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THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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March 4th, 2014, 01:20 Posted By: wraggster
Introduction
It wasnt until our close family friends went to Walt Disney World back in 2004 did i really take notice of the theme parks in America, i was very content with going to the likes of the American Adventure and Alton Towers, one was 20 minutes from my house and although a small park it did have enough to make a great day especially when the park wasnt full. Alton Towers however was Britains biggest theme park and you really need to be lucky to get a slow day when you werent queueing for an age.
As good as the UK parks are they are nothing compared to the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando.
Starting Off
Choosing the Right Tour Operator such as Virgin or Thomson should be your first step, you may get cheaper options but the flight can be a killer, remember to go to the USA you have to book in 3 hours before you depart, then you have a 9 hour flight, paying that bit more is a neccessity, you can fly with the likes of Cosmos/Monarch or Thomas Cook but for quality of service and hidden extras then Virgin or Thomson are your best options.
From the start you need to know that a 2 Week stay in Orlando is going to be expensive, depending on the time of year, if say 4 or 5 of you are going heres a typical breakdown.
Cost of Holiday - £5000 and thats the minimum, we paid this for a 3 bedroomed villa, a hotel in Disney or Universal resorts would be majorly more to pay for, you can opt for a cheaper hotel but be wary and always read reviews. Different times of the year can be vastly more expensive too.
Cost of Car Hire - £500 - Be warned that "free" car hire only pays for the very basic insurances and you will be paying a lot more on top, do your homework when booking, make sure you have the very best insurance, like in this country you need to be protected.
Cost of theme Park Tickets £2000 - If your going to do both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and also Busch Gardens your going to be paying around £400 each for the combined tickets.
Spending Money - For 4/5 of you your going to need at least £110 a day to pay for food and drinks, somedays you may not spend this much but you may also overspend. Petrol for the car you should budget for at least 3 tankfuls in 2 weeks, i would say £130 for that. Now thats roughly £1600 but in Orlando they have the Premium Villas where you get designer clothes at Bargain Prices, bring as much money as you can but watch the weight and keep the tags on the majority of what you buy, you are allowed to bring back a fair amount but if you go over your weight or are silly and bring back 20 ipads then your gonna get stopped by customs.
I would say go for a minimum of £3000 for food/petrol and spends.
So in all budget for around £11000.
The Flight Part
The2nd to worst part of the holiday is flying and on the 4 times we have flown we had one terrible and 3 OK flights. Virgin or Thomson should be the best options for you, make sure to get quotes from both to see which is best, what i will say is that Virgin were easily the best and the added extras made up massively for any extra costs.
The flight journey on our Virgin Plane was great, decent movies, good space and good food too and with staff that were very pleasent and went that extra inch that you needed.
The Airport and Finding Your Location
Depending on which airport you land at is where the fun begins, Sanford is a smaller airport but further away from Orlando and Orlando International is much closer but also massive. If you land at Sanford or Orlando and have a shuttle waiting for you then move to next chapter. If your renting a car then read on, first thing about car rental is that the folks behind the desk will hard sell you an upgrade, refuse at all costs and just say we will check our car first and if its too small then we will come back to you, you will get fleeced for money otherwise, be strong.
If you go with the likes of Alamo then youll get to pick from a load of cars in the same class as the one you have hired, good tip is to go for one with a big boot  , If your at Sanford then you need to head to the I4 Motorway and if you havent drove in the USA then it will be a shock for you, its like a free for all, keep to the speedlimit but go into the middle lane, because they enter in the slow lane to us your well advised to keep away from that.
On the large roads in the USA they drive like on a race circuit, if you think idiots in Britain drove bad you aint seen nothing, they overtake, undertake, last second lane changes, be on your guard at all times, if you have a sat nav use it. Like in britain if you see a dodgy area then avoid it.
Accomadation
If your in a hotel just make sure the room is decent first, if not complain and asked to be moved. If your in a Villa youll either register that night or the next morning, if there is any problems report them straight away, if you paid for a top notch villa and it isnt then complain and ask to be moved.
If you have a safe in the Villa use it, if it has an alarm make sure to use that also.
The Parks
The Theme Parks in Orlando are the best in the World, i could go on for hours, big tips are to try all of them if only for a day each, ill do each park one at a time.
Magical Kingdom
This is where you pinch yourself, the dream has come true, rides to see are Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and thats just a few, awesome park especially for younger children.
Epcot
Very much an underrated park, this has two massive rides in Test Drive and Soarin but so much more including a park on its own with rides/buildings and shops from many regions of the world.
Animal Kingdom
The rapids and Expedition Everest are a must to ride on here, my least favourite out of the Disney parks but still decent.
Disneys Hollywood studios
Here youll find Tower of Terror, The Aerosmith Roller Coaster and Star Wars Star Tours, Toy Story, Indiana Jones Show and Backlot Tour and a heck of a lot more.
Disneys Water Parks
Out of all the water parks in Orlando the 2 Disney water parks are by far the best, they cater for the young up to those who are thrill seekers and theres even some water coasters too.
Seaworld
In my opinion a one visit day only park, good for shows like Shamu and theres one ride similiar to Soarin that i went on once but never found it again.
The Universal Orlando Parks
Universal Studios
You will die and go to heaven here, The Mummy is one of the best rollercoasters in the world, ET, Men in Black, Simpsons Ride are just a few of the world class rides here, quite simply a must visit.
Islands of Adventure
Another dream park, The Hulk Coaster, Spiderman, The rapids get you soaked, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter World are just some of whats here, visit it as soon as you can.
Shopping
The Theme Parks are world class but the shopping is too, you can get designer clothes at the sort of prices you would pay at a supermarket or primark in the UK, its the only place in the world i enjoy my shopping, the premium outlets at both ends of international drive make it a must visit location.
The End
Its not cheap to get to Orlando and but Theme Park Tickets but its so worth it, its much cheaper when you are here and the Parks, Eating out and the Shopping are better than anywhere in the world. Put it on your bucket list to do before you die, save up and live the dream that Walt Disney made for us.
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March 3rd, 2014, 18:57 Posted By: wraggster
Andy Payne explains the importance of BAFTA's work with the industry
 [h=3]BAFTA[/h]BAFTA is the leading independent charity supporting, developing and promoting the art forms of the moving...
bafta.org
Rockstar Games is to be honoured by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for its work in the industry, with the award to be presented at the new and improved British Academy Games Awards later this month. Co-founders Dan and Sam Houser will pick up the award along with Leslie Benzies and Aaron Garbut.
GamesIndustry International spoke to Andy Payne, chairman of Mastertronic and partner at both AppyNation and Gambitious, about the new format for this year's British Academy Games Awards and the importance of BAFTA to the UK games industry.
Q: In what way does BAFTA support the games industry?
Andy Payne: BAFTA is a highly prestigious organisation and very trusted brand which recognises creativity in the moving image first and foremost. BAFTA have been taking games very seriously now for at least 10 years. Every year the Awards get bigger and better and winning a BAFTA shows that games are now as mainstream as films and TV shows. Having a BAFTA on the shelf is pretty awesome.
Q: How do BAFTA recognise what is creative and boundary pushing in terms of games?
Andy Payne: BAFTA have an amazing network of games industry helpers, many of whom are now members of BAFTA and all of who are involved in creating games. The games committee is headed by Chair, Harvey Elliott who sits on the main BAFTA board. Each member of the committee chairs a jury per award category and hand picks members of that jury. Each jury invests many, many hours into playing all of the long listed games and then meets to discuss and agree the nominations through a democratic voting process. This highly informed crowdsourced approach ensures neutrality and total focus on the creativity rather than the commercial success of any game.
Q: In what way has BAFTA become a recognised authority in the games industry?
Andy Payne: BAFTA have engaged with the games industry from the very start. They reached out, embraced and continue to iterate their activity and policy in games. BAFTA really is a facilitator to the games industry and has become an authority as a direct result of this approach.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...fta-fellowship
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March 3rd, 2014, 18:43 Posted By: wraggster
The return of stealth series Thief may have been a critical anti-climax, but it has topped the UK games chart nonetheless.Eidos Montreal's reboot apparently "smashed" what Thief: Deadly Shadows managed at launch way back in 2004, and recorded the second-highest one-week sales of any game in the UK this year. (FIFA 14 holds the crown.)'Good actually' Plants vs Zombies multiplayer spin-off Garden Warfare debuted fourth, whereas Castlevania sequel Lords of Shadow 2 managed 10th. Mind you, LOS2 still recorded the second best week-one sales in the entire Castlevania franchise (behind LOS1).Tales of Symphonia: Chronicles entered 13th on PS3, and Senran Kagura Burst entered 38th on 3DS.The full top-10 ran: Thief (1), Lego Movie Videogame (2), FIFA 14 (3), Pants vs Zombies: Garden Warfare (4), Call of Duty: Ghosts (5), Battlefield 4 (6), Lego Marvel Super Heroes (7), Minecraft Xbox 360 (8), Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag (9), Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (10).
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...teals-top-spot
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March 2nd, 2014, 00:22 Posted By: wraggster
The UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) intercepted and stored the webcam images of millions of internet users.
The Guardian reports that in one six-month period, the GCHQ – with aid from the US National Security Agency (NSA) – collected webcam imagery from more than 1.8 million Yahoo user accounts.
The publication reports that Yahoo reacted furiously when questioned about the revelation, denying any prior knowledge of the program.
While the six-month period took place in 2008, last month it was revealed that the GCHQ and the NSA were harvesting data from Angry Birds to track suspected terrorists.
The British spy agency said it would not comment on intelligence matters, but insisted that all of its activities were ‘authorised, necessary and proportionate’.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...m-users/033385
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February 28th, 2014, 01:25 Posted By: wraggster
Analysts have predicted that every consumer will be a gamer within the next six years, as virtual concepts progress a 'gamification' of real life.
Members of IEEE, an organisation “dedicated to advancing technology for humanity”, predicted that 85 percent of everyday tasks will feature an integrated concept of gaming by 2020.
“While video games are seen mainly for their entertainment value in today's society, industries like healthcare, business and education will be integrating gaming elements into standard tasks and activities, making us all gamers,” an IEEE statement explained.
“People will accrue points for regular tasks and each person's point cache will influence their position in society, and compliment their monetary wealth.”
"Social networks that encourage check-ins and stores with loyalty point programs are already utilizing gamification to grow their customer bases. Soon, game-like activities similar to these will be part of almost everything we do," commented Richard Garriott, an IEEE member who coined the term ‘massively multiplayer online role-playing game’ – or ‘MMORPG’.
"Our mobile devices will be the hub for all of the 'games' we'll be playing throughout a normal day by tracking the data we submit and using it to connect everything."
Examples suggested include the measurement of an individual’s business success in ‘game points’, with promotions rewarded by accruing a certain amount of points, encouraging health check-ups and vaccinations by using the concept of real-life ‘hit points’ and integrating gaming systems into schools to provide positive reinforcement.
"A lot of technologies start in other industries and slip their way into gaming, which makes sense for the future of businesses," added Tom Coughlin, an IEEE senior member and technology consultant.
"By 2020, however many points you have at work will help determine the kind of raise you get or which office you sit in. Outside factors will still be important, but those that can be quantified numerically will increasingly be tracked with 'game points'."
"Humans, as mammals, learn more efficiently through play in which they are rewarded rather than other tests in which they are given demerits for mistakes," concluded Elena Bertozzi, another IEEE member and professor of digital game design and Development at Quinnipiac University.
"It is a natural fit to teach through gaming, especially in areas of the world where literacy levels vary and human instinct can help people learn."
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...by-2020/033365
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February 28th, 2014, 00:50 Posted By: wraggster
Tax Reform Act of 2014 drafters say they're withholding tax credits from violent game devs, but wording covers all software development
American lawmakers aren't constitutionally allowed to block the sale of violent video games, but they're looking at other ways to discourage the industry from creating such titles. The House of Representative's Ways and Means Committee yesterday released its Tax Reform Act of 2014, which it said would make a research and development tax credit permanent except for companies that make violent video games.
The Republican-led Ways and Means Committee's executive summary specifically lists the provision in a section under the heading, "Simplify Code and Lower Rates: Close Lobbyist Loopholes." The summary gives no indication as to what criteria would be used to define a video game as "violent." Even the 979-page draft of the legislation doesn't appear to have any such clause regarding video games. The closest the actual draft comes to addressing the issue is a line altering the tax code to specifically prohibit "any research with respect to computer software" from qualifying for the research credit.
As noted by Washington Examiner columnist Ashe Schow, the violent game provision seems to be at odds with one of the Republicans' stated goals for the Tax Reform Act. As the executive summary claims on the page following its violent game exemption to the R&D tax credit, "The Tax Reform Act of 2014 stops the practice of using the tax code to pick winners and losers based on political power rather than economic merit..." It lists alternative energy credits (which would be eliminated under the proposed legislation) as one way the existing tax code seeks to pick winners.
The Entertainment Software Association released a statement criticizing the move, saying, "This industry, like all software developers who would be impacted under this proposal, invests billions of dollars every year in research and development and this proposal threatens American technological advancement and economic growth. We look forward to continuing to educate policymakers on our societal and economic contributions and the need to preserve and expand this unique industry."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...nt-game-makers
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February 28th, 2014, 00:49 Posted By: wraggster
European Commission meets with devs to improve consumer protections, wants them to stop calling games free if they have in-app purchases
Complaints from consumers who unwittingly purchased in-game upgrades in free-to-play titles have become common enough that the European Commission is taking action on the matter. EC members are meeting with tech companies and national enforcement authorities today and tomorrow to go over concerns about consumer protections in the burgeoning market, the group announced today.
"Consumers and in particular children need better protection against unexpected costs from in-app purchases," consumer policy commissioner Neven Mimica said in a statement. "National enforcement authorities and the European Commission are discussing with industry how to address this issue which not only causes financial harm to consumers but can also put at stake the credibility of this very promising market. Coming up with concrete solutions as soon as possible will be a win-win for all."
The Consumer Protection Cooperation and EC member states have released a list of common positions on the subject, with misleading advertising at the top.
"The use of the word 'free' (or similar unequivocal terms) as such, and without any appropriate qualifications, should only be allowed for games which are indeed free in their entirety, or in other words which contain no possibility of making in-app purchases, not even on an optional basis," the group said.
Beyond that, the CPC and EC want developers to cut out any direct calls for purchasing in-game items (such as "Buy now!" or "Upgrade now!") in any title likely to appeal to children. On top of that, in-app purchases should not be made without the consumer's explicit consent, and all apps and app listings should prominently feature an e-mail address to which customers can direct questions before they decide to play or even download a title.
The EC has said the purpose of the meetings is to make sure there's a common understanding between authorities and game companies on these subjects, but said it will work with national consumer rights enforcement bodies to follow through with any action deemed necessary.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...sing-in-europe
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February 28th, 2014, 00:10 Posted By: wraggster
UK multi-format magazine GamesMaster has launched its first redesign issue, which is on sale from today.
Helmed by new editor Joel Gregory and featuring Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls Online on the cover, the new GM promises more in-depth review and preview coverage, plus regular features that celebrate the culture of gaming.
<figure style='font: 14px/23.79px "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.45em 0px 20px 20px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 230px; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; float: right; display: block; white-space: normal; position: relative; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;' class="responsive single-article__canvas single-article__canvas--large single-article__canvas--offset zoomhover" title="" data-media992="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3156/image_315614_460.jpg" data-media768="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3156/image_315614_320.jpg" data-media480="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3156/image_315614_480.jpg" data-media="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3156/image_315614_320.jpg"> </figure>This month's issue offers new looks at Evolve, South Park: The Stick of Truth and Dark Souls 2, plus reviews of Square Enix reboot Thief, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 and more.
Meanwhile, new section CultureMaster introduces the chef tasked with cooking up video game cuisine in real life, and a revamped Retro section dissects Planescape: Torment.
Issue 275 of GamesMaster is available to buy now in shops, or you can order your copy online.
You can also download a copy with a one month free trial on Apple Newsstand or Googleplay.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...edesign-issue/
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February 27th, 2014, 01:33 Posted By: wraggster
PS4 games made up half of the Top 20 in Japan last week.
The No.1 game of the week was Knack, which was bundled with the console. The highest charting new 'non-bundle' title is Yakuza: Ishin on PS3, with the PS4 version at No.3.
3DS still factors strongly in the charts, with Dragon Quest Monsters 2 at No. 4. The game has now sold over 634,000 games in the country.
The Japanese Games Chart in full (Media Create)
1. [PS4] Knack (Sony) – 309,304 (New)
2. [PS3] Yakuza: Ishin (Sega) – 138,158 (New)
3. [PS4] Yakuza: Ishin (Sega) – 82,540 (New)
4. [3DS] Dragon Quest Monsters 2: Iru and Luca (Square Enix) – 72,350 (Lifetime: 634,433)
5. [3DS] Kuroko no Basuke: Shouri e no Kiseki (Namco Bandai) – 45,681 (New)
6. [3DS] Yokai Watch (Level-5) – 35,125 (Lifetime: 458,961)
7. [PS4] Killzone: Shadow Fall (Sony) – 32,336 (New)
8. [PS4] Battlefield 4 (EA) – 24,799 (New)
9. [3DS] Kirby: Triple Deluxe (Nintendo) – 17,665 (Lifetime: 457,796)
10. [3DS] Puzzle & Dragons Z (GungHo) – 15,092 (Lifetime: 1,374,333)
11. [PS4] Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends (Tecmo Koei) – 14,356 (New)
12. [WiiU] Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo) – 14,330 (Lifetime: 50,047)
13. [PS4] Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag (Ubisoft) – 13,862 (New)
14. [PS4] Call of Duty: Ghosts (Square Enix) – 13,701 (New)
15. [PS4] Tomb Raider (Square Enix) – 12,093 (New)
16. [3DS] Pokemon X and Y (Nintendo) – 11,302 (Lifetime: 3,961,624)
17. [3DS] Puyopuyo Tetris (Sega) – 8,859 (Lifetime: 67,204)
18. [PS4] FIFA 14 (EA) – 8,808 (New)
19. [PS3] Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Full Boost (Namco Bandai) – 7,763 (Lifetime: 321,054)
20. [PS4] Need for Speed: Rivals (EA) – 6,602 (New)
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ps4-d...charts/0128724
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February 27th, 2014, 01:05 Posted By: wraggster
Activision is closing its premium Call of Duty: Elite service, nearly two years after it racked up more than 10 million registered users and 2 million paid subscribers. The service that provides in-depth stats, social networking, and clan-based features for Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 2 officially ceases to be on Friday, February 28 at 10AM PT/1PM ET.
Despite that healthy subscription base - a year's membership cost $50 when Elite launched in 2011 - Activision made its services free alongside the launch of Black Ops 2 in 2012. The publisher then brought many of Elite's features forward to the companion app released for Call of Duty: Ghosts, and it's now encouraging users to download that app, perchance for future Duties such asthe one in development at Sledgehammer Games.
Activision has a FAQ detailing what this all means in greater detail. As a means of thanks to those who used the service, the publisher is doling out two hours of Double XP in Ghosts to members who've logged into Elite since January 1, 2014. It's an altogether subdued end to a service that was trumpeted as "Activision getting in front of our players and leading them into the future of connected entertainment."
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/ca...n-this-friday/
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February 26th, 2014, 00:24 Posted By: wraggster
Tomorrow, Lovefilm becomes Amazon Prime Instant Video, and unless you take advantage of the various early adopter discounts, it'll cost you an up-front annual fee of £79. On the upside, the company is pushing to add more TV shows to the service in the hope of clawing back some of Netflix's lost ground. First up, Amazon has signed a deal with Warner Bros. that'll see the first seasons of Arrow, The Following and Revolution appear on UK Prime within the next few days. The agreement will also see Hostages and The 100 appear in 2015, with subsequent seasons of all five shows added afterward. At the same time, the retailer has confirmed that UK users will be able to watch its original TV comedy Alpha House, which is a bit like House of Cards, but with more jokes.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/prime/pi...reLaunchPVDEUK
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February 25th, 2014, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster
EA COO Peter Moore is betting on a dominating role for digital revenue in video games. Speaking at the Digital Entertainment World conference, Moore said (via GI.biz) he expects digital sales to fully eclipse retail numbers in two years.
He likened the rising prominence of downloads as a type of "creative destruction," in which an industry is unable to regulate the evolving purchasing habits of its consumers. Moore compared the scenario to the music industry, which he says is still recovering from its shift away from relying primarily on physical disc sales for revenue to a more download-centric model.
Moore relates that EA's "customers" used to be retailers but, in the global always-online environment of the modern era, those "customers" are now the players. This has caused EA to triple its customer service operations over the last five years and even affected the company's marketing efforts – TV advertising spend is down and online and social advertising is up. Social media is more important than ever to EA.
EA just reported third-quarter earnings for its fiscal 2014. While the massive games publisher suffered an overall net loss of $308 million during the period, digital sales accounted for over half of all earnings. EA attributed this big upswing to a 60 percent increase in transactions in EA's lineup of collectible card-based simulations, FIFA Ultimate Team, Madden NFL Ultimate Team and NHL Ultimate Team.
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/24/ea...ail-in-two-ye/
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February 25th, 2014, 00:08 Posted By: wraggster
Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions over a possible merger.
The pair said in a statement: "These discussions are at a very preliminary stage and there can be no certainty that a transaction will be forthcoming.
"No decision has been reached regarding the structuring of any such merger. Accordingly until further notice, for the purposes of the Code, both Dixons and Carphone Warehouse will be treated as offeree companies."
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/merge...ehouse/0128571
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February 24th, 2014, 23:30 Posted By: wraggster
Apple has fallen twelve places in the annual Consumer Superbrands survey of ‘cool’ brands.
The iPhone, iPad and Mac maker was voted second in 2013in the survey, which is compiled from the votes of an ‘Expert Council’ of 34 industry figures and 3,000 British adults based on brand awareness.
This year, Apple came 14th – eight places behind rival tech giant Microsoft, which came sixth – the highest place for any tech firm.
Microsoft also came ahead of Google, which was placed one position lower in seventh.
Top of the ‘superbrands’ for consumers was British Airways, followed by Rolex, Coca-Cola, the BBC and Heinz.
Besides Microsoft, Apple and Google, the only other technology firm to make the top 20 was Sony, achieving 17th place.
Apple’s other primary rival, Samsung, didn’t appear in the top 20.
PC World was voted the category winner for electronics retailers, with Amazon.co.uk top of entertainment and gifts retailers.
In the separate Business Superbrands survey – based on B2B awareness – Apple came third, behind Visa and Google. Microsoft came sixth, one place behind consumer favourite BA.
Stephen Cheliotis, chairman of the Superbrands council, commented: "Apple and the other tech giants have suffered, with Apple particularly struggling to meet arguably unrealistic high expectations.”
"It is increasingly clear that in the short-term at least, Apple is struggling to maintain its enviable innovation record in the eyes of consumers while failing to inspire individuals without its hugely influential leader, the late Steve Jobs."
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...reveals/033318
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February 24th, 2014, 19:20 Posted By: wraggster
Wii U exclusive Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has squeaked into the UK all-format top 10 - it was the highest new entry in the chart this week, and earned ninth position. Lego games now make up almost a quarter of the top 40.
The only other major launch was Rambo: The Video Game - which found its feet in 21st.The Lego Movie Videogame was again top of the chart, and its sales actually rose this week - half-term week - when its big screen brother was top of the UK film chart.FIFA 14 was second, Call of Duty: Ghosts third, Battlefield 4 fourth and Lego Marvel Superheroes was fifth.It was another great week for Lego games overall - five Lego titles charted last week, but a total of nine made the top 40 here, including Lego Star Wars, Lego Lord of the Rings, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean and both Lego Batman titles.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...-enters-in-9th
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February 24th, 2014, 19:16 Posted By: wraggster
Sony Pictures has bought the rights to Console Wars, an upcoming account of how a small start-up named Sega took on the 1990s industry might of Nintendo.
Soon to be published in book form, Console Wars was written by author Blake Harris and includes testimonies from hundreds of people who witnessed first-hand Nintendo and Sega's many behind-the-scenes battles.Console Wars' film incarnation already has Knocked Up and This is the End star Seth Rogen signed up to co-write and direct,Book Trade reports, alongside long-time collaborator Evan Goldberg.Rogen and Goldberg obviously have an interest in the material - the pair wrote the foreword for Console Wars the book, which will be published on 19th June 2014.A straight documentary is in the works too, for which the pair will act as producers.Sony's film version has been labelled a "behind-the-scenes business thriller". Perhaps the original PlayStation will get a cameo?
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ntendo-vs-sega
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February 23rd, 2014, 21:32 Posted By: wraggster
One of the busiest online electronics stores in the US is about to open for business in Europe, including the UK. Newegg expects to start trading at the end of March, although we're told it'll be a relatively soft launch until the company feels more confident about its shipping and supply lines. The retailer, which is especially well known for its PC and component sales, claims to have 25 million registered users and 8.5 million subscribers to its regular email bulletin -- numbers that look set to grow if the company can find a way to stand amidst competition like Amazon, eBuyer and the British PC-specialist Scan.
http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/23/n...-in-europe-uk/
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February 23rd, 2014, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster
Curious about game development? YoYo Games is offering free licenses for GameMaker: Studio, development software that caters to users who don't know the depths of programming. Until March 2, licenses for the Standard edition can also be upgraded to the Professional version for $35.
Never heard of GameMaker? Derek Yu used it to develop the punishing labyrinth of Spelunky, while Risk of Rain developer Hopoo Games used it to build giant pig-infested stages. Messhof also used GameMaker for its multiplayer stab-fest, Nidhogg.
If you're interested, download the Standard version and play around with it. If you decide it's not for you, the only thing it will really cost you is time.
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/22/ga...ition-discoun/
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February 23rd, 2014, 21:19 Posted By: wraggster
Gearbox Software filed a lawsuit against 3D Realms (3DR) and Interceptor Entertainment, accusing the studios of unauthorized use of the Duke Nukem property and alleging violation of trademarks held by Gearbox. The lawsuit points to 3D Realms' recent reveal of Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction, which features a teaser site with a timer counting down to February 25.
"Apparently, after selling its Duke Nukem IP rights to Gearbox in 2010, 3DR sought to privately convince others that the sale never happened," thecomplaint reads. "The result is the unauthorized development effort that reportedly exists between 3DR and Interceptor."
Among the documents filed in the suit is a breach statement issued by Gearbox stating that 3D Realms infringed on Gearbox's intellectual property in addition to a statement signed by 3D Realms CEO Scott Miller and Duke Nukem co-creator George Broussard that acknowledged the infringement. In a statement filed to Joystiq, Gearbox Software said, "As the filing shows, 3DR's wrongdoing is both admitted and unfortunate for everyone who cares about Duke Nukem."
3D Realms filed a lawsuit against Gearbox in June 2013 for alleged unpaid royalties for Duke Nukem Forever, and later issued a public apology and withdrawal of the lawsuit in September 2013. Gearbox took over the development of the game in September 2010 in addition to acquiring the rightsto the brand from 3D Realms.
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/23/ge...ized-duke-nuk/
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February 23rd, 2014, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster
Ubisoft is offering discounts on more than eighty of its catalogue titles as part of a four-day promotion on Steam.
<figure style='font: 14px/23.79px "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; outline: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; width: 460px; color: rgb(38, 38, 38); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: block; white-space: normal; position: relative; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;' class="responsive single-article__canvas single-article__canvas--full zoomhover" title="" data-media992="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3004/image_300456_460.jpg" data-media768="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3004/image_300456_700.jpg" data-media480="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3004/image_300456_480.jpg" data-media="http://cdn.medialib.computerandvideogames.com/screens/dir_3004/image_300456_320.jpg"> </figure>Numerous games in the Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia and Rayman series are featured in the Steam sale, with some games discounted by up to 75 per cent. The promotion runs from Thursday February 20 until end of play on Monday, with new deals added daily.
Discounts include;
- Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon for £7.79 ($10)
- Prince of Persia £6.50 ($6.50)
- Rayman Origins £6.50 ($13)
- Driver San Francisco £6.50 ($13)
- From Dust £7.79 ($10)
In recent months, Ubisoft executives have said that revenue generated from catalogue titles is continually abov expectations - a sign that digital games have a far longer sales tail than boxed titles.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ay-steam-sale/
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