Absidon Games

The makers of ‘Call of Duty’ are planning on getting gamers connected in a big way. The ‘Call of Duty’ franchise is huge, and its online community is growing everyday. Players frequently arrange to play cooperative missions on a regular basis. Now, a popular title that is based almost off anonymous trash talking and solitary game play is being transformed into a real community. Activision Blizzard estimates that more than 6,000 ‘Call of Duty’ fans will be turning out for the event. The convention will take place in Los Angeles, California, at the beginning of September and tickets are priced at $150 each.

Those that are able to turn out for the event will be able to get first dibs on the newly launched online Elite service, and they may even get a sneak peak at the next ‘Call of Duty’ title. Some participants will be dressed up like real life soldier, but this event is not just for the geeks. ‘Call of Duty’ players are as diverse a group as it gets, and they are expected to come into LA from every corner of the world. Of course, fans will be encouraged to visit vendors in between rounds of cooperative gaming. Not only will ‘Call of Duty’ fans have the opportunity to pick up new tricks and tips, they will also be able to add more hard core gamers to their teams. This may or may not turn into an annual event depending on how many people turn out for this year’s Call Of Duty XP 2011.

The three major video game console manufacturers have been more focused on developing portable devices and peripherals than updated consoles. However, Nintendo’s new Wii U might just be the most exciting console to hit the market. Nintendo first popularized interactive game play, but their new controller is truly out of this world. The Nintendo Wii U’s touchscreen controller will give gamers the ability to do more than just play titles. Instead, Nintendo hopes to get players to connect on a more intimate level. The touchscreen makes use of video chat technology, so veritable strangers can see their opponents as well as their teammates before accepting a challenge.

The Nintendo Wii U also comes with HD capabilities. Although the original Nintendo Wii had stunning visuals, it left a lot of gamers underwhelmed. While Microsoft continues to toil away on the Kinect, Nintendo’s new Wii U controller goes back to the basics. With no need to press any buttons, gamers can use their hands to execute commands.

While the Nintendo Wii U won’t be available for purchase until 2012, other video game console makers haven’t even announced that they are creating next generation consoles. If Nintendo can manage to debut the Wii U years before a new PlayStation or Xbox is sold, they might be able to corner the market. For what its worth, gamers have already expressed their joy over the newest release from Nintendo, but it remains to be seen if they will actually go out and buy the new console.

There aren’t a lot of games on the market that feature incredible soundtracks, hypnotizing visuals and complex storylines, but ‘Child of Eden’ has it all. The game is eerie reminiscent of ‘The Matrix,’ but there’s no red or blue pill. At times, ‘Child of Eden’ moves at a snails pace, but it does give gamers plenty of time to take in what’s going on around them. Eden is the name of a version of the Internet that mixes artificial intelligence with player interaction. For the best gaming experience, the Xbox Kinect is unparalleled.

The world of Eden is filled with psychedelic colors, morphing shapes and shifting textures. You will literally get sucked in as you navigate through each level, and players are also expected to think before they react. Every move that you make in this game will have a marked effect on the outcome. The only drawback about ‘Child of Eden’ is that it doesn’t last long enough. Usually, games like this seem like they can go on indefinitely.

As soon as you begin to get comfortable, the action will begin. Your opponents will be multifaceted and you will be expected to develop precise strategies in order to defeat then. Of course, you will get plenty of hints, tips and weaponry to complete your task, but don’t expect a free ride. Overall, ‘Child of Eden’ is unlike any other game that has been released for the Xbox. You will never get tired of the challenges that will come your way until the very end.

In the world of online multliplayer games, Mad Catz is already fairly well known. The company manufacturers specially designer game controllers geared towards gamers that play fighting and flight simulation games. Now, they have launched Thunderhawk Studios, and they will be focusing on the development of a new online multiplayer flight simulation video game. The idea is to create a game that will appeal to existing consumers as well as pull in fans of online multiplayer games.

As an added bonus, Mad Catz will be making mad money from the sale of its specialized game controllers. The yet unnamed game is due out in 2012. Gamers that enjoy playing collectively will love manning a Thunderhawk Gunship along with countless friends. In theory, Mad Catz may be developing a game that will change the face of online multiplaying gaming, however, they are going to have to pull out all of the stops if their idea is to be long lasting.

For the most part, online gamers like to play games where they can create their own story lines. Piloting a plane can be pretty fun, but there is usually only one end goal. Crash the plane and you are forced to start over from the beginning – or is there even a definitive start for online multiplayer games? Hopefully, Mad Catz will do lots of product testing in order to get things just right. They may make some of the most popular gaming controllers in the industry, but marketing bestselling video games is something altogether different.