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The End of Game as We Know It – Shop Closures, Job Losses and Site Offline

Posted by Lynette on

MCV have today reported about the closure of many Game and Gamestation stores in the UK and Ireland, keeping readers up to date with the latest news as it is released. Ever since Game emailed customers with the frustrating news that their pre-orders of Mass Effect 3 had been cancelled it was obvious something was up. After taking out a huge loan to cover costs it appears that Game have since failed to sort out the situation as today it has been announced that 277 out of 609 Game and Gamestation stores will close today.

Along with the closures the administrators have confirmed that 2,104 people will be out of a job, around 40 per cent of the whole workforce.  The stores left will continue to trade in the hope of being bought out, with both GameStop and The Royale Bank of Scotland allegedly being interested.  At this current time both Game and Gamestation websites are down, how long for no one knows.

If you have been looking to make use of the reward point scheme or use a gift card you will no longer be able to do so as these cards have been suspended as of today. Bad news if you have been saving up your points for months. Returns and exchanges have also been ceased.

Original Source [MCV]

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Bioware Upset by Reaction to Mass Effect 3 Ending – New Content Coming

Posted by Lynette on


With such a public uproar concerning the ending of Mass Effect 3 there was no way that BioWare could simply ignore or brush off the comments being fired at them from left right and center. One fan has been so enraged that he has filed a complaint with the Federal Trades Commission against Bioware and EA claiming false advertising with the game. In response to all of the furore Dr. Ray Muzyka, the co-founder of BioWare took to the Bioware blog on March 21 to address the issue directly stating:

As co-founder and GM of BioWare, I’m very proud of the ME3 team; I personally believe Mass Effect 3 is the best work we’ve yet created. So, it’s incredibly painful to receive feedback from our core fans that the game’s endings were not up to their expectations. Our first instinct is to defend our work and point to the high ratings offered by critics – but out of respect to our fans, we need to accept the criticism and feedback with humility.

Dr. Mazyka went on to say:

Some of the criticism that has been delivered in the heat of passion by our most ardent fans, even if founded on valid principles, such as seeking more clarity to questions or looking for more closure, for example – has unfortunately become destructive rather than constructive. We listen and will respond to constructive criticism, but much as we will not tolerate individual attacks on our team members, we will not support or respond to destructive commentary.

If you are a Mass Effect fan and have input for the team – we respect your opinion and want to hear it. We’re committed to address your constructive feedback as best we can. In return, I’d ask that you help us do that by supporting what I truly believe is the best game BioWare has yet crafted. I urge you to do your own research: play the game, finish it and tell us what you think. Tell your friends if you feel it’s a good game as a whole.Trust that we are doing our damndest, as always, to address your feedback.  As artists, we care about our fans deeply and we appreciate your support.

As yet there have been no details provided on the downloadable content which will be on its way to repair the damage although a spokesperson was contacted by IGN and they were told that more news will be available in April.

I haven’t played Mass Effect 3 but I did watch Graham go through it and saw his reaction to the ending. His response was initially what the hell followed by well that’s my story and that’s how it ended. Then Graham proceeded to go online and read about conspiracy theories and the reactions of others. I wonder if this has been planned all along although I doubt Bioware were expecting the response they have received. I just wonder if the DLC will be made available for free now… We shall see soon no doubt.

Original Source [Bioware & IGN]

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Xbox Live Arcade House Party Release Dates Announced

Posted by Lynette on

Microsoft have been kind enough to share with us the release dates of the brand new House Party titles and their prices on his very informative blog today. The Xbox Live Arcade House Party season will last for four weeks and the schedule is as follows

  • Warp to be released on Feb 15 and is priced at 800 MS points
  • Alan Wake’s American Nightmare to be released Feb 22 and will cost 1200 MS points
  • Nexuiz is due out on Feb 29 for 800 MS points
  • I am Alive is the last of the arcade titles and will be available on March 7 for 1200 MS points

“A special bonus from Xbox LIVE: Purchase all four House Party games between February 14 and March 13, 2012 and get 800 Microsoft Points! These promotional Microsoft Points will be delivered directly to your account within four to six weeks.”

On a personal level I don’t have enough time to get into arcade games (sad but true), however, I know that Graham will no doubt be aiming to get his hands on all four in time to be awarded the 800 points for his trouble.  Both Alan Wake’s American Nightmare and I Am Alive certainly look impressive and I am sure they will be making their presence known in our house as soon as they are released.

Original Source [Xbox]

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Skyrim Beta Update Available for PC Users

Posted by Lynette on

Bethesda has announced that PC users have been offered a chance to test out the latest update, 1.4, for Skyrim. Bethesda will be allowing any users who wish to take a look at the test to download the update via Steam. The news was announced via the popular Bethesda blog and gives the details on how you can get your hands on the Beta.

“To get the beta, you need to do the following: 1. Log into Steam 2. Click on Steam in the upper menu 3. Select Settings 4. Under the Account tab, go to the Beta Participation section and select Change. 5. A drop down menu will appear. Select Skyrim Beta. 6. Select OK. 7. Steam will now restart. After Steam restarts, Skyrim will be updated to the Beta version currently available.”

Bethesda do warn all users to make sure that they save and back up their game progress so far. If you fail to back up your saved games just make sure that you do not overwrite them so that if you should decide to stop using the Beta you will be able to go back to the current Skyrim version 1.3 and have access to your old saves.

The blog post also gives information on how to opt out of the newest update:

“If you decide you don’t want to run the Beta anymore, redo steps 1 – 4. At the drop down, select NONE – Opt out of all beta programs. Let Steam restart, and Skyrim will automatically update itself back to the latest released version.”

Be warned if you do decide to give this new update a whirl you are doing so at your own risk. As I play Skyrim on the Xbox 360 I shall not be trying out the new update but I am always one for giving things a go, so I would certainly be willing to check out the update for myself and see what issues were fixed. I am hoping the next update on the Xbox will sort out the weapon racks and display shields which never seem to work for me. This is very irritating as I would love to show off all my deadric artefacts in style, anyone else have this problem?

Original Source [Bethesda Blog]

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Could You Help The Mystery Game?

Posted by Lynette on

According to the Rockethub an exciting and original Indie game needs your help. The Mystery Game – Indie Game with Monsters is currently in the pre-alpha stage of development. Once completed The Mystery Game will be available to download via IndieCity which is a new hub for all things Indie on the PC.  The creator, Peripheral Games, has spoken about what can be expected from the game.

“The Mystery Game is a fun and addictive game where you, a little monster, have to run and jump around a various levels to find things of interest, everything from chocolate to gold bars! You will then have to take them back to your home base, all the while avoiding dangerous guards who will try and stop you in everything you do!

The game becomes very addictive with all the unlocks you can earn for your character, things like invisibility and super-speed! You will even be able to unlock new characters and levels to explore and steal from!”

Fans of indie games who want to assist in the realisation of an addictive new title have the perfect opportunity to do a little good. Peripheral Games is a one man show based in an Irish Studio who spoke about why financial support is required, and what is in it for the investors.

“The money will go towards a new computer to speed up the development process, software such as AI frameworks for the enemy’s (not in the video)and wages for musicians as I have no musical talent!”

“I have put a lot of thought into the rewards and I hope they are of value. I would also like to state that RocketHub is not an investment or charity, it is an exchange: funds from fans for rewards from me.”

If you like the idea of donating a few dollars into The Mystery Game project visit the Rockethub to find out how you can help.

Original Source:  Rockethub

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Mass Effect 3 – Pre-Order Bonuses & New Screenshots Revealed

Posted by Lynette on

BioWare have officially released information concerning the pre-order bonus incentives on the official Mass Effect website.

“Shrug off enemy fire with the N7 Defender Armor and its amplified shields then drop the opposition with high caliber fire from the N7 Valkyrie Assault Rifle. When the enemy has overwhelming numbers bring the M55 Argus Assault Rifle into battle and unleash rapid-fire bursts to even the odds. If the enemy gets too close, stop them dead with the AT12 Raider Shotgun and its superior firepower.”

If you have already pre-ordered Mass Effect 3, which is due for release on March 6th, you will automatically be eligible for the bonus incentives. The retailers GameStop and EB Games will be offering the bonuses and a full break down of all the participating retailers will be provided on the official website soon.

Eurogamer also shared some of the new screenshots to wet your whistle. The shots were also released on the official Mass Effect website today so head there if you want to download yours.

I have to admit, although I did play Mass Effect 2 I am still yet to complete it. Graham on the other hand couldn’t put the controller down and is counting down the days until Mass Effect 3 is released and the Reapers invade. No doubt he will be pre-ordering his very soon as he hates to miss out on the exclusive items.

Original Source:  BioWare   Mass Effect 3/ Eurogamer

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Looking Forward to the Future of Gaming

Posted by Lynette on

With the New Year we are all anticipating a whole load of new games which will be released in the coming months. 2011 was full of great titles a couple of my personal favourites include LA Noire and of course Skyrim which has consumed most of my Christmas holidays, and I am still only level 27!

Being a major Bioshock fan I have to say that the game I am anticipating most is Bioshock Infinite. Although there has been no official dates given as to when we can expect this title to hit the shelves, some websites are allowing you to pre-order the title with release dates varying from 16th March and 31st December 2012! Slightly different views there, so basically when it will come is anyone’s guess. Immersed Gaming will aim to give you the correct date when Irrational Games decide to reveal it, and fingers crossed for no delays. Other eagerly anticipated releases include:

  • Fable: The Journey
  • Mass Effect 3
  • Far Cry 3
  • Halo 4
  • Street Fighter X Tekken
  • PlayStation Vita
  • Wii U

There will be a bucket load of news on titles and hardware throughout the year available on Immersed Gaming so remember to check back with us daily to find out the latest news, gossip, reviews and the odd rumour. In the meantime feel free to let us know what you are looking forward to most during 2012 and what was your best game of 2011.

Sony & Nintendo Ready for CES 2012, How About Microsoft?

Posted by Lynette on

CNET reports, both Nintendo and Sony are all geared up for their awaited appearances at CES 2012. The most recent news to be released is that Nintendo will be bringing the Wii U to the largest consumer technology show.

 “Nintendo is bringing the Wii U to CES and I’ll be getting more hands-on with the tablet-console hybrid to build on my impressions from E3 2011. Nintendo has historically skipped over CES, but it’s great to hear the company will have a presence there in 2012″

Sony on the other hand will also be promoting their portable gaming device, the PlayStation Vita, due for release on 22nd February 2012. You can also expect a lot more news on Sony’s ideas for the Future of 3D gaming.

“3D remains a big talking point for the PlayStation 3, so expect to hear more about the company’s efforts to make the technology even more pervasive. While it may not have caught on at the mainstream level it’s been intended for, gaming arguably remains its best platform.”

As it stands Microsoft appear to be using CES only to try and push the new and improved Xbox 360 interface. The new dashboard has had a heap load of new content including the welcomed addition of YouTube, and according to CNET it is possible that details of new partnerships and features might be released.

Many Xbox fanatics are hoping for news on the brand new Xbox, however this is purely speculation and perhaps a little bit of wishful thinking as no official information has been released. I for one would welcome something exciting to come from Microsoft, and what could be more tantalising than a sneaky peak into the future of the Xbox?

 [Original source: CNET]

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PlayStation Vita Launch Game Titles Now Available for Pre-Order in the UK

Posted by Lynette on

Eurogamer reports, Play.Com has now listed the prices of the Playstation Vita launch games which can now be pre-ordered from the online shop. The PlayStation Vita is due to be released on the 22nd February 2012 in the UK.

“A variety of RRPs are listed – the highest is £44.99 for Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Play sells it for £40).

On the other end of the scale, Little Deviants and Reality Fighters are £18 (RRP 24.99).

Everybody’s Golf and WipEout 2048 are middle tier games, and carry a £34.99 RRP.

Meanwhile, Play.com lists the 16GB PlayStation Vita Memory Card with a RRP of £44.99, but is selling it for £40. The 8GB Memory Card is £28 (RRP £31.99). The 4GB Memory Card is £15 (RRP £17.99). Most Vita games require a Memory Card to play.”

I have to admit I am not interested in the PlayStation Vita. With the advances made in Smartphones there is little need for me to go out and invest in a handheld console, especially one with such a huge price tag (Wi-Fi Only costing £229.99 and WiFi and 3G retailing at £279.99 in the UK). Add onto this the top titles being upwards of £40 this is one gaming experience I will do without. However, I am sure many die hard Sony fans will disagree with me on this one.

[Original source: Eurogamer]

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