Tecmo Gets Creative with Their Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma Mandatory Install
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It’s no secret that I do not like mandatory installs for my game systems. I don’t mean to focus on the PS3, but it’s currently the only game console that does this so, here we go again…
Let’s forget the fact that installs suck for people with smaller hard drives. And let’s forget the fact that requiring said installs completely negates the benefit of having the massive storage capacity of Blu-Ray disc (if I have to install a third of the game anyway what does it matter if it’s off of one third of the br-disc, or one out of 2 dvds?). And let’s forget the fact that most of these games do not require installs on “other” game consoles for some mysteriously magical reason. The biggest thing I personally hate about mandatory installs is the feeling I get when I can’t actually get instant entertainment from my game disc.
Music Games Losing Steam? Rock Band Fights Back with Community Songs Network!
Posted 7/22/09In what should really be of no surprise to anyone, analysis of the music game genre shows that sales are tapering down with a steady decline. Gamasutra gives us a little insight to details of the decline, showing that “U.S. Guitar Hero/Rock Band revenues are down 49% year on year, as discounted hardware and over 20 SKUs flood the market.” according to data from the NDP Group.
Honestly, if the makers of Rock Band and Guitar Hero didn’t see this coming they should have their market research teams go back to school. With the glut of “Band” and “Hero” spin offs, expansions and sequels, combined with all the knock off wannabe rhythm games being passed on to less savvy consumers it was simply inevitable.
Armchair Developers Take Note!
Alright, first Microsoft gives you kids XNA. Then Nintendo throws out some budget dev apps for WiiWare. Now Sony has thrown their hat into the ring with PSN Developer kits. Long winded details from Gamasutra mention that for the low, low price of $1200 you too can get this all in one debug unit and PSN distribution kit. And if you act now they’ll throw in a free PhyreEngine middleware app to make the next best selling title with.
Truth be told this is a good deal for budding talent with out the connections to get signed by a big publisher, or maybe for any defunct former PC development teams looking to regroup and keep doing what they love. Bottom line is, there is no good reason for you amateurs not to be making me some killer new games to play on the cheap. Now get crackin’… cracky!
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