Tag: Videogames

Game Developer Research’s annual “State of Game Development Survey” revealed that the PC and Mac are the most popular game development platforms. Surprising, no? Actually, it’s not when you consider that social games (i.e. Facebook games) and browser games were lumped into the mix. As for consoles, the Xbox 360 still leads the way. Here’s a snippet from the press release:

Just over 70 percent of developers said they were developing at least one game for PC or Mac (including browser and social games), rising slightly from last year, with 41 percent working in consoles. Within that latter group, Xbox 360 was the most popular system with 69 percent of console developers targeting it, followed by 61 percent for PlayStation 3.

On the handheld front, developers are flocking to the iPhone and iPod Touch platform, leaving the Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStation Portable in the dust. It’s not surprising really. Facebook, browser, and iPhone games are cheaper to make than traditional console games. The market is relatively new and the players are still being established. There are more opportunities in these markets for new(er) developers and publishers.

New York State attorney general Andrew Cuomo is going after GameStop and other retailers over fraudulent fees. Here’s the skinny from GamePolitics:

The AG’s office believes that GameStop and the others have been “tricking customers into accepting offers from third party vendors, which then siphon money from consumers’ accounts.” Because of the relatively low dollar amount of the charges, the fees may go unnoticed for some time.

The names of the companies involved read like a laundry list of e-commerce: Barnes and Nobles, Expedia, Pizza Hut, Staples.com, Travelocity, Classmates.com, etc. According to Cuomo, the three discount clubs under investigation bring in a combined $1+ billion per year, much of which Cuomo believes is fraudulent.

That’s right Pizza Hut and GameStop! You don’t mess with New York!!! You don’t want an Italian guy from Queen coming after you. Trust me on this one.

Source

Where the hell did this week go? Between this web site, physical therapy, and trying to figure out ways to make money, it was a complete blur to me. The good news is that it’s weekend game time! I’m still playing Vandal Hearts, but it’s probably going to take a back seat to my new copy of Army of Two: The 40th Day. Like the legendary Austin Aries, I enjoy cooperative gaming a ton. My friend was telling me that the latest Army of 2 offers some interesting moral choices. I’m curious about those. I’m not even sure about the moral mindset of mercenaries (aside from Deadpool).

I’ve also downloaded Rhyme Player for iPhone. It’s a simple rhythm game with a limited song list, but I can’t stop playing! I think I’ll write a (not) review next week.

As always, I want to know what’s on your weekend playlist!

Game Crazy, a videogame specialty store found alongside some Hollywood Video shops, is being reduced to 250 locations as part of its parent company’s bankruptcy reorganization. Since GameStop and EB Games merged, Game Crazy was pretty much the only specialty retailer competing with the unstoppable GameStop juggernaut (albeit only in select cities). Lacking competition, GameStop can continue to gouge customers on trade-ins and used-game sales (at least at the brick-and-mortar level).

My friend Justin always spoke highly of Game Crazy and raved about some of its deals. I never had access to one in San Francisco and haven’t bothered to hit one up since I moved to Los Angeles. Do any of you have Game Crazy stores near you? Is your shop closing? Will you miss it?

Source