http://www.redorbit.com Sci-Fi & Gaming http://www.redorbit.com/modules/news/images/tools/rss_logo.gif http://www.redorbit.com Thousands of gamers using Microsoft's online gaming service Xbox Live may have had their accounts cut off by modifying their consoles to play pirated games, BBC News reported.Microsoft confirmed that it had banned a "small percentage" of the 20 million Xbox Live users worldwide and several online reports say as many as 600,000 gamers may have been affected.Modifying an Xbox 360 console "violates" the service's "terms of use" and would result in a player being disconnected, according to Microsoft. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1784462/nearly_a_million_users_banned_from_xbox_live/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming ® is the first console videogame franchise to surpass 1 million Facebook fans demonstrating the global appeal and passion for the brand that is quickly becoming the next platform for experiencing music and social interaction. Guitar Hero is the #1 best-selling third party video game franchise in North America and Europe calendar year to date. Since its release, the franchise has sold more than 38 million units worldwide, including more than 7 million units in calendar 2009 alone, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK. Guitar Hero 5® was released on Sept. 1 to critical acclaim for its music variety, innovative gameplay and empowering fans to rock anyway they want with all-new features that make it the most social and interactive Guitar Hero game ever. Official Xbox Magazine said, "This is the Guitar Hero game to own" while AOL GameDaily said, "Guitar Hero 5 feels just fresh as it did when the series debuted on the PlayStation 2."Guitar Hero's Facebook community can come together at the social networking site to get the latest information on Guitar Hero games and the artists in the games, as well as share their favorite artists, songs, and Guitar Hero experiences. Facebook fans also gain access to exclusive information and content on past, current and future games.Living room legends can now rock any way they want to a variety of iconic rock music in Guitar Hero 5. The entire set list is at players' fingertips from the start, featuring genre-defining hits from some of the biggest rock artists and bands of all time, including The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Vampire Weekend. Players take complete control as Guitar Hero 5 allows gamers to personalize and customize how they experience music by being able to play with any controller combination -- multiple vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers, in any game mode. With the game's all-new Party Play Mode, getting the band back together has never been easier. Players can now jump in or drop out of gameplay seamlessly, without interrupting their jam session. Elevating the Guitar Hero® series to new heights with unmatched social gameplay, an enhanced style, new in-game artists and more rock legends, Guitar Hero 5 features new surprises and challenges that will fire-up long-time fret board fanatics and create a new generation of addicts.About Activision Publishing, Inc. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1774754/guitar_hero_first_videogame_to_surpass_one_million_facebook_fans/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:30:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Video game sales showed small signs of rebounding in September, according to a new market report.Market research firm NPD Group reported Monday that the video games sector saw growth of 1 percent following six consecutive months of declines.Video game sales in the US increased from $1.27 billion in September 2008 to $1.28 billion this year."The increase in revenues is driven by a rise in average retail prices in all categories with the exception of console hardware, in which the average retail price decreased 8 percent from last September," said NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier.She added that September was “the first month that PS3 has captured the top spot in console hardware sales."The PS3 sold more units than both competitors Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1772380/video_game_sales_turning_upward/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:25:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Microsoft’s revolutionary hands-free controller technology made its first public debut Friday at the "gamescom" convention in Germany.Microsoft’s project “Natal” is a hands-free controller that consists of a microphone as well as visual and infrared cameras for the Xbox 360.Natal first appeared at the E3 Expo in June, but it was only previewed and members of the public audience were not permitted to test it out."The current controller is a barrier to some people using our console," Kudo Tsunoda, Xbox 360's general manager and creative director of Natal, told BBC News."To many users, the vast array of buttons and analogue sticks is plain confusing."Natal works by calibrating itself to the room’s temperature and seeking out warm human bodies in the room. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1741159/microsoft_unveils_handsfree_controller_to_public/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Video game sales had a steep drop in July, showing an even bigger decline than what many analysts were expecting during the recession, The Associated Press reported.Gaming hardware sales, along with software and accessories dropped to $848.8 million -- a 29 percent drop from the same period last year, according to Market researcher NPD Group.Sales have now declined for 5 straight months this year and the recent drop was even bigger than analysts anticipated. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1737760/video_games_sales_for_july_drop_more_than_expected/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:15:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming A U.S. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1736583/claim_name_spelling_nixed_palin_xbox/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:55:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Wii 4-dock battery recharge stations due to a fire hazard.About 220,000 Psyclone Essentials and React Wii recharging stations were imported from China by Griffin International Cos. Inc. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1735855/wii_battery_recharge_stations_recalled/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:05:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 has become the biggest launch in history across all forms of entertainment with estimated sell-through sales of $310 million in North America and the United Kingdom alone in the first 24 hours, according to internal Activision estimates.Modern Warfare 2 was released on Tuesday, November 10th, to worldwide fanfare across the globe, including over 10,000 retail outlets in the U.S. alone which held midnight openings to meet consumer demand. In its first day, the blockbuster title sold through approximately 4.7 million copies in just North America and the United Kingdom, according to internal Activision estimates."The Call of Duty franchise has become a cultural phenomenon showing the power of video games as an entertainment medium," said Mike Griffith, CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. "The shattering of these entertainment records is a testament to the compelling, cinematic and uniquely engaging experience that the Call of Duty brand delivers. Modern Warfare 2 has taken interactive experience to unprecedented heights setting a new standard for entertainment."Modern Warfare 2 picks up following the historic events of Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare®, the blockbuster title that remains the top selling first person action game in history. Modern Warfare 2 is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For additional information about the game, visit www.modernwarfare2.com.About Activision Publishing, Inc. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1784797/call_of_duty_modern_warfare_2_shatters_opening_day_sales/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Star Trek Online for PC is set to release on February 2, 2010 in North America and February 5, 2010 across Europe and Australia. This first-of-a-kind massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) will offer space and ground gameplay to fans and players. "Star Trek Online is poised to become the ultimate Star Trek gaming experience," said Jim Wilson, CEO of Atari, Inc. "Throughout the last four decades, Star Trek has been a mainstay in pop culture, influencing legions of fans through television, film, and more. Star Trek Online opens a whole new chapter and expands upon this incredible universe in 2010."Taking place in the year 2409, continuing the story of the latest film installment, Star Trek Online boasts extraordinary features and lets fans both new and old experience unparalleled adventures. Players will have the opportunity to become a high ranking Starfleet officer and will participate in missions that will take them into the depths of space, across exotic planets and even inside other starships. Star Trek Online offers total customization, where every ship players command can be customized, from color to construction. Additionally, anyone can create their own species in Star Trek Online, as well as customize the look of their avatar's uniform. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com.ABOUT ATARI, SAAtari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc. Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).For more information please visit www.atari.com. www.crypticstudios.com.© 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.About Cryptic Studios http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1782763/atari_to_ship_star_trek_online_on_february_2_2010/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Research has shown that online gaming has increasingly become the target of virus writers. A Microsoft research team found that a family of malicious programs has been aimed at titles like Lineage, World of Warcraft, Maple Story and many others. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1779229/online_gamers_more_prone_to_viruses/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:10:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Most-Wanted Games Across Age and Gender Girls and boys are largely in agreement on the hottest games of the season, with musical phenomenon Guitar Hero 5 and the expansive sports action of Wii Sports Resort, leading the pack. The four most-wanted games overall are: Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 48 percentWii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 44 percentNew Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 41 percentMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 33 percentGirls Just Wanna Have Fun ... on Wuhu IslandWhat girl doesn't want to hang out at a beach resort? While both Guitar Hero 5 and New Super Mario Brothers are wildly popular choices, girls across all age groups want to get in on the resort-themed activities available with Wii Sports Resort.Girls8-10 Years-OldWii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 56 percentNew Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 49 percentMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 44 percent11-13 Years-OldGuitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 53 percentWii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 52 percentNew Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 42 percent14-17 Years-OldGuitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 57 percentWii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 48 percentNew Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 48 percentBoys are a Mixed BagMore than 50 percent of boys said they often play games they know have an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating above their age. This finding is reinforced by the list of games that boys want most. While the top games of the year are popular across age groups, a few titles with mature ratings performed favorably in certain age categories, including Call of Duty (46 percent) and Halo 3 ODST (39 percent). Boys8-10 Years-OldMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Rated E) - 48 percentNew Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 47 percentGuitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 47 percent11-13 Years-OldGuitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 42 percentCall of Duty (Rated M) - 41 percentWii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 41 percent14-17 Years-OldCall of Duty (Rated M) - 46 percentGuitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 45 percentHalo 3 ODST (Rated M) - 39 percent"As Game Crazy's survey indicates, it's not unusual for younger kids to want to play what the older kids are playing. Parents need to understand that not all video games are intended for younger players," explained Patricia Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which assigns age and content ratings for computer and video games. "The ESRB ratings provide guidance about content and age-appropriateness so parents can make sure the games their kids play are suitable for their age. And if a parent wants more information than what is on the package, they can search at ESRB.org and find a game's rating summary, which provides additional detail about game content."Additionally, the expert staff at Game Crazy will demo games in-store for parents before a purchase is complete. The "try before you buy" option lets parents make the decision on whether or not the content is appropriate. Parents with an iPhone or iPod touch can also download the free Game Crazy video game app and search game ratings, browse detailed information on video games, watch game trailers, and receive new, used and trade-in pricing for games.Personality Impacts Gaming ChoicesGame preferences are largely dependent on the personality of the child. Still, without fail, the most-wanted games of the season reigned supreme across interest types."Girly Girl" - Enjoys being indoors and loves fashion and all things prettyTop game: Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 57 percent"Music Addict" - If they had their way they would never stop listening to their iPodTop game: Guitar Hero 5 (Rated T) - 57 percent"All Things Sports" - Loves all sports and if they're not playing one, they're watching a gameTop game: Wii Sports Resort (Rated E) - 54 percent"The Adventurer" - Loves to be outdoors, enjoying any new mystery or adventureTop game: New Super Mario Brothers (Rated E) - 46 percentKnow Your SystemsEqually important is ensuring the game is for the right system. The 2009 survey reveals that 66 percent of kids plan to ask for a new video game system this holiday season. Game Crazy recommends when choosing a system, parents should consider the following: The most desired systems for the season are Nintendo DSi (24 percent), followed by PS3 and Wii both at 21 percentIt's the ideal time to buy: all systems have dropped in price (ranging from $50 to $100) since last holiday seasonParents can go in-store to view and demo the numerous systems available. To find the nearest Game Crazy store visit www.GameCrazy.com. SURVEY METHODOLOGYThe Game Crazy survey was conducted online August 20 - September 2, 2009, by Weekly Reader Research. 1,005 U.S. male and female participants, ages 8-17, were recruited from Weekly Reader Research's INSIDERS survey research community to participate. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence interval. Respondents: 863 qualifying respondents (likely to ask for at least one video game this holiday season) composed of 450 boys and 413 girls aged 8-17 years-oldAbout Game Crazy http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1775696/which_video_games_top_kids_wish_lists_this_holiday_season/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming ABOUT STAR TREK ONLINEStar Trek Online is being developed by Cryptic Studios, creators of the critically-acclaimed Champions Online. It's built on the Cryptic Engine, a core technology that means the designers can focus less on a game's nuts and bolts and more on creating a game that captures Star Trek's essence, guaranteeing that both longtime fans of Star Trek and people new to the universe will feel at home. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.comABOUT CRYPTIC STUDIOSBased in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of massively multiplayer online games committed to delivering the next level of MMO gameplay. Cryptic develops AAA titles for PC and consoles, including Star Trek Online and Champions Online. For more information about Cryptic Studios, please visit the official website at: www.crypticstudios.comABOUT ATARI, SA http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1774001/star_trek_online_closed_beta_test_begins_october_22/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:55:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be coming to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems (including the PSP®go system) this November 2009. Fans of the summer blockbuster title can now grab their proton packs, blast and wrangle ghosts on a 16x9 widescreen while on the run! Ghostbusters: The Video Game was released on June 16, 2009 and quickly became one of the hottest video games of the year. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, is penned by original Ghostbusters writers and stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites many of the original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humor and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation. In collaboration with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and acclaimed development studios Terminal Reality and RedFly Studios, Atari published this completely all-new chapter of the blockbuster Ghostbusters saga to advanced gaming platforms to coincide with the 25th Anniversary celebration of the film's original theatrical release. Ghostbusters: The Video Game on the PSP® systems offers the ability to switch between four equipment sets to access eight unique proton pack functions and use gadgets like the PKE Meter and Paragoggles to scan and analyze targets. Get pulled into the world of the paranormal, unleash your blast stream and tear it up on the go. Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PSP is rated E10 and will be available for the recommended retail price of $29.99.In addition to the PSP® systems, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is currently available at retailers across North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft ($59.99), Windows PC ($29.99), PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system ($59.99), PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system ($19.99), Wii(TM) ($39.99) and Nintendo DS(TM) ($29.99).Set two years after Ghostbusters 2, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces, the game also features performances from fan favorites such as William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and Brian Doyle-Murray (lending his voice as Mayor Jock Mulligan).For more information, be sure to visit the official Ghostbusters(TM): The Video Game website located at: www.ghostbustersgame.com.About the GameWhen Manhattan is once again overrun by ghosts and other supernatural creatures, players will take on the role of a new recruit joining the famous Ghostbusters team. Developed by acclaimed studio Terminal Reality, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is currently available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system version and the Wii version are being developed by Red Fly Studios, and the Nintendo DS(TM) version, in which the player takes the role of one of the Ghostbusters themselves, is developed by Zen Studios. The PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and PC versions of the game are developed using Terminal Reality's phenomenal proprietary Infernal Engine technology.About the FilmGhostbusters, released in 1984, is one of Columbia Pictures' highest grossing films, spawning a hit sequel in 1989 and three successful animated television shows. Ghostbusters and its sequel grossed over $500 million world-wide. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, produced and directed by Ivan Reitman, starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson as ghost hunters for hire, cleaning up Manhattan's buildings of slime-spewing spooks.About Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc.Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. (SPCP), a division of Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television. Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.About Atari, SA http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1761874/ghostbusters_the_video_game_coming_to_psp_systems_this_november/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming A Microsoft executive said on Thursday that it has no plans to buy Electronic Arts, denying any talk of a potential bid that triggered a spike in the video game publisher's shares. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1759276/microsoft_not_buying_electronic_arts/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:50:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming According to several technology blogs, Nintendo Co. Ltd may be slashing the price of its Wii video game console to $200, starting this weekend. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1758810/nintendo_to_drop_wii_pricing/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:10:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Sony Corp's top PlayStation executive announced on Wednesday that sales of the popular PlayStation 3 video game console have spiked in the last few weeks after a $100 price cut was tagged to the device last month. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1758809/sony_price_cut_for_ps3_proves_to_be_effective/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:05:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming US video games sales of hardware, software and accessories fell in August for the sixth straight month, declining 16 percent to $908.72 million following disappointing sales of the latest "Madden" game.According to data from market researcher NPD Group, U.S. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1752024/us_video_games_sales_fall_for_6th_month_in_a/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:25:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming The simultaneous release of The Beatles re-mastered catalog and the MTV video game The Beatles: Rock Band moves the Fab Four a step closer to selling their music online, Reuters reported.The group's label EMI Music and the Beatles’ company Apple Corps Ltd will bring a much-needed windfall when The Beatles collection hits key markets like the United States and Britain on September 9.However, much of the excitement surrounds MTV's video game.Gennaro Castaldo of music and gaming retailer HMV in London said he thinks the game is significant because it will enable the music to be heard by a new generation of fans."It just keeps the Beatles mythology growing and growing, so that's why it is so significant," he added.Billboard recently announced that the Beatles would soon allow fans to buy at least some of their music in digital form as extra downloadable content for the game.Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George and the music producer for the game, said he thinks the Beatles’ music will soon be available everywhere.With more than 600 million album sales worldwide, music lovers have waited for years to be able to download the Beatles' coveted body of work, but have been frustrated partly by a trademark dispute.The new Beatles collection contains 12 albums in stereo, with track listings and artwork as originally released in Britain, and "Magical Mystery Tour," which became part of the Beatles' core catalog when the CDs were released in 1987.The collections "Past Masters Vol. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1748717/beatles_enter_digital_age_with_rock_band_game_and_remaster/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:05:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming U.S. entertainment giant Disney Co. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1745105/disney_to_buy_marvel_comics/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:35:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming LEGO Systems Inc., based in Connecticut, says its 10th anniversary LEGO Star Wars celebration will include online comics featuring the iconic droid R2-D2.LEGO Star Wars was the company's first licensed property and the brand covers a variety of games and toys.Fans can visit www.StarWars.LEGO.com to find new comics, which follow the saga of the search for R2-D2.A 5-minute LEGO Star Wars CGI animation mini-movie, The Quest for R2-D2, is to premiere as a commercial event within Cartoon Network prime time programming Friday.To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 'LEGO Star Wars,' we've created an engaging program for fans of any age that delivers the best of the 'Star Wars' franchise with the humor, versatility and fun of the LEGO brand, Michael Pratt, senior brand manager of LEGO Systems, said in a statement. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1742142/lego_star_wars_turns_10/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:50:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming While thunderstorms and other adverse weather conditions have long been known to disrupt real-life sporting events, they are now beginning to impact virtual players in sports video games as well.Game publishers have nearly perfected the ground visuals in video games, and simulating actual weather conditions is a logical next step in making the games even more realistic -- be it on a virtual golf course, baseball field or football stadium.EA Sports has partnered with The Weather Channel to include real-time weather into its "Madden NFL 10" videogame. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1740954/video_games_get_realtime_weather/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:10:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Sony announced on Tuesday that it will be selling a slimmer, cheaper version of its PlayStation 3 game console next month, hoping to spark a sales jump to combat rivals Microsoft and Nintendo. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1739627/sony_announces_cheaper_ps3/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:20:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming Kane & Lynch 2(TM): Dog Days is coming to Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC in 2010. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030403/SQUARELOGO)Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is a raw and brutal crime shooter designed to take players on an even more intense story experience, following two of gaming's most disturbed criminals, through the gritty Shanghai underworld.Introducing a new visual experience, Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days is inspired by documentary filmmakers and the user-generated era. Every aspect of the game has been designed to deliver a fresh perspective to the words 'intensity' and 'realism' in video games. "Gamers are always looking for something new and that is exactly what they are going to get with Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days," said Niels Jorgensen, general manager of IO Interactive. "A special thanks to gamers worldwide for their feedback. They are certainly in for a shock as we, with immense pride, welcome back our two dear, violent and somewhat unfortunate friends."Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days will be released on the EIDOS games label and will be coming in 2010.Please visit www.KaneandLynch.com for updates.About IO Interactive A/SIO Interactive is the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform videogames to emerge in the last decade. Starting with the praised and ground-breaking HITMAN(TM) series, Io Interactive has since developed the cult classic Freedom Fighters(TM) and the controversial Kane & Lynch(TM): Dead Men. Most recently, IO Interactive released yet another innovative brand, Mini Ninjas(TM). IO Interactive has proven that dedication to original IP and unique brands are the hallmark of the company, and breaking new ground is critical to sustain the originality within our diverse team of developers. IO Interactive is a part of Square Enix Europe and develops games under the Eidos label. You can read more about IO Interactive and our games on www.ioi.dkAbout Square Enix Ltd. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1787969/kane__lynch_2_dog_days/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth saga in the Twilight Series is going back to it's roots and will be filmed in Portland, Oregon. The original Twilight film was shot there. http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1767949/the_twilight_saga_breaking_dawn_gets_the_green_light/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:30:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming  which has sold over one million copies. The company is also releasing Star Trek Online in 2010.About The Weinstein CompanyThe Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award® nominations and won 60 Oscars®, have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie".Upcoming films to be released in 2009 by The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films include: Tom Ford's directorial debut "A Single Man" starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore; and John Hillcoat's "The Road" starring Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron.About Atari, SAAtari group is a global creator, producer and publisher of interactive entertainment for interactive game platforms that include PC, online, consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony and advanced smart phones (i.e. iPhone). Divisions of Atari, SA include Cryptic Studios, Atari London Studio, Eden Studios, Atari Interactive, Inc. and Atari, Inc. Atari benefits from its global brand and an extensive catalogue of popular games based on classic owned game franchises (Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Lunar Lander), original owned franchises (Test Drive, Backyard Sports, Deer Hunter), MMO games from Cryptic Studios (Star Trek Online, Champions Online) and third party franchises (Ghostbusters, Project Runway, Dungeons and Dragons).For more information please visit www.atari.com © 2009 Atari Europe SASU. All rights reserved.Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.About Tornado Studios http://www.redorbit.com/news/scifi-gaming/1767628/atari_to_publish_project_runway_video_game_on_wii/index.html?source=r_scifi_gaming Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:00 -0500 Sci-Fi & Gaming