Morning DLC: Video Games News And Rumors 10/18/13
By Nick Tylwalk
"Microsoft has announced that its Games for Gold programme is now “an ongoing benefit” for Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox 360.Announced at E3 in June as a limited-time promotion, Games with Gold gives XBL subscribers two free games to keep each month, with new titles made available on the 1st and 16th.Despite switching focus to Xbox One in the run-up to the console’s November 22 release, Xbox chief marketing and strategy officer Yusuf Mehdi said in September that the company will continue to support Xbox 360 for years to come."
"Sales of Wii U hardware in the United States rose more than 200 percent during September compared to August’s numbers following the September 20 price cut, Nintendo announced today. This milestone was achieved with only 15 days’ worth of reporting data following the price cut.The rise in Wii U sales is not exclusive to the United States. Wii U sales in the United Kingdom rose 685 percent the week after the limited-edition “Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD” bundle was introduced on October 4.Nintendo also announced today, citing data from the NPD Group, that the 3DS was the best-selling game system in the United States for the fifth straight month. Specific sales numbers were not provided."
"2K Marin, developer of the recently-released “The Bureau: XCOM Declassified,” is laying off a “large number” of employees. A “majority” of the team has been let go, with “the only developers safe from the layoffs” being ones that are relocating to 2K’s new studio helmed by “Gears of War” and “BioShock Infinite” producer Rod Fergusson.However, the scope of the layoffs appear to be significant, with one source telling Polygon that “2K Marin as we know it is closed.”"