Lionhead May Be Working on Next-Gen Game

A Microsoft job listing posted today may suggest Lionhead Studios is working on a new title for a next generation console. An ad seeking a lead designer indicates this is the next Peter Molyneux project, which purports itself as a "genre-defining new title."

In addition, Microsoft also listed a lead engine programmer spot at Lionhead earlier this month hitting on similar notes to the designer. Both ads say the companies prefer applicants with experience using the Unreal Engine. In addition, the programmer listing desires the ability to "write new engine systems as well as maintain and restructure existing ones" as well as "significant experience leading teams designing and implementing modern rendering engines." The example given is DirectX 11.

Given that DirectX 11 can't run on Xbox 360, and we're starting to hear more about Epic's Unreal Engine 4, signs point to Lionhead working on a project for the Xbox 360 successor, which is rumored to be compatible with DX11.

We've reached out to Microsoft for comment on Lionhead's future with the Unreal Engine and next-gen hardware.
[source ign.com]

James Spader Leaving The Office

James Spader will be leaving The Office at the end of the current Season 8, after just one year on the show as the CEO of Dunder Mifflin Sabre.

Apparently, Spader did not want to return and Office executive producer Paul Lieberstein tells Variety, "James always wanted this to be a one-year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television. He's been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I'm grateful for that."

- NBC

Variety says it's not clear how he'll be written out of the show. Personally, I'm curious if they'll have Robert simply leave the company or if they'll just say he's stopped flying to Scranton so much – it would be easy to keep him off screen in Florida and allow for occasional guest appearances, if Spader were up for it.

Officially, The Office has not been renewed for Season 9, but announcing Spader is leaving, which both NBC and Lieberstein confirm with Variety, pretty much confirms the show will go on – on the heels of the recent news of a potential spinoff.

[source ign.com]

Report: Apple iPhone 5 to Ditch 30-pin Dock Connector

As we continue to expect more and more out of our mobile devices, manufacturers are tasked with the tough job of stuffing additional components into a very finite space. According to iMore, Apple's next solution to this problem will be decreasing the size of the infamous 30-pin connector.

Used with all of the company's mobile products, the existing connector likely won't be switched out with the industry standard microUSB port as there are speed restrictions with the technology, as well as the issue of conformity that Apple products would rather not succumb to.

The iPhone and iMac manufacturer has made similar moves to increase working space in the past, like using the outer casing of its smartphone for an antenna and co-developing Thunderbolt port technology for use with computers and displays. The adoption of cloud technology also comes into play, making hard-connections between your mobile and desktop products less prevalent.

iMore expects the change of pace to be introduced as part of the iPhone 5

[source ign.com]

South African Retailer Outs Existence of God of War 4

The fact that Sony is working on God of War 4 is becoming the worst-kept secret in the game industry. Today, a South African game retailer put up a page taking preorders for the game on its website.

The chain, BT Games, has revealed unannounced games before, including the Jak and Daxter Collection.

This seems to corroborate the claims by composer Timothy Williams that he's working on the soundtrack to God of War 4

[source gameinformer.com]

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Adds Harley Quinn

Warner Bros. Interactive has released a new update for Batman: Arkham City Lockdown.

In addition to new achievements, the free update adds a new level featuring Harley Quinn, as well as a free Bruce Wayne skin. A new Batman, Inc. skin is also available for purchase.

According to WB, the new level "expands the World of Gotham City as Batman must track down the Infamous Harley Quinn. Players must fight their way through Harley's henchmen and can enjoy all new gameplay, using Batman's Batarangs in a timed showdown."

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown is available on the App Store for $5.99. For more on the game, check our our review.

[source ign.com]

Is Star Wars: Battlefront 3 in Development?

Is developer Spark Unlimited making a Star Wars: Battlefront game? Some people seem to think so, but it's hard to say.

They are definitely making...something. The southern California developer is currently hiring multiple positions for two seperate games. One is "a 3rd Person Action/Adventure sequel in a high-profile science fiction franchise," while the other is "a bold new take on 3rd Person Action/Horror" based on an established franchise. Sites like Playstation Lifestyle have combined these job listings with teases from the developers' Twitter, as well as a linkedin profiles from previous employees, and concluded that it could be Star Wars: Battlefront 3. The prior employees in question specifically site experience working on both a "shooter" and a "sword fighting game."

Could it be Star Wars: Battlefront 3? Sure. But at this point the details are so vague that it's pure speculation. Even if it is a Star Wars game, there's no reason it couldn't be continuing something like the Jedi Knight series, or even a Clone Wars game taking advantage of the popular animated series.

So to recap, here's what we know for sure. It's a game being developed in conjunction with a "major publishing partner," it's a third person action/adventure title being developed for PC, 360 and PS3, and, if the job description for the Multiplayer Engineer is any indication, it will have multiplayer and cooperative components.

Battlefront 3? Who knows, but it's sure fun to imagnie the possibilities.

[source ign.com]

Spider-Man's New Viral... Thing

Easily the biggest story of the day was Sony's debut of the new trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man. And of course, not even 24 hours after its release, someone spotted a hidden viral message pointing to another viral website viral thing... that's viral.

Collider was the first to notice this image:

The words "Mark of the Spider-Man," embedded in the graphic, directed them to MarkoftheSpider-Man.com, which brings up a plain, grey webpage featuring six static-filled boxes and the Spider-Man logo at the bottom. As far as we can tell, none of these boxes nor the logo are clickable. However, if you happen to have a keen spider-sense or, likewise, a mountain of time on your hands, this may be the answer to your mesmerizing boredom.

But if you just want to skip all that stuff, I would suggest you watch this trailer again instead:

[source ign.com]

Lazer Tag Toys Use iPhone for Augmented Reality Aiming

Lazer tag has come a long way since the days of cheaply-made body armor and less than realiable infrared guns. Now, Nerf has upgraded their Lazer Tag system to include augmented reality to make blasting your friends and opponents even more fun.

Spotted on Engadget, the new guns feature a slot to load your iPhone or iPod Touch that, when paired with the appropriate app, displays a HUD that provides your power level, leaderboard progress, equipped gear, and even the trajectory of your shots. Continued sessions will grant you better loot to expand your arsenal of gear and attack types.



If you don't have a friendly body nearby, the app will allow you to go rounds with virtual enemies.
Nerf's new Lazer Tag system will be available starting August 1. Individual guns will set you back $40, picking up a pair will cost $70

[source ign.com]