Steven Spielberg to create games
Film director Steven Spielberg will oversee the development of three original video games for Electronic Arts, EA announced last week. The games will be unrelated to any of the director's movies or EA's current game franchises. Spielberg previously worked on "Medal of Honor," Dreamworks Interactive's 1999 hit war video game that has spawned numerous sequels. There is currently no word on a release schedule for Spielberg's new games.
National Institute on Media and the Family denounces video game antagonist
The National Institute on Media and the Family last week asked Jack Thompson to stop using its name in the Florida lawyer's campaign against controversial media. David Walsh, president of the NIMF, said in an open letter to Thompson that his use of the organization's name gives the false impression that it supports his efforts. Walsh also asked that the link on Thompson's website to the NIMF's be removed.
Thompson responded bitterly, "I have countless times told people that I believe [Walsh] is an expert about the dangers of video games. The mistake I made, apparently naively, is in thinking that a person of his expertise would use it actually to help some bereaved families rather than choose to protect his relationship with portions of the video game industry and its reckless retail network."
Nintendo bundles up for winter
Nintendo has announced three new bundles involving its GameCube and DS video game systems. Available now is a GameCube bundle that includes the system, "Pok?mon XD: Gale of Darkness" and a limited edition "Pok?mon" faceplate for $99. Another GameCube bundle that includes "Mario Party 7" and two controllers for $99 will be released on Nov. 7.
Mario Kart fans looking to pick up a Nintendo DS will be happy to learn Nintendo will be bundling a new limited edition hot-rod red-colored system with "Mario Kart DS," a checkered-flag wrist strap and some decals. Nintendo is pricing the combo at $149.99 and setting its release date for Nov. 14.
Sean Combs teams up with Marc Ecko for "Getting Up" soundtrack
Atari last week announced Sean Combs, a.k.a. Diddy, will collaborate with clothing designer Marc Ecko on the soundtrack for Ecko's new video game, "Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure."
The genre-spanning soundtrack will include music by Diddy, Roots Manuva, Bloc Party, Kasabian and the RZA.
"I couldn't think of a better partner than Diddy to assist in bringing the music to life," Ecko said, praising Combs for "offering his insight and enthusiasm to the development process while navigating the complexities of the music industry to assemble this remarkable collection of talent"
