via Eurogamer


Developer Funcom has told GamesIndustry.biz that the console version of MMO Age of Conan and its next online project, The Secret World, are both still on track.

The company laid off support staff in the US last month, but CEO Trond Arne Aas is confident there are no redundancies on the cards for Europe, as it begins recruitment for studios in Oslo and Beijing.


While Age of Conan on PC remains a priority for the firm, the developer is also beginning projects in the casual market, as well as continuing to push Age of Conan on the Xbox 360 and develop its next ambitious MMO title, The Secret World.


The evolution of Age of Conan since launch has been useful for the team working on The Secret World, influencing design and providing improved technical assistance, said Arne Aas.

But for the immediate future, the expansion to Age of Conan is the number one priority for Funcom.

...

via Eurogamer


Sony has rolled out an Echochrome update, adding Trophies to the PSN puzzler.

More impressive, however, are the 1000 extra user-generated levels on offer. And, given that the original game launched with 56 stages, that number is rather spectacular.


The blog also tells us another echochrome update is on the way, although we cannot know when or what "interesting features" are inside just yet.

Echochrome, the Escher-inspired perspective puzzler, can be snatched from the PlayStation Store for GBP 6.99. ...

via Joystiq


Though Valve likely somewhat cannibalized the Team Fortress 2 fan base with the release of its own, equally excellent Left 4 Dead, there's still pretty fervent interest in big changes and small tweaks coming to the game. The company recently detailed a few of them, like rechargeable cloaking for Spies and the ability to upgrade dispensers and teleporters to level 3.

Valve also revealed that it's working on a Scout expansion next, as well as "a massive Xbox 360 update, which will include pretty much everything shipped on the PC in the last year. " Sadly, there's still no date on the upgrade. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Microsoft has released a free premium Xbox Live theme to help you get into the festive spirit of things.

You'll find the free theme if you head on over to Themes And Gamer Pics and browse through the downloads (there aren't that many to be honest).

If you've yet to shell out a few hundred points for a premium theme, it'll be well worth the effort and give you an idea of what they look like.

We reckon the Christmassy theme is a job well done. Hopefully there are plans for spring, summer and autumn ones too. Here's a quick movie that gives you idea.

Remember it's free before you start complaining about the lack of Banjo or Master Chief in Christmas clobber, chucking iceballs at Cliffy B.

UPDATE: Microsoft's also released a rather festive snow globe on the Spotlight channel. It's started appearing in the US, but apparently other regions might have to wait until the respective teams press go. From Major Nelson:



One screenshot and trailer at CVG ...

via Games Industry


Sales of PlayStation 3 software have grown 150 per cent since the start of the year, according to Sony.

Total software sales for the console during November were more than 3.5 million units, in a month that saw the company sell over 378,000 PlayStation 3's.

For the month, PlayStation hardware revenue was USD 261 million, representing a growth of 9 per cent since the start of the year.

Software for PlayStation formats generated revenue of USD 352 million, up 16 per cent since January. ...

via Games Industry


The Xbox 360 has a software attach rate of 8.1 titles, according to Microsoft, with third-party games generating more revenue at retail for publishers than the Wii and PlayStation 3 combined.

That's according to Microsoft, in a month where third-party game sales on Xbox 360 topped USD 298 million.

"We've created the optimal line-up of experiences this holiday season for families seeking lasting entertainment value, particularly during rough economic times in the US and abroad," commented Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.

"We have the largest library of games, TV and movie content and the most expansive and rewarding social experiences. We're confident Xbox 360 will continue to drive record sales around the world this holiday and beyond."

Total software sales for the console in November reached USD 408 million, according to Microsoft.

The Xbox 360 sold 836,000 units in November, with Gears of War 2 one of the best-selling games for the system. ...

via Computer and Video Games


Xbox Live won't crash again this Christmas as it did last year, Xbox group product manager Aaron Greenberg has promised.

Speaking to Kotaku, the Xbox man said that even with all of the new, cheaper consoles downloading the New Xbox Experience on Christmas day, Microsoft will be prepared.

"We've built a lot of infrastructure, a lot of behind the curtain no one sees," he said. "This is something that Microsoft is good at. We are well prepared for the type of growth we expect this holiday.

"We will have people standing by, more people on hand than we've ever had before," he said. "Knock on wood we will hopefully not have any issues." ...

via Computer and Video Games


Microsoft has released a bunch of super interesting stats for the New Xbox Experience update, which streamed onto Xbox 360s worldwide last month.

Apparently since the revamp Xbox Live friend requests have been boosted 33% and movie downloads are up 49%.

More interesting numbers direct from The Major, below...

• If LIVE were a U.S. city, it would be the largest city with over 14-million members. The equivalent of New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago combined.
• Since the New Xbox Experience launched on Nov. 19 the number of new friends added per Xbox LIVE member has risen by 33%.
• Xbox LIVE is not just games: With more than 45 global network and studio partners, and Netflix in the U.S., we offer more than 30,000 movies, TV episodes and music videos in both high and standard definition.
• In the past year the average number of unique visitors to Xbox LIVE each day has risen 66%
• Movie downloads increased 49% and TV episode downloads were up 30% the week after launch
• Xbox LIVE Arcade sales almost tripled in the first week after the New Xbox Experience launched
• Avatar-specific titles like A Kingdom for Keflings registered the second-best first week of performance ever
• UNO which was updated to include in-game Avatars, saw a 650% increase in sales in just one day

...

via Eurogamer


Naughty Dog has said Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will come close to using all of the PS3's power, after the first game used just "30 to 40 per cent".

That's according to the Game Informer reveal (read by a poster on the Gametrailers forum), which provides the first details and images of the sequel.

We're told to expect a brand new female lead in the shape of Chloe Frazer, who'll be played by Claudia Black from Stargate SG-1 and Farscape. She may use a rocket launcher, as suggested by cut-scene footage.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, revolves around Nathan Drake finding the lost ships of Marco Polo. Action adventure will still very much be the focus, and Naughty Dog has made significant improvements to combat.

Apparently melee will be more "dynamic", and Drake will be able to shoot while running, climbing and hanging, as well as simultaneously move and aim from behind cover.

Firefly composer Greg Edmonson will return to score the game, and Nolan North will once again provide the voice and movements for hero Nathan Drake.

Naughty Dog apparently refused to comment on whether original heroine Elena or grizzled friend Sully will make comebacks.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will be unveiled properly on Sunday at the 2008 Video Game Awards. Expect more information to tumble out then.

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune was released at the end of 2007 and is one of the best games on PlayStation 3. It can be picked up as part of the PS3's budget Platinum range for around GBP 20. ...