Gamers Go Crazy for Gears of War, But is it Too Much?

The highly-anticipated Xbox 360 game Gears of War 2 will hit retail stores tomorrow, and many, like Best Buy and Future Shop, plan to open their doors at midnight tonight to accommodate anxious gamers. The majority of people in line will likely be males in their teens, 20s and even 30s. And a large percentage of them probably plan to stay up all night to delve right into the intricacies of the game, and play with others around the world.

Of course Gears of War 2 is only one of the two big stories surrounding the gaming industry these days; the other is the unfortunate news of the missing (and possible death of) Barrie, ON teen Brandon Crisp, who ran away from home on Thanksgiving after his parents took away his Xbox. Apparently Crisp was addicted to the game Call of Duty 4, playing for hours and hours on end, often until 4 a.m.

Naturally, the news has given anti-gaming activists plenty of ammunition to fuel their campaigns against violent and addictive video games that have the potential to overtake one's life. But is it the gaming industry's fault that kids, and even adults, can get addicted to the content, leading to social, health, and even fatal consequences?

I've covered the issue of video games and the perceived negative impact on children several times in this blog. Back in June 2007, I discussed the AMA's push to make video game addiction a psychiatric disorder. Is this a legitimate claim, or are we just looking to lay blame? If it can indeed be considered an addiction, what causes it? Every psychiatric disorder, after all, is caused by something.

It's hard to imagine that a harmful addiction to a video game occurs simply because the game is just so darned good. If a game is good, if you find it hard to put down, that's a good thing. But like anything else, it's also important to know when to put that game down and move on to something else. Sure, sometimes you might end up playing until the wee hours of the morning. Just like I will often pick up a good book with the intention of reading just a couple chapters, and next thing I know, I'm reaching the final pages. Or just like you might go to grab one potato chip from the bag and end up licking your fingers from the last few crumbs at the bottom of the bag a half hour later. The issue isn't the game, just like it isn't the book or the potato chip maker. It's you, and how you react to the situation at hand. We're all responsible for our own actions.

On the flip side, however, unlike paperback books, video games contain a lot of extra stimulants to get one going: visual cues, fantastic audio, and even interaction with others through headsets or on-screen text. Let's face it. Any gamer knows that it can be tough to put the controller down when you know you're one level away from completion; or your favourite ally has just logged on. But again, is this the video game maker's fault, or the player's?

Bottom line: everyone has hobbies. Everyone has interests. But it's important to recognize when something is negatively impacting your life, and the people around you. This principles holds true across anything, not just video games. We should be able to enjoy games and the amazing virtual stories they tell, without losing touch with true reality.

With that said, good luck to all the gamers that are planning to stand in line all night for a first copy of Gears of War 2!

Gaming Market Heats Up as Players Duke it Out in Online Video

With E3 Expo currently taking place in California, it's prime-time for the gaming industry. And all three major console manufacturers have made some really promising announcements.

While Nintendo is extending its focus on family-friendly and physically active games, both Microsoft and Sony are duking it out in the online video arena. Both companies will be offering movies and TV shows for rental and purchase through their respective consoles and online counterparts. Microsoft has even kicked things up a notch further to partner with movie rental company Netflix. But which service is more enticing?

The answer is both for U.S. consumers, but neither for Canadians. Why? Because neither movie offering has been extended to Canada...yet, at least. While a spokesperson for PlayStation Canada implied that Canadians would be able to enjoy the feature eventually, Microsoft would only state that the partnership with Netflix doesn't extend to Canada. Indeed, to my knowledge, the Netflix video service in and of itself isn't available here, so that would definitely have to happen before Canucks could even dream of using it through their Xbox 360s.

Nevertheless, here's a run down of both services:

Sony's PlayStation 3 video download service will offer:

• Almost 300 full-length movies and more than 1,200 TV episodes from major studios like 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures Entertainment; as well as exclusive content, like a Sony-produced anime series


• Rentals from US$2.99-$5.99 each that must be viewed within 14 days. Once playback begins, the viewer has 24 hours to watch it; and purchasable videos for US$9.99-$14.99


• The ability to transfer to and view videos on a PlayStation Portable (PSP)


• Full integration with the PlayStation Network


• Instant video playback


• A searchable database

Microsoft Xbox 360's video download service will offer:

• Access to Netflix's library of more than 10,000 movies and TV episodes


• Instant video playback


• Requires a Netflix subscription (starts at $8.99/mo.)


• Ability to fast forward, rewind, and pause video using the Xbox 360 controller or media remote


• Individual "Queues" where players can store selected movies and TV shows for later playback


• No additional cost per video

In addition to competing with one another, both services will also be competing with existing Canadian video download services from the likes of Bell and Apple TV. With either gaming console already positioned as part of a customer's home theatre system, and customers already actively visiting their respective online marketplaces for content like video games and movie trailers, Sony and Microsoft could very well have greater appeal in this area.

Meanwhile, Nintendo remains in a league of its own, focusing on creating 3D-like motion with a new MotionPlus attachment for the Wii Remote; and enticing new gaming titles that involve everything from beach and resort sports, to animal-populated virtual worlds where players can chat with one another and bid on friend's possessions.

Gaming certainly has come a long way from the days of two rectangular-shaped "paddles" and a dot we once called a ball.

[Photo: by Frank Lenk].

Gaming Console Race Continues

The race for top ranks in the gaming console arena is beginning to look a lot like the situation in flat-panel TV; with just a few manufacturers constantly jockeying for top spot (granted there are only three main players in this race, versus many in flat-panel TV!) While Nintendo's Wii has consistently been number-one in Japan, Reuters reports that Sony's PlayStation 3 is slowly closing in on the family-friendly console. While Nintendo was outselling Sony at a ratio of 6-to-1, the gap has now closed to just 1.7-to-1!

This is somewhat surprising, especially given the widely successful launch of the Wii Fit fitness game that has undoubtedly seen a rejuvenated interest in the still-hot Wii console. However, the PS3, which attracts a completely different audience of hard-core, traditional gamers, has also seen some pretty enticing new game introductions as well. Arguably the most popular recent releases include Metal Gear Solid 4 and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas. Another factor to consider is Blu-ray having won the high-definition DVD format war: the PS3 has a built-in Blu-ray player, which is certainly an appealing secondary function for its price.

In April of this year, The NPD Group reported that the Wii was the top-selling console in Canada. While the Wii has managed to entice an entirely new group of gamers, the other two consoles certainly have a stronghold on the core group of gamers. It will be interesting to see how each of the three main consoles (Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft Xbox) fare by the end of the year; especially after the busy holiday shopping season.

Blown Away by GTA IV...and I Haven't Even Played it!

If I was to be considered a "gamer" at all, I would be lumped into the category that likes "fun" and family-friendly games, like Mario Kart, Bust-A-Move, and, of course, Bejeweled. Not exactly your traditional Xbox 360 or Sony PS3 customer. But having observed my partner play Grand Theft Auto IV for a few hours (and asked question upon question as he moved along) I'm amazed at the detail. Even if you're not into gaming, it's worth it to watch someone play this game for a few hours just to truly understand how complex and involved something that was once considered kid's play has now become.

First, there's the story line. It's like a movie, with a character that you actually begin to relate to (in some ways, not all!) You're the protagonist, deciding when to eat, when you go home to sleep, which car you steal, and who you kill. You "date" and make "friends", and at some point, these relationships might not turn out to be what they seemed (I'll refrain from getting into detail so as not to ruin the experience for anyone!)

Then there's the incredible detail. Everything from street signs to cars, to the contours of character's faces. Each car's exterior is accurately designed, while bumps and hits are shown to spec as soon as you run into a pole, or another car, or perhaps even a person on foot (who might yell at you for hitting them, or just go flying into the air!). The Liberty City radio and TV stations are even chocked-full of funny dialogue, from jokes about the social networking site "MyRoom" to a TV show that spoofs Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (or another like show). If your character pops into the bar for a couple of drinks (maybe to play some darts or arcade games as well) don't think you'll get off easy: he will leave inebriated. This means that your entire screen bobs up and down, and no matter how hard you try with the controller, he simply won't walk a straight line. All you can do is wait until he (i.e. you) sober up.

Every witty detail has been thought out, right down to Web pages accessed via a computer (you log on via one of many Internet cafes throughout the city). There's a spoof site for IKEA, as well as one for Starbucks, along with a few dating sites. Craigslist is also spoofed, with some hilarious listings, and an even more hilarious "About Us" page. And when you check your e-mail, don't think that you're free of spam: you get that in the game, too!

You probably wonder what all of this has to do with a game about stealing cars, fighting gangs, selling drugs, and making money. The answer is nothing. But it does have to do with building a virtual city and story line that's believable enough to make players really, truly get into the spirit of the game. And that's what it's all about, right?

With that said, this game is definitely not for kids. The way I see it, if you let them watch TV shows like The Sopranos or gangster movies like The Departed, then let them play the game. The content is pretty much the same, except with the game, he makes the moves rather than sitting back and watching actors make them. And if you can look past the gang references, bad language, and drug paraphernalia, you'll find a wonderfully immersive experience that was able to wow even a non-gamer like me.

[Note: Click Here to see some video footage from GTA IV, along with footage from the midnight Best Buy launch event of the game last week.]

Made of Honor & Grand Theft Auto...All in One Night

I never thought I'd see a cheesy chick-flick, and attend the launch of a violent video game all in one night. But that was how my evening went last night in downtown T.O.

First, I attended a special screening of Made of Honor, starring Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monoghan. The first thing I thought when I initially saw the trailer for this film was "wow, what a total knock-off of the late 1990s movie My Best Friend's Wedding" (Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and chick-flick pro, Dermot Mulroney). After having watched the film, my opinion hasn't changed. Of course this movie puts its own spin on the whole concept of realizing that your best friend is "the one" when it's too late. For starters, the roles are reversed, so the man's the best friend and maid of honour. Given this, there were a few expectable laughs (not understanding all the girlie terms, jokes about wearing a dress, and of course the constant ribbing from the male buddies). But all in all, the movie was exactly what I had expected. If you're looking for the standard, feel-good chick flick for "date" night, it's a good choice. Frankly, I was most mesmerized with how they were able to make Patrick Dempsey look just like he did in the 1980s during the first flashback scene. If you're looking for the fountain of youth, ask Dempsey: he apparently has some secret that he's not sharing!

It's also worth mentioning that I watched the movie at the brand new AMC theatre at Yonge & Dundas Square. It's definitely one of the better ones I've been to (not that I've been to many theatres over the past year). The seats are actually quite comfortable (and slightly recline!) and there's tons of leg room in between rows. Picture quality, as my techie boyfriend pointed out, was also quite impressive. (Funny how we'd look at theatre quality movies and compare them to home theatres rather than the other way around!)

After the movie, it was on to Best Buy at Yonge & Dundas Square to check out the festivities for the launch of the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto IV. At 9 p.m., a line-up had already formed (albeit not as long as I would have expected) while staff were on hand to attend to eager gaming geeks. Gals dressed up like Liberty City cops (the fictional city where the game takes place) occasionally pulled a guy out of the line to discipline him for disorderly conduct or whatever other made-up charges they were handing out. Not surprisingly, each man complied with a big smile on his face. After questioning, a "mug shot" was taken, and each guy (and sometimes gal) was given a T-shirt. Hey, at least they were entertained while waiting in line for 3 hours to grab a copy of the game!

The guys (and a few gals) in line represent the die-hard fans that likely took the day off work today to play the game through the night. After all, regular fans were able to pick up a copy of the game this morning at 8 a.m.! Something tells me that waiting in line was also about the "fun" experience as much as it was about snagging the game "first". But hey, to each his own.

Microsoft was also on hand (Sony around the corner at Future Shop) to award one lucky winner a limited edition GTA IV Xbox 360 gaming console. Unfortunately, my bed time is way earlier than midnight, so I didn't stay that long. But I trust that the tills were ringing well into the night, since GTA IV is expected to break sales records.

So what's the appeal of GTA IV? I'd love to hear from you die-hard gamers!

[Photos: At top are the first two eager beavers in line, along with a Liberty City "cop", who was playing her role quite well. At bottom, the Liberty City squad car kept watch on the growing line throughout the night].

Rock Band Motley Crue Releases Single Through Rock Band, The Game

Video game makers everywhere just carved another notch in their belts. Popular rock band Motley Crue announced that it would use the video game Rock Band as the launchpad for its new single, marking the first time that a song has been released through a video game.

Rock Band consists of a "mock" guitar and drum set, along with a microphone. Players can simulate actually playing in a rock band by hitting buttons or the coloured drums in time with musical bars that slide down the screen. As you strike the notes correctly, the tune continues to play. If too many notes are missed, you'll get boo'ed off stage! (If you've never seen Rock Band in action, just search for it on YouTube.com and you're bound to find hundreds upon hundreds of user-generated videos of kids and adults playing the game). Rock Band comes with a number of tunes pre-loaded, but game players can log into online accounts using the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 and download additional songs. Motley Crue's new single Saints of Los Angeles will be one of those options, which means that customers can learn to "play" the song while they're hearing it for the first time.

This is yet another way that the music industry is fighting to remain profitable in the ever-changing distribution landscape. If the kids won't buy CDs and are trying to download music for free, how else can you get their attention? In this case, the answer is through a means that we already know they actively engage in: video games!

When you think about it, it's sort of sad that someone will frown upon paying $0.99 to download a song through a legitimate Website, yet they'll purchase that same song to play on Rock Band without breaking a sweat. Is there something wrong with this? Probably not. It's just the way the industry is going. People want to do more with their music simply because they can, whether it be to transfer it to other devices, stream it through the PC, or yes, simulate actually playing it through a fun video game. Ahh, technology.

Try and Buy

The "try and buy" policy has always made a lot of sense to me. A few years ago, knowing that I was (and still am!) a big proponent for satellite radio, an industry member wanted to pick my brain on how providers could attract more customers. My advice? Let people try the service for free for a month or two. It'll cost a pretty penny, but I'll bet a huge percentage of them would sign up after having become used to some of the neat features.

This instance is just one example of "trying and buying", but there are even simpler methods that exist: take active product demos in store or the ever-popular "get the first 3 months free" promotions, for example. But it's even evident in things like test driving cars, taste-testing wedding cake, and age-old return policies that let you bring something back if you "aren't satisfied".

As of late, I've seen some really, clear-cut evidence that getting a product into a customer's hands can not only sway someone toward a particular model or brand, but can also convince someone to buy something that he never would have purchased otherwise. This is especially true when it comes to the ever-growing gaming industry.

A female friend of mine is the last person I'd peg as a "gamer". Recently, she moved into a new place, and her boyfriend lent her his PlayStation 3 to use for entertainment until she got her cable TV and Internet set up. She figured "why not" and gave some game demos a whirl. A few weeks later, the PS3 is back at her boyfriend's place (to her dismay), and she's purchased her own Xbox 360 (after doing some research to find out which console would best suit her newly found "gaming" needs). I'm still blown away that the gal who often said guys who sat around and played video games were "dumb and lazy" is now battling her way through magical lands and dancing into her own revolution. Meanwhile, a colleague of mine had a Nintendo Wii at home on-loan from a friend for a couple of weeks. They played some games simply because it was there, but never would have thought to buy one. After bowling, golf, and a few rounds of tennis, a brand spanking new Wii has now found its home in his.

Of course not everyone will have access to a friend or family member that can lend him products to try out, nor will they see a gaming console (or other product) fall into their lap for a week. But if anything, this reinforces the fact that, not only should a person always be able to try something out before forking over dough to buy it; but we should never "knock it 'til we try it". You never know what might pique your interest.

No More Xbox 360 HD DVD Players

As if we didn't expect this: Microsoft says it will no longer produce HD DVD players for the Xbox 360. However, according to Reuters, the company will continue to service the ones that have already been sold, honouring the warranty agreements.

Currently, the hard cover book-sized HD DVD player for the Xbox 360 sells for about $130, but that price is likely to come down very soon.

The fact that Blu-ray has won the high-definition DVD format war could very well affect the gaming market. Without the option of an add-on player, Sony's PlayStation 3 has a serious advantage over the Xbox 360. It's obvious that Microsoft sees this advantage, given that it recently dropped the price of the Xbox 360 console by $50 in order to better compete in the market. (It's worth noting that both consoles, as well as the Nintendo Wii, are selling very well).

But when I think about it, will HD movie watching really have that much of an effect on the sale of these consoles? Most people I know that watch Blu-ray movies using the PS3 didn't buy the PS3 for that purpose: it was just an added benefit. And a smart one at that. But I don't think the built-in Blu-ray player will be the deciding factor between an Xbox 360 or a PS3. The games and the overall gaming-related experience is what will make the difference. The Blu-ray functionality is just icing on the cake. With that said, it is some pretty tasty icing.

There is still no word on whether Microsoft plans to launch a Blu-ray player for the Xbox 360, but I wouldn't be surprised to see one surface in the future.

Video Games Really are for Every Generation

I never thought of myself as a "gamer", although I used to play the odd Atari and Nintendo 64 game way back when; and who can resist a quick online game of Bejeweled? But after spending some time with the Nintendo Wii, I'm convinced that this console really has conquered every generation.

Earlier this month, reports flooded the 'net that the Wii crept up and outsold every other gaming console on the market in the first month of 2008. According to NPD, 274,000 Wii consoles sold in the U.S. in January, compared to 269,000 PlayStation 3s and 230,000 Xbox 360s. Who would have ever thought that a "cheesy" and family-friendly gaming system could overtake consoles made for the hard-core, teenage male gamer?

But this family-friendly console has really come up out of nowhere and taken the gaming world by storm. Playing the "free" sports game that comes with the Wii console for an hour or two will have you sweating buckets; and creating your own "Mii" character that looks just like you is a barrel of laughs, just not for kids, but easily for a group of 20, 30, or even 60-somethings. What's even more telling is that the Wii is still to this day tough to find in retail stores even after being on the market for over a year. I even had to travel to 4 different stores just to find a second Nunchuk controller!

For those who thinking gaming is for lethargic, "geeky" kids with no friends, think again. An hour of gaming with the Wii can give anyone some well-needed exercise, and is a great activity for "family" time for mom and dad, the kids, or even a gathering of friends.

I want to end by noting that I'm not implying the other consoles don't offer neat, interactive features as well. I was also recently introduced to Rock Band for the Xbox 360, and I must say that I enjoyed it as well. Again, this is a game that brings people together, and requires physical activity rather than sitting on your butt and flicking a button or joystick every now and then.

Incorporating physical activity into gaming really seems to be the way that gaming is headed; and it will certainly continue to open the hobby to new and exciting markets.

Angry Xbox 360 Users Appeased

If you tried to curl up on the couch with a few Xbox 360 games over the holiday season, your day likely ended more in frustration than relaxation and excitement. The system was experiencing problems during the last week in December, resulting in many players who couldn't log online to the Live service for multi-player game play. However, Microsoft has been quick to appease its upset game-geeks by reportedly offering a free game download to all Xbox Live subscribers around the world, valued anywhere from US$5 to US$20. Further details will be available in the coming weeks.

Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten attributes the connectivity issues to a large number of new users trying to get online at the same time. I can believe it, given that video games, and likely Xbox Live service subscriptions, were hot gift items this year. What do you do after opening presents and stuffing your face with turkey? Kick back with some video games! Nevertheless, players I know were confused: why were routers, Internet connections, and PCs working, yet connection to Xbox Live wasn't?

I have to commend Microsoft on its quick response to the issue, and fully admitting its disappointment in having inconvenienced its customers. As for the upset gamers, I say as long as you didn't see a blue screen of console death, take the free game that's being offered and appreciate that these things can and will happen.

More Gifts for the Holidays

As I'm sure you can imagine, the magazine world lends itself to very timely deadlines, not to mention limited space within each issue. This means that, when it comes to a holiday gift guide, although I could fill an entire issue of here's how! magazine with the items I think would make great gadget gifts, I'm relegated to just a few pages (as is each other writer). Not to mention that, as Murphy's Law would have it, a cool new item always hits the market as soon as an issue goes to press.

We included a very extensive holiday gift guide in the just-released (literally hot off the press!) December Holiday issue of here's how! magazine. I covered the hot Gadget gifts, while editor Gordon Brockhouse wrote about his fav entertainment gifts; photo expert Peter Burian discussed his top picks in the digital imaging category; and self-professed PC geek, Frank Lenk, provided the latest and greatest in PCs, related accessories, and video gaming. Of course I'm not going ruin the surprise by revealing here what products were chosen. (If you're interested, pick up a copy at one of our participating retail partners; visit http://www.hereshow.ca/ for a list). However, as with jello, there's always room for more...

With that said, here's an appendage, if you will, to my here's how! gift guide: cool gadgets that would make great gifts for anyone (but especially the tech-savvy!) on your list:

TiVo: The company just entered the Canadian market, and many people want one just for the sake of getting one; even though they might already have a PVR from their cable or satellite TV provider. Why? 'Cause it's TiVo and it's supposed to be "cool". Although you can't record high-definition content with the Series2 model that will be selling in Canadian retail stores in time for this holiday season (bummer), you can still record up to 80 hours of standard-def content. If you don't mind that setback, along with the $200 price tag, go for it.

Blackberry 8800: I reviewed this phone a few months back, and loved it. Although I haven't yet jumped on the messaging phone bandwagon, this would be one of the models on my radar. It incorporates all of the standard Blackberry features, plus a media player, and the neat trackball for navigating menus. (Click Here, then click on the image to download the full issue of here's how! that contains a review of this smartphone on Pg. 89)

HTC Touch: Although I haven't yet played around with this phone (much less any phone from this relatively new handset manufacturer), there seems to be a lot of buzz about this model, in particular. Operating on the new Windows Mobile 6 platform, it serves as a smartphone with a neat, touch-screen interface. And, of course, it has some additional multimedia features that would appeal to the most tech-savvy friends and family members on your list.

Nintendo Wii: If you can get your hands on one this holiday season, Nintendo's family-friendly Wii gaming console will likely be an appreciated gift for kids, and even adults. It's great for fun parties (think of it as a modern-day Twister!); or even for those looking for a new, more motivating way to get in shape at home during the cold winter months. I tried my hand at the bowling game during the Wii's Canadian launch event last year, and it required just as much effort to play this virtual version as it does to actually bowl; but for the fact that the controller is much lighter than a 14-lb. bowling ball!

HD DVD Player for Microsoft Xbox 360: Speaking of gaming, like many other men in their 30s, my partner owns an Xbox 360 gaming console. To get these guys into the spirit of high-definition DVD, the HD DVD player attachment for the console is pretty much one of the most affordable options. However, you might want to wait it out and see which way this format war goes!

Sirius Stiletto 2: I'm a big fan of satellite radio, and the music fan on your list might appreciate a receiver and subscription to the service. Sure, he'll have to take care of installation in his vehicle (or simply use the FM transmitter option); but if you buy one with a home dock kit, he can instantly connect it to a home stereo and enjoy tunes around the house. The Stiletto 2 can also be used as an on-the-go, portable player, which makes it the most versatile of Sirius' current offerings.

Panasonic Globarange phone: These phones are neat because they operate as standard landline phones, but can also serve as VoIP phones, using Panasonic's own technology. If two people have a Globarange phone, which connects to a phone jack and/or Internet router via Ethernet, you can chat for free using your already active high-speed Internet connection. The service is currently available in 8 countries, including Canada and the U.S. Imagine buying one for you, and one for an overseas family member, or even someone in another province or across the border. The great part is that an account doesn't even need to be set up: just connect the phone system, and an ID number will pop up on screen. (Stay tuned to the upcoming December issue of Marketnews Magazine for more on Globarange technology).

Rubik's Revolution: This high-tech version of the 1980s phenomenon called the Rubik's Cube would make a great "fun" stocking stuffer for anyone on your list that's old enough to remember the original. It's designed the same way as the original model, with checkered squares all around, but houses several electronic games that test your speed and smarts.

Gift cards: When all else fails, gift cards are always a "safe" option. Sure, some complain that they aren't personal nor thoughtful enough, but as long as you know the mindset of your gift recipient, you'll know if it's a good idea to head straight to the cash register and pick one of these up; or spend hours in the store looking for that special something. According to a recent Ipsos Redi study, 72% of people said they'd rather a gift card than an actual gift.

PS3 Gains Steam: Back in the Race

I'll give credit where it's due, and Sony deserves some for taking its struggling PlayStation 3 gaming console, and injecting new life into it by dropping prices. Since the company chopped the price of the 80 GB unit to $499 and introduced the $399 40 GB version, demand for the PS3 has magically increased. According to PC World, combined sales at the top 10 retailers in North America have increased by a whopping 192%, and have more than doubled overall. Reports also indicate that the PS3 outsold the Wii in Japan during the month of November.

Kudos to Sony for biting the bullet, and making a move to help remind gamers that the PlayStation 3 is still out there. However, as PC World points out, these drastic measures mean Sony will be losing money from every PS3 sold. The report says that Sony hopes to offset these losses by increasing market share and adding new game titles. However, just recently, the company slashed the price of its developer kit to help attract more third-party titles for the console. Can a healthy profit still be made by games offered at half the development cost?

The PS3 won't appeal to the same, growing "family" market that is eating up the Nintendo Wii. The "serious" gamers were enjoying Microsoft's Xbox 360 a whole year before the PS3 even saw the light of day. Those who really wanted the PS3 sat in line for hours, and even days, to be one of the first to snag it. Obviously cutting the price by about $150 opened up a new group of customers that were just waiting for more affordability. But can the PS3 keep it up? The holiday shopping season will be a prime indicator of its likely market position for 2008.

Nevertheless, congrats to Sony for managing to generate new interest in the PS3. The three-way console race just got a lot hotter!

PS3 Slices Developer Kit Price in Half to Attract Game Designers

Last month, Sony dropped the price of the 80 GB version of its PlayStation 3 gaming console to $499 (from $659), and replaced a 60 GB version that was selling for $549 with a 40 GB version that's now available for $399. Now, the company is taking the price drops to the developer arena by chopping the price of its software development kit in half. This is an obvious attempt to bring more developers on board, and create more enticing game titles for the struggling console.

According to BBC News, many developers that had previously created games for the extremely popular PlayStation 2 unit have now moved over to the Nintendo Wii camp because it's easier and less expensive, not to mention arguably the more popular unit.

I'm not quite sure what has caused the PS3 to encounter so much difficulty in the market, especially considering how popular its predecessor was. Many have speculated a myriad of reasons: high-price, the inability to meet demand at launch, the fact that it came to market almost a year after the still popular Xbox 360, etc. Another reason was an unexpected one: the popularity of the family-oriented Nintendo Wii, which has opened up a whole new and untapped market for gaming that is clearly a very lucrative one. It is likely all of these factors that have made it tougher for the PS3 to experience the market-leading longevity that the PS2 enjoyed for many years.

As the Wii and Xbox 360 continue to ramp up offering, the battle for Sony to get customer's bucks will remain a difficult one. Microsoft just launched the ability to download games via the online Xbox LIVE service, which will make the '360 an even more enticing option for gamers of all kinds.

In related news, Sony celebrated the one-year anniversary of the PS3 last week. Rather than noting its current position in the video gaming market, the press release that was issued explained that "...the company is already seeing strong sales momentum as a result [of new hardware and pricing]; PS3 sales have increased by 192% at the top 10 retailers in North America."

The positioning of the PS3 this holiday season will not only help determine Sony's future success in the video game arena (with this particular console, at least), but it will also have an impact on the ongoing Blu-ray and HD DVD battle. The PS3 has a built-in high-definition Blu-ray player, and thus its sales have contributed to the overall total of Blu-ray players sold worldwide. For both Sony and the Blu-ray camp's sakes, I hope the PS3 enjoys healthy sell-through this holiday season!

Wal-Mart Canada Sets Precedent By Offering Halo 3 at U.S. Price

In a move that can be considered both strategic and smart, Wal-Mart Canada has decided to offer the highly-anticipated Xbox 360 video game Halo 3 at the same price that it will be offered in the U.S.: $59.83. This will be about $10 cheaper than other Canadian retailers will be charging: both Future Shop and EB Games are currently advertising the game for $69.99 (the limited edition for $79.99).

This move makes sense for any retailer given the current strength of the Canadian dollar (it's virtually on par with the U.S.!), but especially for Wal-Mart, which prides itself on always offering the lowest prices.

Wal-Mart says it will offer Halo 3, which is officially released tomorrow (Sept. 26), at that price for an "extended period".

"We've been negotiating with suppliers for more than one year, based on the belief that a high dollar and favourable business conditions should translate into lower prices for our customers," said Jim Thompson, Senior Vice President of Merchandise at Wal-Mart Canada.

Don't think that other retailers have just been standing by, though. Future Shop will be opening 103 of its 127 stores at midnight tonight in celebration of the game's launch so customers can "get it first", as the company's slogan goes.

Hmm...that's a tough one when it comes to hard-core gamers. Do they want to "get it first" or get it cheapest? My presumption is that the tried and true gamers will be hauling their butts to Future Shop tonight to grab the game before anyone else; while the budget-conscious parents and students (17 and older, of course, since the game is rated M for Mature), will stroll over to Wal-Mart at a later date for the cost savings.

Going forward, only time and sales will tell. But if our dollar keeps up, it will be interesting to see how pricing of CE/IT product changes, or fails to change, in Canada.

Future Shop Jumps on Social Networking Bandwagon

Online social networking is a growing trend: more and more people are using the Web to communicate, share, and get information. In recognition of this, Future Shop has jumped on board with its own, online community forum. I doubt Facebook or MySpace is shaking in its Web-networking boots, but from a retail perspective, it’s great to see a Canadian company take a bold step in fostering open, customer communication.

An industry conference I recently attended in NYC alluded to the importance of such open communication. “Invite conversation instead of demanding attention,” recommended John Batelle, founder of Federated Media. He aptly calls the current state of affairs the “Conversation Economy.”

Customers can visit the Future Shop forum (accessible via http://www.futureshop.ca/), and chat with others about products, ask questions, share stories, and throw in their own two cents. Available in both English- and French (there’s a separate forum for each), the conversations are monitored by an Avatar (i.e. a virtual “host” and product expert).

Several topic categories are available, ranging from gaming, to home theatre, and car audio. There’s even a spot for general, “off-topic” feedback. For example, one visitor posted “product suggestions”: stuff she’d like to see stocked on Future Shop shelves. Following the initial post, 10 others chimed in with their own “wish lists”. Sure, it isn’t realistic to think that Future Shop buyers are agonizing over these requests, taking notes, or getting on the phone right away to add SKUs to store shelves. But to allow such an open discussion helps consumers feel like they have a voice.

I took a quick look at the site. Currently, the top question is whether one should choose the PlayStation 3 or the Xbox 360. So far, 23 responses have been posted, each with a clear opinion. The "featured" question is a debate between Blu-ray, HD-DVD, and “standard” DVD. Sure, not all of the opinions are fully educated ones: some are based on fact (via references to legitimate publications like Twice or Marketnews!), some on opinion, and others on sheer misinformation. Many even originate from Future Shop sales associates across the country, who clearly identify themselves. Each comment can also be rated on a scale of 1-5. But every opinion is valuable, whether it prompts someone to pipe in and clarify with facts; or allow someone to play devil's advocate.

The point is: people are talking about technology. And that’s always a good thing for the industry.

Microsoft Extends Xbox 360 Warranty in Wake of Too Many Returns

It’s always nice to hear about a company taking charge to rectify a product issue. Microsoft says that the number of Xbox 360 returns due to hardware failure has been "too large", and therefore, is extending the product warranty to three years. Additionally, the firm will reimburse customers who have already paid to repair a “three red light flashing error” on the gaming console. According to Reuters, the charge will cost Microsoft upwards of US$1.05-1.15 billion, before taxes.

Microsoft says it has since made improvements to the Xbox 360 to reduce the likelihood of the hardware failure, indicated by three red flashing lights, and the result of "a number of factors".

Given the highly competitive nature of the gaming console market, this is definitely a good move on Microsoft’s part. So many companies focus on grabbing new customers, and not keeping the existing ones happy. Meanwhile, these existing customers are the ones who will recommend one console over another to friends and family; and even spread the word through online means, like social networking 'sites.

What's more, with Nintendo’s Wii leading the market; and Sony having just dropped the price of its PlayStation 3 console to be in line with the Xbox 360 Elite, this is perfect timing for Microsoft to step up. Sure, it’ll cost the company financially. But can you put a price on pleasing your customers?