Sony Computer Entertainment plans to make PlayStation 2 (PS2) videogame console compatible with Linux operating system in N. America, Chief Technology Officer-Senior Vp Shin'ichi Okamoto told Rambus Developer Forum in San Jose, Cal. But he declined to provide availability date. Linux “kit” for PS2 was introduced in Japan in June but it can’t be used with N. American PS2. This week’s Developer Forum had been scheduled for late last month but was postponed after attacks.
Teac set Nov. 7 availability date for pocket-sized CD/MP3 player ($129.99) that accepts 8 cm CD-R discs. Company said “mini CD-R” media was more practical and less expensive than solid-state flash memory on “cost-per-megabyte” basis. Teac line has been expanded to include 10-pack of 8 cm CD-R discs in silim jewel cases for $12.99.
Wireless entertainment provider YourMobile and game developer NuvoStudios are starting games network for mobile phones in U.S. As part of deal, NuvoStudios will make its games including Brain Check and Nuvo Blaster available to mobile phone users via YorMobile network of wireless carrier partners. In return, YourMobile will make its messaging services, phone graphics and ringtones available to NuvoStudios for redistribution to its corporate customers.
As Bender/Helper Impact celebrates 15th anniversary, L.A.- based PR company said it was divided into 4 separate business units: Consumer Products, Digital Entertainment, Home Entertainment, Interactive Entertainment. Last division’s primary client base consists of game publishers and developers. Clients include Bethesda Softworks, Codemasters, Konami of America, Ubi Soft Entertainment, Universal Interactive.
“Xbox Unleashed” 48-hour continuous play marathon is planned by Microsoft in L.A. and N.Y.C. Nov. 2-3. At event, gamers will be able to compete against one another in head-to-head Xbox videogame competition. Event also will enable consumers to get their first hands on Xbox console and games before system rolls out in N. America Nov. 15 at $299. Prizes will be given to winners at event. Grand prize will be Ford Explorer Sport Trac with Pioneer stereo and integrated Xbox system. Second-place winners will get Xbox console and games, along with spring break trip for 4 to Mexico. Third-place winners will get Xbox console and games plus year’s supply of food from Taco Bell and beverages from SoBe. Event kicks off at 12:01 a.m. local time at each location Nov. 2 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 3.
Electronics Boutique (EB) acquired “substantially all” assets of Kempten, Germany’s, Game it!, W. Chester, Pa., videogame retail chain said Tues. EB said Game it! ranked among leading Web entertainment software retailers in Germany. Terms weren’t disclosed. Commenting on acquisition, EB CEO Jeffrey Griffiths said: “Europe represents a significantly large potential market for expansion opportunities. The Game it! acquisition is a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth overseas through an existing retail distribution and fulfillment infrastructure.” He said EB intended to retain existing management of Game it! and “most of its key employees.”
Electronic Arts said Tues. it would cut 200-250 positions at its EA.com online division -- 1/3 of staff. Impact of job cuts on content at EA.com Web site was unclear at our deadline. EA Pres. John Riccitiello said cuts were made “in order to achieve our goal of reaching profitability in FY ‘03 as committed earlier this year.” News came as Redwood City, Cal., game maker was holding media preview of new games at Studio 54 in N.Y.C.
As Blockbuster continues to increase prominence of DVD at its stores, CEO John Antioco told analysts in conference call Tues. that format could represent half of its domestic rental revenue by 2003. Antioco said DVD currently made up 20% of Blockbuster’s domestic rental revenue and should widen to 30% by year-end: “As a matter of fact, on some new titles as much as 40% of our rentals are DVD, so it’s probably not a stretch to assume that by 2002, 40% of our domestic rentals will come from DVD and we can be trending at 50% DVD, 50% VHS going into 2003. Clearly, DVD has gone mainstream.”
Single packs of Memorex DVD+RW discs will be available this month at $19.99 list, company announced Tues. Memorex already markets DVD-R and DVD-RAM blank media, and Pres. Michael Golacinski said company’s sales of those products had “far exceeded our expectations.”