Microsoft’s E3 Conference can be defined more by what it didn’t say than what it did. There was no mention of the once requisite Kinect, social media integration or video. Instead, the tech giant focused on showcasing their major game partners like Halo 5 and Call of Duty which of course look stunning in the gameplay demos.
Tag: gaming
Gaming Week: The Trigger+ Steam
Google In Talks To Acquire Twitch
Did you know that some of the most engaged audiences are gamers watching other gamers play games? Yes, you heard correctly. Twitch, the video game streaming network has 45 million monthly uniques who gather around displays, armed with Slim Jims and Cheetos to watch videogame play. Not surprisingly, Google is in talks to acquire the service which outpaces YouTube Live. We’ll have to wait and see how this pans out but there is a larger story around live audiences given the huge market for streaming gameplay, concert series, cooking lessons and more.
Early Details On The PlayStation 4
Sony’s press conference revealed some interesting details regarding the PlayStation 4 which should drop holiday season. The flagship gaming console will have second screen integration with the PS Vita which acts as a controller. Additionally, there will be social features allowing users to share their gameplay via Ustream and Facebook which could be very interesting for gaming brands looking to grow community.
Applifier Wants to See You While You Play
Video content speaks volumes, and is great for jump starting social interaction online. Applifier, the online mobile gaming network, has launched a new feature for its product, Everyplay, which uses the iPhone’s front-facing camera to record the player’s reactions while playing a range of mobile games. The idea behind Everyplay is to give gamers the opportunity to share their best (and worst) gaming moments with friends, or demonstrate tips and tricks. Everyplay is currently compatible with 8 games, but given its promising click through numbers, it certainly has the potential to benefit a wide range of game developers…and produce some entertaining viral videos.
Xbox Surface: Microsoft’s 7-inch gaming tablet | The Verge
Xbox Surface: Microsoft’s 7-inch gaming tablet
Amazon launches its first mobile game, ‘Air Patriots,’ for iOS and Android | The Verge
Vox Media Gets Serious About Video Games, Launches Polygon | Adweek
Nintendo debuts world’s first Wii U commercial in the UK | The Verge
Hottest trends in gaming
Here are continued impressions from E3. They are, as promised, thoughts on Sony offerings and the larger gaming trends.
Sony: I got a “hands-on” with the new PSP Go. I think this device is less a competitor to the Nintendo DSi, and much more of a competitor to the iPod Touch. The device centers on the concept of digital distribution for games and video – no more UMD disks. Getting rid of a disk drive has certainly made the device more portable, but it still doesn’t seem as pocket friendly as the iPod. The ability to leverage a control pad is great, as are the tie-ins between the PS3 and the PSP devices, but I see the device as primarily appealing to the existing PSP owners, much as the DSi has been an upgrade to the Nintendo DS. Continue reading “Hottest trends in gaming”
