Microsoft Tightens Rules For Gameplay Video Posting

[Update: 9:01AM PT] Have you amassed a large YouTube following and earned some sweet ad dollars by posting clips of your dazzling Halo runs? If so then prepare to have your revenue stream shut off because it seems that Microsoft isn’t down with having people profit from posting clips of its games. Digital Trends has found a clause in the company’s updated “game content usage rules” that restricts gamers from earning money from posting videos of Microsoft games. Check it out:

Microsoft grants you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use and display Game Content and to create derivative works based upon Game Content, strictly for your noncommercial and personal use.

While this doesn’t stop people from creating and posting well-edited and clever videos of Microsoft games, it does prevent them from making money on such clips. It’s a curious move. Certainly there will be some outspoken gamers — particularly in the large Halo community — that will scream at the large corporation “mistreating” its fans. Microsoft also gets free marketing from people that put together slick clips of its games. While I understand that the company wants to control and protect its properties, this seems like a bad move on several levels.

What do you think of Microsoft’s new restrictions on gameplay videos?

Update: Here’ s part of a post from the Halo forums that clarifies the new rules. According to a company rep, nothing has really changed:

The majority of everything the community makes currently is fine, as long as they are not basically running a big Halo-based business or using Halo as if the IP was its own property. That actually isn’t a change to our policy, simply a clarification and update of the dry legal language, and as we’ve mentioned, even that “new” language was actually updated months ago. We don’t have squads of lawyers waiting in the wings to go after folks making machinima, or showing off their skills in Halo. Basically it’s business as usual.

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Samsung Galaxy S III Mini Coming Tomorrow

Samsung is set to announce the Galaxy S III Mini tomorrow. This mid-range Android phone is based on the wildly popular Galaxy S III, but comes in a smaller form factor and allegedly features pedestrian parts. The purported specs (via Mobile Geeks) include a four-inch 800 x 480 Super AMOLED display, a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, a five-megapixel camera, and Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) wrapped in Samsung TouchWiz.

While a cheaper S III variant was always expected, some pundits and consumers were hoping for a high-end phone with a smaller screen. A four-inch S III with the same tech as the original would have been a direct competitor to the iPhone 5; that would have been a fun battle for tech journalists to watch. As for real people, there are certain consumers that aren’t comfortable using phones with large screens, but want an Android device with top-notch specs. A true S III mini would have been perfect for those users.

Instead, this looks like a good phone for the budget market. For tech enthusiasts, it’s kind of nasty. The 800 x 480 resolution doesn’t cut it in 2012. Super AMOLED — not the “+” or “HD” variant — is dated too. I’m sure it’ll be a decent phone, but I’m also sure that gadget geeks won’t be impressed (if the rumored specs are true).

What do you think of the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini? Would you get one? Are you disappointed that it’s not a high-end S III in a smaller form factor?

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Cameron/Tyler Winklevoss to Play Batman?

Once upon a time (2007), Armie Hammer was set to play Batman in a Justice League movie. Unfortunately, that project died. The role was supposed to launch Hammer to stardom. Instead, he’d have to wait until The Social Network in which he impressed critics and fans alike as Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. After that blockbuster hit, praise for his work in Mirror, Mirror, and a starring role in The Lone Ranger, Hammer might get a second chance to play Batman. According to MovieHole:

The studio need a new guy to guard the cave now that Christian Bale has hung up the cowl. And with plans to reintroduce a younger take on the character in the upcoming “Justice League” movie, a draft of which has been completed by Will Beale, the studio has Hammer atop of their list of potentials. It’s really, when you think about it, a no-brainer. Thus, I wasn’t much surprised when informed this morning that he’s in with a good chance to play the part in the superhero tag-team movie.

It’s a win win, really. Hammer apparently wears the suit smartly, has already rehearsed for the gig before, but more so, is a much bigger star than he was three or four years ago.

Hammer is a big, strapping dude that has a naturally deep voice. He looks the part. He has played rich people and heroes. I think he can pull off Batman (without sounding like he has marbled in his mouth).

What do you think of the possibility of Armie Hammer playing Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie?

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PETA vs. Pokemon: The Idiocy Continues

Remember last year when PETA went after Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. franchise, pointing out the “animal cruelty” involved with Mario’s Tanooki suit? The idiocy continues with PETA going after Nintendo’s popular Pokemon franchise in a parody game called Pokemon Black and Blue. Here’s an excerpt from the game page:

The amount of time that Pokémon spend stuffed in pokéballs is akin to how elephants are chained up in train carts, waiting to be let out to “perform” in circuses. But the difference between real life and this fictional world full of organized animal fighting is that Pokémon games paint rosy pictures of things that are actually horrible.

What’s up with PETA’s hate for Nintendo? Out of all the game publishers in the world, Nintendo is one of the most family-friendly. Furthermore, PETA’s premise is stupid. The Pokemon games are about cooperation and they encourage players to take care of their animal companions. As far as videogames go, they’re pretty innocent. The series has sold hundreds of millions of copies and it hasn’t resulted in hundreds of millions of animal abusers. I’m all for treating animals with care, but PETA’s campaigns against Nintendo are amazingly misguided. It’s hard to respect an organization that does so many stupid things.

What do you think of PETA’s stance against Pokemon? Does the organization have a legitimate point? Do you think there’s a high-ranking PETA official that sucked at Nintendo games as a kid and is trying to get revenge through these moronic campaigns?

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Emily Blunt To Play Ms. Marvel in Avengers 2?

Super sexy Emily Blunt is rumored to be in the running for the role of Carol Danvers/Ms. Marvel in The Avengers 2. Once a C-lister in the Marvel Universe, Ms. Marvel has been a major player since the “House of M” storyline. She has been a big part of the New Avengers and Mighty Avengers series. Sadly, she has gotten rid of her ridiculous swimsuit-like costume to coincide with her name change to Captain Marvel. As for Blunt, here’s more from iO9:

Emily Blunt, who famously missed out on the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2 — insofar as any Emily Blunt casting decision is really capable of attaining fame — is reportedly back in contention for a major role. Specifically, she is rumored to be one of two main contenders for the part of Carol Danvers, better known as Ms. Marvel.

I’m a big fan of Blunt. She’s beautiful, smart, talented, and environmentally conscious. That said, I haven’t seen any of her performances where she hasn’t used her native British accent. Carol Danvers is very much an “american pie” type of character. She’s a former United States Air Force officer that has also served with S.H.I.E.L.D. It would be strange to hear her with a British accent. Blunt certainly has the presence for the character and for all I know she has a dynamite American accent from her extensive studies. However, I’m sure that that average male moviegoer doesn’t give a rat’s ass since she’s so pretty.

What do you think of the possibility of Emily Blunt playing Carol Danvers/Ms. Marvel? Me likey.

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Star Wars Eyeglasses Completely Rule!

I was going to save up for Lasik surgery…but then I saw this awesome line of Star Wars eyewear! Check out these eyeglasses inspired by Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, R2-D2, Boba Fett, and more. They completely own. These eyeglasses are set to ship at the end of the month and will run you $499.99. That’s expensive, but totally worth it to have The Force be with you, don’t you agree? More pictures of these awesome Star Wars glasses are below. Continue reading “Star Wars Eyeglasses Completely Rule!”

This Week’s Videogame Releases

This week is packed full of awesome games. Harvey Smith’s Dishonored has been getting fantastic reviews. I’ve been high on this game since E3 2012 and I’m jazzed by its critical reception. XCOM: Enemy Unknown has also been high on my list of 2012 games. This sci-fi strategy game has an old-school feel and stands out in today’s market — very sweet blend of retro gameplay with modern trappings. Pokemon Black and White Version 2 is out, ready to entertain millions of Pokemon trainers. Fable: The Journey brings one of Microsoft’s most popular franchises to the arm-flapping world of Kinect. Adding to the motion madness is Harry Potter for Kinect, which offers mainstream entertainment for muggles, witches, and wizards. Lastly, Code of Princess is a slick action-RPG that could be one of the sleeper hits of the year.

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Coffee Talk #523: One Device to Rule Them All?

My friend Paul and I were talking about how tech geeks have done a 180 on the number of devices they want to carry. Ten years ago, it was all about finding one device that does everything. The digerati were tired of carrying a mobile phone, a PDA, a gaming system, etc. Fast forward to 2012 and that’s a very mainstream attitude to have. Millions of people are satisfied with their smartphone or tablet as their “one” device. Meanwhile, the geek chic have gone in the other direction…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Carsten Charles Sabathia’s excellent Yankee victory, Lady Gaga’s nipple, or your favorite iPhone 5 case, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

My friend Paul and I were talking about how tech geeks have done a 180 on the number of devices they want to carry. Ten years ago, it was all about finding one device that does everything. The digerati were tired of carrying a mobile phone, a PDA, a gaming system, etc. Fast forward to 2012 and that’s a very mainstream attitude to have. Millions of people are satisfied with their smartphone or tablet as their “one” device. Meanwhile, the geek chic have gone in the other direction.

While they’re in the minority (unless you live in San Francisco), tech nerds help set trends in mobile tech. They’re the tastemakers. These days, many of them travel with a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and a dedicated e-reader. Some of them even bring dedicated gaming systems, though it’s not as common these days given the rapid advancement in Android and iOS games. They’ve eschewed the “one device” philosophy in favor of multiple devices that excel at different things. Funny how it goes….

As for me, I find myself following the digerati. While I love my iPad 2012 (my usual “one” device) I plan on complementing it with a Kindle Paperwhite. I’m already dual-wielding phones with a Galaxy Nexus and an iPhone 5. If I’m hitting the road for a few days or more, my MacBook Pro has to come with me.

What kind of user are you? Do you prefer to travel with one device to rule them all? Or do you bring multiple devices if you’re going to be away from home/work for a stretch?

Sony Computer Entertainment America Sues Kevin Butler

Millions of gamers have been entertained by fictitious Sony executive Kevin Butler. The character has been used in dozens of fantastic PlayStation commercials and viral videos. It looks like the hilarious reign of Butler is over and will end in a legal squabble. Sony Computer Entertainment America has filed suit against Bridgestone Americas and Wildcat Creek, Inc. The president of Wildcat Creek is Jerry Lambert, the actor that portrays Kevin Butler.

The lawsuit is over a series of Bridgestone commercials. Lambert can be seen in the commercials and promotional materials, some of which feature the Nintendo Wii. Obviously Sony isn’t keen on having someone that is associated with its console seen with a competing system. VentureBeat received the following statement from Sony Computer Entertainment America’s Dan Race:

Sony Computer Entertainment America filed a lawsuit against Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek, Inc. on September 11. The claims are based on violations of the Lanham Act, misappropriation, breach of contract and tortious interference with a contractual relationship. We invested significant resources in bringing the Kevin Butler character to life and he’s become an iconic personality directly associated with PlayStation products over the years. Use of the Kevin Butler character to sell products other than those from PlayStation misappropriates Sony’s intellectual property, creates confusion in the market, and causes damage to Sony.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I will guess that Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek will claim that Lambert is playing a character that has nothing to do with Kevin Butler. Sony will claim that some consumers will be confused by Lambert appearing in commercials that use the Nintendo Wii as a prize; the argument is that many people only know Lambert as Kevin Butler and are not familiar with his other roles. Without knowing the details of Lambert’s contract and what kind of non-compete clauses in contains, it’s impossible to say (but it’s fun to speculate).

What do you think of Sony vs. Bridgestone and Wildcat Creek? On a surface level, do you think Sony has a case? Will you miss Kevin Butler hocking PlayStation goods?

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