Angry Birds Star Wars toys might point to new game
Just when we think the Angry Birds franchise has been exhausted, it’s decided to take a different marketing path. Much like what LEGO is doing now, licensing the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones and other properties, Angry Birds seems to be on the same path. The first inkling of this happening was last year’s Angry Birds Rio tie-in game, which continues to get support today. Now the flock looks to be invading the Lucas farm, showcased by the… uh… cryptic teaser image above. Set to be revealed Monday morning at 8AM, some sort of Star Wars tie-in is happening.
Our buds at Bleeding Cool have picked up on several bits of information about what might be transpiring, noting several Angry Birds Star Wars toys set to launch like Jenga and AT-AT launchers. The general consensus around the web is that this is the next expansion for Angry Birds Space, but it could very well be a new Angry Birds game all together. Or, you know, just toys — which would still bring in boat loads of money for both companies.
Via: Angry Birds Tumblr, Bleeding Cool
EA releases FIFA 12 on Wii as FIFA 13, with roster updates… and that’s it
We always joke about the Madden games being only minor updates to previous iterations, noting that “hey, it may be better to just release a roster update this year.” Well, EA has heard our cries and done just that — by really screwing the pooch on FIFA 13. The Wii version, though it may not be as popular as the XBox or PS3 editions, still manages to sell a ton of copies around the world. With the latest iteration, EA did plenty to make the HD versions exciting and updated. Not so much on the Wii edition. Wired reports that the publisher has apparently only done roster and jersey updates for the in-game teams, and not much else. The issue? Still charging full price.
After doing our own research (aka RedBoxing both games and testing them out) we’re in agreement. We couldn’t find much different between the two, at all. This isn’t the first time the company has done this either. The Vita and Wii U versions of Madden 13 are rehashes of Madden 12, adding only touch controls and roster updates. The Vita’s FIFA 13 seems to be the same game as its predecessor, as well, and we already know about the development issues with NBA Live/Elite.
Monetarily it’s probably the best bandaid fix to get revenue on low-selling consoles. Ethically? Not so much. EA Sports has hit several bumps in the road recently, and this may be a proverbial straw.
Source: Wired, Nintendo Gamer
Zynga is an acquisition target now. Who’s buying?
You may have heard that Zynga’s stock hasn’t been cherry lately. In fact, the company seems to have been going up against the ropes ever since its absolutely dumb purchase of Draw Something developer OMGPop. Not enough Mafia Wars or Farmville sequels seem to be helping, and so with all signs pointing to the dumpster now may be the best time for the company to be gobbled up at a bargain price. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz recently, EEDAR’s Jesse Divnich points to the company’s vast userbase as a goldmine.
Though he notes that maybe Facebook should look their way to convert the developer into a sort of “first party” publisher, we’re apt to think that perhaps now may be the time for EA or Activision to step in. EA’s mobile division is doing well, and gobbling up Zynga would bolster the PopCap owner even more in the iOS and Facebook space. Activision has just barely scratched the surface on social gaming, and a Zynga purchase would give the company even more outreach for its properties.
Call of Dutyville, anyone?
Source: GamesIndustry
DaliQuesting
Awesome gaming concept art!
You know who loves awesome concept art? This guy, with the thumbs. I’m subscribed to Concept Ships and Concept Robots, two excellent art blogazines that show off some of the best concept art on the web. They’re regularly displaying great preproduction art from films and games, and the latest is no different. Endless Space concept artist Ronan Berlese has some awesome ship & mech design on the sites, and it’s a MUST to check out. SRSLY.
Source: Concept Ships, Concept Robots
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