http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Sat, 10 May 2014 00:55:15 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-playstation-e3-2014-press-conference-dated-for-june-9-6pm/1100-6419546/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2526763" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526763"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Sony has started sending out invites for their press conference today, confirming the date and time as Monday June 9 at 6PM.</p><p style="">If you're planning out your week based on press conference watching, here are the confirmed details we've gotten for the other exhibitors so far:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-s-e3-briefing-takes-place-june-9-what-are-you-hoping-is-announced/1100-6419449/" data-ref-id="1100-6419449">Microsoft: Monday June 9 at 9:30 AM PST</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-dates-its-e3-2014-press-conference-for-june-9/1100-6418911/" data-ref-id="1100-6418911">EA: Monday June 9 at noon PST</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-will-again-forgo-a-traditional-e3-press-conference/1100-6419283/" data-ref-id="1100-6419283">Nintendo Direct: Tuesday June 10 at 9AM PST </a></li></ul><p style="">The only company left who normally presents a press conference is Ubisoft, and we expect confirmation from them soon. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/e3/" data-ref-id="false">E3 officially runs from June 10-12</a>, and we'll be covering the entire conference with in-depth coverage all week.</p><p style="">So, what do you expect to hear and see from Sony this year?</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"> </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 18:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-playstation-e3-2014-press-conference-dated-for-june-9-6pm/1100-6419546/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-top-5-us-terrorises-virtual-denmark-micros/2300-6418727/ Virtual Denmark turns to rubble, the Xbox One could one-up the PS4 without the Kinect, Sony loves indie, and Star Wars: Battlefront is coming to E3! Fri, 09 May 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-top-5-us-terrorises-virtual-denmark-micros/2300-6418727/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-responds-to-criticism-regarding-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life-update/1100-6419530/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526378" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526378"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png"></a></figure><p style=""><br />Nintendo issued the following response to the current issues equality issues surrounding Tomodachi Life:</p><blockquote><p style="">We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in <i>Tomodachi Life</i>. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to change this game's design, and such a significant development change can't be accomplished with a post-ship patch. At Nintendo, dedication has always meant going beyond the games to promote a sense of community, and to share a spirit of fun and joy. We are committed to advancing our longtime company values of fun and entertainment for everyone. We pledge that if we create a next installment in the <i>Tomodachi</i> series, we will strive to design a game-play experience from the ground up that is more inclusive, and better represents all players.</p></blockquote><p style=""><strong><em>The original story appears below. </em></strong></p><p dir="ltr" style="">LGBT advocacy group GLAAD has called out Nintendo for <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-why-it-won-t-allow-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life/1100-6419489/" data-ref-id="1100-6419489">not allowing same-sex relationships</a> in its 3DS game, <a href="/tomodachi-life/" data-ref-id="false">Tomodachi Life</a>. Speaking with <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/08/glaad-to-nintendo-lack-of-gay-characters-in-new-life-sim-is-hurtful-and-behind-the-times/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">VentureBeat</a>, GLAAD's Wilson Cruz criticized Nintendo's stance and said the company should follow other contemporary games in supporting relationships of all kinds.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"In purposefully limiting players' relationship options, Nintendo is not only sending a hurtful message to many of its fans and consumers by excluding them, but also setting itself way behind the times," Cruz said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Nintendo <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-why-it-won-t-allow-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life/1100-6419489/" data-ref-id="1100-6419489">released a statement to the <em>Associated Press</em> this week</a> on the matter, saying it never intended to make any kind of social commentary with Tomodachi Life. The Mario and Zelda company went on to say that Tomodachi Life was designed to be a "whimsical and quirky" game, not a real world simulation.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The issue rose to prominence after a fan launched a social media awareness campaign called <a href="https://twitter.com/Miiquality" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">#Miiquality</a>. Tomodachi Life is one of the most popular 3DS games of all time, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-reach-6-17-million-as-nintendo-reveals-best-selling-games-to-date/1100-6419486/" data-ref-id="1100-6419486">selling 1.85 million units</a>, and it's not even released in the United States yet.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Cruz pointed out that The Sims, one of the first mainstream games to allow same-sex relationships, was released over a decade ago. Many major game franchises have followed suit in supporting same-sex relationships, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Fable. "Nintendo should do the same," Cruz said.</p><p style="">On its <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/nintendo-releases-statement-saying-same-sex-relationship-options-will-not-be-included-tomodachi" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">own blog</a>, GLAAD associate director of entertainment media Matt Kane said: "By listening to its users and providing inclusive relationship options, Nintendo would be taking a positive step forward and invite more players to join in."</p><p style="">For more on Tomodachi Life, be sure to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/if-the-sims-had-a-baby-with-animal-crossing-and-posted-about-it-on-facebook-you-d-have-tomodachi-life/1100-6418903/" data-ref-id="1100-6418903">read GameSpot's interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:55:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-responds-to-criticism-regarding-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life-update/1100-6419530/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-we-d-like-to-see-in-the-next-resident-evil/1100-6419542/ <p style="">Sometimes, it's easier to say what you don't want than what you do want. This is certainly true in the case of Resident Evil 7; what I want, more than anything, is for the next installment to not be like <a href="/resident-evil-6/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil 6</a>.</p><p style="">Resident Evil 6's failings are too numerous to describe here, but Capcom's troubled and expensive sequel was a hodgepodge of modern action game cliches and recurring mechanics that didn't mesh with the game's gameplay styles and level design. If Resident Evil 6 represents what happens when you look to best-selling action games for inspiration, then Resident Evil 7 must emphasize core series values rather than imitating testosterone-fueled power shooters. Capcom hasn't yet painted itself into a corner, and the best means of removing the bad taste Resident Evil 6 left behind is to find new ways to keep us on the edges of our seats.</p><h3>Learning from the Past</h3><p style="">That doesn't mean, however, that Capcom should ignore the elements that made <a href="/resident-evil/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil</a> so beloved and gave it its unique identity. Resident Evil was scary, in part because it cultivated tension and capitalized on the fear of the unknown. Those zombie dogs weren't upsetting just because they were zombie dogs, but because you didn't expect an attack. They crashed through the glass and you shot or you ran; perhaps you got away, or perhaps a dog bit into your arm and you struggled to break free. It's an iconic moment, but it's one that the series has returned to time and time again, making zombie dogs an assumption rather than a fright. Resident Evil can look to the past, but the right way to do so isn't to repeat specific moments or copy exact gameplay systems, but to recapture the fear and uncertainty that made it a survival horror success.</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526568" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526568"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg"></a><figcaption>This diner has an unusual menu.</figcaption></figure><p style="">This is especially vital given the genre's recent resurgence. <a href="/slender-the-arrival/" data-ref-id="false">Slender: The Arrival </a>is incredibly simple yet incredibly effective at eliciting screams, and simplicity is a defining feature in both <a href="/outlast/" data-ref-id="false">Outlast</a> and <a href="/amnesia-the-dark-descent/" data-ref-id="false">Amnesia</a>, because those games understand that what happens in the player's head is more powerful than a screen full of zombies. Capcom must learn once again how to plant the seeds of distrust and dread, and that means an eerie setting, unfamiliar enemies, and vulnerable characters. I predict, however, that Jake will take a prominent role once again in Resident Evil 7. If so, Resident Evil will likely continue its focus on guns over exploration.</p><p style="">If I had my way, however, guns would become less vital, exploration and puzzles would gain prominence, and I would be--alone. That might seem unlikely given <a href="/resident-evil-5/" data-ref-id="false">RE5</a> and RE6's focus on cooperative play, but being lost and deserted is a naturally tense and harrowing state of being. Drop me in a place like Resident Evil's Spencer Mansion, all Gothic lighting and carpeted staircases, and force me to escape. Don't make me the hunter--make me the hunted. Keep an unseen main nemesis mysterious and larger than life. Make me hide from my pursuers and fear getting caught by making every encounter an event. The recent <a href="/daylight/" data-ref-id="false">Daylight</a> may not have been a good game, but its core idea--randomized levels and scares--could keep anxiety levels high were the next Resident Evil to implement them properly. In fact, the randomness could be a plot point: just how does this place keep changing? Am I losing my mind?</p><h3>Throwing the Baby out with the Bathwater</h3><p style="">Quick: name all the viruses that have appeared in Resident Evil games! Let's see. There are t, and C, and G, and t+G, and t-Veronica, and t-Abyss, and Uroboros, and… well, there are others. There are TRICELL, and Umbrella Corporation, the Edonian Liberation Army, and Los Iluminados, and a bunch of other organizations. Primary characters include Chris, Jill, Leon, Claire, Wesker, Ashley, Jake, Sherry, Ada, Rebecca, Jack, Barry, Billy, Sheva, Carlos, Jessica, Piers, and about one zillion other people. In its current state, Resident Evil is a narrative mess, and there is little hope that the mainstream games will bring closure to most of these stories, leaving spinoffs, novels, and other media to fill in the gaps.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6348900" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6348900/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p style="">Again, simplicity is key. Resident Evil 6 didn't just tell one story, but four of them, and while they intertwined in some great ways, they gave rise to muddled gameplay and convoluted plotting. Let's instead see one character or a small group of characters come to terms with a singular horror. The series' Japanese title is "Biohazard," and there's no reason Resident Evil 7 must abandon its viral theme, or disconnect itself entirely from the universe it has built. But a standalone story with tenuous ties to other plots would allow Capcom to exercise some imagination without being bound by the shackles of their own tortuous backstory.</p><p style="">One newer element the series shouldn't abandon is its over-the-shoulder camera and deliberate shooting model. If the series wants to go full-on shooter once and for all, there are ways to do that and still keep tension levels high, but given the disappointment of <a href="/resident-evil-operation-raccoon-city/" data-ref-id="false">Operation: Raccoon City</a>, I am not sure I'm willing to trust that Capcom knows what to do with that possibility. And while many fans long for the old camera views, I support the scheme introduced by <a href="/resident-evil-4/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil 4</a>, which allowed me to view the world through Leon's point of view while still fearing my attackers.</p><h3>Promises, Promises</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526572" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526572"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg"></a><figcaption>It's hard to feel in danger when you have biceps the size of sledgehammers.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Capcom <a href="http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/capcom-resident-evil-6-felt-bloated-resident-evil-7-will-return-to-survival-horror-roots/0120229" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">has said</a> that it intends to return the series to its survival-horror roots, though in the same interview, Capcom's former senior vice president also stated that "The Last of Us shows a good direction of what the consumers want. Tomb Raider as well, we spoke to R&D and they looked at that and they enjoyed that experience." Of course, neither <a href="/the-last-of-us/" data-ref-id="false">The Last of Us</a> nor <a href="/tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Tomb Raider</a> greatly resemble early Resident Evil games, though to be fair, The Last of Us was often pretty darn scary, so only time can tell if the talents behind the series are looking to the proper places for motivation.</p><p style="">Of course, the armchair game developers in all of us have their own ideas of what Resident Evil should be. What do you want from Resident Evil 7? Tell us in the comments section below.</p> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:50:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-we-d-like-to-see-in-the-next-resident-evil/1100-6419542/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-games-friday-for-may-9-2014/1100-6419534/ <p style="">We're back with another edition of Free Games Friday, our weekly show that looks at the free games and demos that we think you should try. This week, we tell you about the beta for a much-anticipated MMO, go retro with three classic games that have just become free, and check out the latest update for a superhero fighting game. And as always, we've got stuff to give away! Check out the video for more details, and then scroll down for more links.</p><p style=""> </p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418741" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418741/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">Check out the links below to find all of the games mentioned in our show.</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Wildstar</a></p><p style=""><a href="https://us.battle.net/account/download/?show=classic" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Blizzard's free games: Blackthorne, The Lost Vikings, and Rock N' Roll Racing</a></p><p style=""><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/injustice-gods-among-us/id575658129?mt=8" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Injustice: Gods Among Us for iOS</a></p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/smitegiveaway/" data-ref-id="false">Smite giveaway!</a></p> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-games-friday-for-may-9-2014/1100-6419534/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-secret-blizzard-project-to-be-revealed-in-2014-according-to-resume/1100-6419543/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526576" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526576"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Blizzard's year might already be a busy one between the launches of <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Hearthstone</a> and expansion packs for <a href="/diablo-iii/" data-ref-id="false">Diablo III</a> (in March) and <a href="/world-of-warcraft/" data-ref-id="false">World of Warcraft</a> (later this year), but it has plans for even more, as an employee's resume indicates a new project will be announced sometime in 2014.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As reported on <a href="http://kotaku.com/whats-up-with-blizzards-project-titan-1570298007" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a> by Internet sleuth Superannuation, the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/alan-precourt/79/972/995" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">LinkedIn profile</a> for a senior artist at Blizzard mentions he is at work on "a top-secret project to be unveiled sometime in 2014."</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526581" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526581"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png"></a><figcaption>Click to see a full-size version.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Calling it a 'top-secret project' would suggest this has nothing to do with any of the games Blizzard has announced, like <a href="/starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void/" data-ref-id="false">StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void</a>, <a href="/heroes-of-the-storm/" data-ref-id="false">Heroes of the Storm</a>, <a href="/world-of-warcraft-warlords-of-draenor/" data-ref-id="false">World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor</a>, or the next-gen-console <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-in-development-for-xbox-one-but-blizzard-not-sure-if-it-will-ever-launch/1100-6418494/" data-ref-id="1100-6418494">versions of Diablo III</a>. It's possible that this is another expansion for Diablo III--Reaper of Souls <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-reaper-of-souls-sells-2-7m-in-one-week-that-s-about-a-fifth-of-all-d3-owners/1100-6418745/" data-ref-id="1100-6418745">sold 2.7 million copies</a> in one week, so clearly there is interest in more content for the game (particularly with the much-maligned <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-reaper-of-souls-how-blizzard-is-attempting-to-fix-its-most-controversial-game/1100-6418501/" data-ref-id="1100-6418501">auction house removed</a>).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Superannuation suggests the possibility of hearing something about Titan, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-confirms-next-gen-mmog-called-titan/1100-6285568/" data-ref-id="1100-6285568">"next-gen" MMO</a> Blizzard has been working on for the better part of a decade. That project has, according to <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/08/blizzards-titan-now-pretty-different-from-its-original-plan" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">statements made</a> by Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime, evolved from what the developer originally envisioned it as, and Superannuation brings up the possibility that the game may no longer even be an MMO.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">When <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-avoids-talk-of-titan-mmo-but-remains-open-to-new-ip/1100-6416075/" data-ref-id="1100-6416075">asked by GameSpot about Titan</a> last year, Blizzard COO Paul Sams said, "We really aren't talking about that product right now." What he was willing to talk a little about was his enthusiasm at the prospect of developing a new IP, which has to be considered as another possibility for this 2014 secret unveiling.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"I think it's difficult to launch a new franchise. I think it's risky to launch a new franchise, but that has never been the reason to deter us." Sams said. "It's always been about doing the game we think we want to play next. What is the best franchise for that? Is it an existing franchise or is it one we should create? I think we have no concern and no hesitancy about building a new franchise if we think we have the right ideas and the right game to pair it with. Hopefully we'll have some of those things to talk about in the future."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Whatever Blizzard is allegedly revealing, BlizzCon 2014 would be the most likely place for it to make an announcement. This year's conference is scheduled to take place <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzcon-2014-dated-for-november-7-8-get-your-tickets-next-month-for-200/1100-6419139/" data-ref-id="1100-6419139">November 7-8 in Anaheim</a>. The first batch of tickets went on sale earlier this week, with another set to be <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/blizzcon-november-7-8-2014-tickets-10559318205" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">made available</a> tomorrow, May 10, at 10 a.m. Pacific.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 13:31:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-secret-blizzard-project-to-be-revealed-in-2014-according-to-resume/1100-6419543/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/cod-advanced-warfare-trailer-analysis/2300-6418748/ Did a lot of those scenes in the Advanced Warfare trailer look familiar? Chris Watters breaks down the many games that have influenced the latest Call of Duty. Fri, 09 May 2014 13:26:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/cod-advanced-warfare-trailer-analysis/2300-6418748/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-point-house-of-cods/2300-6418746/ A new Call of Duty has been announced, so Danny and Rob put on their best suits to investigate the facts. Also Danny eats ribs. Fri, 09 May 2014 12:34:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-point-house-of-cods/2300-6418746/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-s-developer-clarifies-statement-won-t-shut-down-in-10-years/1100-6419540/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526503" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526503"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png"></a><figcaption>Screenshot courtesy of deviantART</figcaption></figure><p style="">Despite what has been suggested to the contrary, <a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> developer Mojang doesn't plan on shutting down 10 years from now. In fact, it's actively working to ensure that doesn't happen regardless of its situation at that point, according to owner Markus "Notch" Persson.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Persson talked about his 10-year plan for the developer in a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/molyneux-minecraft-broke-traditional-game-design-rules-and-that-s-why-it-s-so-great/1100-6419491/" data-ref-id="1100-6419491">recent interview</a>, which has since been taken to mean that the studio will only exist for another decade. In a series of <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590038513500161" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweets</a>, Persson clarified what he meant, saying, "I meant we're saving money so that from the day we don't make a profit, we'll survive another ten years."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The following <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590256680210432" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> stated, "And I don't see how we'd stop making money any time soon at the rate things are going." Indeed, particularly for its size--Mojang has less than 50 employees--the developer has been remarkably profitable thanks to the overwhelming success of Minecraft. Just last year, the studio brought in $326 million in revenue, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-maker-mojang-made-a-whopping-326m-last-year/1100-6418397/" data-ref-id="1100-6418397">$128 million of which was profit</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A final <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590670435721217" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> on the subject summed the matter up: "So basically, we've got money saved to have ten more years to come up with a new project, without making a single cent in that time."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Minecraft has sold remarkably well on a number of platforms; it recently crossed the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-pc-sells-15-million-copies-notch-celebrates-with-a-can-of-red-bull/1100-6419294/" data-ref-id="1100-6419294">15 million mark</a> on PC and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-xbox-360-sells-12-million-copies-dev-says-it-would-have-been-happy-to-sell-1-million/1100-6418779/" data-ref-id="1100-6418779">12 million mark</a> on the Xbox 360. It's also sold more than <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/think-the-minecraft-craze-is-cooling-off-think-again/1100-6418880/" data-ref-id="1100-6418880">21 million copies</a> on iOS and Android, over 1 million on the PlayStation 3 (in <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-sold-1-million-copies-on-ps3/1100-6417335/" data-ref-id="1100-6417335">its first month alone</a>), and still has three platforms it's scheduled to hit this year: the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-boss-promises-new-ip-and-sequel-announcements-at-e3/1100-6419419/" data-ref-id="1100-6419419">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-ps4-and-vita-expected-by-september/1100-6419199/" data-ref-id="1100-6419199">PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Mojang isn't a Minecraft-only studio, though--it's currently working on card game <a href="/scrolls/" data-ref-id="false">Scrolls</a> and is publishing third-party action game <a href="/cobalt/" data-ref-id="false">Cobalt</a>. Previously, it was at work on a futuristic sandbox game called <a href="/0x10c/" data-ref-id="false">0x10c</a> which has since been put on hold.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 12:04:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-s-developer-clarifies-statement-won-t-shut-down-in-10-years/1100-6419540/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-free-to-play-is-the-most-powerful-form-of-democracy-in-gaming/1100-6419541/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2502918" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2502918"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">The free-to-play business model is one of the best examples of democracy in gaming because if players don't like what they're getting, they'll walk away, never spending a dime. That's according to Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley, who gave us his thoughts about the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-do-some-people-say-they-hate-free-to-play-so-much/1100-6419296/" data-ref-id="1100-6419296">controversial business model</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We believe very strongly in this idea that if you open it up so that anybody can play it, it is the most powerful form of democracy in gaming that there is," Smedley told GameSpot about the free-to-play business model. "Because they can vote with their feet and they don't have to pay us a dime. So it really keeps you on top of your game."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Though platform holders like Microsoft and Sony do offer some free-to-play games on their consoles, the PC and mobile markets undoubtedly host more free-to-play games. Why hasn't free-to-play become more commonplace on consoles? "I don't quite know the answer to that. And I hope it takes them a really long time to figure out," Smedley joked.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While some in the industry have <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gaming-s-future-is-free-to-play-and-microtransactions-says-candy-crush-dev/1100-6419009/" data-ref-id="1100-6419009">suggested that the free-to-play model will one day take over traditional business models</a>, Smedley isn't in that camp. "The reason that I don't think that's going to be the case is because you're seeing games evolve very strongly into a games as a service model. "</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Games as a service is the phrase used to describe the way in which many games today, even traditional $60 disc-based games, live on well beyond their initial release dates through digital expansions. For instance, Electronic Arts is still releasing new content for <a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a> (released in November 2013), and Rockstar Games <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-s-online-mode-is-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-take-two-says-about-its-monetary-opportunity/1100-6418882/" data-ref-id="1100-6418882">isn't anywhere near finished</a> supporting <a href="/grand-theft-auto-v/" data-ref-id="false">Grand Theft Auto V</a>, which was released in September 2013.</p><p style="">"I think it's just going to be all about taking time to see the market develop. I don't think [free-to-play] will ever completely replace it at all," Smedley said.</p><p style="">Sony has a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/love-it-or-hate-it-playstation-s-free-to-play-business-is-booming/1100-6418437/" data-ref-id="1100-6418437">significant free-to-play game portfolio</a> for PC and PlayStation consoles, the most recent of which is <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-wants-its-pc-zombie-game-h1z1-to-scare-you-teases-ps4-plans/1100-6419393/" data-ref-id="1100-6419393">open-world zombie game H1Z1</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 12:02:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-free-to-play-is-the-most-powerful-form-of-democracy-in-gaming/1100-6419541/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/descent-gameplay/2300-6418744/ Gameplay from Descent, the classic corridor-crawling pilot shooter. Fri, 09 May 2014 11:48:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/descent-gameplay/2300-6418744/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/smite-giveaway-wildstar-injustice-gods-among-us-an/2300-6418741/ This week we give away SMITE codes, talk about WildStar, Injustice: Gods Among Us and Blizzard freebies including The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne and Rock N' Roll Racing. Fri, 09 May 2014 11:43:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/smite-giveaway-wildstar-injustice-gods-among-us-an/2300-6418741/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-for-ps4-xbox-one-sales-are-favorable/1100-6419539/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2031507" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2031507"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ahead of its annual sales report next week, Square Enix <a href="http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/140509.pdf" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">announced today </a>that it has raised its financial targets, thanks in part to "favorable" sales of the <a href="/tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition</a> for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The company previously expected to net ¥3.5 billion ($34.4 million) in profit for the year, but now it forecasts net income to come in at a much healthier ¥6.6 billion ($64.8 million). Square Enix also raised overall sales expectations from ¥140 billion - ¥150 billion ($1.4 billion - $1.47 billion) to ¥155 billion ($1.5 billion).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">What's giving Square Enix confidence that it will perform substantially better than expected? The company said <a href="/videos/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-video-review/2300-6414801/" data-ref-id="2300-6414801">Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn</a> sales were "strong," while smartphone game Dragon Quest Monsters Super Light made an "encouraging start."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">On top of that, Square Enix pointed out that <a href="/reviews/final-fantasy-x-x-2-hd-remaster-review/1900-6415711/" data-ref-id="1900-6415711">Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster</a> and the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition each recorded "favorable sales." In addition, the publisher said it enacted "cost reduction efforts" across the entire company. Finally, Square Enix said its improved sales and profit forecast is attributable to foreign exchange gains from the weaker yen.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 11:13:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-for-ps4-xbox-one-sales-are-favorable/1100-6419539/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-could-show-up-on-house-of-cards/1100-6419538/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526465" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526465"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png"></a></figure><p style="">Frank Underwood, the politician played by Kevin Spacey on the Netflix series <em>House of Cards</em>, has an enthusiasm for gaming, playing on his PlayStation 3 and expressing interest in buying a PlayStation Vita during the show's first season. As soon as he was announced as the star of <a href="/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare/" data-ref-id="false">Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare</a>, jokes were made about Underwood playing Advanced Warfare on the show--a prospect that developer Sledgehammer Games hopes to actually make happen.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/05/09/sledgehammer-wants-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-in-house-of-cards.aspx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Game Informer</a>, Sledgehammer co-founder Michael Condrey said he's already pursued the idea of getting the game on the upcoming season of <em>House of Cards</em>. "I exchanged an email with his [producing partner Dana Brunetti] this week, saying, 'Hey, what would it take to have Frank Underwood playing Advanced Warfare in season three of <em>House of Cards</em>?'" he said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">According to Condrey, the reaction was positive. "They're like, 'Wow, that's awesome.' And we're like, 'That's awesome!' Because imagine bringing fans full circle there to see that," he said. "I mean how awesome would that be? Wouldn't it just be the craziest thing ever just to go like, 'Hollywood meets Silicon Valley meets Hollywood.' If we can pull that off."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sledgehammer's other co-founder, Glen Schofield, mentioned the possibility of Spacey's character in Advanced Warfare mentioning the name of the show, although it's unclear if he was serious about that. He added that Spacey himself--who has served as an executive producer on <em>House of Cards</em>--had mentioned the possibility of playing the game on the show, saying, "I guess I'm going to have to play this game on <em>House of Cards</em>."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Advanced Warfare was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/update-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer-officially-released/1100-6419370/" data-ref-id="1100-6419370">announced last week</a> and is being developed by Sledgehammer for release this November on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. (A different studio is handling the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.) The story centers around the role of private military corporations in the year 2054, with Spacey playing the role of Jonathon Irons, the CEO of a PMC called Atlas Corporation.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">For more on Advanced Warfare, check out our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-everything-we-know-so-far/1100-6419460/" data-ref-id="1100-6419460">recap of everything we know so far</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com<br /></strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 10:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-could-show-up-on-house-of-cards/1100-6419538/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-has-microtransactions-and-here-s-how-they-work/1100-6419537/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2039889" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2039889"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Upcoming PlayStation 4 racing game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/driveclub/" data-ref-id="false">Driveclub </a>will let you pay real money to unlock cars early, it has been revealed. It's par for the course for Sony racing games (and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/forza-5-dev-defends-microtransactions/1100-6416688/" data-ref-id="1100-6416688">Microsoft's for that matter</a>), as <a href="/gran-turismo-6/" data-ref-id="false">Gran Turismo 6</a> for PlayStation 3 also features microtransactions.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/09/driveclubs-microtransactions-detailed-countries-revealed" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">IGN</a>, Driveclub game director Paul Rustchynsky acknowledged that microtransactions are a hot-button issue for gamers, but stressed that the way in which such mini-payments are implemented in Driveclub should not affect the overall game balance.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's been a hot topic of late inside gaming, and we've been very keen to take on board the feedback from gamers and make sure we don't upset anyone," Rustychynsky said. "So, in Driveclub, what we've done is make sure that the progression system is really straightforward, really simple, and gives you access to a lot of content really quickly."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"In Driveclub you earn Fame, and as you earn Fame, you level up. Every time you level up, we give you another car. There's no double gating or anything along those lines, you're given the car straight away without having to do anything else," he added. "The only thing we do have is a couple of shortcuts."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"If you want to unlock a car immediately, you can pay to unlock that car straight away but it's not a consumable microtransaction. We don't let people buy Fame, for example and spend lots and lots. The idea is if you want to shortcut things you can do--it's identical to what we did in <a href="/motorstorm-rc/" data-ref-id="false">Motorstorm RC</a>. So if you played that, you know what we're doing here."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Of course, these microtransactions are <em>entirely optional</em>. For Gran Turismo 6, microtransactions are an<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-boss-defends-microtransactions/1100-6416554/" data-ref-id="1100-6416554"> alternate path for busy people</a>, according to Sony. It sounds like their purpose is similar for Driveclub. </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Driveclub launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-exclusive-racer-driveclub-delayed-again-but-gets-a-new-director/1100-6419279/">October 7 </a>only on PS4. Just today, Sony announced that it had <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reverses-controversial-ps4-driveclub-upgrade-deal/1100-6419526/" data-ref-id="1100-6419526">reversed its controversial upgrade deal</a> for the PlayStation Plus version of the game. For more, be sure to read <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/driveclub/">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>, including our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-is-super-accessible-but-also-deep/1100-6419299/" data-ref-id="1100-6419299">interview with Rustchynsky</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 10:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-has-microtransactions-and-here-s-how-they-work/1100-6419537/
http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Sat, 10 May 2014 00:55:15 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-playstation-e3-2014-press-conference-dated-for-june-9-6pm/1100-6419546/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2526763" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526763"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/1534/15343359/2526763-7591730257-22362.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Sony has started sending out invites for their press conference today, confirming the date and time as Monday June 9 at 6PM.</p><p style="">If you're planning out your week based on press conference watching, here are the confirmed details we've gotten for the other exhibitors so far:</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-s-e3-briefing-takes-place-june-9-what-are-you-hoping-is-announced/1100-6419449/" data-ref-id="1100-6419449">Microsoft: Monday June 9 at 9:30 AM PST</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-dates-its-e3-2014-press-conference-for-june-9/1100-6418911/" data-ref-id="1100-6418911">EA: Monday June 9 at noon PST</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-will-again-forgo-a-traditional-e3-press-conference/1100-6419283/" data-ref-id="1100-6419283">Nintendo Direct: Tuesday June 10 at 9AM PST </a></li></ul><p style="">The only company left who normally presents a press conference is Ubisoft, and we expect confirmation from them soon. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/e3/" data-ref-id="false">E3 officially runs from June 10-12</a>, and we'll be covering the entire conference with in-depth coverage all week.</p><p style="">So, what do you expect to hear and see from Sony this year?</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"> </th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 18:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-playstation-e3-2014-press-conference-dated-for-june-9-6pm/1100-6419546/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-top-5-us-terrorises-virtual-denmark-micros/2300-6418727/ Virtual Denmark turns to rubble, the Xbox One could one-up the PS4 without the Kinect, Sony loves indie, and Star Wars: Battlefront is coming to E3! Fri, 09 May 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-top-5-us-terrorises-virtual-denmark-micros/2300-6418727/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-responds-to-criticism-regarding-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life-update/1100-6419530/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526378" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526378"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1179/11799911/2526378-miiquality.png"></a></figure><p style=""><br />Nintendo issued the following response to the current issues equality issues surrounding Tomodachi Life:</p><blockquote><p style="">We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in <i>Tomodachi Life</i>. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to change this game's design, and such a significant development change can't be accomplished with a post-ship patch. At Nintendo, dedication has always meant going beyond the games to promote a sense of community, and to share a spirit of fun and joy. We are committed to advancing our longtime company values of fun and entertainment for everyone. We pledge that if we create a next installment in the <i>Tomodachi</i> series, we will strive to design a game-play experience from the ground up that is more inclusive, and better represents all players.</p></blockquote><p style=""><strong><em>The original story appears below. </em></strong></p><p dir="ltr" style="">LGBT advocacy group GLAAD has called out Nintendo for <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-why-it-won-t-allow-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life/1100-6419489/" data-ref-id="1100-6419489">not allowing same-sex relationships</a> in its 3DS game, <a href="/tomodachi-life/" data-ref-id="false">Tomodachi Life</a>. Speaking with <a href="http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/08/glaad-to-nintendo-lack-of-gay-characters-in-new-life-sim-is-hurtful-and-behind-the-times/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">VentureBeat</a>, GLAAD's Wilson Cruz criticized Nintendo's stance and said the company should follow other contemporary games in supporting relationships of all kinds.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"In purposefully limiting players' relationship options, Nintendo is not only sending a hurtful message to many of its fans and consumers by excluding them, but also setting itself way behind the times," Cruz said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Nintendo <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-explains-why-it-won-t-allow-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life/1100-6419489/" data-ref-id="1100-6419489">released a statement to the <em>Associated Press</em> this week</a> on the matter, saying it never intended to make any kind of social commentary with Tomodachi Life. The Mario and Zelda company went on to say that Tomodachi Life was designed to be a "whimsical and quirky" game, not a real world simulation.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The issue rose to prominence after a fan launched a social media awareness campaign called <a href="https://twitter.com/Miiquality" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">#Miiquality</a>. Tomodachi Life is one of the most popular 3DS games of all time, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-reach-6-17-million-as-nintendo-reveals-best-selling-games-to-date/1100-6419486/" data-ref-id="1100-6419486">selling 1.85 million units</a>, and it's not even released in the United States yet.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Cruz pointed out that The Sims, one of the first mainstream games to allow same-sex relationships, was released over a decade ago. Many major game franchises have followed suit in supporting same-sex relationships, including Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Fable. "Nintendo should do the same," Cruz said.</p><p style="">On its <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/nintendo-releases-statement-saying-same-sex-relationship-options-will-not-be-included-tomodachi" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">own blog</a>, GLAAD associate director of entertainment media Matt Kane said: "By listening to its users and providing inclusive relationship options, Nintendo would be taking a positive step forward and invite more players to join in."</p><p style="">For more on Tomodachi Life, be sure to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/if-the-sims-had-a-baby-with-animal-crossing-and-posted-about-it-on-facebook-you-d-have-tomodachi-life/1100-6418903/" data-ref-id="1100-6418903">read GameSpot's interview with Nintendo's Bill Trinen</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:55:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-responds-to-criticism-regarding-same-sex-relationships-in-tomodachi-life-update/1100-6419530/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-we-d-like-to-see-in-the-next-resident-evil/1100-6419542/ <p style="">Sometimes, it's easier to say what you don't want than what you do want. This is certainly true in the case of Resident Evil 7; what I want, more than anything, is for the next installment to not be like <a href="/resident-evil-6/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil 6</a>.</p><p style="">Resident Evil 6's failings are too numerous to describe here, but Capcom's troubled and expensive sequel was a hodgepodge of modern action game cliches and recurring mechanics that didn't mesh with the game's gameplay styles and level design. If Resident Evil 6 represents what happens when you look to best-selling action games for inspiration, then Resident Evil 7 must emphasize core series values rather than imitating testosterone-fueled power shooters. Capcom hasn't yet painted itself into a corner, and the best means of removing the bad taste Resident Evil 6 left behind is to find new ways to keep us on the edges of our seats.</p><h3>Learning from the Past</h3><p style="">That doesn't mean, however, that Capcom should ignore the elements that made <a href="/resident-evil/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil</a> so beloved and gave it its unique identity. Resident Evil was scary, in part because it cultivated tension and capitalized on the fear of the unknown. Those zombie dogs weren't upsetting just because they were zombie dogs, but because you didn't expect an attack. They crashed through the glass and you shot or you ran; perhaps you got away, or perhaps a dog bit into your arm and you struggled to break free. It's an iconic moment, but it's one that the series has returned to time and time again, making zombie dogs an assumption rather than a fright. Resident Evil can look to the past, but the right way to do so isn't to repeat specific moments or copy exact gameplay systems, but to recapture the fear and uncertainty that made it a survival horror success.</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526568" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526568"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2526568-472797-re3_008_cr.jpg"></a><figcaption>This diner has an unusual menu.</figcaption></figure><p style="">This is especially vital given the genre's recent resurgence. <a href="/slender-the-arrival/" data-ref-id="false">Slender: The Arrival </a>is incredibly simple yet incredibly effective at eliciting screams, and simplicity is a defining feature in both <a href="/outlast/" data-ref-id="false">Outlast</a> and <a href="/amnesia-the-dark-descent/" data-ref-id="false">Amnesia</a>, because those games understand that what happens in the player's head is more powerful than a screen full of zombies. Capcom must learn once again how to plant the seeds of distrust and dread, and that means an eerie setting, unfamiliar enemies, and vulnerable characters. I predict, however, that Jake will take a prominent role once again in Resident Evil 7. If so, Resident Evil will likely continue its focus on guns over exploration.</p><p style="">If I had my way, however, guns would become less vital, exploration and puzzles would gain prominence, and I would be--alone. That might seem unlikely given <a href="/resident-evil-5/" data-ref-id="false">RE5</a> and RE6's focus on cooperative play, but being lost and deserted is a naturally tense and harrowing state of being. Drop me in a place like Resident Evil's Spencer Mansion, all Gothic lighting and carpeted staircases, and force me to escape. Don't make me the hunter--make me the hunted. Keep an unseen main nemesis mysterious and larger than life. Make me hide from my pursuers and fear getting caught by making every encounter an event. The recent <a href="/daylight/" data-ref-id="false">Daylight</a> may not have been a good game, but its core idea--randomized levels and scares--could keep anxiety levels high were the next Resident Evil to implement them properly. In fact, the randomness could be a plot point: just how does this place keep changing? Am I losing my mind?</p><h3>Throwing the Baby out with the Bathwater</h3><p style="">Quick: name all the viruses that have appeared in Resident Evil games! Let's see. There are t, and C, and G, and t+G, and t-Veronica, and t-Abyss, and Uroboros, and… well, there are others. There are TRICELL, and Umbrella Corporation, the Edonian Liberation Army, and Los Iluminados, and a bunch of other organizations. Primary characters include Chris, Jill, Leon, Claire, Wesker, Ashley, Jake, Sherry, Ada, Rebecca, Jack, Barry, Billy, Sheva, Carlos, Jessica, Piers, and about one zillion other people. In its current state, Resident Evil is a narrative mess, and there is little hope that the mainstream games will bring closure to most of these stories, leaving spinoffs, novels, and other media to fill in the gaps.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6348900" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6348900/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p style="">Again, simplicity is key. Resident Evil 6 didn't just tell one story, but four of them, and while they intertwined in some great ways, they gave rise to muddled gameplay and convoluted plotting. Let's instead see one character or a small group of characters come to terms with a singular horror. The series' Japanese title is "Biohazard," and there's no reason Resident Evil 7 must abandon its viral theme, or disconnect itself entirely from the universe it has built. But a standalone story with tenuous ties to other plots would allow Capcom to exercise some imagination without being bound by the shackles of their own tortuous backstory.</p><p style="">One newer element the series shouldn't abandon is its over-the-shoulder camera and deliberate shooting model. If the series wants to go full-on shooter once and for all, there are ways to do that and still keep tension levels high, but given the disappointment of <a href="/resident-evil-operation-raccoon-city/" data-ref-id="false">Operation: Raccoon City</a>, I am not sure I'm willing to trust that Capcom knows what to do with that possibility. And while many fans long for the old camera views, I support the scheme introduced by <a href="/resident-evil-4/" data-ref-id="false">Resident Evil 4</a>, which allowed me to view the world through Leon's point of view while still fearing my attackers.</p><h3>Promises, Promises</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526572" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526572"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2526572-chris.jpg"></a><figcaption>It's hard to feel in danger when you have biceps the size of sledgehammers.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Capcom <a href="http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/capcom-resident-evil-6-felt-bloated-resident-evil-7-will-return-to-survival-horror-roots/0120229" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">has said</a> that it intends to return the series to its survival-horror roots, though in the same interview, Capcom's former senior vice president also stated that "The Last of Us shows a good direction of what the consumers want. Tomb Raider as well, we spoke to R&D and they looked at that and they enjoyed that experience." Of course, neither <a href="/the-last-of-us/" data-ref-id="false">The Last of Us</a> nor <a href="/tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Tomb Raider</a> greatly resemble early Resident Evil games, though to be fair, The Last of Us was often pretty darn scary, so only time can tell if the talents behind the series are looking to the proper places for motivation.</p><p style="">Of course, the armchair game developers in all of us have their own ideas of what Resident Evil should be. What do you want from Resident Evil 7? Tell us in the comments section below.</p> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:50:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-we-d-like-to-see-in-the-next-resident-evil/1100-6419542/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-games-friday-for-may-9-2014/1100-6419534/ <p style="">We're back with another edition of Free Games Friday, our weekly show that looks at the free games and demos that we think you should try. This week, we tell you about the beta for a much-anticipated MMO, go retro with three classic games that have just become free, and check out the latest update for a superhero fighting game. And as always, we've got stuff to give away! Check out the video for more details, and then scroll down for more links.</p><p style=""> </p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418741" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418741/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">Check out the links below to find all of the games mentioned in our show.</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.wildstar-online.com/en/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Wildstar</a></p><p style=""><a href="https://us.battle.net/account/download/?show=classic" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Blizzard's free games: Blackthorne, The Lost Vikings, and Rock N' Roll Racing</a></p><p style=""><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/injustice-gods-among-us/id575658129?mt=8" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Injustice: Gods Among Us for iOS</a></p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/smitegiveaway/" data-ref-id="false">Smite giveaway!</a></p> Fri, 09 May 2014 14:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/free-games-friday-for-may-9-2014/1100-6419534/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-secret-blizzard-project-to-be-revealed-in-2014-according-to-resume/1100-6419543/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526576" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2526576"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526576-blizzcon.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Blizzard's year might already be a busy one between the launches of <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Hearthstone</a> and expansion packs for <a href="/diablo-iii/" data-ref-id="false">Diablo III</a> (in March) and <a href="/world-of-warcraft/" data-ref-id="false">World of Warcraft</a> (later this year), but it has plans for even more, as an employee's resume indicates a new project will be announced sometime in 2014.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As reported on <a href="http://kotaku.com/whats-up-with-blizzards-project-titan-1570298007" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a> by Internet sleuth Superannuation, the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/alan-precourt/79/972/995" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">LinkedIn profile</a> for a senior artist at Blizzard mentions he is at work on "a top-secret project to be unveiled sometime in 2014."</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526581" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526581"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2526581-linkedin.png"></a><figcaption>Click to see a full-size version.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Calling it a 'top-secret project' would suggest this has nothing to do with any of the games Blizzard has announced, like <a href="/starcraft-ii-legacy-of-the-void/" data-ref-id="false">StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void</a>, <a href="/heroes-of-the-storm/" data-ref-id="false">Heroes of the Storm</a>, <a href="/world-of-warcraft-warlords-of-draenor/" data-ref-id="false">World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor</a>, or the next-gen-console <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-in-development-for-xbox-one-but-blizzard-not-sure-if-it-will-ever-launch/1100-6418494/" data-ref-id="1100-6418494">versions of Diablo III</a>. It's possible that this is another expansion for Diablo III--Reaper of Souls <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-reaper-of-souls-sells-2-7m-in-one-week-that-s-about-a-fifth-of-all-d3-owners/1100-6418745/" data-ref-id="1100-6418745">sold 2.7 million copies</a> in one week, so clearly there is interest in more content for the game (particularly with the much-maligned <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-reaper-of-souls-how-blizzard-is-attempting-to-fix-its-most-controversial-game/1100-6418501/" data-ref-id="1100-6418501">auction house removed</a>).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Superannuation suggests the possibility of hearing something about Titan, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-confirms-next-gen-mmog-called-titan/1100-6285568/" data-ref-id="1100-6285568">"next-gen" MMO</a> Blizzard has been working on for the better part of a decade. That project has, according to <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/08/blizzards-titan-now-pretty-different-from-its-original-plan" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">statements made</a> by Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime, evolved from what the developer originally envisioned it as, and Superannuation brings up the possibility that the game may no longer even be an MMO.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">When <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-avoids-talk-of-titan-mmo-but-remains-open-to-new-ip/1100-6416075/" data-ref-id="1100-6416075">asked by GameSpot about Titan</a> last year, Blizzard COO Paul Sams said, "We really aren't talking about that product right now." What he was willing to talk a little about was his enthusiasm at the prospect of developing a new IP, which has to be considered as another possibility for this 2014 secret unveiling.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"I think it's difficult to launch a new franchise. I think it's risky to launch a new franchise, but that has never been the reason to deter us." Sams said. "It's always been about doing the game we think we want to play next. What is the best franchise for that? Is it an existing franchise or is it one we should create? I think we have no concern and no hesitancy about building a new franchise if we think we have the right ideas and the right game to pair it with. Hopefully we'll have some of those things to talk about in the future."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Whatever Blizzard is allegedly revealing, BlizzCon 2014 would be the most likely place for it to make an announcement. This year's conference is scheduled to take place <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzcon-2014-dated-for-november-7-8-get-your-tickets-next-month-for-200/1100-6419139/" data-ref-id="1100-6419139">November 7-8 in Anaheim</a>. The first batch of tickets went on sale earlier this week, with another set to be <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/blizzcon-november-7-8-2014-tickets-10559318205" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">made available</a> tomorrow, May 10, at 10 a.m. Pacific.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 13:31:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-secret-blizzard-project-to-be-revealed-in-2014-according-to-resume/1100-6419543/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/cod-advanced-warfare-trailer-analysis/2300-6418748/ Did a lot of those scenes in the Advanced Warfare trailer look familiar? Chris Watters breaks down the many games that have influenced the latest Call of Duty. Fri, 09 May 2014 13:26:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/cod-advanced-warfare-trailer-analysis/2300-6418748/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-point-house-of-cods/2300-6418746/ A new Call of Duty has been announced, so Danny and Rob put on their best suits to investigate the facts. Also Danny eats ribs. Fri, 09 May 2014 12:34:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-point-house-of-cods/2300-6418746/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-s-developer-clarifies-statement-won-t-shut-down-in-10-years/1100-6419540/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526503" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526503"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526503-minecraft1.png"></a><figcaption>Screenshot courtesy of deviantART</figcaption></figure><p style="">Despite what has been suggested to the contrary, <a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> developer Mojang doesn't plan on shutting down 10 years from now. In fact, it's actively working to ensure that doesn't happen regardless of its situation at that point, according to owner Markus "Notch" Persson.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Persson talked about his 10-year plan for the developer in a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/molyneux-minecraft-broke-traditional-game-design-rules-and-that-s-why-it-s-so-great/1100-6419491/" data-ref-id="1100-6419491">recent interview</a>, which has since been taken to mean that the studio will only exist for another decade. In a series of <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590038513500161" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweets</a>, Persson clarified what he meant, saying, "I meant we're saving money so that from the day we don't make a profit, we'll survive another ten years."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The following <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590256680210432" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> stated, "And I don't see how we'd stop making money any time soon at the rate things are going." Indeed, particularly for its size--Mojang has less than 50 employees--the developer has been remarkably profitable thanks to the overwhelming success of Minecraft. Just last year, the studio brought in $326 million in revenue, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-maker-mojang-made-a-whopping-326m-last-year/1100-6418397/" data-ref-id="1100-6418397">$128 million of which was profit</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A final <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/464590670435721217" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> on the subject summed the matter up: "So basically, we've got money saved to have ten more years to come up with a new project, without making a single cent in that time."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Minecraft has sold remarkably well on a number of platforms; it recently crossed the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-pc-sells-15-million-copies-notch-celebrates-with-a-can-of-red-bull/1100-6419294/" data-ref-id="1100-6419294">15 million mark</a> on PC and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-xbox-360-sells-12-million-copies-dev-says-it-would-have-been-happy-to-sell-1-million/1100-6418779/" data-ref-id="1100-6418779">12 million mark</a> on the Xbox 360. It's also sold more than <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/think-the-minecraft-craze-is-cooling-off-think-again/1100-6418880/" data-ref-id="1100-6418880">21 million copies</a> on iOS and Android, over 1 million on the PlayStation 3 (in <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-sold-1-million-copies-on-ps3/1100-6417335/" data-ref-id="1100-6417335">its first month alone</a>), and still has three platforms it's scheduled to hit this year: the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-boss-promises-new-ip-and-sequel-announcements-at-e3/1100-6419419/" data-ref-id="1100-6419419">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-ps4-and-vita-expected-by-september/1100-6419199/" data-ref-id="1100-6419199">PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Mojang isn't a Minecraft-only studio, though--it's currently working on card game <a href="/scrolls/" data-ref-id="false">Scrolls</a> and is publishing third-party action game <a href="/cobalt/" data-ref-id="false">Cobalt</a>. Previously, it was at work on a futuristic sandbox game called <a href="/0x10c/" data-ref-id="false">0x10c</a> which has since been put on hold.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 12:04:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-s-developer-clarifies-statement-won-t-shut-down-in-10-years/1100-6419540/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-free-to-play-is-the-most-powerful-form-of-democracy-in-gaming/1100-6419541/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2502918" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2502918"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/280/2802776/2502918-14.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">The free-to-play business model is one of the best examples of democracy in gaming because if players don't like what they're getting, they'll walk away, never spending a dime. That's according to Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley, who gave us his thoughts about the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-do-some-people-say-they-hate-free-to-play-so-much/1100-6419296/" data-ref-id="1100-6419296">controversial business model</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We believe very strongly in this idea that if you open it up so that anybody can play it, it is the most powerful form of democracy in gaming that there is," Smedley told GameSpot about the free-to-play business model. "Because they can vote with their feet and they don't have to pay us a dime. So it really keeps you on top of your game."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Though platform holders like Microsoft and Sony do offer some free-to-play games on their consoles, the PC and mobile markets undoubtedly host more free-to-play games. Why hasn't free-to-play become more commonplace on consoles? "I don't quite know the answer to that. And I hope it takes them a really long time to figure out," Smedley joked.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While some in the industry have <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gaming-s-future-is-free-to-play-and-microtransactions-says-candy-crush-dev/1100-6419009/" data-ref-id="1100-6419009">suggested that the free-to-play model will one day take over traditional business models</a>, Smedley isn't in that camp. "The reason that I don't think that's going to be the case is because you're seeing games evolve very strongly into a games as a service model. "</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Games as a service is the phrase used to describe the way in which many games today, even traditional $60 disc-based games, live on well beyond their initial release dates through digital expansions. For instance, Electronic Arts is still releasing new content for <a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a> (released in November 2013), and Rockstar Games <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-s-online-mode-is-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving-take-two-says-about-its-monetary-opportunity/1100-6418882/" data-ref-id="1100-6418882">isn't anywhere near finished</a> supporting <a href="/grand-theft-auto-v/" data-ref-id="false">Grand Theft Auto V</a>, which was released in September 2013.</p><p style="">"I think it's just going to be all about taking time to see the market develop. I don't think [free-to-play] will ever completely replace it at all," Smedley said.</p><p style="">Sony has a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/love-it-or-hate-it-playstation-s-free-to-play-business-is-booming/1100-6418437/" data-ref-id="1100-6418437">significant free-to-play game portfolio</a> for PC and PlayStation consoles, the most recent of which is <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-wants-its-pc-zombie-game-h1z1-to-scare-you-teases-ps4-plans/1100-6419393/" data-ref-id="1100-6419393">open-world zombie game H1Z1</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 12:02:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-free-to-play-is-the-most-powerful-form-of-democracy-in-gaming/1100-6419541/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/descent-gameplay/2300-6418744/ Gameplay from Descent, the classic corridor-crawling pilot shooter. Fri, 09 May 2014 11:48:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/descent-gameplay/2300-6418744/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/smite-giveaway-wildstar-injustice-gods-among-us-an/2300-6418741/ This week we give away SMITE codes, talk about WildStar, Injustice: Gods Among Us and Blizzard freebies including The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne and Rock N' Roll Racing. Fri, 09 May 2014 11:43:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/smite-giveaway-wildstar-injustice-gods-among-us-an/2300-6418741/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-for-ps4-xbox-one-sales-are-favorable/1100-6419539/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2031507" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2031507"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/1/5/0/7/2031507-615700_20130312_044.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ahead of its annual sales report next week, Square Enix <a href="http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/news/pdf/140509.pdf" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">announced today </a>that it has raised its financial targets, thanks in part to "favorable" sales of the <a href="/tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition</a> for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The company previously expected to net ¥3.5 billion ($34.4 million) in profit for the year, but now it forecasts net income to come in at a much healthier ¥6.6 billion ($64.8 million). Square Enix also raised overall sales expectations from ¥140 billion - ¥150 billion ($1.4 billion - $1.47 billion) to ¥155 billion ($1.5 billion).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">What's giving Square Enix confidence that it will perform substantially better than expected? The company said <a href="/videos/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-video-review/2300-6414801/" data-ref-id="2300-6414801">Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn</a> sales were "strong," while smartphone game Dragon Quest Monsters Super Light made an "encouraging start."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">On top of that, Square Enix pointed out that <a href="/reviews/final-fantasy-x-x-2-hd-remaster-review/1900-6415711/" data-ref-id="1900-6415711">Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster</a> and the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition each recorded "favorable sales." In addition, the publisher said it enacted "cost reduction efforts" across the entire company. Finally, Square Enix said its improved sales and profit forecast is attributable to foreign exchange gains from the weaker yen.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 11:13:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-for-ps4-xbox-one-sales-are-favorable/1100-6419539/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-could-show-up-on-house-of-cards/1100-6419538/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526465" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png" data-ref-id="1300-2526465"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2526465-advanced+warfare.png"></a></figure><p style="">Frank Underwood, the politician played by Kevin Spacey on the Netflix series <em>House of Cards</em>, has an enthusiasm for gaming, playing on his PlayStation 3 and expressing interest in buying a PlayStation Vita during the show's first season. As soon as he was announced as the star of <a href="/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare/" data-ref-id="false">Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare</a>, jokes were made about Underwood playing Advanced Warfare on the show--a prospect that developer Sledgehammer Games hopes to actually make happen.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/05/09/sledgehammer-wants-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-in-house-of-cards.aspx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Game Informer</a>, Sledgehammer co-founder Michael Condrey said he's already pursued the idea of getting the game on the upcoming season of <em>House of Cards</em>. "I exchanged an email with his [producing partner Dana Brunetti] this week, saying, 'Hey, what would it take to have Frank Underwood playing Advanced Warfare in season three of <em>House of Cards</em>?'" he said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">According to Condrey, the reaction was positive. "They're like, 'Wow, that's awesome.' And we're like, 'That's awesome!' Because imagine bringing fans full circle there to see that," he said. "I mean how awesome would that be? Wouldn't it just be the craziest thing ever just to go like, 'Hollywood meets Silicon Valley meets Hollywood.' If we can pull that off."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sledgehammer's other co-founder, Glen Schofield, mentioned the possibility of Spacey's character in Advanced Warfare mentioning the name of the show, although it's unclear if he was serious about that. He added that Spacey himself--who has served as an executive producer on <em>House of Cards</em>--had mentioned the possibility of playing the game on the show, saying, "I guess I'm going to have to play this game on <em>House of Cards</em>."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Advanced Warfare was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/update-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer-officially-released/1100-6419370/" data-ref-id="1100-6419370">announced last week</a> and is being developed by Sledgehammer for release this November on the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. (A different studio is handling the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.) The story centers around the role of private military corporations in the year 2054, with Spacey playing the role of Jonathon Irons, the CEO of a PMC called Atlas Corporation.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">For more on Advanced Warfare, check out our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-everything-we-know-so-far/1100-6419460/" data-ref-id="1100-6419460">recap of everything we know so far</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSmokingManX" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com<br /></strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 10:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-could-show-up-on-house-of-cards/1100-6419538/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-has-microtransactions-and-here-s-how-they-work/1100-6419537/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2039889" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2039889"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/9/8/8/9/2039889-704524_20130517_002.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Upcoming PlayStation 4 racing game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/driveclub/" data-ref-id="false">Driveclub </a>will let you pay real money to unlock cars early, it has been revealed. It's par for the course for Sony racing games (and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/forza-5-dev-defends-microtransactions/1100-6416688/" data-ref-id="1100-6416688">Microsoft's for that matter</a>), as <a href="/gran-turismo-6/" data-ref-id="false">Gran Turismo 6</a> for PlayStation 3 also features microtransactions.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/09/driveclubs-microtransactions-detailed-countries-revealed" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">IGN</a>, Driveclub game director Paul Rustchynsky acknowledged that microtransactions are a hot-button issue for gamers, but stressed that the way in which such mini-payments are implemented in Driveclub should not affect the overall game balance.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's been a hot topic of late inside gaming, and we've been very keen to take on board the feedback from gamers and make sure we don't upset anyone," Rustychynsky said. "So, in Driveclub, what we've done is make sure that the progression system is really straightforward, really simple, and gives you access to a lot of content really quickly."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"In Driveclub you earn Fame, and as you earn Fame, you level up. Every time you level up, we give you another car. There's no double gating or anything along those lines, you're given the car straight away without having to do anything else," he added. "The only thing we do have is a couple of shortcuts."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"If you want to unlock a car immediately, you can pay to unlock that car straight away but it's not a consumable microtransaction. We don't let people buy Fame, for example and spend lots and lots. The idea is if you want to shortcut things you can do--it's identical to what we did in <a href="/motorstorm-rc/" data-ref-id="false">Motorstorm RC</a>. So if you played that, you know what we're doing here."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Of course, these microtransactions are <em>entirely optional</em>. For Gran Turismo 6, microtransactions are an<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-boss-defends-microtransactions/1100-6416554/" data-ref-id="1100-6416554"> alternate path for busy people</a>, according to Sony. It sounds like their purpose is similar for Driveclub. </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Driveclub launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-exclusive-racer-driveclub-delayed-again-but-gets-a-new-director/1100-6419279/">October 7 </a>only on PS4. Just today, Sony announced that it had <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reverses-controversial-ps4-driveclub-upgrade-deal/1100-6419526/" data-ref-id="1100-6419526">reversed its controversial upgrade deal</a> for the PlayStation Plus version of the game. For more, be sure to read <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/driveclub/">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>, including our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-is-super-accessible-but-also-deep/1100-6419299/" data-ref-id="1100-6419299">interview with Rustchynsky</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Fri, 09 May 2014 10:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-racer-driveclub-has-microtransactions-and-here-s-how-they-work/1100-6419537/
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