Female Console Gamers on the Rise

Market research firm the NPD Group announced in their "Gamer Segmentation 2009" report that female gamers are on the rise once again in 2009.

According to NPD Group's latest press release, 28 percent of the console gamers are female.

This is a 5 percent increase from 23 percent in 2008 according to the report.

The NPD Group is attributing this increase to the growing popularity of the Nintendo Wii which saw a 19 percent increase in usage as compared to last year:

This underscores the finding that more females are using console systems, especially the Wii.

NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier noted perseverance of console gaming in the competitive era of web 2.0:

Last year was one of the most transformative in history in terms of defining the audience for gaming. Even with the increased competition from mobile and social network gaming, the console gamer segment added the most new participants to its ranks in the last year.

The report also noted that 16 percent of video game purchases occurred digitally. This is no doubt representative of purchases made in online stores such as the Xbox Live Marketplace, Playstation Network, and Wii Shop Channel.

However, a decreasing number of gamers are willing to pay for these transactions according to NPD.

Why would gamers want to pay for some of these transactions?

A majority of the content that can be purchased on these online store are add-on content for disc-based games in which the consumer has already paid upwards to $60.

Many gamers, myself included, feel it is ridiculous to pay an additional $10 to $15 for maps, levels, costumes, and other extras which should be free for download as a supplement to the initial $60 investment.

Why would someone pay $60 for 10 levels or missions and another $15 for only one downloadable level/mission?

It simply is a rip off.

Disney Receives a Dramatic Revamp in "Epic Mickey" for the Wii

Mickey Mouse may not be living in such a pleasant wonderland after all.

The gaming news circuit is abuzz with leaked concept art for a Disney title unlike any other.

Codenamed "Epic Mickey" appears to be a new dramatic title for the Nintendo Wii from "Deus Ex" developer Warren Spector which displays a beautifully warped and twisted world of Disney.

Once again these images have been leaked with no official word from Disney or Spector's "Junction Point" studios.

However, CVG and others have reported that gameplay of "Epic Mickey" will have players "painting" their way through environments using the Wii remote. Also, the story of the game may surround revenge from forgotten or lesser known Disney characters.

No word if these images could be somehow linked to an addition to the Kingdom Hearts series which would be befitting of the dramatic artistic structure.

Take a look at more amazingly beautiful concept art below:

Six Health Care Solutions in Video Games

With the nation’s focus turned to proposed health care reform it is vital to examine the issue from differing perspectives to adequately and responsibly resolve the highly debated issue.

Perhaps the many health care solutions from the world of video games could be considered in development of a new system for America.

Below is an examination of how many popular video game titles approach the vital issue of good health.


Proportional Medial Costs

Russian immigrant Niko Bellic from Rockstar’s “Grand Theft Auto IV” is certainly one of the 50 million Americans living without health insurance. His illegal organized crime and drug smuggling profession is not only highly hazards to his health, but also lacks heath benefits. However, when Niko’s health is in serious jeopardy he is never turned away from the many hospitals in Liberty City due to his lack of coverage.

In fact, the costs of hospital visits in Liberty City are proportional to Niko’s net worth. Not matter if he is shot, drowned, or faces a catastrophic explosion; the hospitals of Liberty City only require payment that is 10 percent of his net worth which is capped at $10,000 if he owns more than $100,000 – all without health insurance.

Estimates from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) suggest the average cost of a hospital visit was $19,400 for uninsured Americans in 2006. Perhaps this virtual New York City may have a possible solution for America’s uninsured.



Preventative Care

Perhaps Americans could improve their overall health through more preventative care.

Take Sega’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” for example. Sonic insures his own health through the preventative care of golden rings. Although Sonic does not expect to find himself in poor health, he gathers golden rings so that if he finds himself landing in hot lava or perhaps atop sharp spikes, he knows his golden rings will save him from certain death. Of course the drawback is that no matter if he has one or a hundred handy, he loses them all at once.

Nevertheless, countless video game characters use some form of shield or body armor to protect their individual wellbeing. These precautions are in preparation for unexpected complications in the future.



Health Regeneration

Combating an onslaught of enemy fire is never as dangerous as it seems for hardened first-person shooter veterans like Master Chief in Bungie’s “Halo” franchise due to health regeneration. Many FPS have shown that hospital visits and health packs are no longer necessary to sustain perfect health. After absorbing countless bullets, laser projectiles, and explosives an individual blessed with regenerative health simply experiences a slowed heart rate and tunnel vision until health eventually regenerates within a few seconds.

Best of all is that this technology has allegedly existed since World War II. American and Russian infantrymen have benefited from regenerated health as early as the 1940s thanks to Activision’s “Call of Duty” franchise. Perhaps simple regeneration from undesired health could be a solution to the health care dilemma.



Health Recovery Zones

The solution to end suffering from poor health may just come from the invention of practical health recovery zones. These chambers, crystals, and machines are abundant in video games and immediately resolve any and all health concerns.

How does Samus Aran recover health in Nintendo’s “Metroid Prime” series? She finds one of the several conveniently placed “save rooms” where she can not only save her progress, but restore her health as well. Likewise, Square-Enix’s “Final Fantasy” series features several titles where a crystal is used to save data and restore not only health, but cure various aliments ranging from poisoning to petrifaction.

Even Nintendo’s “Pokemon” series allows Pokeman trainers to visit a “Pokemon Center.” At these centers, trainers can have their beloved Pokeman healed through a special machine which uses a conveyor belt system to turn “fainted” Pokemon to healthy and active creatures.



Items, Potions, and Magic

Any Role-Playing Game fan will tell you that no quest is surmountable without a healthy supply of potions, items and a working knowledge of white magic to heal ones self and companions.

Link from Nintendo’s “Legend of Zelda” series usually maintains an arsenal of red and blue potions, Lon Lon Milk, or – on special occasions – magic fairies which can recover health instantly and even cheat death. Perhaps some investment in research could be made to discover how to create these cure-all potions or discover a great fairy fountain or two.

The “Final Fantasy” series offers a wide array of solutions to health care issues. A trained white mage can cure degrading health, remedy life-threatening conditions, and even revive the dead. If you are not fortunate enough to possess these skills and know of no one who does, there is a plethora of items that will perform the same function from Hi-potions to Remedy’s to the infamous Phoenix Down.



Dropped and Discovered Health

Perhaps the most common and oldest forms of health care in the video game world are dropped health items or those that can be discovered throughout the world. From “Mega Man” to “Super Mario Bros.” health items are only a few steps away at any time. Capcom’s “Mega Man” needs only to annihilate his robotic foes to acquire health spheres. The most common of all health remedies in video games.

Likewise, Nintendo’s “Super Mario” features another common form of video game health care – discovered items. Just smash a few blocks and there is your mushroom power-up or perhaps break a few crates in Capcom’s “Resident Evil” series to find precious herbs and first-aid sprays.

Nevertheless, Mario’s most recent adventures highlight the painful reality of the American health care system. In his recent three-dimensional endeavors, Mario has found solace in collecting coins to regenerate his health. Even the Japanese-created, Italian plumber understands the harsh fact that in America - and under any plan - the only insurance of good health is some serious coin.

"Star Wars" Reality Shifts in New "The Force Unleashed" Chatper

LucasArts unveiled a new expansion to the "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" saga at Comic Con this year.

Following the game's alternative ending where Starkiller defeats Darth Vader to become the next apprentice to Emporer Palpatine, the next chapter of "The Force Unleashed" saga shifts the "Star Wars" time line.

This time, your mission is to track down and destroy all remaining Jedi specifically a certain Obi Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker.

Due this Fall, the new "Ultimate Sith" add-on will come in the form of DLC for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 with added content in a new retail product hitting store shelves this fall.

See the official "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" site for more details.

Check out the official trailer and new screenshots below:

OnLive to bring "The Future of Video Games"

Tired of upgrading your PC or purchasing a console every five years?

A new video game console/service called "OnLive" was announced at the Game Developers Conference in March.

The service uses a broadband Internet connection to stream video game content from a server directly to a TV, PC, or Mac. However, it seems a though your TV, PC, and Mac will not be rendering any data and will function solely as a screen.

Allegedly subscribers will be allowed to spectated on their gamer's games and will connect in a social network of gamers.

Major publishers have signed partnered with the service including EA, Ubisoft, Atari, Eidos, and others.

Below is a detailed look at the new "console" and more information can be found at OnLive.com:




Images can be found below:

Gamespot Examines the State of the Video Game Industry

Gamespot.com recently published an interesting look at the state of the video game industry.

Gamespot collected insight from industry developers as well as Gamespot editors.

Checkout their video montage on what is right and wrong with the industry as well as where the industry will be in five years:



The feature story also included written statements from notable representatives from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

Cammie Dunaway - Executive VP Sales and Marketing, Nintendo

What's right with the industry?

It's good news that the industry seems to have accepted the idea that games can be for everyone. And because more people than ever are playing games, companies and developers are motivated to create new concepts and fresh approaches. Just look at some of the hits from recent years: Brain training and fitness games are right alongside more traditional fare. This is key for the overall growth and health of the industry.

Phil Spencer - General Manager, Microsoft Game Studios

What's wrong with the industry?

There are too many games, I see, that don't really strive to stretch the envelope creatively. We seem to have hit this glut, to some extent, of people following tried-and-true, existing formulas and not trying to challenge themselves with every release--to really change consumer expectations and to wow people and really delight them.

Jack Tretton - President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment America

What will happen in the industry in the next five years?

We'll continue to see further maturation and growth towards the credibility I spoke of earlier. The industry will continue to embrace new innovation and technology at a faster pace than ever before, and we will be less focused on traditional forms of entertainment. Rather, we will push out-of-the-box thinking that focuses on creating a whole new kind of interactive entertainment experience for consumers. The days of being seen as just a toy for kids will be permanently in the rear view mirror.


In today's recession it is vital to examine the video game industry and predict/anticipate trends which will attract consumers and provoke growth within the industry.

Therefore, I will include my own analysis.

What's right with the industry?

The video game industry has always been - and will continue to - attract consumers with an interactive experience unparalleled by any other form of media. Recently, consumers are met with many more media options on video game consoles to create do-all media centers. This has been spurred by easily available content via console networks such as Xbox Live and the Playstation Network by providing alternative media content to the consumer however, costs and limited space hinder vast consumption. Also, video game consumers have met the industry with a diverse library of options pertaining to a particular gamer's tastes.

What's wrong with the industry?

Nonsensical competition, lack of creativity, and trend focus are the most predominate problems facing the industry today. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo - and their fans - are too focused on directly competing for exclusive titles and any publisher is quickly persuaded by excessive payouts - DLC for GTA IV on the Xbox 360 is the result of a nearly million dollar deal from Microsoft. However, we will continue to see less console-exclusive titles.

Also, the industry is too focused on recycling formulas that have been previously successful. Current generation video game titles do not seem to match the potential of current consoles and typically revert to a repetitive "open world" gameplay concept.

Finally, the industry is focused too heavily on trends. You only need to look at Microsoft and Sony's E3 motion control announcements to see that consoles focus heavily on what current trends exist in the industry. Before it was plateformers featuring franchise characters, then WWII shooters, and now motion control.

What will happen in the industry in the next five years?

Video games will become more so a shared experience. Much like what we see with the Nintendo Wii, video game demographics will shift to include all ages and may be indistinguishable across genders. This will mean more mainstream and casual games which will ultimately lead to less titles designed for "core" gamers. However, media consolidation will also strengthen between consoles and other media outlets in the same way that Microsoft and Netflix have on the Xbox 360. Be prepared to watch more streaming television, movies, and perhaps downloading music on your game console.

Sony's Response to Hulu Malfunction and PS3 Updates

PC World's Matt Peckham posted an interview with Sony's Director of Network Operations Eric Lempel as he discusses PS3 updates as well as word on Hulu's mysterious malfunction on PS3 browsers.

When asked why the video service is not working properly on the console, Lempel simply iterated that he and the rest of Sony have no idea:

Last week we stared hearing that, and we've tested it out here, and it does seem you can't access Hulu. You can access the site, but when you go to play a video, you get an error message. We're not quite sure why that is. If I speculate I might guess it's because they refined their list of supported browsers and we were a victim, or maybe they're intentionally blocking the PS3, but right now it doesn't work, and you'd really have to talk to Hulu about why that is. We have an open browser, there's a ton of sites that do work, and it's compatible with other video streaming sites like YouTube and music streaming sites, so. But it's true, Hulu's not working right now and I'm not really sure why.

Lempel also comment on the possibility of allowing universal chat - which would include voice chatting outside of games - in an upcoming update:

Yeah, definitely, we realize that a lot of people want that. It's one of the most requested features, and it is something we're looking into. It's a very complex feature, but we are looking into it.

He also teased a new update this year which will attract consumers but would not verify rumors:

You'll definitely see another firmware update this year, but it won't be like what the rumors say. We're working on some consumer features that consumers will definitely like, but it's nothing like what you're reading about, and at this time I don't want to confirm any of those features because they're not completely locked down yet. We're looking pretty good, and timing is a little rough, but just in terms of that rumor, it's not the case.

Until the Hulu issue is resolved, VGF still urges upset PS3 owners to boycott viewing any content on Hulu.com.

Top 5 Greatest American Video Game Characters

America celebrates the anniversary of its declaration of independence from British tyranny on July 4th.

What better way to celebrate than by looking at the top five greatest American characters in video games.

Now these stateside folks are not required to be created by American's, but are of American nationality and each is a champion of freedom in his or her own right.

Lets take a look:

5. Sam Fisher - Splinter Cell Series

Sam Fisher from the popular "Splinter Cell" series is a guardian of freedom and a protector of democracy in the only way he knows how: deadly stealth. Sam has served the United States as a CIA operative, Navy Seal, and the NSA. He has served his country well by completing missions across the globe including Kuwait, Afghanistan, USSR, and Peru all in the name of the good old US of A.

4. Joanna Dark - Perfect Dark Series

Although her country of origin is not discussed within the "Perfect Dark" series, Joanna Dark is certainly an American special agent operative for "The Carrington Institute." Joanna uncovers a plot to assassinate the President of the United States when he refuses to loan the evil dataDyne a crashed alien ship which contains a secret "megaweapon." Not only did Joanna save the life of the President, but she also thrawted dataDyne's plans to claim the "megaweapon" and met some cool aliens in the process.



3. Nathan "Rad" Spencer - Bionic Commando Series
Nathan "Rad" Spencer was sent behind enemy lines to rescue a man named "Super Joe" from a neo-Nazi regime called "Nazz." Armed with an incredibly cool, bionic grappling gun for an arm, Rad infiltrates and uncovers the obscure Nazz plot to resurrect Adolf Hitler. Rad was the main protagonist in one of the coolest plateformers on the NES and the only American that can claim to have killed Hitler.



2. Solid Snake - Metal Gear Solid Series

Number two on our list needs no introduction. The "Metal Gear Solid" series features the most complex plot involving the United States of America in video games. Snake has done everything from prevent nuclear Holocaust on the US to personally protecting and escorting the President of the United States. It's amazing to think America's struggle to claim the title of the world's superpower was created and written by a Japanese man.

1. Guile - Street Fighter Series

Buzz cut, strong jawbone, sleeveless olive green t-shirt, camouflage pants, and an American flag tattoo - can you be any more American? Making a stereotypical appearance on behalf of USA in the "Street Fighter" series, Guile is the truest of American video game characters. Although he is a decorated member of the United States Air Force - attaining the ranks of major, lieutenant, and colonel - William A. Guile is still a family man living the American dream with his wife Jane and daughter Amy. However Guile received no greater honor than when he was played by Belgian actor Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 1994 American live action film "Street Fighter." We are so proud of our American hero in the Street Fighter "World Warrior" tournament that we made him the main character in the movie when Ryu and Ken are clearly the primary protagonists in the Japanese video game.