November 2006 in video gaming

In November 2006, new video games hardware including PlayStation 3 and Wii was being released in more countries. A video on demand service became available for Xbox Live. Concern was expressed in Europe over the violence in games such as Rule of Rose.

November 11th

• The PlayStation 3 is released in Japan. 100,000 units are available on the first day,^[1] and Sony expects to ship 100,000 units per week in Japan.^[2]

November 14th

• Ziff Davis announces that it will discontinue the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine.^[3]
• Foundation 9 acquires Amaze Entertainment.^[4]
• Left Behind Games releases the first Christian RTS video game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces.^[5]

November 16th

• European Commissioner for justice and security Franco Frattini writes a letter to European governments regarding his concern about violent video games, citing the survival horror game Rule of Rose as an example.^[6]

November 17th

• The PlayStation 3 is released in North America, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.^[7][8][9]
• A study by research firm BrandIntel reveals that Gears of War by Epic Games is the most anticipated video game for this holiday season. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was second, followed by Madden NFL 07.^[10]

November 19th

• The Wii is released in North America & South America.^[11][12][13]

November 21st

• Nintendo of Europe announces that the Nintendo DS has sold a total of 7 million units across Europe since its launch in March 2005. Worldwide totals are estimated to be around 27 million.^[14]
• Gears of War becomes the fastest selling Xbox 360 game in the UK ever, surpassing Pro Evolution Soccer 6.^[15]

November 22nd

• Blizzard Entertainment announces that it will debut World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade at SpikeTV's upcoming 4th annual VGA Video Game Awards.^[16]

November 23rd

• Empire Interactive has agreed to be acquired by Silverstar Holdings.^[17]
• Microsoft launches a video on demand service for Xbox Live.^[18]

November 24th

• Following complaints by European Commissioner for justice and security Franco Frattini, the survival horror game Rule of Rose is cancelled in the UK.^[19]

November 26th

• New PS3 games released in Canada & USA

November 30th

• Sony announces major reshuffle where Kaz Hirai becomes Sony Computer Entertainment president and Ken Kutaragi becomes SCE chairman.^[20]

References

1. http://edition.cnn.com/2006/TECH/fun.games/11/10/sony.ps3.ap/index.html
2. "PS3 launch rewards few". GameSpot.
3. Simon Carless. "Gamasutra - Ziff Davis To Discontinue U.S. Official PlayStation Magazine". gamasutra.com.
4. Jason Dobson. "Gamasutra - Foundation 9 Acquires Amaze Studios". gamasutra.com.
5. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/la-oe-stein16may16,1,7516233.column?coll=la-util-opinion-sunday
6. Jason Dobson. "Gamasutra - EU Commissioner Questions Rule Of Rose Content". gamasutra.com.
7. http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2006/11/17/ap3183908.html
8. http://www.forbes.com/technology/feeds/afx/2006/11/17/afx3184189.html
9. "PlayStation 3 launches in Taipei". taipeitimes.com.
10. Jason Dobson. "Gamasutra - Study: Gears of War Most Awaited Holiday Title". gamasutra.com.
11. "- Bloomberg". bloomberg.com.
12. http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-11-19T003304Z_01_N18219077_RTRUKOC_0_UK-MEDIA-NINTENDO-WII.xml&WTmodLoc=HP-C1-TopStories-7
13. "AOL.com - Netscape". AOL.com.
14. David Jenkins. "Gamasutra - Nintendo Celebrates 7 Million European DS Sales". gamasutra.com.
15. David Jenkins. "Gamasutra - Gears of War Turn Microsoft's Way In UK Charts". gamasutra.com.
16. Jason Dobson. "Gamasutra - VGA Awards To Debut Burning Crusade Cinema". gamasutra.com.
17. David Jenkins. "Gamasutra - Empire Interactive Accepts Acquisition Bid". gamasutra.com.
18. http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21247
19. David Jenkins. "Gamasutra - Rule Of Rose's UK Release Cancelled". gamasutra.com.
20. http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21442