Game News: December 15, 2006

Nintendo to replace broken straps on new Wii console
(AFP)


   

AFP - The Japanese electronic game maker Nintendo said it would replace wrist straps on its new Wii console with a "newer version" after reports of controllers crashing into users' television screens.

Sony vs. Zelda
(The Motley Fool)


   The Motley Fool - Hardcore gamers and parents finally have something in common: They feel an electric, palpable intensity invading their collective psyches, a burning sensation that's compelling them to compete with one another to score a certain item. That item? The highly coveted PlayStation 3, courtesy of Sony (NYSE: SNE - News).

Nintendo to replace Wii straps, Japan DS adapters
(Reuters)


   

Reuters - Nintendo Co. Ltd. said on
Friday it will voluntarily exchange 3.2 million straps for its
"Wii" game console controller following reports of damaged TVs
and minor physical injuries caused by flying "Wiimotes."

Getting Back Into The Game
(Investor's Business Daily)


   Investor's Business Daily - With a new generation of video game consoles on the market, the stage is set for video game publishers to enjoy an upswing in sales.

Wild Wii Controller Swinging Without Worry
(PC World)


   PC World - Nintendo to replace 3.2 million Wii straps for free to assure safety.

Video games ease sick kids', parents' pain
(Reuters)


   

Reuters - When 11-year-old Gus Luna was able
to play one of his favorite video games while recovering from
exploratory brain cancer surgery in intensive care, his mother
breathed a big sigh of relief.

Nintendo recalls Wii controller straps
(AP)


   

AP - The reception of Nintendo's Wii video game console has been enthusiastic — too enthusiastic, apparently, for the straps that are supposed to keep the game controllers in the hands of players.

Game Developer December Issue Features Defcon, Destroy All Humans AI

   

The December 2006 issue of Game Developer magazine, the sister print publication to Gamasutra, and the leading U.S. trade publication for the video game industry, has now shipped, including a postmortem of Introversion's Defcon and exploration of the AI behind Destroy All Humans II.

Road To The IGF: Weekday Warrior's Paul Ohanian

   

Continuing our interviews with Independent Games Festival 2007 entrants, we look at the modding side of the competition, and talk with Paul Ohanian about Half-Life 2 mod Weekday Warrior, an office-based adventure game which even includes a trashcan basketball mini-game.

Beginning Game Programming Releases

   

Course PTR has announced the release of Beginning Game Programming, written for beginners who want to create their own simple 2D and 3D games in C and DirectX 9 or prototypes for portfolio work.