Coming soon - The death of the video game store - the future of video game distribution

Coming soon - The death of the video game store - the future of video game distribution

With high speed broadband connections all major consoles now support online stores and download-able content, patches and updates - games stores days are numbered.

The need to produce game disks, boxes, instruction booklets, damage returns, transport, storage - it all adds to the cost of making and distributing games. The games companies now see an easy way to cut ALL of this OUT and get straight to 'you' their customer.

This has an added benefit - one that the industry has long been unhappy about...

The big games companies are hacked off at the second hand games market - they get NO returns from the sale of their games in this process. 

So how do they cut ALL this out and make more money in the process? - Easy...

Distribute their games online only, as downloads, straight away you stop them being sold second, third or even fourth hand - win!

Sell add-ons and updates online - plus they have the ability to patch games - another win!

Add the savings in packaging, distribution and other costs and it's another - win!

Very difficult to pirate games they can send kill commands to illegal games or stop them playing online.

So what's to lose - nothing - it's a win, win situation.

That's why the big players are seriously looking at the online distribution model.

Add to that the fact that you can play online with others across the globe which allows the companies to check your game ownership and keep statistics about your gaming habits and what you like and dislike playing.

As World of Warcraft has shown, the added value of online gaming is massive and the big players want their share.

The Next PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii game may only be available as a download - they may pass on some of the savings to the gamer.

Mark my works here on gamezplay.org I've seen the future and the future of gaming is online downloads so enjoy your local game shop while you can.

Have your own opinion on this I'd love the hear them? 

Why not email me here gamezblog@gmail.com

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 - Fact sheet

Tiger Woods' coach is now your coach! In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, Hank Haney will be there from the start to assess your skills, help you tune your clubs and give you feedback after every round as you attempt to climb the leaderboards and win the FedExCup.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 is a highly adaptable game that allows both the rookie and the seasoned veteran the ability to have a personalized and customized day on the links. This year's game also features enhancements to the online experience with a highly integrated EA SPORTS GamerNet experience as well as an all-new online engine powering Simultaneous Play.

• Performance Coach – The TOUR pros have their own coaches and now you do too. Tiger Woods real life coach Hank Haney will guide you through your career right from the start and help you improve your skills as you play each of your rounds. Haney is constantly watching your performance and assessing areas for improvement, providing you tips on how to increase your skills.

• Tune Your Clubs to Maximize Your Swing – With the all new Club Tuner you'll be able to tune your individual wedges, irons, woods and driver to customize your bag and get the most out of every club. But strategy will come into play as you must weigh the risks of club performance versus ease of use. So tune wisely!

• Dynamic Skills — All-new Dynamic Skills eliminates the chore of building your character up from scratch with skills you set at the beginning of your career. Based up on your performance after each round, your skills will go up and down.



• Enhanced EA SPORTS GamerNet — Personalize your experience on EA SPORTS GamerNet like never before. With the all new Instant Challenges you can earn points in any game mode and climb the Daily GamerNet leaderboards. These Instant Challenges - long drive, approach shots and putting, will appear throughout every round, providing a multitude of opportunities to earn GamerNet points while playing other modes.

• New Online Mode - In addition, to turn based play an all-new 4-Player Online Simultaneous Play will allow you to compete in a four person round in the same time it takes to play single player. No more waiting for your buddies to hit their golf shot. You will see ball trails from each of your playing partners as the foursome plays the hole at the same time. Finish the hole first and switch over to spectator mode where you'll see your partners characters as they finish up the hole.

• New Courses and Golfers — New challenges await with exotic new locations including Gary Player Country Club in South Africa, Wentworth Country Club in England, Sheshan Golf Club in China, Wolf Creek in Nevada and Bay Hill Country Club in Florida. Adding international flavor to the available golfers in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 are Si Re Pak, Darren Clarke, Nick Dougherty and Rory McIlroy. 2008 Electronic Arts Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Tiger Wood limited to playing his own games Gamezplay post here...

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 with performance coach from EA Sports post here...

Tiger's coach is your coach in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 post here...

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball has made its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade

Who Would Win in a Fight, Pirates or Ninjas? The Age Old Question is Finally Answered

Sides have been chosen, lines drawn and the smell of fresh rubber fills the salty air. There’s only one possible reason for these conditions – DODGEBALL! Gamecock Media Group announced today that Blazing Lizard’s Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball has made its way onto Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Players must join the ranks of savage pirates or enter the dojo of the mysterious ninja (or robots or zombies should they desire) as they battle to unconsciousness in the world’s most epic dodgeball matches.

“I love pirates,” said Captain Rick Stults, Console Chief at Gamecock Media Group.

“Everyone knows ninjas beat down pirates daily,” countered Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard.

Continued Captain Rick, “Our office isn’t immune to the timeless debate and even now I brandish a cutlass and eye patch to show my support. The debate has gone on for long enough and I’m ready to see pirates rise to the top and put those pyjama pansies in their place.”

To which Chris said, “What Rick doesn’t know is both prefer to settle the score on the dodgeball field. We are bringing together mortal adversaries for what I can guarantee will be intense dodgeball action. Albeit one in which the ninja warrior will prevail.”

Pirates v Ninjas Dodgeball brings the ancient debate to the apex of competitive sports. Dodgeballs in hand, the nautical outlaws square off against stealthy martial artists in beautifully designed 3-D environments. In addition to pirates and ninjas, gamers will also be able to unlock special zombie and robot teams. Each team has its own unique style and every character has its own devastating special move.

The title includes a full story and traditional and enhanced dodgeball modes with multiplayer support for 4 players Local / 8 players Online, and 4-player Co-op modes. Games can be customised to allow anywhere from 1 to 5 balls into play for maximum ball-throwing intensity. The traditional and enhanced modes are also part of the story so players get further variety in the single player game.

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is now available for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 for 800 points.

'Breaking Ground' Everquest II new update - sneak preview of Expansion

EverQuest II most recent game update 'Breaking Ground' provides players with access to the new group zone Veksar.

The dungeon is a preview to the launch version available in the upcoming expansion The Shadow Odyssey for release on November 18th. Players are also called upon to help construct the nearly completed massive Guild Hall project and the Murder Mystery live event is transpiring, as theories abound as to who performed the dastardly deed.

EverQuest II 'Breaking Ground' features -

Breaking Ground Veskar – An ancient underwater city that has once again been discovered by the adventurers of Norrath. Veksar offers both new quests and treasures to those wishing to enter its dangerous chambers. Players will have to have achieved level 80 to make their way to the outpost of Omen’s Call, there they can begin to unravel the mysteries of this risen ancient monument. Half of the new dungeon is available to current players and the rest will be available in the upcoming expansion.

Breaking Ground Guild Hall Construction Event - The Guild Halls building projects are starting to run low on resources requiring the help of Norrath’s finest adventurers. Director Jasmine at the Antonica docks and Director Hezreal at the Commonlands docks are eagerly seeking workers willing to help alleviate the situation.

Breaking Ground Murder Mystery Live Event - The Prophet of Healing has been found murdered and the main suspect is found dead shortly thereafter! It’s up to players of all levels to study the clues and figure out who the real murderer is. The progressive live event is schedule to run throughout this update. This prelude event holds significant importance to The Shadow Odyssey journey that begins this November.

Breaking Ground Everfrost Revamp - Everfrost gets a facelift! Adventurers levels 40-50 will find dozens of additional quests, four new hubs, and a population friendlier to various play styles, along with a new tunnel to make it easier to travel around the zone.

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Football Manager 2009 video live on YouTube now!

The most realistic representation of the world of football management is back on PSP Mac and PC!

Sports Interactive and SEGA Europe Ltd. will today announce a vast array of all new features for the Football Manager series, in videos that will go live on YouTube this evening. The videos will highlight the new features for both Football Manager 2009 for PC and Apple Macintosh and Football Manager Handheld 2009 for Sony PSP with more new features to be announced throughout the coming months through a series of blogs, podcasts and news stories.

The release date of both games is November 14th 2008.

“Video is definitely the best way for us to be announcing the key new features for the games, and YouTube is the best place to do that,” commented Miles Jacobson, Studio Director of Sports Interactive. “We hope to surprise our fans with some revolutionary new features, alongside some evolution of areas from our previous games.”

You can catch up with the new features announcement for Football Manager 2009 and Football Manager Handheld 2009 at www.youtube.co.uk/sigames from Wednesday 3rd September UK time.

Nintendo Wii wireless 'classic' controller - Wing

First Wireless Solution Designed from the Ground Up for Classic-Style Wii Gaming

New wireless controller design, the Wing, for the popular Nintendo Wii game console system. Using Nyko’s wireless dongle system that conveniently plugs into the bottom of the Nintendo Wii Remote, the Wing eliminates the cord for games that require the Classic Controller.

With a sleek aesthetic, colorful appeal and an ergonomic design, the Wing incorporates utility with a refreshing look for a value unmatched by any other controller available on the market. Nyko’s wireless dongle plugs into the Wii Remote, providing up to 10 feet of wireless range and up to 30 hours of playtime on two AAA batteries.

For the environmentally conscious, the Wing comes equipped with a USB port and cable for easy charging of rechargeable batteries (not included) and it boasts a rugged, durable build.

“As more and more games utilizing the classic controller scheme become available through the Virtual Console and WiiWare Channels, we wanted to offer a step up to what was currently available,” said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. “With the new Wing controller, we’re providing gamers with old-school gaming compatibility, combined with modern ergonomics and wireless technology.

Nyko’s wireless Wing classic controller will be available in October for the suggested retail price of $29.99.

Dynasty Warriors - Gundam 2 for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2009

Dynasty Warriors - Gundam 2 to deliver more massive mobile suits, melee combat mayhem and online versus play.

European release of DYNASTY WARRIORS - GUNDAM 2 on Microsoft Xbox 360 video game system, and Sony PlayStation 3 , PS3 console.

“KOEI’s next gen assault was spearheaded by Dynasty Warriors: Gundam in 2007 to tremendous effect with it proving to be a huge hit across the globe. With every feature within the game ramped up to the max Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 will be bigger, better and more spectacular in every way.” Said Will Curley, Sales Manager for KOEI Ltd.

In the future, rebel space colonies launch a brutal war of independence with a series of coordinated orbital strikes against planet Earth.

The chaotic assault signals the dawn of a new age of combat and the ultimate instrument of warfare is born, the Mobile Suit.

Naruto - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 video game for Nintendo Wii

Naruto - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 game for the Nintendo Wii.


Naruto - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 is the latest game in the Clash of Ninja fighting series, Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 will feature a new storyline, improved fighting mechanics, and original characters that include new villains and members of a covert operation team called the Anbu.

Naruto - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 is based on the highly rated animated series on Cartoon Network, Naruto from VIZ Media.

Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 promises an impressive list of playable characters from the Naruto universe, a polished and well-balanced fighting engine, and a deep, original storyline that expands upon episodes from VIZ Media’s hit animated TV series Naruto.

Watch YouTube trailer here... Now fixed!

Naruto - Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 will support widescreen (16:9) and progressive scan at 480p when it is released.

Next chapter in MMORPG video game Flyff - Fly for Fun out soon

Flyff, Version 12 (v12) will be saturated with new content changes that Flyff users have been eagerly anticipating.

Among the many updates in this new version is the Lord System, which allows users to vote for a “Lord” in each cluster. The honor of becoming a “Lord” comes with the ability to start EXP or item drop events, boost a player’s Attack or Defense Power by 10%, and much more. In addition to the Lord System, V12 will captivate users with the Forsaken Tower and its Secret Rooms.

Located deep in the south of Flaris lies the Forsaken Tower where the most horrendous creatures dwell. This tower will entice users to explore the Secret Rooms, where they will face off against new monsters, and gain abundant experience points for leveling up one’s character.

V12 also features Rangda, the soul of a cursed witch that lies in the deep forest of Darkon. The four incarnations of Rangdas: Rangda, Horrible Rangda, Uncanny Rangda, and Dreadful Rangda - each drop unique items. Rangda will drop up to three special items and appear in various places on the map. V12 brings a wide variety of exciting updates to this next chapter of Flyff. Users will notice the many changes and improvements to the gameplay of Flyff, designed to streamline customization and enhance the user’s experience altogether.

As Flyff continues to grow worldwide, Gala-Net strives to elevate the experience of its dedicated fans while also attracting new players to its virtual world.

“Gala-Net Inc. and Aeonsoft have undoubtedly worked very hard to bring V12 to life,” says Senior Producer Keehwan Her. “Each update and change was made with the user in mind. We know that V12 will be welcomed by the Flyff community.”

Intel Unreal $1 million to be won with best deathmatch

Top "Best Deathmatch" Unreal Tournament 3 mods recognized today; winners to be revealed at Austin GDC

Phase 1 finalists for the “Best Deathmatch Level” category in its $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest. The competition rewards top mods created for Unreal Tournament 3 with cash and hardware prizes in four preliminary phases and a grand final judging. Epic will reveal the winners in all 10 Phase 1 categories later this month at the Austin Game Developers Conference, September 15-17, 2008.

The Best Deathmatch finalists are recognized as follows:

Acquistion by Ben "Slainchild" Edney

August by Nick “neoduck” Donaldson

Calibrah by Matthias “sklare” Cytatzky

Cath by Claes "Nurb" Engdal

Salvation by Daniel "KaMi" Díaz

Razerate by Matthias “sklare” Cytatzky

Shrift by Michael “genthly” Gmür

Shrine by Thomas “Setheran” Browett

Waterfalls by David “DGUnreal” Green

Xiao by Sander “ZixXer” Vereecken

Epic would like to acknowledge the following Deathmatch mods with an honorable mention:

IronMaiden2 by Muhammad "MozI" Ahmed

Conveyor by Bret Hart

Downpour by Thomas “Setheran” Browett

Krodan by Sjoerd "Hourences" De Jong

Monastery2 by Michael “Xyos212” Brandsema

TempestX by Ryan "Morg" Morgan

Utopia by Robert Hartley

Wasteland by Remus Brailoiu

Epic will begin accepting submissions for Phase 2 of the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest on September 30, 2008, and the entry deadline for Phase 2 is October 17, 2008. Participation in Phase 1 is not required for eligibility in Phase 2. Visit www.makesomethingunreal.com for more details on the contest.