Joystiq

Here's Max Payne 3's TV commercial

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

The official Max Payne 3 television commercial debuted last night during the Lakers v. Spurs game on ESPN last night, and it's chock full of all the Max Payne-y things you'd expect - slow motion bullets, slow motion jumping, slow motion ladies, etc.

It's a little sad that the game is billed as "from the makers of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption," considering that the original Max Payne predates both GTA3 and the entire Red Dead franchise. Then again, a modern 18 year old gamer would only have been seven years old when the series originally debuted in 2001, so we can't really blame Rockstar for playing to its target demographic's familiarities. Kids these days with their Macintosh computers and their Fiat 500s.

Here's Max Payne 3's TV commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST

If Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and the Zune marketplace haven't been enough to satiate your unquenchable thirst for all things cinematic, perhaps two more apps will help quell the raging torrent in your soul. Crackle, a free service, has a somewhat limited and eccentric selection of movies and television shows to choose from, although they do have a rather impressive selection of classic anime like Ah! My Goddess and Galaxy Express 999.

Best Buy's CinemaNow ecosystem has more new releases to choose from, but its services require cash money. It's unclear whether all of the content on these two services will be available through the respective apps, or if some content will be restricted, like the YouTube and Hulu Plus apps. If our calculations are correct, Xbox Live only needs 2 more movie apps and 4 more internet radio apps before it becomes self aware.

XBL getting Crackle, CinemaNow apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neal Tiles steps down as president of G4, Adam Stotsky takes over

Mike Schramm — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 EST

Neal Tiles, formerly president of the G4 television network, stepped down earlier today, and parent company NBCUniversal has announced that Adam Stotsky will take his place. Stotsky is a former president of marketing at NBC, but now will head up the entire G4 network, overseeing everything from programming to publicity and digital operations.

Stotsky is the first big appointment by recently appointed NBCU president Bonnie Hammer, who picked up oversight of G4 and E! last year when Comcast merged with NBC Universal. We don't know exactly what Stotsky plans to put on the schedule at G4 going forward, but if he's taking any cues from his predecessor, it's probably lots more Cheaters and Cops.

[Thanks, Ethan!]

Neal Tiles steps down as president of G4, Adam Stotsky takes over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Microsoft's streaming television service in the US is still in its infancy, but the company reportedly has plans to greatly expand it in the coming months, even introducing its own programming. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft is currently on the hunt for a television exec to handle said original programming, with two ex-NBC suits named as potential candidates (Marc Graboff and Jess Gaspin).

No details are given on what kind of content the company might provide, though the report says it will be paired with the already existing streaming offerings. Microsoft already dips its toe into original programming via the Xbox Live Dashboard (Major's Minute, Xbox 101, etc.), and hosts partners for promotional tie-in videos (IGN) alongside streaming services like Crackle, HBO Go, and the Zune Marketplace. The company also worked in the past with NBC on the network "MSNBC," though Microsoft later exited the partnership. The Redmond, WA-based company isn't offering any comment at this time regarding the report.

Bloomberg: Microsoft to create its own TV programming for Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MS: 42% of US XBL Gold members watch average of 1hr of video content a day

David Hinkle — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

With Hulu Plus, Netflix and Zune on the Xbox 360, now more than ever the console is becoming a bastion for those looking to digest video content. During a preview of the upcoming Fall Dashboard update for Xbox Live, I spoke with senior product manager of Xbox Live entertainment, Terry Farrell, and asked him for some hard data.

"42 percent of Xbox Live Gold members in the U.S. are watching an average of an hour of television and movies on their Xbox, every single day," Farrell said. Each month, that adds up to "more than 30 hours of digitally distributed television and movies." Farrell also revealed that over the last year, Xbox Live has seen three times the use of video content on the Xbox 360 console, spread across Netflix, Hulu Plus and Microsoft's Zune rental service.

With the new Fall Dashboard update, Microsoft is looking to make it easier to present this video content, both through use of Bing search (which works via the controller and Kinect) and what the company hopes is a more intuitive and navigable user interface. Also, YouTube.

MS: 42% of US XBL Gold members watch average of 1hr of video content a day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Slavery the Game' revealed as a viral ad for Dutch TV history series

Mike Schramm — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:45:00 EST

Last weekend, we posted about a website featuring something called "Slavery the Game," which seemed to be a viral ad for a fake video game. It turns out the grim, weird site was a viral ad, but not for a video game. Rather, it's a project put together by a Dutch public television network named NTR, designed to promote an upcoming series talking about "the European and Dutch involvement in trans-Atlantic slavery."

There's more explanation in this YouTube video, in which one of the researchers behind the series explains that the goal of the project was to raise awareness in the Netherlands about the historical issue of slavery, and "create attention" about the issue. He also says that the American media "reacted much heavier" to the trailer, "because the topic of slavery has had much more attention."

So it sounds like a culture clash of sorts, with a message meant for Netherlands viewers sneaking out to a much larger, and somewhat more sensitive, audience. The NTR series is set to start up on Dutch TV later on this month, and there is even a "children's version" of the series, called "De Slavernij Junior" starting at the same time.

[Thanks, Jim N]

'Slavery the Game' revealed as a viral ad for Dutch TV history series originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Uncharted 3 gets its own Spike TV special, contestants needed

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST

Do you take breaks from long sessions with Uncharted 2 to wonder why you're so, so good at it? Perhaps your other hobbies include "being an on-air presence" and "having perfectly coiffed hair?" Then you're a shoo-in to participate in Spike TV's upcoming television "special" dedicated to this November's Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.

According to a listing that seeks show participants, you must be available in early October for taping, be a fan of adventure, or a "video game enthusiast," a "puzzle solver," or a "risk taker." Presumably, risk-taking adventurers with a taste for video games will be given first priority.

In order to prove your worthiness for inclusion, shoot an email to Spike with a "link to a video, picture or paragraph explaining why you are the ultimate Uncharted fan who deserves to be featured on the show." And no, scaling the Spike TV corporate building and making your way to the company head's office undetected is not a good way to prove yourself, regardless of the theme.

Uncharted 3 gets its own Spike TV special, contestants needed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Xbox LIVE Diamond TV service to be announced at E3

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:40:00 EST

With E3 set to kick off in less than 48 hours, rumors are once again flying about Microsoft's press conference news. A report at WinRumors pins Microsoft as revealing an Xbox Live-based streaming television service in the US, previously rumored to be codenamed "Orapa" (after a diamond mining town in Botswana, Africa). Further, the report suggests that the codename has been changed into something more fitting, given its eponymy: "Diamond." And no, not that Microsoft product named Diamond.

"Microsoft is currently in last minute negotiations to secure the necessary agreements in time," WinRumors' anonymous source added. The source details "Diamond" as a facsimile of the UK's SkyTV player currently offered on Xbox 360, though no specific networks are named, and adds that the service will likely come with a monthly subscription fee.

Microsoft previously indicated its intentions to get into streaming television on the Xbox 360, but has never made any major moves. The company flirted with a Conan O'Brien deal in 2010, but the plans eventually fizzled. If "Diamond" really does exist, though, we're sure to hear about it tomorrow morning during Microsoft's E3 2011 presser.

Rumor: Xbox LIVE Diamond TV service to be announced at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's E3 2011 briefing will air live on Spike

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:00 EST

During every E3, the internet is thrown into a full-blown panic as it desperately searches for a stable livestream of the Big Three's press conferences. This year, Spike will make this task far less intimidating for those who want to watch Microsoft's briefing. Tthe network has announced that it will air the Xbox 360-centric show live at 12:30 pm PT on Monday, June 6.

Of course, we'll be breaking out the most important announcements of the show here on our humble gaming news blog -- but sometimes, our words can't capture the magic of the events that unfold on that stage. For instance: Kudo's Magic Foot Dance.

Microsoft's E3 2011 briefing will air live on Spike originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft launching film studio focused on game adaptations

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:30:00 EST

Ubisoft's got its finger in a number of cinematic pies, including the founding of its own CGI studio and the acquisition of special effects company Hybride -- now, the publisher can add its very own film studio to its ... pie safe, we guess. Variety reports the company opened up a division named Ubisoft Motion Pictures in Paris, which will be headed by former EuropaCorp CEO Jean-Julien Baronnet, and will focus on adapting Ubisoft's franchises into films and TV shows.

You guys realize what this means, right? We mean, it's pretty obvious. Given the success of last year's Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie, they're going to follow it up with a television miniseries based on Smurfs Dance Party. Like, duh.

Ubisoft launching film studio focused on game adaptations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wipeout: In the Zone trailer will brutalize your Avatar

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST

We're not sure we understand the appeal of Activision's upcoming, Kinect-equipped TV adaptation, Wipeout: In the Zone. The trailer after the jump should explain our hesitation -- see, self-inflicted trauma is hilarious, but not when inflicted on lifeless, unfeeling Avatars.

Continue reading Wipeout: In the Zone trailer will brutalize your Avatar

Wipeout: In the Zone trailer will brutalize your Avatar originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST

We expected Jimmy Fallon to flip out during Reggie Fils-Aime's 3DS demonstration during last night's episode of Late Night. We expected the audience to get a kick out of the device's AR functionality. However, we did not expect the 3DS to swap Fallon's gender on live national television. Priceless.

Continue reading Fallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night

Fallon gets his 'Adult Female Face' blown away during 3DS demo on Late Night originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Conan plays life-sized Angry Birds with Ikea furniture

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:35:00 EST

We've been jonesing to see a life-size version of Angry Birds since Neil Patrick Harris teased us with his chicken catapult during the VGAs. Yesterday on Conan, we got our wish -- not with real-life poultry, mind you, but with bird-shaped balls and really unstable Ikea furniture.

Continue reading Conan plays life-sized Angry Birds with Ikea furniture

Conan plays life-sized Angry Birds with Ikea furniture originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect Hacks: The futuristic, unloseable remote

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST

If your loveseat sustains itself on a diet of channel changers, Harishankar Narayanan's Kinect hack is right up your alley: Using the peripheral and a Universal Infrared Receiver Transmitter, any ol' couch potato can turn their body into a remote that's virtually impossible to misplace.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks: The futuristic, unloseable remote

Kinect Hacks: The futuristic, unloseable remote originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GT Academy competition to be featured in Speed Network reality show

Mike Schramm — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

Not only are the best Gran Turismo 5 players getting a chance to be professional racecar drivers, but they're gonna be on the teevee, too! The competition, which started up this month, is turning into a reality show on the Speed Network next year. When the finals start up in March of 2011, the last 32 contestants and their travels and travails will be filmed for the show as they go through the last of the contest and the race training process.

It's not mentioned whether or not the contestants will have to perform stunts on a desert island, live in a house together while under the watch of cameras 24/7, or give roses to each other but we'll just assume, since it's a reality show, that all of those things will happen. We also wonder which contestant will be the plucky, charismatic racer that eventually becomes a D-level celebrity.

GT Academy competition to be featured in Speed Network reality show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best Buy bundling PS3 with Bravia 3DTVs, and slashing prices

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST

A Best Buy employee and Sony spokesperson Kevin Butler (both of which shall henceforth colloquially referred to as "Best Butler") recently appeared an a new PS3 ad announcing a pretty sound deal for you 3D-seekers out there. The retailer is currently offering a trio of bundles featuring Bravia HDTVs and 160GB PlayStation 3s, equipped with Gran Turismo 5 and Grown Ups on Blu-ray. Two of these bundles feature televisions that are 3D-ready, while all of the bundles knock over $1,100 off the combined prices of the products therein. That's not bad for a retailer that isn't, you know, Amazon.

Click past the jump to see what the three bundles offer, and to see the ever-giggle-inducing Best Butler shill his employer's wares.

Continue reading Best Buy bundling PS3 with Bravia 3DTVs, and slashing prices

Best Buy bundling PS3 with Bravia 3DTVs, and slashing prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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G4 signs three-year exclusive deal for E3 TV rights

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST

Television network G4 announced today that it has signed a three-year deal to be the official broadcaster of E3. The partnership between the network and the mega-convention's organizer, the ESA, extends a relationship the two have renewed annually for the past several years, relieving G4 of having to ask the awkward "wanna go steady (again)" question for a time.

The Comcast-owned network's multi-year agreement gives G4 access to "uninterrupted press conference coverage" and all the other flare you'd expect from the moving-picture medium. All you DirecTV subscribers, of course, will have to head over to a friend's house to watch the coverage, since the satellite TV company recently dropped the network -- or you could just join on us these little ol' internets for our own extensive E3 coverage with written words.

G4 signs three-year exclusive deal for E3 TV rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Microsoft in talks to bring subscription TV, networks to Xbox Live

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST

We heard some buzz back in April about Microsoft execs considering the addition of a "television channel" to Xbox Live, allowing subscribers to view reruns and original programming for an additional buck or two per month. Today, Reuters reports that a pair of unnamed insiders has claimed Microsoft has held meetings with various media companies to discuss licensing of television programs to be streamed through such an application.

These talks, according to the sources, have been productive (though the launch of an Xbox Live TV service could be as far as a year out) and have included the potential to add interactive elements into shows viewed through the console and a "content silos" option, so that users could select entire networks (e.g., HBO or Showtime) to subscribe to. We'd definitely want to see an AMC channel, so we could get our Breaking Bad Mad Men Walking Dead on. Oh! And TBS -- for Conan. In fact, we could totally get down with an "all the awesome shows that they don't have on Hulu for some reason" channel.

Reuters: Microsoft in talks to bring subscription TV, networks to Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trade in six games at Future Shop tomorrow, get a 32-inch LCD TV

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST

Well, here's another reason for us to be jealous of our up-north cohorts -- for tomorrow only, Canadian tech retailer Future Shop is letting shoppers trade in six Wii, 360 or PS3 games for a 32-inch Dynex LCD TV, which normally retails for $300, which is absolutely crazy.

Continue reading Trade in six games at Future Shop tomorrow, get a 32-inch LCD TV

Trade in six games at Future Shop tomorrow, get a 32-inch LCD TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Wright's 'Bar Karma' TV show formally announced

David Hinkle — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Will Wright and ex-Nickelodeon president Albie Hecht have teamed up with Current TV to create a new show -- this much we knew. Now we know what it's called: Bar Karma.

According to the announcement, the series will put viewers "in control via an online application," which runs on technology created by Wright, called "Current TV's Creation Studios." Through this app, users (who register via the site) weigh in on "a rough outline" for the week's show and are able to contribute "storylines, plots and have direct communication with the production team." Viewers browse and merge ideas, voting on final proposals, before the production team turns the audience's vision into a 30-minute episode.

"We will be taking our cues from the viewers, working with them and then quickly producing high quality, original content," said Hecht. "This is truly a paradigm-changing project that will showcase the creativity of the general public in shaping a television series." Bar Karma is set to premiere sometime in early 2011.

Will Wright's 'Bar Karma' TV show formally announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Notorious modder Ben Heckendorn (aka "Ben Heck") is taking on a new challenge -- turn a show about modding into entertainment. The press release detailing his new show says it'll be starting on September 13 and we're told it'll be hosted on both element14 (its sponsor) as well as internet TV channel Revision3.

The show's premiere episode will see Heck mod a game controller "for an avid gamer with a serious disability," with subsequent shows to be released every other week. And though we're not sure if he'd be interested, if Heck could figure out a solution to our colorblind issues with certain games, he'll hold a spot in our hearts forever. Head below the fold to see the show's first trailer.

Continue reading Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13

Ben Heck getting his own show beginning September 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK gets first all-gaming television channel, Ginx TV

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Ginx TV, a media company responsible for the production of the casual-oriented Gameface program, announced earlier today that it would soon have its own video game-centric television station in the UK. Ginx CEO Michiel Bakker explained during the Edinburgh Interactive conference, "video gaming is the only massively mainstream entertainment genre without a dedicated channel. My ambition here, is to do for gaming what MTV did for music."

If we understand Bakker's sentiment correctly, then that means we can look forward to a few good years of video game coverage, and then an endless parade of terrible reality shows starring terrible people doing terrible things. Wonderful!

Continue reading UK gets first all-gaming television channel, Ginx TV

UK gets first all-gaming television channel, Ginx TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

JC Fletcher — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST

A recent Metroid: Other M trailer promoted the game by taking us through the series' history. A Japanese TV commercial ties the game to the past even more directly, showing the original NES game morphing into Other M gameplay footage. The ad even goes so far as to declare this "a Famicom game with the latest technology," a tagline that also came up several times in the last Iwata Asks interview.

Meanwhile, the American commercial focuses on the "other M," as in: melodrama -- total melodrama. See the beautiful slow-motion, live-action TV spot unfold just below the Japanese ad after the break.

Continue reading Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting

Metroid: Other M ads focus on nostalgia, overacting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Wright's Current TV show shooting pilot this week

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Will Wright and his Stupid Fun Club have a handful of projects in the works -- this much we know. And today, one of those projects became a bit more official: a television show for Current TV. According to a Current TV representative, Wright is working on "an original show" for the network. The pilot is being filmed this week just across the East River in Brooklyn (if you also happen to be in Manhattan).

The show is presumably the not so well-guarded project that was detailed earlier this year, "The Creation Project," which reportedly relies on user-created storylines. (Wright has at least one more TV project in the pipeline.) We invite you to tell your own stories from the set photos seen in the gallery below.

Gallery: Will Wright's Current TV project (on set)

Will Wright's Current TV show shooting pilot this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony patents multiplayer stereoscopic system

Mike Schramm — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Seeing two images to create a 3D picture is so earlier this year -- Sony has been working on a patent that sends two images from one video screen to two different people, allowing for two players to see different images on the same screen. Each player would need their own set of glasses (which would each pull off the right frames), which would then come with earphones for separate audio feeds, too.

You'd need a special 3D television to do it, but there are all kinds of cool applications -- one person in your house could watch a movie while the other plays games, or you could do local split-screen multiplayer without actually splitting the screen (as seen in the diagram above). The patent even allows for more than two players, and there's even an implementation that would actually send two images each to two players, creating separate 3D views for both viewers. Both patents were filed a year ago, and have just come to light now. As 3D televisions become more common, we'll have to see if Sony brings an actual implementation of this tech to the consumer market.

Sony patents multiplayer stereoscopic system originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study: TV and games linked to attention problems in school

Mike Schramm — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[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!

Study: 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.

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PBS to air 90-minute Video Games Live performance

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If you've yet to experience the profound orchestral magic of the Tommy Tallarico-fronted musical outfit Video Games Live, you'll soon have the opportunity to do so from the safety and comfort of your own home. The group recently announced it will perform a 90-minute special for PBS, which will debut July 31, and then air on various PBS affiliates across the country throughout August. We suggest contacting your local affiliate to find out if the special will come to your neck of the woods.

If you're planning on tuning in, you can check out the trailer posted after the jump to see what you're in for, or read this press release to see what games the orchestra will be sampling during its performance. We don't see Gitaroo Man on said list, but we're hoping that's just an unfortunate omission on behalf of the copywriter.

Continue reading PBS to air 90-minute Video Games Live performance

PBS to air 90-minute Video Games Live performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Dead Redemption machinima film airing on Fox this Saturday

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 26 May 2010 07:00:00 EST

This Saturday at midnight (ET), Fox will air a 30-minute short film made from Red Dead Redemption. That's right -- this film was created using in-game assets. And it's not just any old basement machinima -- it's been directed by John Hillcoat (The Road) and, according to Rockstar's description, "reimagines" protagonist John Marston's, uh, redemption, as he pursues that prickly Bill Williamson.

Sounds interesting enough -- just so long as it doesn't interrupt MADtv. That's still on, right?

Red Dead Redemption machinima film airing on Fox this Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skate 3's first TV spot borrows inspiration from Middle-Earth

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 01 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

In a commercial for a skateboarding game, you might think that the folks featured wouldn't draw aesthetic inspiration from warring factions in a Tolkien story, but that's exactly what Skate 3's first TV advert brought to our minds this morning. Sure, there's a bit of gameplay video thrown in, but most of it centers on the much talked about online friend system by way of uniting skateboarders, apparently under an umbrella of brutality.

With a demo already available and the game's May 11 release date fast approaching, we're not sure you need much more to get you on board for Skate 3, but we'd suggest checking out the commercial just to see what happens at the end. Now you have to watch! Ha!

Gallery: Skate 3

Skate 3's first TV spot borrows inspiration from Middle-Earth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CEA survey: Gaming to drive 3D TV purchases

Mike Schramm — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST

According to a new survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association, one in four respondents who identified as a "gamer" is interested in 3D gaming at home. In a presentation today at the LA Games Conference, Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist, suggested that gaming would strongly drive the adoption of 3D televisions. Of those surveyed who'd seen a 3D movie, half said they would be interested in 3D games, and one in five gamers surveyed said that 3D-gaming support was the factor most likely to drive their purchase of a new TV. "It's the first time I've ever seen new televisions coupled with games as a promotion," said DuBravac, "and that's really exciting."

Additionally, DuBravac suggested that the gaming demographic at large would grow with the sale of new devices in the iPad-size category. There's currently a "device void" in the 8-12-inch screen space, according to CEA's research, but DuBravac expects that to fill up with approximately 20 million units sold of these mid-size devices just this year -- and those sales will lead to new gamers. As seen in the slide above, when the CEA asked consumers why they don't play games, almost 20 percent identified themselves as "not a gamer." DuBravac and company believe that these respondents are likely to become "gamers" through their purchases of new devices and technologies, like 3D.

As for dismissing 3D as a fad? Try it first, said DuBravac, who admitted that the technology is far from widespread adoption. By the CEA's count, roughly eight percent of consumers claim to have doubts about 3D technology, but, "it's about half of that, around 4 percent, after they see it in action."

View Poll

CEA survey: Gaming to drive 3D TV purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Xbox Live TV channel pitched to Microsoft by ex-News Corp head

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:03:00 EST

Our laziness, it knows no bounds: We just can't stand changing out game discs from our systems (hooray digital distribution!), not to mention the agonizing chore of pushing the source button on our TV remote to flip back to broadcast programming. And that's why we're especially happy to hear a rumor from Bloomberg today that ex-News Corp president Peter Chernin is engaged in talks with Microsoft to possibly launch an Xbox Live television channel.

Allegedly, during an April 12 meeting at Microsoft's Redmond, Wash. offices, Chernin proposed a channel native to the Xbox 360 that would feature "reruns and original shows" for an additional $1 to $2 per month on top of the standard Xbox Live Gold subscription fee. Chernin's publicist, Allan Mayer, says of the deal, "Peter is talking to lots of people about lots of ideas in the digital space," while a representative for Microsoft refused to comment.

The report also claims that Chernin pitched the idea to Conan O'Brien's reps, presumably, to land Conan in one of the channel's time slots. Seeing as that supposed deal with Conan fell through, may we humbly propose X3F TV?

[Via Edge Online]

Rumor: Xbox Live TV channel pitched to Microsoft by ex-News Corp head originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Wright to produce Science Channel programming

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:29:00 EST

Following the reveal of Will Wright's reported, user-generated television venture with Current TV, the sporadic game designer has signed a deal with Science Channel, part of the Discovery network, to create original programming with interactive online elements. The Hollywood Reporter describes the partnership as encompassing series and specials for Science covering stupid fun topics like time travel, other worlds and the future. "I want to take the way he engages an audience in gaming and bring that into a show," Science Channel GM Debbie Myers said.

"Gaming is a rich and compelling way to tell a great story," Wright added. "I am so excited to bring that mindset to TV projects."

With that mindset could come Wright's tendency to incubate his projects for prolonged development cycles. Luckily, the proposed topics for his Science shows fit right in with this strategy. Should he ever get that time machine running, Wright could journey back to our time and tell us all about the future. We'd watch that.

[Via Gamasutra]

Will Wright to produce Science Channel programming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Cliff Bleszinski's new game reveal on Fallon bumped to Monday, April 12

Randy Nelson — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST

Those eagerly awaiting the network television reveal of Gears of War creator Cliff "Don't Call Me CliffyB" Bleszinski's newest game (that includes us!) will have to wait a few more days, unfortunately. Originally scheduled for tonight's Late Night With Jimmy Fallon taping, Bleszinski's appearance has been bumped to Monday night, April 12 at 12:35/11:35C.

The news was dropped by Gavin Purcell, co-producer of Late Night, via his Twitter feed. Purcell cited a "scheduling conflict" as the reason for the last-minute switcheroo. We bet that Cliff's taking the weekend to add Extra Awesome[TM] to whatever he's about to spring on us.

PSA: Cliff Bleszinski's new game reveal on Fallon bumped to Monday, April 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Wright to produce reality show with user-created storylines

Mike Schramm — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST

That sneaky Will Wright always seems to be working on something amazing and/or secret, but this one caught us by surprise: His next project is actually a television show. He's working on The Creation Project in conjunction with Current, and eventually the show will involve viewers picking and choosing different storylines that will eventually be produced as two half-hour episodes of a real TV show.

According to leaked planning documents, there's a big online and mobile component with the show as well, including a possible tool that would allow users to make and discuss their own storyboards. Of course, all of this is still in the planning stages, but that's okay -- it gives us plenty of time to work on our script about a game developer whose game is just too brilliant to be good. It'll be a hit for sure.

Will Wright to produce reality show with user-created storylines originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese retailers selling out of PS3 'torne' DVR peripheral

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:15:00 EST

We wouldn't have thought a digital video recorder attachment for the PS3 would be a particularly hot seller in Japan, but the neverending lines spiraling from the front doors of Japanese retailers are proving otherwise. Andriasang recently passed along a Famitsu report explaining how shops are quickly selling out of the standalone version of the torne DVR peripheral -- though the 250GB PS3 which comes with the device built into its frame isn't selling quite as expediently.

If the device's popularity has inspired you to import one, you should know that it's only capable of recording Japanese terrestrial TV signals. As such, we also suggest you simultaneously purchase around 5,500 miles of coaxial cable.

Japanese retailers selling out of PS3 'torne' DVR peripheral originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge

Mike Schramm — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Lots of the celebrities at last night's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity benefit tournament didn't know much about gaming, but Greg Grunberg is the exception. Even if he can't dive deep into the differences between next-gen shooters, he at least knows the audience, having appeared on Lost and Alias and controlled minds as Matt Parkman on Heroes. He was at the benefit in West Hollywood promoting the Epilepsy Foundation (his son deals with epileptic seizures, and Grunberg has done some advocacy work on his own as well), and right before he sat down to play BFBC2 alongside Chad Ochocinco and Marshall Faulk, he sat down to chat with us.

Read on to hear about what Grunny is doing for Halo: Reach, his favorite iPhone games and why he's so sure there should be one more full season of Heroes.

Continue reading Interview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge

Interview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Andy Richter upset at his Assassin's Creed 2 voiceover VGA snub

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:15:00 EST

Much like the comical co-host of The Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien, we were infuriated by Hugh Jackman's victory in the "Best Male Voice Actor" category during last week's Video Game Awards ceremony. That Vector Monkey was destined to land in the hands of Andy Richter, who, you may or may not know, provided the voice of Assassin's Creed 2's titular killer, Ezio Auditore de Firenze a Lamborghini et Manicotti Formaggio.

You can view Richter's outburst, as well as a bit of his work in the game, in the Tonight Show clip posted on the show's official site.

Continue reading Andy Richter upset at his Assassin's Creed 2 voiceover VGA snub

Andy Richter upset at his Assassin's Creed 2 voiceover VGA snub originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Liveblogging the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:08:00 EST

Well, we've been watching UFC for the past hour, and we're totally ready to knee the Spike Video Game Awards in the face. By which, of course, we mean "give our expert analysis, keeping you informed on breakout news that comes from the event while occasionally making fun of the oblivious celebrity presenters."

Joining me for this event is Benjamin Gilbert and Xav de Matos. I'm not entirely sure they've covered a gaming awards show before, so I wholly expect one of them to be broken by the end of the proceedings. Kevin, our fairly seasoned veteran, is on the show floor, giving us first-hand scoops. Jump past the break to follow our coverage, and make sure to leave a comment with your own clever, possibly even pithy observations.

Watch: The 2009 Spike TV Video Game Awards

Continue reading Liveblogging the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards

Liveblogging the 2009 Spike Video Game Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reminder: Tune in for Joystiq's VGA liveblog tonight at 8 EST

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST

We've been hurt so many times in the past, but we're holding out hope for this year's Spike Video Game Awards. It sounds like it will be absolutely rife with scoops, including footage from Halo Reach, the reveal of a new Star Wars game and a metric ton of new trailers. As is our custom, we'll put our hearts out on the line in order to liveblog the show for you, dear readers -- an exercise that will likely result in unrelenting anguish after the first ex-Mad TV cast member starts making the obligatory drug-or-fart-related jokes.

Join us at 8PM for the festivities. Unfortunately, Justin won't be fulfilling his usual role as MC, but we'll have more than enough Joystiqers on hand to make up for his absent humor. Also, we'll be doing shots anytime someone utters the words "World Exclusive." We expect things to get really weird, really fast.

Reminder: Tune in for Joystiq's VGA liveblog tonight at 8 EST originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Spike VGAs to go without a host for the first year ever

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST

Forget about your Samuel L. Jacksons and your Jack Blacks -- this year, the Spike Video Game Awards is totally going commando (if you're an awards show, "going commando" means without a host). Our sister site Big Download got worried recently when no host had yet been announced (the whole Joystiq Network was holding out for Shia LeBeouf), and got in contact with Spike TV to find out what was up.

"As of right now, we are going without a host, similarly to what we did for this year's Scream Awards," a representative said. A mess of presenters -- from Tony "I promise I won't talk about Ride" Hawk, to Mike "We're terrified and not making any more jokes" Tyson -- have been confirmed for the show, though it seems that none would step up to the host position.

You can catch us, like every year, liveblogging the event and cracking jokes from the comfort of our couches. It's almost like you're in our living room with us, except you don't have to wonder where that smell is coming from. Hooray!

2009 Spike VGAs to go without a host for the first year ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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