RSS
TOP SPOT
Review: Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Find out why it's one of the best PSP games ever made. 
TOP SPOT
Editorial: Understanding the Disposable Franchise One company's already doing just that, and it's reaping the benefit. 
TOP SPOT
Gamer Ethics: What's Cheating and What's Fair Game? Wavedashing, snaking, BXR -- you know the exploits. Are they cheats or fair game, though? |
GEN
GTA IV = Best-selling Game of April, Followed by Mario Kart
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:28 PM PST
In the short time that Grand Theft Auto IV was available in April, it managed to outsell every other game during the month. Mario Kart Wii was the second best-selling game, followed by Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Full list below.
Software sales for April 2008 were up 68% over April 2007. Not. Too. Bad.
GTA IV = Best-selling Game of April, Followed by Mario Kart
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:28 PM PST
In the short time that Grand Theft Auto IV was available in April, it managed to outsell every other game during the month. Mario Kart Wii was the second best-selling game, followed by Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Full list below.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) - 1,850,000
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 1,120,000
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3) - 1,000,000
4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) - 326,000
5. Wii Play (Wii) - 360,000
6. Gran Turismo 5: Prologue (PS3) - 224,000
7. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Darkness (DS) - 202,000
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time (DS) - 202,000
9. Guitar Hero III (Wii) - 152,000
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360) - 141,000
Software sales for April 2008 were up 68% over April 2007. Not. Too. Bad.
source: NeoGAF
GEN
April NPD Numbers: Wii on Top, Xbox 360 and PS3 Neck and Neck
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:18 PM PST
NPD numbers for April 2008 just hit the wire, and, not surprisingly, Wii dominated hardware sales, doing over 700,000 units during the month. Meanwhile, competing next-gen platforms Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were neck and neck in sales, separated by only 1,000 units.
April NPD Numbers: Wii on Top, Xbox 360 and PS3 Neck and Neck
by Phillip Levin | 05/15/08 | 4:18 PM PST
NPD numbers for April 2008 just hit the wire, and, not surprisingly, Wii dominated hardware sales, doing over 700,000 units during the month. Meanwhile, competing next-gen platforms Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were neck and neck in sales, separated by only 1,000 units.
- Wii - 714,200
- Nintendo DS - 414,800
- PSP - 192,000
- Xbox 360 - 188,000
- PlayStation 3 - 187,100
- PlayStation 2 - 124,400
source: NeoGAF
PSP
Shane Kim "Very Happy" Microsoft Never Released a Handheld
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 12:27 PM PST
Don't you just wish Microsoft would join the handheld race occupied by the Nintendo DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable with their very own handheld? An "Xboy," for lack of a better term?
Xboss Shane Kim doesn't. In fact, he's actually glad that Big Billy G's company hasn't set foot into the handheld arena. "I'm very happy we didn't get into it, because launching a handheld platform is like launching another Xbox 360," he said. "You have to be fully committed, as an organisation, from a resource standpoint, to doing that."
"Frankly we've got a lot on our plate with Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. We don't have any experience in that space. Our content assets don't naturally lend themselves to driving success in that particular market. So we're happy to let Sony and Nintendo slog it out."
Shane Kim "Very Happy" Microsoft Never Released a Handheld
by David Oxford | 05/15/08 | 12:27 PM PST
Don't you just wish Microsoft would join the handheld race occupied by the Nintendo DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable with their very own handheld? An "Xboy," for lack of a better term?
Xboss Shane Kim doesn't. In fact, he's actually glad that Big Billy G's company hasn't set foot into the handheld arena. "I'm very happy we didn't get into it, because launching a handheld platform is like launching another Xbox 360," he said. "You have to be fully committed, as an organisation, from a resource standpoint, to doing that."
"Frankly we've got a lot on our plate with Xbox 360 and Xbox Live. We don't have any experience in that space. Our content assets don't naturally lend themselves to driving success in that particular market. So we're happy to let Sony and Nintendo slog it out."
source: Eurogamer
GEN
CBS Acquires GameSpot, CNET for $1.8 Billion
by Keane Ng | 05/15/08 | 9:53 AM PST
Everyone knows that big media is just that, big. Making money through the distribution of information, at least when it comes to high rollers like the people at CBS, is all about consolidating your resources, getting as many ways as possible to reach as many people as possible -- syngergizing backwards overflows, and all that jazz.
To that end, CBS, has acquired the CNET Networks for a hefty sum of $1.8 Billion (a huge coup by any measure for CNET, a 45% premium above their closing price on Wednesday).
CNET? They do all those tech reviews, right? And they host a bunch of useful downloads...Oh yeah, they also own GameSpot.
"The core businesses of CNET Networks and CBS Interactive represent near perfect category symmetry in premium online content," said Quincy Smith, President of CBS Interactive. "Together we will have a terrific opportunity to not only grow our established businesses, but to build new attractive verticals of content as well."
According to the official announcement, CNET sites will close and be combined with CBS' current stable of online ventures, including CBSSports.com, CBSCollegeSports.com, and last.fm. Will GameSpot merge into these properties somehow, or will it remain its own venture, and how will its content change? Where this development will take the editorially beleaguered gaming site, only time will tell.
CBS Acquires GameSpot, CNET for $1.8 Billion
by Keane Ng | 05/15/08 | 9:53 AM PST
Everyone knows that big media is just that, big. Making money through the distribution of information, at least when it comes to high rollers like the people at CBS, is all about consolidating your resources, getting as many ways as possible to reach as many people as possible -- syngergizing backwards overflows, and all that jazz.
To that end, CBS, has acquired the CNET Networks for a hefty sum of $1.8 Billion (a huge coup by any measure for CNET, a 45% premium above their closing price on Wednesday).
CNET? They do all those tech reviews, right? And they host a bunch of useful downloads...Oh yeah, they also own GameSpot.
"The core businesses of CNET Networks and CBS Interactive represent near perfect category symmetry in premium online content," said Quincy Smith, President of CBS Interactive. "Together we will have a terrific opportunity to not only grow our established businesses, but to build new attractive verticals of content as well."
According to the official announcement, CNET sites will close and be combined with CBS' current stable of online ventures, including CBSSports.com, CBSCollegeSports.com, and last.fm. Will GameSpot merge into these properties somehow, or will it remain its own venture, and how will its content change? Where this development will take the editorially beleaguered gaming site, only time will tell.
source: Kotaku
GEN
Even More Awesome Swag: MGS Bluetooth Headset
by Sean O'Neill | 05/15/08 | 9:06 AM PST
So, Konami must have seen my post mid-day and laughed out loud. They choose to top Ubi by giving the press the Metal Gear Solid Bluetooth headset. We took a few pics for you all to check out.
Check back later today for hands-on impression of Konami's line-up.
More pictures inside.
Even More Awesome Swag: MGS Bluetooth Headset
by Sean O'Neill | 05/15/08 | 9:06 AM PST
So, Konami must have seen my post mid-day and laughed out loud. They choose to top Ubi by giving the press the Metal Gear Solid Bluetooth headset. We took a few pics for you all to check out.
Check back later today for hands-on impression of Konami's line-up.
More pictures inside.
Continue reading: Even More Awesome Swag: MGS Bluetooth Headset
GEN
Update: Silicon Knights Pres Denis Dyack Not Stepping Down
by Tanner Smith | 05/14/08 | 6:55 PM PST
Update:
Dyack has told GameSpot that he will "not be stepping down" from his role as president.
"I was as surprised to see this as everyone else," he said. "I am not stepping down."
Original Story:
Silicon Knights President Denis Dyack is thinking about handing the reigns to someone else, allowing him to focus more on the creation and development of new IPs in the company's future.
"I've been involved in a lot of IP creation within Silicon Knights and as the company grows, I have to look at whether I want to continue to be president and director, and I'm leaning towards staying creative," he told GameDaily. Such a decision would, without even the faintest doubt, be a positive move for the developer. Too Human's long-chronicled development cycle of 9 years hasn't been without its share of setbacks and controversies. Having someone willing to crank up the cooker could do well to avoid repeating such a performance.
"I'll certainly lend a hand wherever I can but there's...going to [be] a director for every project," Dyack added. "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."
If all goes right, and I'll drink to it if it does, Too Human will land in stores on August 19 in North America.
Update: Silicon Knights Pres Denis Dyack Not Stepping Down
by Tanner Smith | 05/14/08 | 6:55 PM PST
Update:
Dyack has told GameSpot that he will "not be stepping down" from his role as president.
"I was as surprised to see this as everyone else," he said. "I am not stepping down."
Original Story:
Silicon Knights President Denis Dyack is thinking about handing the reigns to someone else, allowing him to focus more on the creation and development of new IPs in the company's future.
"I've been involved in a lot of IP creation within Silicon Knights and as the company grows, I have to look at whether I want to continue to be president and director, and I'm leaning towards staying creative," he told GameDaily. Such a decision would, without even the faintest doubt, be a positive move for the developer. Too Human's long-chronicled development cycle of 9 years hasn't been without its share of setbacks and controversies. Having someone willing to crank up the cooker could do well to avoid repeating such a performance.
"I'll certainly lend a hand wherever I can but there's...going to [be] a director for every project," Dyack added. "So, in the end as the company grows, for my role I'll probably hire someone to be my boss and help run the company, which is kind of a weird thing, and I actually won't run the company while I continue to work at what is the company's bread and butter, which is original IPs with great stories and game concepts that are provocative to gamers."
If all goes right, and I'll drink to it if it does, Too Human will land in stores on August 19 in North America.
source: GameDaily
GEN
EA Loses $454 Million in Fiscal '08, Claims to be Number One Publisher in North America
by Nathan Grayson | 05/14/08 | 6:15 PM PST
Electronic Arts is successful. I think we can all agree with this statement. But just how successful are they? Well, 27 of their games managed to sell over one million units during their fiscal 2008. 27 games! Jeez, I can't even imagine how much cash be flowing -- forming tiny rivulets of the green stuff -- through their offices right now.
Huh, what's that? Lost money? $454 million?
Well, I guess that throws a wrench into my plans for another EA love-fest. Shame, that.
Anyway, the blow -- a veritable bullet to the brain that would off many other companies -- EA has suffered is not without reason. You may remember an acqusition last year -- one that cost EA somewhere in the neighborhood of $620 million.
But negativity is not EA's style, so naturally, their outlook is full of sunshine, rainbows, and sickeningly adorable puppies. First off, they pointed to their $3.7 billion in sales -- with $1.127 billion coming in their fourth quarter alone, riding the backs of Burnout Paradise, Army of Two, and Rock Band.
EA Loses $454 Million in Fiscal '08, Claims to be Number One Publisher in North America
by Nathan Grayson | 05/14/08 | 6:15 PM PST
Electronic Arts is successful. I think we can all agree with this statement. But just how successful are they? Well, 27 of their games managed to sell over one million units during their fiscal 2008. 27 games! Jeez, I can't even imagine how much cash be flowing -- forming tiny rivulets of the green stuff -- through their offices right now.
Huh, what's that? Lost money? $454 million?
Well, I guess that throws a wrench into my plans for another EA love-fest. Shame, that.
Anyway, the blow -- a veritable bullet to the brain that would off many other companies -- EA has suffered is not without reason. You may remember an acqusition last year -- one that cost EA somewhere in the neighborhood of $620 million.
But negativity is not EA's style, so naturally, their outlook is full of sunshine, rainbows, and sickeningly adorable puppies. First off, they pointed to their $3.7 billion in sales -- with $1.127 billion coming in their fourth quarter alone, riding the backs of Burnout Paradise, Army of Two, and Rock Band.
GEN
Best Swag Ever?
by Sean O'Neill | 05/14/08 | 6:06 PM PST
Here's a nice piece of swag we picked up from an Ubisoft event in San Francisco, CA today.
Best swag ever. Right?
Best Swag Ever?
by Sean O'Neill | 05/14/08 | 6:06 PM PST
Here's a nice piece of swag we picked up from an Ubisoft event in San Francisco, CA today.
Best swag ever. Right?
GEN
LEGO Star Wars Dev: Won't Someone Please Think of the Children?
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 2:56 PM PST
Thinking back, as a gamer, I was pretty lucky growing up. While it didn't become an active pasttime of mine until I was introduced to the Nintendo Entertainment System, I more or less got to grow up with it, and see the industry evolve. Back then, while games were enjoyed by all ages, they were chiefly thought of as a kid's pasttime.
And that was ok. Because when you're growing up on Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man, Castlevania, Contra, Capcom's Disney lineup, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Metal Gear, and so much more... well, there really wasn't quite the divide you see today. It was less a matter of "kiddy games" and "adult games," and more simply just good games and bad. The only issue of "realism" or "maturity" was typically represented by whether the main character's head was as wide as his shoulders or not.
Today, things have changed. Thanks to the evolution of technology and the ability to make games more lifelike and more graphic, a much more clear divide has become apparent. Though some pundits still believe that video gaming is strictly a hobby for children (or occassionally, the term "man-child" gets dragged in), the industry itself and those who partake in it know better. There are clearly games made for adults. Unfortunately, to some, that means what's left is made for children.
LEGO Star Wars Dev: Won't Someone Please Think of the Children?
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 2:56 PM PST
Thinking back, as a gamer, I was pretty lucky growing up. While it didn't become an active pasttime of mine until I was introduced to the Nintendo Entertainment System, I more or less got to grow up with it, and see the industry evolve. Back then, while games were enjoyed by all ages, they were chiefly thought of as a kid's pasttime.
And that was ok. Because when you're growing up on Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man, Castlevania, Contra, Capcom's Disney lineup, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Metal Gear, and so much more... well, there really wasn't quite the divide you see today. It was less a matter of "kiddy games" and "adult games," and more simply just good games and bad. The only issue of "realism" or "maturity" was typically represented by whether the main character's head was as wide as his shoulders or not.
Today, things have changed. Thanks to the evolution of technology and the ability to make games more lifelike and more graphic, a much more clear divide has become apparent. Though some pundits still believe that video gaming is strictly a hobby for children (or occassionally, the term "man-child" gets dragged in), the industry itself and those who partake in it know better. There are clearly games made for adults. Unfortunately, to some, that means what's left is made for children.
GEN
SEGA Sammy Reports Half-Billion Dollar Loss
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 1:11 PM PST
Sony isn't doing too bad for themselves, by the looks of things. But how about that other four-letter "S" company, the one who they effectively dethroned, SEGA?
SEGA Sammy, as they are now known on the highest level and who make most of their money from pachinko machines, had downsized its profit and net sales forecast for the year, and while they didn't drop as low as predicted, it did come close.
Between April 1st, 2007 and March 31st, 2008, net sales dropped down to ¥458.9 billion ($4.4 billion), with operating and net income both in the red. The company's operating losses hit ¥5.8 billion ($55 million) and net loss at ¥52.5 billion ($500 million).
SEGA Sammy Reports Half-Billion Dollar Loss
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 1:11 PM PST
Sony isn't doing too bad for themselves, by the looks of things. But how about that other four-letter "S" company, the one who they effectively dethroned, SEGA?
SEGA Sammy, as they are now known on the highest level and who make most of their money from pachinko machines, had downsized its profit and net sales forecast for the year, and while they didn't drop as low as predicted, it did come close.
Between April 1st, 2007 and March 31st, 2008, net sales dropped down to ¥458.9 billion ($4.4 billion), with operating and net income both in the red. The company's operating losses hit ¥5.8 billion ($55 million) and net loss at ¥52.5 billion ($500 million).
PSP
Sony Game Division Sales Jump 26%
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 11:02 AM PST
First: I am already aware of the irony of my writing this story right after posting this one. Moving on...
Sony officials have made an announcement regarding the details of their full-year financial results, ending on March 31st, during which time the whole company saw revenues increase by 6.9 percent over the previous year to ¥8.87 trillion ($84.4bn), and profits almost tripling from ¥126.3 billion ($1.20bn) to ¥369.4 billion ($3.51bn).
They attributed these strong results chiefly to the electronics division, where an 8.9 percent sales increase was seen through such products as Bravia LCD televisions, Vaio PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras.
The video game portion saw an increase in sales by 26.3 percent to ¥1.28 trillion ($12.2bn), thanks due largely to increased PlayStation 3 sales. And thanks to hardware cost reductions and increased software sales, there was a significant decrease in losses, from ¥232.3 billion ($2.21bn) the year before to a loss of ¥124.5 billion ($1.18bn).
Sony Game Division Sales Jump 26%
by David Oxford | 05/14/08 | 11:02 AM PST
First: I am already aware of the irony of my writing this story right after posting this one. Moving on...
Sony officials have made an announcement regarding the details of their full-year financial results, ending on March 31st, during which time the whole company saw revenues increase by 6.9 percent over the previous year to ¥8.87 trillion ($84.4bn), and profits almost tripling from ¥126.3 billion ($1.20bn) to ¥369.4 billion ($3.51bn).
They attributed these strong results chiefly to the electronics division, where an 8.9 percent sales increase was seen through such products as Bravia LCD televisions, Vaio PCs and Cyber-shot digital cameras.
The video game portion saw an increase in sales by 26.3 percent to ¥1.28 trillion ($12.2bn), thanks due largely to increased PlayStation 3 sales. And thanks to hardware cost reductions and increased software sales, there was a significant decrease in losses, from ¥232.3 billion ($2.21bn) the year before to a loss of ¥124.5 billion ($1.18bn).
GEN
EA Spouse: EA Has Improved, But Crunch Times Still an Issue
by David Oxford | 05/13/08 | 2:41 PM PST
The EA Spouse is back, and she brings both good news and bad news. The good news is that since her open letter in 2004 that attacked the quality of life efforts of Electronic Arts, she says that "I think EA is tremendously reformed, having made some real strong efforts to get the right people into their human resources department."
She adds "I've been hearing from people who have gotten overtime pay there and I think that makes a great deal of difference. In fact, I've actually recommended to a few people I know to apply for jobs there."
Unfortunately, it's not all moon-pies and penny-whistles, as she's become something of a sounding board for such issues in the industry, and "horror stories" are once more rearing their ugly heads.
EA Spouse: EA Has Improved, But Crunch Times Still an Issue
by David Oxford | 05/13/08 | 2:41 PM PST
The EA Spouse is back, and she brings both good news and bad news. The good news is that since her open letter in 2004 that attacked the quality of life efforts of Electronic Arts, she says that "I think EA is tremendously reformed, having made some real strong efforts to get the right people into their human resources department."
She adds "I've been hearing from people who have gotten overtime pay there and I think that makes a great deal of difference. In fact, I've actually recommended to a few people I know to apply for jobs there."
Unfortunately, it's not all moon-pies and penny-whistles, as she's become something of a sounding board for such issues in the industry, and "horror stories" are once more rearing their ugly heads.
PSP
Review: SNK Fans Will Love SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1
by Kombo Staff | 05/13/08 | 12:15 PM PST
What the Game's About
SNK is responsible for some of the most memorable and interesting arcade franchises to emerge in the post-classic era. The games were available for both the Neo Geo arcade (MVS) platform and the home console (AES). The idea SNK had behind creating the two platforms was that gamers would get hooked on certain titles in the arcades and then feel motivated to buy the AES console and their arcade-perfect counterparts to play in the home. The high cost of both the AES hardware and software caused most people to enjoy the games solely in arcades, however. In recent years, SNK has been porting their classics to modern consoles, and longtime SNK fans have been more than pleased. SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for the PSP brings 16 of SNK's finest titles together in one package.
Review: SNK Fans Will Love SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1
by Kombo Staff | 05/13/08 | 12:15 PM PST
What the Game's About
SNK is responsible for some of the most memorable and interesting arcade franchises to emerge in the post-classic era. The games were available for both the Neo Geo arcade (MVS) platform and the home console (AES). The idea SNK had behind creating the two platforms was that gamers would get hooked on certain titles in the arcades and then feel motivated to buy the AES console and their arcade-perfect counterparts to play in the home. The high cost of both the AES hardware and software caused most people to enjoy the games solely in arcades, however. In recent years, SNK has been porting their classics to modern consoles, and longtime SNK fans have been more than pleased. SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for the PSP brings 16 of SNK's finest titles together in one package.
GEN
The Use of Color (Or Lack Thereof) in Gaming
by Matt Furtado | 05/12/08 | 4:36 PM PST
We recently ran a feature titled The Sound (Or Lack Thereof) of Gaming, in which we headlined the topic of hearing impaired individuals and the repercussions they face while playing certain types of games and how developers can make it more accessible to those with this handicap. After reading the article, it inspired me to write this blog entry about my own personal gaming handicap. While not as severe as hearing loss, it is something that affects many people worldwide in the form of color blindness. Now, this doesn't mean I can't see color at all, I can see every color known to man but struggle with certain shades of red and green—yes, that means I can't see traffic lights or the colors of Christmas. I do want to make it clear that I suffer the side-effects of my color blindness at a minimal degree and can make out the majority of red and green objects. Now quickly look at the image to your right. Do you see a number 26 there? If you do, you aren't color blind. I, on the other hand, see only a circle of dots.
Now, how does this tie in with playing videogames? Many gamers take their radar system in multiplayer games, such as Halo and Call of Duty, for granted.
The Use of Color (Or Lack Thereof) in Gaming
by Matt Furtado | 05/12/08 | 4:36 PM PST
We recently ran a feature titled The Sound (Or Lack Thereof) of Gaming, in which we headlined the topic of hearing impaired individuals and the repercussions they face while playing certain types of games and how developers can make it more accessible to those with this handicap. After reading the article, it inspired me to write this blog entry about my own personal gaming handicap. While not as severe as hearing loss, it is something that affects many people worldwide in the form of color blindness. Now, this doesn't mean I can't see color at all, I can see every color known to man but struggle with certain shades of red and green—yes, that means I can't see traffic lights or the colors of Christmas. I do want to make it clear that I suffer the side-effects of my color blindness at a minimal degree and can make out the majority of red and green objects. Now quickly look at the image to your right. Do you see a number 26 there? If you do, you aren't color blind. I, on the other hand, see only a circle of dots.
Now, how does this tie in with playing videogames? Many gamers take their radar system in multiplayer games, such as Halo and Call of Duty, for granted.
GEN
LucasArts: "Fewer But Better Star Wars Games"
by David Oxford | 05/12/08 | 3:38 PM PST
Star Wars occupies an interesting niche, as far as licensed properties go, as games continue to be made years and decades after the movies have left theaters. Yet, it has remained LucasArts' neverending cash cow, but even they seem to believe now that they've come to exploit it.
At last week's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed event in London, Producer Cameron Suey, who has overseen the PS3 and 360 titles, confessed that some of the titles released "probably weren't up to the quality bar that we would have liked." But now, they have new focus "singular, excellent Star Wars stories with engaging and innovative gameplay and cutting edge technology."
In explanation of why some titles (Star Wars: Obi Wan) stunk up many a gamer's disc tray, Suey said "Star Wars is one of the greatest licenses for a video game you could have and in the past we got a little excited about that and we put out games that probably weren't up to the quality bar that we would have liked. That's definitely something we've recognised and we understand. The more Star Wars games you put out and the more you love that environment the more it becomes mediocre and anodyne. We're really focused on telling singular, excellent Star Wars stories with engaging and innovative gameplay and cutting edge technology. That's going to be the future of Star Wars games."
Suey added, when asked if there would be fewer games to come, "You might see less and better. Make it right and do it right."
LucasArts: "Fewer But Better Star Wars Games"
by David Oxford | 05/12/08 | 3:38 PM PST
Star Wars occupies an interesting niche, as far as licensed properties go, as games continue to be made years and decades after the movies have left theaters. Yet, it has remained LucasArts' neverending cash cow, but even they seem to believe now that they've come to exploit it.
At last week's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed event in London, Producer Cameron Suey, who has overseen the PS3 and 360 titles, confessed that some of the titles released "probably weren't up to the quality bar that we would have liked." But now, they have new focus "singular, excellent Star Wars stories with engaging and innovative gameplay and cutting edge technology."
In explanation of why some titles (Star Wars: Obi Wan) stunk up many a gamer's disc tray, Suey said "Star Wars is one of the greatest licenses for a video game you could have and in the past we got a little excited about that and we put out games that probably weren't up to the quality bar that we would have liked. That's definitely something we've recognised and we understand. The more Star Wars games you put out and the more you love that environment the more it becomes mediocre and anodyne. We're really focused on telling singular, excellent Star Wars stories with engaging and innovative gameplay and cutting edge technology. That's going to be the future of Star Wars games."
Suey added, when asked if there would be fewer games to come, "You might see less and better. Make it right and do it right."
