[GameRatty] tag: mac

PSN IDs on PlayStation.com, 'Underground' closes

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:22:00 +0000

Filed under: Culture, Mac, PC, Sony PlayStation 3, Online

Synergy. Can you dig it? Sony does, finally noticing those 14 million accounts stranded on the console-side of PlayStation Network. We imagine the meeting went a little something like this:

Exec One: You see, we've got 14 million people over here [*motions to his right*]. But what if we could take them [*lifts his hands up*] and stick 'em over here, too? [*motions back to his left*]
Exec Two: So are you gonna eat that last Mint Milano or what?
Exec One: No -- well ... let's split it.
Exec Two: Deal.

The result? PSN IDs are being incorporated into PlayStation.com and, at a later date, PlayStation.Blog. Doing so will make your friends list and other features accessible through a web browser -- oh my! On a solemn note, these changes bring PlayStation Underground to its inevitable end, but members can hold on to some of the good times by merging their Underground accounts with their PSN IDs. And this is only the beginning, promises PSN senior director Susan Panico: "before this year is over we'll have more enhancements for your gamer profile." Dare we say, a New PlayStation Experience?

PSN IDs on PlayStation.com, 'Underground' closes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You wanna see wrath?! Lich King sells 2.8 million copies in 24 hours

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:20:00 +0000

Filed under: Mac, PC, Online, RPGs, MMO

Blizzard announced today that World of Warcraft's second expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, sold a paltry 2.8 million units in its first 24 hours. That's only 400,000 more units than Burning Crusade did on its launch day. We're guessing Activision is completely regretting that whole merger now, huh?

With 11 million players currently in Azeroth, that means about 25% of the base couldn't live without their precious expansion for more than 24 hours, saying nothing of the millions who bought it later. In other news, there are rumors that the Drug Enforcement Administration is looking to bring electronic software under its purview. Not really, but we really are waiting for WoW to be classified as a controlled substance.

[Via WoW Insider]

You wanna see wrath?! Lich King sells 2.8 million copies in 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Mac, PC, Action, Online

The tales of Grimm continue this week on GameTap with Cinderella. Subscribers of the service also have a chance to get their mad scientist on, destroying everything in their path for points, in Elements of Destruction.

Grimm: Cinderella (Windows) - We doubt there will be singing mice. If there are, they'll probably die in some gruesome way.
Lionheart (Windows) - An action-RPG from 2003 that uses Fallout's SPECIAL system, coupled with Diablo-esque hack n' slash.
Elements of Destruction (Window) - Be a mad scientist who likes to destroy cities. In the end, it's a little cathartic.

No new free games this week and next week's update will occur on Tuesday, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The full list of current free-to-play titles can be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction

GameTap Thursday: Grimm, Lionheart, Elements of Destruction originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Magician's Handbook: Cursed Valley Mac Game at BDStudioGames.com

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:49:00 +0000

The Magician's Handbook: Cursed Valley Mac

The Magician's Handbook: Cursed Valley Mac: The mysterious Magician's Handbook has fallen into your hands, thrusting you into the heart of an ill-fated land. Unique magical creatures and almost a thousand hidden objects await you in this beautifully painted puzzler! There are 13 enchanted chapters to explore, along with a host of challenging mini-games, and you can unlock secret items by collecting hidden magician coins! Can you discover the secrets of Cursed Valley before the dark curse claims you as another of its victims? Download it and start playing The Magician's Handbook: Cursed Valley Mac.

Play Now:
http://www.bdstudiogames.com/the-magician-s-handbook-cursed-valley.htm

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From: BDStudioGames

Netflix Speaks Out On Sony Movies Disappearing From Xbox 360 Service Its Not A Glitch

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:20:57 +0000

A week ago, I started watching “An Evening With Kevin Smith 2″ through the Netflix streaming service on my Xbox 360 but didn’t finish. Now, I can’t watch the rest.

Joystiq broke word this evening that Netflix stopped Xbox 360 users from streaming movies distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

This restriction only applies to Xbox 360 users. PC, Mac and other Netflix-enabled on-demand devices can still stream Sony Pictures Entertainment films, and is not a glitch.

“In the case of Xbox 360, a few hundred titles are temporarily unavailable to be streamed via the Xbox game console,” Netflix VP of corporate communications Steve Swasey told MTV Multiplayer in an e-mailed statement tonight. “Those titles are still available to be watched on subscribers’ computers and on TVs via other partner devices, and we hope they’ll be licensed for Xbox 360 shortly.”

When asked if the license just coincidentally expired as Microsoft was adding Netflix support or Sony Pictures Entertainment specifically requested Xbox 360 streaming to be disabled, Swasey wouldn’t say.

“As watching instantly becomes a more prominent part of the Netflix service, our goal is to have all of our streaming content licensed for all of our partner devices,” he said. “We’re doing well in this area, but it will take some time before we fully achieve that goal. Today, titles regularly come in and out of license and there is a natural ebb and flow to what we have on license at any given point in time.”

For now, however, Sony Pictures Entertainment films available for streaming through Netflix — including “Superbad,” “We Own The Night” and others — will remain blocked on Xbox 360, until Sony says otherwise.

Sony pulls a Grinch: Sony movies can't run on Netflix-XBL

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:21:36 +0000

A lot of folks were happy when Netflix finally confirmed its tie-up with XBL. Unfortunately, those happy days weren't to last. Apparently, competition between Sony and Microsoft is that serious that they can't even share movies.

That's right. Word's out that movies from Sony's Columbia Pictures have been stopped from streaming on the XBL. At first, people thought it was just a glitch. But then later on, it was confirmed that this restriction is only applicable to Xbox 360 users.

Yes, the embargo is only on the 360, while PC, Mac and other Netflix-enabled on-demand devices still enjoy their Sony movies.

Said Steve Swasey, VP of corporate communications for Netflix, "In the case of Xbox 360, a few hundred titles are temporarily unavailable to be streamed via the Xbox game console." He furthered, "Those titles are still available to be watched on subscribers' computers and on TVs via other partner devices, and we hope they'll be licensed for Xbox 360 shortly."

The question on everybody's mind now is: Did Sony expressly request this of Netflix or did they take it upon themselves in consideration of the... erm.. conflict in interests? Unfortunately, Swasey would not say.

But I know what you're all thinking, uh-huh.

As watching instantly becomes a more prominent part of the Netflix service, our goal is to have all of our streaming content licensed for all of our partner devices. We're doing well in this area, but it will take some time before we fully achieve that goal. Today, titles regularly come in and out of license and there is a natural ebb and flow to what we have on license at any given point in time.

You guys will have to pick up your Sony films on DVD rentals for now, until Sony says they're fine to run it on a Microsoft console.

National Geographic Gets into the Gaming Business; First Release "Herod's Lost Tomb" Launches Today

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:53:52 +0000

Looks like National Geographic is getting into the gaming business, and have launched their own gaming company, National Geographic Games (NGG), which will publish and develop games across major gaming console, handheld, online and mobile platforms. The purpose of these games is to not only extend the National Geographic Society’s mission but to also reach out to people in a different way to get them interested in caring for the planet and its inhabitants.

Working with publishers such as Namco Bandai, Sony and Merscom, their goal is to create fun, high-quality games based on National Geographic’s core themes and media properties. The team they have assembled so far includes Chris Mate, former Take2 Interactive and Bethesda Softworks executive, who will from here on out be known as vice president and general manager for NGG and will oversee and manage the group’s daily global operations.

To kick things off, NGG along with Merscom have launched their first in-house produced game, Herod’s Lost Tomb which is based upon and highlights content from the upcoming December 2008 issue of National Geographic Magazine as well as the broadcast special on the biblical figure King Herod which airs November 23. This hidden-object game takes you on an archeological dig to which promises to give you a the experience of a real-life archaeological adventure. The game features photography from National Geographic, a story following the life and death of one of the most famous rulers of the ancient Middle East, King Herod of Judea, and consists of over one thousand objects to discover, six different environment, and five mini-games with footage, scenes and highlights from the show.

The game will be available online in a flash version for free via the National Geographic Channel and for the PC, Mac and iPhone which includes full features and high production content.

National Geographic Games Release Schedule:

November

National Geographic - “Herod’s Lost Tomb”
Namco Bandai - “National Geographic: Panda”
Sony - “National Geographic: Africa”

December 2008

National Geographic - “Sudoku Traveler: China”

2009

National Geographic - “Rain Forests”
National Geographic - “Greencity”

I wonder if my magazine and channel subscription would give me a discount? Probably not.

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Related Articles at Gaming Today:

NatGeo goes into games, announces NGG

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:02:46 +0000

Ted Prince, CEO of National Graphic Ventures (NGV) today announced the formation of National Geographic Games (NGG), a division that'll develop and publish games across all major gaming platforms. NGG will be led by some of the industry's biggest names, including Paul Levine, senior VP of the extended platforms group, and Chris Mate, former Take2 and Bethesda exec.

Says Prince,

The launch of our games division furthers National Geographic Venture s cross-platform strategy of creating and distributing unique consumer experiences and content on multiple platforms and devices. Paul s strong background in cross-platform media, interactive entertainment and business building and development combined with Chris expertise in the video game industry and product development will ensure that National Geographic Games extends our mission globally and makes the National Geographic brand more meaningful to a broader audience.

NatGeo wants to bring that NatGeo feel into gaming, inspiring folks to care about the planet and reach a new generation of consumers and families. "NGG will create fun games that allow gamers of all ages to experience and explore their world through play," said Levine.

NGG will be working with Namco Bandai as well as Sony Computer Entertainment to distribute NatGeo-branded titles around the world on major gaming platforms.

Along with their launch comes "Herod's Lost Tomb," their first in-house produced game, which features content from the December 2008 issue of the NatGeo mag. The game will be available online, downloadable for PC, Mac, and iPhone.

Other upcoming titles from NGG include "National Geographic: Panda" and "National Geographic: Africa" for this November, and "Sudoku Traveler: China" in December. For 2009, they have Rain Forests, Greencity, and From the Bottom Up.

Namco Bandai announces National Geographic Panda DS

NatGeo goes into games, announces NGG

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:02:46 +0000

Namco Bandai announces National Geographic Panda DS

NatGeo goes into games, announces NGG

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:02:46 +0000

Namco Bandai announces National Geographic Panda DS