bracketed in the "Others" category. Multiple console owners who are richer than us: how closely do your own habits follow this pattern?

Continue reading Wii clinches bronze in console usage stakes

JoystiqWii clinches bronze in console usage stakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdatanielsennielsen-gamesps2ps3researchSCIENCEusagexbox-360Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers use PS3 cluster to reveal internet security flaw]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/researchers-use-ps3-cluster-to-reveal-internet-security-flaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/researchers-use-ps3-cluster-to-reveal-internet-security-flaw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/researchers-use-ps3-cluster-to-reveal-internet-security-flaw/#commentsFiled under:

Stopping cancer, simulating black hole collisions, and now ... breaking internet security? Is there anything the PS3 can't do? Researchers have been using the PS3 in interng ways. Most recently, a team of researchers from the U.S., Switzerland and the Netherlands have found a way of bypassing the security of digital certificates provided by companies like Verisign. These digital certificates help transmit your credit card information on the internet in a secure manner.

By using 200 PS3 systems linked together, researchers were able to do the math that helped them decrypt the MD5 hash that's used by Verisign. The researchers would be able to mimic online retail sites, potentially stealing tons of valuable information from consumers. It appears researchers want the hash to be replaced by a more potent one.

It's unrealistic to expect hackers will be able to replicate the results of these researchers any time soon. Getting 200 PS3s linked to each other can be quite a pricey feat! Of course, when you're stealing all of the internet's credit card info, you might be able to afford buying a few hundred PS3s.

[Thanks, BPerry!]

JoystiqResearchers use PS3 cluster to reveal internet security flaw originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellps3researchsecurityverisignTue, 30 Dec 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Buff game characters give males negative body image]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/study-buff-game-characters-give-males-negative-body-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/study-buff-game-characters-give-males-negative-body-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/30/study-buff-game-characters-give-males-negative-body-image/#commentsFiled under:


Hey, it's-a me, Mario. You know, mah life, it's-a not fire flowers and princesses. Sometimes, it can be-a downright depressing. I see that Marcus Fenix walking around with his big muscles and I staht to feel a little silly about-a my tummy. It's-a getting worse too. Yesterday, I was wearing my racoon suit, and some lady thought I was a koala bear, if-a you can believe that.

And I'm not the only one! Researchers at Kansas State University say that 15 minutes of viewing extreme body images in games were enough to give both males and females a negative impression of-a their own body image. Me, I'd love to slim down, but I'm not really sure what else I can do. I'm-a freaking fungotarian, for-a crying out loud.

JoystiqStudy: Buff game characters give males negative body image originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marioresearchTue, 30 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Study suggests games do the aging brain good]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/study-suggests-games-do-the-aging-brain-good/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It turns out that massive, floating, Andross-esque visage we affectionately dub Brain Age bastard Dr. Kawashima might have been onto something. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (via Reuters) conducted a study with 40 adults in their 60s and 70s, divided into two groups with one playing Rise of Nations approximately 23 hours over the span of a month and the other playing nothing.

The results? Those who gamed reportedly showed improvements in cognitive tests for memory, reasoning and multi-tasking. Researchers caution against jumping to conclusions until further studies are conducted. May we suggest seeing what happens when they try to play Space Giraffe and Left 4 Dead?

JoystiqStudy suggests games do the aging brain good originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCresearchrise-of-nationsstudySat, 20 Dec 2008 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists use Wii to codify learning systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scientists-use-wii-to-codify-learning-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scientists-use-wii-to-codify-learning-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scientists-use-wii-to-codify-learning-systems/#commentsFiled under:

Only good for Super Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl say you? Not so, say we! The Nintendo Wii is also good for that most noble of pursuits: The very understanding of the human mind. Researchers at Rice University are using the console "to codify learning systems in ways that can be used in a range of human endeavors, from sports to surgery."

When talking about the practical applications of the research, the release goes on to say: "Think of hitting a tennis ball. Learning by trial-and-error is fine, but it would be much easier if a robotic sleeve could tell you exactly where that hitch in your swing is and gently prod you to hit the ball correctly." ... So, wait, they're using the Wiimote to learn to make a Power Glove?

Oh, and because we couldn't work it in before, wiisearch. That is all.

JoystiqScientists use Wii to codify learning systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>researchWiiwiimoteWed, 10 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rice University study uses Wii to measure learning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/rice-university-study-uses-wii-to-measure-learning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/rice-university-study-uses-wii-to-measure-learning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/rice-university-study-uses-wii-to-measure-learning/#commentsFiled under:

In order to get data on how people learn to perform tasks, two Rice University professors have started a research project using our favorite new all-purpose motion input device, the Wii Remote. In their NSF-supported three-year research project, Marcia O'Malley and Michael Byrne will measure motions in various activities, receiving a constantly-updating stream of data as the repetition of the tasks leads to learning.

Making the Wii connection even easier: the first activities being measured right now are Wii games. "We're starting with a bunch of Wii games," said Byrne. "We find that some games have really good learning properties we can measure, and there are also some that people don't seem to get a lot better at." We're guessing the dual-wheel approach here is being used to gather even more detailed motion info (using more Wiimotes and thus more acceleromters) than just a single device.

The goal of this whole data-collection exercise is to create robotic systems to help teach physical tasks by providing direct feedback to the body -- basically pushing you in the way you need to move.

JoystiqRice University study uses Wii to measure learning originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometermotion-sensingresearchrice-universityTue, 09 Dec 2008 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Boxing workout equivalent to the real thing?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/wii-sports-boxing-a-workout-equivalent-to-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/wii-sports-boxing-a-workout-equivalent-to-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/13/wii-sports-boxing-a-workout-equivalent-to-the-real-thing/#commentsFiled under:



You know as well as we do that, with some games, you can really break a sweat while playing Wii. Some student researchers from Cleveland University have found out that, at least in Wii Sports Boxing, your workout with Wii is equivalent to that of real, traditional exercise (they aren't the first to conduct tests, though). The goal isn't to get anyone to ditch those traditional routines, mind you, but to get more people exercising.

Still, the difference in calories burned is kind of small. They found that working the bag for 30 minutes only burned 28 more calories than a workout with Wii Sports Boxing over the same period of time. They hope that working out with the Wii will be a more inviting prospect. "One reason people don't exercise is because they feel like it is too strenuous. With the Wii, they get the workout, but there isn't that negative feeling," said CSU Associate Professor Ken Sparks. "Even if you can't get out and jog, you may be able to get the exercise on the Wii."

[Via Go Nintendo]

People have been using the Wii to exercise for awhile now. Aside from Manhattanites paying exuberant amounts of money to workout with the machine, you can also read about a Canadian gym using Wii Sports right here. Surgeons are even using it! The Wii is also a great tool for those in rehab. It can pretty much do anything.

JoystiqWii Sports Boxing workout equivalent to the real thing? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxingexerciseresearchwii-sportswii-sports-boxingworkoutWed, 13 Aug 2008 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists find red team is better than blue team (seriously)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/12/scientists-find-red-team-is-better-than-blue-team-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Finally. Proof that red team roolz. The scientific journal "Cyberpsychology & Behavior" has published the results of a research study, finding that over the course of 1,347 matches of Unreal Tournament 2004, the red team beat the blue team 55% of the time. Yes, this is actually what passes for science now.

One neuroscientist reasons that the slight red team advantage may be psychological, as the color red could prove distracting to men, "possibly because men flush and turn red when they're angry." As silly as that sounds, the study parallels a similar one performed in 2005, where it was found that wearing red in real-life one-on-one sporting events increased the likelihood of victory.

Acknowledging the findings of the research, Epic Games VP Mark Rein said they won't be changing the classic multiplayer colors of Unreal Tournament anytime soon. At least now you have an excuse for losing all the time, right blue team?

JoystiqScientists find red team is better than blue team (seriously) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCresearchscienceunreal-tournament-2004ut2k4Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen: Wii usage is second to Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/nielsen-wii-usage-is-second-to-other-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/nielsen-wii-usage-is-second-to-other-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/nielsen-wii-usage-is-second-to-other-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


A study by Nielsen Games found that the Wii's usage comes in second compared to other consoles the Xbox 360. Among 10-26 year olds, the Xbox 360 reigned supreme, while for those above 27, the PS3 Xbox 360 also held a steady lead. Interestingly, the Wii owned the middle ground in usage for both demographics, with the Xbox 360 and PS3 switching places.

The Nielsen study, conducted between April 2007 and February 2008, lumps all that data into one pool, so it's not hard to see where some issues might lie. It would certainly be interesting to see monthly breakdowns and observe if the Wii and PS3 received noticeable usage increases once high-profile games started showing up during Holiday '07. We also wonder what effect usage of console Blu-ray or DVD functionality had on the data. But what we're actually most curious about, is where the PS2 would be had it been incorporated into the data?

Update: Nielsen amended its 27+ data, apparently the Xbox 360 and PS3 info was accidentally reversed for the demographic; fixed image to match.

Source: How much use does Wii get?
Source: Correction

[Via GameDaily, Thanks Master X]

JoystiqNielsen: Wii usage is second to Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nielsennielsen-gamesPS3researchstudyWiiXbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Across the land, Wiis are being neglected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/across-the-land-wiis-are-being-neglected/#commentsFiled under:



Consumer research bods Nielsen recently set out to answer mind-poppingly important questions such as: just how long did an average play session on the Wii last for somebody in North America between the ages of 10 and 26? The results suggest that we should all be paying a little more attention to our poor, neglected Wiis.

While Nintendo's platform enjoys a decent share of gamers' overall gaming time, the rest of Nielsen's statistics paint a damning picture. The Wii lags behind the Xbox 360 and PS3 in both the "average number of sessions a day" and "average usage days per month" (disgraceful commitment there from the over-26 demographic) sections.

The average Wii session also doesn't last as long as those on its two rivals, though no wonder with all of those required installations and ridiculously protracted cut-scenes, amirite? What's that? We're just being sore losers? Fine. Whatever.

JoystiqAcross the land, Wiis are being neglected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartdatanielsennielsen-gamesps3researchusagexbox-360Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Research: Game addicts show traits of autism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/03/research-game-addicts-show-traits-of-autism/#commentsFiled under:


Researchers at the British Psychological Society's Annual Conference in Dublin presented a study showing that video game addicts have similar personality traits to those with Aspergers (a high funcutioning form of autism). The study of 391 gamers (86% male) found that players who showed signs of "addiction" had three personality traits that are typically linked with Aspergers: neuroticism, lack of extraversion and agreeableness.

The scientists don't believe these people have Aspergers, but "share some of the same characteristics because they find it easier to empathize with computer systems than other people." They say professions like engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists are closer to the non-empathizing end of the spectrum, but Aspergers is much farther along that line. Their main point is their research supports the idea that those heavily involved in game playing may be nearer to the autistic spectrum disorders than those who don't play at all -- and here we thought it just meant they were nearer to nerd spectrum disorders.

JoystiqResearch: Game addicts show traits of autism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionaspergersautismresearchstudyThu, 03 Apr 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pentagon project to put game-like display on contact lenses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/pentagon-project-to-put-game-like-display-on-contact-lenses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/pentagon-project-to-put-game-like-display-on-contact-lenses/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/pentagon-project-to-put-game-like-display-on-contact-lenses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Using contact lenses to simply change your eye color is so passé. Using contact lenses to augment reality is where it's at. At least it is for the Pentagon, which has put out a request for information on a system to display data "not unlike information provided to players of first-person, shooter-type video games" directly on the surface of the human eye. Sounds kind of like those TV display glasses you hear about sometimes, except, y'know, actually cool.

The technology is a little out there, but it's not a total pipe dream. Researchers at the University of Washington are already working on a nano-scale prototype, and the Pentagon wants actual results out the project in three to five years. The means the technology could trickle down into the consumer market in about ten to fifteen years, just in time to be integrated into the Sony PlayStation 5 and the MicroTendo HyperBox 1080. We can't wait!

[Via Wired]

JoystiqPentagon project to put game-like display on contact lenses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armyaugmented realityAugmentedRealitycontact lensesContactLensesDARPAdisplayfuturemonitorpentagonresearchtechnologyFri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Two out of three in U.S. play casual games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/study-two-out-of-three-in-u-s-play-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/study-two-out-of-three-in-u-s-play-casual-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/study-two-out-of-three-in-u-s-play-casual-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Anyone who keeps up with gaming news knows that casual games are the biggest thing since sorted gems. But man, if a new report is to be believed, casual gaming is more popular than even we thought.

The report, from research firm Interpret, estimates that 145 million U.S. residents aged 12 to 65 played casual games in 2007. That's almost two-thirds of the roughly 222 million people in that age range. And just because they're casual games doesn't mean they're played casually -- the report estimates players spent an average of 5.1 hours per week on casual games in the fourth quarter of '07. That's nearly 740 million man hours spent playing casual games per week, outpacing activities like magazine and newspaper reading.

Even though most of these gamers only play games on free sites like EA's Pogo, Interpret still estimates industry revenues of $400 to $700 million by 2010. That's a drop in the bucket compared to estimates of $40 billion in total industry revenues by that point, but if we were a small developer, we sure we wouldn't mind having a piece of it.

[Picture credit]

JoystiqStudy: Two out of three in U.S. play casual games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americaanalysisbigcasualgameasureinterpretreportresearchWed, 05 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3s used to simulate black hole collisions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/ps3s-used-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's like our favorite old-school commercial: "Mr. Owl, how many Playstation 3s does it take to simulate a collision between two black holes?" Apparently, the answer is 16.

A group at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth hopes to use a cluster of 16 PS3s to run the simulation, specifically looking at the properties of the gravity waves emitted by the collision. The cluster -- nicknamed the PS3 Gravity Grid -- was built with a partial donation from Sony, who must like watching really big stuff collide as much as we do.

Similar simulations have been run before (most notably by NASA), but this marks the first time the super-calculation has been performed using a game console. Like our colleagues as PS3 Fanboy, we admit that most of the technical jargon presented here is way over our heads. We're sure some of you will "get it," though, and not just resort to Tootsie Roll references.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqPS3s used to simulate black hole collisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-holeseducationPS3researchsonyspaceWed, 05 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 to simulate black hole collisions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ps3s-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ps3s-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/04/ps3s-to-simulate-black-hole-collisions/#commentsFiled under:

How much do you value your brain? Hopefully enough to know not to fry it by trying to understand all the research, formulas, and theories behind the project to use 16 PS3's to simulate a collision of two black holes. Headed in part by Guarav Khanna at UMassD, the project ... well ... it's hard to explain. Perhaps its our lack of scientific knowledge. Khanna calls the setup the "gravity grid" and have installed Linux on the PS3's to more accurately compute the "ripples" caused by gravitational waves from black holes.

It's complicated stuff, but we're impressed to see yet another use for the PS3 outside of the general gaming audience. If you want to learn more about the project, knock yourself out. We'll just sit back and nod like we understand the implications of this research. It sounds really cool, though!

[Via reghardware]

JoystiqPS3 to simulate black hole collisions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-holescelllinuxresearchTue, 04 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocking research shows men like video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/shocking-research-shows-men-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/shocking-research-shows-men-like-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/shocking-research-shows-men-like-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


People with any type of condition triggered by shock may want to stop reading now, but research by Frank N. Magid Associates shows that console gaming is the top choice for entertainment among young males. Now breathe, BREATHE! It's a lot to take in at once. GameDaily posted the charts for the study of 1,864 Americans which shows among males overall console gaming came in third behind using the internets and watching TV. Among males 12-34 console gaming came in first and then drops dramatically in older demos.

The research shows that women overall would rather talk on the phone, watch a DVD, listen to music or read a book before playing a console game; however, there is an odd spike among 18-24 year old females for console gaming. Playing free web-based games did better with females, particularly among women of a mature age. No real shocking revelations, but we're always appreciative of research that gives some understanding to gamer demographics.

JoystiqShocking research shows men like video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamedailyPS3researchWiiXbox-360Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finnish researchers: Video games don't desensitize to violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/finnish-researchers-video-games-dont-desensitize-to-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/finnish-researchers-video-games-dont-desensitize-to-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/finnish-researchers-video-games-dont-desensitize-to-violence/#commentsFiled under:

We're just speaking for us personally on this one, but video games haven't desensitized us to violence in the least bit. In fact, you could say that video games have made us more sensitive to it in that even the hint of a disemboweling can send us into spasms of delight, ecstatic in the knowledge that our gaming-honed thirst for blood will (temporarily) be slaked.

Our feelings have now been backed up by some Finnish research, which found that players became "angry and anxious after killing an opposing character in James Bond 007: NightFire." Interestingly, the players also felt a sense of relief at being killed, which we guess is a comment on NightFire as much as anything else. What about you: Does in-game murder still have an effect on you?

JoystiqFinnish researchers: Video games don't desensitize to violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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