Team Fortress 2 Adopts Micro-Transactions

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Valve has released an update to Team Fortress 2 to allow micro-transactions. Called the Steam Wallet, players will be able to purchase games in the Steam store or customizable items in what is called the Mann Co. Store in Team Fortress 2.

While there won’t be specific increments that users will have to buy, $5 is the minimum deposit for the Steam Wallet “to keep transactions and payment service provider fees to a minimum.” These items are merely cosmetic, will not affect gameplay and will still be obtainable via other in-game means.

Source: TeamFortress.com

Myst Optioned For Movie

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Myst has been optioned for a movie by producers Hunt Lowry and Mark Johnson, in conjunction with Adrian Vanderbosch and Isaac Testerman of Mysteria Film Group. Cyan Worlds sold the rights to make a live action Myst film to Mysteria. Cory Lanier and Tom Williams will be co-producers.

“Our aim with this project is to stretch the genres it operated within, much like the source material did,” Vanderbosch said. “It is such an innovative property and by utilizing the novels as our primary resource, we have the opportunity to offer audiences the essence of MYST without being limited only to the famous island of the first game. Our focus has always been on creating an entirely new visual experience driven by engaging characters and an epic narrative.”

The movie will draw its plot from not just the mythology of the games, but also the three companion novels published by Cyan Worlds.

Source: Deadline.com

World Of Warcraft: Cataclysm Coming December 7

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Blizzard Entertainment have announced that December 7, 2010 is the release for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, confirming recent rumors. The expansion will forever change the face of Azeroth, with new content for early levels, two new playable races in the worgen and gobilins, and a top level raid with the corrupted Dragon Aspect Deathwing.

“Cataclysm includes the best content we’ve ever created for World of Warcraft. It’s not just an expansion, but a re-creation of much of the original Azeroth, complete with epic new high-level adventures for current players and a redesigned leveling experience for those just starting out,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “With the help of our beta testers, we’re putting on the final polish, and we look forward to welcoming gamers around the world to enjoy it in just a couple of months.”

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will retail for $39.99, and a special Collector’s Edition packed with bonus items will be available for $79.99.

 

Microsoft Exec Talks Up Xbox Live For Windows Phone 7

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Matt Thompson, general manager of developer and platform evangelism for Microsoft, thinks that Xbox Live integration is the “killer app” for Windows Phone 7. While other mobile companies have launched gaming platforms on their devices (like iPhone with Game Center) Thompson thinks that Xbox Live in Windows Phone 7 will allow it to dethrone other, more popular mobile OS platforms like iOS, Blackberry OS and Android.

“Clearly the phone is you, so the most unique thing we’re trying to do is bring XBox Live so you can carry the online ‘you’ into the rest of the world,” Thompson said.

Microsoft is helping to bring Farmville to Windows Phone and is also looking to push original 2D and 3D games that will mimic the Xbox Live experience on the Xbox 360.

Source: VentureBeat

Mind Candy CEO Critical Of U.K.’s Game Culture

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Michael Acton Smith, CEO of Mind Candy, helped create the internet hit Moshi Monsters, which has over 27 million users. The series has moved from online to books and other merchandise based on the Moshi brand, including publishing boxed games for Nintendo DS and 3DS. Smith indicates, however, that it was an uphill battle launching the product in the U.K.

“There’s a different culture in the U.S.,” said Smith. “There are different circumstances that unfortunately mean over here the new IP, the good new IP, doesn’t always bubble to the surface.”

“Also in the U.K. the failure culture is so different. In America if you form a company, and it fails or its product doesn’t quite work out, then you move on, without shame,” he continued. “Failure is no big deal. The American Dream is to try and try again to achieve your goal. In the U.K., doing that is almost taboo.”

“To rectify that over here we need more role models for the businessmen of tomorrow at the moment we have Richard Branson and a few Dragons. That’s not good enough,” he concluded.

Source: MCV

Blu-ray In 17% Of U.S. Households, Says Report

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A recent report says that 17 percent of U.S. households own at least one Blu-ray Disc player. This level of penetration (greater than Netflix) is double what it was in 2008, with 20 million U.S. households owning both a Blu-ray player and DVD player.

The study further showed that 45 percent watch movies on a dedicated Blu-ray player while 47 percent use the Blu-ray compatible PS3. Blu-ray players have actually caught up to the PS3 in terms of reach, while 1.7 million U.S. households own both a PS3 and Blu-ray player.

DVD purchases and rentals are still higher than Blu-ray, but Blu-ray households tend to rent and buy more discs than DVD households. Blu-ray is also becoming the format of choice for younger, wealthier households with children.

“Although more Blu-ray households rented or purchase DVDs than they did Blu-ray Discs, BD households actually rented or purchased more Blu-ray titles and DVD on average,” according to the Centris white paper.

Source: Home Media Magazine

3DS Will Update Firmware Automatically

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Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata says that Nintendo is looking to incorporate an automated firmware update system into the 3DS. He revealed this while asked at a Q&A what measures Nintendo would take against piracy using the internet.

“As part of the functionality of SpotPass, we’re looking into having automatic system updates via the internet,” said Iwata.

This will mean that 3DS systems will download firmware updates automatically from Wi-Fi spots without informing the user, and will do so even in sleep mode. While there are obvious anti-piracy benefits to this, Iwata insists this will benefit users with consistently inserted new functionality.

Source: Andriasang.com {link no longer active}

Gears Of War 3 Delayed Until Fall 2011

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Gears of War 3 was initially announced for release on April 8, 2011 but the game’s release is going to be delayed by nearly half a year. Microsoft announced today that the game won’t release until Fall 2011.

“Gears of War 3 promises to be the biggest entertainment launch of 2011,” said Microsoft in a statement. “The teams at Microsoft Game Studios and Epic Games have done great work thus far readying the title for release in the Spring of 2011. However, we’ve elected to move the launch of Gears of War 3 until Fall 2011 to make it the marquee title for the holiday season.”

Reasons for the delay might include the release of Bulletstorm (another Epic title) in February 2011, along with a lack of marque titles for the Xbox 360 in holiday 2011.

EA Removes Taliban From Medal Of Honor Multiplayer

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Electronic Arts has announced that, in response to feedback, they are changing the name of the Taliban faction in Medal of Honor‘s multiplayer to “Opposing Forces.” They claim this is due to feedback from “friends and families of fallen soldiers.”

“While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service,” writes Greg Goodrich, Executive Producer for Medal of Honor. “To all who serve – we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon.”

Source: MedalofHonor.com