Pretty much every contemporary gaming machine - be it a tablet, smartphone, console, handheld or PC - has the ability to connect to the internet for streaming media content. If you're using such a device to watch Netflix on a Comcast network, your speed and stability should see a bump in the near future.
Netflix and Comcast have announced a new joint partnership in which Netflix will pay the internet and cable service provider for direct access to its broadband systems. Netflix previously worked with a middleman company called Cogent through which they bought their bandwidth, but now that company has been cut out of future proceedings.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the deal was originally struck in January, but it wasn't until today that the companies released a joint statement confirming the new relationship. January was also when a Washington, DC appeals court voided the anti-blocking and anti-discrimination rules that the FCC used to enforce net neutrality, which you can read more about thanks to our friends at Engadget.
It's unclear for now what the Comcast/Netflix deal will mean for net neutrality - the press release states that Netflix will not be given preferential treatment - but if nothing else, it could mean a great deal to a Netflix subscriber's wallet. If Netflix is paying Comcast more than they were paying Cogent, there's a financial cost that needs to be accounted for.
[Image: Netflix]
The Wii hacking scene was quite feverish, with hackers attacking the system from every direction to make it do all sorts of things. It seems to be the complete opposite with Wii U, but today a big move has been made. Hackers have found a way to access the Wii U hardware, all through the Wii mode. If you were looking for a homebrew scene on Wii U, this could be that first step.
The Oculus Rift VR headset has gotten so unexpectedly popular so quickly that the company has run out of the components needed to make the thing.Read more...
Thief arrives on the PC and both PlayStations and Xboxes this week, along with Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare on Xbox 360 and Xbox One and the latest Castlevania for PC and the previous-gen consoles. Call of Duty fans on PC and the PlayStations get the Onslaught DLC this week, too.Read more...
Video gaming's biggest craze of 2014 appears to be the "Twitch Plays" phenomenon, which hit a couple of weeks ago with Pokémon, then grazed Tetris and now has moved to something much more complex: The Legend of Zelda. Watch it streaming on the jump.Read more...
Safely tucked at the end of this week’s show is our long-awaited spoilercast for The Last of Us: Left Behind, with Naughty Dogs Bruce Straley and Neal Druckmann discussing the creative process and challenges in developing a downloadable follow-up to the 2013 game of the year. Today’s show also features new PS4 interviews for Helldivers and Daylight, a guest appearance by World Wide Studios SVP Scott Rohde, topped off with next week’s new releases. Enjoy!
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Stuff We Talked About
The Last of Us: Left Behind
Helldivers
Daylight
TxK
Recent Episodes
Episode 109: Podcast Evolved
Episode 108: The Brave and the Gold
Episode 107: Dark Souls 2025
Episode 107: Dark Souls 2025
Episode 106: The Dark Souls of Podcasts
Send us questions and tips: blogcast@playstation.sony.com or leave a voice message! 650-288-6706
The Cast
Sid Shuman – PlayStation Social Media Manager
Justin Massongill – PlayStation Social Media Specialist
Ryan Clements – PlayStation Social Media Specialist
[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
Thanks to Cory Schmitz for our beautiful logo and Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Netflix and Comcast—the company that just bought up Time Warner Cable, remember—reached a landmark deal with potentially serious ramifications for net neutrality. Basically, Netflix is going to pay Comcast for more direct access to its network.Read more...
La-Mulana 2 reached its $200,000 Kickstarter goal almost a week ago, but it wasn't until yesterday that the funding period came to a close, giving the 2D platformer time to collect a few extra coins. The Kickstarter campaign ended with a total of $266,670, which means the inclusion of a "Father's Diary" mode to help bridge the story gap between La-Mulana and La-Mulana 2, as well as an in-game bestiary. There will also be ... curry.
Curry is a prominent item in La-Mulana 2. The soul, if you will. And that's not even us saying that; developer Playism Games refers to the dish as the soul of La-Mulana 2 on their Kickstarter page, and the team featured a "curry party" stretch goal of $200,256. The dev team will host their curry party on Twitch for fans to see.
Game Director Takumi Naramura will go one step farther and eat curry not just once, but three times a day for three days. Playism writes on the Kickstarter that this will "make him stronger" and allow him to make an even better game. Now you know the secret, would-be game developers: game design comes from the stomach. Or the toilet, depending on how well you handle spicy foods.
[Image: Playism Games]
Keifer Sutherland told IGN he's going to appear in the next Mortal Kombat game, fresh off his work for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. His work for Mortal Kombat is already complete, he says.Read more...
A portion of a C3 interview with Space Enigma Studios' Maximillian Kovtun...
Cubed3: Would you consider other platforms like Nintendo 3DS?
Maximillian: Yes, of course we are considering development on other platforms! We love the 3DS, but I don't think that we could fit Space Pioneer on it without compromising key gameplay and graphical aspects. Right now; Wii U, Linux, Windows and Mac are all of the platforms that we are developing on. All of these are guaranteed without any stretch goals! So if you want to see the ultimate Space Sim RTS realized on Wii U, then finish reading this interview, go to our Kickstarter and contribute!
Unsung Story developer Playdek finished its Kickstarter campaign for the game on February 14, pulling in $660,126 for its $600,000 base funding goal. Stretch goals for the tactical RPG are currently beyond the raised funds, but Playdek has opened PayPal donations for fans that want to change that.
Donations won't be based on charity, of course - available rewards include copies of the game, posters, soundtracks, beta access and in-game content. The PayPal page states that the current bundles will be available for two weeks, after which Playdek will "change out the packages."
Various stretch goals include a New Game+ mode, co-operative play, a map creator, ports to the PS4, 3DS and Vita and more. You can check the required funding amounts for each by scrolling down Unsung Story's Kickstarter page.
As it stands, the game is being developed for PC, Mac and Linux and will be ported to iOS and Android devices. Final Fantasy Tactics director Yasumi Matsuno and Bravely Default Art Director Akihiko Yoshida are among the Playdek team, which estimates to deliver Unsung Story to backers in July of 2015.
[Image: Playdek]
A portion of a Nintendo Enthusiast interview with Eli of TreeFall Studios...
NE: Do you have a release date in mind?
E: It is hard to confirm a release date this early in the project’s development cycle; however, Holiday 2014 would be wonderful, but most likely, the game will launch sometime Q1 of 2015.
After earning $200 million worldwide in two weeks (and with a third number-one weekend in its sights), another LEGO MOVIE is inevitable (despite the conclusion of the first film's narrative), and Warner Bros. has penciled in the film's release date. The next official LEGO MOVIE will be released on…May 26th, 2017.
This news was shared because a game will most likely accompany the second LEGO movie to the big screen.
The game suffers from heavy prioritization of some aspects while leaving others in the dust. That said, at the very least I take comfort in knowing that the facets of the series it emphasizes are the ones that are the most impactful and characteristic to One Piece
Garrett slides an arrow against the string of his bow, candlelight nipping at his foot — just out of reach. The guard paces the hallways in silence, unaware of the glinting metal trained at his temple. One whistle later and the guard’s body is splayed on the ground, and Garrett steps over it without a word. Just another moment in the shadowy campaign of Thief, which launches on PS3 and PS4 this week.
This reimagining of the classic stealth series arrives on PlayStation with a dark and violent story steeped in intrigue. The alleyways of the City are plagued by disease, and Garrett has awoken from a strange slumber to face immense odds stacked against him. Move through the world in silence, or leave a trail of bodies; all can be yours, if you wish it.
Alongside Garrett’s return comes another chapter in the Castlevania series. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 arrives on PS3 this week, challenging players with intricate puzzles and frenzied combat. Feast on the blood of the living, and dispatch the forces sent against our red-cloaked hero.
For a complete list of games coming to PlayStation this week, read on. And enjoy the Drop!
New PlayStation Releases This Week
Basement CrawlPS4 — Digital
Inspired by the classic Bomberman series, Basement Crawl features fiendish arenas with both online and offline modes. Four characters with dozens of traps and skills. Laced with a dark horror theme.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2PS3 — Digital, Retail
The origin story of the Belmont family continues with Lords of Shadow 2. Wield immense weaponry and fluid combo chains against your enemies. Drain the blood of those that stand against you, and unlock the secrets of the night.
Herc’s AdventuresPSone Classic — Digital
Seems like Greece has really fallen on some hard times ever since Hades kidnapped Persephone. Using your strength and cunning, help rescue the legendary lady and return Greece to its former glory!
MagusPS3 — Digital, Retail
Since the creation of the world, the gods have ruled over mankind and governed its path. But over time, people began to forget the gods and so their power waned. In the wake of this abandonment, the devoted Kinna infiltrates a prison in the Waterfall Realm to search for someone. She finds Magus, and their lives are about to change forever.
Mahjong World ContestPS Vita — Digital
Plunge into a host of golden tiles and compete for glory. Challenge more than 100 unique levels across a variety of difficulty modes, and earn experience to advance up the hierarchy.
Pac-Man MuseumPS3 — Digital
Experience the roots of this iconic gaming series with a collection of Pac-Man hits from decades past. Includes nostalgia-inducing oldies and modern classics like Pac-Man Championship Edition.
Port Royal 3 Gold EditionPS3 — Retail
Immeasurable wealth and power await you. Set out across a massive environment across multiple campaigns, and master a complex trading system. Experience more than a dozen ship types and partake in thrilling naval battles.
Tales of Symphonia ChroniclesPS3 — Digital, Retail
Revel in the fan-favorite JRPG as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Embark on an epic quest with refined visuals, enhanced audio, a complete Japanese voice track, and the original theme songs. See why JRPG enthusiasts around the world sing praises of the Tales series.
ThiefPS3, PS4 — Digital, Retail
Slink through the shadows of the City and uncover the mystery surrounding Garrett’s strange disappearance. Steal trinkets and gold as you go, and approach every situation with a personal touch. The classic stealth series is back.
Demos and Betas
Pac-Man Museum — PS3 Demo
The information above is subject to change without notice.
This week's round of Sunday adverts has some great deals for Nintendo fans - let's take a look!
Perhaps the most anticipated of the bunch is the return of Best Buy's 20% Off eShop Cards sale. Buying eShop credit on discount is the best way to save on digital games, as it allows you to decide what games are "on sale" when browsing the eShop, instead of waiting for the online service to run its own promotion. Cards are available in three denominations - $20 worth of eShop credit for $16.00, $35 for $28, and $50 for only $40. Free shipping is included with all card purchases!
If you've been holding off on Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Toys R Us is running a nice promotion this week. Buy the game for the full retail price of $49.99 and receive 40% off your choice of any three Wii or Wii U games. This includes available games with a higher MSRP (such as Super Mario 3D World) and - online, at least - pre-order offers as well!
Here's the complete breakdown of deals scheduled for the week:
Best Buy (free shipping with an order of $25 or more)
• 20% off Nintendo eShop Cards
• Buy 2 Get 1 Free Skylanders Swap Force single character packs
• $15 Off Skylanders Swap Force Starter Packs
• Sonic Lost World (Wii U and 3DS) for $29.99 each
• Call of Duty Ghosts (Wii U), $39.99
• $25 gift card with Mario & Luigi Wii U Deluxe Set ($299.99)
Toys R Us (free shipping on select video games)
• 40% off any three Wii or Wii U games with the purchase of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze ($49.99)
• $20 off all Skylanders Starter Packs (includes Swap Force, Giants, and Spyro's Adventure)
• $15 off all Disney Infinity Starter Packs
Target
• $30 gift card with the purchase of any 3DS XL system
• Two free Disney Infinity Power Disc Packs ($9.98 value) when you buy any Disney Infinity Play Set or Toy Box
• Target exclusive Disney Infinity Anna single pack figure, $12.99 pre-order (available 2/25)
And so ends another GrubberGamer Special Edition. The post-jump game deals return tomorrow - thanks for reading!
New PlayStation Releases This Week
Basement Crawl
PS4 — Digital
Inspired by the classic Bomberman series, Basement Crawl features fiendish arenas with both online and offline modes. Four characters with dozens of traps and skills. Laced with a dark horror theme.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
PS3 — Digital, Retail
The origin story of the Belmont family continues with Lords of Shadow 2. Wield immense weaponry and fluid combo chains against your enemies. Drain the blood of those that stand against you, and unlock the secrets of the night.
Herc’s Adventures
PSone Classic — Digital
Seems like Greece has really fallen on some hard times ever since Hades kidnapped Persephone. Using your strength and cunning, help rescue the legendary lady and return Greece to its former glory!
Magus
PS3 — Digital, Retail
Since the creation of the world, the gods have ruled over mankind and governed its path. But over time, people began to forget the gods and so their power waned. In the wake of this abandonment, the devoted Kinna infiltrates a prison in the Waterfall Realm to search for someone. She finds Magus, and their lives are about to change forever.
Mahjong World Contest
PS Vita — Digital
Plunge into a host of golden tiles and compete for glory. Challenge more than 100 unique levels across a variety of difficulty modes, and earn experience to advance up the hierarchy.
Pac-Man Museum
PS3 — Digital
Experience the roots of this iconic gaming series with a collection of Pac-Man hits from decades past. Includes nostalgia-inducing oldies and modern classics like Pac-Man Championship Edition.
Port Royal 3 Gold Edition
PS3 — Retail
Immeasurable wealth and power await you. Set out across a massive environment across multiple campaigns, and master a complex trading system. Experience more than a dozen ship types and partake in thrilling naval battles.
Tales of Symphonia Chronicles
PS3 — Digital, Retail
Revel in the fan-favorite JRPG as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Embark on an epic quest with refined visuals, enhanced audio, a complete Japanese voice track, and the original theme songs. See why JRPG enthusiasts around the world sing praises of the Tales series.
Thief
PS3, PS4 — Digital, Retail
Slink through the shadows of the City and uncover the mystery surrounding Garrett’s strange disappearance. Steal trinkets and gold as you go, and approach every situation with a personal touch. The classic stealth series is back.
Demos and Betas
Pac-Man Museum — PS3 Demo
