Microsoft Planning Set-Top-Xbox
The Verge is reporting that sources, “familiar with Redmond’s plans,” have confirmed to them that Microsoft is planning to release a set-top box alternative to the next generation Xbox sometime in 2013. The device is allegedly part of a two-device plan for the next generation of Xbox, with the set-top box serving as an intermediary of sorts for consumers who want the entertainment services and casual games without the expensive gaming hardware. The Verge reached out to Microsoft for a comment and received the kind of generic, boilerplate PR-speak we all expect: “Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for your platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”
[Source: The Verge]
The Empire Strikes Back Again
The Hollywood Reporter is stating that Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg have been officially signed to write either the second or third entry in the newest Star Wars trilogy. Kasdan was previously a co-writer on what many regard (incorrectly!) as the peak of the franchise, The Empire Strikes Back, as well as Return of the Jedi (this one’s the best), and wrote the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Kinberg was a producer on last year’s X-Men: First Class, and is writing that film’s upcoming sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past. Given that the first installment of this new trilogy, Episode VII, is being penned by Oscar winner Michael Arndt, of Little Miss Sunshine fame, it’s looking like this new trilogy is in pretty good hands!
[Source: The Hollywood Reporter]
THQ Still Not Doing Great
Paul Pucino, Chief Financial Officer for THQ, resigned today with no successor in place, reports Joystiq, another bad sign for a publisher already in dire straits. Since we last updated you on THQ’s financial status, their stocks have dropped even further to around $1.25 a piece. Additionally, THQ has entered a forbearance agreement with Wells-Fargo, which essentially means they won’t have any existing or future debts enforced on them so they can get their act together. I only hope they can scramble things together in time for Metro: Last Light to grab some air before THQ takes the game down with them.
[Source: Joystiq]
GTA Vice City Coming To Lots of Devices December 6
Rockstar announced today that for its 10th Anniversary, the venerable Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, will be launching on iOS and Android devices December 6. The mobile version will include, “native high-resolution graphics and several enhancements unique to the iOS and Android platforms including updated character models and lighting effects, new and more precise firing and targeting options, a fully customizable control layout and native support for Retina display devices.” Check out a full list of the ridiculous number of devices that will be supported at Rockstar’s website.
[Source: Rockstar]
The Ryan’s Den
Ten days ago was the one-year anniversary of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game I’ve spent nearly 400 hours engrossed in. Given this special occasion, and the imminence of the release of its next piece of DLC, I’ve taken a dive right back into this wintry wonderland, and I encourage everyone else to, especially if you’ve never dipped your toes into the icy waters of Skyrim before.
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