The Wii got off to a massive start (err– a four year long “start”) across the globe, but despite the sales lead it managed to procure it seems that sluggish sales of the console in 2011 and 2012 have allowed Microsoft’s competing Xbox to close the gap and prepare to surpass Nintendo in the coming months. According to Chart Track data, the Xbox 360 actually outsold the Wii 4 to 1 in 2012.

“The success of Microsoft and the Xbox 360 during the past two years highlights a radical changing of the guard in the game industry. Much has been made about a steady video game sales decline in the past three years. In reality the decline has mainly been due to the aging console systems and more importantly because of Nintendo’s collapse.” – DFC Intelligence, analysis firm

The real question now is whether the Wii U can perform even half as good as its predecessor.

Via CVG

Crytek’s new studio in Austin, Texas is primarily comprised of ex-Vigil employees. This may seem like a pretty good opportunity for Crytek to pick up THQ’s Darksiders IP, but nope – it won’t be happening.

If Crytek USA won’t be working on Darksiders, what kind of titles will the company be involved with? Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli explained:

“It would be pretty much safe to say that this team will be working on online games. (Crytek USA will focus on) online games and kick-ass triple-A productions. It is going to be quite a significant investment for Crytek over the next five years.”

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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Warren Spector has moved on from Disney Interactive. Spector’s studio, Junction Point, was officially shut down today, but it was unclear if he would move on from Disney as a whole.

A representative has since confirmed that Warren Spector is no longer with Disney. This is backed up by his LinkedIn profile, which now states: “Wondering what comes next?… Want to talk?”

Source 1, Source 2

The video below gives another inside look into LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, along with past LEGO games:

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Amazon is selling Call of Duty: Black Ops II today for $45. The deal is valid for all platforms, including Wii U. However, the PC download is still priced at $59.99.

You can view the product page here. With a purchase, you’ll be saving 25%.

Gunman Clive players in North America should now be able to download a new update for the game. Europe received the patch a few days ago.

Visit the 3DS eShop and you should be prompted for the update. You’ll be taken to a screen to initiate the download.

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This week’s GameStop deals are as follows:

Note: The offers above are running concurrently with the standard weekly sales.

Zelda: Hyrule Historia has officially launched throughout the world. All major retailers will be selling the book starting today. Get it, people!

Disney Interactive has confirmed that Junction Point Studios has closed its doors. The company was officially shuttered today.

In a statement, Disney said:

“It was with much sadness that we informed our teams today of changes to our Games organization, which include the closure of Junction Point Studios. These changes are part of our ongoing effort to address the fast-evolving gaming platforms and marketplace and to align resources against our key priorities. We’re extremely grateful to Warren Spector and the Junction Point team for their creative contributions to Disney with Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey 2.”

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