This will end in tears either way.

Retail leaks are dime-a-dozen these days, but few have excited me quite as much as this one. Eagle-eyed GAF user Pezking spotted a listing for Mirror’s Edge 2 on Amazon.de, the German branch of the online storefront. You can check it out for yourself right here, at least until Electronic Arts asks them to take it down.

The generic green box may be a placeholder, but it could also be a hint that Mirror’s Edge 2 will end up as an Xbox One title. Considering EA and Microsoft’s burgeoning partnership, it would certainly be a crazy turn of events if the game turned out to be both next-generation and an Xbone exclusive.

Source: NeoGAF

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A match made in heaven.

It was no secret that Microsoft was touting their new Xbox One through the rather hardcore lens of sporting events to many onlookers three days ago. Of particular notice was the staunch support of the NFL, which not only was hyped by the presence of a new Madden game by EA, but also the functionality of many of the auxiliary features shown during the conference. The Skype calling, checking fantasy draft stats, even the multi-TV screens showcasing sporting events is all patterned to appeal to hardcore NFL fans who play a casual game of Madden now and again.

Well, like many things in life, it boils down to money as to why that is. It has been reported that Microsoft and the NFL have made a deal worth $400 million for the next five years to partner up. This means Microsoft will advertise exclusively for the NFL at sporting events and on TV and have branding rights on the sideline areas of NFL games starting this fall, while NFL officials and coaches will be given Microsoft surface tablets to use both on and off the field.

Did I mention that is just the stuff we know for sure?

Considering how lucrative the partnership between Microsoft and the NFL is, if the $400 million dollar estimate is true, its not surprising that both Microsoft and the NFL are enamored to promote the Xbox One at this time. As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “From the use of instant replay to the yellow first-down line that has become an important element of the at-home television viewing experience, the NFL is committed to leveraging technology to improve our game for coaches, players and fans. We’re thrilled to be teaming with a true innovator like Microsoft to shape the future of the NFL game experience both on-field, and in the living room.”

The NFL is known for making a major deal like this in the past with the gaming industry. The exclusivity rights for the NFL license with Electronic Arts is just one example of the pull the NFL, a move that has been criticized since it was announced back in 2004. The deal is set to expire this season after a small extension was granted two years ago, although its likely both companies will negotiate a new contract.

It is clear, however, that the NFL recognizes how huge its game-playing audience is, especially on the Xbox 360. In turn, Microsoft is gambling heavily on their biggest fan-base by adding so many features into the mix. The question has been asked as to who the Xbox One is for. The answer to me, seems more and more like the casual crowd of gamers who are hardcore in what they love.

Source: NFL.com

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Down, sword hand!

Technically, this is old news. But the Fire Emblem fan-site Serenes Forest just started a thread on it yesterday, so it’s new to me. I apologize if you’re way ahead.

Anyway, Spanish magazine Hobby Consolas talked to Nintendo back in June only to discover that the publisher was considering shelving the illustrious strategy RPG. English translations of the talk reveal that, “The sales manager of Nintendo, Mr. Hatano, told us that this could be the last Fire Emblem. Due to this progressive descend on sales, they told us that if the sales of this episode stayed below 250,000 copies, we’d stop working on the saga.”

Of course, Awakening absolutely crushed that milestone. The game sold 500,000 copies in Japan and over 240,000 copies in North America, with a considerable amount of digital units moved as well. In fact, the title set a new franchise sales record. I would even go so far as to say it’s a shoe-in for our 2013 Game of the Year list.

I like it, is what I’m trying to say.

Source: Hobby Consolas via Serenes Forest

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He should have bought the Myst license.

Jonathan Blow cemented his reputation as an auteur with Braid, but he still has more creativity to burn. Speaking to the PlayStation Blog in their “Conversations with Creators” feature, he explains that his new game, The Witness, is both an accessible puzzle title and a potentially deeper experience for those who want it. He also drops some interesting quotes about the prospect of profitability.

The Witness will be a launch title for PS4, but it is also coming to PC and iOS.

The post Jonathan Blow Explains the Ambition of The Witness appeared first on Blistered Thumbs.

Tom Nook is the true face of evil.

Life is too short to sift through a million different posts. That’s why I’ve combined all of the day’s biggest videos into one article for your viewing pleasure. Don’t worry about thanking me–your comments are thanks enough.

Saints Row IV:

Shin Megami Tensei IV:

Animal Crossing: New Leaf:

Splinter Cell: Blacklist:

The post Trailerpalooza! Hail Satan Edition appeared first on Blistered Thumbs.

Now I want a Metro sequel set in space.

Fun fact: Jon Favreau (Iron Man) directed this live-action trailer for Bungie and Activision’s Destiny. More fun fact: Actual gameplay for the title will be shown off on June 10th, 2013 during Sony’s PlayStation E3 Press Conference. Look forward to that once you’ve gotten your fill of Rudyard Kipling.

Destiny will arrive on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4 in either late 2013 or early 2014.

The post Live-Action Video Sets the Stage for Bungie’s Destiny appeared first on Blistered Thumbs.

I assume EA would have showed it at the Xbox event, if not for forza.

Electronic Arts just lifted the curtain on Need for Speed Rivals, the latest in their popular racing series. The games is powered by Frostbite 3 and will continue the series’ attempt to blur the line between single-player and multiplayer. More information will be revealed at E3.

Need for Speed Rivals will hit PS3, Xbox 360, and PC on November 19th, 2013, while Xbox One and PS4 versions will follow at an unspecified later date.

Source: Official Site

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“Check it, my Nintendo homies.” – Satoru Iwata

June 11th will be the next Nintendo Direct Conference. The conference, which is taking the place of Nintendo’s normal E3 press event, will be broadcast at 10am EST (7am PST), 3pm in the UK, and 4pm for European Central Time. The event, as we’ve discussed previously, will be Wii U-centric and will have the reveal of several large titles, including a new Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, and Mario game.

In case you’re curious, June 11th is the day after Microsoft and Sony have their presentations, as well as being the first official day of the show. So, any surprises you hope to hear out of the next Nintendo Direct? Please share your thoughts and predictions below and keep following Blistered Thumbs as we bring you more gaming news.

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At least he got to have some sweet cake before he left.

Mike Fischer, who has been the President of Square Enix of America since July 2010, has left the company to become Vice President of digital Music and Video for Amazon.co.jp. Fischer claims his departure was on good terms though neither he or Square Enix have been willing to make further comment. Fisher’s tenure included efforts to cut back on bigger productions from Square Enix of America (his reasoning being that Square Enix of Japan and Europe (which included Eidos Montreal) were already providing the AAA games the organization needed). His hope was that Square Enix of America could instead focus on smaller innovative titles, like Quantum Conundrum, which was released last year.

This news comes at the same time as Square Enix’s announcement that they will be streaming their games and announcements from the show floor this year (June 11-13th). Please share your thoughts below and keep following Blistered Thumbs for all the latest gaming news.

Source: Polygon

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Here is one of the game’s limited editions…

As is increasingly becoming the norm for major and/or triple a releases these days, Grand Theft Auto V will arrive in stores this September with two limited editions in tow. So those with extra money to burn and a deep-seated need for various bonus features take note that Take-Two has you covered. First up is the game’s Special Edition which will run $79.99 and come with:

“-Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork – features custom color and metallic treatments to bring out the detail of the Michael, Trevor and Franklin artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook

-Blueprint Map – exclusive, 21.5” x 26.75” map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County

-Special Ability Boost – Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster

-Stunt Plane Trials – single-player Stunt Plane Trials let players take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County

-Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More – Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County

-Additional Weapons – when visiting Ammunation stores in single-player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.”

…and here is the other.

Meanwhile the game’s Collector’s Edition will cost $149.99 and include everything from the Special Edition alongside the following additional extras:

“-Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key – inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75” x 8.5” money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window

-Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap – this exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit

-Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online – get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System

-Unique Vehicles and Garage Property – players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single-player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.”

All three versions of Grand Theft Auto V will arrive world wide for PS3 and Xbox 360 on September 17. Stay tuned to Blistered Thumbs for continuing coverage of the game and be sure to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Source(s): Take-Two.

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