Pennies on the DLC Dollar

I don't find it hard to believe that any government agency would want a piece of the gaming pie. I also don't find it hard to believe that game developers would go along with this so that they don't get fined for tax evasion, or any other tool of the government.
In an article posted today on the Game Politics website, North Carolina is looking to tax any online purchases. With the proposition of this bill comes a heavy decision on the economy. The state of North Carolina --as stated in the original article-- stated that DLC taxes would bring $12 million annually, as opposed to the current deficit of $2 billion the state is already in at the moment.
In my opinion I don't believe that this would be the most effective way of obtaining funds through taxation. I think that the system should stay the same. Someone buying an item from an out of state store should not have to pay taxes because there is no location in their particular state. That's how it's been for years. However, if an online retailer happens to have a store (no matter how remote) in the state the purchase was made in, sales tax definitely applies.
In the end it will come down to another controversial meeting in the government and it will bounce between committees.

Source: Game Politics, News 14-Carolina

Firmware v2.60 To Hit PlayStation 3

Soon, that is. The Firmware 2.60 update will enhance multimedia on the PlayStation 3. There will be a new Photo Gallery application, to which you will have to install after the update, and the console will have DivX 3.11 support. This means that it will, hopefully, be easier to watch those converted DivX files you have on your computer with the Media Server connect feature. Along with those you can sign onto the PlayStation Store as a guest. This will enable you to browse the store and, upon finding something you might want to purchase, you will have to sign up for the PlayStation Network to make any purchases.



Source: PlayStation.Blog

Cicuit City Closing March 31, 2009

Just announced about an hour ago; Circuit City announced its closing of all of their remaining 567 locations nationwide. Another 30,000 people unemployed within this recession (depression, to me) is something I can't stand seeing. Circuit City is now liquidating its remaining stores after failing to secure a buyer to help the company refinance. This, coupled with economic woes, has brought the company to this path.

"This is the only possible path for our company," Circuit City's acting Chief Executive James A. Marcum said in a statement. "We are extremely disappointed by this outcome."

So, needless to say, Circuit City is now done. The only other thing I can say about the company is that, starting tomorrow, all 567 stores will begin a liquidation sale. I would suggest getting the extended manufacturers' warranties if you intend on buying a major electronic device. I completely intend on purchasing an HDTV from them once the prices get lower. And I will be following my own advice about the warranty, too.

Source: Game Daily, Gamervision

Crime Goes Down As Video Games Rise

I must have missed this article yesterday due to not paying attention to ANY of the new links I've started to follow recently.
According to the FBI crime went down 3.8% in the first half of 2008. Apparently revenues jumped from $6.1 billion to $8.3 billion during the same January-June period reported on by the FBI. This is a great thing, but will it last? Who knows? I'm just hoping that one day people are more accepting of interactive media that doesn't involve the word TiVo. Would be nice.

Source: Game Politics, Federal Bureau of Investigations

Petric Verdict Delivered

A few weeks ago I posted about a teenager that shot his parents and tried to make it look like a murder-suicide. Daniel Petric, the teen in question, has been convicted of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and other charges related to the crime. In the original article I posted, here, I shared what the family thought about what had happened. The family said that they wanted Petric back with the family. They stated that they "cannot heal as a family until they are a whole family." I still don't know what to think of that but they're not getting what they want.

Even after his lawyer tried to make a plea toward video game addiction, the judge found otherwise. Petric has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

I feel bad for the family but not for young Daniel Petric. I believe that he got what he deserved. It could have only been a matter of time before anything else happened.

Twittered

Today I decided to see who was out there in the world of Twitter. I found quite a few interesting people and companies that I would like to be out on the watch for with news and interesting tidbits of information with the gaming and movie industries. Glad I did, or else I would be missing out on some really cool information. Here's the link to My Twitter Page. Hopefully you'll see someone on my "Following" list that interests you, too.

Ziff Davis announced earlier today that EGM (Electronic Gaming Monthly) has been purchased by UGO Entertainment. I've been reading EGM for about five years now and never thought that this day would ever come. I'm glad that I, at least, have the final issues and will put them into a safe place for nostalgia. I would like to wish good luck to the crew of the magazine. The website doesn't share the same fate as of yet. I hope it doesn't.

What's going to happen to the remaining issues of everyone's subscriptions? Are they going to start shipping UGO's magazine to me instead? That hasn't been announced yet.

I wish everyone over on EGM's staff good luck and I hope to see their work continue in the future.

Source: 1Up.com

Japanese Software Sales

White Knight Chronicles and Dissidia: Final Fantasy at the top of the chart!

I'm glad to see that the two games that I've been watching, and waiting, patiently for a release date are at the top of the class in Japan. That means that they'll both have a warm reception in the North American market. I've always been a fan of J-RPG's, especially Final Fantasy games, and can't wait for these two to land on our shores. That aside; here's the complete listing for your reading pleasure. Bear in mind that this is the Japanese market.

01. White Knight Chronicles (PS3) - 207,000 / NEW
02. Dissidia: Final Fantasy (PSP) - 176,000 / 666,000
03. Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii) - 144,000 / 876,000
04. Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS) - 141,000 / 920,000
05. Wagamama Fashion Girls Mode (DS) - 105,000 / 547,000
06. Rhythm Tengoku Gold (DS) - 85,000 / 1,445,000
07. Phantasy Star Zero (DS) - 84,000 / NEW
08. Pokemon Platinum (DS) - 79,000 / 2,231,000
09. Wii Fit (Wii) - 71,000 / 3,051,000
10. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 70,000 / 2,066,000
11. Momotarou Dentetsu: 20-Shuunen (DS)
12. Professor Layton and the Final Time Journey (DS)
13. Tongari Boushi to Mahou no 365 Nichi (DS)
14. Power Pro Kun Pocket 11 (DS)
15. Gundam Musou 2 (PS2)
16. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G (PSP the Best) (PSP)
17. Taiko no Tetsujin Wii (Wii)
18. Pikmin (Play on Wii) (Wii)
19. Tamagotchi Kira Kira Omisecchi (DS)
20. Gundam Musou 2 (PS3)
21. Karaoke Joysound Wii (Wii)
22. Wii Sports (Wii)
23. WIi Music (Wii)
24. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III (PS3)
25. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS)
26. Meccha! Taiko Drum Master DS: 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken (DS)
27. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2009 (PS3)
28. Tales of Hearts - Anime Movie Edition (DS)
29. Gensou Suikoden Tierkreis (DS)
30. Inazuma Eleven (DS)

Source: Kotaku

Killzone 2 Demo to Release February Third

As of yet there is not one extraordinary pre-order advantage for Killzone 2 until now, that is, thanks to Gamestop. When you pre-order with this retailer you get a code to download an exclusive demo for the game. Killzone 2 comes out on February 27^th.

If you didn't have access to the beta this is your chance to get in on the action before the game is released. Enjoy!


Source: GamePro