1. Microsoft's handheld?
2. Namco Bandai reduces forecast, plans acquisition
3. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon to end it all?
4. Midway's a shakin'
5. Xbox 360 Korean launch

1. Microsoft's handheld?

A teaser Website, www.origamiproject.com, has been linked to a new Microsoft handheld -- and it looks like a cross between a tablet PC and a PSP. Early concept videos showed it running what looked like a full version of Halo, and specs have been bandied about for audio/video playing, gaming, and "all-day bettery life."

The site says, "You will ... Learn more on 3.2.06."

The site has navigation for "week 1", week 2", and "week 3", and only "week 1" is currently selectable, making the next few weeks leading up to the Game Developers Conference very interesting.

2. Namco Bandai reduces forecast, plans acquisition

So, Namco and Bandai joining foraces wasn't enough.

In a recent earnings forecast statement (reducing their forecast, Namco Bandai revealed they'll be buying out Banpresto, "Japanese developer of arcade machines, game machine prizes and console videogames".

Check out IGN.com for an impressive list of Banpresto's development and publishing credits.

3. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon to end it all?

IGN.com has an interview with franchise co-creator Ed Boon about the next in the MK line.

Most interesting tidbits?

• "YES, there will be another new diversion in Armageddon as well."
• "Armageddon does imply "The End" in a few ways. It is the end of MK on this generation of consoles. It also is the final battle between all the good and evil characters in the MK universe. We really want to close this chapter of Mortal Kombat."
• "The roster is ... a lot closer to 60 characters. Since the story really ties up all the loose ends from Mortal Kombat 1 all the way to Deception, we want to include everyone. Plus, since this final chapter is all about the final epic battle we need to explain what happens to EVERYONE, which means leaving no stone unturned."
• "We are going to be including all the boss characters from MK's past [as playable characters]."
• "Armageddon lets you define your fighting styles, right down to the attack associated with each button... [and lets] players take their created fighter and go online against other created fighters. "
• "Players can decide which fatalities they want to string together to form their own custom fatality."
• "... new parry feature and air-kombat ..."

4. Midway's a shakin'

Ithink it's almost time for the Midway Gamers Day, but I need to check on that.

Anyway, they continue to do cool stuff. They announced a collaboration between Vin Diesel's Tigon Studios and Viacom's MTV Films, Paramount Pictures and MTV Games to produce a game and movie called The Wheelman (and Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, from Tigun and Starbreeze, was amazing). They also said they will co-publish and distribute Turbine, Inc.'s The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar in North America. Then there's Mortal Kombat: Armageddon and Unreal Tournament 2007.

5. Xbox 360 Korean launch

Microsoft said the initial batch of pre-order units in Korea sold out in only nine hours. I can't find numbers on the pre-orders, so I'm hope it's not "9".

• I manage technical folks, and this conference gave me a chance to look at developers in a different vertical market, see what their needs are, and (hopefully) gave me ideas on to how to make my own folks more successful (and happier).
• I'm a voice and film actor, so I want to do voice work, green screen, MoCap, character reference, and related work for video games and animation-- and this was a venue to meet more folks for that.
• If I were to move from my current financial services job to gaming, these would be the kind of folks I would manage. I should get to know them.

• Edge of Reality Software is working on an unannounced next-gen title (the one for which I auditioned).
• Online Alchemy is working on a "realy interesting concept for an MMO, not like anything you've seen before", according to Fryar.
• McShaffrey said they're working on "triple-A titles for next-gen consoles", but "can't announce anything."
• I overheard a developer from TimeGate Studios say the company is working on an unannounced title, and when I looked at their website, I noticed they haven't updated it since last march, when they announced they were going to use the Unreal Engine 3.
• Daubert said The Animation Farm will be unveiling something new on the website next month.
• Quoc Tran is an Associate Producer at NCSoft for "two unannounced games".
• Rich Vogel will be announcing their new company and MMO this summer. I actually have what I think is the name of his new company, but since I may not supposed to have it, I won't spill it here.

"Comprised of a group of experienced and innovative entertainment producers, game creators and networked media experts, Spectrum came together to focus on the confluence — not convergence! — of the industries of digital filmed entertainment, games (consoles/PCs) and networked media (web, wireless, etc)."

I decided kind of last minute to go the How to Break Into the Game Industry game conference today.

The more I thought about it this week, the more motivation I realized I had for "needing" to go:

• I manage technical folks, and this conference gave me a chance to look at developers in a different vertical market, see what their needs are, and (hopefully) gave me ideas on to how to make my own folks more successful (and happier).
• I'm a voice and film actor, so I want to do voice work, green screen, MoCap, character reference, and related work for video games and animation-- and this was a venue to meet more folks for that.
• If I were to move from my current financial services job to gaming, these would be the kind of folks I would manage. I should get to know them.

So, was it worth it?

Sure.

I'll write more later, but there were three sessions ("Industry Overview", "Getting in at the Ground Floor", and "Applying Transferable Skill Sets"), and all were pretty good. For whatever reason, I got the most out of the third session (and enjoyed it the most) -- even though it was not concretely linked to the discussion topic.

I also touched base with folks I knew, a couple for whom I didn't have contact information, and with a bunch of new folks (and therefore, new relationships and opportunites).

I've got to crash now for a 14-hour film shoot tomorrow, but check out my brief blurb about a statement made by Online Alchemy's Craig Fryar in the meanwhile.

• How to Break Into the Game Industry

1. PS3 delayed?
2. New Xbox 360 accessories coming in May
3. Gears of War update
4. Windows Vista versions revealed?
5. Xbox 360 Dashboard update
6. Microsoft Names New GM for Xbox Japan

1. PS3 delayed?

CNN (or Reuters) is running an article saying the PS3 may be delayed.

Sony has been touting a spring(ish) release for their next gen console (though the territory rollout hasn't been announced), but it looks like there may be a hitch.

A SCE spokeswoman said the company is waiting for final specifications on some of the technology it is using in the PS3, like the Blu-Ray DVD drive and A/V input/output. These specifications are being decided by "industry consortiums", and if they're not decided now and manufacturing is begun, I don't know how Sony can plan to make a "spring launch".

The cost for manufacturing is likely to be high, too. Whereas Microsoft loses about $44 per $400 box sold, a Merrill Lynch analysis said Sony's boxes could cost $900 each to manufacture, leading to a new definition for "loss leader".

Analysts are now projecting a summer launch in Japan, followed by a U.S. launch before Thanksgiving, and a European launch in early 2007.

That news, along with ML saying the PS3 could be delayed 6-12 months, caused a Monday share drop of 4.4 percent.

I thought the late send of apha, beta, and final Xbox 360 kits was rough on game developers, but PS3 developers may largely be developing on speculation, at this point.

2. New Xbox 360 accessories coming in May

According to the Hong Kong Edition of The Official Xbox Magazine, the following two accessories are coming out for the Xbox 360 in May:

1. Xbox Live Camera for Xbox 360
• Supports built-in video chat and video messaging on Xbox Live
• Features up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second
• Takes 1.3-megapixel still photos (better than most phone cameras)
• Includes a microphone that connects to the controller
2. Quick Charge kit
• Quick Charger for two batteries
• Play and Charge cable
• Rechargable battery pack (whether one or two is unclear)

3. Gears of War update

Sounds like Gears of War may be further along than I thought.

TeamXbox.com is running an article about a closed-door demo that was fairly complete, with more of an emphasis on playtesting multiplayer modes than previous statements from designer CliffyB led me to believe.

4. Windows Vista versions revealed?

According to TeamXbox.com, Microsoft has let slip the versions of their next OS, Windows Visa. I can't yet find details on the versions, but they seem to be creating a software tiering nightmare:

• Windows Starter 2007
• Windows Vista Home Basic
• Windows Vista Home Basic N
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Business
• Windows Vista Business N
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise

5. Xbox 360 Dashboard update

If you haven't already, next time to log on to Xbox 360 Live, you'll get a mandatory update download.

I'm not crazy about Microsoft's "here's-an-update-don't-worry-what's-in-it" patch policy, so thanks to the fine folks at TeamXbox.com, here's the list of fixes included in the download:

• Improvements to the Xbox Guide.
• Option to retain your saved games when you delete a profile.
• Increased accuracy of "last time played."
• Network configuration improvements for Xbox Live members in the Netherlands.
• More detailed messaging for unreadable disk or region errors.

Not likely there's a fix hidden in there for the Xbox overheating, since that's allegedly related to a faulty heat sensor.

I'm curious if anyone else has noticed glitches in the Achievements functionality since the download. I'll be playing DOA4, and unlock a single Achievement, but get 4-5 notices for it onscreen.

6. Microsoft Names New GM for Xbox Japan

Ouch. Microsoft promoted Takashi Sensui to General Manager, replacing Yoshihiro Maruyama, who has "appointed to a strategic position within Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division".

This is likely a result of a poor Japanese launch for the Xbox 360 (arguably worse than the relese for the first-gen console), leaving approximately 200,000 360s unsold on Japanese retailers shelves, while other territories starve for product.

TeamXbox.com has a fairly studied feature on Sony's possible Xbox Live killer, and the thing's got potential, if they choose to link it to some of the parent company's other products and services:

• Connectivity with the PSP
• Sony Pictures Entertainment and their new MGM aquisition content (Xbox Live has a trickle of content; Sony will likely open the floodgates)
• The Connect.com music store
• Sony mobile phones
• The PS3 could be the media center (whereas the Xbox 360 is a Windows Media Center Extender, requiring a Media Center PC)
• Web Surfing (they do it on the PSP; why not extend it to the PS3?)
• Integration the Sony www.imagestation.com photo services
• Location Free technology (kinda like Microsoft's Extender idea, but with a much lighter-weight hub)
• Streaming or downloadable UMD-quality movies
• Online gaming (which at a minimum should have all of the features of Xbox Live and Sony's current stable of titles -- mostly MMOs).

As if that isn't enough, Sony arguably built the DVD user base with the PS2, and they look to do it again with Blu-Ray and the PS3. Want to pay $1,500 for a Blu-Ray player, or the alleged $500 for a PS3 monster gaming machine that also plays Blu-Ray? Hmmm ...

The article is fairly objective, but despite phrases like, "Xbox fanboys, stop reading now, because we don’t have good news", I'm not overly concerned.

I have an Xbox 360, because I could get an Xbox 360. I'm going to go where the games (and the services) are. Sony's service may rock, and that could spur Microsoft to do more with Xbox Live (because, let's face it -- Xbox Live and its integrated services may be the bet part of the Xbox 360, but they've got a long way to go).

The reality is a Sony vs. Microsoft dual could be a very good thing for gamers -- even Number Two in the Online Services arena could more than adequately service its members.

Competition is good.

Also, I'm waiting to see if Sony converts on their technologes. Microsoft did stumbling entries (Xbox Extender, Xbox Live Arcade, etc.), but spun on a time (corporate comparitively) and turned those things into robust, top-notch services.

Sony, on the other hand, has had Extender-like devices for their Vaio line for ages, and they suck hardcore. And their Location Free technology, while a compelling concept, regularly strikes out on the review and usage front.

Read the full article at TeamXbox.com:

• "PlayStation Network: An Xbox Live Killer?"

Let the games continue.

• Halo/Halo 2 games sold to date: 14.5 million
• Halo 2 games sold to date: 7.5 million
• Halo online multiplayer hours logged: 600 million
• Halo 3 release date: Sometime after mutliple, maddeningly irritating Virtual Reality Games and marketing gimmicks, and just before the Dark One gets his nads frozen off ...

Here's the disc content that I think is particular interesting (not exhaustive):

• Playable Demos:
• Condemned (Xbox 360; for those of you who can't download the demo over Xbox Live)
• Quake 4 (Xbox 360; ditto)
• Black (Xbox; Freakin' so excited about this game!)
  
• Other Content:
  
  • Final Fantasy XI interview

Other cool stuff in the mag? According to The Outfit pack-in advertisement, the game is coming in March, but I can "Download a Multiplyer Demo Level via Xbox Live!"

But the best (for me) is the confirmation of LEGO Star Wars: The Original Trilogy, in OXM's "We (heart) Xbox" section. I've talked about the original version of the game here, and even mentioned last year the rumor of a sequel based on the original trilogy.

Check out a pict of the spread below.

As an aside, back to The Outfit demo download, Microsoft absolutely sucks at hyping coming Xbox Marketplace content, or even letting me know it's arrived. They will, however, send me an Email 3 weeks after a game has shipped -- just to let me know it's "now available!" Nice.

No, I haven't gotten to any of the disc stuff yet. I picked up my mail late last night, but life, acting, and Toy Job stuff took precedence (damn my responsibility).

1. Nintendo buyout?
2. Take-Two buyout?
3. Electronic Arts cuts people, profits

1. Nintendo buyout?

Cisco Systems announced it was launching a new home entertainment division two weeks ago. This week, News.com's Marguerite Reardon speculated that in addition to Tivo, Cisco could be looking at acquiring Nintendo.

And the firestorm began.

Really, it doesn't make sense, and an inappropriate amount of attention is being focused on the fact that the report came from "News.com" -- even though the article clearly says it's "news analysis".

Nintendo's profitable, so there's not much chance of an acquisition on this front.

2. Take-Two buyout?

Take-Two Interactive is sucking some serious wind.

The parent company of 2K Games, Global Star, Joytech North America, and Rockstar Games (the Grand Theft Auto people) is financially on the ropes, and bad decisions (a la the "Hot Coffee" GTA sex-content) may force an acquisition.

In addition to known lawsuits/investigations pending from the FTC and individuals, cities, or class action acitivites in CA, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, a recent SEC filing indicates additional possible actions from North Carolina, Connecticut, and Delware.

Besides legal grief, Take-Two was out of control on the acquisition front last calendar year (Irrational Studios/$11.8 million, Gaia Capitol Group/$11.4 million, Visual Concepts/$32.2 million, and Firaxis Games/$26.7 million).

Add big spending plus pending lawsuits plus the GTA franchise making up roughly 34% of Take-Two's revenue, and you have a compelling acquisition target (diversified brands, IPs, and spin-off sales of companies/studios opportuniteis), and a compelling reason to get acquired -- "the new owner didn't create the problems cause d by Take-Two."

3. Electronic Arts cuts people, profits

Electronic Arts confirmed it laid off a sizeable number of its employees -- approximately 5%, or 325-350 people -- across 3 sites (unoficially, Redwood Shores, EA Tiburon, and EA Canada).

Layoffs were done "so we have the most efficient alignment for all of our strategic priorities...it doesn't have to do with any one [game]."

Today, EA announced its last quarter earnings. Typically, major layoffs are a sign of pending poor financials, and EA's net income for last quarter saw steep decline. Profits were slashed by nearly 1/3, ($375 million in Q404 to $259 million in Q405, or a drop of $116 million).

Part of the shortcoming was likely due to the December purchase of mobile-game-maker Jamdat ($680 million).