Morning DLC: Video Games News And Rumors 9/9/13
By Nick Tylwalk
"“Grand Theft Auto 5” could be the most expensive video game ever created with an estimated budget of £170m, according to a new report.The Scotsman claims that “the game’s development and marketing budget of £170 million” makes it “the equivalent of blockbuster films”.Though the split between marketing and development hasn’t been defined, if accurate, the launch budget pits “GTA 5” as one of the most expensive games ever made.In comparison, 2009 release “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” is estimated to have launched to a $200m (£127m) development and marketing budget."
"Activision Blizzard, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based maker of “Warcraft,” “Diablo” and other popular video games, has tapped lobbyists in Washington to advocate on a Senate bill that calls for a comprehensive study of the impact of violent video games on children.The company has retained Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, one of K Street’s largest lobby shops. On the account are Washington-based partner Arshi Siddiqui and Austin-based senior policy adviser Ryan Thompson, according to lobbying records filed in August."
"Akin Gump declined to comment, and Activision Blizzard did not return requests for comment."
"Interested in checking out what the new Xbox One dashboard might look like? Tough. Unless you’re a journalist that’s been invited to take a sneak peak at Microsoft’s plans for its upcoming console, you’ve likely only seen a screenshot or two of the new Xbox UI.Until now, that is.Making the rounds on the Web is a new video that’s allegedly been leaked by a participant in Microsoft’s closed beta test of the new UI. Which is to say, some internal Microsoft employee – or friend thereof — is likely going to be in a wee bit of trouble for posting a YouTube video that shows off the new Xbox One dashboard in full, working, animated order."