Technology News: Gaming

Friday - May 9, 2008

Gas prices are setting record highs, homeowners are facing foreclosure, the dollar's slipping further down a black hole, and the credit industry is collapsing. These are frustrating times -- and perhaps that's partly why "Grand Theft Auto IV" just set some new records for video game sales. The controversial title took in a half billion dollars in its opening week, with more than half of that haul coming on opening day. You've got to take out your economic frustrations somehow, and what better way than to plunk down 60 bucks for the chance to rampage through a simulated New York City. [More...]

'Grand Theft Auto' Gets Away With Half a Billion Dollars

Wednesday - May 7, 2008

Take-Two Interactive Software is reporting record-setting sales of $500 million for "Grand Theft Auto IV," with more than 6 million units sold in just one week. "We knew 'Grand Theft Auto IV' would break new ground in terms of the player's experience. ... Now, it has broken sales and rating records as well," said Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two's chairman. [More...]

'Mario Kart Wii' a Disappointing Ride

Monday - May 5, 2008

I may finally be feeling some Wii fatigue. The Wii, Nintendo's super-popular and notably innovative game console, is far from perfect -- but it's also easily forgiven when the flaws are weighed against the extraordinary fun it offers. That has been my attitude until now, anyway. It's the recent release of "Mario Kart Wii" that is giving me pause. [More...]

'Rock Band' Helps Drum Up 33 Percent Profit Growth for Viacom

Friday - May 2, 2008

Entertainment conglomerate Viacom, riding a wave of success from a video game launch and a strong showing by its television enterprises, reported a 33 percent increase in first-quarter profit Friday. Viacom, which owns the Nickelodeon, MTV and BET networks as well as moviemaker Paramount, reported earnings of $270 million, or 42 cents per share, from January through March. [More...]

'GTA IV' Draws Criticism for Simulated Drunk Driving

Thursday - May 1, 2008

Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants a stricter rating on "Grand Theft Auto IV." The organization is calling on the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, the independent organization that assigns video game ratings, to reclassify "GTA IV" as an Adults Only game. The action-driving game, which includes the ability to drive while intoxicated, is currently rated Mature. [More...]

'GTA IV' Takes Gamers on Wild and Crazy Spree

Tuesday - April 29, 2008

"Grand Theft Auto IV," the latest version of the controversial and outrageously popular series from game developer Rockstar, hit the street at midnight Tuesday. For an industry that has already set sales records in 2008, the release of the long-delayed but highly anticipated game will likely give Microsoft, Sony and Rockstar parent Take-Two even more sales fuel through the Spring. [More...]

'GTA IV' Primed for Burnout Sales Despite Mum Marketing Campaign

Monday - April 28, 2008

There's no Burger King tie-in or special flavor of Mountain Dew. No commercial directed by Peter Jackson, or even an action figure. The run-up to "Grand Theft Auto IV" has been considerably less ballyhooed than last year's over-the-top "Halo 3" debut. Yet when "GTA IV" parks on store shelves on April 29, the latest entry in the controversial video game franchise could be the most lucrative launch in entertainment history. [More...]

Take-Two Taps PS3 to Rev Up 'GTA IV' in Europe

Thursday - April 24, 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed Wednesday it will release an official "Grand Theft Auto IV" bundle exclusively for the PlayStation 3. Available the same day the game launches, April 29, the "GTA IV" package will include the 40 GB model PS3, a Sixaxis wireless controller and, of course, a copy of the highly anticipated installment in the "Grand Theft Auto" series. [More...]

Nintendo Chalks Up Winning Quarter on Strong Sales

Thursday - April 24, 2008

Nintendo's net profit surged 47.7 percent to a record high, powered by strong sales of software and accessories for its popular Wii video game console and brisk sales of its DS handheld devices. The Kyoto-based company reported a group net profit of $2.5 billion for the March-April period compared with $1.68 billion a year earlier. Sales shot up 73 percent to $16.2 billion. [More...]

No Going Home Yet for PS3 Fans

Tuesday - April 22, 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment pushed back its open beta test for the launch of Playstation's Home, a 3-D virtual world, from the summer to the fall, marking the second time the company has delayed the launch of the product. Unlike traditional games, Home is a sandbox world designed to allow players the flexibility to build, create and interact with other players without directed goals. [More...]

Will a PS3 Download Service Starve Blu-ray?

Tuesday - April 22, 2008

PlayStation 3 owners may soon be able to watch movies without ever leaving their living rooms. In an official PlayStation blog entry dated April 15, the game maker hinted at plans for the PlayStation Network in 2008 and a recent revamp of the PlayStation Store. A senior marketing executive also mentioned that a video service was in the works for the PS3. [More...]

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