ELECTRONIC ARTS MAKES OFFER FOR TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE

Yeah, you're probably groaning right now as much as I am. If this article over at Kotaku is right, then it appears that Electronic Arts has made a considerable offer to acquire longtime rival Take-Two Interactive (2KGames, Rockstar, etc). 

According to the article, EA isn't fooling around either. The offer they've made is supposedly $26 a share – some 64 percent higher than the stock was selling for roughly one week ago. That's considerable money, though I'm sure the stock itself would see a rise as we approach the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV. 

It also seems that Take-Two has already spurned this offer, and much like the ongoing situation between Microsoft and Yahoo, Electronic Arts will be taking their offer directly to the shareholders of the company – the question now is just how much faith do those shareholders have in TakeTwo's current management and GTAIV.

Wow, I didn't think I'd hear one this week that would dwarf the rumor that Microsoft was looking to acquire Epic, but here it is. We'll be sure to keep you updated on any movement on this story as we hear about it. 

EDIT: While posting this one, it appears the news is breaking everywhere about this offer, making it appear that it is indeed legitimate. May God have mercy on our consoles. Consider this rumor confirmed. (The offer, not that it is a done deal)

• Electronic Arts – Company website
• Take-Two Interactive – Company website
• EA Makes Offer to Buy TakeTwo – Kotaku 

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GRAND THEFT AUTO IV – THE STEINWAY BEER GARDEN

Hey gang, it’s time for yet another edition of Lazy Day Trailers – today well be looking at Grand Theft Auto IV once again as we’ve got a new "commercial" for the Steinway Beer Garden of Liberty City courtesy of the folks over at GameTrailers.com.

If you’re a fan of the mock radio ads in the previous games, you’ll feel right at home with this one. Before you click though, please be advised that due to language, this is probably best considered Not Safe For Work (NSFW). You have been warned.

Grand Theft Auto IV will be coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on April 29th, 2008.

• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website
• Grand Theft Auto IV – The Steinway Beer Garden – GameTrailers

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV GETS A NEW RELEASE DATE

Ever since it was delayed from it's original October release date, things have been a bit hazy for Grand Theft Auto IV. Diffferent theories regarding why the game was being delayed bounded across the internet and Take-Two/Rockstar was eerily non-committal about when fans could expect to see the title.

Well, at least some of the mystery surrounding the game has been lifted. In a quick little e-mail, Rockstar announced that Grand Theft Auto IV will be making it's debut on April 29th, 2008. Mark that date on your calendars now, because if you think the media circus around Mass Effect has been bad, you haven't seen anything yet.

• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website 

LAZY DAY TRAILERS: GRAND THEFT AUTO IV

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything significant regarding Grand Theft Auto IV from our friends at Rockstar Games, but that all is about to change. Rockstar has released the latest trailer for GTA IV, and based on what I’ve seen, it looks like one of the things Rockstar did following the delay of the game was to scale the character models back quite a bit.

Now I know one of the rumored issues with GTA IV was that it wasn’t running smoothly, but I really didn’t expect the character models to be knocked back as far they apparently have been. There are some moments in there where I’d swear I was looking at a last-generation game. Thankfully, Liberty City still seems to be rendered beautifully – and more importantly, the story seems to be solid… though I certainly hope that the annoying cousin doesn’t play a huge role in the game.

Anyway, enough talk – I know what you’re here for… check out the video courtesy of GameTrailers.com below;

On a final note, is that not the most disturbing looking stripper silhouette you’ve ever seen in your life? *shudders*

• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website
• Grand Theft Auto IV: Move Up, Ladies – GameTrailers.com

PLAYSTATION 3 THE DARKNESS DEMO NOW AVAILABLE

An PlayStation 3 demo of The Darkness is now available for download via the PlayStation Store. Download size is approximately 1.41GB. This one is definitely a game worth checking out, so if you haven’t had a chance to play it yet, be sure to give the demo a try.

• The Darkness – Official website

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV DELAYED UNTIL 2008

Take Two Interactive has announced that due to "additional development time required to complete the title", Grand Theft Auto IV will be delayed until some time in fiscal year 2008.

"Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title. The title is now planned for release in the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2008." – Take Two Interactive press release

Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick’s further elaborated on the situation by stating that the specific problems can be tracked back to both the cutting edge nature of Grand Theft Auto IV as well as the need to develop it simultaneously on two different platforms. This view was further backed up by Rockstar Games founder Sam Houser who stated that both Microsoft and Sony now have teams working with Rockstar on their respective versions of the game.

"With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms." – Strauss Zelnick

"The new consoles are allowing us to create the Grand Theft Auto game we always dreamed about. Every aspect of the game and its design has been completely transformed. The game is huge and is pushing the hardware platforms to their absolute limits. The top engineers from Sony and Microsoft are working closely with the team in Edinburgh right now, helping us to fully leverage the power of both platforms." – Sam Houser

All I can say on this one is just… wow. I’m quite sure this one has blown a hole in the game lists of many, and to see one of this holiday’s biggest titles drop into 2008 is huge. I can’t imagine Take-Two’s shareholders are all that thrilled at the moment as this announcement further hurts the company’s 2007 bottom line – one that already had taken a pounding from the fallout surrounding Manhunt 2.

Take-Two also took the time to list their remaining titles for 2007 as well as the list of games expected to come out in fiscal 2008 – as expected, Manhunt 2 is nowhere to be found on either. For more information regarding Take-Two’s future plans, check out the full press release linked below.

• Take-Two Interactive – Company website
• Rockstar Games – Company website
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website
• Launch of Grand Theft Auto IV Now Planned for Fiscal 2008 – Take-Two Interactive press release

MANHUNT 2 GETS SHANKED AND YANKED

I’d love to go into detail on my thoughts regarding the whole Manhunt 2 rating issue right now, but unfortunately, time is working against me right now – hopefully I’ll get to talk at length about the situation over the weekend. What I will talk about right now is that Gamespot is reporting that Take-Two Interactive has decided to "temporarily suspend" the release of the now embattled Manhunt 2 while the company takes a long look at what it’s options are as far as the game is concerned;

"Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the British Board of Film Classification and Entertainment Software Rating Board. We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.” -Take-Two Interactive (as reported by Gamespot)

The big decision here is whether Take-Two will attempt to change the game enough for the ESRB to drop it’s rating to "Mature" or shelve the title entirely. There’s no middle ground on this one as both Nintendo and Sony have already stated they will not certify Adults Only rated games for play on their consoles, which means the rating no longer just makes the game a pariah to most retailers, but now makes the game (which was scheduled to release on the PS2, PSP and Wii) completely unsellable.

So there you have it – Manhunt 2 will not be making it’s scheduled July 10th release date or quite possibly any other release date. Sounds like Thrill Kill all over again.

• Take-Two shelves Manhunt 2 – Gamespot
• Manhunt 2 – Official website
• Take-Two Interactive – Company website
• Entertainment Software Ratings Board – Official website

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT NOW XBOX 360 EXCLUSIVE

Call it another blow to Sony’s chances for a good holiday season…

Some time ago, Rockstar Games announced that not only would Grand Theft Auto IV be coming to both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but that each title would be getting it’s own exclusive downloadable content for the game sometime after launch.

Apparently, that plan has been changed. GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, has confirmed that only the Xbox 360 version of the game will be seeing any exclusive content – meaning those players wanting the full GTAIV experience will need to play the game on Microsoft’s console.

"Talk of an exclusive deal began following the release of Take-Two’s Q2 financial report on Tuesday. The report stated that the episodic content would be released on 360 during the 2008 fiscal year – with no mention of PlayStation 3.

Now a company representative has told GI.biz, “The Grand Theft Auto IV episodic content is exclusive to Xbox 360.”" – GamesIndustry.biz

My take? This is going to hurt Sony and hurt them bad. For those still waiting on the sidelines of the console wars, this could be a determining factor in their decision to go with the 360 or PS3 and I’m quite sure gamers who have both systems may now lean towards the 360’s offering regardless of console preference.

Is there a chance that any good news can come out of this for the folks over at Sony? Sure there is – There’s been no explanation of exactly what Microsoft and Rockstar have agreed to, and given Rockstar’s past record with exclusivity agreements, there’s always a chance the content will eventually find it’s way to the PS3 as well. I just wouldn’t expect the PS3 version to have anything the 360 one doesn’t.

• GTA IV episodic content exclusive to 360, confirms Take-Two – GamesIndustry.biz
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Official website
• Take-Two Interactive – Company website
• Rockstar Games – Company website

2K GAMES ANNOUNCES 2ND EXPANSION FOR CIVILIZATION IV

If you follow this site regularly, then you’re probably well aware that I’ve battled a Civilization addiction for a good portion of my adult life. While of late, I’ve managed to avoid getting overly drawn into the game, it’s still with some trepidation that I pass along the news that "Beyond the Sword", the second expansion for Civilization IV has just been announced by 2K Games;

"Civilization is close to our hearts here at Firaxis and we’re excited to up the ante on the series once again with what we consider to be our best expansion pack ever,” said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. “Fan requests and a constant stream of new ideas motivate our team to continue delivering more and better gameplay for our premier series. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword is a must-have expansion for every Civ® fan.” Key features include:

• Expanded Epic Game: Firaxis Games delivers a massive increase in new units, buildings, and technologies to the epic game with additional focus on the late-game time periods.
• New Game Scenarios: The expansion will deliver 12 new scenarios, many containing themes never before included in the Civilization series, custom designed by the team at Firaxis and select members of the Civ Fan Community.
• New Civilizations: The expansion pack includes ten new civilizations, such as Portugal, Babylon and Netherlands and their associated unique units and buildings.
• More Civilization Leaders: Sixteen new leaders including leaders for the ten new civilizations, as well as additional leaders for existing civilizations.
• Corporations: A new gameplay feature that allows players to create corporations and spread them throughout the world. Each corporation provides benefits in exchange for certain resources.
• Espionage: Now available much earlier in the game, this expanded feature offers players many new ways to spy on opponents, stir citizen unrest and defend their government’s secrets.
• Events: New random events such as natural disasters, pleas for help, or demands from their citizens will challenge players to overcome obstacles in order for their civilizations to prosper.
• New Wonders: Five new wonders await discovery including the Statue of Zeus, Cristo Redentor, Shwedagon Paya, the Mausoleum of Maussollos, and the Moai Statues.
• Expanded Space Victory: Winning the race to Alpha Centauri will now require more strategic planning and tactical decision making.
• Apostolic Palace: The United Nations will become available earlier in the game, providing a way for players to win a diplomatic victory earlier. New resolutions will also be added which will expand the available diplomatic options.
• Advanced Starts: A major fan request, this new feature will enable players to “buy” components of a custom-tailored empire and begin play in the later part of the game, allowing them to experience many of the new features of the expansion pack in a shorter amount of time.
• Enhanced AI: The AI has received many enhancements, making it tougher to beat on the higher difficulty levels. The ways in which the AI will attempt to achieve victory have also been expanded." – Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword press release

Is it just me, or is everyone else recovering from Civ-addiction feeling a little twitch in one of their eyes?

• 2K Announces Sid Meier’s Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword Expansion Pack – Official press release
• Civilization.com – Official series site
• Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword – Official product page

2K GAMES DATES THE DARKNESS

The folks over at 2K Games dropped me a line to announce that The Darkness, a first person action game based on the comic of the same name, will finally be hitting retail shelves on June 25th, 2007 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

LAZY DAY TRAILERS – BIOSHOCK: HUNTING THE BIG DADDY

Today I’ve got a video of Irrational Games upcoming title BioShock for you. This video, titled "Hunting the Big Daddy", focuses on some of the unique combat aspects of the game while showcasing some truly stunning visuals. I’ve been on the fence for awhile now about BioShock, but this video has certainly improved my opinion of the title.

BioShock is being published by 2K Games and is currently slated to release exclusively on the Xbox 360 and Windows XP/Vista platforms on August 21st, 2007.

• BioShock – Official website
• Irrational Games – Official website
• 2K Games – Official website
• BioShock: Hunting the Big Daddy – YouTube
• BioShock – Wikipedia Entry

TAKE-TWO CLOSES “INDIE BUILT” STUDIO

Gamespot is reporting that Take-Two Interactive has shut down their Indie Built studio, the folks responsible for such games a Amped, Links and Top Spin. According to the article, Take-Two has advised;
—————————————–

“Employees are being offered packages including continuation of salary and benefits, as well as other opportunities within Take-Two as appropriate, Take-Two is fully committed to its 2K Sports brand and franchises and retains all rights to the Indie Built IP.” – Gamespot article
—————————————–

So while it seems the franchises themselves aren’t dead, the folks behind them most likely are. You’d think they’d have canned the clowns behind the Xbox 360 version of MLB2K6 before they’d fire anyone else.

TAKE-TWO CLOSES “INDIE BUILT” STUDIO

Gamespot is reporting that Take-Two Interactive has shut down their Indie Built studio, the folks responsible for such games a Amped, Links and Top Spin. According to the article, Take-Two has advised;
—————————————–

“Employees are being offered packages including continuation of salary and benefits, as well as other opportunities within Take-Two as appropriate, Take-Two is fully committed to its 2K Sports brand and franchises and retains all rights to the Indie Built IP.” – Gamespot article
—————————————–

So while it seems the franchises themselves aren’t dead, the folks behind them most likely are. You’d think they’d have canned the clowns behind the Xbox 360 version of MLB2K6 before they’d fire anyone else.

TAKE-TWO ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO GHOST RIDER GAME

Take-Two Interactive announced today that they were the undisclosed buyer who purchased the rights to the Ghost Rider game from Majesco back in December when the publisher exited the high-end game industry. The game is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name and the upcoming film starring Nicholas Cage.