What if Natal really cost $149 to end customer?

According to trusted source, Microsoft's motion sensing camera coded Project Natal's price is set at $149 at retail and $300 bundled with Xbox 360 Arcade. It is still a rumor, but what if it is true? What can this pricing impact?

It is really depends on Microsoft how they view Natal. If it is targeting the casual gamer, then $149 price tag is going to be a tough sell. Casual gamers won't spend that much just for experiencing Natal. At $300 bundled price, casual gamers have a lot of options. Wii is the established casual gamers platform is only $200 with a game, and NDS is a even better option for less money.

If Natal is targeted more to hardcore gamer, it will have to be really impressive for people to shell out another $150. The experience with Natal has to be somehow more than Nintendo Wii and Playstation Move offer.

Some say that $80 is more a right price for Natal, but Natal Motion sensing camera is not exactly cheap. Microsoft did declare that Natal won't be an impluse buying, in fact it is more like an upgrade for current Xbox 360. Unless Microsoft prepared to take a loss, $150 is more or less the right cost Microsoft want to charge, but it won't be an easy sell.
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Blizzard is right DRM is a losing battle

The wise Blizzard has spoken, and according to Blizzard co founder Frank Pearce, DRM is not the way to stop piracy. 

If you start talking about DRM and different technologies to try to manage it, it's really a losing battle for us, because the community is always so much larger, and the number of people out there that want to try to counteract that technology, whether it's because they want to pirate the game or just because it's a curiosity for them, is much larger than our development teams.

The best approach for him is to do the job right in implementing Battle net so that people encourage to try and buy original. The job includes focusing on "the content and cool features, not anti piracy technology".

As we have seen, EA succeeded with their project ten dollars which rewarding users who buy first hand copy with DLC and cool features. Developers should give more incentive rather than trying to come out some useless piracy technology. 
And I really pleased the way Sony handles paid subscription to PSN. Instead forcing people to pay for online service, Sony gives added a lot of incentives should people pay for it.

Hear that Ubisoft?
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News & Update, 27 May

- Microsoft's Robbie Bach and J Allard are leaving Microsoft. Allard, the father of Xbox will serve as an advisor to Steve Ballmer, where as Robbie Bach is retiring. Microsoft is set to shake up organizational change. Current replacement hasn't been named.

- Although unconfirmed, Sony will introduce PSN+ as a paid subscription for PSN. However Sony will not follow Xbox Live charging user for online multiplayer, instead it will offer incentives such as free Playstation games, exclusive in-game DLC, discounts to Playstation Store, 'first hour' demo access to full retail titles and many more. 

- Legendary Pictures acquire movie rights for Mass Effect. Today games often employ professional script writer, it is just a matter of time before great game like Mass Effect turned into a movie.

- According to some trusted source, Natal will cost $150 and $300 bundled with Xbox 360 Arcade. Microsoft however refuse to comment regarding this news. Guess we have to wait until E3.

- Insomniac, the maker of Resistance and Ratchet & Clank signed with EA and will develop new IP for both Xbox 360 and PS3.  The two titles above will remain exclusive to Sony though.

- The reason Gran Turismo 5 development halted at 90% is because of 3D and Playstation Move features. Does it mean that the game is finally finished?
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Rumor: PSP 2 is in horizon

Rumor, rumor, rumor. The news was taken from www.qj.net. Very exciting rumor indeed. I will hold my thoughts for the moment until it is more confirmation on it.

• MCV rumoured last week that Sony “could” announce PSP2 at E3.
• VG247 goes digging. According to a source familiar with the matter, it’s “99 percent” it isn’t an E3 reveal.
• Multiple British sources have confirmed that PSP2 NDAs have been in place at publishers and developers for many months.
• PSP2 has two cameras, one forward and one backward facing.
• It has a touch-screen, but apparently it has retained the trademark physical PlayStation buttons.
• UK sources were previously working towards a “2010″ release. This is now “2011″.
• One source would be “amazed” if there was any kind of physical media involved. We’ve been told it “could” be 3G-enabled, as opposed to the WiFi-only PSP go. This bit was sketchy.
• Multiple PSP2 games are being made in Britain right now. Some have even already been canned.
• There have been “finished units” in the UK, but we haven’t spoken to anyone that’s seen a final case.
• When asked directly about reveal timing, one source said, “If the games were aiming for end 2010, beginning 2011, and now it’s a 2011 release, I’d say a gamescom or TGS announce for launch early next year”.
• One source told us the machine is “f*cking powerful,” being based on a four-core Cell CPU. PS3 runs on an eight-core version.

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Why 3DS is a smart move for Nintendo

3DS is a smart move for Nintendo

Why? Apparently 3D is the next step in entertainment. 3D TVs are commercially rolling out and will continue to do so. Looking at the handheld market right now, Apple iPhone is the biggest threat for Nintendo, having better graphics and power, from technical point of view iPhone is more superior to NDS right now. Not mentioning the games are cheaper for iPhone compared to NDS. Sure, Nintendo has its first party library and quality games than Apple, but that is not stopping iPhone as a threat in the near future. 
However, with 3DS, Nintendo can again separates itself from Apple simply because iPhone unlikely will implement 3D screen into it anytime soon and Sony confirmed that the next PSP will not go down the 3D path.


But is it enough?

The million dollar question is, can 3D feature really be a reason for people to buy 3DS instead of other handheld? Is 3D such an important factor for fun? Or it will just be a gimmick later on? In fact Nintendo will provide an option to switch off 3D feature in the device, that allow you to play back to old 2D graphics.This most probably because of health reason and many people doesn't even like watching movie in 3D as it gives them headache after certain period.
But according to recent survey posted in Joystiq, the top reason for people to buy a new 3D TV is for none other than gaming. The jury is still out there whether 3D portable gaming can be successful. 


What should 3DS include? 

Other than features that current NDSi has (touch screen, wifi, cameras), what 3DS should also pack?
- More processing power. 3DS should pack more punch in terms of machine raw power.
- Hard disk. It is the one thing NDS lacking, and with today's digital age, hard disk is a necessary thing to have in a handheld.
- More open and robust system. True that Nintendo should stick to gaming because its what they do best, but Nintendo can try to open up the system so that developers can do non gaming application to the new handheld. 
- Flash enable. Apple is not permitting Flash application in their handheld. Casual and facebook games are getting more and more popular. If somehow Nintendo willing to let people play flash games in their device, it can be a massive plus point.
- Phone feature. One of the thing why iPhone gaming is successful because people carry it everywhere and the game is ready every time you want to play it. However I really doubt this will included in the system because it will increase a lot of the cost and Nintendo should keep the price as low as possible.
- Motion sensors. Recent rumor suggest that the new 3DS will be equipped with motion sensors for adding playing experience.
- 3G connection. In addition for Wifi, 3G connection will provided constant connectivity needed. 
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The next challenge for Nintendo

How Nintendo separates itself from the rest of competition.

Many predicted Nintendo was finished during Gamecube era. Its market share was largely taken by Sony Playstation. After SEGA's Dreamcast raised a white flag to the console market and focused in developing games instead, many of us expects that Nintendo will soon follow.
The console market back then was really identical in terms of technology. It has the same set up, processing and graphics power are the only thing that truly separates them.

With Sony following old formula which worked wonder from them, PS3 is just an upgrade of power and graphics.  Nintendo then realized that they can no longer compete in terms of those stated above, move on and took innovation road with NDS and Wii.

The introduction of touch screen and motion controllers are truly innovative and set Nintendo separates itself from the rest of the competition. It was a risky strategy because Nintendo somehow abandon hardcore market and opt for bigger casual market, but in the end it was worth it.  


What's next for Nintendo?

Right now, Sony and Microsoft has realized that motion controllers does sell to the market and they are rushing their own version of motion controller with Playstation Move and Natal. And with Apple rapidly closing to the competition, Nintendo Console and Handheld market is once again threatened.

Wii and NDS sales has been going down months after months, and it might be a time that they have to introduce a successor for both of their console, in which they already announced 3DS for the next handheld platform.

Nintendo will have to continue to innovate because the others are catching up with the innovation that Wii and NDS had and they need it to do it quickly.
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Is it the time for new PSP?

PSP sales has been slow, in USA at least, but it didn't hide the fact that this device is aging. According to Sony, pirates has been the biggest problem for this handheld. Numerous things tried by Sony to stop pirating, some of those include the introduction of download only PSPgo which failed miserably.
Another effort is that Sony will provide developers a protective code which give them a 60 days protection before the software eventually hacked. This is just an idea today, we still don't know whether it will be working against piracy.

Anyway let's forget about piracy for a moment. If there is no piracy for, does Sony need a new and better PSP? 

From close competitor and technological point of view, Nintendo announced 3DS which will be available by next year, a device with I convince is a lot better graphic, processing power and new features. And let's not forget that PSP technology is somewhat behind Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. Apple who is a new player in the market has its momentum because iPhone is just so popular in United States and it is becoming a major competitor to be considered by Sony.

With competition growing fierce, Sony will have to launch a new PSP sooner rather than later.
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News & Update, 20 May

- Ubisoft is looking carefully to EA's Project 10 dollars after announcing operating loss. Project 10 dollars is considered a success for EA, Ubisoft should implement this than their current broken DRM.

- Infinity Ward's Stimulus package breaks PSN record selling 1 millions. I bet if they reduced the price it will be even bigger.

-Rumor said that PSN subscription package will be unveiled during E3. Let's see what Sony can offer for our beloved money. One thing to be sure is Sony won't charge for online multiplayer. 

- Unique Feature studio is closing in to secure film rights of Quantic Dream's Heavy Rain. Given the game itself is more to interactive movie, combined with the success, a movie is a very reasonable decision. 

- Google plans to include games in their web based application store. Current title that will be available are Plant Vs Zombie, and Star Warz: Lego.
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EA's further punish pre owned game buyers with Online Passes

After saw the success of Project ten dollars, EA introduces Online Passes to its game. Basically this is the next after Project ten dollars that EA implemented in Battlefield Bad Company 2, which require you to input the redeemable code that available when you buy the new copy.

So what is Online Passes? According to Joystiq, "Online Pass" will be title specific that enables access to "online services, features, and bonus content." If the code has already been redeemed (i.e. if you bought the game used) additional Online Passes will be available for (you guessed it!) ten dollars. Each game will include a seven-day free trial.

So what does it mean really? It means that for people who buy used game, they will be forced to spend 10 dollars for online play. Not just bonus content like in BC 2, but the entire Online play mode!

I can understand that development cost this generation cost a lot, with servers for online play and everything, publisher really trying hard to get maximal return for their games. But games are also expensive hobby. Many gamers out there don't have resources available to buy new games all the time. Pre owned games will help brand recognition as more and more people will play that game.

This Online Passes thing is a bit harsh to punish people with relatively lower income in my opinion. I think EA should consider this through and find the right balance. 
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News and update, May 12

- Upcoming Nintendo 3DS's 3D feature can be switched off. It means that the game can be enjoyed in 2D or 3D mode. It seems a logical thing because 3D can cause health concern.

- Final Fantasy IX will be available on PSN May 20th. I'm still however waiting for Sabin and Edgar of Final Fantasy XI.

- Nintendo will be implementing stronger piracy protection in their 3DS. Given 99% piracy rate in Jakarta, no wonder Nintendo should do it. But then again it will be hard to beat pirates.

- Game Informer reveals that Dante of Devil May Cry will feature in Marvel vs Capcom 3.

- Nintendo 3DS is not an official name. The name of Nintendo's upcoming handheld will be formally announced soon. 

- Project Natal will be coming in October, according to Microsoft representative in Saudi Arabia. Most probable since October is a good time to launch a product since holiday season is near.
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LittleBigPlanet 2 awesomeness will blow you away

So I was a bit skeptical regarding the improvement that will be made in LittleBigPlanet 2. My thought it will be more tools or several enhancement. Though Sony hasn't confirmed anything yet, leaks from Game Informer suggest massive improvement in LBP 2.

First of all, LBP 2 is no longer just about platforming. In fact LBP 2 has the creation tools necessary to design racing games, puzzle games, space invaders clones, role playing games, even real time strategy games. Actually Media Molecule designers have successfully recreate fully functioning Command and Conquer clone in LBP 2.

LBP 2 will also let you to record and edit short films and sounds. Not to mention programmable Sackbot and all of those are just maybe a portion of what LBP 2 can do.

Though I am not a creator myself, I prefer to play other people's design, I can say that this is a revolutionary and true sequel of LBP series. I have to take my hats off again for Media Molecule.
Boy, isn't E3 going to be exciting? Can't wait.

*Updated features*
- LBP 2 lets you to link one creation to another and it is not neccessarily to be same type. For example: you can link the platformer level to racing level.

- LBP 2 also lets you to create cut scene. In fact you can create the whole level of cut scene.

- Previous 2 millions and more levels that has been created in LBP will also compatible in LBP 2.

- LBP 2 will get enhanced graphics.

- Your sackboy will feature more things such as gadgets, and you can also create other character other than sackboy.
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Massive "confirmed" list games of E3

This massive upcoming E3 list are compiled and taken from IGN. Please keep in mind that these list are games that are "announced and confirmed". So final list might be different, especially since there still no Activision on the list.

2K Games
Mafia II (PC, PS3, X360)
Sid Meier's Civilization V (PC)
Sid Meier's Civilization V (Digital Deluxe Edition) (PC) NEW
Spec Ops: The Line (PC, PS3, X360)
XCOM (PC, X360)
505 Games
Grease (DS, Wii)
Naughty Bear (PS3, X360)
Anaconda
Gray Matter (PC)
BigPoint
Battlestar Galactica Online (Webgame) NEW
D3 Publisher
Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction (DS, PSP, X360)
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (Wi
DTP (Digital Entertainment Pool)
Drakensang: Phileasson's Secret (PC)
DreamCatcher Interactive
Arcania: Gothic IV (PC, PS3, X360)
EA Sports
EA Sports MMA (PS3, X360)
NBA Jam (Wii)
Electronic Arts
Bulletstorm (PC, PS3, X360)
Dead Space 2 (PC, PS3, X360)
EA Sports Active 2.0 (Wii)
FIFA Soccer 11 (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Madden NFL 11 (PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Medal of Honor (PC, PS3, X360)
NBA Live 11 (PS3, PSP, X360)
NCAA Football 11 (PS2, PS3, PSP, X360)
NHL 11 (PS3, X360)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 (PS3, Wii, X360)
En Masse Entertainment
Tera (PC)
Hudson Soft
Deca Sports 3 (Wii)
Konami
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (PS3, X360)
Def Jam Rapstar (PS3, Wii, X360)
Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (PSP)
N3: Ninety-Nine Nights II (X360)
Rocket Knight (PC, PS3, X360)
Rush'N Attack Ex-Patriot (PS3, X360)
Saw II: The Videogame (PS3, X360)
The Cages: Pro Style Batting Practice (Wii)
Little Worlds Studio
Animal Color Cross (DSi, Webgame, iPhone)
Color Cross (Webgame)
Cosmicrew (Webgame)
DJ Mix Bob Sinclar (iPhone)
Sea Pong (iPad)
LucasArts
LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge -- Special Edition (PC, PS3, X360)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
MTV Games
Rock Band 3 (PS3, Wii, X360)
Majesco
Crafting Mama (DS)
Greg Hastings Paintball 2 (PS3, Wii, X360)
Swords (Wii)
Zumba Fitness (tba)
Microsoft
Fable III (X360)
Gears of War 3 (X360)
Halo: Reach (X360)
Microsoft Game Studios
Project Natal (X360)
Namco Bandai
Ace Combat: Joint Assault (PSP)
Clash of the Titans (PS3, X360)
Dragon Ball: Origins 2 (DS)
Enslaved (PS3, X360)
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 (PS3, X360)
Splatterhouse (PS3, X360)

Natsume
Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove (DS)
Nexon
Dragon Nest (PC)
Dungeon Fighter Online (PC)
Vindictus (PC)
No Publisher Announced
Color Cross (DS)
Paradox Interactive
Commander -- Conquest of the Americas (PC)
Lionheart: Kings' Crusade (PC)
Ship Simulator 2010: Extremes (PC)
Victoria 2 (PC)
Perfect World Entertainment
Battle of the Immortals (PC)
Forsaken World (PC)
Heroes of Three Kingdoms (PC)
Slang
Lucha Libre AAA: Heroes del Ring (DS, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Sony Computer Entertainment
EyePet: Your Virtual Pet (PS3) NEW
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (PSP) NEW
Gran Turismo 5 (PS3) NEW
Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip (PSP) NEW
Invizimals (PSP) NEW
Move Party (PS3) NEW
SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs (PS3) NEW
Slider (PS3) NEW
TV SuperStars (PS3) NEW
The Fight: Lights Out (PS3) NEW
The Shoot (PS3) NEW
Sony Online Entertainment
Free Realms (PC, PS3)
THQ
Homefront (PC, PS3, X360)
The Last Airbender: The Movie (DS, Wii)
UFC Undisputed 2010 (PS3, PSP, X360)
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 (PS3, X360) NEW
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Online (PC) NEW
Warhammer 40,000 MMO Project [untitled] (PC)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (PS3, X360)
Tecmo KOEI
Quantum Theory (PS3, X360) NEW
Trinity: Souls of Zill O'll (PS3) NEW
Warriors: Legends of Troy (PS3, X360) NEW
Trion Worlds
End of Nations (PC)
Rift: Planes of Telara (PC)
Warner Bros. Interactive
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (DS, Wii)
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (DS)
F.E.A.R. 3 (PC, PS3, X360)
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360)
Scribblenauts 2 (DS)
The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest (DS, PS3, PSP, Wii)
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North (PC, PS3, X360)
cdv Software Entertainment
Divinity II: Ego Draconis (PC, X360) NEW
Divinity II: Flames of Vengeance (PC, X360)

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Starcraft 2 has a different alternative pricing model in Mexico and South America

Soon to be launched Starcraft 2 will employ an alternate different pricing model in Mexico and South America region. In addition of full game price which is USD 59.99, Blizzard offer a cheaper time- limited Starcraft 2. For around USD 20- 30, gamers can enjoy Starcraft 2 with 6 months of play time via new Battle.net. After the time expires, players can opt an extension via 30 or 60 days subscription with rates that have not yet been revealed.

From the looks of it, the pricing mechanism is actually not bad, especially for non hardcore players. Casual players tendency is that most probably they won't playing the game after 6 months. And this could be a cheaper alternative for them.
For hardcore players however, full game price is more desirable. If Blizzard can give an option to upgrade the time limited to full game version, not just 30 or 60 days subscription, that would be great because it will make SC2 more appealing to wider market. But then it might anger other country who only have one pricing mechanism. Starcraft 2 is set to launch worldwide on 27th June.


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News & Update, 5th May

- Polyphony's Kazunori Yamauchi reveals that Gran Turismo 5 is 90% complete. Yamauchi, please don't think that this is actually a good news.

- Apple sells 1 million iPads. iPads continue to be the new phenomenal no doubt.

- Starcraft 2 will finally launch worldwide on July 27 2010. This include US, Canada, Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Mexico, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Phillippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Indonesia? Really? The digital release will hit shortly after the retail launch.

- God of War: Ghost of Sparta revealed and will be coming to PSP this year. It is developed by Ready at dawn studio the maker of first God of War. More to be revealed at E3. Finally after MGS Peace walker, PSP is really getting some love.

- According to LA Times, Sony is approaching Directors for making Uncharted movie. The report describes it as "the meeting stage, and not close to the dealmaking one." Uncharted do worthy to be made a movie. Now who is going to be Nathan Drake? 


- Konami just announced Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 for this year. They promise that this year's PES will undergo fundamental changes, most ambitious redesign, radically improved in the history of the franchise. Since FIFA 10 was marginally better than PES 2010, this kind of change is definitely needed.  




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Annual release ruined Medal of Honor according to EA

Medal of Honor series is set to be given a reboot by EA. Last couple Medal of Honor has been disappointing. MoH once a top shooters has been dwindling, but this time EA determined to correct the wrong. So when asked what went wrong with the series, EA games president Frank Gibeau share his thought.

"I think any franchise that's been around for a long time, they get in a rut, they become over-annualized. They run out of innovation," explained the EA exec. "The team pounds on a game every year, and they get tired, they run out of time and effort to be innovative and try and take some new risks. That was my view on how the franchise has fallen."

Of course that is not the only concern, Frank admitted that previous MoH series lacking in online play department. "I also felt like the online component wasn't getting enough attention," Gibeau confessed. "Any shooter worth its salt is going to be really breakthrough in its online play, and I think Battlefield: Bad Company is a good example of that, I think Modern Warfare 2 is a good example of that, I think Halo clearly is a good example of that. The power of a franchise in the shooter category is in the online component and modes."

What Frank Gibeau said was right, and it is exactly what has been happening with Call of Duty series. true that Activision lets different studio to make the Call of Duty series, but it hasn't change the fact that we still hasn't seen any innovation since Call of Duty 4. The gameplay has been more or less the same.

So the fact that EA is working hard to bring Medal of Honor to be in line with Modern Warfare is really exciting. I really hope we can see a different AAA shooters in the market soon.
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Welcome back EGM!!

Since been bought by UGO, game magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly's (EGM) fate was finished because UGO didn't believe in printed magazine anymore, focusing into online news portal instead.

Being a faithful reader since high school, it was really a disappointing news. However not soon after that EGM founder, Steve Harris decided to take over EGM brand and re launch it.

After months of waiting, finally this month April, first true edition of EGM launched. Combined with printed material, the interactive magazine named EGMi not only resurrect, but also revolutionize the old EGM.

The EGMi, let's you read the magazine with additional interactive media, downloads and links. The content contained in a single page is very rich and truly remarkable.

You can go to www.egmnow.com to check out what's EGMi is like without charge. If you like it, you can subscribe the printed magazine with additional premium feature access of EGMi.

I like what Steve Harris done to the new EGM and retain couple old staff such as Dan Shoe. Wish you all success in the future ahead. Oh yeah.. Welcome back EGM!!
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