The announcement of the is unique plan was made at the Interop technology conference in New York City. The plan is to use the existing networks that have been specifically designed for online multiplayer gaming by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo and use these networks to issue emergency messages directly into the consoles, along with the regular channels such as radio, television and newspapers by the Emergency Management Office.

The newly devised plan is part of a string of initiatives called the Empire 2.0, taken by the New York administration, to ensure that the citizens are given enough reason to view the government as a transparent, participatory, and collaborative entity.

Via Information Week & SlashDot.

The games maker Electronic Arts (EA) has closed the acquisition of Playfish for $ 275 million in cash and other forms of compensation, extending its business to the growing social gaming industry.
The Playfish, a company founded two years ago with headquarters in London, makes games to be played on the computer between families and friends, unlike traditional games that rely on specific consoles. Among its hits there are the game of virtual pets “Pet Society” and the game of questions and answers “Who Has The Biggest Brain?”.

Under the agreement, EA has paid about $ 275 million in cash plus another $ 25 million in retention agreements of shares, the company said on Monday (9).

In addition, the former owners of Playfish also entitled to additional compensation in cash, the value of variable, up to $ 100 million, provided that certain goals are achieved performance of the company until December 31, 2011.

EA said the deal would accelerate consolidation in the entertainment industry in social networks and strengthens its focus on the transition to digital social games.
The agreement comes at a crucial time for the video game market, which saw its sales plummet this year amid a shortage of famous release and consumer caution, with an eye on their spending due to economic recession.

Via: Folha.

One of the biggest names in the gaming industry, Activision Blizzard Inc. has announced its their quarter financial results for the year 2009 and despite the slump in the gaming industry, the gaming behemoth has infact scored a significant profit. This increase in the sales and revenue of Activision has largely been attributed to the widespread popularity of two of of its flagship titles, Guitar Hero 5 and World of Warcraft.

The latest gaming title from Activision, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, that is slated for release in the coming week is expected to be one of the most valuable revenue generating titles of all time for Activision. Even with the company’s hopes pinned on the new game, the fact remains that the economic recession along with the slump in the gaming industry might not be convince the users to go for the hot titles being launched near the holiday season.

The net income for Activision jumped to $15 million for the third quarter of 2009 and the total revenue earned by the gaming industry’s leading firm are estimated to be $703 million. However, the revenues generated by the online subscription of Activision titles have been quite encouraging,  with $755 million, a figure that dropped the jaws of many analysts in Wall Street. Along with the revenue and profit, came a hike in the shares of the company, with a rise of 2.3%, ending the each share at a face value of $11.12 at the closing of the market.

Via Associated Press.

One of the most sought after gaming consoles in the world, Sony PlayStation 3 is all set to be equipped with the Netflix online instant streaming service. With the addition of this latest feature, PS3 has become the only gaming console in the world, that supports Blu-Ray discs and provides online streaming.

The users of the PlayStation 3 will be able to view movies and television episodes online, by ordering a Netflix free Blu-Ray disc, that will enable the PS3 to run online videos and movies. This  activation disc can be ordered via phone or online by potential subscribers and it will delivered to the members, absolutely free of cost and that too by first class mail. Meaning, that the members can receive these activation discs a day after they place their orders.

The Netflix Blu-Ray disc is based on the Blu-ray’s BD-Live technology, that enables this disc to gain access to the internet and activate the PS3 subscription. However, in order to make the activation process work via the Netflix disc, the PS3 should be connected to the internet, via Ethernet or Wifi. Those consumers who are already a subscriber to Netflix, just need to insert the Blu-Ray disc into the console and enjoy the movies and television shows up for grabs.

This latest deal between Sony PlayStation 3 and Netflix, has effectively put a stop to the exclusivity shared by Microsoft and Netflix for a very long time. However, the exclusive deal between Netflix and Microsoft, still couldn’t beat the PS3 deal, as the Xbox 360 requires an Xbox Live subscription,in addition to the Netflix subscription. Where as in the PlayStation 3, the users just need to insert the free Blu Ray disc and enjoy watching their favorite movies.

Via Cnet.

The game “Civilization“, one of the most popular series of games of all time, will have a Facebook version with the name “Civilization Network”, which is planned for 2010.
The announcement was made by the Canadian developer Sid Meier, director of Firaxis Games, responsible for the game, page created on social networking specifically for the project.

Meier claims that after the release “Revolution” of the game was completed in 2008, sought ways to enjoy the “advantages of the unique way of being social networks.” Thus, he says that soon his team will look for beta testers (for testing players) to help him develop a unique way to” play “Civilization”.

He also plans to cooperative and competitive aspects, leveraging what already exists in the traditional game. It can also “convince your family and friends to form their own government and win vital elections, manage and grow their cities to maximize production and happiness, spy on their enemies and work with your friends to create the great Wonders of the World.”

The game was originally released in 1991, offering the player the challenge of “building an empire that can withstand the test of time.” The ambiance of the game begins in 4000 BC, a period that began in the Bronze Age and the writing.

Via: Folha.

Chuck Norris, one of the biggest names in Hollywood when it comes to beating the bad guy with your kicks and fists, instead of blowing up the whole joint, is finally coming to an Apple iPhone near you. The highly acclaimed, Delta Force movie series protagonist, Chuck Norris has been animated and so are his moves by Game Loft and the gaming application is expected to be releases for iPhone users in about two weeks time.

The game aptly titled, Chuck Norris: Bring on the Pain has been designed and developed by GameSoft and will be available via the Apple iTunes store in about two weeks. This gaming application  is priced at a mere $.99. So get set for some bad guy bashing, Chuck Norris style!

Via App Advice.

Perhaps the most cherished and immensely popular gaming console, Xbox 360, is the dream game machine for kids and adults alike. With high-end graphic, multiple widgets and many other spectacular features, Xbox 360 is virtually in every living room.

Now, Microsoft has decided to bring the world even closer to the users of Xbox 360, with the launch of multiple social networking applications, that are designed especially for Xbox and enables the users to stay connected, share information, status updates and do a whole lot of other activities online and that too on their Xbox 360.

Facebook:

Amongst the most prominent social networking applications, Facebook now sees itself as the primary application in Xbox 360. Microsoft has spared no efforts in ensuring that, the Facebook application is as vibrant and as feature packed as possible. One of the exciting features of this application is the compatibility of Xbox with Facebook connect, that allows the users to send status updates, for the games they play on Xbox and can also notify the world about the achievements they claim in a particular game.

Another really useful feature of the Facebook application enables the users to find the friends on Facebook, who are playing Xbox 360 and can also search for Xbox 360 friends, who might also be available on Facebook.

According to Ron Pessner (GM, Games Windows Live, Microsoft),

“We’re obviously interested in what folks have to say about the desirability of personal videos. We’re going to be evaluating that going forward.”

Via Cnet.

PS3 Slim, which was announced a few weeks ago came with 120GB which was a huge improvement from the normal 80GB hard disk. Now, Sony may also have announced the 250 GB version of the PS3 Slim which I am sure is going to create a lot of ripples in the world of video games and gaming consoles.

There have also been picture of the 250 GB Ps3 Slim and hence that proves the existence of the product and lets us know that it is not just a baseless rumour. If the PS3 Slim is released, the 120 GB version will have no market value whatsoever, and might even be stopped from being manufactured.

I can’t wait till the PS3 250 GB version is released so that I can store a lot of video games and music. If only there were so many cool games available on PlayStation, just like Xbox or Wii, it would have been really nice but then we can’t have the cake and it eat as well, right?

Via: Uber Gizmo

If you tired and bored of using the same old black PS3 Slim then, here is good news for you! ColorWare has come up with their new and exciting PS3 Slim, which are dipped in different variety of colors. The best part is that you can now mix-and-match a different variety of colors for the lid, base, logo and your controllers. It also includes glossy primaries, pastels and even metallics.

ColorWare is concerned enough for the rough users and hence, their colors are carefully coated with a double layer of scratch-resistant coating in order to keep the paint intact for a long time. The prices come at different rates. Here is the deal. If you send your PS3 Slim to ColorWare, you can get it as cheap as $149.

However, if you want to buy a brand new console, customized to your liking, then you will have to pay $449. Pearlescent colors are available too but at a slightly higher rate. You can have one of your Dual Shock Controllers for free as part of the deal. In case, you want to paint an additional controller, then you must spend an extra $30.

Via: Technabob\ColorWarePC

Ofcourse its sleek design is bound to keep the wives happy.

The starting price is approximately $3,729 and can be customised in two choice finishes.

Via EliteChoice