Realm Media Networks - Lukewarm

Gamers donate one million dollars through Child's Play in 2006

Luke Wallace — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 11:02:41 -0800

The Child's Play annual fund raising campaign has finished this year with over one million dollars in cash and toys donated. The charity aims to help children's hospital through the gathering of books, toys, video games, and cash that can be used to help the kids who have to visit the facilities. Started in 2003, each year has seen massive growth in the amount of toys and funds raised, with 2006 being the first year to reach the magical million dollar mark.

Use the read more link below to read more about Child's Play 2006

Lukewarm: 1980s co-branding returns with Viva Piñata

Luke Wallace — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 12:20:48 -0800

Microsoft Game Studios has recently announced a partnership with 4Kids Entertainment to create a TV show, game, and related merchandise that's designed to entertain the kids and bring in a ton of money for themselves. But I'm getting ahead of myself, this is really about a game... or is it?

I first saw the press release for Viva Piñata, and wondered why this seemingly childish game was such a big deal to Microsoft. Then I saw something that doesn't usually accompany game press releases: Information on the Animated Television Series. What is interesting is not that the TV show will be coming out before the game, but that the game is already considered part of the major strategy, and the offset release of the game is by design.

Lukewarm: CES hints at Microsoft's HD plan

Luke Wallace — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 13:07:50 -0800

During his CES keynote, Bill Gates promoted the high-def aspect of the Xbox 360, with good reason. As the first HD console to market, the Xbox 360 has the unique opportunity to get a foothold in an otherwise deserted market. Right now, HD content is limited to what airs on your television channels. Soon HD-DVD and Blu-ray will come into the picture, and Microsoft is fighting to keep it's position.

Microsoft has stated that in a recent study 9 out of 10 owners of Xbox 360s either have HDTVs or plan on purchasing them. I'm sure they are glad that so many people are that enthusiastic about their hardware, where a new - probably fairly expensive - TV can be considered an Xbox 360 accessory.

Controller-ing a Revolution?

Luke Wallace — Sun, 18 Dec 2005 09:11:14 -0800

I have to admit, I'm not much of a console gamer. I enjoy playing them, but I don't own an Xbox or PS2 or even a GameCube. Since graduating from college a few years ago, I haven't had much motivation to play any of the newer systems. There are many reasons, but I want to focus on one that may be addressed by the gaming industry soon. One of the main reasons I haven't played a lot of games is that the controls haven't changed much in the past few years. That may sound like an odd reason to not play, but hear me out.

Gamers generosity grows in spite of new toys

Luke Wallace — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 09:01:11 -0800

The gaming industry has continued to expand every year, meaning there are more gamers, and more money in gamers' hands. One thing that gamers have been doing for the past few years is to put this money towards a noble cause, helping children in hospitals. The Child's Play charity orginization was started by the guys at Penny-Arcade, a online comic that centers around gaming.