Grand Theft Auto Online Arrives

OCT. 1, 2013 • One of the most intriguing features of Grand Theft Auto V is the inclusion of access to Grand Theft Auto Online. The separate online world became available two weeks after the release of Grand Theft Auto V, which has already generated more than $1 billion in worldwide revenue.  Rockstar Games is scrambling to secure sufficient servers to handle the demand, although the studio has warned consumers that delays and glitches are to be expected. The e.....

Western Video Game Consoles Allowed in China

SEPT. 30, 2013 • China’s CPC Central Committee, State Council has formalized a new and experimental free trade zone in Shanghai. As a result, Western video game consoles can now be officially marketed and sold within the zone as long as hardware and software are approved by the Ministry of Culture first. The move is the first lifting of the nationwide ban on console sales instituted in 2000. The change is a by-product of larger goals of the free trade zone.....

New Amazon Kindle Fire Devices

SEPT. 26, 2013 • Amazon.com is taking pre-orders on two new Kindle Fire devices. The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX is equipped with a 1920×1200 screen, while the 8.9-inch model comes with a 2560×1600 display. Both units are faster than previous models as they are powered by 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processors and include 2GB of RAM. Both models are equipped with front-facing cameras, and the 8.9-inch unit also has a rear-facing camera. The new Kindle Fires have .....

Wii Fit U Digital Plans

SEPT. 19, 2013 • Nintendo Co. Ltd. is using two of its most important Wii franchises as platforms to further jump into digital distribution. Wii Fit U will benefit from a one-month free digital trial that becomes available for download on November 1. Wii U owners who already have a Balance Board can download the free version of HD Wii Fit U from the eShop any time between November 1 and January 31. To continue playing the title after 30 days, users will have to .....

Andrew Wilson New Electronic Arts CEO

SEPT. 18, 2013 • Electronic Arts has pulled from within to fill the chief executive post vacated by the departure of John Riccitiello last March. Andrew Wilson, the executive vice president of EA Sports and the Origin online portal for digital games and services, has been tapped to become the Electronic Arts CEO. Wilson has substantial game studio experience that includes executive producer of the.....

PlayStation 4 Japan Launch Date Set

SEPT. 9, 2013 • The PlayStation 4 Japan launch date is now set for February 22nd. When Sony Computer Ent. announced North America would receive the new console on November 15 and November 29 in Europe, no mention was made on when the home market in Japan would receive shipments. The PS4 will be marketed in two SKUs: ¥39,980 ($400) for the console with Dualshock 4 controller, and a ¥43,980 ($441) package that includes the PlayStation camera accessory. Consumers.....

Microsoft Grabs Nokia Hardware Biz

SEPT. 3, 2013 • With its 2011 partnership deal coming up for recommitment next year, Microsoft Corp. is paying €5.44 billion ($7.2 billion) to purchase Nokia Corp.’s phone business outright. The transaction amount is about one-quarter of Nokia’s 2012 sales. Of the total, €3.79 billion is devoted to purchasing Nokia’s devices business and 8,500 key patents, with €1.65 bill.....

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