Report: Microsoft and publishers get a cut of used sales

The unveiling of the Xbox One left us with more questions than answers. Specifically, gamers huddled around the issue of used games, wondering if they'll still be able to pick up titles at a cheaper rate, like they've done since the beginning of time.

Well, according to a report by MCV, we may have an idea of what's going to happen sooner than later. Apparently, the way it works is this -- retailers have to agree to terms set forth by Microsoft for used sales (much like credit card retailer agreements). Microsoft's cloud system is integrated into the deal, and when the used game owner hands over the disc, it's wiped from their Xbox Live account. Microsoft and the publisher then take a cut of the sale, and the retail store gets the rest.

So used games will still exist according to this report, but in a crippled state. This basically means that small business are screwed, and said business will either have to not sell used Xbox One games, or mark them up to the point where they can't stay competitive with Microsoft. Small retailers aren't going to agree to the terms set forth by Microsoft if it means splitting a potential small margin pie into three slices.

However, cash rules everything around us, so if Microsoft and publishers are going to win out on this deal, I can see more publishers (cough, EA) wanting to get in on this scheme, and leave platforms (Wii U, cough) that don't adopt it in the dust. Will consumers vote with their wallets and force Microsoft to abandon the policy?

Publishers to receive cut [MCV]

Tetris Bliz now out, free for iOS and Android

Tetris Blitz is now available on iOS and Android for free. Blitz takes the Tetris concept and shoves it into a two minute line clearing frenzy where you want to score as many points as possible. The fast-paced game features one-touch Tetromino placing, power-ups, and leaderboards.

I just gave Blitz a quick spin while writing this piece up and it was enjoyable. I've never been a fan of puzzle games with time limits, but I did have a little fun scrambling to clear lines. Not bad for $0.00. 

Watch Donkey Kong scare a bunch of kids at the zoo

How does Nintendo go about promoting Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D? By scaring the hell out of little kids.

DeNA's next two games are G.I. Joe and Dungeons & Dragons

DeNA is continuing their partnership with Hasbro by releasing two new titles: G.I. Joe Battleground and Dungeons & Dragons Arena of War. G.I. Joe I expect will be much like the Transformers game where you collect and battle with cards from both the Joe and Cobra side.

Arena of War, on the other hand, looks like it's going to be a full on action title based on the screens. We can expect questing, character leveling, and small team collaboration out of the D&D title.

Both games will be free-to-play, and we can expect them something later this year for Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate gets another Virtua Fighter

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate expands its fighting roster with the addition of Virtua Fighter's Jacky Bryant. Fan favorite Ein will be also making his first return to the franchise since Dead or Alive 2. Plus there will be two new stages with the addition of Lost World and Forest. And of course there will be a bunch of new costumes.

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate will be out this fall for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.