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Archived News:
Electronic Arts' Q2 FY16 Financial Results are now public, revealing what
they call "record trailing twelve month digital non-GAAP revenue of $2.3
billion." We're no accountants, but that sounds pretty good, a theory supported
by word that they've once again raised their full-year guidance. Here are some
highlights: Selected Operating Highlights and Metrics:
- EA is the #1 publisher on PlayStation®4 and Xbox
One consoles in the Western World calendar year to date and for Q2 FY16, led
by the strength of the EA SPORTS™ FIFA and Madden NFL franchises.
- Across our annual EA SPORTS franchises that
launched new titles in Q2 – Madden NFL 16, NHL 16 and FIFA 16 – monthly
average players increased 30% year-over-year.
- Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ subscribers
increased 33% since the announcement of the latest expansion at E3, Knights
of the Fallen Empire.
- EA’s live services for Battlefield™ Hardline and
Battlefield 4™ continue to engage players with more than 6 million monthly
average players across the two experiences.
- Game sessions for Madden NFL Mobile are up more
than 300% over last year.
- Over 9.5 million players joined the Star Wars™
Battlefront™ open beta, the largest beta in EA’s history. The game will
launch worldwide starting November 17, 2015.
Selected Financial Highlights:
- For the quarter, non-GAAP net revenue of $1.146
billion was above guidance of $1.075 billion. Diluted non-GAAP EPS of $0.65
was above guidance of $0.40.
- Non-GAAP net revenue for EA’s FIFA, Madden NFL and
Hockey Ultimate Team™ live services continue to perform well, collectively
up 64% year-over-year.
- EA repurchased 1.8 million shares in Q2 for $126
million.
- On a trailing twelve month basis, EA had non-GAAP
net revenue of $4.163 billion (of which a record $2.307 billion was
digital), non-GAAP net income of $774 million and operating cash flow of
$818 million.
- EA increased fiscal 2016 non-GAAP net revenue
guidance by $50 million to $4.500 billion, diluted non-GAAP EPS guidance by
$0.15 to $3.00 per share and operating cash flow by $50 million to $1.200
billion.
Red Barrels Games officially announces plans for Outlast 2, a horror sequel first
unofficially revealed about a year ago.
IGN has first word on plans after interviewing Red Barrels cofounder
Philippe Morin, saying a release is expected for Windows, PlayStation 4, and
Xbox One in Q3 2016, and the project is teased
in this short video.
Here's the description of the clip: Outlast 2, the sequel to the
acclaimed survival horror game Outlast, is a twisted new journey into the depths
of the human mind and its dark secrets.
No conflict is ever black and white. But once the dust has settled, the victors
get to decide who was right and who was wrong. Who is good and who is evil.
Human nature pushes us to extremes of violence and depravity, which we then
justify by divine inspiration and a promise of paradise to come. Horror rises
from desperation and blind faith. OUTLAST 2 will test your faith, pushing
players to a place where going mad is the only sane thing to do.
Continue here to read the full story.
The
Mirror’s Edge website announces a delay to Mirror's Edge Catalyst,
saying the parkour action sequel is now due on May 24, 2016 (thanks
All Games Beta). Catalyst was previously
due in February, and here's the explanation of the setback: Years ago,
we set out an ambitious vision for Mirror’s Edge™ Catalyst. Achieving that
vision and delivering the best possible experience is equally inspiring and
challenging. And it takes time. We set out to create a vast city to explore,
full of stunning vistas, majestic skyscrapers, and mysterious tunnels. We’re
building the most immersive action-adventure game with fluid movement and combat
in first person. Mirror’s Edge Catalyst will be an all-new playground with a
deeper and more engaging story - and we want to accomplish all these goals to
the highest quality possible.
So we’ve made the decision to bring Mirror’s Edge to the world starting May 24,
2016. We will use these few extra months to make sure that when you step into
the massive City of Glass and experience the rise of Faith, it’s as
entertaining, impressive, and memorable as it can be.
Mirror’s Edge Catalyst has received an incredible response from fans around the
world over the past months. You’ve been eager to see the return of Faith and the
unique style and gameplay that only Mirror’s Edge can create. Witnessing your
positive reactions has been amazing motivation for me and the rest of our
passionate team at DICE.
Thank you again for your patience and support. Keep the Faith.
Infinite Space III: Sea of Stars is now available for Windows and OS X, and
Linux, and the sci-fi roguelike can be picked up with a 33% launch discount on
IndieGameStand Store (DRM-free) and
Steam. Those who enjoy
the music can pick up the soundtrack
on Bandcamp, and they also celebrate the occasion with a permanent price reduction for
the previous game in the series, Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space,
likewise available
on IndieGameStand Store and
on Steam, Here's a recent
Infinite
Space III: Sea of Stars trailer, and here's word from developer
Digital Eel: We’re so proud that you can finally play this cool (I even
say “creepy”) little game. What is Sea of Stars? A kind of “lunchtime roguelike
set in deep space” or “instant space opera”, if you will.
Infinite Space III: Sea of Stars is a starship roguelike, a sandbox adventure
game of interstellar exploration and space battles.
Travel from star to star, discover strange artifacts and lifeforms, upgrade your
ship with new systems and weapons, build up your flotilla with allies and
mercenaries, and take on a variety of alien menaces.
Continue here to read the full story.
Steam now offers A Clash
of Pumpkins, a free Halloween-themed DLC pack for Dungeons 2, the bad-guy
strategy sequel which is also currently
on sale. Word is: "In ‘A
Clash of Pumpkins’, the Dungeon Lord’s armies of evil will face new horrors
including trigger-happy pumpkins, haunted forests and murderous penguins across
three all-new, eerily beautiful combat maps."
Focus Home Interactive announces that Farming Simulator 15 GOLD Edition is now
available for Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, and they offer
this launch trailer
showing how you reap what you sow. Here's word on the various ways to get the
Windows edition: For PC players of Farming Simulator 15, the Gold
Expansion is available in retail stores and for download, adding this new
content to your game. If you're a new PC player, it is also available as
a full Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition game, in a boxed version and for
download. Last but not least, Farming Simulator 15 Gold Edition is also
available bundled with
the official Saitek wheel, pedals and command panel. Game not included in
North American bundle. Several offers are however available: you can enjoy the
complete Precision Control Pack, or simply the wheel and pedals; or, even the
vehicle side panel alone (http://store.madcatz.com/farm-sim/)
Continue here to read the full story.
Steam News announces
that How to Survive 2
is now available in early access, offering more guidance on how to make it
through the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Here's word: How
to Survive 2 is Now Available on Steam Early Access and is 20% off!*
Dead or Alive? Make up your mind, stranger. We don’t like that undead business
here in Louisiana…Survive solo or with friends as you look to fulfill your basic
needs of food, water and shelter, crafting your own tools and weapons while you
secure your camp and face flesh hungry zombies.
*Offer ends November 5 at 10AM Pacific Time
A
new article on the Roberts Space Industries website has details on a new
flight model they are getting set to introduce in the Star Citizen alpha.
The update is very lengthy and detailed, so here is the overview of how this
changes things: The flashiest new feature is the additional flight modes:
Precision, Space Combat Maneuvers (SCM), and Cruise. These are all IFCS profiles
that focus ship behaviors toward the highly different goals of close tolerance
adjustments, combat actions, and long distance flight respectively. Though you
can only use one flight mode at a time, coupled/decoupled and the collection of
flight assists can still be used to further customize handling.
The official launch
trailer for Need for Speed celebrates the imminent console launch of
the driving game, though the PC version is not due for a while yet. Here's
word on the clip: "Today, Need for Speed release its launch trailer. Become the
ultimate icon in Need for Speed this November 3rd! Race in and explore a huge
nocturnal open world, express your style with authentic car customization and
become immersed in a narrative staring real world icons like Magnus Walker and
Ken Block." Continue here to read the full story.
This trailer from
Atlas Reactor shows off how the simultaneous turn-based system will work in
Trion Words' upcoming tactical shooter. Here's a brief outline of the system: In
Atlas Reactor, turns are divided into two modes: Decision mode, where players
choose their actions, and Resolution Mode, where players watch their decisions
play out. Each turn is broken into four distinct phases, which always proceed in
the same order - Prep, Dash, Blast and Move - with each phase coinciding with
specific gameplay actions. By working together as a team and predicting and
understanding enemy actions and phases, players must devise the best strategy to
put themselves one step ahead of the competition and achieve
victory.
Continue here to read the full story.
Reviews of
Batman: Arkham Knight on Steam that were posted prior to
yesterday's re-release of the
game are no longer being flagged as "pre-release" reviews. Older reviews
being labeled this way were
discovered
yesterday, raising concern among users about the appropriateness of such a
move. We've seen no announcement about the situation, but as of now all the
game's reviews appear without qualification. Reviews posted since the game's
re-launch are not overly positive either, and many users are complaining that
the game's performance issues persist after patching. The game's release date is
also no longer listed as yesterday, it has again reverted to the original
release date of June 23rd.
Paradox Interactive announces the acquisition of
White Wolf Publishing from
CCP Games, saying this will now operate as a subsidiary of their company. This
puts them in control of the licensing of several properties such as World of
Darkness and Vampire: The Masquerade, and expands their business with
additional physical products, including tabletop games, collectible card games,
and books. Here's the news: Paradox Interactive, a global games developer
and publisher, today announced the acquisition of White Wolf Publishing from CCP
Games in an all-cash deal. Now a subsidiary of Paradox Interactive, White Wolf
Publishing is a licensing business that owns and manages intellectual properties
including World of Darkness, Vampire: The Masquerade and Werewolf: The
Apocalypse. Led by CEO Tobias Sjögren, former EVP of Business Development at
Paradox, White Wolf Publishing will operate as an independent entity with a
dedicated team.
White Wolf Publishing has a long history of producing gaming universes that span
mediums, including tabletop and collectible card games, PC games and books.
Paradox Interactive acquired all of White Wolf’s brands, and its new subsidiary
will pursue development opportunities across relevant categories of games under
the White Wolf Publishing name.
“Like Paradox’s games, White Wolf’s properties have dedicated, passionate
communities. While there are similarities in spirit, White Wolf’s IPs have very
different themes than Paradox’s titles, and deserve their own brand and team,”
said Fredrik Wester, CEO and President of Paradox Interactive. “We have great
respect for White Wolf’s gaming worlds and see big opportunities for their
expansion in the future under our new subsidiary.”
“Over the last 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with beloved studios
like DICE and Paradox on the business management side of games, and as a
developer earlier in my career. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear
as we pursue new ways to interact with White Wolf’s universes,” said Tobias
Sjögren, CEO of White Wolf Publishing. “The White Wolf IPs are well suited for
all kinds of media and we see great potential to expand them in the future.”
"At CCP, we have great admiration for the White Wolf brands and communities, and
it was extremely important to us that the acquiring company share the same
respect and understanding,” said Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games.
“With Paradox, we know we are leaving the brands in good hands."
Stroboskop announces Sylvio 2, an upcoming sequel to their first-person
horror game. The Sylvio 2 website is
already online, offering a counter ticking off the seconds until December 1st,
when they will release a trailer and a playable alpha demo and kick off
Kickstarter and Steam Greenlight campaigns. In the meantime they offer
a single screenshot and say the
original Sylvio will go on sale for 50% off on the
Humble Store
and Steam over the
weekend to celebrate the news. Here's word: Sylvio, the critically
acclaimed first-person EVP horror game released this summer is getting a sequel.
Labeled ”the best horror game of the year” by Adam Smith of Rock, Paper,
Shotgun, and nominated for ”Best Original Game” on the upcoming TIGA awards,
it’s been an overwhelming and awesome first six months of the game. Stroboskop
is more determined than ever in trying to add something new and original to the
horror game genre.
Sylvio 2 is set in broad daylight through-out the game, in the days following a
ravaging forest fire in Saginaw Family Park. Juliette Waters is once again the
protagonist, and portrayed, just like last time, by the brilliant actress Maia
Hansson Bergqvist. And she’s got a hold of some brand new equipment.
”Stelotron L-500”, the reel recorder from the original Sylvio, has been replaced
with the ”Stelotron L-1000”. A 360° video camera and a portable TV, making it
possible to record ghosts in both vision and audio. You can zoom in and scan
your recordings for any ghosts caught on tape, and just as before, your
recordings are playable forward / backward in normal speed, fast forward or slow
motion.
Keen Software House notes that this month is the second anniversary of the
release of Space
Engineers, their voxel-powered sci-fi sandbox game. They say the game
has sold more than 1.6 million copies since its early access launch on October
23, 2013. "We are not celebrating just the 2nd anniversary of Space Engineers,"
explains Marek Rosa, CEO and founder of Keen Software House. "But also the
creative spirit of the community that drives us, pushes us into the unknown,
makes us question what is even possible, and helps us see what we never before
imagined." They also take the opportunity to say they are on the verge of
releasing their biggest content update yet. Here's word on the plan: The
second anniversary comes on the verge of the upcoming biggest content update
yet: Planets that will reinvent how fans experience Space Engineers. Keen
Software House is dedicated to bringing new content, paying close attention to
the community, shaping the game together with regular updates, and supporting
creators by offering complete access to the game’s source code.
Rockstar Games announces a "Halloween Surprise" event that's now underway in
Grand Theft Auto Online. They have added two new vehicles, new masks and
face paints, a new adversary mode, and a special Halloween event and livestream.
Here's an overview: "From now through November 16th in GTA Online, special
Halloween treats will be available to the residents of Los Santos and Blaine
County on PS4, Xbox One and PC. And no tricks here – once acquired these special
items will remain in your inventory, even after November 16th."
The Team Fortress 2
website announces that Mannpower Mode is out of beta, and offer
these patch notes
for the update that brings this to the live version of the multiplayer shooter.
This update also launches this year's installment in their
Scream Fortress
event, their seventh annual Halloween festival. Here's word on the Manpower
update: Mannpower Mode is out of beta! Thank you so much to the TF2
community for all of your great feedback since we first launched the
beta late last
year. We think the mode is a lot more fast-paced and fun, and can't wait to hear
what you think of the improvements. We're also shipping a map specifically
designed for Mannpower called Hellfire as part of our
Scream Fortress Update. So fire
up the game, have some fun grappling around, and let us know what you think!
Below, please find a beginner's guide to everything you need to know about this
mode.
Welcome to Mannpower Mode
Mannpower is a CTF-like game mode with powerups scattered throughout the map.
When picked up, the powerups give you different abilities that you can use to
help capture enemy flags. You can also use the grappling hook to fly through the
air and get to places that feet alone can’t take you.
Gearbox Software announces "major updates" in the works for Borderlands 2,
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, and the console Handsome Collection of Borderlands
games, including improvements for notoriously stingy item drops. Here's what's
coming to the first-person shooter prequel and sequel: Update highlights
per title can be found below:
Borderlands 2
The Borderlands 2 update contains some long-awaited changes including various
balance changes and refinements to elemental-based skills (read: Maya buffs),
adding The Fastball to Boll's loot pool, making the
legendary drop rate improvements permanent, and more.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
The Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel update contains mostly bug fixes and
performance improvements, as well as making the
legendary drop rate improvements permanent.
I got the results of my colonoscopy, and the polyp they removed from me turns
out to be something called a tubular adenoma. This seems to be the most common of such
growths, and while benign, it is something that could become cancer if left to
its own nasty devices. This illustrates the benefits of such a procedure, and
one of the reasons I am sharing my story is to encourage anyone out there
hesitant to get their own testing done, as the inconvenience and discomfort of
the procedure seem greatly exaggerated, while it's hard to overstate its
benefits. Going forward, I'm advised to watch my meat intake (something I am
actually better about than my repeated tales of carnivorous lust would
suggest), eat my fiber and veggies, take a daily baby aspirin (I'll consult my
G.P. about this first) and get re-tested in five years. That five years is
apparently sooner because of this outcome, though I thought the idea was to have these done more regularly, so that doesn't really bother me. So there... if you're putting this
off like I was, I hope you will reconsider, and of course, I hope your results
are perfectly routine.
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