Kotick comments on the Infinity Ward firings

Posted by Herman S. Lilleng On May - 7 - 2010

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, used a financial conference call today to discuss the firing of Jason West and Vincent Zampella, saying he had no choice but to fire them.

“The decision to remove the Infinity ward executives was not taken lightly, and was not done to deprive them of their bonuses,” quotes Eurogamer. He goes on to say that he saw no other solution but to fire them: “Once you begin to understand what has occured, there was no grey area. There was no way to retain their services, as talented as they might have been.

Kotick also mentions that he considered West & Zampella friends, and that their behavior was a betrayal of that friendship, and that he is upset about the all the people that have left Infinity Ward so far, but that he still has confidence in the remaining team, and the unannounced project they are working on. (My expert opinion: It will have either “Call”, “Duty” or both in the title.)

According to Cynical Smirk’s updated list, 39 out of 101 employees have left or been fired from Infinity Ward so far, and more are expected.

StarCraft 2 release date confirmed for July 27

Posted by Herman S. Lilleng On May - 3 - 2010

StarCraft 2 release date confirmed for July 27

Blizzard have just dated their highly anticipated RTS, aiming for a summer release. Starcraft II: The Wings of Liberty will be released to the masses at July 27th. Blizzard is notorious for pushing releases back again and again until it’s completely polished, but they don’t often shy away once they have nailed a date down like this.

This is significantly ahead of the of the usual wave of releases that occurrs later in the year, and with good reason. StarCraft II is a release that’s banking almost 100% on the “hardcore” crowd, and much less on Best Buy customers needing a Christmas gift for their teenage son.

The “Wings of Liberty” subtitle means that this release has the Terran campaign, with campaigns for the other two races to come at an unknown later date, but I would estimate we wont see the next one for at least 2011. Don’t worry though, there is still a complete multiplayer component with all three races.

I have posted up my first impression of the multiplayer beta, and will continue to do so until the game comes out, and maybe even after.

Catch the press release after the cut.

Read the rest of this entry »

Blizzard previews WoW’s Icecrown Citadel

Posted by Michael O'Connor On September - 30 - 2009

Blizzard has just released comprehensive details for the raid dungeon that will feature in World of Warcraft’s 3.3 content patch, Icecrown Citadel, which will see adventurers finally take the fight to the Lich King himself!

Check out the screenshots and full details below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Guitar Hero: Greatest Hits Review (Multi)

Posted by Alex Donaldson On July - 1 - 2009

I remember quite vividly when Guitar Hero first burst onto the scenes here in the UK. I’d never seen it before, and it was launching here sometime after it had already become hugely popular in the US – so I’d heard all about it on gaming message boards, with the US hardcore raving about the new, revolutionary rhythm game.

At first I found it fiendishly difficult, but after some time I’d worked my way up to hard and then even expert – and I was having amazing fun. I was in love from there, and I’ve been with the rhythm genre for many years since.

In recent years my allegiance has switched to EA, MTV and Harmonix’s Rock Band franchise – but perhaps a collection of the tracks I love most from the first three Guitar Hero titles is enough to draw me back?

Read the rest of this entry »

MW2 is “best fucking experience” according to Infinity Ward

Posted by Jens Erik Vaaler On June - 17 - 2009

Modern Warfare 2 is shaping up to be both bigger and longer than its predecessor, Call of Duty 4. Though all Infinity Ward cares about is making the game the best game ever.

“It’s really hard to say, because it’s not done yet, it’s not balanced yet,” Infinity Ward’s Mark Rubin said at E3.

“We don’t go into it saying we need to build a 20-hour experience or a ten-hours experience. We say, ‘What’s the best fucking experience we can possibly deliver?’

Rubin added that the game’s levels will be “bigger”, but if that has to do with length of play of map size remains to be seen.

No matter how big it ends up actually being, it’ll still sell like proverbial hotcakes.

Guitar Hero 5 dated

Posted by Jens Erik Vaaler On May - 28 - 2009

Activision has just dated the release of Guitar Hero 5 for September 1. This happened through the game’s official site.

This release date puts GH5 head-to-head with Harmonix’ The Beatles: Rock Band, which is being released on September 9. What will you drop your money on?

Read the rest of this entry »

Valve sue Activision. Activision sue Valve. Big mess ensues!

Posted by Michael O'Connor On May - 1 - 2009

This one is messy. Apparently, Valve recently filed a suit against Activision Blizzard, claiming it has failed to cut a check for $2,391,932 in unpaid royalties.

An agreement was reached by the two companies April 6 regarding the original dispute, and while the amount given was less than what Valve felt was due, both companies agreed to the final figure.

Activision now claims that Valve was overpaid $424,136 by the company over the years, and cut the firm a check for $1,967,796 instead of the amount agreed upon.

Valve claims that since the firm failed to bring this information up, Activision is now in direct violation of the legal order and are taking them back to court. And now, Activision has refused to pay the extra amount and said that if brought back into court, it will countersue.

Read the rest on GamePolitics, and let us know then the headaches start incoming from trying to wrap your head around this industry politics.

WoW patch 3.1 goes live; patch notes

Posted by Michael O'Connor On April - 14 - 2009

Here it is people, the hotly anticipated World of Warcraft 3.1 patch has finally gone live after months of testing! With it comes numerous content additions, including Dual Specs, the new Ulduar raid, and Argent Tournament, and the usually spread of class changes that come with every major patch.

Check out the trailer below to catch up on the story so far in the World of Warcraft, then hit the Read More link for the official patch notes. Warning, they’re long!

Read the rest of this entry »

BigRedKitty leaving the WoW blog scene

Posted by Michael O'Connor On March - 30 - 2009

BigRedKitty quits the WoW blogosphere

Esteemed World of Warcraft blogger Daniel “BigRedKitty” Howell announced on his blog today his intentions to finally break away from World of Warcraft. He is taking time away from the game and his famous blog to, in his own words “rededicate [himself] to [his] family.”

As a World of Warcraft fan who also played Dan’s favourite class, the Hunter, I wish him the best for the future. His contribution to the game and the fans over the years has been the stuff of geeky legends, and his humorous and unique presentation style was truly distinctive.

Exploring the many corners of Azeroth is an experience that over 12 million of us find engrossing and entertaining. It’s a game so vast in its popularity and reach that it’s become a culture of its own.

But Dan’s words are honest ones that everyone should consider; if that balance of responsible and fun (and this goes for more than just WoW) ever gets thrown off balance, it’s time to take a step back and focus on the things that matter.

Good luck BRK.

Shock: Activison says Modern Warfare 2 ‘looks incredible’

Posted by Gareth Chadwick On March - 12 - 2009

As completely unexpected as it is that an important company employee would say that their own game is looking good, Thomas Tippl, CFO of Activision, has gone and done it anyway. He says that the sequel to the painfully good and popular Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ‘looks incredible’.

Speaking at the Wedbush Morgan Securities annual meeting, he said “Last year we had probably beaten most expert expectations by growing the Call of Duty franchise over the tremendous success that was the first iteration of Modern Warfare,”

“For 2009, Modern Warfare is coming back, we expect it will be the most anticipated game of the year. Perhaps the number one game of the year despite the fact that it’s only going to launch in the holiday season.

“There is no doubt in my mind that it will again raise the bar for the shooter genre.The game is looking incredible and Infinity Ward, the studio that is developing it, is just doing an unbelievable job.”

There you have it, the Activision employee, who we assume is totally ctrustworthy, says that Modern Warfare looks incredible. Go figure.

Kotick: Get hardware below $199

Posted by Michael O'Connor On March - 10 - 2009

Talking to Reuters recently, Activision boss Bobby Kotick discussed his belief that that the global economic situations means that console-maker need to get their prices down if they want to see stronger hardware sales.

“The price on platforms today has still not gotten down to mass-market price points and I think when you’re in the economic circumstances that the world has found itself in, there really is a difference between a $199 game system and a $299 game system,” he said.

“We’re just scratching the surface of opportunity as a publisher in Europe. There’s a lot more that we can do,” he said.

A valid point? Most definitely. Cheaper prices can only push more units. Ac

WoW and other MMOs banned from sale in Australia

Posted by Michael O'Connor On February - 5 - 2009

World of Warcraft and other MMOs banned in Australia

Recent decisions by the Australian classification boards has degreed that, until they receive an age rating from the board itself, the majority of MMOs available to buy in the country can’t be legally sold.

Up until now, MMO were exempt from requiring a legal age rating due to their lack of single-player content, but the law has since changed to include multilayer only titles.

Read the rest of this entry »

DJ Hero confirmed

Posted by Kelsey Vavasour On February - 1 - 2009

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard has confirmed their latest rhythm game in development.
Called DJ Hero, it will ship with a plastic deck, and is due for release later this year.

“We have this product called DJ Hero coming out later this year, which is a turntable that you actually can play competitively and spin discs and mix songs,” said Kotick in this video.

Nothing was said about formats, but we’ll keep you posted.

World of Warcraft 3.0.8 patch notes

Posted by Michael O'Connor On January - 20 - 2009

The World of Warcraft 3.0.8 patch went live today; the first major game patch since Wrath of the Lich King back in November. The main focus of the patch is class balancing (read: nerfing) and major bug fixes.

You’ll have to wait until 3.1 if you want the good stuff.

If you enjoy reading pages and pages of WoW lingo, or love analysing every single change in the game, hit the jump for the full list of patch notes.

Read the rest of this entry »

WoW reaches 11.5 million subscribers

Posted by Laura Taft On December - 24 - 2008

The worlds most popular MMO, World of Warcraft has now reached a userbase of 11.5 million says Blizzard, sale of the game have been fuelled by the new Wrath of The Lich King release, which shifted over 4million copies in it’s first month.

“We’re pleased to welcome the new and returning players who have helped World of Warcraft reach these new milestones, and we appreciate the enthusiasm and support that the game’s global community has continued to show,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO of Blizzard.

Only two months ago, Blizzard was saying that there was a fanbase of  11 million, 500,000 new people have subscribed.

Soon everyone will be playing the game.

Sponsors

  • alex's beekeeping services 95350 mardi gras float storage facility annabelle fuhrmann laila ali divorce bostitch stapler parts crankshaft splitting plate and splitting cylinder jester bracelet shoals indiana news saftey injuries electric pet friendly lodging ashville north carolina turquoise parakeet scientific name sickle cell anemia and folic acid thunderbolt prek fleming island how versatile is a sew-in weave big train spiced chai 3.5lb bag nonprofits chartered in dc paul esposito abbotsford how was al qaeda started hippocrates regimen i supplier press releases b athens heritage nursing home valenti hanley crooks ky clowns in chicago hotel portobello bach latico doubletake creel bag medium how to patina faux finish millersburg ohio jay mccullouch children's barbers in sw6 vb6 preventing multiple application instances renting powerr tools miike inglis arm fcat daily math problems spontaneous natural conversation ideas kansas city royals aug 2007 schedule vakantie reis lang felicity hong kong belle chasse high respiration artifact breville citrus press claire ogley near 2008 antibodies are created by negotiate learning goals haunted lighthouses around the great lakes aprill aire 2400 ts16949 clause 7.4.1.2 post traumatic stress disorder research georgette bouman compare and contrast essay rubric gamer psychology rules humor waggoner ranch job breathe carolina pictures crosman 2210 co2 .22 onlie games list elevated folic acid orthodontic coloring pages francis coppola claret quattro micro sodium cesium iodide child modeling florida intel r wireless windows xp hatching annual killifish our god saves by paul baloche san felipe church in albuquerque nm webmd office evolution of the homo sapiens low carb almond rosemary green beans reviews 07 altima se brown roux recipe pictures of womb during birth knotts family band willibald sorger font deletion tools gerhardt schermuly where did the fruitcake lady die seaworld promotional code ati dampers for 6.0psd pictures of teacup applehead chihuahua disprin warfarin atrial fibrillation thea schrader wooster scott pictures u niggers white power wikang pilipino mga salitang pabalbal karol from peekshows trace elliot ta 100 catepillar standby whiplash injury settlement pilgrims covenant church site map maguire hopper labelle hotel papal audience tour consequence of ordinary corby callaway chen shin trials 4.00-18 car head restraints laws extended stay hotels macon gerogia area somerset spectator nj where to purchase bobby lyle cds nadine o'flynn commencement requirements carbo electric conshohocken pa clip art astrological sign no trespassing ribbon corrective chiropratic airbus a380 engine zorro character summaries 1990-1993 torch weeders bologna illustrators of childrens books moen disassemble faucet valve body zero emission coal metal chemical detox program celestial navigation bible cumberland maryland ibew companies function kidneys 2010 jelsoft enterprises ltd misfits lyrics hey alberque olympic salinas pr affiliation code of cbse board schools patty bond underneath are phantoms totally exposed 5 mikhail meaning of name vente dvd concorde bordeaux rae thomson maori cara kennedy lung cancer the ruins of castillo in mexico kabbalah and snake taylor mali autobiography procurement exchange barclay spurgeon woolworths first store vw water leak rear mwindows suzy shier shopping public domain bluebonnet photo telephoto lenses for canon s3 is mapa mundial invertido the orgin of shit plans for bagel slicer linda youngs remember wenn stories bluff erosion control repair waupaca riding club riddell plastic football helmets deffinition of last names hanna montana has got nerve enclosed trailer st john two collapsed lungs video firewire output t v schedule clifton collins jr bp plant in beaumont tx sundae parties what are some cures for epilepsy ruth osmond greytown sat subject test results wegner 5000 receiver st emilion cheval noir 2003 fishkill ny obitiuaries honda shop boardman ohio tamales and dozen javier rodriguez minguez 2008 international it expos in barbados florida scholarships mackay convert from milligrams to liters tires pais texas upholstered headboard paatterns bear youth compound bow marseille ajaccio route voile craze guitars northstar express va appeal secrets albert humphries born 11th january 1923 okaloosa county public records criminal ginseng tea recipe bono california saony handycam dcr-hc28 angela kalt afp treaty europe france 2007 mcdonalds wadena mn zarefah bellydance in germany juan riveria tying knots for bracelets reading books aloud online thousand arms the morning of destruction palmer pletch books sattelite radios on sale or rebates scissors sisters appeal ireland linda arv cure pharmaceutical conspiracy pinky dowdle nederland colorado new cars chemotherapy fertility chop transistor temperature afton swenor facebook workgroup disappeared from network lauren wolfe parchment family website django web framework windows cindy patterson barrie substantia nigra corpus striatum agitation irritation mood disorder preakness handicap carrie underwood cowboy casanova music video congress investigate cp disneyland girl allan kolker olive rabies virus in humans epidimiology villanova university home innocent sorrow man prepare concrete floor to stain beading supplies maine siget mision cristiana elim cours de consignation maritime gilbert 25621 manuel cota jr construction debris shredder pro addition and subtraction word problems worksheet henrys great alaskan restaurant anchorage biotin products for fingernails landscaping brothers nursery in quincy illinois felted chairseat pattern flight officer admiral keygen for winzip 11 margaret b williams llc landrum sc 1978 pontiac gran prix qualifications to become pres of usa doughnut jim talib kweli some kind of wonderful webhosting message boards mary did you know medium rang driver updater pro full young rascals spooky mp3 tyvek repair expanded horoscope readings mink aire w3c filename standards crown investments corporations ellipse new cd anabolic steroids synthroid pravachol lotrel rohypnol richest men turn of century list door visors review for honda element jason voorhees dunks for sale emerald empire reading council animenfo com rurouni kenshin reminiscence starwars funny pictures workflow optimization gospel saxaphone lessons wrong perception of men misa camo free retro baby announcement template ministries to street kids buy isopropyl nitrate aaron lewis bong hits crafts itty bitty albums experienced precision machining luca rossi jacket