Mom's Minute

Scene from Star Wars 1313

You may have heard that LucasArts was recently acquired by Disney.  That being the case, now begs the question, "What happens to LucasArts' Star Wars 1313?" Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you view Disney taking over LucasArts (for a reported $4 billion), Star Wars 1313 is at the complete mercy of Disney. There is speculation that this video game may be in jeopardy since Disney's focus appears to be on mobile and social games. Also Star Wars 1313 may not quite fit Disney's core culture.

Star Wars 1313

According to Disney's CEO Bog Iger, Disney may be licensing out some video games for the consoles which could include Star Wars 1313.  In the meantime LucasArts is saying that business will go on as usual for now, just as if the acquisition by Disney had not occurred. Of course, the playing out of this "business as usual" scenario remains to be seen.

Star Wars 1313

However, with such a large acquisition which includes questionable fates of other games, in addition to Star Wars 1313, it is very likely that decisions will have to be made by Disney regarding the future for these video games -- maybe sooner than later.

Star Wars 1313 video game has an expected release time frame of 2014. No specific release date was available at press time.

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Video Games Live! Music Concert

Video Games Live! is a music concert with the purpose of encouraging and recognizing the culture and art of video games.  The concert was created and produced by an industry professional, Tommy Tallirico in 2005, and quickly became the biggest and most popular video game music concert in the world.

The concert is a multi-media extravaganza, complete with top orchestras and choirs, exclusive video game footage, music arrangements, sychronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists and unique interactive segments.   This music concert is purported to give you an explosive entertainment experience.

Video Game Live! features renowed bands, orchestras and more with the central theme of video games music.

This year's Video Games Live! concert will be held at 8:00 p.m. EST,  November 29, 2012 at the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.  Ticket prices range from $39.00 to $89.00 and can be obtained at http://www.ticketmaster.com/  or at www.bergenpac.org .  

Scene from Eternal Darkness video game for the Game Cube

To get into the Halloween frame of mind, you may like to play a horror video game that has been listed in the top ten.  This is part 2 of the top ten horror video games in no particular order as  ranked by DePaul University students.  Part 1 listed the top 5.  Below are the remaining top five horror video games along with a description.

6.  Clive Barker's Undying -- A PC game where the action takes place in a desolate Irish coast, where you play the role of an Indiana Jones-like  World War II veteran.

7.  Hellnight -- This video game was released only in Japan and Europe with a plot centering around you being in a metro system after a train crash, along with unfriendly creatures.

8.  Eternal Darkness -- Playable exclusively on the Game Cube, this video game was heavily inspired by horror writers including writings of Edgar Allan Poe, and even had a unique "sanity meter" that was patented by Nintendo.

F.E.A.R. video game for the PC

9.  F.E.A.R. -- In this game, you are in control of a SWAT-like team called F.E.A.R. which stands for First Encounter Assault Recon, specializing in the paranormal.

Amnesia:  The Dark Descent video game

10.  Amnesia:  The Dark Descent -- This video game puts you in the role of an amnesiac trying to regain your memory while being followed by grotesque, horrific creatures.

This list completes the top ten horror video games.  With the thousands upon thousands of horror video games, this list is probably just the tip of the iceberg.  If your favorite horror game did not make the list, don't rule it out as the scariest video game.  Your game may be a horror video game that just did not make this particular list.

Top Ten Horror Video Games -- Part l Read More

GameStop launches holiday pop-up stores

GameStop is expanding to bring you holiday pop-up stores in 80 cities around the United States.  The stores will be called GameStop Kids.  Some of the pop-up stores will be opening up for business as early as October 26, 2012.

In addition to video games, these stores will offer impulse buys as well as children video game related items such as licensed plush goods, accessories, and collectibles.  Smart phone/tablet accessories including those for the iPhone/iPad willl also be available. 

Star Wars figure  Chewbacca, Mass Effect Series 2 action figures and other stocking stuffers will be sold at GameStop's pop-up stores. The idea  is to entice you to purchase video games and other gift items while you are already out and about doing your holiday  shopping.

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GameStop to add pop-up holiday stores.

You can  expect to see items from GameStop's "other" category product mix as GameStop seeks to supplement its business and add to its bottom line.

By opening up these pop-up stores, GameSop will be joining companies such as Amazon which has pop-up stores to help drive up its kindle gift sales and Microsoft to help propel the launch of its surface tablet.

Visit GameStop's website  at http://www.gamestop.com/mrkt/landing/gskids-event-locator/ for specific locations of its pop-up stores.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Screenshot

Mum's the word when it comes to the release date for the highly anticipated video game, Grand Theft Auto V.  However, there is a rumored leak from European retailers' posters.  The European retailers are pointing to a release date of Spring, 2013.  Narrowing the date down in months would indicate a release date between March, 2013  and May, 2013 for Grand Theft Auto V.

Art work from Grand Theft Auto V

Rockstar Games has yet to announce an official release date for this video game. There will be a cover story on Grand Theft Auto V in GameInformer's  December, 2012 issue, where more details may be provided about the date.

Grand Theft Auto V

In addition to European retailers, other sources such as business analysts within the video game industry are suggesting the game will debut in the March-May, 2013 timeframe.

Of course the most reliable source for the date would be Rockstar Games executives, who are remaining silent, for now, regarding a release date for Grand Theft Auto V.

Share Your Ideas for Grand Theft Auto V Read More

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