Ubisoft has just announced that it's about to start combing the globe, looking for the hottest dancers and choreographers that it can include in the follow-up to surprise smash hit Just Dance. As detailed by the press release, the auditions will begin in France before moving to London and, eventually, the US. The game's Facebook page has all the details.

Before you get too excited, know that the official Joystiq dance team, Jamaretto, will be participating and -- against contest and federal regulations -- we'll be breaking out all our signature moves like the Grand Crunk Railroad, the Gogurt, the Sprained Cankle and the Spin Around Really Fast. So ... yeah. Bring it.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ubisoft-begins-hunt-for-just-dance-sequel-talent/

Nintendo's profits dropped by 18 per cent year-on-year for fiscal 2010, according to the company's financials released today.

The company's net income for the year ending March 31, 2010 was JPY 228.6 billion (£2.4 billion / £1.6 billion) - a decline of 18 per cent on last year.

Meanwhile, net sales declined by 22 per cent to JPY 1,434 billion ($15.3 billion / £10.17 billion).

Nintendo attributed the drop to the negative impact felt by a price reduction to Wii hardware, fewer strong Wii software releases over the first half of the year and appreciation of the yen.

Overseas sales accounted for 84.1 per cent of overall sales and the total number of employees increased over fiscal 2010 from 4130 to 4425.

Nintendo's forecast for fiscal 2011 was a further 2.4 per cent drop in net sales and a 12.5 per cent decline in profit.

The new Nintendo 3DS hardware - which it confirmed will be compatible with DS and DSi software - will be released during the year, as will Pokemon Black / White.

"Through the expansion of 'Nintendo Zone', a service utilising the wireless function of Nintendo DS, Nintendo will continue to provide unique content such as free downloadable Nintendo DS software and Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, which enables players to enjoy games together with their distant friends," said Nintendo.

"In addition, Nintendo's strategy is to achieve the ultimate worldwide objective of 'must-have for everyone' rather than 'must-have for every family'. Nintendo will enrich consumers' daily lives with features such as information services at cultural facilities, commercial establishments and more."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...cent-over-2010

In the run up to Super Mario Galaxy 2's big launch later this month, Nintendo has been releasing a steady stream of nostalgia-caked media on the game. And while we don't tell you about each and every one (there's a handful of trailers right here, for instance), we do try and point out the ones that are particularly enticing. For instance, today's trailer features the once-again-playable Luigi as he gets in on some Power Star collecting action himself.

It's not clear whether if the other Mr. Mario is playable from the get-go -- in the first Super Mario Galaxy, Luigi only became playable after collecting all 120 stars -- but he will clearly be a character that players can control.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/