Gamercide News

[caption id=" align="alignright" width="240" caption="This is the new Gamercard, via Major Nelson.com][/caption] As announced previously on Major Nelson's blog, today is the day that a mandatory dashboard update will roll out. Upon turning on your Xbox 360, you will prompted to download the update which will re-enable the "boot to disc option" on the dashboard. Another update will be coming to Xbox.com on January 20 that will change the way your gamercard looks and included in this update is the removal of "gamerzone". via Major Nelson Click here to view the article

As gamers, we are always anxious and eager to hear news regarding new technology in the world of video gaming. THQ on the other hand is not. In an interview with Eurogamer, THQ's Danny Bilson said that new consoles "would be horrible". "It would be horrible, But I think they all know our model's broken anyway. "It still costs us a fortune to make games on this platform. If they're going to up the scale, up the art, up the content, I don't know how to make that and sell it to anybody for under $100 a game. Who wants to do that? It's bad for everybody." We can't really argue that point. Who really wants to pay over $100 for a standard version of a video game in store a…

Following up rumors a few weeks ago that Square Enix registered a domain name for FFXIII-2, Square announced today that Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be a direct sequel to FFXIII and the RPG will find it's way to a PS3 and Xbox 360 near you in late 2011. No other details have been made available at this time. via Eurogamer Click here to view the article

GameStop who is in the middle of pulling a Pinky and the Brain operation, wants access to your Xbox Live Account in the future through a GameStop ID allowing digital purchases of points and DLC to go directly to your console before you leave the store. Speaking to Ars Technica, GameStop's SVP/GM of Digital, Shawn Freeman spoke about these plans and why they believe it is a good idea. "We... have been a huge seller of those points in the marketplace, "As I understand it, we're neck and neck, or we sell even more, than they sell directly through Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network. Which speaks to our access to gamers who care about playing those games." Freeman further s…

In a rather bold statement by Sony about the successor to their handheld device, the PSP, Sony claims that the PSP2 "is as powerful as the PS3". In a report by MCV, Sony dropped details on the PSP2 as "having HD screen with twin control sticks in the familiar brick form factor" and MCV is claiming that "there is potential for a phone to be included". More details will be coming on January 27, as Sony prepares an announcement about the handheld for GDC. A mini handheld portable version of the PS3 would be great, but claims and facts are two separate things. Let's see what the future holds Sony before jumping to conclusions. via MCV Click here to view the article

It appears that the story of the characters from Final Fantasy XIII may not be over. Spotted by superannuation was the registration of domain name for a new website that is being called at the moment, "whois.domaintools.com/finalfantasy13-2game.com". The domain name was registered on January 11 under the alias "Coporation Service Company" which Square Enix has used in the past for websites for other Square Enix titles. Final Fantasy X, the story of Tidus and Yuna was the last Final Fantasy game to get a direct sequel and many fans were hoping that it would remain that way considering that FFX-2 was almost a complete disaster. Here's to hoping that this is not FFXIII-2,…

They usually say that imitation is one of the best forms of flattery, but in this vomit loving case, I highly doubt it. On a side note, remember that if you preorder Bulletstorm Epic Edition, you will gain access to the Gears of War 3 beta. Click here to view the article

Let's face it Pyramid Head loving Silent Hill fans, the last couple of games that released in this much loved series just plain sucked. Hopefully with the new details that are emerging about the newest entry into the survival horror series will be enough to revive Silent Hill. Silent Hill: Downpour is being taken on by a new developer out of the Czech Republic, Vatra Games. According to MTV Mulitplayer, Vatra Games Design Director Brian Gomez, has released new details about Downpour including news on the camera and side quests. Gomez states that the fully adjustable camera from Silent Hill: Homecoming has disappeared, but not entirely. They are incorporating an adjusta…

60 days is all it took for Kinect to sell more than what Microsoft was hoping for and also topple the competition, Sony's Move. Microsoft was hoping for 5 million Kinect units moved and instead ended up with more than 8 million units sold in the first 60 days since Kinect has been released on November 4, 2010. Move has only sold 4.1 million units since it's release on September 17, 2010. via Fox News Business Click here to view the article

In a rather ballsy move, EA has decided to drop Tiger Woods as the cover boy from his own series of video games and has replaced the disgraced golfer's face with a golf hole flag from Augusta National Golf Club. According to Fox News, Tiger Woods not showing any signs of embarrassment of the removal said that he is excited for the game. EA's Peter Moore has also released a statement trying to stop rumors that they are beginning to slowly remove Tiger Woods from the brand, because the sales of Tiger Woods video games have dropped 60% since his cheating scandal broke out in 2009. "If the insinuation is it's a reflection of EA Sports backing away from its relationship that …

Just a friendly reminder to those of you who have yet to submit your names for the giveaway, time is ticking down. You have until January 22 which is only 17 days away to get your name into Siren. This includes contestant entries and donations. The prizes we have this year are huge so if you have yet to submit your entry please do so to siren@gamercide.org or send a PM through the forums to Siren. For more information on our Annual Giveaway including how to's and rules, you can join in on the discussion at Gamercide's Forums. Click here to view the article

In what could be one of the either worst or smartest moves in online video game history, all signs are pointing to the fact that within a few months Activision might be introducing a stand alone version of Call of Duty for pay to play online multiplayer use only. According to statements made by analysts Wedbush Securities, they expect this to occur in "first quarter of 2011". "Activision remains a top pick, primarily due to the company's potential to create and monetize a second tier of multiplayer online gaming for its Call of Duty franchise... We expect this to occur during the first quarter of 2011." No official comment has come from Activision's camp, but gamers have …

Some eyes spied and took a snapshot of what appears to be a new addition to Microsoft's hands free 360 add on, Kinect. "Avatar Kinect" was displayed backstage on a widescreen at CES 2011 in Las Vegas. What do you think? via Glimpse Dog Click here to view the article

Fans of Starz widely successful nudity friendly show, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, rejoice because Spartacus is about to get it's first free video game app on Facebook and a free iPad script app that will let you watch the first episode of Spartacus: Blood and Sand and will also have series content, historical facts, and include cast photos. The Spartacus: Gods of the Arena app for Facebook that allows you to train your very own horde of gladiators will release on January 20, while the iPad script app will release on January 22. via Fox News Click here to view the article

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Kyle Orland. Kyle writes for popular gaming website like Gamasutra and Joystiq. Kyle thought it was necessary to write a help book about the hugely successful Zynga social game, Farmville. Speaking with Ars Technica, Orland describes why he feels that the world needs a "Farmville for Dummies" book. According to Orland, people who play Farmville do not play many video games and therefore need a book detailing how to a play a game that already practically changes your diapers, puts a bottle in your mouth, and teaches you how eat. "Sure, Farmville isn't a particularly difficult game—it practically holds your hand in telling you how to play, an…

Halo: Reach's new map pack will be delivered to you sometime this March for 800 Microsoft points. The "Defiant Map Pack" will feature 3 new maps and an added 150 gamerscore points. Condemned can hold 6-12 players and is in a space station above Reach. Unearthed is firefight map on a mine and refinery on Reach. Highlands takes place on a wooded training preserve on Reach. 8-16 players can take on Highlands. via Major Nelson Click here to view the article

Like a phoenix, the Fail of the Week Award is rising out of the ashes to bring to you another fail-rific recap of all things fail in the gaming industry. This week's contenders are the "countless sequels, prequels, special editions, we want your money" Activision and the "we love to do reports on things we know absolutely nothing about like video games" Fox News. Let's stand the competition side by side and get the full details in this week's Fail of the Week showdown. Activision Fail After announcing that the Guitar Hero franchise is done along with True Crime, Activision was slapped in the face by analysts who said they did it all themselves. You can't blame anal…

Prepare for a Magicka “Surprise”, Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword, Pirates of Black Cove, Defenders of Ardania and Supreme Ruler: Cold War Playable at Event! NEW YORK – February 11th, 2011 – Paradox Interactive has today announced a strong line-up of playable titles for this year’s Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco between February 28th and March 4th. The renowned developer and publisher will be showing off a variety of upcoming games including the newest addition to their acclaimed Mount & Blade series entitled Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword and a new tower defense game set in the Majesty universe titled Defenders of Ardani…

Come Get Some! 2K Games Announces Duke Nukem Forever® Balls of Steel Edition! New York, NY February 11, 2011 – Duke’s got them - and now you can too. 2K Games and Gearbox Software are proud to announce the Duke Nukem Forever® Balls of Steel edition! Arriving alongside the standard editions on May 3, 2011, the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC is a must-have for those who have been awaiting the return of the King. Priced at $99.99, this edition, available exclusively at GameStop* and Amazon*, contains a copy of the game with exclusi…

Analyst Michael Pachter says that, "I'm certain to my core," when it comes to whether or not Activision will start charging gamers to play Call of Duty online when it comes to the newly announced project that is being taken on Beachhead. According to G4TV, Pachter said that Project Beachhead will be charging for the mulitplayer and that there might also be charges for weapons or $1.00 each or a monthly subscription to access all of them. If this turns out to be true, it will interesting to see which console's sales will go up and if fans will revolt or will fall in line and pay to play. via G4TV Click here to view the article

Activision sure doesn't waste time. They may have nailed the coffin shut for Guitar Hero and True Crime, however Activision confirmed that Family Guy and Spiderman will both be getting games sometime this year. Comfirmed today by Activision's Eric Hirshberg was this little piece of news and that they will also be adding another Cabela's hunting game to the mix as well as games for the final Transformers movie, Transformers 3 and X-Men: First Class. According to Hirshberg, “These are all strong franchises with passionate niche audiences that can achieve repeatable and profitable success.” Tell that to Guitar Hero Mr. Hirshberg. via Games Radar Click here to view the artic…

Lionhead Studios is reaching out to Fable fans for their input to help decide the fate of Albion with a survey. The quick survey asks which features like british humor, customizing your character, being a hero, co-op, and more you prefer over the others. You rank each of them from 13 being the highest to 1 being the lowest. Hopefully Lionhead will take the time to read the surveys, because with how Fable III turned out, they will need all the help they can get for the next one. via Games Radar Click here to view the article

Ever since Activision's announcement of giving Guitar Hero the boot, analysts have not been afraid to let some harsh words fly towards Activision. Speaking to Gamasutra, M2 Research senior analyst Billy Pidgeon said that Activision, "pretty much driven the franchise into the ground with title after title after title." There is no denying that statement. Countless numbers of Guitar Hero games have been released quicker than two rabbits can go at it during a single night session since the first Guitar Hero released in 2005. According to Eric Handler of MKM Partners, the market for these games just isn't there anymore. "It had a great run, but it also had a steep fall and…

This Dumbass of the Day is an unnamed teenager from Maryland pretending to be a student from Berkeley Heights High School in New Jersey. This dumbass thought it would okay to play a prank on the other teen and threaten to shoot students at Berkeley Heights High School after gaining the other teen's login details. During a Madden NFL online third party transaction from a website not associated with Microsoft or EA, the not so funny prankster was able to gain the Berkeley teen's XBL account information. The dumbass logged into the account and sent almost 100 messages out to students at Berkeley Heights threatening to bring a gun to school the following day and would be s…

Steam announced that PC Gamers who preorder Homefront through them will receive a free copy of Metro2033. Gamers will also get a day one unlock for the Air Assault Drone for use in multiplayer. Homefront is set to release March 15th, 2011. via Steam Community Click here to view the article