Added: 23.07.2015 11:03 | 52 views | 0 comments

John Smedley, the founder of Sony Online Entertainment and chief executive of its reformed company Daybreak, is stepping down from his role as head of the company.

It is not immediately clear if Smedley was asked to leave or if the move was his decision.

The well-known games executive had managed his company for close to two decades, forming it in 1998 under the name Verant Interactive. In 2000, Sony purchased the San Diego business and renamed it Sony Online Entertainment, with Smedley still in charge of day-to-day operations. Then in February, Sony sold the firm to Columbus Nova, and Smedley's studio , writing: "His parents need to be held accountable for his actions in addition to his going to jail. So I'm coming for you Julius."

Now, in a statement issued to GamesBeat, a representative for Daybreak explained that Smedley was taking time off, and would return under a different role.

“I can confirm that John Smedley will be taking some time off from the company for the near-term and transitioning to a different role to be determined,” the spokesperson said.

“Upon finalization of his plans, further communication will be provided.”

Added: 23.07.2015 11:03 | 37 views | 0 comments

John Smedley, the founder of Sony Online Entertainment and chief executive of its reformed company Daybreak, is stepping down from his role as head of the company.

It is not immediately clear if Smedley was asked to leave or if the move was his decision.

The well-known games executive had managed his company for close to two decades, forming it in 1998 under the name Verant Interactive. In 2000, Sony purchased the San Diego business and renamed it Sony Online Entertainment, with Smedley still in charge of day-to-day operations. Then in February, Sony sold the firm to Columbus Nova, and Smedley's studio , writing: "His parents need to be held accountable for his actions in addition to his going to jail. So I'm coming for you Julius."

Now, in a statement issued to GamesBeat, a representative for Daybreak explained that Smedley was taking time off, and would return under a different role.

“I can confirm that John Smedley will be taking some time off from the company for the near-term and transitioning to a different role to be determined,” the spokesperson said.

“Upon finalization of his plans, further communication will be provided.”

Added: 17.07.2015 0:35 | 65 views | 0 comments

15. The Death Star

That's no moon. It's a space station—a space station that houses the greatest weapon in the galaxy. The Death Star has the power to destroy whole worlds in a single burst from its superlaser. Princess Leia learns that the hard way when Governor Tarkin orders the destruction of her home world, Alderaan. But thanks to her brother’s connection to the Force, and a crucial design flaw in the Death Star’s plans, the Empire loses its greatest power. (Photo by: Lucasfilm)

14. Dirty Harry’s Revolver

No punk should feel lucky to face a .44 Magnum pistol, especially when it's in the hands of antihero cop Dirty Harry. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver remains popular after famously debuting in the hands of Clint Eastwood’s gritty action star. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

13. The Ghostbusters’ Proton Packs

Fine: It’s more containment device than full-on weapon. Just don’t call the proton pack a toy—at least in front of Egon. When there’s something strange in your neighborhood, the Ghostbusters don their proton packs to suck up unseemly ghouls. With a half-life of 5,000 years, the packs are the best long-term defense against the immortal dead. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

12. The Noisy Cricket

Despite its comically tiny size, The Noisy Cricket packs quite a punch against the most aggressive aliens. At first, Agent J is disappointed to receive the small gun, given the massive MIB arsenal. Little does he know how powerfully it can shoot ... or how far the recoil can throw him backwards. (Photo by: Columbia Pictures)

11. Beatrix Kiddo’s Katana

In the hands of The Bride/Beatrix Kiddo, the samurai sword illustrates exactly why she is also known as Black Mamba. The former assassin takes her vengeance to a legendary level at the House of Blue Leaves thanks to her "Japanese steel." The Crazy 88 never stand a chance. (Photo by: Miramax Films)

10. Thor’s Hammer

"Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor." Mjolnir isn’t just a fancy hammer. It’s quite literally what makes Thor, Thor. Imbuing the worthy Asgardian with the ability to fly and direct bolts of electricity, Mjolnir’s also pretty good at just plain hammering. When Thor and Captain America join forces with their respective awesome weapons, as they did in Avengers: Age of Ultron, no HYDRA agent can stop them. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

9. Bruce Lee

Martial arts action movie legend Bruce Lee popularized nunchucks on the silver screen, but the most imposing weapon he shows off in his films is his own unadorned body. Despite starring in only a handful of kung fu films, his onscreen skills show that no one can match the hands and feet he was born with. (Photo by: Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment)

8. Indiana Jones’ Whip

Indy without his whip is just any old archaeologist with a cool hat. The globe-trotting adventurer uses his bullwhip to evade booby traps, climb out of sticky situations, and fight off bad guys. Then again, sometimes a regular ol’ gun works in a pinch against sinister sword-wielding men. (Photo by: Lucasfilm Ltd.)

7. Sting

Featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Sting is Bilbo Baggins’s trusty Elvish blade, which glows blue when orcs and goblins are near. It may be just a dagger for men and elves, but for a hobbit, Sting is the perfect sword. Wielded by Bilbo, Frodo, and even Sam, Sting plays a crucial role in ensuring the defeat of the evil Sauron and the One Ring. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

6. Identity Disc

You have to hand it to Tron and Tron: Legacy: They may not win any screenwriting accolades, but they sure have awesome gadgets. The multifunction Identity Disc or Light Disc isn’t just a sleek throwing weapon and gaming device. It’s also the soul of the Program who wields it. They’re like weaponized smart phones; they do it all! (Photo credit by: Disney)

5. Scarface’s Machine Gun

Scarface’s little friend is anything but amicable. The M-16A1 equipped with a grenade launcher allows the Miami drug kingpin Tony Montana to go out in a blaze of glory on his terms. (Photo by: Universal Pictures)

4. The Elder Wand

While all of the wands in the Wizarding World hold an innumerable power, at least for Muggles, it is the legendary Elder Wand that stands above all the rest. One of the Deathly Hallows, legend has it that it’s the most powerful wand ever created. (Photo by: Warner Bros.)

3. Captain America’s Shield

Not to be confused with S.H.I.E.L.D., Captain America’s shield is just as iconic as the superhero who wields it. Made from near indestructible vibranium metal, the shield serves as the perfect defense for a near-indestructible hero. In the hands of Steve Rogers, the shield can also reflect back energy from collisions and bounce around as a giant flying discus—much to every villain’s chagrin. (Photo by: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel)

2. Katniss Everdeen’s Bow And Arrow

Katniss Everdeen takes matters into her own hands, hunting for her family’s survival and defending herself when fighting in the Hunger Games. Her skill with the bow and arrow also marks her as an inspiration for the people of the Districts as a symbol against the totalitarian Capitol. (Photo by Murray Close/Lionsgate)

1. All the lightsabers

The combination of an unforgettable sound effect with an illuminated sword that can cut through anything and anyone makes for one of the most badass movie weapons ever. Blue, green, red, or purple—every lightsaber tells something about the warrior. Even the most critically panned of the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace, features mind-blowing laser sword moments starring Darth Maul’s double-bladed red lightsaber. (Photo by: Corbis/Lucasfilm Ltd.)