Feed Hole / chadsnuts marked

Gay Couples Celebrate California Court Ruling

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:14:13 -0400

Meanwhile, opponents of same-sex marriage said they were submitting petitions to put the issue to a test before California voters in November.

Jenna Bush dishes on her upcoming wedding

Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500

The bride will wear embroidered organza by Oscar de la Renta. That was one of the nuggets of information about the upcoming May 10 wedding of First Daughter Jenna Bush that was revealed on Tuesday, thanks to an advance copy of Vogue magazine obtained by the Washington Post.

YOUTUBE surgery video investigated...

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:48:06 -0400

New music video Web site features major label artists

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:01:55 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A company backed by investors including Will Smith and major record labels has launched a new Web site offering 10,000 free, high-definition music videos....

The Popsicle Plane [Contest]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:00:19 -0400

The Ace Combat 6 contest continues! Reader Jason sends along his entry. Here, look at it. He writes:

Here's my plane! It's made out of popsicle sticks! I included a nickel for scale! Cuz it's tiny! Exclamation Point!

!!! To bring everyone up to speed: Dress up as an airplane OR make a three dimensional airplane out of anything tangible, but paper. So you can't make CGI planes! And you can't draw them either! But, you can make them out of anything else as long as it's not paper. Rocks, clay, toothpicks, whatever! And remember, that means make and not build a plastic plane model you bought in the store. Send entries to kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom by this Friday at midnight PST and, like all contests, don't forget to add a "Kotaku" sign. Remember, we're giving away two copies of Ace Comabt 6 and INTERNET FAME. One copy for the best plane cosplay, the other for the best crafted plane. In short, two separate contests.

Aus/NZ GTAIV Cut Due To "Weapon Being Inserted Into A Private Area" [Rumor]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:30:00 -0400

Rockstar Australia have, against the wishes of just about everyone who's got the game pre-ordered locally, refused to disclose just what it was that's been cut from the local version of Grand Theft Auto IV. No matter. Publishers Take-Two may have been a little more forthcoming, with a call to the company's Australian customer service line apparently yielding the following response.

Okay guys, I have some news for you regarding what was edited from the AU release. I just gave Take2 a call (a friggin expensive 1902 number!) and this is exactly what I was told:
"Well in regards to what Rockstar have removed for the Australian release, as far as we're aware there was only one sexually violent cut-scene which Rockstar felt would cause the game to be Refused Classification. Unfortunately we're not able to go into specifics until after the game has been released but I can tell you that the scene involves a weapon being inserted into an enemies private area during a mission where Niko is taking revenge after one of his close friends was forced into sexual intercourse during his stay in prison."

Seriously I thought he was joking ....I was like LOL you're joking right? He says "No. This is what Rockstar felt needed to be removed from the game for it's Australian release. We were recently given permission to release this information because as we understand, Rockstar originally made a press release stating that the game would be released uncut world wide. We felt it would be misleading not to release the information".

Wait, that's not going into specifics?
Here's What Rockstar Removed From Australian/NZ GTA IV [Kotaku AU]

Metal Gear Online Is Ready For Download, Not Play [Konami]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:00:31 -0400

Bring your superfluous IDs and passwords! The Metal Gear Online beta is up and ready for download. Here are some pics from reader PlayingKarrde. The beta doesn't kick off until the 21st, so even if you download MGO, the game won't connect to the server. You can look at these title screens. There's another one after the jump. You can look at that, too. If you like.

The Sims: 100 Million Served [The Sims]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:30:00 -0400

Hey, you like [insert your favourite franchise here]? Well, [insert your favourite franchise here] don't mean shit. Not next to the might of The Sims. Anyone who doubted Maxis and EA for releasing a game which simulated the more mundane aspects of everyday life, threw in some fashion design and amateur architecture then pumped out 1,543,769 expansion packs was going to succeed, boy, you backed the wrong horse. EA's Rod Humble has today announced that the series has sold over 100,000,000 units worldwide. That's one. Hundred. Million. And how are they celebrating? Why, with a free, exclusive outfit for your Sims, of course. No point straying from the course now, eh?

Shepard Fairey Civ Rev Poster Is Pretty Great [Civilization Revolution]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:30:00 -0400

Definitely one of the classier attempts at game PR we've seen. 2K have commissioned Shepard Fairey to come up with a series of promo posters for the upcoming Civilization Revolution. There's "more to come", with the first featuring none other than the little Corsican himself, shaking his finger during a pronounced bout of little-man syndrome. If wallpapers of former French dictators sounds right up your alley, click for a bigger version.

PS3 Siren Game Confirmed Early [Sony]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:01 -0400

Yup, just like we and pretty much everyone else thought, that blood red countdown clock was counting down to a PS3 Siren game. The upcoming issue of Japanese game magazine Famitsu confirms it. Dubbed Siren New Translation, the PLAYSTATION 3 survival horror title is currently 90 percent done and apparently a reworking of the first game. It will go on sale this summer on July 24th, and a demo will be released on April 24th. There's still 45 hours left on the blood red clock. So... Not much of a countdown, huh?
Siren Confirmed [Game at Futaba]

Konami Cockblocking Metal Gear Online Beta [PS3]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:00:39 -0400

For those who didn't pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4 and get their beta invites, there was a backdoor in. Those who found it, Konami has a message for ya: GTFO. The following email is being sent out to those who snuck into the beta. Or rather, tried. It is:

From: コナミカスタマーサービス
Date: 2008/4/16
Subject: NOTICE: KONAMI ID Deletion/KONAMI ID登録の取り消しのお知らせ
To: SOME DUDE

この度は、KONAMI IDをご利用頂き、誠にありがとうございます。

ご登録いただきましたKONAMI IDに於きまして、虚偽の情報によるご登録が確認されました。

これは、KONAMI ID基本利用規約「2.4 禁止事項」に該当する行為となります為、同規約「2.2 登録者情報（3）」に従い、登録の取り消しを実施いたします。

このメールを受信以降、ご登録いただきましたKONAMI IDをご利用いただく事はできません。

KONAMI ID基本利用規約は「https://id.konami.net/pc/agreement/agreement.jsp」から
ご確認いただけます。

本メールに関するお問い合わせは、KONAMI IDお問い合わせフォーム
「https://id.konami.net/pc/InquiryForm/index.jsp」よりご連絡ください。

なお、「METAL GEAR ONLINE PREMIERE β」参加をご希望される方は、お住まいの地域のベータテストの参加方法をご確認いただき、改めてKONAMI IDを取得の上、ご参加ください。

Thank you for using KONAMI ID.

However, we regret to inform you that your KONAMI ID has been deleted due to the registration of false information. We would like to add that this is in direct breach of the KONAMI ID Basic Terms and Conditions of Use clauses "2.4 Prohibited Conduct" as well as "2.2 Registrant Information".

Your KONAMI ID will be deleted once you have read this mail.

For more details on the Terms and Conditions of use, please refer to the below web address.

https://id.konami.net/pc/agreement/agreement.jsp

Should you have any further inquiries, please contact us from the below page.

https://id.konami.net/pc/InquiryForm/index.jsp

If you wish to take part in the "METAL GEAR ONLINE PREMIERE BETA" test, we would recommend that you obtain a KONAMI ID for the region you live in provided that the public beta test is open to you.

Yours Sincerely

KONAMI ID services

You know, more people in your beta is probably a good thing. More people checking it out, more potential customers when it actually launches. But hey, whatever! It's your treehouse.

Thanks MP for the tip! [Pic]

Pokemon Event Threatened, Event So Cancelled [Japan]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:00:39 -0400

April Pokémon card game events in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka have been cancelled after a blackmail letter threatened to disrupt the Tokyo event. The blackmail letter only mentioned the April 12th and 13th Tokyo event, but the Pokémon Company decided to nix the April 20th Nagoya and April 29th Fukuoka events as well. Says a spokesperson:

We thought the safety of our customers is our top priority. We deeply apologize for the cancellation.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has begun investing the case and whether multiple individuals are involved with the blackmail. If so, the police hope to catch 'em all.
Pokemon Event Cancelled [Mainichi Thanks, krissy!] [Pic]

Your Big Daddy Could Have Looked Like This [Bioshock]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:30:00 -0400

To promote BioShock, 2K shipped the collector's edition with a Big Daddy figurine. Sounded great in theory, but in practice, the thing was too fragile, and looked like it had been painted by...well, somebody who had never played BioShock. And who loved the smell of industrial-strength spraypaint a little too much. Enter a Mr. David Blades, who took the standard figure, broke its arms and legs off, then re-posed and re-painted the whole thing so it's looking much nicer. Well played, Mr. Blades, well played.
Mr Bubbles [schwerpunkt]

7 Of 11 Pirates Of The Burning Sea Servers Shut Down [Pirates Of The Burning Sea]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0400

What the fuck is going on here? You all say how sick you are of MMOs with elves and orcs, so Flying Lab go and make one with pirates, and nobody signs up? Urgh. Which means it's all your fault that seven of the game's eleven servers are closing down, in order to bring about a "higher density" of players. Guess at the moment there's a "low density" of players. Hopefully this means those who do enjoy the shivering of timbers and the buckling of swashes get a better experience, and that this isn't the beginning of the end for the game.
Pirates of the Burning Sea Shutters 7 Servers [Game|Life]

Sonic Candy... Cigarettes? (Smoke If You Got 'Em!) [Oddities]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:40:10 -0400

Cigarettes are bad. They cause cancer. Cancer kills you. But candy cigarettes? Harmless! They only inspire impressionable children to smoke. And who better to rope 'em in young than Sonic the Hedgehog? The "New Tasty 100 percent Stick Candy Cigarettes" were found in the Philippines. Surgeon General warns of serious Sonic attitude!
You Wanna Run Really Fast [UK:R]

Europe Wii Fit Box Dupes Dull Japanese Wii Fit Box [Nintendo]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:00:50 -0400

So that American Wii Fit box art is a snazzy neon green and multicultural vibrant feel good. Different from the Japanese box art, which is Snoozesville, population sleepy people. What about Europe? Same as the Japanese box art. Hit the jump for a look at the other side of the box. It's quite boring.

WAS NOT LYING!!

Wii Fit for Europe [Blog Wii Fit]

Game Magazine Cover Was For Sale... Literally [Journalism]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:00:52 -0400

Wow. Living in Japan, I didn't know that US game magazine covers actually were so blatantly for sale. But apparently they are! This month's Official Xbox Magazine features perforated Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas cover that reads "ADVERTISEMENT" on it. Once removed, the actual cover is revealed. (This month it's Fallout 3!) Ads are very much a part of print media or any media — something's got to pay the rent! But, creating a doppelganger cover?
Print Media Confirmed Dead [Insert Credit]

Let's Talk About Luke's Dinner [Night Note]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:40:31 -0400

To: Fahey
From: Bashcraft
RE: Far Too Much Information

Sorry about the opening the flood gates!

Tonight since I ate stuff quickly made from other stuff, let's talk about what Luke had for dinner: Yorkshire puddings. Luke describes it as "like if a pancake was baked in an oven with gravy." And that sounds pretty friggin awesome. Wonder if it's possible for me to make... Definitely would give it a shot over the weekend when I have a bit more time...

Anyway, the site's yours, here are the keys to the city. I'm going be up for a few more hours, plowing through three book chapters. Gotta three cans of sugary coffee and an entire playlist of James Brown. That Black Caesar soundtrack is all kinds of great.

What you missed last night
Nintendo "denies" new DS rumors
Soul Calibur IV ready to disregard canon
Aus/NZ GTAIV cut due to weapon private area insertion
New Siren confirmed
Metal Gear Online ready for download, not play
Konami cockblocking MGO beta
Wii Fit European box is boring

Amazing Core Gamer Stuff Pooh-Poohed By Focus Groups [The Sims]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:40:21 -0400

The concept was simple: A virtual dollhouse. Will Wright was coming off of SimAnt, and he was looking to do more. Wright at his team at Maxis began working on what would become The Sims, a game that play-tested so poorly that there were doubts it would be released. The game was and of course went on to spawn two sequels and countless expansions, creating a hundred million selling franchise in the process. It's must be very satisfying to be part of The Sims casual gaming juggernaut! Some people play The Sims and only The Sims. While the game's studio head Rod Humble says the best thing about working on The Sims is the "total freedom," he does offer us insight:

Another big challenge, from the development point of view, is that sometimes you think you've come up with a great idea. In my core gamer heart of hearts, I think I've created something amazing! But then we show it to focus groups and it's not as well received as I would've hoped.

Man, I would so pay money for an expansion pack of rejected Sims ideas. Good money, too.

Prototype Gets Comic Treatment [Comics]

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0400

DC Comics and Sierra Entertainment are teaming up to bring yet another video game property to the small, papered, non-screen, as the two companies sign a deal to create a comic book series based on the upcoming open-world action game Prototype. Why Prototype? Says Hank Kanalz, VP & General Manager of DC's WildStorm imprint:

"PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

WildStorm has done one hell of a fine job with their World of Warcraft comic book, showing an amazing dedication to the source material, so hopefully they'll be able to faithfully capture that Prototype vibe, whatever that vibe winds up being.

DC Comics & Sierra Entertainment To Publish New Comic Series Based On PROTOTYPE Video Game
DC Comics and Sierra Entertainment Ink Deal To Create an All-New Comic Book Series Based on PROTOTYPETM - One of the Most Anticipated Video Games of 2008

Marlow, UK - 15 April, 2008 - DC Comics, the largest English language comic book publisher in the world, and Sierra Entertainment - a division of Vivendi Games, today announced plans to publish an all-new comic book series based on the eagerly anticipated and already highly acclaimed open-world/action video game PROTOTYPE™. The series is set to debut this August via DC's WildStorm imprint, and the addition of such unique, original IP video games like PROTOTYPE is sure to increase their successful line of best-selling comics based on licensed properties. Further details surrounding the new comic book series will be announced later this year.

PROTOTYPE puts gamers in control of Alex Mercer - a genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past, hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence - as he tears through a densely populated New York City moving with Parkour-style fluidity and consuming anybody that gets in his way...assuming their physical identity, memories and abilities. Fueled by a three-way war between Alex, the military's elite Blackwatch division and a viral outbreak known as the Infected, players will venture deep into a dark conspiracy, 40 years in the making.

"PROTOTYPE is all about shape-shifting action, and we're using that key element to redefine the open-world game space," said Al Simone, Sr. VP of Global Marketing, Sierra Entertainment. "Another key feature setting PROTOTYPE apart from other open-world games is its incredibly deep, conspiracy-based back-story, and by joining forces with the largest comic book publisher in the world - DC Comics - we can bring this new anti-hero and his tale to an even wider audience of comics fans and gamers alike."

"We're blown away with what Sierra and developer Radical Entertainment have shown us of PROTOTYPE, and know with absolute certainty that this will make for a terrific comic book," said Hank Kanalz, VP & General Manager, WildStorm. "PROTOTYPE's back-story, visuals and gameplay are stunning, and we have every intention of bringing those core pillars to our book because this is a great opportunity to expand on the world they've created, and build something new and interesting for comic book fans."

PROTOTYPE delivers a fresh take on open-world games, with key features separating the game from the rest of the pack, including the anti-hero main character Alex Mercer and his deadly shape-shifting abilities, a stunning representation of New York City circa 2008 as the backdrop, and 'Deceive or Destroy' gameplay allowing players the choice to either blend in with the population or fully unleash Alex's deadly powers. With Radical Entertainment behind the wheel using their innovative 'Titanium' game engine, and touting a catalogue of successful titles including the highly acclaimed The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Simpsons Hit & Run and others, PROTOTYPE is aligned to be the ground-breaking open-world/action experience gamers have been waiting for.

PROTOTYPE is planned to release this autumn for next-gen console systems and the PC, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB. For more information on PROTOTYPE, be sure to visit the official game website located at www.prototypegame.com.