Next Gen Console Wars – An Update

A lot is always made of the console wars. While Sony had pretty much the run of the battlefield with its first PlayStation, Microsoft and Nintendo have more recently staged serious bids to overthrow the all conquering heir. The Nintendo Wii remains the most popular console worldwide, with the Xbox360 holding firm in second place. However, the PS3 is gaining a real head of steam with news that it has now outsold the Xbox360 in the European market.

The Nintendo Wii was a hugely innovative games console, thanks to the Wii Mote. As a result of this, it is seen as bridging the gap between games consoles and the whole span of generations. Older consumers, as well as much younger, would be more inclined to play the Wii than either the PS3 or Xbox360.

Xbox360 gained a lot of the market share from its fiercest rivals, Sony, by releasing considerably earlier. By the time the PS3 was released, Microsoft’s system already had a plethora of high quality titles available. What was more, the Xbox Live networking play had also attracted large numbers of people.

Sony is estimated to have now sold approximately 16 million unites worldwide (compared to 19 million Xbox360s and 25 million Wiis). Billed as being more of an all-in-one home entertainment system the PS3 is more expensive than the Xbox360 but it represents one of the most affordable and realistic methods to purchase a Blu-Ray player.

As reported by BBC News, Sony believes it will overtake the Xbo360 in the near future and reclaim its crown as the leading games console within its ten year lifespan. Kaz Hirai, the head of the gaming console division at Sony, believes this will be achieved thanks to an improved line up of available games brought about by developer’s learning the technology behind the system.

GTA IV Smashing All Records

It’s hardly surprising to learn that Grand Theft Auto IV has broken pretty much every imaginable record going. The release of Halo 3 produced one of the largest ever profits for an entertainment release, including Hollywood blockbusters, and GTA IV has followed in that same vein. While many games fail to live up to the kind of hype they are given, that doesn’t seem to be something that can be directed at GTA IV.

Over 600,000 copies on the PS3 and Xbox360 of the Rockstar hit were sold within the first 24 hours of release. It’s not the first time that the Grand Theft Auto series has broken records. Grand Theft Auto San Andreas sold marginally more than 500,000 copies during its first 24 hours, the title that GTA IV has smashed. The same game also holds the record for 677,000 copies sold in its first week.

There are yet more figures of note too. It is estimated that the first day sales of GTA IV will amass £24m. Hollywood films tend to rake in anything ranging from £2m to £13m in the same period.

Many expect GTA IV to sell more than a million copies in its first week. One of the biggest reasons for this potential figure is that this instalment in the series is the first to be released on two platforms – all previous GTA titles were only available on the PlayStation consoles. Approximately 55% of sales have so far been amassed on the Xbox360.

Thanks to the Times Online for the statistics and figures.

9X Media Wins Multiple Monitor Peeing Contest

I didn’t really know one existed either but apparently so. The Masterplex started it all with a six screen multiple monitor rig. More entries subsequently joined the race, but all have been competely eclipsed by the 9X Media system. While it would work with as few as two monitors, it’s the bigger end of the boast that we’re particularly interested in.

The X-Top enables users to combine up to 64 screens in a multi tiled display spanning 1 to 3 rows. The screens on offer range in size from 19” to 40” and are high spec LCD monitors. 9X will completely customise your rig for you, and it’s a hardly surprise when you consider how much you would probably have to pay for this kind of set up.

I say “probably have to pay” because try as I might I can’t find any indication of a price, even for the “smaller” set ups. Again, though, if you have to ask… you know the rest. Incredible though it looks, I do tend to question the actual deployment of a 64 screen multi-tiled display using 40” monitors. I think you’d struggle to play GTA IV on a video wall that size. And another point, presuming you use 3 rows of monitors, that would require two rows of 21 monitors and a single row of 22 monitors. That’s just not symetrical.

UK Man stabbed while queuing for GTA:4 Game

GTA4 an ultra violent game in which you walk around the streets of liberty city committing murder to innocent pedestrians, have sexual intercourse with hookers and use an arsenal of destructive weapons to commit a one man genocide. The media have reported its the fastest selling game. (surprise, surprise)

Reports from the UK press about a stabbing of a man while waiting to buy the game. The man was stabbed a number of time in a queue of fans waiting to buy the game. witnesses thought they were seeing a promotional stunt for the launch when the blood-soaked victim staggered among them. Then realizing the attack was real after the police arrived.

It took place outside the Gamestation store in Croydon, South London, a witness said:

“The victim was covered from shoulder to belly in blood. Everyone thought it was a show to promote the game.”

Despite his stab injuries, the 23-year-old victim apparently went home to arm himself for revenge. Before policed arrived.
So lets look at GTA 4 by the numbers

• £200 million sales in the first week (est).
• 70 million sold of the previous games in the GTA series worldwide.
• 500 orders per minute for the game at online UK retailers.
• Woolworth’s are reporting 200 copies a minute flying of the shelves.
• 1 UK man stabbed while queuing for the long awaited game. (source:thesun.co.uk)
• 3 US cops murdered allegedly in GTA inspired circumstances.(soure:daily mail)

New Pornoviolence Genre To Be Created For GTA IV?

Pornoviolence was a term first used by Tom Wolfe in 1976, but thanks to the Guardian’s Peter Lyle it’s come to the fore once more. Peter Lyle is the Guardian’s Art and Architecture blogger and has criticised reports that GTA IV is a form of modern art, instead referencing it as pornoviolence.

The critique raises several issues. First off, labelling a game like GTA IV as being pornoviolence is certainly not going to put people off playing the game – in fact, I suspect it is much more likely to do the opposite.

Rockstar has long been the leading light when it comes to using apparent bad publicity to sell games – did you see the furore when they released Table Tennis? The GTA series has been nothing short of controversial from its inception but that controversy has continually fuelled its popularity.

However, one more important issue has been raised – should GTA IV have its very own genre? The pornoviolence tag sits well with me and if high calibre games like Grand Theft Auto were released under a new pornoviolence genre then I for one (and according to Lyle I’m a “media-addled introvert”) would be waiting for the next release to satiate my desire for “a crude, unmediated celebration of the urges to fight, have sex, and make fire ”.

Guitar Hero IV? Well - Sort Of.

Had enough of trying to master Through the Fire and Flames? Can’t quite master the ludicrous intensity of Dragonforce? Perhaps Raining Blood has got you spitting blood? Fear not, for there is an alternative to the incredible and incredibly difficult Guitar Hero III – in the form of the Guitar Hero Handheld Game.

OK, so it’s probably not as intricate as the Xbox360 version and it’s limited to ten songs but if you fancy yourself as a guitar hero now you’ve conquered Slash et al then this will amuse you for a few hours. The principle is clearly “based” around that of the incredibly popular gaming series with note sliding down the electronic fret board display. The aim is also to hit the notes in sequence and in time.

The guitar folds down so you can carry it with you when you next go busking down the main street. The ten songs include classics like Smoke on the Water and Heart Shaped Box. It’s also a whole lot cheaper than any of the Guitar Hero games. In all honesty, though, it does miss the Live experience of playing battles against your mates and trying to master co-op titles. Still, it’s pretty cool nonetheless.

GTA IV (Sold Out Long Ago) Released 29th April

It would be remiss to approach the 29^th April without making any comment on the impending release of what must surely be the year’s most highly anticipated video game – Grand Theft Auto IV. This latest instalment joins an elite list of games that will already be classed as sold out when it hits the shelves.

Pre-orders for GTA IV have hit an unprecedented high, with major retailers like Play.com, HMV, and Game all claiming that they have already sold out. Obviously, hyper inflated versions will be available on Ebay (as ever) for those unable to wait until the next batch is released.

Many retailers stopped guaranteeing the delivery of pre-orders on the day of release several weeks ago. Some shops have even stated that customers that have already placed an order may not receive the game until a few days after release.

The GTA series has long been a hit since its PlayStation only days, and if you’re an avid gamer then you’ll no doubt be waiting anxiously for its release. If you’re not a gamer then expect unusually busy 24 hour supermarkets at one minute past midnight. This is often seen as the easiest way to get hold of a copy without paying the ridiculous prices otherwise demanded.

Prepare For A New Spate Of Wii Related Injuries

Finally, it’s here – the Wii Fit. Following a slew of software and uniquely entertaining additions to the Wii line up, the Wii Fit hit UK stores today. Bearing in mind the number of broken bones, smashed televisions, and assorted injuries already attributed to Wii gamers, this latest addition looks certain to attract a more cardiovascular range of injuries. But, it does look like it should provide a few giggles along the way.

Unfortunately, like all the latest video game fads, actually finding one might prove more difficult. Over quarter of a million unites are available throughout the country but if you haven’t already pre-ordered then you need to act quickly or face paying well over the odds on Ebay.

The Wii Fit includes the Wii Fit balance board and while the whole thing is unlikely to instantly convert anybody into an ultra-fit Adonis, combined with an hour or two of Wii Sport workout it will make an excellent introduction. What’s more you don’t have to embarrass yourself in front of the gym regulars.

The Wii has become renowned for being more accessible to a greater range of people compared to other games consoles. As well as looking certain to continue this trend, the Wii Fit board looks like being yet another popular addition to an already successful line up.

All Go! For PSP Owners

Hot on the heels of the Go!Messenger service, Sony has announced that video download service Go!View will be released some time in summer. Sony is partnering with Sky to release the Go!View service.

Users will be able to download TV episodes, films, and other content to watch while on the go. In true Sky style, the service will be released with a subscription and a pay-per-view price package so users have the freedom of how they want to pay as well.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about this release is that it’s the first official video download service available to European PSP owners. While no specific details have been leaked yet regarding the actual content that will be available, the listings should be pretty comprehensive and will almost definitely include the latest incarnation of Lost and 24.

While no firm release date has been announced, Sky and Sony have declared that it will be released some time in summer. Users will need to register first, then download content onto their PC, and then transfer it on to their PSP at a later time. It’s possible that a similar service may also be released for other handheld devices but, guess what? No official word on this has been released yet.

Xbox sales double thanks to price cut

Sony’s Playstation3 console may be picking up a little bit of momentum in the gaming console charts right now, and the Nintendo Wii still galloping way ahead of everyone else due in part to a high amount of Asian sales. Software giants Microsoft has said their Xbox 360 sales in Europe have doubled in the last month.This is great news for Microsoft who reduced there prices in Europe at the start of March.

“Xbox 360 is truly the next-generation console of choice among consumers, and today’s numbers are proof that we are delivering on our commitment to achieve critical mass in Europe,” said Microsoft Europe VP Chris Lewis.

“The highly competitive ERP, coupled with entertainment content that’s appealing to everyone in the home, makes Xbox 360 the ultimate high-definition entertainment choice, and it’s clear that we’re already seeing this resonate with consumers.”

Microsoft have said that the Xbox 360 is the number one console in EMEA. The Microsoft 360 right now has a 42% market share based on life-to-date revenue.

Sales of the console in the UK. France and Germany are doing great right now although Sony’s PS3 and Nintento’s Wii is dominating sales in Spain and Italy.

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