Top 5 Games & Portal 2 Discussion: LOTSO 003

Legend of the Stoned Owl, Episode 3:

We list our personal top 5 video games of all time, discuss the new Easter egg approach Valve is taking to promote Portal 2, cover the interesting aspects of the Infinity Ward vs Activation case, and give you a preview of Metro 2033.

PLUS – We take the chat rooms live suggestions for their top 5 video games of all time!

Grab one of LOTSO’s feeds to get the show when its released:

Show Notes:

News:

Valve mystifies gamers with Portal update

https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/03/valve-mystifies-gamers-with-portal-update.ars

Halo Reach Multiplayer Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E95PeZ0qsLY

Release via Xbox Live Download, May 3rd, 2010
Halo: Reach is a standalone prequel with a new (and darker) story that takes place in the year 2552.
Mankind is at war with the Covenant on a human-occupied planet called Reach.
Upgraded A.I.

Infinity Ward vs Activision

https://gameinformer.com/
Infinity Ward’s 16 page complaint – Kotaku.com

The two Infinity Ward leaders (Jason West and Vince Zampella) are accusing Activision of breaking there Memorandum of Understanding, which is used pretty much as a non legally binding formal agreement. Apparently the equivalent of a gentleman’s agreement or a handshake. Sounds weird already, right?
The Memorandum of Understanding included:
- Giving Infinity Ward creative authority of any post Vietnam era Call of Duty or Modern Warfare game, even games set in the future.
- 100% control of Infinity Ward.
- The choice to develop two new IPs after MW2.
- A fat chunk of money in royalties.

Activision’s Alleged Investigation

Infinity Ward alleges that an investigation was launched to create a reason to fire them, not to uncover anything wrong they might have done.
- Activision wouldn’t tell the two why were investigating them. They were told they “already have a clear understanding of what they have or have not done.”
- Part of the investigation was a six hour interrogation in a conference room without window.
- Other Infinity Ward employees were also interrogated, some even cried!
- West and Zampella refused to hand over there cell phones and computers and were dubbed insubordinate by Activision attorneys.
West and Zampella also say they were called “to a sham meeting” by Activision “during which they were fired on the basis of false and trivial charges, and then quickly escorted out the back door.” West and Zampella feel they were fired for no reason.
Activision will not pay the $36 Million in royalties to West and Zampella.
The two are seeking damages TBD! Probably over $36 Million.

Justin’s thoughts on this craziness

What were on the phones and computers?
How can you sue Activision over a non legally binding agreement?
The Call of Duty franchise has brought in over $3 Billion, $36 Million doesn’t seem to justify firing the two just to save a few ducketts.
Let’s not forget that Activision CEO Bobby Kotick seems like total dick with his famous quote “The goal that I had in bringing a lot of the packaged goods folks into Activision about 10 years ago was to take all the fun out of making video games.” And he wants to instill into the company culture “skepticism, pessimism, and fear.” I don’t even know Activision’s side of the story because they’re keeping quiet, but I’m already thinking that they’re the bad guy just from this butthole CEO Kotick.

Preview:

Metro 2033 https://www.metro2033game.com/en

developed by 4A Games in Ukraine
For PC & 360
“RPG-light”
Set in the massive Moscow subway system – Suppose to be laid out like the real station.
In the world of Metro 2033, cash holds little value. Instead, a premium has been placed on ammunition – particularly ammunition produced before the war. These bullets are higher quality and thus do more damage. But to get at some of the better weapons in the underground, you need to trade. So, here’s the big trade-off. Do you hold on to these powerful bullets and use them against enemies in a dangerous situation? Or do you hoard them and splurge on better gear, relegating yourself to using weaker ammo?
Pre-Order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V16T0Q/?tag=thelinactsho-20