Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is already a video game character in various basketball games, but what he really wants is to be in Rage. Check out this video of him appealing to id Software in person, with hilarious results.
Hot Wheels has been a toy car brand for generations, but it’ll be entering the real world during the Indianapolis 500. Check out this preview of Hot Wheels for real.
On both the official film website and official video game website, a suite of online mini-games have been unleashed by Dreamworks for the launch of Kung Fu Panda 2. On the movie site, fans can try and help Po become master of the hula hoop, step up into the major leagues in a home run derby challenge or take it to the rim in kung fu hoops madness. An accompanying suite of mobile apps lets fans be the master and take Po wherever they go in a series of challenges or try to take Po on in a staring contest challenge. A soon to be released interactive cookbook and Po inspired e-comics are on the way as well as e-books featuring the art of Kung Fu Panda 2 and storybooks for kids. In partnership with HP, fans with a webcam can jump into a photo booth with any of their favorite characters from the film and customize and download a profile pic or image. Other games include Wok-A-Wolf, Slider Puzzle and Kung Fu Kickoff. All of the games are also accessible via a tab on the official Facebook page for Kung Fu Panda 2. An online world for kids called Kung Fu Panda World has also launched allowing fans to pick their Kung Fu Style and explore Po s world. On the official site for the video game, fans can watch a series of awesome videos that explain how the game integrates with UDraw on the Wii and Kinect on the Xbox 360 bringing the fight to your living room! A Kung Fu Training official destination teaches fans the basics of action/reaction and being in harmony with their Kung Fu master demonstrating how to counter Po s moves by closely replicating through keystrokes the in-game console experience. Fans must complete 10 moves in 30 seconds to advance and earn a printable certificate. On the official Facebook page, fans can enter a sweepstakes to win a Royal Carribean cruise with Po or print and create a wide array of papercraft ranging from 3D characters to bookmarks and masks.
APB Reloaded open beta has entered its open beta with a new skill rating system, new items and a new hosting center. Improvements set to be rolled out are new clan-based combat mechanics, further matchmaking improvements, a new district and refreshed game modes.
“From the start of the development of APB Reloaded last fall our focus has been to remove obstacles preventing players from having fun, said GamersFirst and Reloaded Productions CEO Bjorn Book-Larsson. “While our development and design teams have done an amazing job improving driving, shooting, skill ratings, witnessing and other key elements of the game, I am also thrilled with the changes slated to be released during the latter part of open beta. We expect APB Reloaded to set a new bar for what is possible to achieve in a free to play MMO game, and the open beta represents another big step in that direction.”
Google has hired Lucas Watson as VP-sales and marketing for YouTube and video. He was one of the driving forces behind the Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” video campaign last year.
Google is looking to make YouTube more friendly to brands and to get advertisers to spend more money on the service. Watson spearheaded a big increase in digital spending as an executive last year with his old company.
“We’re delighted that Lucas will be joining us as Vice President of YouTube Advertising Sales and Marketing, working to further drive our efforts in the rapidly growing video advertising space worldwide,” said Google spokesman Rob Shilkin.
Jim Lecinski, Google’s managing director-U.S. sales and service made an argument last year at the Association of National Advertisers annual conference that shopper marketing begins online and with search. Google was so interested in hiring Watson, they reportedly “made an offer too good to refuse.”
Source: AdAge
The NBA has finalized a deal with both Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive (owner of 2K Sports), wherein both parties will be able to use NBA franchises and players in their basketball titles. This deal includes a wide variety of platforms.
We have had successful and longstanding relationships with both 2K Sports and EA Sports, said Sal LaRocca, Executive Vice President of NBA Global Merchandising. Extending our agreements with the top sports video game developers continues to maximize our presence in this category, while ensuring our fans the best selection of NBA video games.
Bethsoft has apparently revealed a 5th Anniversary Edition of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Rumor has it there will be a limited print run of only 200,000 copies.
The package will include Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game Of The Year Edition with Collector’s Edition Content (map, ‘Making Of’ DVD with an added Skyrim trailer) and a $10 Off Coupon (redeemable at any retailer, nationwide) for Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This $29.99 package will release on June 28 for PS3, PC and Xbox 360.
Source: Nitrobeard
Despite a well publicized prediction that Judgment Day would come on May 21, 2011 the world did not end. Harold Camping and Family Radio put up the prediction on billboards worldwide, which leads to the legal question of whether they can be sued for fall advertising.
“To be safe they should have put some disclaimers on the billboards like ‘Date subject to change without notice,’ ‘Additional terms and conditions apply. See Bible for complete details,'” said Michael McSunas of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel. “On a serious note, it would be difficult to bring a lawsuit against the advertisers unless they deliberately were trying to deceive the general public for their own financial gain (e.g. to get more donations). That is, let’s say the group that put up the billboards did not actually believe that the Rapture was going to happen on Saturday but they knew if they scared people into believing it was going to happen on Saturday that all these people would give them money, then there might be a basis for a lawsuit or criminal action.
Also, if the group held themselves out as a church group or as ordained ministers but it turned out that they were actually just four roommates from the Bronx who had never been to church in their lives, then there could maybe be some legal action based on their false credentials, he added. But it appears that these people sincerely believed that the Rapture was supposed to happen on Saturday; they weren’t trying to trick anyone. At worse it was a wrong prediction.”
“I don’t think we want our courts evaluating the merits (or foolishness) of the religious beliefs of people in this country, noted McSunas. Freedom of religion is protected after all.”
Source: AdWeek
Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya has a lot of ideas in mind for the franchise. While a direct sequel appears to be up in the air, a game set prior to the war between the Sages and the Witches with a younger Balder was one of his ideas, though perhaps not the most prominent.
I m sure those of you who ve unlocked the special features know about Cutie J, says Kamiya said during a commentary for Bayonetta. She s Jeanne as a heroine, who would star in a spin-off game I like to fantasize about.
Nothing is confirmed at this point, but it’s clear that Kamiya has a lot of ideas for the franchise.
Source: Siliconera
SCEA has announced that Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One will release on October 18, 2011. The game will have co-op play for the four main characters of Ratchet, Clank, Qwark and Dr. Nefarious.
The pre-order bonuses were also revealed, which were:
