DirecTV Drops G4

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DirecTV has announced that it will drop G4 from its lineup after negotiations with parent company Comcast failed. G4 is best known for its gaming oriented programming, including X-Play and Attack of the Show, as well as live coverage of events like E3, Comic Con, CES and the Tokyo Game Show.

At this time we are no longer negotiating and we have no plans to put G4 back up, said DirecTV in a statement. We are constantly evaluating our lineup in a new world where programming costs continue to rise at significant rates. Since G4 is among the lowest rated networks based on the latest Nielsen data, we decided that it made sense to focus on preserving programming that is more relevant to our larger customer base.

We have been trying to engage DirecTV in fair and reasonable discussions to continue to carry G4, rebutted G4 in a statement. G4 offered DirecTV the same basic deal we have had for the past three years. However they still plan to drop the network and deny G4 fans the only network that focuses on the popular gaming lifestyle.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

UDraw Social Media Celebration

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THQ has launched their “15 Days of uDraw” social media campaign. They will reveal a piece of artwork created using the uDraw GameTablet and uDraw Studio every day, showing the possibilities of the software.

Additionally, THQ will let people from the Facebook community who become a fan and Like uDraw enter into a contest to win a Wii system and a uDraw GameTablet and uDraw games, such as Pictionary and Dood’s Big Adventure. To find out more, visit http://www.facebook.com/worldofudraw.

Wii Sports Resort Plus

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Wii Sports Resort released in 2009 bundled with the Wii MotionPlus, but that was back before the Wii RemotePlus became the new standard. Now, the bundle is getting an update, at least in Japan.

Like the baby blue Wii RemotePlus.

The new bundle features a blue Wii RemotePlus in addition to Wii Sports Resort and will go on sale in Japan on November 11. No date for the U.S. or Europe was announced, though the turnover seems inevitable.

THQ And WWE Tighten Partnership

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THQ and the WWE recently announced a new, comprehensive marketing agreement. This will see game kiosks featuring WWE games made by THQ from now until April at WWE live events, integration with WWE pay-per-views, television programming and international events, cross promotion with WWE DVDs and increased promotions on WWE.com.

“This strategic marketing agreement reflects the benefits of working more closely with WWE to maximize the interactive entertainment experience for fans of this leading sports entertainment brand,” said THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell. “We expect to increase awareness of our games through this new integrated program. Beyond that, we are expanding our WWE video game offerings with social applications and brand extensions to help WWE fans enjoy different interactive experiences throughout the year.”

THQ also announced that they are developing a new set of products for WWE. This includes social media extensions, iOS apps, and a community site to help WWE game fans stay connected.

“We are pleased to move our partnership forward in a broader, more comprehensive way,” said WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith. “Working together, we plan to give our fans more access to all of the great interactive entertainment being created by THQ, as well as develop robust promotions to increase awareness of all WWE platforms.”

Michael Jackson: The Experience Gets A Glove

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Ubisoft announced recently that a limited number of Michael Jackson: The Experience shipments on the Wii will include a special edition glove, evocative of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson: The Experience will release on Wii and DS on November 23.

“We worked with the estate and created a special edition glove that s going to go into the day-one quantities of Michael Jackson: The Experience on the Wii, said Ubisoft’s Tony Key, SVP sales and marketing. If you go to the store and look for this specially marked package, which is going to be the same price as the regular edition, you’ll be able to get this limited edition glove to bring home. It’s something that’s never been available before, and we see it as an opportunity to have fun with the glove.

“Maybe the winner gets to wear the glove around the house, that kind of thing. For collectors and people who love Michael, the only way to definitely get this glove is to either pre-order it or get there very quickly first day, maybe second day, added Key. I can’t make any promises as to how long the supply will last. We’re only doing a certain amount; we’re not saying specifically how many, but I think this is big news for his fans.”

Source: IndustryGamers

Call Of Duty: The Cold War Heats Up

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The release of what will likely be the biggest game of the year is coming up, and it’s certainly looking diverse and pretty. Check out this trailer with Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter playing in the background.

Scribblenauts Makers Create Gritty Cover-Shooter

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5th Cell is best known for quirky and creative DS titles Drawn to Life and Scribblenauts. So it stands to reason that their first big budget title for home consoles is a post-apocalyptic shooter . . . say what

 

Blizzcon Questioner Immortalized In World Of Warcraft

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Recently, a panel at Blizzcon 2010 introduced the world to “Red Shirt Guy,” who immediately became famous on the internet for one upping the developers of World of Warcraft on in-game lore. Blizzard was quick to respond by adding the character in question, Falstad Wildhammer, back into the game… with a little buddy called Wildhammer Fact Checker.

He even has a red shirt!

After the picture came out, Blizzard’s Lead World Designer Alex Afrasiabi confirmed that the image is indeed real. Blizzard is clearly willing to poke fun at themselves, and these sorts of moves always do a good job of fostering goodwill with the fanbase.