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Happy Leap Day everybody! This week’s gaming news couldn’t compare to last week’s GDC filled circus. However, there were a few pieces of information that it’s important you know about. The biggest news, undoubtedly, came from Sony. Their executive structure saw a lot of changes, not least of which was the resignation of Phil Harrison, the President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. Many wondered why Sony didn’t make a keynote speech at GDC; Harrison’s tendered resignation was most likely an integral part of the decision. Other than Harrison’s unfortunate departure, three other major executive appointments were made at Sony Computer Entertainment America in an attempt to capitalize on Sony’s new found favorable position in the gaming market. Robert Dyer, Ian Jackson, and Sally Buchanan have taken over as Senior Vice President of Publisher Relations, Vice President of Sales, and Vice President of Human Resources. These key positions signal that Sony is pulling out the heavy hitters in order to improve publisher support, increase sales, and acquire the industry’s best talent. We also found out that the PS3 and PSP are going to be bundled with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and God of War: Chains of Olympus. The bundles will be available in early June and appear to be quite tempting. The PS3 pack will be an 80 GB model that includes not only MGS4 but also the new DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller. The price point is set at $499 and should fly off the shelves. The PSP bundle is almost too much handle. The handheld will include the new GoW game as well as sport a new “deep red” (try blood red!) design with Kratos’ visage emblazoned on the back of the case. To make the pack even more tempting, a copy of the movie Superbad and a voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops will all be included for the bargain price of just $199.99. Look for a big 2008 and an even bigger 2009 from Sony. In other news, EA has been making big moves to try and buy up Take Two Interactive. There offer of $2 billion was initially rejected, but according to financial analysts the writing’s on the wall. If a friendly purchase package agreement cannot be put together, there’s a good chance EA will go hostile and wrest control away from the current board by securing majority ownership. If EA succeeds then the gaming giant will become the dominant force in the publishing business. Word has come from Ubisoft and Major League Gaming that they will partner up and collaborate. Ubisoft will make an “MLG Map” for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 specifically tailored to MLG specifications and that features an MLG event at the Las Vegas Convention Center. MLG will return the favor by including RB6 Vegas 2 as a key component in its 2008 Pro Circuit. Speaking of professional gaming, the Championship Gaming Series announced the franchise player selections for the 2008 season. These players do not have to participate in the North American Draft and Combine in Austin, TX. These are the top rated gamers, most valued by their respective franchises. The list includes: Vanessa Arteaga – SanFrancisco Optx Jeremy Florence – Chicago Chimera Danny Montaner – LA compLexity Ryan Ward – Carolina Core Matt Wood – New York 3D Emmanuel Rodriguez – Dallas Venom Check back all next week for the most important headlines shaping the gaming world! |