OnLive Coming To Multiple Vizio Devices

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OnLive has confirmed that it will have its game streaming service available in Vizio HDTVs, tablets, smartphones and Blu-ray players. No extra discs or downloads will be required to play and they will support full 1080p, 3D and 5.1 surround sound, dependent on the platform.

“Today’s OnLive/Vizio announcement marks a major milestone: for the first time in the history of video games, consumers will be able to enjoy premium video games directly on a TV, no console or computer needed, said OnLive CEO Steve Perlman. “Vizio’s innovative and cutting-edge technologies are ideally aligned to complement OnLive’s vision for the future of entertainment and together we look forward to providing a wealth of rich-media, interactive content to consumers this year.”

Uncharted 3 Pre-Orders High, Says ShopTo

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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves was almost undoubtedly the most acclaimed video game of 2009, though its sales of roughly 4 million worldwide were not equal to this critical praise. Early indications are, however, that Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception might be among 2011’s greatest hits.

“The interest in Uncharted 3 is awe-inspiring,” said ShopTo Marketing Manager Philip Driver. “We made the game available to pre-order on the site as soon as the release date came through and literally with twenty-four hours it was already in the top ten pre-orders.”

“Pre-Orders for Uncharted 3 are still coming in every day, despite it being nearly a year away. As it stands at the moment Drake’s Deception has already outsold what is likely to be our other big title of 2011, Gears of War 3.”

Source: CVG

EA Sports Says Don’t Read Into PGA Tour 12 Cover

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EA has stood by its relationship to Tiger Woods, even after his multiple extra-marital dalliances and his win-less 2010 performance. That said, the appearance of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2012 without the titular golfer featured prominently on the cover raised some eyebrows. However, EA Sports president Peter Moore has stated that they aren’t distancing themselves from Woods.

You might think the name of the game was “Masters.”

“We like everybody else that’s involved with Tiger and the game of golf in general, the Augusta club, are all anticipating a great year for golf this year and Tiger being very important in that,” said Moore. “Obviously it was a difficult year last year, but you saw towards the end of the season Tiger starting to get back to his old ways. We all as both a sports industry and sports fans are hopeful he comes back in full force in 2011.”

“He is on the PS3 version of the game [Collector’s Edition]. Our focus this year for this particular release is the Masters itself. You can see the iconic flag as part of the box art,” continued Moore. “If the insinuation is it’s a reflection of EA Sports backing away from its relationship that goes back literally 13 years with Tiger, that’s not the case whatsoever. This is obviously a very important day in our history and an important day in the world of golf videogames, and focusing on the Masters is the right thing to do.”

“But Tiger is right there on the PS3 version of the game with Move support, which was very good for us and Sony last year. We’ll continue that,” he added. “This is something that’s very special, very different. You shouldn’t read anything into the fact that Tiger’s not featured on the box art of that particular edition.”

Despite sales being down for the version of the game that most recently released, Moore is optimistic for the Masters led PGA Tour game. “We’re obviously very optimistic that because this is so new and something the golf videogame community has been literally begging for for close to a decade, it will drive considerable sales,” Moore said. “Our projections are to do very well.”

Source: Eurogamer

Mortal Kombat Creator Talks Kratos

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Anyone who saw the reveal of Kratos for the PS3 version of Mortal Kombat knew that he was a good fit for the fighting game. As it turns out, both SCEA and NetherRealm Studios thought it was a good idea to get the God of War star in Mortal Kombat.

“In our discussions with Sony we all wanted a character that was unique to the PS3, and Kratos was at the top of everyone’s list,” said Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon. “His look and fight style are very compatible to the MK universe. Everyone is really excited about this opportunity, and it’s been great working with the God of War team in making this happen.”

“With any great IP, there are guidelines that must be followed, added Boon. We’re working really closely with the God of War team to ensure that Kratos looks and feels the way gamers expect him to. We have nothing but respect for the God of War development team, and our goal is to stay true to their creation.

Source: CVG

Child’s Play Takes In Nearly $2.3 Million

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The Child’s Play charity announced that it has raised $2,294,317 in 2010, which is a new annual record for the organization. The charity which provides video games, toys and books to hospitalized children, has raised over $9 million in eight years.

“I could not be happier with the record shattering results of our incredible Charity,” said co-founder Mike Krahulik.

“The world may be a better place than I previously thought,” added co-founder Jerry Holkins.

Major Child’s Play donators included the Humble Indie Bundle, which raise $300,000 for Child’s Play this year, the “Desert Bus for Hope” marathon, which raised $207,000 and Microsoft’s Gears of War-focused “The Fate of Carmine” campaign, which raised $150,000.

Child’s Play currently serves hospitals in the U.S., U.K, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Egypt. Participating hospitals usually maintain Amazon wish lists and the organization accepts Paypal donations year-round.

Facebook Snags New Game Boss

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Facebook has announced that they have hired Sean Ryan to be director of game partnerships. He will report to Ethan Beard, director of the Facebook Developer Network, and help manage relations with Facebook’s variety of developers.

Ryan’s experience focuses on the gaming and monetization space as acting CEO of Live Journal, CEO of virtual world Meez and most recently as EVP and GM of Games at News Corp. Digital. Ryan will work closely with Cory Ondrejka and Bruce Rogers, who head up Facebook games engineering efforts.

Source: All Things Digital

Pac-Man Fever At The Rose Bowl

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As part of the celebration of Pac-Man’s 30th anniversary, Namco Bandai ponied up the cash for a float at the 2011 Rose Parade. It’s a rather elaborate thing, and it came complete with a set of tuba players.

Uncharted 3 Info And Interview

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Few games are more anticipated in 2011 than Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, if for nothing else to see how Naughty Dog will outdo themselves and the well reviewed Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Creative Director Amy Hennig and Game Director Justin Richmond talk about some of the technical and gameplay challenges they set themselves up for in Uncharted 3.

Angry Birds Shoots Towards PlayStation

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Sony has confirmed that Angry Birds is making its way to the PlayStation Store. It will be available for download and play on both the PS3 and PSP.

The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the green pigs who stole the Birds eggs, writes Rey Gutierrez, Senior Social Media Specialist for SCE. Use the unique destructive powers of the Angry Birds to lay waste to the pigs fortified castles. Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 63 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.

Source: PlayStation.Blog