“December 2010 represented one of the strongest monthly performances the industry has ever had at retail. It was a robust finish to a year marked by innovation and engaging millions of consumers through a multitude of delivery models. Computer and video games led all other entertainment options as we responded to consumers’ demands for creative content on every platform from consoles to smart phones to handheld game devices. I look forward to a strong 2011 with a great pipeline of titles, many of which will be unveiled at the global center of video games—the E3 Expo.” – Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association
“While Twisted Pixel did have discussions with our console game team about publishing ‘Splosion Man’ on game consoles, Capcom Mobile is a different division of Capcom with separate offices and as such, had no prior knowledge of any meetings between the console game team and Twisted Pixel. ‘MaXplosion’ was developed independently by Capcom Mobile. Nonetheless, we are saddened by this situation and hope to rebuild the trust of our fans and friends in the gaming community.” – Capcom statement
Saddened, but not enough to pull MaXplosion down off the App Store.
“We’re definitely not going to pursue legal action. While I think the similarities are pretty nauseating [between Twisted Pixel's "Splosion Man" and Capcom's "MaXplosion"], we’re too small to take on a company like Capcom. That, and we owe them one for inventing Mega Man, so we’ll let them slide. I just hope they’re not counting on the fact that indies can’t fight back.”
“In general, anything that would take our focus off of making games would be a bad decision, I think. We just need to keep our heads down making the next thing so that Capcom has something to steal next year. But I have to say, the amount of support we’ve seen in the last 12 hours on Twitter and over email has been awesome, and I think that’s better than wining [sic] a stupid lawsuit or anything like that.” – Twisted Pixel CEO Michael Wilford
I love that answer. Mr. Wilford just went up a few notches in my book.
In its motion, Microsoft said “app” is a generic term for what is sold at the App Store and that “store” is generic for retail store services. Apple’s archrival also attempted to use CEO Steve Jobs’ own words against him, citing a published interview that quoted Jobs as saying “Amazon, Verizon and Vodafone have all announced that they are creating their own app stores for Android.”
Microsoft seems to have a point, the terms are very generic. However, I think they would be better served coming up with their own name. Everyone equates App Store with Apple and it’s too late to change that.
Gizmodo is reporting that the Verizon version of the iPhone 4 has had its antenna notches slightly modified from the original AT&T phone. According to early reports it seems like this modification is resulting in a stronger signal, but further testing will be required to know for sure.
01/11/2011 – BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and CUPERTINO, CA — Verizon Wireless and Apple® today announced that the iPhone® 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning on Thursday, February 10. Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be given the exclusive opportunity to pre-order iPhone 4 online on February 3, ahead of general availability.
