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TOP SPOT
Industry Roundtable: Game of the Year 2008 Journalists from 1UP, Destructoid, The Escapist, Forbes, GoNintendo, Joystiq, Totally Rad Show, USA Today and The Wiire discuss. 
TOP SPOT
Review: Animal Crossing: City Folk is a Good, But Familiar Game Haven't we played this before? 
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The Whole List: The Casualties of the 1UP Buyout
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:34 PM PST
We don't mean to flood the front page of the site with stories about the 1UP Network buyout or make entertainment out of this misfortune, but 1UP is a site that many of us are fans of, and frankly, we have a deep interest in what's going on in the Ziff Davis offices right now and we're sure many of you feel the same way. Perhaps one big post with all the details would be ideal, but we keep uncovering more information right when we think we're done.
Anyway, Joystiq has obtained a complete list of all the staff affected (in other words, let go) in the aftermath of the UGO Entertainment acquisition of the 1UP Network.
The Whole List: The Casualties of the 1UP Buyout
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:34 PM PST
We don't mean to flood the front page of the site with stories about the 1UP Network buyout or make entertainment out of this misfortune, but 1UP is a site that many of us are fans of, and frankly, we have a deep interest in what's going on in the Ziff Davis offices right now and we're sure many of you feel the same way. Perhaps one big post with all the details would be ideal, but we keep uncovering more information right when we think we're done.
Anyway, Joystiq has obtained a complete list of all the staff affected (in other words, let go) in the aftermath of the UGO Entertainment acquisition of the 1UP Network.
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1UP Staff Tweet About Ziff Davis Lay-Offs
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:18 PM PST
Looking to see what some of the laid-off 1UP staff are saying about the UGO buyout of the 1UP Network? A few of them have been Tweeting about the whole thing. We've compiled a short list, so you can follow what they're saying for yourself.
1UP Staff Tweet About Ziff Davis Lay-Offs
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:18 PM PST
Looking to see what some of the laid-off 1UP staff are saying about the UGO buyout of the 1UP Network? A few of them have been Tweeting about the whole thing. We've compiled a short list, so you can follow what they're saying for yourself.
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Over 30 Ziff Davis Employees Gone -- Including James Mielke, Shane Bettenhausen
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:05 PM PST
Earlier today, Ziff Davis made a reality out of rumors that the company is selling its 1UP Network to UGO Entertainment when it announced the buyout was in fact happening. Official details on the acquisition are still hard to come by, but as the hours go by, we're learning more about it.
MTV Multiplayer published a story tonight, revealing that more than 30 Ziff Davis employees, including many well-known 1UP staffers, have been laid off.
Over 30 Ziff Davis Employees Gone -- Including James Mielke, Shane Bettenhausen
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 6:05 PM PST
Earlier today, Ziff Davis made a reality out of rumors that the company is selling its 1UP Network to UGO Entertainment when it announced the buyout was in fact happening. Official details on the acquisition are still hard to come by, but as the hours go by, we're learning more about it.
MTV Multiplayer published a story tonight, revealing that more than 30 Ziff Davis employees, including many well-known 1UP staffers, have been laid off.
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Wii
Iwata's Two GameCube Regrets in 2006 Proven Prophetic
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 5:23 PM PST
Back in 2006, MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo got the chance to interview none other than Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata about the GameCube, in light of the impending Wii that would launch that Fall. What was he proud of? And what were his regrets.
As it turns out, Iwata's answers would paint a picture of the future to come, as it pertains to the Wii's relatively limited power when compared to its next-gen contemporaries, and the revival of certain titles under the "New Play Control!" banner.
Iwata's Two GameCube Regrets in 2006 Proven Prophetic
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 5:23 PM PST
Back in 2006, MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo got the chance to interview none other than Nintendo Co. Ltd. President Satoru Iwata about the GameCube, in light of the impending Wii that would launch that Fall. What was he proud of? And what were his regrets.
As it turns out, Iwata's answers would paint a picture of the future to come, as it pertains to the Wii's relatively limited power when compared to its next-gen contemporaries, and the revival of certain titles under the "New Play Control!" banner.
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Are Games Getting More Violent? Well, of Course!
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 5:11 PM PST
An article over at Games Radar has one member of Kotaku pondering if games have gotten more violent.
I should say it's rather obvious that they have. Need proof?
Pong, 1972
Are Games Getting More Violent? Well, of Course!
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 5:11 PM PST
An article over at Games Radar has one member of Kotaku pondering if games have gotten more violent.
I should say it's rather obvious that they have. Need proof?
Pong, 1972
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Wii
How Much Wii Could a Wii Player Play if a Wii Player Could Play Wii?
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 4:55 PM PST
Well, whether or not you think Animal Crossing: City Folk has enough new material, it seems clear that there are people who are quite happy to play the hell out of it, regardless.
MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo has put together a pretty comprehensive list of stats taken from the Nintendo Channel regarding how long people play certain games. I won't get into the nitty-gritty here (click the link for that), but suffice to say Animal Crossing was king in December, with people playing about ten hours' worth of the game. Light gun-style games didn't go over so hot, and Wii Play turned in a rather impressive showing.
But wait, doesn't Wii Play feature a light gun game in that faux Duck Hunt?
How Much Wii Could a Wii Player Play if a Wii Player Could Play Wii?
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 4:55 PM PST
Well, whether or not you think Animal Crossing: City Folk has enough new material, it seems clear that there are people who are quite happy to play the hell out of it, regardless.
MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo has put together a pretty comprehensive list of stats taken from the Nintendo Channel regarding how long people play certain games. I won't get into the nitty-gritty here (click the link for that), but suffice to say Animal Crossing was king in December, with people playing about ten hours' worth of the game. Light gun-style games didn't go over so hot, and Wii Play turned in a rather impressive showing.
But wait, doesn't Wii Play feature a light gun game in that faux Duck Hunt?
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Write for Kombo: News Blogger/Editor
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 4:50 PM PST
We're looking for a few good men – in particular, men (or women, we love them too) that can write really, really well and love finding the latest game news and telling the world about it.
Several Kombo news editor/blogger positions are available, and we are hoping to fill them as soon as possible. The position is volunteer, but it is an opportunity to have your work published before our readership of hundreds of thousands of readers. What's more, writing for Kombo will earn you excellent training and work experience in reporting news.
If you're interested in applying for the position, shoot us an e-mail with the information at the very end of this post. Oh, and don't forget to check the requirements for the position. You'll find other info about the position below.
Write for Kombo: News Blogger/Editor
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 4:50 PM PST
We're looking for a few good men – in particular, men (or women, we love them too) that can write really, really well and love finding the latest game news and telling the world about it.
Several Kombo news editor/blogger positions are available, and we are hoping to fill them as soon as possible. The position is volunteer, but it is an opportunity to have your work published before our readership of hundreds of thousands of readers. What's more, writing for Kombo will earn you excellent training and work experience in reporting news.
If you're interested in applying for the position, shoot us an e-mail with the information at the very end of this post. Oh, and don't forget to check the requirements for the position. You'll find other info about the position below.
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Your Turn: Submit an Editorial to Kombo
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 4:49 PM PST
Do you have an opinion on a current industry hot topic? Do you want to sound off about that topic in the form of an editorial? If so, then you should check out our Your Turn section, which is a corner for guest editorials on Kombo. We accept editorials on all video game-related topics, and it's a great way to get your name and opinion out there.
Find out more inside.
Your Turn: Submit an Editorial to Kombo
by Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 4:49 PM PST
Do you have an opinion on a current industry hot topic? Do you want to sound off about that topic in the form of an editorial? If so, then you should check out our Your Turn section, which is a corner for guest editorials on Kombo. We accept editorials on all video game-related topics, and it's a great way to get your name and opinion out there.
Find out more inside.
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6-Year Old Boy Goes to School, Grand Theft Auto-Style
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 4:06 PM PST
For a lot of kids, missing the bus means not having to go to school, unless someone else is around to take them. But for one six-year old from Virginia, that simply wasn't an option.
So what does he do?
6-Year Old Boy Goes to School, Grand Theft Auto-Style
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 4:06 PM PST
For a lot of kids, missing the bus means not having to go to school, unless someone else is around to take them. But for one six-year old from Virginia, that simply wasn't an option.
So what does he do?
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UGO Acquires 1UP Network, Still No Word About EGM's Future
by David Oxford and Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 3:35 PM PST
Update:
While we were putting the finishing touches on this post, 1UP updated, confirming the rumor that UGO Entertainment is in fact acquiring the 1UP Network.
"Obviously, there are sure to be many questions as to what this deal means for the day to day of 1UP and its sites. To those, we can only say that we'll continue to produce the very best gaming content and support the very best gaming community as we always have, only now we'll have the backing of a fantastic publisher like UGO. Please join with us in celebrating this major news for 1UP," reads the official article on 1UP.
Unfortunately, 1UP's post makes no mention of EGM's future.
More as we hear it.
UGO Acquires 1UP Network, Still No Word About EGM's Future
by David Oxford and Phillip Levin | 01/06/09 | 3:35 PM PST
Update:
While we were putting the finishing touches on this post, 1UP updated, confirming the rumor that UGO Entertainment is in fact acquiring the 1UP Network.
"Obviously, there are sure to be many questions as to what this deal means for the day to day of 1UP and its sites. To those, we can only say that we'll continue to produce the very best gaming content and support the very best gaming community as we always have, only now we'll have the backing of a fantastic publisher like UGO. Please join with us in celebrating this major news for 1UP," reads the official article on 1UP.
Unfortunately, 1UP's post makes no mention of EGM's future.
More as we hear it.
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Midway Gets A-Ok on Extension from Shareholders, for Now
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 2:44 PM PST
While Capcom is confident about the new year going forward, Midway is probably just thankful they get to see it.
As of yesterday, the maker of Mortal Kombat and numerous arcade titles and pinball machines reached a waiver and forbearance agreement with some of its shareholders, reports BusinessWeek.
Midway Gets A-Ok on Extension from Shareholders, for Now
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 2:44 PM PST
While Capcom is confident about the new year going forward, Midway is probably just thankful they get to see it.
As of yesterday, the maker of Mortal Kombat and numerous arcade titles and pinball machines reached a waiver and forbearance agreement with some of its shareholders, reports BusinessWeek.
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Capcom: No Fear in the New Year
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 12:49 PM PST
A new year has dawned, the economy is still in the crapper, and Capcom knows it. However, they are undaunted; not in the "video games are recession-proof" way which has seemingly jinxed the industry of late, but rather due to their own prospects.
Capcom's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kenzo Tsujimoto (pictured left), and their Chief Operating Officer, Haruhiro Tsujimoto (on the right), have taken the time to address the company's shareholders, customers, employees, and other stakeholders as they march forward into their 26th year.
Hit the jump for their full letters.
Capcom: No Fear in the New Year
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 12:49 PM PST
A new year has dawned, the economy is still in the crapper, and Capcom knows it. However, they are undaunted; not in the "video games are recession-proof" way which has seemingly jinxed the industry of late, but rather due to their own prospects.
Capcom's Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kenzo Tsujimoto (pictured left), and their Chief Operating Officer, Haruhiro Tsujimoto (on the right), have taken the time to address the company's shareholders, customers, employees, and other stakeholders as they march forward into their 26th year.
Above all, we are not at all frightened by the current business climate. We have the confidence to continue to make steady progress. -- Kenzo Tsujimoto
Every day, we hear reports of worsening economic indicators as consumer spending weakens. These events lead to the obvious question of exactly how should Capcom deal with this challenging operating environment.
The answer is change. This is why we are reaffirming our commitment to our policy of constant change. -- Haruhiro Tsujimoto
Hit the jump for their full letters.
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Capcom Inviting Folks to See an Unreleased or Unannounced Title
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 11:56 AM PST
Capcom sure likes to make me jealous. Just look at that! They have a cat that can play Xbox 360! I want a cat that does that.
They're also making me jealous by holding yet another Community Focus Test that I cannot attend. Just as well, there would probably be some conflict of interest or something, anyway.
But if you're in the San Francisco Bay area and want to attend to play an as-yet unreleased/unannounced game, then here are the details.
Capcom Inviting Folks to See an Unreleased or Unannounced Title
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 11:56 AM PST
Capcom sure likes to make me jealous. Just look at that! They have a cat that can play Xbox 360! I want a cat that does that.
They're also making me jealous by holding yet another Community Focus Test that I cannot attend. Just as well, there would probably be some conflict of interest or something, anyway.
But if you're in the San Francisco Bay area and want to attend to play an as-yet unreleased/unannounced game, then here are the details.
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Wii
Media: Japanese Trailer for Mario Power Tennis and More GCN on the Wii
by Joey Davidson | 01/06/09 | 11:19 AM PST
For those of you that don't know, Nintendo is rereleasing some of their GameCube successes on the Wii. This time they'll be updating the controls so that they can include room for the Wii Remote and its gestures.
Hit the break for the trailer and to see whatever GameCube classics will be revisited on the Wii...
Media: Japanese Trailer for Mario Power Tennis and More GCN on the Wii
by Joey Davidson | 01/06/09 | 11:19 AM PST
For those of you that don't know, Nintendo is rereleasing some of their GameCube successes on the Wii. This time they'll be updating the controls so that they can include room for the Wii Remote and its gestures.
Hit the break for the trailer and to see whatever GameCube classics will be revisited on the Wii...
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Radical Isn't Free, But Buyers Still Quite Interested
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 10:14 AM PST
Free Radical Design, as we all know, is really struggling right now, having recently laid off 140 members of its work force and putting itself up for sale. Luckily for them, they're apparently offering a quality product which game companies and investors from around the world are interested in.
Radical Isn't Free, But Buyers Still Quite Interested
by David Oxford | 01/06/09 | 10:14 AM PST
Free Radical Design, as we all know, is really struggling right now, having recently laid off 140 members of its work force and putting itself up for sale. Luckily for them, they're apparently offering a quality product which game companies and investors from around the world are interested in.
January 5, 2009 | 
