Wii U to be less powerful than PS3 and 360

Not really that surprising. Nintendo likes doing unorthodox things with their systems. And this new console will not break that trend. As the article points out, the low price of the system (which will get new gamers) is going to cripple the hardware in the device. The controller itself, will be quite expensive (I'm thinking $60 +), unless Nintendo takes a loss on it. Normal controllers are about $30-40. I just think that this system will end up being an HD Wii. Hopefully Nintendo will prove the public wrong. I guess that is why they are not really talking about the hardware specs in public yet.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-02-wii-u-less-powerful-than-ps3-xbox-360-developers-say

Sega of American Reports massive layoffs

Poor Sega. Just when it thought that it would be able to survive as a publisher, this happens. Sadly, they have not been able to create many new IPs that catch gamer's eyes, reducing them to focusing on their bread and butter franchises. Maybe this is just a way for them to clean house and get rid of poorly performing studios.

http://kotaku.com/5898026/sega-of-america-walloped-by-layoffs-western-publishing-reduces-focus-to-sonic-and-three-others?tag=aliens

iPad leading the charge in tablet gaming

One Tablet to rule them all!!! Maybe one day, an Android or Windows tablet will rise from the ashes and make a dent in the iPad's reign. Sadly, it probably won't happen anytime soon.


http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-20-ipad-to-help-push-tablet-gaming-past-USD3-billion-by-2014

Wow Subscriptions dip due to Star Wars

Granted it is still early, but after signing up and playing, I can see why people have been trying it out more. WoW is old by gamer standards. Star Wars is popular and new. BioWare did a great job with this game so its no surprise that this game is popular. Also, they are really pushing people to send out invites to their friends and get 7 days of in game playing time. It only allows you to download the game and get to level 15, but it allows enough access to help you get familiar with how the game plays.

Wow, is at the point where they are in maintenance mode. Most gamers don't want to have to level up to 90 for their characters. Its just too much. I hope that SW keeps the level cap at 50 and just continues to expand end game content. That seems to be the best formula now.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-20-blizzard-sees-subscriptions-drop-thanks-to-star-wars-remains-subscription-based

In-game spending to be a big business in 2012

This will be a great feat if it holds true. Mobile and social media have just created a whole new market for goods nowadays. In my work within mobile Market Research, this is the kind of new that helps us continue to create really cool insights for mobile customers. The market for mobile spending is so young. Many people are probably still hesitant due to security concerns.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-20-USD500-million-in-us-mobile-virtual-goods-expected-in-2012

ESA study shows game camps happening more often

If this is how you can get more women and minorities into game development work, then I am all for it. Right now it is still a very white and male dominated industry. Women and minorities are joining, but not in the development roles. It will be nice to have these camps drive growth over the next few years. Plenty of gaming platforms to go around with tablets, mobile, social, handhelds and consoles.

I always wanted to be a comic book artist when I was younger because I used to like drawing.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-20-esa-research-shows-rise-in-game-design-summer-camps

Blizzard is about to make a ton of money

This deal in China, opens up a lot of doors for Blizzard. Their MMO isa huge success in the region and having a good partner only helps to solidify their presence.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-03-21-lizzard-and-netease-renew-license-deal-for-wow-in-china

Ninja Gaiden e Review on IGN

Just when you thought a franchise could get any worse. What happened Namco??? I loved the first one, and then NG2 was bad, now the 3rd one is even worse.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/122/1221032p1.html

BioWare coming out with an alternate ending for Mass Effect 3

I guess its hard to really tell if this was planned from the start or if they really did want to have a confusing ending that would irritate fans. Since I am still in the beginning, I don't really know what to expect. By the time that I get there, the new ending may already be out. It is nice that Bioware is listening to irate fans. Unlike other companies (ahem Lucasarts). Just make the game that you know your loyal fanbase likes. I guess that's why SWTOR is doing so well. They made an MMO that fans of Star Wars would like to play. I really hope that this DLC doesn't lead to Bioware adding on constant DLCs to "improve" an already released game and then expect people to pay for it.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/122/1221273p1.html

TC Cribs show is awesome

For anyone that has been wondering what the offices of some of the hottest internet, tech and video game properties looks like, look nor further than Tech Crunch Cribs. This is filmed in the same way as MTV Cribs, but with more style instead of obnoxiousness.

http://techcrunch.com/tag/tc-cribs/