Get Forza 5 free with your new Xbox One (for a limited time)
Americans won’t necessarily have to track down a Titanfall bundle (or move to Europe) to get a free game when they buy an Xbox One. Microsoft has announced that some US retailers will start including free digital copies of Forza Motorsport 5 with the console as of next week, offering gamers a flagship game no matter what system they get. However, the Forza deal will only be available for a “limited time.” We’ve reached out for a clearer time frame, but it’s safe to say that you’ll want to hurry if you’re a racing fan. Don’t fret too much if you miss out, though. Microsoft’s willingness to give away major titles so early in the Xbox One’s life cycle suggests that this is the start of a trend — it may launch similar offers in the future to help fend off some very fierce competition.
Filed under: Gaming, Microsoft
Source: Major Nelson
Buffalo Wild Wings to use tablets for gaming, ordering another round
Service at restaurants can be decidedly slow. But for those of you who frequent Buffalo Wild Wings, relying on the waitstaff to place an order could soon be a thing of the past. The company has revealed that, after a successful pilot program, it’s going to put tablets on each one of its tables, with all US locations expected to be outfitted “by the end of 2015.” Powered by a platform dubbed BEOND, these 7-inch Samsung Galaxy slates (no word on the specific model) will let customers order food and drinks, play games, pay the bill, request to have a channel changed and more. Even though this type of setup isn’t particularly novel, it’s great to see that it’s becoming the norm at dining places.
Filed under: Misc, Tablets, Samsung
Source: Buffalo Wild Wings
Watch Dogs arrives on May 27th
When Ubisoft showed off Watch Dogs for the first time in 2012, there was no such thing as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Well, okay, they existed in some sense of the word, but both consoles were far from publicly ready, making Watch Dogs an unbelievably pretty game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Unbelievable to the point that many journalists were incredulous about it not being touted as intended for next-gen, but Ubisoft couldn’t say it was headed to unannounced consoles. In so many words, Watch Dogs was essentially the first “next-gen” game shown off…even before the consoles were unveiled. It’s somewhat hilarious then that we’re here to tell you today that Watch Dogs now has a release date — May 27th — after being delayed past the actual launch of the new consoles. It’s unclear if that means all versions (Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC and Wii U) will arrive on the same day, though the Wii U version was already given a release date sometime after the other versions. Sorry Wii U, owners!
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD, Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo
Source: Ubisoft
Mad Catz Android game console first to get OUYA content
When OUYA announced it was expanding its gaming platform beyond its own hardware, it also said it’d share its first deal with a hardware manufacturer within two weeks. Well, it turns out that we only had to wait a couple of days, after accessory maker Mad Catz confirmed it’s signed a deal to bring OUYA’s software to its M.O.J.O. Android game console. The company says it’s already working to incorporate its new partner’s content and expects to roll out an update “later this spring,” giving die-hard Android gamers access to exclusive OUYA titles on top of regular Google Play and Amazon app store downloads. If this unexpected Android union leaves you pining for some dedicated console action, Mad Catz has slashed $50 off the price of the M.O.J.O. in the US, although the new $199.99 price tag is still pretty hard to swallow.
Filed under: Gaming
Source: Mad Catz (Businesswire)
Twitch to stream live E3 game announcements directly to your console
If you aren’t among the lucky few attending the Electronics Entertainment Expo each June, Twitch wants to take a bit of the sting out of that. 2014 is the start of a three year deal with the ESA making it the official streaming partner for the tradeshow. According to Twitch, this means its broadcasts will be integrated into every facet of the show, and it’s bringing news, original interviews and behind-the-scenes programming from the LA Convention Center directly to your Xbox 360, Xbox One or computer (unfortunately, there’s still no Twitch viewing ability on PS4). It’s also likely that you’ll be able to catch all of the major press conferences this way too, similar to last year. Of course we’ll be on the ground with liveblogs, breaking news and and hands-on coverage making the remote experience just as informative and much easier on your feet, however it gets to you.
Filed under: Gaming
Microsoft teases DirectX 12 reveal for GDC, rumors pit it against AMD’s Mantle
That death knell AMD has been ringing for DirectX? Microsoft’s having none of it. The software giant is now teasing the next version of the Windows graphics API, inviting developers to join it at GDC for the official reveal of DirectX 12. The splash page reveals little besides the version’s numeric and announcement time, but it does feature partner logos for Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia and, of course, AMD. AMD’s disdain for the platform helped birth Project Mantle — a competing API that gives developers lower-level access (and as a result, more leverage over) PC graphics hardware. One of Microsoft’s GDC sessions suggest that something similar is in the works for its own development platform: “You asked us to bring you even closer to the metal… …so that you can squeeze every last drop of performance out of your PC, tablet, phone and console,” reads the description for one of the firms DirectX presentations. “Come learn our plans to deliver.”
It sure sounds similar, and indeed, it meshes well with recent rumors. Sources close to ExtremeTech say that while the two APIs will have different implementations, both should offer the same benefits. They also say that Microsoft’s “close to the metal” lower-level access API is a relatively new project in Redmond, meaning it probably won’t muscle in on Mantle’s territory until sometime next year. Between that, and the fact that Microsoft has recently taken to limiting Direct X upgrades to Windows upgrades, it’s possible that we might not see DirectX 12 in access until we’re installing Windows 9.
Filed under: Gaming, Microsoft
Source: Microsoft, ExtremeTech
Titanfall’s ode to 8-bit gaming is proof that robots make everything better
Need further evidence that robots improve just about everything? EA and Respawn are more than happy to provide it. They’ve launched Titanfall Arcade, a promotional gaming website that thrusts Titanfall‘s namesake giant machines into classic 8-bit Atari titles. The only working game at present is an Asteroids remake, but it proves the point — the typically nerve-wracking space shooter becomes easy once a Titan’s weaponry comes into play. Tributes to Centipede and Missile Command are coming in the future. The arcade is primarily meant to whet your appetite ahead of Titanfall‘s release next week, but we’d say it’s worth a visit even if you don’t plan to buy the game — it’s a nostalgic gaming experience without the frustrating difficulty levels that often come along for the ride.
Filed under: Gaming, Robots, Internet
Via: Titanfall (Twitter)
Source: Titanfall Arcade
Google Play Games for Android now shows you who wants to play
Google Play Games just became much, much more useful for avid Android gamers. A newly released update to Google’s entertainment hub lets you see all your invitations; it’s now much clearer that someone wants to play. The upgrade also shows you a not-quite-live view of who’s playing, and a new Find Games area (shown here) suggests titles you can try. Play Games still won’t compare with advanced gaming frameworks like PlayStation Network or Xbox Live, but it’s likely worth a download if your smartphone regularly doubles as a handheld console.
Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Tablets, Mobile, Google
Via: Android Central
Source: Google Play
‘Next-gen’ means gamepad updates: a guide to the first for Xbox One
The March Xbox One update is live; your friends list is now slightly more organized; and game broadcasting is mere days away. In reading through the laundry list of tweaks in last night’s refresh, perhaps you noticed a handful of gamepad notes? Something to the effect of, “firmware update to the Xbox One controller”? That’s secret code for, “You have to update your gamepad firmware.” The next generation! We are in it! Head below for a step-by-step guide on entering this brave new world.
Step 1: Connect the gamepad via micro-USB to the console
Grab your favorite Android game console-branded micro-USB wire (or, ya know, any micro-USB wire) and slap that puppy into the port atop the gamepad (next to the pairing button, as seen above). Plug the other end into any of the Xbox One’s USB ports (we opted for the front-left side). Easy!
Step 2: Navigate to the Xbox One Settings menu
If there’s a Kinect plugged in to your Xbox One, say, “Xbox, Go To Settings.” If you’re worried that the NSA’s watching you pick your nose and it’s disconnected, just push the Menu button (what used to be the Start button) and select Settings. In there, you’ll find the “System” tile. That’s what you want!
Optional: Get yourself a cool beverage.
Step 3: Downloading and Updating
Your gamepad’s plugged in via micro-USB; you’ve potentially got a cool drink to pass the one- to three-minute process. It’s time to update your controller’s firmware. Move the cursor down to “Update Controller” and let ‘er rip. On the next screen, select Continue. Feel free to sip that cool beverage. You’ve earned it.
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Annnnnnnny minute now…
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat
Maybe you bought a second controller? Maybe you got one last holiday as a present? Maybe you just picked up that snazzy Titanfall one? Anyway, if you’ve got more than one, here’s where you unplug the first, now-updated controller and plug in a second, or third, or whatever and start the process anew.
Step 6: Get Kinda Frustrated About Having to Update Gamepad Firmware
Right? Because it kinda stinks having to plug in each gamepad for an update. It’s a trade-off, absolutely — new, potentially improved functionality out of the Xbox One gamepad for the price of … hassle. Because let’s face it: This is a hassle. This how-to guide shouldn’t have to exist. Look at how upset it made the baby above? Just look at her face!
Seriously though, this is bound to be a more regular occurrence going forward. The PlayStation 4′s DualShock 4 has yet to require such an update, nor has the Wii U’s massive tablet controller, and the Steam Controller doesn’t even have a release date just yet (we’ve asked all three companies whether their controllers are even able to receive such updates and have yet to hear back). It’s a future we’ll grudgingly accept if it means cool new features in our controllers, but here’s hoping these “plug in all your gamepads” updates are few and far between.
[Image credit: Alamy]
Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds, Peripherals, Software, HD, Microsoft
OnLive reborn: can the cloud gaming company find footing with two new services?
In early August 2012, OnLive employees told us that the cloud gaming company was close to falling apart. Despite creating an impressive service rooted in a futuristic idea — playing bleeding edge PC games on the highest settings, remotely, streaming from the cloud to virtually any device — a cocktail of financial issues all crested at once. The result was mass layoffs (“at least” 50 percent), including lead evangelist and company CEO Steve Perlman. OnLive had a new owner, venture capitalist Gary Lauder, and a renewed directive to become profitable. Then, the company went silent.
“My focus has been on turning this from proof of concept into a real business.”– Gary Lauder
Its services continued operating — business as usual, as it were — and as media, we didn’t hear a peep. The usual trade show appearances and interview opportunities dried up. Our last post about OnLive before this was in February 2013. Today, that’s changing: the company is re-opening the lines of communication, announcing two new initiatives in CloudLift and OnLive Go.
The first, CloudLift, takes the cloud streaming concept of OnLive and applies it to games you already own. By logging in with a Steam account (required, at least for now), games you’ve got attached will be “unlocked” in the cloud, playable using the OnLive client or Microconsole anywhere else (including save data that syncs between devices). Of course, not all games registered or bought through Steam will work with CloudLift; just 20 games are launching with the service today, with “dozens more planned.” Lauder told us OnLive’s game onboarding process has been streamlined significantly, specifically with the intent to bring more games, more rapidly to OnLive.
The First 20 Games
| Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY | Batman: Arkham City GOTY |
| Batman: Arkham Origins | Darksiders II |
| Dead Island GOTY | Dead Island: Riptide |
| LEGO The Lord of the Rings | Metro 2033 |
| Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition | MX vs. ATV Reflex |
| Painkiller: Hell and Damnation | Red Faction: Armageddon |
| Saints Row IV | Scribblenauts Unlimited |
| Strike Suit Zero | The Book of Unwritten Tales: The Critter Chronicles |
| The LEGO Movie Videogame | The Raven: Legacy of a Master Thief |
| Truck Racer | Type: Rider |
Interested? OnLive’s hoping you’re interested enough to drop $15 every month for the functionality (there’s also a seven-day trial). It goes live today.
The other side of today’s news is a totally new route for OnLive. A new business unit, dubbed “OnLive Go,” takes the company’s cloud abilities and applies them to other people’s stuff. The first example is “SL Go” (or “Second Life: Go”), a mobile interface for…you guessed it, Second Life. In this particular example, OnLive’s powering cloud support for Second Life on Android. In another example, OnLive’s working with Gaijin Entertainment to help support people testing out games — rather than having to download a huge file and start a game, you can just stream a demo.
OnLive’s executive staff called this a “much more efficient” method of stabilizing the company, while still supporting legacy customers. It’s not hard to see their logic: Gaikai employed the same method for growth before being purchased by Sony for a whopping $380 million. Lauder insists that the goal here isn’t to “flip the company,” but “to build value — and lasting value — whether it’s for us or for some future suitor.”
So, what does that mean for those of us still using OnLive’s PlayPass system? It is no more, “but users who have purchased games will continue to have access to them,” an OnLive rep told us. The functionality is being replaced (and enhanced) by CloudLift, thus obviating its continued existence. The PlayPack “all-you-can-eat” model — which costs $10/month and offers access to all of OnLive’s games — remains in place.
Whether these moves will turn OnLive around is still up in the air, but Lauder and co. certainly sound more realistic than their predecessors. With major players embracing game streaming in PlayStation Now and Steam, the playing field is more crowded than ever. OnLive is certainly the underdog here: can it fight its way back?
Filed under: Gaming, Software, HD
Source: OnLive
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