This Week in Gaming (Snarky Style): Katie Couric, Man Loses Savings on Carnival Game, Madden Skips Wii U
Thursday, 2nd May 2013Posted in Week In Gaming News
Tags: funny, gaming news stories, katie couric, kinect, madden 93, top news
Written by: Patrick Scott Patterson
Welcome once again to my weekly snarky sarcastic and bombastic rundown of headlines from the world of these video game things. In time, they might just catch on.
Madden to skip the Wii U
EA Sports has confirmed that they will not be releasing Madden NFL 25 for the Nintendo Wii U, marking the first time since John Madden Football ’93 that a title in the endless football game franchise won’t appear on a Nintendo console.
Interestingly enough, this year’s Madden Cover Athlete Barry Sanders was a marquee player in the 1993 edition, perhaps proving once and for all how little has really changed in the series over the years.
Achievement Unlocked: 10G – So much for my dream of a Madden telestrator function using that big Wii U tablet thing. ”Lookie here and this hit! Whapp! Bam, a six legged turkey!” while circling stuff like crazy. Oh well.
Deja Vu
Gaming news sites posted a bunch of stuff yesterday after the first teaser for Call of Duty: Ghosts was released. It is now confirmed that a new Call of Duty game will release in early November.
These sites, however, have yet to confirm Thanksgiving will also take place this year in late November, but it is also expected. Continue reading “This Week in Gaming (Snarky Style): Katie Couric, Man Loses Savings on Carnival Game, Madden Skips Wii U” »
Skyrim VR Hack: Virtual Reality Treadmill Allows Players To “walk freely and naturally in virtual environments”
Friday, 1st March 2013Posted in Industry
Tags: device, head, kinect, omni, site, skyrim, video, virtual, virtual reallity, Virtuix, vr
Written by: Craig Hunter
Today we have a new virtual reality device that allows players to naturally walk and look around within a game environment.
The VR treadmill-hybrid device is called the Virtuix Omni and is still in the prototype phase (via Reddit courtesy of PC Gamer).
As you can see in the demonstration video below, the Omni shows off some pretty impressive motion tracking technology.
Crimson Dragon Surfaces After Being Delayed Last Year
Wednesday, 2nd January 2013Posted in Blog Archive, Preview
Tags: crimson, demo, dragon, dragoon, game, hardcore, kinect, panzer
Written by: Craig Hunter
Crimson Dragon, the spiritual successor to the cult hit Panzer Dragoon series has surfaced in Japan after being delayed back in June (via GT). Originally released in 1995, Panzer Dragoon was developed by Team Andromeda and follows the journey of Keil Fluge (unnamed protagonist in North America) on his quest to rid his world of a powerful evil dragon. Panzer Dragoon was followed by several sequels like Panzer Dragoon II Zwei, Panzer Dragoon Saga, and Panzer Dragoon Orta. Continue reading “Crimson Dragon Surfaces After Being Delayed Last Year” »
Daily Gaming: New Subsidized Xbox Pricing, Starting at $99
Tuesday, 23rd October 2012Posted in Industry
Tags: 250gb, 360, 99, available, bundles, kinect, microsoft, xbox
Written by: Craig Hunter
Microsoft is expanding its subsidized Xbox 360 options to include more console models and retail outlets.
Although many were skeptical when the first $99 Xbox hit back in May, it must have been successful for the tech giant to end up choosing to expand the program.
Previously we reported to you about the 4GB Xbox 360 that came available for just $99 but with a hint of caution, being that mathematically the number didn’t really end up saving you any money. If you are interested in the numbers you can can go over the price break down here in our previous story. Continue reading “Daily Gaming: New Subsidized Xbox Pricing, Starting at $99” »
Daily Tech: Microsoft Launches Improved Kinect for Windows SDK
Monday, 8th October 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming, Technology
Tags: china, data, developers, kinect, microsoft, new, settings, stream, windows
Written by: Craig Hunter
Microsoft updated the Kinect for Windows runtime and software development kit with a number of new features today. Microsoft has decided to branch Kinect out for motion recognition in non-gaming applications (via CNET). Microsoft also announced today that Kinect for Windows is now available in China.
This new update will allow developers to tap into the device much deeper than ever before. The SDK update will allow access to data from the sensor’s accelerometer as well as the use of an infrared stream among other things.
Although much of the improvements are seemingly for non-gaming applications it is possible that game developers will be able to make use of the deeper data set. Continue reading “Daily Tech: Microsoft Launches Improved Kinect for Windows SDK” »
$99 Xbox 360 Kinect bundle With Contract Available Now at Best Buy and GameStop
Monday, 25th June 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: 99, bundle, contract, discounted, end, kinect, math, month, XBOx 360, Xbox Live Gold
Written by: Craig Hunter
Follow @jordankahn
We previously reported to you on Microsoft bringing a highly discounted Xbox bundle to the market and it is now finally available through select retailers. The 4Gb Xbox 360 Kinect bundle comes with a 2-year contract and according to Major Nelson is now available at participating Best Buy and Gamestop locations.
The discounted package will include Xbox Live Gold and will run you $99 upfront with the added 24 month contract at $14.99 per month.
Although it may seem like a better deal, and in many ways it is, the math doesn’t necessarily add up to less in the end. The grand total for Microsoft’s Continue reading “$99 Xbox 360 Kinect bundle With Contract Available Now at Best Buy and GameStop” »
Microsoft Officially Announces $99 Xbox With Kinect
Monday, 7th May 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: 99, Apple TV, kinect, Live Gold, microsoft, Woodstock, XBOx 360, Xbox Live
Written by: Craig Hunter
Follow @jordankahn
Last week there was a rumored 99$ Xbox to be revealed according to The Verge’s anonymous sources.
Today Microsoft has confirmed that it will be selling a $99 Xbox bundled with Kinect.
The bundle will ship with a 4GB Xbox 360, Kinect, and will require a $14.99 per month Xbox Live Gold subscription for two-years. Much like we’re used to with our on-contract smartphones, Microsoft has also put in place termination fees for those who decide to skip out on the two-year commitment. The early termination fees go as follows: $250 for termination during the first three months Continue reading “Microsoft Officially Announces $99 Xbox With Kinect” »
Skyrim Kinect Voice Support Comes “The Week of April 23″
Friday, 13th April 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: April 23, bethesda, cnn, commands, elder scrolls, kinect, Pete Hines, Project Adam, skyrim, voice
Written by: Craig Hunter
Follow @jordankahn
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be seeing its Kinect functionality coming up later this month during “the week of April 23.” Skyrim will add over 200 voice commands to the mix including dragon shouts and ally instructions.
“…your entire repertoire of shouts is available without opening a menu..”
In an exclusive interview with CNN (via GT), Bethesda revealed the launch date as well as confirming the Kinect update will be available in 5 different languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Continue reading “Skyrim Kinect Voice Support Comes “The Week of April 23″” »
Microsoft Insider Claims Two New Xbox Consoles In The Works
Thursday, 22nd March 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: 2013, AppleTV, arm, console, e3, kinect, microsoft, MS Nerd, next-gen, reddit, XBOx 360
Written by: Craig Hunter
Follow @jordankahn
We have been following coverage on the much rumored next-gen Xbox console for some time now. Microsoft already confirmed we will not be seeing next generation Xbox hardware at E3 or “anytime soon”.
Just recently more information has come to light courtesy of MS Nerd who is, according to BGR, an industry insider who boasts an excellent track record for obtaining information pertaining to the future at Microsoft. MS Nerd said that not only is Microsoft working on a new Xbox, but there will likely be two new versions of the next-gen console. Continue reading “Microsoft Insider Claims Two New Xbox Consoles In The Works” »
Dragon’s Lair Confirmed For XBLA With Kinect Support
Tuesday, 20th March 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: Digital Leisure, Don Bluth, dragons lair, kinect, microsoft, port, XBLA, xbox live arcade
Written by: Craig Hunter
Follow @jordankahn
The last time we brought you news on classic 1983 arcade title Dragon’s Lair it was coming to the Android Market Google Play. Now yet another port of the game has been officially confirmed, this time the art of ex-Disney animator Don Bluth will be landing on Xbox Live Arcade.
Dragon’s Lair for XBLA is a super rad title that adds a whole new level to the Don-Bluth-animated, dragon-fighting, disc-dropping, ball-avoiding, Dirk-the-Daring-killing experience we’ve loved for years. We’re super proud to be able to provide another platform everyone to enjoy Continue reading “Dragon’s Lair Confirmed For XBLA With Kinect Support” »
Microsoft Shows Off ‘Beamatron’ Augmented Reality Kinect Concept
Friday, 16th March 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming, Technology
Tags: beamatron, concept, fusion, kinect, microsoft, prototype, research, xbox
Written by: Craig Hunter
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We’ve seen some pretty inventive Kinect solutions from third parties. We recently told you about a Kinect-based banking system from Etronika, and even Microsoft showed off Kinect Fusion and Lightspace at the company’s labs. Today UberGizmo points us to a video of a new augmented reality gaming solution demoed by Microsoft Research (below).
What you’re seeing in the video is known as the “Beamatron”. As explained in the video by a Microsoft researcher, the concept is Continue reading “Microsoft Shows Off ‘Beamatron’ Augmented Reality Kinect Concept” »
Next-Gen Virtual Reality Gaming Tech Demoed At GDC
Thursday, 15th March 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming, Technology
Tags: Forth Dimension Displays, Game Developers Conference, gdc, kinect, Move, virtual reality
Written by: Craig Hunter
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Game developers and fans alike have always been on the pursuit of the perfect immersive experience. For a long time gamers have relied on mods to help us get more and more out of the games we love so much. New tech from GDC really brings that pursuit to fruition in a new way.
Forth Dimension Displays has created a system consisting of an HD headset, a modified playstation Move gun and a vest with devices controlling movement and the various levels of player input. Continue reading “Next-Gen Virtual Reality Gaming Tech Demoed At GDC” »
Wii ‘Active’ Games Wont Help Your Kids Lose Weight, After All
Wednesday, 29th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Offbeat, Pop Culture
Tags: active, boxing, children, dance dance revolution, kinect, wii
Written by: Jeff Nau
There’s no easy way to put this: contrary to what some in our country had originally hoped, one report says that game of Wii Tennis/golf/soccer probably ain’t gonna put much of a dent in our nation’s skyrocketing number of obese people.
This latest report comes contrary to the hopes and even some personal testimonials claiming the opposite — specifically that even minor cardiovascular activities like Wii Boxing and Wii Dance would help invigorate the increasingly overweight youth to lose a few pounds. Continue reading “Wii ‘Active’ Games Wont Help Your Kids Lose Weight, After All” »
Control Windows Media Center With Kinect Voice And Gesture Control for $7
Wednesday, 15th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Technology
Tags: app, kinect, Kinect for Media Center, voice, windows
Written by: Craig Hunter
If you can get around the cost of Kinect for Windows, $250, you’re going to begin seeing more great apps being released that add voice and gesture control support to your favorite Windows apps (not just games).
Thanks to a new app from from third party developer Brad Mauk, you can now control the Windows 7 Media Center app completely with voice commands, pinches and waves of your hands. Continue reading “Control Windows Media Center With Kinect Voice And Gesture Control for $7” »
Etronika Demos Kinect-Based Banking Solution
Tuesday, 14th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Technology
Tags: banking, etronika, kinect, recognition, SDK
Written by: Craig Hunter
With Kinect for Windows launching earlier this month, despite the somewhat steep price, we’re super excited to hear about this demo from Etronika that takes Kinect beyond simply gaming.
While we’ve seen some pretty incredible uses for Kinect in the past, it seems this Baltic IT company Etronika is one of the first with a product nearly ready for commercial consumption. Specializing in e-banking and digital identity technologies, it was of no surprise when Etronika showcased their new Kinect-based online banking system at Finovate Europe 2012 (via SlashGear).
Will this be a viable banking solution or is the Kinect system itself still in too early a stage to handle our money? Continue reading “Etronika Demos Kinect-Based Banking Solution” »
Next-gen Xbox Controller To Be Tablet-Like Display, Finger-Tracking Kinect?
Friday, 10th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gadgets, Gaming
Tags: 720, e3, ipad, kinect, vita, wii u, xbox
Written by: Craig Hunter
Rumors of a next-gen Xbox or PlayStation sporting a controller with a display inevitably makes us think of the Wii U controller. However the latest rumors originating from Xbox World Magazine (viaCVG) point towards something more powerful, described as closer to an iPad or Vita than Nintendo’s new controller design.
The report claimed the controller “will be a matt-black media hub with a mission to bring games to life in your living room”. To accomplish that, it will apparently have a built-in touch HD touchscreen, augmented reality, directional sound, and be a “four-player, finger-tracking Kinect”. Continue reading “Next-gen Xbox Controller To Be Tablet-Like Display, Finger-Tracking Kinect?” »
Dragon Mounts, Kinect Shouts, and Dozens Of Other Skyrim Features Could Be DLC [video]
Thursday, 9th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming
Tags: DLC, dragon, features, Game Jam, kinect, mount, reel, skyrim, todd howard, video
Written by: Craig Hunter
Bethesda’s Todd Howard recently took the stage at DICE 2012 in Las Vegas (via Eurogamer), and during his speech revealed some never before seen, and yet to be implemented features his team developed for Skyrim following completing the game.
Howard explained the team was given a week as part of an internal Game Jam with only one task: “Do whatever you want and put it in the game.” The results of the team’s work were complied into a video reel (below) and could possibly make it into future DLC… Continue reading “Dragon Mounts, Kinect Shouts, and Dozens Of Other Skyrim Features Could Be DLC [video]” »
Xbox 360 Limited Edition Star Wars/Kinect Bundle Confirmed For Apr. 3
Tuesday, 7th February 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gadgets, Gaming
Tags: April 3, bundle, C-3PO, kinect, limited edition, microsoft, pre-order, R2-D2, star wars, XBOx 360
Written by: Craig Hunter
You may have been disappointed when the original November 2011 launch date came and went for Microsoft’s limited edition Star Wars Xbox 360/Kinect bundle, but you’ll be pleased to know a new date has officially been set.
The bundle will officially be launching alongside the Kinect Star Wars game on April 3rd, and it’s already available for pre-order on Amazon for $450. If you’re unfamiliar with the bundle, you can expect an R2-D2 themed console (320GB) with a gold C-3PO wireless Xbox controller, bundled with the first ever white version of Kinect. Continue reading “Xbox 360 Limited Edition Star Wars/Kinect Bundle Confirmed For Apr. 3” »
Next-Gen Xbox to Sport Blu-Ray Player, Anti-Used Game Tech, and Smaller Controller?
Thursday, 26th January 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming, Technology
Tags: 720, anti-used, blu ray, kinect, Kinect 2, microsoft, next-gen, xbox, Xbox Live
Written by: Craig Hunter
A report from Kotaku today claimed Microsoft will upgrade its disc drive in the next-gen Xbox (720?) from its standard DVD drive to a Blu-Ray drive similar to the one in Sony’s PS3.
The report cites various “reliable” industry sources, and also claimed Microsoft was planning on creating a method of preventing used games from running on the next-gen console. Continue reading “Next-Gen Xbox to Sport Blu-Ray Player, Anti-Used Game Tech, and Smaller Controller?” »
Mass Effect 3 for Xbox 360 Gets Kinect Voice Commands, Demo Lands Feb. 14
Thursday, 19th January 2012Posted in Blog Archive, Gaming, Technology
Tags: Aaryn Flynn, bioware, commands, demo, Feb 14, kinect, Mass Effect 3, motion, recognition, voice, XBOx 360
Written by: Craig Hunter
If you’re anticipating Mass Effect 3 like just about everybody else, you may or may not be excited to learn the latest trailer focuses mainly on the RPG’s Kinect integration.
Normally when we think of the Kinect’s motion gestures in any genre of hardcore shooter the vision of PlayStation’s Kevin Butler using his hand as a gun is the first thing that comes to mind.
Fortunately, the Kinect-enabled Mass Effect 3 Continue reading “Mass Effect 3 for Xbox 360 Gets Kinect Voice Commands, Demo Lands Feb. 14” »
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