video

Game industry spending stays flat in first quarter of 2013

The game industry's sales during the first quarter remained flat, new data from research firm NPD has confirmed.

During the first quarter of 2013, total game content spending in the U.S. hit $3.5 billion, matching what was spent during the same period in 2012. A total of $1.37 billion was spent on physical console and PC games (meaning discs) while used and rental spending hit $559 million. Total spending on digital content reached $1.59 billion.

"Digital spending fully offset the declines in physical format spend in Q1'13," said Liam Callahan, industry analyst … Read more

Nintendo's Fils-Aime explains E3 move: It'll be better this way

Nintendo's decision to not hold a major press conference at the E3 gaming expo next week will be "better" for everyone, the company's president said in a video posted to Facebook on Thursday.

In a nearly 3-minute video, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime addressed concerns from fans that the company won't be holding a major press conference next week, deciding instead to hold small gatherings and use alternative means, like social networks, to share everything it has to offer at E3. In the video, he said that while he knows that "change can … Read more

Omni gaming treadmill: One step closer to total immersion

The hottest crowdfunded gaming device of 2013 could end up being Virtuix's Omni virtual-reality treadmill, which, in just 48 hours, has already netted a stunning sum of $600,000 in Kickstarter pledges from around the world.

Virtuix may have actually come up with a sensible physical platform that lets a gamer run or jump seamlessly on an enclosed octagon-shaped treadmill and see those actions mirrored in a video game.

After stepping into the octagon, Omni users slip inside a circular ring (with an attachment belt) that prevents them from toppling over while moving. Other than that, the concept seems simple: if you run forward on the Omni, you run forward in a game; if you crouch, you crouch in the game, and so forth. The recommended -- almost required -- Omni shoes don't seem so bad, either, as they contain a few protrusions similar to a cycling shoe that let you run easily on the Omni without fear of sliding around aimlessly. … Read more

Review: flayvr: photo and video albums sorts photos and videos into albums

flayvr: photo and video albums makes it easier to view and organize your photos and videos. This app turns your albums into wonderful collages and will stop you from endlessly scrolling to find the perfect picture you're looking for. If you need a new way to look at your photos and videos, then give it a shot.

flayvr: photo and video albums organizes your photos into separate albums called "flayvrs," based on their timestamps and other metadata. However, you can't change the way they're organized to suit the way you browse photos, or delete the … Read more

Microsoft to partner with Sky on Xbox One deal? Nope.

Microsoft's strategy for its Xbox One console might rely on help from broadcasters, according to a new report.

Microsoft has been in talks with satellite TV broadcaster Sky in the U.K. to bring its Xbox One to the company's customers, MCVUK reported on Thursday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of the deal. It's possible that the Xbox One will be a companion set-top box that sits atop Sky's service, those sources said. The Xbox One could be sold at a heavily reduced cost, according to the site's sources.

However, a Sky representative … Read more

Do video games cause violence? Feds want more research

Scientists and psychologists for years have debated whether there's a connection between video games and real-world violence. Do video games refine hand-eye coordination and spur creativity -- or instead turn you into a sociopath? That question has been raised to a fever pitch following national tragedies such as the one in Newtown, Conn.

And though studies, with the exception of a few, have pointed out that a connection between fantasy video game violence and real-world violence doesn't, in fact, exist, the Centers for Disease Control is stepping up its efforts to research a possible link between the two. … Read more

'Into the Pixel' shows extraordinary video game art

While the next generation of gaming comes later this year, you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a new system to see great graphics, as plenty of gorgeous games are coming for existing platforms.

"Into the Pixel" -- a juried video game art exhibition that shows off some of the greatest concept and production art around -- makes a return to the E3 2013 gaming expo in Los Angeles from June 11 to 13. We've gathered high-resolution images from all the winners, ranging from popular titles such as League of Legends to up-and-comers like Destiny. … Read more

GameStop to recall 8GB Wii U Basic -- but why?

Gaming retailer GameStop has initiated a recall on the 8GB Wii U Basic set, CNET has confirmed.

On Tuesday, gaming blog Kotaku cited a source who claimed that GameStop had requested its stores around the U.S. to return all new and unopened Wii U Basic sets still on store shelves. The return is expected to take place on June 18 -- a week after the big E3 gaming expo.

CNET on Wednesday called several GameStop stores to confirm the Kotaku report. All of those stores confirmed that the corporate office had initiated a recall, but they weren't sure … Read more

New Intel chips to boost battery life

CNET Update is fully charged:

In this episode of Update:

- Wait to buy your next laptop to get the latest batch of Intel processors, which are said to help extend battery life.

- Secure your folders with a fingerprint in the upcoming Windows 8.1.

- Brace for battle with a new Halo game for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

- Find Dora and other Viacom shows on Amazon Prime Instant Video.

- Give the WikiPad game tablet another chance when it launches next week at a lower price.

CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in … Read more

Amazon, Viacom sign deal for MTV, Comedy Central programs

Amazon and Viacom have inked a deal that will deliver "thousands of episodes" of popular shows to the e-retail giant's streaming-video service.

According to the companies, they have signed a multiyear deal that will bring hundreds of shows from Nick Jr., MTV, and Comedy Central, including "Tosh.0," "The Backyardigans," and others, to Amazon's Prime Instant Video streaming service. The shows will be available exclusively on Prime Instant Video.

All of the shows are available to customers in the U.S. Lovefilm, Amazon's streaming service in the U.K. and Germany, … Read more