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For those of you who are unaware, an Online Pass is a way for game companies to manage the rights of their games that have online functionality. This pass usually comes packaged with a new game and allows the gamer access to online features and bonus content. The brilliant minds at Electronic Arts have decided to put online passes into two of their upcoming games, SSX and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The latter, a single-player game, includes an online pass that grants you access to the an additional quest line giving gamers all the more reason to buy it new. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning drops Feb 7 and SSX Feb 28. What these passes boil down too is a way for the company to reduce the sale of used games while still being able to make a profit if it is bought used. Do you think more companies will begin to adapt this business model? And what do you think of online passes in general? [via Destructoid ]

Over the past week there has been a lot of rumors and speculations on several aspects on what the next generation Xbox will be capable of. Now take everything you're about to read with a grain of salt as they are just rumors and have not officially been confirmed. In 2011 there were rumors that the next Xbox would be coming in 2012 and would be shown at this year's CES which never happened. It was also rumored that it would make an appearance at this years E3 but Microsoft has stated that there won't be anything new this year. E3 in 2013 also holds the possibility of being when Microsoft decides to reveal their new console with the release following shortly after. As CES 2012 has passed its safe to assume that the 2013 reveal for the next Xbox is more likely. Along with a rumored release date comes a new name. XBOX 720 seems like the next logical choice but rumors suggests the system has been codenamed XBOX LOOP. Next up hardware. One of the news bits about the next gen...

Those who were looking forward to Netflix's game rental service will have to find other means of doing so. Netflix has decided to drop their plan to implement a game rental service in addition to the movie rental and video streaming service. It seems that having a game rental element to Netflix wasn't something customers really cared much for.

The Steam Client is venturing into new territory with an app for mobile devices. The Steam App is now in a closed beta phase for both Android and iOS devices. Value's aim with this new piece of software is to allow Steam members to view a games screenshots, chat with friends, browse community groups, read the Steam News feed and check out the latest Steam sales. Downloading the app gets you access to the beta as long as Value gives the OK. It's good to see Value listening to what their customers want. Here's a link to either version. [via GamePolitics ]

There is just something about the new Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning game by Electronic Arts and Big Huge Games that really gets you excited to play the it when it launches on February 7. This new trailer paints an effective picture of what your time in the game world will be like. Get More: GameTrailers.com , Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - Exclusive - A Heroes Guide to Amalur: A New World To Discover HD , PC Games , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360

In 2011, gamers had a year filled with games that missed there original release date. Although the year turned out to be a great one, waiting for a game to be released just to have it pushed back can be heart-wrenching. Gears of War 3 was delay almost five months and Mass Effect 3 was pushed into another year. It is now 2012, the year has just started and already games are seeing their original release date altered. Most recently Saber Interactive's Inversion was move from its February 7 release date to March 27 and while Max Payne 3 was originally scheduled for a March release, Take-Two has decided to move the game to a May release window. Here's the shortlist of delayed games (so far): Mass Effect 3 Demo [Delayed until February] SSX [Delayed 2 weeks] XCOM [Delayed until the next fiscal year] Anarchy Reigns [Delayed until July] Diablo III [Delayed, official release unknown] Gotham City Impostors [Delayed until February] Ghost Recon: Future Soldier [Delay until May] ...

According to Major Nelsons blog those who are looking to get their hands on the reboot of the Syndicate series will not have to wait much longer. The co-op demo is slated to be released on January 31 giving gamers a lot of time to get a feel for the game before its February 21 release date. Are you looking forward to this new Syndicate or would you have preferred an update to the original?

Originally thought to have a January release date, the ME3 demo has been pushed back to February 14. This news comes via way of a new video released today showcasing Mass Effect 3 with Kinect functionality. This new function has alot of possibilities to increase the level of immersion for a player as the won't have to pause the game to issue commands or change weapons. Some may like it while others won't. What do you think of ME3 new Kinect feature. Get More: GameTrailers.com , Mass Effect 3 - Better With Kinect Featurette HD , PC Games , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360 [via Gametrailers ]

A trailer showcasing some of the new fighters in Capcom's Street Fighter X Tekken was released today. Juri, Xiaoyu, Paul, Law, Vega and Balrog have been added to the roster of cross combatants, which is shaping up to be quite a list of unique and popular fighters. Additionally in another video M. Bison, Jin and Devil Jin make an appearance, hinting at the possibility of these characters appearing in the game. With the March 2012 release date slowly approaching will Capcom be able to satisfy both Tekken and Street Fighter fans?

The Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo drops today on the XB Game Marketplace. Those who are eagerly awaiting this game can now get a taste of it by playing the Introductory level followed by a 45 minute session in the game world. As mentioned last week, playing the demo unlocks items for both Mass Effect 3 and Reckoning games respectively. Reckoning is schedule to be release on February 7 in the US and February 10 in EU. With many people still enjoying the world of Skyrim, how do you think Kingdoms of Amalur will fare when it's released?

Jack Estacado and The Darkness are back to impale, decapitate and eat the hearts of those who want The Darkness for themselves. With new gameplay mechanics, modes and artistic direction The Darkness II ensnare fans and newcomers alike. Head over to the Game Marketplace and download the demo here and embrace the Darkness. The Darkness II officially launches on February 7, 2012.

If you were looking forward to the upcoming reboot of 2K Marins reboot of First-Person Shooter Strategy game X-COM then it looks like you'll have to wait awhile longer to get your hands on it--an entire year in fact. X-COM was scheduled to be released this March however 2K Marin has decided to push the game into the next fiscal year. Although you can't get your hands on X-COM this year you will be able to get you hands on the remake by Firaxis Games, X-COM: Enemy Unknown. Enemy Unknown is more closely tied to the original game and will include real-time strategy view and turn based combat. The reboot may not have its turn this year but you will get your X-COM fix for 2012.

Fans of the Armored Core series by From Software will be pleased to know that the newest installment, Armored Core V, will be released on March 20 in the US and March 23 in Europe. Pre-ordering the game from Gamestop nets you some extra weapons and parts to outfit your multiplayer mech with. [via joystiq ]

It was revealed today that Tecmo Koei's new game Ninja Gaiden 3 will be getting a collector's edition. The collector's edition will feature an exclusive Ninja Gaiden 3 art book, the games soundtrack, and a "Duel of the Masked" collectible figure. The icing comes from the downloadable code for the Alpha "Scramble" stage demo in Dead or Alive 5. Ninja Gaiden 3 is scheduled to be launch on the Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 23. Also check out the new Multiplayer trailer in the Cinema section.

In a great start to this mornings industry news, the demos for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Mass Effect 3 will both offer gamers a chance to receive in-game items. The Reckoning demo will unlock items for ME3 and itself respectively, while the ME3 demo will unlock items for Reckoning. Both demos are slated to be released this month so be on the lookout for them on the Game Marketplace. Check the list below for a look at the items you can get by playing each demo. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo item unlocks for Mass Effect 3: Reckoner Knight Armor: This armor will maximize damage done in close-quarters combat while a beefed–up power cell feeds energy into weapon systems to increase projectile velocity. The Chakram Launcher: This weapon uses a fabricator to manufacture lightweight, explosive ammunition discs. This weapon is earned after completing the Reckoning demo and watching the trailer at the end. Mass Effect 3 demo item unlocks for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning: N7 ...

Say it ain't so...unfortunately it is. In a recent press release from Ubisoft, IP development director Adrian Lacey announced that instead of the March release window Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will now be released on May 22 in the US and May 24 in Europe. Fans and those eagerly anticipating the release of this game will be disappointed but there is a silver lining. Ubisoft has announced that there will be a multiplayer beta for the game will be available in April. On a scale of 1 to 10 how excited are you to play this game? [via joystiq ]

At their CES 2012 Press Conference, Microsoft announced that the Kinect will officially be launched for Windows PCs. Coming February 1st PC gamers will get to experience all that Microsofts' motion gaming device has to offer.

The media streaming service, Netflix, will be making its way to the new Sony PlayStation Vita when it launches next month. Sony announced this at their CES 2012 Press Conference. With Netflix available on so many devices it wasn't hard to see this one coming.

A game that may not be on everyone radar, Asura's Wrath, from the folks at CyberConnect2, just released a demo on Game Marketplace. If you were curious or up in the air about this one, now's the time to download it and try it out. As of right now it seems to be a GOLD EXCLUSIVE but others shouldn't have to wait long to get their hands on it. [via Major Nelson ]

As a consumer society we like, need and want different things and with a variety of options getting them can easily be achieved. When you apply this to the video game industry you get games in the various versions, from Regular to Limited Editions, to Collector’s and Deluxe Editions. In addition to these editions, retailers often take it upon themselves to offer pre-order incentives. Pre-Ordering will give you access to a specific item, weapon or accessory, a discount or some other incentive that is unique to the store to get customer to buy from that retailer. In 2011 we saw several games receive the incentives treatment and a few that received retailer specific incentives. Its now 2012 and retailers are back at it again. Mass Effect 3 and Prototype 2 have both been given retailer specific incentive months before their launch and you can guarantee a lot more will follow. As a result, gamers have to choose the incentive they really want but not necessarily from their regular retaile...