“It’s inspiring to see the Zynga teams spontaneously take action to partner with our game players worldwide to help Japan,” said Mark Pincus, CEO and Founder of Zynga. “We hope that the millions of people who connect through our games every day will also take action to connect with Japan as we saw them do with our Haiti relief efforts.”

Games included and specific conditions:

• Café World: Players cans place Japanese inspired decorations in their Café to benefit the initiative.
• CityVille: Citizens can plant a limited edition sweet potato crop to feed their population and stock their restaurants
• FrontierVille: Players can buy a limited edition Kobe cow to place in their frontier.
• FarmVille: Farmers can plant a limited edition daikon radish crop that never withers.
• Words With Friends: Players can donate directly by clicking on a Save the Children button inside the game.
• YoVille: Players can purchase homes and furniture inspired by Japanese architecture and design.
• Zynga Poker: Fans going for a royal flush can donate by purchasing access to a VIP table.
• zBar: Players can donate directly by clicking on a Save the Children button inside the bar that sits across the top of their game on Facebook.

Zynga has also indicated that more limited edition items will be rolled out over the coming days, thus allowing players more options that suit their preference, while still being able to contribute to the campaign.

For more information about the program, please visit Save The Children directly at savethechildren.org/japanzynga.

The room-filling 360 degree speakers provide users with a greatly expanded listening “sweet spot” when compared to front firing speakers of similar size. Whether you’re going deep undercover in an action shooter, or enjoying a quiet moment of fishing in Stormwind, the Ferox promises to provide the same immersive experience, no matter what the volume level.

“The Razer Ferox is our sophisticated, modern day boombox for gamers,” said Robert Krakoff, president, Razer USA. “Its sleek and compact structure takes up minimal space but delivers the crystal clear sound quality perfect for gaming on-the-go or for music playback wherever you’re at.”

Not only does the Ferox promise room filling sound, but they’re able to back it up with physical size. Featuring one touch expandable resonance chambers, these tiny speakers provide deeper bass and optimized digital amplifiers for a richer sound experience. Ok, maybe not room filling in size, but certainly in sound. Let me reiterate; push a button, bass chambers expand. Swuh-eet!

With a 12 hour (rechargeable) battery life, Razer platforms the Forex to be used in space constrained desktop setups, LAN parties, or simply enjoying your favorite tunage on the go.

Razer Ferox features:

• 360 degree omni-directional sound for all round clarity
• Expanded bass resonance chamber for powerful bass
• Digital amplification for enhanced power efficiency
• Compatible with any media player with a 3.5mm jack
• 30mm drivers for exceptional audio quality
• Rechargeable non-replaceable in-built batteries
• Up to 12 hours of playback
• Play and charge simultaneously
• LED battery status indicator for easy monitoring
• Seamless switch between On/Off-mode
• Carrying pouch for maximum portability

Priced at $59.00, the Razer Ferox are now available via Razerzone.com.

“Since the launch of LittleBigPlanet, our online community has uploaded over three million levels to the PlayStation Network, with creations popping up everyday that continue to amaze,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, in a statement. “With LittleBigPlanet 2, players now have the ability to create actual games across different genres, so it will be very exciting to see what our community can come up with. LittleBigPlanet 2 also boasts a brand new story mode for Sackboy to explore that, coupled with the millions of user-created levels online, provides an endless entertainment experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family.”

PLAY

The newest iteration of Sackboy’s adventures begins with a completely new story mode that provides users with a feature rich reshaped world to play in and explore. 40 story levels across 6 different themes make up the campaign, with each level influenced by cultural points in history, and presented in a visually rich environment provided via a completely revamped graphics engine. Play themes include:

• Techno Renaissance
• Steampunk and Cake
• Neon Propaganda
• Fluffy High-Tech
• Designer Organic
• Hand-made Arcade

In other words…if you thought LittleBigPlanet I was eye candy, wait until you get your eyeballs on v2.

CREATE

In create mode, Sony has taken cues from previous user creations, and allowed for users to create their own games, no longer just levels. Players can completely customize their experience with the ability to reset controller buttons for any object and change the rules associated with any level using the Controlinator. New multiplayer abilities really open of the potential of social gaming, allowing for any type of game play imaginable (and creatable) including racing games, flying games, shooters, puzzle games, sports, etc. With LittleBigPlanet II, players are bound only by their creativity.

SHARE

And last, but certainly not least, LittleBigPlanet II’s sharing features. The new sharing experience allows gamers to spend less time searching and more time playing…millions of new levels and games created by fellow LBP players from around the world. To facilitate this, Sony has introduced LBP.me, a new social networking platform dedicated solely to LittleBigPlanet players. Each and every level and/or game that is created within LittleBigPlanet, receives it’s own page on the site, thus allowing users to quickly and easily find and play content. But that’s only one half of the story. Players can peruse content at LBP.me from the office, the campus, on the go, etc, and add it to their queue. Once connected to the PlayStation Network on their PS3, users will see this queue, and can instantly jump to their pre-selected content.

Naturally, Sony’s tossed in a few new features for Sackboy himself to enjoy, including a Grapple hook that allows him to swing across large gaps and pulling small objects towards him. The new Grabinator can pick objects up and throw them, and the customizable Creatinator can produce just about anything under the sun.

And just for added measure, LittleBigPlanet II now features a Music Sequencer, allowing players to not only compose their own music, but to connect in-game objects to these musical compositions. Budding Mozart’s now no longer need to be pulled away from their favorite title.

Setting records is nothing new to Blizzard, and it appears as though they were on the hunt to truly out do themselves this time around. Cataclysm was launched simultaneously in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Russia, SouthEast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand this past December 7th. With Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Korea coming online just 2 days later, Blizzard pulled off a record 3.3 million units sold in one day.

This data was garnered from Blizzard company records and reports from trusted key distributors. Blizzard also included digital distribution figures in this data. This new record shatters the previous one day sales record, held by … you guessed it, Blizzard, specifically in relation to their second WoW expansion pack: World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King.

“We created thousands of new quests, introduced new lands to explore, and extensively revamped the game world for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, making it our biggest and most ambitious expansion yet,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment in a statment. “We’ve been floored by the community’s response so far, and we’d like to thank them for their continued passion and support for World of Warcraft, and for helping Cataclysm reach this incredible milestone.”

While exact figures are never disclosed by Blizzard, they’ve previously reported that the World of Warcraft franchise has peaked at 12 million players from around the world (again, no word if this is active players, and does not mention multiple characters tied to the same account). As we’ve seen the gradual free-to-play-ification of the gaming industry over the past few years, Blizzard is one of the very few remaining online gaming companies that has stuck to it’s “Subscription only” based monetization model.

Launching in conjunction with the print version, the SI swimsuit 2011 issue hits streets and screens this coming February 15th. The 3D Swimsuit video will be available for rental or purchase via the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service on the PlayStation 3 (PS3), as well as their “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” 3D compatible and network enabled BRAVIA HDTVs and blu-ray players. While aimed at the 3D market, Sony ensures that a 2D version of the video will be available, as well as a free three-minute sneak peak will become available later this year.

“Just when you think the bar couldn’t get any higher for the Swimsuit franchise, we’ve raised it once again with our partners at Sony,” said Mark Ford, President of the Sports Illustrated Group. “Swimsuit in 3D has extraordinary potential and we’re thrilled to deliver its millions of fans a new perspective through the exciting world of 3D video.”

And if smokin’ hot ladies in binikis isn’t enough for you, Sony has tossed in the entire kitchen sink, with 12+ hours of additional footage available for rent or purchase. This additional content includes a 1 hour “Making of” segment, as well as four 30 minute shorts featuring the 2011 Swimsuit photo shoot locations, presumably, in case you’re ready to make some hot shots yourself. These additional features also focus on the history of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit issue. PS3 owners can purchase SI swimsuit focused Dynamic Themes that cover iconic SI model photos from the 1990s (mmmm…Elle MacPherson).

“The combination of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit brand with the amazing 3D capabilities of Sony’s network-enabled devices makes for a great consumer entertainment experience,” said Tim Schaaff, President, Sony Network Entertainment. “We strive to deliver unique content to our users, and are delighted to offer this first-of-its-kind high definition 3D Swimsuit video.”

“One of the challenges for accurate forensic analysis of software IP is access to source code,” said Bob Zeidman, president of SAFE Corporation. “A unique characteristic of social games is that the source code is accessible online because of the technology used to develop and deliver the games. Using our proprietary online IP preprocessing tools with CodeSuite, we have created a service to proactively monitor this kind of online IP for copyright infringement.”

Zeidman also points out, however, that although there may be code similarities, this case study presented by SAFE does not confirm that nefarious actions took place, only that the matter deserves further inquiry. A nice way of saying, “Something’s going on here, but we’re not quite sure what. Yet.”

In SAFE’s tests they found that 116 out of 160 lines of FarmVille’s routine code matched those of Happy Aquarium.

Zynga's FarmVille code compared to Crowd Star's Happy Aquarium

In contrast, when Happy Aquarium’s code was put head to head with Digital Chocolate’s Millionaire City, there was zero code correlation between the two.

Digital Chocolate’s Millionaire City compared with CrowdStar’s Happy Aquarium

“IP protection is an important element of an online game company’s business. Monitoring online infringing activity can present numerous challenges. A service that proactively monitors such activities can help companies make sure they are protecting their rights to compete fairly in a newly emerging space,” adds Neel Chatterjee from Orrick, Herrington & Sutfcliffe LLP.

SAFE’s entire case study of social games, as seen from an IP perspective can be downloaded upon request (read: lead generation) directly from SAFE.

According to Japanese gaming focused site AndriaSang.com, 486,389 of the 5.5 million units were sold in Japan, indicating that there’s a strong demand for the world’s premier driving simulator outside of it’s country of origin.

When it comes to the in-total 60 million units shipped front, Sony clarifies and notes that these sales numbers are derived from PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PS3, as well as their portable unit, the PSP; racking up a massive 61.41 million units sold.

Despite the complaints (myself included) surrounding the widespread technical issues surrounding the online player vs. player, Gran Turismo took home top honors in the Best Selling category for the month of November, and as of December 4th, still holds the number 3 slot, just below Wii Sports, and above Kinect Adventures!

Sony Online Entertainmant sent out the official word today that speed freaks and cruisers alike can dive right into their favorite driving simulator as of Wednesday, November 24th.

Over it’s history, Gran Turismo has shipped over 56 million units worldwide, and has been lauded as the authority on driving simulators. GT’s real life graphics, authentic physics technology and design have all led to revolutionizing the racing game category. Driving the Gran Turismo series is none other than professional racing driving and video game designer Kazunori Yamauchi. In addition to giving gamers a high quality racing experience, Gran Turismo is also seen as a highly desirable platform for auto manufacturers to showcase their cars and accessories on.

“Gran Turismo 5 is an ambitious project, with challenges and complexities which have made it our version of the Apollo Space Program!” commented Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc. “When we created the original Gran Turismo back in 1997, we wanted to set a completely new precedent for the racing genre. With the technological leap onto PlayStation 3, our objective with Gran Turismo 5 was to create another great revolution which would not only satisfy our own high expectations, but would meet or even exceed the anticipation of the fans.”

GT5 will feature the world’s most famous racetracks, all rendered in gorgeous high definition, with Polyphony Digital claiming that it’s, “as vivid as the real thing.” Classic circuits including Autumn Ring, Deep Forest Raceway, and the Grand Valley Speedway have found a home in the newest version of the Gran Turismo franchise, as well as real-world courses including the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca.

Over 1,000 cars will be on tap, ranging from legends of yesteryear right on through to today’s bleeding edge of automotive technology. Starting November 24th, horsepower hungry gearheads can get their hands on the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, the Lexus LFA, and the McLaren MP4-12C.

“Satisfying the loyal Gran Turismo followers is at the heart of all of our efforts, which is why it was such a difficult decision to delay the release of the game, and one which we did not take lightly. I can only apologize to everyone for making you wait so long, and I hope that when you try out the wealth of driving experiences available in Gran Turismo 5, you will not be disappointed,” adds Yamauchi.

More info and full car and track specs can be found at gran-turismo.com.

Mass Luminosity has already received a seal of approval via Singapore based WoLong Ventures, Pte. Ltd., who recently announced their first round financing of Muñoz’s venture to the tune of $1.5 million.

“We are excited to be part of this new venture,” says WoLong Ventures Chairman of the Board Frank Yong. “Mass Luminosity is developing an impressive array of social media technologies that will assist companies in effectively marketing their brands in the growing environment of social networks.”

Building on his expertise and experience in the gaming world, Muñoz says that one of Mass Luminosity’s initial projects will involve assisting the global resurgence of PC video gaming. Through Mass Luminosity’s efforts, Munoz also wants to help democratize information, thereby facilitation the transformation of content consumers to content providers.

“We are working on a number of technologies to power advance analysis on social media and networking interactions with corporate brands. We are starting from basic formats that power online promotions (giveaways), online media (podcasts, etc.), online TV and Facebook and Twitter interfaces,” comments Muñoz.

Always the visionary, Muñoz also said an in email that iDevices are at the forefront of the Mass Luminosity development schedule. A particularly strong motion, considering that Apple recently announced record Q4 profits, a strong sign that mobility without sacrificing power are quickly becoming derringer for today’s gaming, entertainment, and/or technology professional.

“The greatness of what we are working on is behind the scenes, a multi-platform integrated system that will offer us a wealth of information to offer our audiences exactly what they want,” adds Muñoz.

The Giveaway

Kicking things off with a bang, Mass Luminosity has partnered with Play N Trade, Adrenaline Vault, and Immerz in an exclusive Call of Duty: Black Ops Giveaway. Hailed as one of the hottest titles in the EA arsenal, entrants have the chance to win one of three stellar Call of Duty: Black Ops prizes:

• One (1) GRAND PRIZE winner will receive: one (1) Xbox 360 Slim AND one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops Xbox game AND one (1) KOR-fx from Immerz AND one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops apparel item.
• One (1) first prize winner will receive one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops game (choice PS3 or Xbox) and one (1) KOR-fx from Immerz and and one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops apparel item.
• One (1) runner up winner will receive one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops game (choice PS3 or Xbox) and one (1) Call of Duty: Black Ops apparel item.

For the record, yes that Grand Prize includes an Xbox 360 Slim. Wow!

The giveaway expires on November 3, 2010, or about 10 days from this posting. Winners will be announced by Turks and Co. on the Avault Podcast on Friday, November 5, 2010.

Apparently Massive general manager J.J. Richards has already begun the search for a new gig, while members of Massive’s sales and tech teams are slated to be redistributed around other Microsoft projects.

Furthermore, sources indicate that Microsoft has been quietly shopping for a buyer for Massive over the past few months. They’ve even been talking to rival in-game ad supplier Double Fusion – with a sales tag reportedly in the high six, low seven figure range. As a point of comparison, when Microsoft purchased the agency in 2006, the estimated cost was between $200 and $400 million.

When Microsoft jumped on the IGA bandwagon, enthusiasm for the offering was quite high in the gaming community. So much so that former Massive CEO Mitch Davis proudly boasted that the market would reach $2 billion that year – a figure that was never achieved.

Conversely, Microsoft’s Xbox Live game/entertainment hub has seen a massive (pun-intended) increase in usership, now topping 25 million, globally. These ‘hubs’, as Sony has a similar service with ‘Home’, appear to be a far more attractive option to advertisers. I’d have to agree on this one, as within a Home or Live setting, I’m almost expecting to see ads, whereas if not done well, in-game ads can really strip away some of the environmental excitement of a game. Additionally, by keeping the ads separate on Xbox Live, Microsoft no longer has to share any revenues generated with game publishers.

Adding to the impending doom of Massive is the report from Adweek’s sources that the companies’ sales efforts were never fully integrated within the Xbox team. Apparently, at the time of acquisition, sever Microsoft execs were decidedly not on board with the decision, but ex-Microsoft exec Cory Van Arsdale and other members of the biz dev team fought hard to bring Massive Inc. under the Microsoft umbrella.

As stated above, I’m not opposed to the method – if it’s done right. For example, when playing Madden 11, or a Tiger Woods title, I rather enjoy seeing a Sprite ad on the sidelines, or a Taylor driver in my golf bag. To me, it only ads to the realism of the game. The opposite would be true, for example, with a blatant McDonalds ad plastered to the 900 billboards I’m destined to drive by in the latest Grand Theft Auto title.

Since this story was first published on October 8th, there have been very few other citings of it, and for Massive’s sake, I’m hoping that these “sources” simply amount to a few (or even one) recently dismissed, disgruntled employee. This news also flies directly in the face of a recent (May 2010) report issued by comScore/Massive extolling the advertising and marketing benefits of in-game advertising.