Digital Versus Physical: The Future of Distribution

Xbox Live. WiiWare. PlayStation Network. Undoubtedly, all of these are changing the way we purchase video games. For over twenty years, gamers had to travel all the way to the video game store to pick up the latest release - but nowadays, we can simply download games onto our systems by using 'Points'. This is obviously more convienent, but does it spell the future for the way all games are distributed?

With a quick look at some forums on the Internet, you'll realize that players have some pretty strong feelings about the topic. Those on the side of Digital Distribution list some of the more obvious benefits of their choice of distribution: more convienence, less trash produced without packaging, and lower cost due to the lack of packaging. Being able to play demoes of the games you are downloading is also a bonus.

Of course, despite the growing prevelance of WiiWare and DSiWare, Nintendo is still sticking to it's old ways. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario and Zelda series, as well as many others, stated, "Personally, I'm one of those guys who, even if I have all the songs from iTunes, I want the CD as well. It's something that makes me - I feel more reassured with the physical media." Miyamoto is a pretty big name in the video game business, so his support of "traditional" distribution is definitely a big deal.

That "reassured" feeling is not the only benefit of Physical Distribution, however. Without a physical copy of the game, used copies can't be bought, and the game cannot be shared with friends unless you carry around your entire console. And if games went completely digital, game stores would go completely out of business, which would seriously hurt the economy.

The Verdict: We'll never reach such an extreme that all games are released digitally, but that doesn't mean that format will go away. Digital Distribution will likely grow to a comforatable size within the next few years, and find a perfect balance with the Physical Distribution that we have all come to know and love.

Image credit: MSXbox World (here), Second Hand Karl (here).

Comic-Con: Expansion of Dead Space

The original Dead Space, released in 2008 (along with a full-length animated film) was received with overwhelmingly positive reviews, including IGN's award for "Best New IP". But, this isn't the end of the franchise - a prequel, Dead Space: Extraction has already been announced for the Wii and is set for released later this year.

At Comic-Con, it was announced that two sequels for the original game are being planned, as well as a live-action movie. D.J. Caruso, director of such movies as Disturbia and Eagle Eye, has already been signed on as the director. Interestingly, both of those movies star Shia LaBeouf, and his next film, Y: The Last Man, also features LaBeouf, leading to the the possibility that LaBeouf could be featured in this film adaptation.

In more game-to-movie news, it has been confirmed that a Gears of War movie is being planned - however, it has not passed a "basic stage", and no details have been released. Check back for more updates!

Image credit: Gamepressure (here), SuperVoodoo (here).

New Michael Jackson Game

Some rumors have been persisting about an upcoming game based on Michael Jackson - and, apparently, they are true. MJJ Productions, Michael Jackson's personal company, is developing the title. But is it a 'tribute'?

Apparently not. MJJ Productions has been working on the title "for months", and it even includes dialogue from the King of Pop himself. It has been confirmed that Jackson's death has not interfered with the planned release of the game, set for Christmas of 2009.

It will be released for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and is purported to contain a number of hit songs.

Image credit: P.I.D. Radio (here).

News Overview

Next Wii Zelda: According to Shiegru Miyamoto, the creator of the Zelda series (along with many others), the next Wii Zelda game won't be "that radically different". However, he has already stated that the game will certainly use the Wii MotionPlus, and has pointed out that this "older Link" is not wielding his famous Master Sword. While it seems that the art style of Twilight Princess will remain, it still seems that something will change - and not just the controls.

Transformers: The new Transformers movie, Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, has been raking in over $450 million, only beaten by Angels & Demons, which garnered $469 million. This has all been against poor reviews, with critics claiming that the movie was worse than the original - but fans are still, clearly, excited.

The A-Team: The status of The A-Team movie is about to change, as the cast begins to settle in. With Liam Neeson set to play Hannibal Smith, and Bradely Cooper set to play Templeton Peck, the movie is truly coming along. And now, strong rumors are swirling that rapper "The Game" will play B. A. Baracus - stay tuned as more updates appear for The A-Team, set for realease June 11, 2010.

Bioshock 2: A strange, promotional record has appeared regarding the upcoming Bioshock 2. It seems to hint at a plot, though it is certainly left open to interpretation. Read more about it here. Bioshock 2 is set for release on November 3, 2009, for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Image credit: IGN (here)

Post E3: Project Natal

Reporters around the world have been raving over Microsoft's new "Project Natal", claiming that it's motion sensing really works. But, could something like this "destroy" the Wii?


Although some may disagree, I don't think so. The Wii already has a large fan base, and Nintendo's hardcore followers won't be swayed by something that could be considered "more casual than the Wii". And even if the camera works very well, that doesn't mean that it will be successful: for the hardware to sell, it needs something backing it - software.

Developers were very wary when starting to develop games for the Wii - they were originally gimmicky, and poorly-received, but once they learned what not to do, Nintendo started to gain a third-party developer base that is had needed for years. Will the same happen with Natal? I can't tell for sure, but once games have begun to be made for it, we will see if it will hit such success as to expand the Xbox 360's life span to 2015, as they have claimed.

E3 Watchlist: Xbox 360

For an explanation on the "E3 Watchlist" series of posts, go here.

Xbox 360: The first of the new generation of consoles, it could be argued that the Xbox 360 is getting dry. And in addition to having nearly all hardcore games and a weak Japanese fan base, this console needs some help - will this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo reveal something to help change this?

Halo 3: ODST: It just wouldn't be E3 without a little bit of Halo. Although not an entirely new game in the series, this standalone expansion will have all the fun and excitement of the original game. Instead of playing as Halo mascot Master Chief, you will assume the identity of an "Orbital Drop Shock Trooper" (thus the title) who is searching for his missing teammates. As you progress through the game, you will find remnants of your lost teammates, thus triggering a flashback and allowing you to play as the missing soldier.


Although the game uses the features from Halo 3, including the multiplayer levels, it is set during the events of Halo 2, in the city of New Mombasa.

Alan Wake: This game was announced many months ago, in the October of 2008, but we haven't heard much of it since then. Fortunately, E3 may be changing that. Called a "psychological action thriller", this game follows title character Alan Wake, a novelist who has not been able to write a book in over two years. To help him with his predicament, his wife Alice brings him to the small town of Bright Falls.


The fact that the game is set in a beautiful rustic town makes the graphics that much more impressive, so the game definitely has visuals on it's side. The light effects will be incredibly important, as the game's enemies are weak against light, thus making Wake's flashlight his most valuable weapon in the game. Illuminating traps can also be used to deter enemies.

Batman: Arkham Asylum: Although this game is set for release on the Xbox 360, PC, and PlayStation 3, that doesn't mean it won't be a highlight for the Xbox 360 in this year's E3. The game follows the Caped Crusader, who must attempt to stop The Joker's uprising in Arkham Asylum. Seeing as this is a truly mature game, it will definitely fit in with the dark theme that we saw in The Dark Knight.


Because Batman has access to all the latest gadgets, the player will have the ability to solve forensic-like puzzles in addition to the combat, which will switch between regular melee fighting to more technology-oriented battles. This is definitely going to be one of the top games at this year's Expo.

Rumors of 'Bioshock' Movie

Wentworth Miller, an actor most famous for his role on the hit television series Prison Break, hinted at the possibility of a movie based on the award-winning Bioshock game.

One of the updates on Miller's twitter account read, "Prison Break may be ending, but I've got things in the works. Hint... one word: Bioshock."


While this certainly doesn't confirm that a Bioshock movie is being made, it offers the possibility of this famous video game hitting the big screen. Stay tuned for more information on this potential blockbuster.

Preview: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2

After two wildly popular X-Men Legends games, Activision created the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series, which has it's second installment aimed for release this fall.

This new installment of the series follows the Civil War story arc, straight from the comics. A few characters are forced onto one of the sides (Registration and Anti-Registration), but other then that, you can choose which side each character goes on.


The gameplay is largely the same as it's predecessors, with the addition of the new Fusion attacks, which allow you to combine the special attacks of two characters to create a brand new, much more powerful attack. Trailers show Iron Man blasting a laser at Wolverine, who uses his claws to spread the beam across the area.

There will be a change in playable characters, with a few being cut and some others added. Song Bird and Iron Fist, two little known heroes, will make appearances as playable characters. Villains will even get a shot at being playable - Green Goblin and Venom are both included.

This game seems even more polished then the previous one, with excellent graphics and sharp gameplay. Stay tuned for a review coming this Fall.

Evolution of Motion Controls

A fake rendition of a 360 Motion Controller

Everyone was shocked when Nintendo unveiled it's new system, originally called the "Revolution", because of it's motion sensing controller. The Wii has changed the way we look at games by making them even more interactive. It was clearly a good idea, if the sales are any indication.

Rumors have come and gone about Microsoft creating a motion sensing controller for the Xbox 360, but they have all been debunked. Rumors are continuing to rise, but Microsoft has repeatedly claimed that these are all false. And while they could be lying, the chances are they aren't - releasing a motion sensing controller for the Xbox 360 wouldn't be a good idea at this point. However, that's not saying that the next system from Microsoft won't have motion sensing - that's always a possibilities. But it would be foolish on Microsoft's part to release motion sensing controllers so late in the system's life.

In other gaming news, the two law suits against Nintendo for their analog sticks and Wii Remotes, are over. The judge claimed that there was no need for a jury, and everything has been settled.

Insane Inmates

Recently, there has been a lot of excitement over the sequel to last summer's blockbuster hit, The Dark Knight - who will the villain be? who will be casted? - but it seems like some of us are overlooking another major milestone in the world of Batman; the new videogame, Batman: Arkham Asylum.

The reason I consider this game a "milestone" is that it's actually the first Batman game not based off another form of media (such as a movie) - meaning that it is a completely original story that blends themes from the entire comic book history of Batman to create an exciting new adventure.

The game, being released June 9, 2009, for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, will feature a sandbox style game, such as Grand Theft Auto, but will also include "detective" elements, allowing Batman to solve forensic puzzles with all of his gadgets.

The actual plot revolves around The Joker, who has recently been caught by Batman and imprisoned in the aforementioned asylum. However, The Joker uses the defenses of the asylum against our dark hero, and Batman must not only defeat The Joker, but escape from the asylum alive.

I'm excited for this game (I'll be getting the PC version) and while a few parts of the game sound like they might not be the most fun, you must realize that the game is still being polished so it's ready for all the comic book fans, and the fans of The Dark Knight, who will most likely assume that the game is as good as the movie.