Yeah, iCarly is pretty damn popular. It's Nick's version of Hannah Montana.
Meanwhile, here's Sony attempting to justify 3D.
So what's going to make this generation of 3D stick? We spoke to SCEE UK MD Ray Maguire to find out.
IGN: 3D's been seen as a bit of a gimmick in the past – what's different with this new wave of 3D?
Ray Maguire: Even when people thought it was a gimmick they really enjoyed it. The real problem was they could only really experience that at the cinema, and they'd sit there with these red and blue glasses on and look pretty silly amongst other people. Technology has changed, and that's what's really happened.
We have the ability now where a PS3 can process this stuff and we're bringing out TVs which can bring this to the living room with glasses that are very intelligent. What we've done is rather than it being a gimmick where everything comes out at you, what we're doing is saying because you view naturally in 3D with your two eyes, everything that you've ever seen in 2D was an unnatural experience, so why not use the technology to take unnatural experiences natural? When you think about it from a gaming specific point of view, imagine in a free world walking around someone in 3D.
My head asplode.
It's not just about WipEout or Gran Turismo 5, it's about if you think about it from a development point of view and you start from development thinking about 3D, where are the games going to take us? And this is the exciting thing – we create a platform and the developers go out there and they use that platform and they use that technology and they do what creative people do, which is create.
Someone hasn't been paying attention to what developers have been doing with the Wii.
IGN: Are you concerned about their (Microsoft's) efforts?
Ray Maguire: No, I think we've got the lead on this, we've got the technology and today's launch was showing that from a Sony point of view, we've got films and music videos in 3D, we've got broadcasts in 3D. Sony has a united company has more presence and more power in 3D than just about any other company I can think of.
It isn't 3D until Sony says it is.
IGN: And will we see the PSP 2 next week?
Ray Maguire: I couldn't possibly tell you because I'd have to kill you.
Welp, we're probably getting a PSP2 reveal next week, then.
Edit: Oh lord, the Microsoft Natal conference will get the full-on Cirque contextual babble treatment, won't it?
So it hired one of the best illusionists out there - Cirque du Soleil, the French Canadian entertainment company known for its visually arresting extravaganzas and ethereal, new age music. In addition to the 21 permanent and traveling shows, Cirque has a special events business that does a handful of private and corporate events each year (clients have included the royal family of Dubai and the 2007 Super Bowl).
A cast of 80 performers supported by a crew of more than 100 designers, set builders, engineers and seamstresses meant the performances soaked up as much resources as any of Cirque's permanent shows. The company drove from its Montreal studios 25 semi-trailer trucks packed with equipment, costumes and props - nearly all handmade for Microsoft's event.
On a Sunday afternoon a week before the first performance, the hubbub of activity resembled a three-ring circus at the Galen Center, which Microsoft had booked for three solid weeks.
The troupe had converted the basketball court into a full-blown workshop for four designers wielding glue guns, irons and sewing machines to put finishing touches on 100 costumes. One of them, Marianne Theriault, estimated that the headpiece she was assembling, a sequined cap with branches and leaves that fanned out like fireworks, would take three hours to complete.
Backstage, two crew members tinkered with a 9-foot-tall puppet elephant that had just arrived that morning. It had been built by Michael Curry, the artist who created the puppets for "The Lion King" theater production.
And in the main arena, a small army of set builders were busy gluing carpet on the floor of a 50,000-pound rectangular steel structure the height of a six-story building. Others were busy transforming the giant space into an otherworldly set for an expected audience of 3,000 celebrities, media and hand-chosen "influencers." Hung around the sides of the arena and on the ceiling stretched 400 linear feet of projection screens - so much that the company exhausted the supply in North America and had to fly screens in from Europe.
The 45-minute performance, to be preceded by an hour's worth of atmospherics, is cloaked in secrecy. Security guards were posted at doorways throughout the building with strict instructions to check for badges assigned to individual cast and crew members. Microsoft requested that visitors refrain from taking photos that showed game footage displayed on a monitor. Even the color scheme for the show was a verboten topic.
OK. Does anybody honestly think this will end well?
I think people who keep cell phones for emergency use only are missing something:
Sometimes you are in danger but have no cell service. Maybe you messed up and drove down a snow-packed logging road that should have been gated off but wasn't. And now you're stuck and in danger.
Get a ham radio license and a cheap-ish two meter band handheld. It may save your life, due in part to the substantial unexploited natural resource that is old retired folks and their radio hobbies. I don't care how rural an area you're in, if you can get into a local repeater you will be heard, and someone will be happy to forward your legitimate mayday call to the local authorities.
If you're going to go wandering like that, you might as well get a 406MHz PLB.
It looks like Microsoft is already flexing their star power for their upcoming Project ‘Natal’ press conference featuring Cirque De Soleil with Jennette McCurdy best known for playing the role of Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon show iCarly. Straight from her Twitter account:
“I’m really excited to be co-hosting the Project Natal Xbox event Sunday featuring a Cirque De Soleil performance. E3! Woohoo!”
Oddly enough, the circus act is coming full-circle because Nintendo launched the Nintendo 64 at E3 back in 1996 with Cirque du Soleil performers, and this year Microsoft is launching Project Natal with Cirque du Soleil performers.
Even last year Microsoft had two Beatles present the fantastic game The Beatles: Rockband with enough enthusiasm they could muster. Let’s see if that McCurdy can win the Microsoft gaming press over. ‘WooHoo!’ indeed Jennette.
What. So they are going to host the show with a child actor while using performers in the most gay circus acts possible.
This sounds... The only thing that could make this sound worse to me is Justin Bieber making an appearance. I give Microsoft credit for trying so hard but I'll be amazed if this entire thing doesn't fall on its face.
Well Cirque du Soleil usually gives pretty impressive shows so at least it will most likely be a good performance. Not sure how ithat will influence the Xbox brand though...
This sounds... The only thing that could make this sound worse to me is Justin Bieber making an appearance. I give Microsoft credit for trying so hard but I'll be amazed if this entire thing doesn't fall on its face.
Yes..it sounds like this will be quite a..
circus
Sigtyr on
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Brainiac 8Don't call me Shirley...Registered Userregular
This sounds... The only thing that could make this sound worse to me is Justin Bieber making an appearance. I give Microsoft credit for trying so hard but I'll be amazed if this entire thing doesn't fall on its face.
This sounds... The only thing that could make this sound worse to me is Justin Bieber making an appearance. I give Microsoft credit for trying so hard but I'll be amazed if this entire thing doesn't fall on its face.
Yes..it sounds like this will be quite a..
circus
You should be ashamed of yourself. :?
I'll say! He didn't even have a sunglasses picture.
Get your dabbers ready and keep your ears open for these key phrases – or suggest your own
We all know the drill. E3 is almost upon us and that means a number of lengthy press conferences during which platform holders and publishers alike flaunt their wares.
Over the years, key phrases have popped up now and again. Join MCV in a game of bingo as we listen out for these and other familiar terms that are almost certainly bound to be thrown out there this year.
Think we've missed any out? Suggest more in the comments below.
MCV'S E3 2010 BINGO
“We’re showing positive year on year growth”
Most likely to be heard during the inevitable Nintendo powerpoint presentation. Translation: 'We’re rolling in it'
“Third-parties can succeed on our platform”
Most likely to be heard as Nintendo once again tries to dismiss accusations of first-party dominance on Wii and DS. Translation: 'Thank fuck for Just Dance'
“This is a genuinely innovative premise based on disruptive technology”
Most likely to be heard during product reveals. Translation: ‘We’re trying to do something different, we’re not sure how it’ll fit at retail, and we’re utterly, utterly boned if this flops’
“The year of the Xbox”
Most likely to be heard during the Microsoft press conference. Translation: ‘All eyes on us, please. Ignore those other blokes. This is where it’s at. Aw yeah’
“The year of the PlayStation”
Most likely to be heard during the Sony press conference. Translation: ‘We’re going to have a good year, honest. No, seriously, we mean it this time. No, wait, come back’
“New and/or unique functionality”
Most likely to be heard during the 3DS, Natal and Move unveiling. Translation: ‘Look, our new console, peripheral or other macguffin does something that not many other products do’
“Social gaming”
Most likely to be heard in reference to more casual or browser games. Translation: ‘Because since FarmVille made a packet out of millions of unsuspecting receptionists, it’s all about Facebook and the like’
“In stunning 3D”
Most likely to be heard from Sony, Nintendo and any other company with a hand in 3D tech. Translation: ‘It’s like the 3D we’ve already got, but we’re actually trying to make it exciting this time’
“Content that will bring added value to the consumer”
Most likely to be heard in reference to DLC or digital-only titles. Translation ‘We can’t be arsed to be put this on the disc, so we’re going to charge you for the download later’
“Going forwards”
Most likely to be heard during a publisher or platform holder press conference. Translation: ‘Something we’re thinking about doing in two or three years’ time but probably won’t bother with’
“Woohoo/Yeeeeeeaaah/Yeehaw, etc”
Most likely to be heard during the Big Three’s press conferences from fanboys. Translation: ‘This is all rather exciting, isn’t it?’
“Next generation”
Most likely to be heard during product reveals. Translation: ‘Not the Wii’
“I’m actually an actress/singer/dancer”
Most likely to be heard from a booth babe on the show floor. Translation: ‘My face is up here’/’There’s more to me than short shorts’/’I’m a real person’/’Security! Help!’
“You won’t see this anywhere else on any other system”
Most likely to be heard during product reveals. Translation: ‘We were there first, honest. Even though everyone else will be doing this in a month’s time’
“We’re expanding our audience”
Most likely to be heard during the Big Three’s press conference. Translation: ‘Gamers are spending sod all, so we’re aiming for mums and old people’.
“Cutting edge”
Most likely to be heard during product reveals. Translation: ‘It’s not only new, it’s newer than any other new thing before it. Well, new-ish’
“We've listened to our community”
Most likely to be heard in reference to sequels or franchise reboots. Translation: ‘The forum nerds fucking hated it’
“This is a game changer”
Most likely to be heard during product reveals. Translation: ‘This is a game’
And a dozen more titles are expected to be unveiled at next week’s LA trade show
The first four games to come from Microsoft to support the launch of its motion camera Natal have been named – Living Statue, Obstacle Course, River Rush and Ricochet.
These titles are expected to form the backbone of Microsoft’s pre-E3 gathering this Sunday. The details of exactly which games will officially become launch titles alongside the device later this year will not be announced until the company’s press conference on Monday.
Furthermore, there will be a total of around 12 additional Natal titles announced throughout E3, though details of those are also being kept under wraps until Monday.
The LA Times reports that Living Statue is a media sharing tool that allows players to record their avatars doing all manner of things such as singing and dancing. This can then be shared with friends over social networks.
Obstacle Course plays very much as the name would suggest, with gamers navigating a series of army-style training runs.
River Rush has already been publicised and sees players indulge in a spot of white water rafting. Ricochet was one of the first games unveiled for the device and requires users block a barrage of balls using their hands and feet.
Platform holder vows to better last year’s motion sensing surprise at Monday E3 press briefing
We’d begun to worry that this year’s E3 might not deliver the kind of big surprises we saw at the 2009 event – but Microsoft reckons it has something big up it sleeve.
In an email to registered members of Xbox.com, the platform holder states:
“E3 is the world’s largest gaming show and the place where we make the BIG announcements about what’s coming up on Xbox. With the massive Project Natal announcement at last year’s event, you’d think we’d find it hard to top that. Well, think again.
“This year at E3 we’ve got even BIGGER announcements to share with you.”
I already linked this in the Final Fantasy thread but I believe it is sort of relevant. I kinda figured Square was gonna wait until E3 but:
Look for Final Fantasy IX to hit the US PSN Store next Tuesday, June 15th for $9.99. For more information on Final Fantasy IX, please visit the official site.
So... Cirque is going to be performing the entire time?
How the hell are they even going to convey information about, y'know, why you would want to buy Natal?
This really does strike me as "if you can't dazzle them with dexterity, baffle them with bullshit."
cloudeagle on
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KlykaDO you have anySPARE BATTERIES?Registered Userregular
edited June 2010
CIRQUE DE SOLEIL IS NOT AT THE FUCKING PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY IT IS ONLY AT THE SECRET BEHIND DOORS PRESS ONLY FUCK ALL OF YOU NATAL EVENT ON SUNDAY GOD DAMMIT I AM WRITING ALL CAPS PLEASE JAIL ME NOW
Even if that's so, how will having Cirque there convey that Natal is awesome? I mean, that's the point, right? Microsoft isn't just bringing Cirque in to entertain folks for now reason.
Microsoft will have a public broadcast of the show. It should be on xbox.com. I think it will also be on MTV. Actually, how will it appeal to that demographic if it is only on those two anyway.
Couscous on
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KlykaDO you have anySPARE BATTERIES?Registered Userregular
Even if that's so, how will having Cirque there convey that Natal is awesome? I mean, that's the point, right? Microsoft isn't just bringing Cirque in to entertain folks for now reason.
Those dance and music numbers before the World Cup started today also didn't add anything to the football being played there.
It's just show,it's supposed to make people say "well that was awesome" even if they liked Natal or not. You know,to at least have something positive in every article no matter what.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
CIRQUE DE SOLEIL IS NOT AT THE FUCKING PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY IT IS ONLY AT THE SECRET BEHIND DOORS PRESS ONLY FUCK ALL OF YOU NATAL EVENT ON SUNDAY GOD DAMMIT I AM WRITING ALL CAPS PLEASE JAIL ME NOW
1) No-one even said they were appearing at Microsoft's press conference.
2) You're wrong, they're just delaying the coverage a couple of days. It's scheduled to be shown on MTV shortly after the Nintendo and Sony press conferences.
3) Shut up.
Even if that's so, how will having Cirque there convey that Natal is awesome? I mean, that's the point, right? Microsoft isn't just bringing Cirque in to entertain folks for now reason.
Those dance and music numbers before the World Cup started today also didn't add anything to the football being played there.
It's just show,it's supposed to make people say "well that was awesome" even if they liked Natal or not. You know,to at least have something positive in every article no matter what.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
Yes, but the Beatles were only on stage for a couple of minutes. Cirque will be, well, the entire conference. How are they going to squeeze any gameplay or useful information about Natal?
So you really are arguing that Cirque will be there totally as entertainment, and that the point of the Natal presser is not try to give any actual information about Natal at all? Especially since it will be televised? If so, man, that's a lot of money flushed down the toilet.
Those dance and music numbers before the World Cup started today also didn't add anything to the football being played there.
That event actually makes money off of the "experience." This event is supposed to be one huge advertisement for Natal. The show will probably suck as an advertisement.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
Having two Beatles do that is actually decent advertisement. They are really having to stretch for a stupid metaphor to justify the circus.
Edit: Seriously, what person that would watch MTV would also want to watch the performance?
Couscous on
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Warlock82Never pet a burning dogRegistered Userregular
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
Having two Beatles do that is actually decent advertisement. They are really having to stretch for a stupid metaphor to justify the circus.
Maybe they are announcing Cirque De Soleil: The Natal Game!
Even if that's so, how will having Cirque there convey that Natal is awesome? I mean, that's the point, right? Microsoft isn't just bringing Cirque in to entertain folks for now reason.
Those dance and music numbers before the World Cup started today also didn't add anything to the football being played there.
It's just show,it's supposed to make people say "well that was awesome" even if they liked Natal or not. You know,to at least have something positive in every article no matter what.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
You're misunderstanding the point of E3. There's an aspect of theater involved with the expo, sure, but it has only ever been effective when conferences and presentations have been firmly rooted around video games.
Every single time a company pulls this shit, it's awful. Just about any time you have a element of the show that's designed to pull attention away from the actual reason people are in attendance, you get a disaster. The beatles presenting beatles rock band worked because they were there to present a game about them. Cirque de Soleil has no reason to be at E3. If they're the main focus of the natal presentation, which appears to presently be the case, MS is going to get crucified. This is supposed to be about presenting new technology to the masses, not a damn circus act. Natal should be the draw and everything else ancillary at best.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
Having two Beatles do that is actually decent advertisement. They are really having to stretch for a stupid metaphor to justify the circus.
Maybe they are announcing Cirque De Soleil: The Natal Game!
Preorder bonus is a skin tight body suit.
Edit: Suit size is dependent on which retailer you preorder from.
Barrabas on
XBL - ErrorMacro1
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Brainiac 8Don't call me Shirley...Registered Userregular
You're misunderstanding the point of E3. There's an aspect of theater involved with the expo, sure, but it has only ever been effective when conferences and presentations have been firmly rooted around video games.
Every single time a company pulls this shit, it's awful. Just about any time you have a element of the show that's designed to pull attention away from the actual reason people are in attendance, you get a disaster. The beatles presenting beatles rock band worked because they were there to present a game about them. Cirque de Soleil has no reason to be at E3. If they're the main focus of the natal presentation, which appears to presently be the case, MS is going to get crucified. This is supposed to be about presenting new technology to the masses, not a damn circus act. Natal should be the draw and everything else ancillary at best.
Case in point: Jamie Kennedy doing his stand-up "comedy" during Activision's conference a few years back.
Posts
Meanwhile, here's Sony attempting to justify 3D.
My head asplode.
Someone hasn't been paying attention to what developers have been doing with the Wii.
It isn't 3D until Sony says it is.
Welp, we're probably getting a PSP2 reveal next week, then.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/109/1096547p1.html
Edit: Oh lord, the Microsoft Natal conference will get the full-on Cirque contextual babble treatment, won't it?
Oh noes! Skynet!
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If you're going to go wandering like that, you might as well get a 406MHz PLB.
Oh dear God.... Guess I know what conference I won't be watching live...
Seeing as that event is press only and not to be shown to the public,I guess you have no choice anyway.
These conferences are always broadcast live online, or at the very least a video is posted later in the day...
This sounds... The only thing that could make this sound worse to me is Justin Bieber making an appearance. I give Microsoft credit for trying so hard but I'll be amazed if this entire thing doesn't fall on its face.
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Steam Friend code: 45386507
You are talking about the MS E3 conference which is on Monday.
That event described in your quote is the Project Natal event which is on Sunday.
You have no clue what you are even talking about and if you ever bold text at me again,you will regret it.
Good day sir.
Edit: you even used italics? you better watch your back man.
The train wreck may very well be worth watching.
Nintendo Network ID - Brainiac_8
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Yes..it sounds like this will be quite a..
You should be ashamed of yourself. :?
Nintendo Network ID - Brainiac_8
PSN - Brainiac_8
Steam - http://steamcommunity.com/id/BRAINIAC8/
Add me!
I'll say! He didn't even have a sunglasses picture.
Platinum FC: 2880 3245 5111
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39426/First-four-Natal-games-named Wow.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/39438/MS-Well-top-Natal-announcement it is going to be lame.
This is potentially graduating from "train wreck" to "hot mess." When it comes to E3, the elation of new awesome game announcements is only superceded by the delicious [vidurl=
How the hell are they even going to convey information about, y'know, why you would want to buy Natal?
This really does strike me as "if you can't dazzle them with dexterity, baffle them with bullshit."
at this point, it feels like natal is going to have to impress in spite of this ridiculous performance.
I'm sure the crowd of confused journalists will be entertained by cirque de soleil but that's not what they're there for.
Even if that's so, how will having Cirque there convey that Natal is awesome? I mean, that's the point, right? Microsoft isn't just bringing Cirque in to entertain folks for now reason.
Those dance and music numbers before the World Cup started today also didn't add anything to the football being played there.
It's just show,it's supposed to make people say "well that was awesome" even if they liked Natal or not. You know,to at least have something positive in every article no matter what.
I mean,did anyone really care for the two Beatles presenting Beatles Rockband? It could have been anyone the game is still the same. But it's just show.
1) No-one even said they were appearing at Microsoft's press conference.
2) You're wrong, they're just delaying the coverage a couple of days. It's scheduled to be shown on MTV shortly after the Nintendo and Sony press conferences.
3) Shut up.
Oh Joy, I can't wait to see what kind of fun things people record their Avatar doing....
Sigh....
Oh wait, I don't have a 360...phew...saved!
3DS Friend Code: 0404-6826-4588 PM if you add.
Yes, but the Beatles were only on stage for a couple of minutes. Cirque will be, well, the entire conference. How are they going to squeeze any gameplay or useful information about Natal?
So you really are arguing that Cirque will be there totally as entertainment, and that the point of the Natal presser is not try to give any actual information about Natal at all? Especially since it will be televised? If so, man, that's a lot of money flushed down the toilet.
Having two Beatles do that is actually decent advertisement. They are really having to stretch for a stupid metaphor to justify the circus.
Edit: Seriously, what person that would watch MTV would also want to watch the performance?
Maybe they are announcing Cirque De Soleil: The Natal Game!
Edit:
People who only saw "Microsoft Natal Conference" and not what's actually going to be there, probably :P
You're misunderstanding the point of E3. There's an aspect of theater involved with the expo, sure, but it has only ever been effective when conferences and presentations have been firmly rooted around video games.
Every single time a company pulls this shit, it's awful. Just about any time you have a element of the show that's designed to pull attention away from the actual reason people are in attendance, you get a disaster. The beatles presenting beatles rock band worked because they were there to present a game about them. Cirque de Soleil has no reason to be at E3. If they're the main focus of the natal presentation, which appears to presently be the case, MS is going to get crucified. This is supposed to be about presenting new technology to the masses, not a damn circus act. Natal should be the draw and everything else ancillary at best.
Preorder bonus is a skin tight body suit.
Edit: Suit size is dependent on which retailer you preorder from.
Case in point: Jamie Kennedy doing his stand-up "comedy" during Activision's conference a few years back.
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I have got to see that shit.
"It was all an experiment to see if customers wanted that kind of machine!"