US News Wrap, August 2 - What Happened Today

A few bits and bobs today, but it was still relatively slow, and we're betting it has something to do with gamescom in a couple of weeks. Still, there was enough to keep you somewhat informed, so if you were to busy today to read anything, get it in condensed form below.

• EA Sports launches Season Ticket sub services for Xbox 360 and PS3

EA Sports has launched a new incentive for its major sports titles, which will run you around $25 a year for special goodies and early play time.

• Hawkins suggests casual devs practice platform agnosticism because iOS is close to peaking

Trip Hawkins thinks those who focus only on iOS development should branch out a bit more, because like the former Roman Empire, Apple is reaching its peak.

• NFS: The Run Limited Edition contains three super-hot cars

Need for Speed: The Run is getting three hot cars in its Limited Edition. Lamborghini, Porsche, and a 2012 Camaro.

• ArenaNet: Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 will be able to coexist

Guild Wars 2 will not cause Guild Wars to shut down, because the original is still cost effective.

• THQ announces line-up for EG Expo

THQ is bringing playable goodies to the EG Expo in September.

• Namco Bandai Q1 – Games segment sales up 8.1% to ¥35.6 billion

Namco's first quarter for FY12 was good. Shipped titles did well, too.

• Bioware: “Polarized” opinions on Dragon Age 2 are “better than apathy”

What Bioware is basically saying is it's better to be p**sed off and rant about it, than not care and keep your lip zipped.

• AC: Brotherhood hitting PSN with special offers for Plus members

Assassin's Creed titles are on sale for PS Plus Members, and AC: Brotherhood is now downloadable.

• PSA: Limbo hitting Steam today for $10

As promised, Limbo has arrived on Steam.

• BBFC listing points to GotY edition for Red Dead Redemption

More signs point to yes when it concerns a GotY edition for Red Dead Redemption.

• More shots of BF3′s Battlelog service pop up

Some extra shots of the Battlelog social networking aspect of Battlefield 3 have popped up.

• Those who play leaked game builds are “choosing to ruin their own experience,” says Fergusson

Epic's Rod Fergusson thinks people should stay away from leaked game builds so that they can go into a new game release untarnished.

• Resident Evil 5 DLC gets a PSN sale

The titles says it all, really.

• Quick Quotes: Catherine is “largest launch in the 20-year history of Atlus”

Catherine's launch was the best ever for Atlus in its 20 year history. Now, about those numbers...

• Port Royale 3 announced for PC and console in 2012

A third installment in Port Royale series has been announced, and pirate aficionados everywhere are rejoicing.

• Humble Indie Bundle 3 hits $1 million

Gamers have purchased $1 million worth of Humble Bundle 3 units.

• Ubisoft: “85 percent of the Assassin’s Creed lore,” is already mapped out

Ubisoft knows where the story of Assassin's Creed is going. You'll just have to play the games to find out.

• EA Sports: Skipping out on Season Pass will not affect gamers adversely

Basically, if you don't want to buy it, you don't have to - but you'll want to - is what EA is saying here.

• Quick Quotes: Harada on making Ryu’s fireballs work in 2D

Harada and his team are trying to figure out how to make Ryu's balls of fire work in 2D for Tekken x Street Fighter.

• Tuesday Shorts II: Portal rumors, Minecraft, Dark Meadow, FF Type-0

Portal 2's voice actress is doing something more for the series, Minecraft has been Left 4 Dead, Dark Meadow has a teaser trailer, FF Type-0 shots are lovely, a UK artist has created a bunch of faux book covers for games, Epic's Rod Fergusson is in a health magazine, DCUO is going to the Fortress of Solitude, get a free trial of Gods and Heroes, and dress yourself in Assassin's Creed apparel.

See you tomorrow.

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