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If you enjoy reading this site, you might also want to check out these Think Services sites:
 Game Career Guide (for student game developers.)
 Indie Games (for independent game players/developers.)
 Finger Gaming (news, reviews, and analysis on iPhone and iPod Touch games.)
 GamerBytes (for the latest console digital download news.)
 Worlds In Motion (discussing the business of online worlds.)
 Game Set Watch (the Group's alt.game weblog.) |
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Report: Market Research Site Leaks Microsoft, Activision Plans
by David Jenkins
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June 16, 2008
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Detailed information and initial images have been leaked online which appear to describe the forthcoming plans for a number of major publishers like Microsoft, Activision and Disney -- including Mii-like avatars for Xbox Live, a SingStar style Xbox 360 title and more.
Although leaks are commonplace in the days preceding E3, none has previously been of the scale reported online with enthusiast websites such as NeoGAF uncovering multiple new titles via market research firm Intellisponse.
Perhaps the most significant involves a screenshot and description of a Mii style avatar system for Xbox Live, which is intended to replace current gamer pics. Called simply Avatars, the “digital personas” are described as being “available this holiday for all Xbox Live connected members and this spring for all new console owners”.
The new avatar system seems likely to be used with “SBGs” -- a type of social interactive game featuring live events and prizes, some of which are based on existing game shows such as Jeopardy and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? The live broadcasting and casual focus appears highly reminiscent of the previously revealed EA Sports GameShow.
Also detailed is a new SingStar style karaoke game named Lips. First hinted at in a separate accidental leak in May, according to the new details, the game will include thirty songs on the disc and come bundled with “two wireless interactive microphones”.
The game is said to to measure and grade singling performances and detect movement using in-built sensors, and will reportedly allow players to import their own music and sing over muted vocal tracks.
Other games mentioned include a much rumored follow-up to Scene It? Called Pop Culture Edition and apparently including music and other trivia questions as well as movies. The currently unannounced Forza Motorsport 3 will reportedly come on two discs and feature 100 tracks and 200 cars.
Another game never before alluded to is The Crucible from Eternal Darkness and Too Human developer Silicon Knights, which appears to be a Diablo style dungeon crawler action game.
A number of new Activision games have also been leaked including the previously announced Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, but also the all new Spider-Man Vs. Marvel Zombies, movie tie-in Transformers 2, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 and a version of both Spider-Man and Tony Hawk’s Skateboarding utilizing a Balance Board style peripheral.
Other multiformat games revealed at the same time include a Wii title based on Bill Nye's 'Science Guy' children's TV show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Gossip Girl for the Wii and Nintendo DS; Ultimate Band for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii; and Wii Yoga.
Finally, mention is made of a new action game tentatively titled Powers and Titans, to be created with input from Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon – although as with many of the above titles the publisher remains unclear.
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