Former Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello says console gaming will “explode” with arrival of future platforms, but only if Sony and Microsoft can avoid pitfalls.

Former Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello believes the console gaming business has the potential to “explode” in popularity with the arrival of next-generation systems, but only if these platforms are able to avoid major potential pitfalls.

In a guest editorial at Kotaku, the executive laid out his thoughts on next-generation platforms on the eve of Microsoft’s next-generation reveal event. First, he argued that Sony and Microsoft must blow gamers away with the features and services of their next-generation platforms.

“I believe that console gaming is going to explode on the scene of consumer electronics with this next generation of consoles. Sony and Microsoft absolutely need to deliver new boxes that really impress us,” Riccitiello said. “They need to deliver platforms that enable game experiences that are not possible on current consoles. It is not just about graphics, although it is partly about graphics. It is also about recognizing that a lot has changed with online devices and the cloud since the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were originally introduced.”

Riccitiello then highlighted four scenarios he said Microsoft and Sony must avoid if their respective next-generation platforms are to succeed.

“The first and most obvious of these pitfalls is if Sony or Microsoft forgets who brought them to the dance in the first place: Gamers,” Riccitiello said. I certainly see the temptation to emphasize all sorts of experiences that these boxes might bring to the living room. These new machines can do a lot. The risk is that either or both of the new platforms emphasize these ‘value-add’ experiences too much, both in the user interface on the consoles themselves, or in the story they tell consumers when they unleash their avalanche of advertising. To paraphrase a political slogan, it’s about the games, stupid.”

He further explained that the idea of “reinventing the living room” may sound like a “big and sexy” proposition that will read well in mainstream media, but said Microsoft and Sony should instead double down on games and on building game-focused user interfaces.

“The risk of complexity in the new console UI (User Interface) is real,” he said. “Give us too much on the screen, and we’ll never find our games. The risk is that too many choices and a UI design to appeal to too many audiences, means nothing stands out.”

Another pitfall Riccitiello said he believes could bring down the PS4 and next Xbox is that of supply. He said that consumers today expect to be able to get what they want when they want it and if they can’t, then sales could suffer.

“Past console launches have been severely hampered by a lack of supply. A new console launch with only a few million units available will simply frustrate all of us,” Riccitiello said. “Limited supply means the new consoles will launch with a whimper and whine, not the cry of attack. If Sony and Microsoft want to see the next generation of consoles take high ground in the consumer electronics war this year, they are going to have to invest to make sure there are enough of the new consoles out there.”

Riccitello’s third potential pitfall is that of price. He claimed getting the price right will be “very important” to the prosperity of the PS4 and next Xbox.

“The stakes are enormous,” he said.

The fourth and final potential problem for the PS4 and next Xbox, according to Riccitiello, has to do with what he described as third-rail topics, such as always-online requirements and DRM schemes.

“The question of the always-on connection is one that causes some gamers’ blood to boil,” he said. “Gamers will want, and learn to love, the good parts of consoles being more connected to our digital lives than was possible with the machines launched eight years ago.”

“At launch, Sony and Microsoft must avoid putting up new and alarming DRM schemes, and focus on enabling the cool new game experiences that seamlessly connected consoles allow,” he added.

Riccitiello quit EA in March. The Battlefield and FIFA publisher is currently reviewing internal and external candidates for his replacement, though a successor has not yet been named.

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EA’s much maligned Online Pass program is now a thing of the past. The program, found in games such as Battlefield 3, Madden NFL and Tiger Woods PGA Tour, has been discontinued by EA.

“Yes, we’re discontinuing Online Pass,” EA’s senior director of corporate communications, John Reseburg told GamesBeat. “None of our new EA titles will include that feature. Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn’t respond to the format. We’ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward.”

The Online Pass program prevented players who bought an EA game used from using online features, requiring a $10 activation fee. New copies of the game shipped with an online access code in the box. EA was not the only company using the Online Pass idea; Activision, Ubisoft and Sony are among the other publishers that have used it before.

This is an excerpt from the full story which was originally featured on gamrReview, read the full version here – EA Ends Online Pass Program – News

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Unpopular “deterrent” for piracy and used game sales getting axed

Fresh from receiving the less-than-flattering title of “worst company in America,” EA has taken a big step toward fixing their image: doing away with the unpopular and controversial “online pass” feature! Hit the jump for more details!

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Future EA games won’t require Online Passes; the service is being scrapped after tepid player response.

EA will be dropping Online Passes from all of its future games, citing lacklustre player support, according to a report by Venture Beat.

EA senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg revealed the news. “Yes, we“re discontinuing Online Pass,“ he said “None of our new EA titles will include that feature.“

EA is not the only game publisher that elects to bundle an Online Pass with new copies of its games. The one-time codes are designed to restrict access to key features, such as online multiplayer. Players who buy a second-hand version of the game are given the option to purchase an Online Pass for a fee, prior to being able to play with others.

“Initially launched as an effort to package a full menu of online content and services, many players didn“t respond to the format,“ Reseburg said. “We“ve listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it, moving forward.“

“We“re still committed to creating content and services that enhance the game experience well beyond the day you first start playing,“ Reseburg said.

Online Passes have often been viewed as ways for developers and publishers to offset the financial shortfall of not seeing revenue when games are traded in and resold through retailers. Last November, Square Enix revealed that it would make the Contracts mode in Hitman: Absolution accessible to all players. The trend continued in March with the Tomb Raider reboot providing unfettered access to online play without a key, while Insomniac Games“ upcoming shooter Fuse–which is published through the EA Partners program, and built around four-player cooperative play–will also ship without the need for an Online Pass.

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Ubisoft has released its fourth quarter sales, as well as full year sales for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which ended March 31, 2013. Fourth quarter sales increased 8.7 percent year-over-year to €175 million ($225 million), from €161 million ($207 million).

Sales for the full year jumped 18.4 percent to €1.26 billion ($1.62 billion), from €1.06 billion ($1.36 billion) the previous year. Gross profit increased to €913.5 million ($1.18 billion), from €718.1 million ($924.6 million) the previous year. 54 percent of the total sales were in North America, while Europe accounted for 39 percent. The rest of the world accounted for just seven percent. The Xbox 360 accounted for 34 percent of the sales, followed by the PlayStation 3 with 30 percent and the Wii with 15 percent.

€928 million ($1.19 billion) of the total revenue came from games for core gamers. This is a 60 percent increase year-over-year. €328 million ($422.3 million) of the revenue came from the sales of casual games. This is a drop of 32 percent, but did account for 26 percent of the total sales.

Assassin’s Creed III was by far the companies biggest title. The game managed to sell more than 12.5 million units at both retail and digitally. Far Cry 3 has sold 6 million units at retail and digitally and Just Dance 4 managed to sell 8.5 million units.

Digital sales accounted 11.7 percent of the companies total sales. Digital sales managed to increase 86 percent year-over-year to €148 million ($190.6 million). Back-catalog sales decreased four percent to €206 million ($265.3 million).

“The success of Far Cry 3 confirmed our strong comeback in the major segment of shooter games,” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. “We began fiscal 2012-13 with two major franchises: Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance. Twelve months later, we have substantially extended our reach by establishing Far Cry as another major franchise, building upon the great potential for our newest brand, Watch Dogs, and making our online/digital segment an increasingly significant part of our business.”

For the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2014, Ubisoft is expecting full year sales to be between €1.42 billion ($1.83 billion) and €1.45 billion ($1.87 billion). Core game sales is expected to increase for the year due to the releases of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist, Watch Dogs, and two other unannounced titles.

Sales from casual games are expected to continue to decrease and represent less than 20 percent of the total sales. Digital sales are expected to see “sharp growth” due the launch of several free-to-play titles, such as The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, Anno Online and Might & Magic Heroes Online.

“Assassin’s Creed and Just Dance have joined the prestigious club of the 20 best-selling brands for the current generation of consoles, ranking fifth and twelfth respectively,” said Guillemot. “This performance was achieved thanks to high quality levels and regular releases – two key characteristics found in each of the highest-performing brands in this console cycle.”

“A new console cycle is beginning and it will offer players an unrivaled experience,” added Guillemot. “They will see a major leap in quality with an extraordinary level of immersion as well as the incorporation of all of the innovations developed in recent years in online and social games, giving players the opportunity to create their own experiences and share them within their communities.”

“In order to reap the full benefit of the strong growth expected from the launch of these new consoles,” Guillemot continued,” we are integrating into our next blockbusters all of the expertise we have built up over recent years through our online games such as Settlers Online, Trackmania, Howrse and Trials Evolution, as well as our online services platform Uplay which offers us a strategic link with players.”

“Our experience in connected gaming, the quality of our brands and our ability to regularly release major titles, will be vital strengths for capturing new market share and will serve as key growth drivers for the coming years,” Guillemot concluded.

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CEO Yves Guillemot says upcoming platforms will allow for “extraordinary level of immersion”; full-year sales rise 18 percent to €1.256 billion.

Next-generation platforms from Microsoft and Sony will offer a “major leap in quality,” according to Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. Speaking today during the company’s latest earnings report, the executive shared high hopes for the upcoming systems.

“A new console cycle is beginning and it will offer players an unrivalled experience,” Guillemot said in prepared remarks. “They will see a major leap in quality with an extraordinary level of immersion as well as the incorporation of all of the innovations developed in recent years in online and social games, giving players the opportunity to create their own experiences and share them within their communities.

Ubisoft also revealed sales updates for some of its biggest games launched in the past year. The company called out record-breaking sales of Assassin’s Creed III (12.5 million shipped and digital units) and Far Cry 3 (6 million shipped and digital units). In addition, Just Dance 4 has now shipped 8.5 million units sold since launch last year.

Overall, Ubisoft posted full-year sales of €1.256 billion ($1.6 billion) for the year ended March 31, up 18.4 percent from last year. Of this total, €928 million ($1.2 billion) came from core game sales, up 60 percent year-over-year. Net income for the year stood at €69.2 million ($89 million).

Online and digital sales were a bright spot for Ubisoft during the year, jumping 86 percent to €148 million ($190 million) in the year, making up 11.7 percent of Ubisoft’s overall sales.

Looking ahead, Ubisoft said it expects full-year 2013-12 sales of between €1.420 billion ($1.8 billion) and
€1.450 billion ($1.86 billion). Revenue from core games is expected to “rise strongly,” the company said, thanks to the launch of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Watch Dogs, and two titles that have not yet been announced.

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Full English script, character intros, gallery, figure preview posted online by film sales company

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DLC for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of DC Comics fighter is already available.

Wii U owners of DC Comics fighter Injustice: Gods Among Us won’t be getting any DLC for the game until “this summer,” according to the developer’s official Twitter account.

DLC for Injustice–Lobo and the Flashpoint skin pack–has already been released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, with Batgirl announced as the second DLC character.

“We expect DLC for the Wii U version of Injustice: Gods Among Us to be available this summer. Stay tuned for more details,” wrote the game’s Twitter account.

Alongside the delayed DLC releases, the Wii U version of Injustice also falls short compared to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game when it comes to online play: the Wii U does not feature lobbies for online play, and neither can players arrange games with their friends. It also cannot synchronise with the Injustice iOS spin-off to unlock the Batman Beyond costume.

For more information on Injustice: Gods Among Us, check out GameSpot’s previous coverage.

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“It’s important to note that the nature of online games has changed,” says Activision CEO as subscriptions fall 1.3 million in three months.

World of Warcraft will receive content more frequently to help stem the decline of players and combat the rise of free-to-play games, Activision and Blizzard have said.

Last night it was revealed that the subscription-based MMO lost 1.3 million players over the last three months, pointing to the decline of interest in the game from the East. World of Warcraft now has approximately 8.3 million subscribers.

Speaking to investors during Activision’s Q1 2013 conference call, CEO Bobby Kotick spoke of a need to address the changing online market, but emphasised that Activision will continue to invest in the long-running subscription MMO.

“It’s important to note that the nature of online games has changed, and with the environment becoming far more competitive, especially with free-to-play games,” said Kotick (via Seeking Alpha). “To address this, we’re working to release new content more frequently to keep our players engaged longer and make it easier for lapsed players to come back into the game. We believe in the long-term value of this franchise and will continue to commit substantial resources to World of Warcraft.”

Since its launch in 2004, World of Warcraft has seen numerous updates, as well as four fully-fledged expansion packs: The Burning Crusade in 2007, Wrath of the Lich King in 2008, Cataclysm in 2010, and Mists of Pandaria in 2012.

“We’re examining ways we can ease the transition back into the game for returning players,” added Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime. “We’ve always seen players come and go from World of Warcraft. Smoothing out that transitional period is something we’re studying, as we adjust our approach to player behavior and preferences.”

Kotick says that the publisher expects further subscriber declines to World of Warcraft before the end of the year, but points to the game’s continuing success. “While we do believe further declines are likely and we expect to have fewer subscribers at year end than we do today, World of Warcraft remains one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment,” he said.

Blizzard is currently working on bringing Diablo III to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, its MOBA Blizzard All-Stars, as well as free-to-play card battler Hearthstone.

“There’s still more in the pipeline with our teams continuing to work on Blizzard All-Stars and our unannounced MMO,” added Morhaime.

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Hiroyuki Imaishi reunites with “Gurren Lagann” staff on “Kill La Kill”

While the issue of Newtype magazine promising to reveal the details about Hiroyuki Imaishi’s (Gurren Lagann, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt) latest project has not hit stands in Japan, the details for the project have leaked online. Kill La Kill will be a 2-cours battle action show set in an all girls high school, reuniting Imaishi with Gurren Lagann’s Kazuki Nakashima on writing and Sushio on character designs. More after the jump.

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