Lord of the Rings Online Developer Hit by Layoffs

Layoffs have hit Lord of the Rings Online developer Turbine. News of the layoffs first emerged this morning on Twitter, and a representative from Warner Bros. Interactive has now confirmed the news, providing IGN with the following statement:

“As part of the continual review of our business operations and fluctuating market conditions, we have had to make reductions in our Turbine workforce. The group continues to remain an integral part of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.”

Turbine previously worked on the Asheron’s Call franchise, Dungeons & Dragons Online and Lord of the Rings Online. The studio most recently developed Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan, which was released last month, and is also said to be working on a next-gen MMO.

IGN wishes the best of luck to anyone affected by today’s news.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Report: Major Layoffs at Zynga Austin

This morning during Apple's iPad Mini event, Zynga employees began taking to Twitter en masse to report on significant layoffs at the troubled social gaming giant. Zynga has yet to make any official announcement and have not yet responded to our request for comment.

Individuals close to the situation are reporting that Zynga Austin bore the majority of cuts, with more than 100 jobs lost at that location. The entire Zynga Bingo and theVille teams have reported been let go, leaving only teams developing mobile products left at the office.

Gamasutra is also reporting layoffs or perhaps the closure of Zynga Boston and Zynga Chicago. TechCrunch reports that the San Francisco office is not seeing any layoffs today.

More Zynga employees have reported that an all-hands meeting has been scheduled for later this afternoon. A more solid picture of the extend and location of the layoffs is likely to follow.

Today's layoffs are the latest in a growing line of bad news for the social game maker. SuperData Research noted today that Zynga has less active players now than it had two years ago. Social game players are increasingly leaving Facebook in favor of mobile play. Most analysts agree that Zynga has failed to make the mobile transition rapidly enough.

Justin is Editor of IGN Wireless. You can follow him on Twitter at @ErrorJustin and on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Square Enix Licenses Unreal Engine 4

Square Enix has signed a new deal with Epic Games for use of the Unreal Engine. As Epic announced this morning, Square Enix has licensed Unreal Engine 3 and 4 for a long-term deal that will span multiple titles and “provides Square Enix developers with full access to Unreal Engine 3 and Unreal Engine 4 technology across its studios.” The deal was signed with Epic Games Japan, who will provide local support to Square Enix and “will supplement Square Enix's proprietary software and ensure the studio is armed with the most powerful game development tools and technologies available across all major platforms.”

“Epic has a strong relationship with Square Enix, and it’s an honor to provide their creative and technical talent with the best game technology available for licensing,” said Epic Japan territory manager Taka Kawasaki. “We look forward to supporting their developers with world-class tools for years to come.”

Square Enix first licensed Unreal Engine 3 back in 2007 and renewed its agreement late last year. Previous Square-published titles using the engine include The Last Remnant in 2008 and Demon’s Score on iOS earlier this year. Square Enix showed off its own Luminous engine at E3 though it hasn’t announced which engine will be its primary focus for next-gen titles.

Unreal Engine 4 was first shown off at E3, and development was recently expanded when Epic opened a new Unreal Engine 4 studio and hired Laura Fryer as its general manager. The first Unreal Engine 4 title will be Fortnite, which is set to hit PC in 2013.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Layoffs Hit Fable Developer

Fable developer Lionhead Studios has been hit by layoffs. Microsoft confirmed the news this morning, providing the following statement to IGN:

“Following the completion of Fable: The Journey the Lionhead studio is in the process of beginning work on its next projects. As is common in the games industry, a reduced headcount is needed as projects kick-off and ramp up as development gets underway. At this time a very small number of positions have been identified as at risk of redundancy and the affected employees were notified today. We are working very closely with those people during this difficult time, to help them explore alternative opportunities within Microsoft including new roles at Microsoft Studios which is actively hiring.”

According to Develop, the layoffs represent less than 10% of Lionhead’s overall headcount and will be completed by the end of 2012. Microsoft also expects to add more than 100 new positions in the UK between now and June 2013.

Lionhead most recently released Fable: The Journey, which hit stores earlier this month. The studio was acquired by Microsoft in 2006 and led by founder Peter Molyneux until his departure earlier this year.

IGN wishes the best of luck to anyone affected by today’s news.

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.

Source : ign[dot]com

Jet Set Radio Delayed on PlayStation Vita

It was supposed to be out today – October 16th – but this morning SEGA confirmed that Dreamcast classic Jet Set Radio would be coming to PlayStation Vita at a later date.

The delay is said to be "‘due to necessary development optimisations", reports VG247.

The new release date has yet to be confirmed, but hopefully we won't have to wait. The game was re-released on Xbox 360 and PS3 in wonderful HD just last month – read IGN’s review to see if it's worth picking up.

Daniel is IGN's UK Staff Writer, and you can be part of the world's worst cult by following him on IGN and Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

Jet Set Radio Delayed on PlayStation Vita

It was supposed to be out today – October 16th – but this morning SEGA confirmed that Dreamcast classic Jet Set Radio would be coming to PlayStation Vita at a later date.

When exactly has yet to be confirmed, but hopefully we won't have to wait. The game was re-released on Xbox 360 and PS3 in wonderful HD just last month – read IGN’s review to see if it's worth picking up.

Daniel is IGN's UK Staff Writer, and you can be part of the world's worst cult by following him on IGN and Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

New Gaikai Site Teases Uncharted, Mass Effect and More

We haven't heard much from cloud gaming service Gaikai since Sony acquired it earlier this year, but that's changed this morning as the service's official site has been updated with an image that teases a wealth of PlayStation 3 classic content.

The image on the homepage, which you can see below, shows off iconic characters from a number of franchises that have appeared on Sony's console over the years, while clicking on other areas of the site unveils even more.

The games that appear somewhere on the site are Metal Gear Solid 4, Mass Effect 3, LittleBigPlanet, God of War III, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Killzone and Infamous.

Alongside the new layout and images, a statement on the site reads, "Over the past several years, we've worked tirelessly to re-define the way people access and play video games. We developed amazing streaming technology, assembled an accomplished management team, and built the world's most widespread cloud gaming network.

"And while we think all of that is pretty cool, we're not done yet. As a new member of the Sony Computer Entertainment family, we're working even harder to ensure the world's best entertainment content is delivered instantly to you, no matter where you are in the world."

Sony has previously voiced its support for backwards compatibility, and we've speculated about how Gaikai could be the means through which the company could make all its old franchises available through streaming.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and is glad we've all moved on from making FF7 jokes about cloud gaming. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

New Gaikai Site Teases Uncharted, Mass Effect and More

We haven't heard much from cloud gaming service Gaikai since Sony acquired it earlier this year, but that's changed this morning as the service's official site has been updated with an image that teases a wealth of PlayStation 3 classic content.

The image on the homepage, which you can see below, shows off iconic characters from a number of franchises that have appeared on Sony's console over the years, while clicking on other areas of the site unveils even more.

The games that appear somewhere on the site are Metal Gear Solid 4, Mass Effect 3, LittleBigPlanet, God of War III, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, Killzone and Infamous.

Alongside the new layout and images, a statement on the site reads, "Over the past several years, we've worked tirelessly to re-define the way people access and play video games. We developed amazing streaming technology, assembled an accomplished management team, and built the world's most widespread cloud gaming network.

"And while we think all of that is pretty cool, we're not done yet. As a new member of the Sony Computer Entertainment family, we're working even harder to ensure the world's best entertainment content is delivered instantly to you, no matter where you are in the world."

Sony has previously voiced its support for backwards compatibility, and we've speculated about how Gaikai could be the means through which the company could make all its old franchises available through streaming.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and is glad we've all moved on from making FF7 jokes about cloud gaming. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

Saturday Morning Animation: New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Clone Wars, Green Lantern and Young Justice Premiere-Mania

When we were preparing our full Fall TV Preview, I realized that the morning of Saturday, September 29th was a rather notable one for animation. Several geek-friendly series, all based on comic books and films, are premiering for new seasons in a single morning - and in one case, making their series premiere.

So consider this your heads up, and remember, all of these shows are coming at you within a couple of hours Saturday, September 29th!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Network: Cartoon Network

Time: 9:30am ET/PT

The Clone Wars is back for Season 5 on Saturday, on the heels of the big return of Darth Maul at the end of Season 4. Unlike most Clone Wars seasons, the premiere will deal directly with what occurred in the finale, with Maul and his brother Savage Opress front and center. Later this season, look for more big events involving Maul, Death Watch and Darth Sidious.

Check out our interview with the voice of Maul, Sam Witwer and check out our Rewind Theater for the epic Season 5 trailer below.

Green Lantern: The Animated Series

Network: Cartoon Network

Time: 10:00am ET/PT

Some are calling this Season 2, some the second half of Season 1, but either way, the return of Green Lantern: The Animated series begins a new chapter for the show. With the threat of the Red Lanterns over, Hal Jordan returns to Earth, bringing a new threat into play – the Manhunters. The premiere introduces a notable character from the comics, none other than the ever-abrasive Guy Gardner (voiced by former Batman, Diedrich Bader).

In the clip below, you can get a taste of what the meeting between Hal and Guy is like.

Young Justice: Invasion

Network: Cartoon Network

Time: 10:30am ET/PT

While not technically a season premiere, it’s been a long, nearly four-month break between new episodes for Young Justice, which resumes its Invasion storyline on Saturday. The premiere will deal with the very trippy circumstances involving Roy Harper, AKA Speedy and Red Arrow – and the fact that there are two Roys running around right now! Check out a clip from this week’s episode, “Satisfaction”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Network: Nickelodeon

Time: 11am ET/PT

After that trio of season premieres on Cartoon Network, a brand new series makes it debut on Nickelodeon, with the latest adaption of Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird’s amazingly durable creation. The new TMNT features the voices of Jason Biggs as Leonardo, Sean Astin as Raphael, Greg Cipes as Michelangelo, Rob Paulsen (the voice of Raphael in the 1980s animated TMNT) and Mae Whitman as April O’Neil – here reinterpreted as a teenager herself. The producers say they are looking to make a very fun show for all ages, while also remembering to stress the Teenage and Ninja aspects the title promises.

Check out our interview with Mae Whitman about the series.

Source : ign[dot]com

New Nintendo Land Attractions Announced

During this morning's Wii U Preview Event, Nintendo revealed a bit more information about its flagship launch title for the platform, Nintendo Land. We previously knew about eight of the 12 total "attractions" inside the package, but four remained a mystery. Now we know about two more.

"Mario Chase" is a refined, evolved version of the "Chase Mii" demo first showcased at E3 2011. Dressed as Mushroom Kingdom characters, four players will work together on the TV screen to chase down a fifth runner, who plays using the Wii U GamePad.

"Pikmin Adventure" will also be playable at the event later today, and Bill Trinen has described the game as an "action-based multiplayer attraction," with players having their Miis dressed up like Pikmin soldiers and working together to swarm enemies characters.

UPDATE! Here's a first look at new screens of the new attractions in action:

Mario Chase

Pikmin Adventure

Lucas M. Thomas is IGN Nintendo's wise old sage, having worked to cover the worlds of Mario, Link, Samus and all the rest of the Big N's creations for over six years here. You can follow him on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

Metal Gear Rising on 360 Cancelled in Japan, Still on for West

The Xbox 360 version of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will still release in Western Markets, despite it being cancelled in Japan.

Konami announced this morning that the version of Platinum Games' upcoming hack 'n' slash planned for Microsoft's console in Japan had been canned, though no reason for the decision was given.

A statement given to IGN though confirms that this will have no impact on the game's Western release. It reads, "Metal Gear Rising Revengeance for Xbox 360 and PS3 will be released in the West as planned in February 2013."

While we can only speculate why the game was cancelled in Japan, it's probably due to the fact that the Xbox 360 isn't as well established as the PS3 over there, and is unlikely to be due to any performance issues pertaining to the game on Microsoft's console.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will be released on February 19 in America and February 21 in Europe on PS3 and Xbox 360. A PC version was originally planned, but later cancelled.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and personally prefers the Raiden from Mortal Kombat. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

Guild Wars 2 Sales Reopen Today

Having suspended sales of Guild Wars 2 right at the end of last month because servers were creaking under the sheer weight of players, ArenaNet has reopened them this morning. So if you missed the boat on release weekend and have since lost all of your friends to Tyria, at least you can now join them.

ArenaNet originally suspended sales on August 30th, just two days after launch, because the server infrastructure was having problems keeping up with demand. Since then, the company had deployed new European and North American servers and prepared the Trading Post for a new influx of players.

ArenaNet's president Mike O'Brien had this to day: “Preserving the customer experience has always been our top priority. We’re supporting  Guild Wars 2 for the long run. We’ll always do what it takes to deliver the best online gaming experience for our customers, even when that means throttling sales.”

To celebrate, the developer released a bizarre and rather arresting new live-action trailer. Enjoy it below:

Source : ign[dot]com

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan Dies

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan, of The Green Mile and Armageddon fame, died Monday morning after suffering complications after a heart attack. He was 54.

According to a statement issued by a representative for Duncan's fiancee, TV personality Rev. Omarosa Manigault, Duncan "never fully recovered" from the myocardial infarction he suffered in July. He remained hospitalized at a Los Angeles hospital until his death.

Duncan began his Hollywood career as a security guard for the likes of superstars Will Smith, Jamie Foxx and Notorious B.I.G. He landed his first significant Hollywood role as Bear in 1998's sci-fi blockbuster Armageddon, but he is best remembered as John Coffey in the 1999 drama The Green Mile, a breakout performance for which he was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. He subsequently had notable parts in The Whole Nine Yards, Brother Bear, Planet of the Apes, Sin City and Daredevil, amongst others.

Duncan also made a number of television appearances in high profile shows such as Bones, Chuck, and Two and a Half Men. He most recently appeared on The Finder on the Fox Network.

Standing at around 6 foot 5 inches and possessing a rich, deep voice, Clarke was a magnetic presence onscreen. He will be missed.

Source : ign[dot]com

Ouya Kickstarter Closes With $8,596,475 Pledged

Ouya's Kickstarter funding campaign closed earlier this morning, with the project successfully having received $8,596,475 worth of funding from 63,416 backers.

The open source console's quest for funding launched back on July 10 with a funding goal of $950,000. Within seven hours it smashed through this target to have the most successful Kickstarter launch day ever.

“

It took us seven months to raise a little bit of investment from generous friends and family, and we raised the rest on Kickstarter in seven hours. We are just floored.

Speaking to IGN at the time, Ouya founder and CEO Julie Urhman said, "It took us seven months to raise a little bit of investment from generous friends and family, and we raised the rest on Kickstarter in seven hours. We are just floored.

"The next 29 days are about raising the bar: how much can we change things?  We're going to hang on tight for the ride!"

While the Kickstarter may be over, a number of developments in the last two weeks suggests that Ouya's wild ride isn't over yet. We told you last week that Square Enix became the first major published to support the console by releasing Final Fantasy III as a launch title, while also promising to provide more content in the future.

Then we found out that cloud gaming service OnLive would be available on Ouya from launch, alongside Vevo content, the XBMC media player and digital radio service TuneIn. Yesterday, Namco Bandai revealed it is in "active discussions" to become the second major publisher to support the console, which would bring Pac-Man, Galaga, Ridge Racer, and Tekken to the new platform.

Ouya is expected to release in March 2013, so expect even more news and partnerships to materialise before then; just yesterday we discovered the console will support four controllers.

The first Ouya exclusive title, a prequel to Robert Bowling’s Human Element, is currently in development.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com

Nintendo Still Losing Money, But 3DS Sales Improving

Nintendo's first-quarter financial results, released this morning, saw the publisher post a loss as expected - but 3DS sales are on the up.

The net operating loss stood at ¥17.2 billion/$220.4m, an improvement on the previous year's ¥25.5 billion Q1 loss, with sales down by ¥9.1bn ($116.4m) on this time last year. Nintendo sold 1.86 million 3DS units during the quarter, in comparison to 710,000 ove the same period in 2011, at the time of the console's European and North American launch, which means an increase of 162%. Software sales stood at 7.39 million, a 63% increase.

Nintendo has been selling the 3DS at a loss since the post-launch price cuts, but the financial results report that as of July 25th it is no longer selling at less than the manufacturing price, meaning that the company can start making money from sales of the console from this point onwards.

Lifetime sales of the 3DS now stand at 19 million. The Wii is sitting at 96.56 million, meaning it's currently the third best-selling home console of all time behind the PlayStation and PlayStation 2.

We can expect the 3DS XL to boost 3DS sales yet further in the next quarter - and with the Wii U out before the end of the year, it's sensible to expect that Nintendo's Q1 results for next year will rather different.

Source : ign[dot]com

5 or 6 New Amazon Tablet Models Forthcoming

Amazon will introduce “up to five or six tablet SKUs” Reuters reported this morning. The tip comes from Demos Parneros, president of U.S. Retail for Staples, one of Amazon’s retail partners. Among the new tablets will be a 10-inch model, Parneros said.

Of course, five or six SKUs really means one or at most two new tablet models, as each storage option gets a unique SKU. So what looks at first like an huge announcement is almost certianly too limited to refer to the Amazon’s rumored smart-phone. Still (assuming this isn’t actually just a new batch of e-readers) a 10-inch version of the Kindle Fire would surely compete more directly (or, like, at all) with the iPad.

With third-party retailers getting info, an official announcement from Amazon can’t be far off. Would you buy a 10-inch tablet or a phone from Amazon? Let us know in the comments.

Source : ign[dot]com

Johnny Depp Returns as Edward Scissorhands...on Family Guy!

This morning, FOX announced its upcoming all-star roster of guest voice talent for their Animation Domination shows Family Guy, The Simpsons, The Cleveland Show, American Dad and Bob's Burgers. Johnny Depp, Jon Hamm, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Steve Carell, Ryan Reynolds, Zach Galifianakis and Bryan Cranston are just some of the names headed our way.

Johnny Depp will reprise his iconic film role and voice the character of Edward Scissorhands on an episode of Family Guy. Other Family Guy guest voices include TV producers J.J. Abrams, Mark Burnett and Dick Wolf, actors Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”), Ryan Reynolds (“Safe House”), Kellan Lutz (“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1”) and actress Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games”).

The Simpsons will travel to New York City in search of Bart's long-lost love (Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl"). Other upcoming adventures include Homer finding out his bowling buddy (Steve Carell, “The Office”) is an accountant for the mob and Bart discovering the new neighbors’ son (Patton Oswalt, “Young Adult”) isn’t as cool as he appears to be.

Kanye West will reprise his role as Kenny West on The Cleveland Show as Cleveland discovers a secret hip-hop society starring West, singer/songwriter Bruno Mars, rapper Nicki Minaj, Grammy Award winner ?uestlove of The Roots, and musician and recurring guest voice will.i.am. Other notable names headed to The Cleveland are Sofia Vergara (“Modern Family”), Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”), Krysten Ritter (“Don't Trust the B---- in Apt 23”), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee George Clinton and a recurring guest role for Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) as a doctor who joins the gang at the bar.

Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) will drop by Bob's Burgers as Chet, a former department store window dresser pining for his estranged wife, who happens to be a mannequin. Also on Bob's Bugers: Nick Offerman (again!) and real-life wife Megan Mullally (“Will and Grace”) as a pair of married hippie farmers who hire the Belcher kids as “weed pickers.” Also, Kevin Kline (“A Fish Called Wanda”) returns as Bob’s (H. Jon Benjamin) eccentric landlord “Mr. Fischoeder,” who purchases an unpredictable mechanical shark as an attraction for the pier; and Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) voices “Captain Flarty,” a crazed cruise ship captain who shanghais Bob and his family.

Jon Hamm ("Mad Men") and Alison Brie ("Community, Mad Men") will lend their voices to American Dad this season, along with Patrick Stewart (“Star Trek: the Next Generation”) as himself in a recurring role. Also, Danny Glover ("Touch") guest-voices as a Christmas demon in the annual holiday episode. Other guest voice appearances include Nathan Fillion (“Castle”), Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Rupert Grint (“Harry Potter” franchise).

The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy and American Dad premiere Sunday, September 30; The Cleveland Show returns Sunday, October 7, on FOX.

Source : ign[dot]com

14 Killed at Dark Knight Rises Screening

A gunman, reportedly masked and dressed in body armor, opened fire today at an early morning screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, killing 14 and wounding roughly 50. Several children were among the victims, including a 9-year-old girl. Police have the suspect in custody. The gunman is said to be in his 20s.

The Denver Post quotes survivors and witnesses as saying the man entered the theater dressed in body armor and carrying a canister that released gas. Initially, not all audience members realized they were under attack as they believed the sounds of gunfire were part of the movie.

Associated Press reports that the gunman "stood at the front of the theater and fired into the crowd about 12:30 a.m. MDT at a multiplex theater in a mall in Aurora. 'Witnesses tell us he released some sort of canister. They heard a hissing sound and some gas emerged and the gunman opened fire,"Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates said at a news conference."

The gunman is not believed to have had any accomplices and no motive for the crime has yet been reported. Police also checked a local apartment searching for explosives, reportedly based on comments made by the suspect, whose identity has not been revealed.

10 victims are said to have died at the theater and four at hospitals. The youngest victim is said to be 6-years-old being treated at Children's Hospital Colorado, where 10 victims were taken.

President Obama released the following statement on the shooting: "Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado. Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my Administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time. We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded. As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family. All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come.ople of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbors."

Source : ign[dot]com