Microsoft’s counter argument to this demand is that it wouldn’t be fair on consumers, since it would leave them with only two console options. The judge seems happy that Sony and Nintendo could pick up the slack – seemingly assuming that everyone can afford to just buy another console, whether they like the Xbox experience or not.

As far as the judge is concerned intellectual property rights are more important.

In terms of the bond payment, Microsoft wants to reduce it from 7 per cent to 2.5 per cent. In contrast, Motorola is recommending it be increased to 100 per cent of unsold Xbox consoles.

Outside Judge, James Robart, said both sides were clearly “driven by an attempt to secure commercial advantage. To an outsider looking at it, it has been arbitrary, it has been arrogant and frankly it has been based on hubris.”

Motorola has already won its case in Germany, leading to a block order on Xbox consoles. Funnily enough though, Microsoft was able to use US legislation to prevent the ban taking place.

The global legal system is confusing.

Source: Eurogamer

“‘Virgin Media’s 100 Day Game Project’ is on a mission to find the brightest talent in game design and creation, and, with input from the wider gaming community, help them to bring their game idea to life,” reads the promotional site. “We’re looking for amateur and student game designers from across the country to come to us with their concepts for a top quality mobile/tablet game. Utilising some of the industry’s brightest brains, we’ll select one concept and help the lucky winning team create their game and make their vision a reality. Reaching out to gaming fans everywhere, the project will culminate with the beta game launch at the Eurogamer Expo on 27th September.”

If you want to enter the 100 Day Game Project, you’ll need to have a team of 3-4 members all aged between 18 and 35. You have until May 27th to get your entry in.

Do so here.

“Due to the appointment of an administrator to our business this morning, it is with regret that I inform you all that our stores will not be receiving any stock of diablo 3 (sic)”, said a text message sent to those that pre-ordered the game. “Because of this, we regrettably will be unable to fulfill any pre-orders. Also, we will be unable to refund any deposits paid towards a pre-order of diablo 3. If you need any more info, please email customerrelations@game.com.au”

Unfortunately, beyond signing on as an unsecured creditor, there isn’t much you can do. It’s unlikely to get you anywhere even if you do though, since there are banks and big lendors looking to regain more than just a pre-order deposit from the GAME Group, and they are first in line.

“Initially we will continue to trade all stores, operating these on as close to a ‘business as usual’ mode as possible whilst we get a clearer understanding of the current state of the business and actively pursue options to secure its future,” PricewaterhouseCoopers spokesperson Kate Warwick stated.

“Prior to our appointment, the company’s management had been exploring interest in investing in the business with a number of parties and we will look to see whether this interest can be harnessed to continue the business or part of it through the voluntary administration process.”

While we might not see such an epic struggle for redemption in the Aussie branch of GAME as we did in the UK, that part of the business now enters the stage where it’s hoping for a buyer. It’s been said that some businesses have been courting GAME Australia for the past few weeks, but no information as to their identity has yet been revealed.

Source: Eurogamer

Other information released by the report revealed that the number of daily active users was up to 65 million. This represents a 3 million jump over this quarter last year. Monthly active users almost reached a third of a billion, sitting pretty at 292 million people.

When quizzed about the firm’s financial loss – despite revenue increase – CEO of Zynga Mark Pincus said that it was due to a larger investment expenditure.

“We’re pleased with the progress that Zynga has made in the first quarter growing our audience reach 25% year over year and nearly 20% quarter over quarter. Our team did a great job launching 5 new games across mobile and web including new hits like Hidden Chronicles, Slingo and Scramble with Friends,” he said.

While Zynga has continued steady growth, some of its newer titles, sequels to popular originals, like Mafia Wars 2, haven’t been anywhere near as well received as their earlier counterparts. It’s thought that the company plans to expand into mobile phones outside of Facebook.

Considering the popularity of titles like Farmville, it makes sense that the company would want to expand its potential audience.

Source: GamesIndustry

“We’re building the next generations of our products and technology right here in London and Skype is looking to hire a Software Development Engineer to contribute to the development of our experiences on Xbox,” says the job listing.

The relevant experience and qualifications include:

• B.Sc. in Computer Science or related field
• Solid background and a broad range of experience in Windows development, experience with the following technologies is essential: C++/ C# and .Net
• Experience building and shipping software within an Agile software development environment
• Exposure to XDK, XNA and the Xbox platform or any experience in game development would be nice to have

The job listing also notes that experience developing Windows 8 Metro experience would be a big bonus. It seems likely from this that the Xbox’s dashboard will be taking on a similar Metro feel to it in the future.

But what will you be doing as part of Skype Xbox?

“You will work in a dynamic environment on highly visible products, participating in all steps of the product lifecycle. You will be designing and developing next generation scalable services for millions of end users. This is a new team to Skype as well as the London office, so the positions will lend themselves well to people with a great startup mentality and the ability to make things happen.”

Good luck

As part of the settlement, GameStop has agreed to post stickers and notices on used games and on the website itself, stating how and when what content must be paid for. Also, anyone that bought a used game and then went on to purchase DLC that they thought was included with the original price, will receive a $10 cheque in repayment as well as a $5 credit payment if they’re enrolled in the GameStop reward scheme.

According to Games Industry, the lawyers behind the suite are looking to expand their litigation into other states, so if you’ve bought DLC after buying up a used game from GameStop, you might be entitled to just under $20.

Awesome.

Other updates for the still somewhat troubled retailer include the fact that reward cards and gift cards are back working,  trade-ins are now possible, pre-owned games can be bought and sold once again and the 28th day return scheme is also usable again.

“GAME, Gamestation and Namco Bandai Partners UK are pleased to confirm that The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings – Enhanced Edition for Xbox 360 will be available from all GAME and Gamestation stores across the UK on the 17th April,” a statement reads.

“We can confirm that all customers who have pre-ordered the Dark Edition and the Enhanced Edition (standard edition) will receive the eagerly anticipated RPG for launch.

“For all questions relating to your order or the game, please contact your local GAME or Gamestation store and confirm your pre-order with them, online or in-store.”

GAME’s issues were highlighted in March by the unwillingness of several publishers/developers that refused to provide GAME with stock – most likely because they wondered if they’d ever receive payment for it.

Source: MCVUK

“We strongly believe there is a place on the high street for a video gaming specialist and GAME is the leading brand in a £2.8 billion market in the UK,” commented Henry Jackson, MD of OpCapita.

“We have assembled a strong team of experienced industry operators to implement the programme of operational change that is needed. There is a huge amount to do but we look forward to the challenge of restoring GAME’s fortunes in partnership with its employees and suppliers.”

This move by OpCapita is thought to have cost the firm as little as £1 – the same deal it had when it bought the other troubled retailer, Comet. Finances aside though, 3,100 jobs and 333 outlets have been save in total.

Still this is only for the UK arm of the business, how the overseas stores will fare is still up in the are.

“We are delighted to be able to secure this business sale and provide some much needed stability for customers, suppliers and employees alike in these uncertain times,” added Mike Jervis of administrator PwC. “The support of these stakeholders has been crucial over the last week and I would like to thank them for their support throughout this difficult period.

“This means that the GAME brand will not be another one of the retail names disappearing from the high street in the current difficult climate.”

Source: Games Industry

While several other companies were in the running for the purchase – of at least part – of the long standing video game seller, RBS has emerged in recent days as being in pole position. Walmart and Hilco have remained quiet since early rumours of their involvement surfaced, while OpCapita’s offer was supposedly turned down. GameStop on the other hand made it seem quite clear it wouldn’t be striking a deal, since it was claimed its main focus in the UK was digital – suggesting a focus on the Impulse digital download platform.

However, even if RBS does swoop in and save GAME, it has been irreperably changed by the administration and recent financial issues. Nearly half of the UK based stores have closed, with a total of 277 being shut down. In Ireland, all but three shut up shop, with some employees staging a sit-in in protest of the only one week notice they received about the closures.

As MCVUK points out, an exit from administration should please the remaining several thousand staff – even if there is no hope for those that have been let go throughout this brief saga. It will also be interesting to see what changes will be made to the business beyond a downsizing to help it stay profitable from now on.

One thing that should be mentioned though, the hundreds of news stories that have been written about the business is the most publicity it has received in years. Maybe that will help.

“They are an incredibly talented and experienced team, and we are thrilled to have them on board,” said Mikael Hed, Rovio Entertainment’s CEO. “Rovio’s success is founded on the excellence of our team, and Futuremark Games Studio is going to be a superb addition.”

In the past the Futuremark dev. team has produced such games as Shattered Horizon, a relatively well reviewed zero gravity space shooter; Unstoppable Gorg, a less well reviewed space themed tower defence title and an iPad puzzle game called Hungribles that was generally considered too easy.

With these titles in mind, it’s an interesting move by Rovio acquiring a studio that is certainly more well known for its affiliation with the benchmarking arm of the business than its games. Perhaps the Angry birds developer is more interested in developing something AAA in nature? Or at least with a more aesthetics focused experience. If Futuremark can nail one thing, it’s likely to be impressive visuals – indeed even Unstoppable Gorg was noted for its beautiful graphics and unique style.

“I am proud to see the potential of our talented games team recognised by Rovio,” said Futuremark CEO, Jukka Mäkinen.

“Futuremark will now focus on supporting gamers and industry with 3DMark, our professional grade benchmark which, in a new version to be released later this year, will allow unified gaming performance comparison across operating systems and form factors for the first time.”

That last sentence also implies mobile benchmarking. Perhaps Angry Birds will feature somewhere in that as part of a mobile arm of the long standing test suite?

Source: Games Industry