Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/square-enix-sees-6-billion-yen-profit-in-fiscal-2012-thanks-to-d/#comments Square Enix's financial results for fiscal 2012 have been posted, and thanks to the releases of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Final Fantasy XIII-2, the developer has ended the year in the black, to the tune of a ¥6.06 billion (or $75.9 million) profit.

Total income from sales for the fiscal year, which for Square Enix ran from April 2011 through March 2012, totaled up to ¥127.89 billion ($1.6 billion) - a 2.1 percent year-over-year increase. After subtracting taxes and operating costs, the company was left with over ¥6 billion in profit, which must be welcome news for stockholders still feeling the sting from Square Enix's ¥12.04 billion ($150.86 million) loss in fiscal 2011.

"In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, we continued our efforts aimed at increasing profitability, including establishing best practices for the content in said growth areas, improving quality of our major online game, and strengthening our global structure," said Square Enix president Yoichi Wada in a statement accompanying the financial report. "We are accelerating the reformation to generate a substantial earnings improvement in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and beyond."

JoystiqSquare Enix sees 6 billion yen profit in fiscal 2012 thanks to Deus Ex, FFXIII-2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012iosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3Square-EnixxboxMon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/stiq-figures-april-30-may-6-sg-1000-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Image
For most of us who've grown up outside of Asia, Sega's history as a gaming hardware manufacturer begins with the Sega Master System, released on North American shores in June of 1986 to the tune of $200. In truth, the Sega Master System was actually the Sega Mark III, which itself was the third iteration of Sega's real first foray into hardware design, the SG-1000.

The SG-1000 (an acronym of "Sega Game" 1000) was released in Japan on July 15, 1983 for ¥15,000, which at the time amounted to $62.48 USD, assuming an average exchange rate of ¥240.06 to the dollar. (Coincidentally, this was the also the day that Nintendo launched the Famicom.) Armed with a blistering 3.5 MHz CPU and two whole entire kilobytes of RAM, the SG-1000 was only mildly successful in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, but curiously saw much greater success in the piracy-infected Taiwanese market.

North America, however, never saw an official SG-1000 release, although the Telegames Personal Arcade was released stateside and was capable of playing SG-1000 carts, had they somehow managed to make the trip across the Pacific. The SG-1000 Mark II was released a year later in 1984, sporting a redesigned case and identical components (sound familiar?). Nowadays, Mark I versions of the SG-1000 can go on eBay for as much as $1,500 - a good bit more than the 63 bucks it would have run you back in 1983.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, April 30 - May 6: SG-1000 edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesstiqfiguresSun, 13 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DLC Quest now on Mac App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/dlc-quest-now-on-mac-app-store/#comments Image
Going Loud Studios' uniquely endearing commentary on the current state of our industry's fetish for all things microtransactional is now available on the Mac App Store for $0.99, a whole dollar less than its original price on Desura.

In case you somehow missed our Indie Pitch or the subsequent interview with the game's creator, DLC Quest examines what happens when "DLC goes too far," requiring players to collect coins to purchase basic gameplay functionality such as "animation" and "walking to the left."

JoystiqDLC Quest now on Mac App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsDLC-QuestGoing-Loud-Studiosmacmac-app-storeSun, 13 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Awesomenauts DLC character info discovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/rumor-awesomenauts-dlc-character-info-discovered/#comments ImageA GameFaqs forums user by the name of MirrorB appears to have unearthed information detailing two forthcoming Awesomenauts DLC characters, one of which was already teased officially two days ago.

Sprites (above) and character sheets recovered from the game's system files outline two new Awesomenauts: Coco Nebulon and Derpl Zork. Coco, also known as "the cosmic waveblazer," rides a hoverboard and attacks with various ranged and melee forms of electricity. Her hoverboard jump also has a chance to randomly result in a completely wicked front-flip.

Meanwhile, Derpl Zork, aside from being the nephew of the president of Zork Industries and having an IQ "under the level of plankton in the official galaxial IQ test," is a slug in a walking tank. Zork's "combat walker" has been outfitted with traps, turrets and the ability to "Mew enemies into oblivion by shooting explosive holocats."

Of course, none of this is officially official until Ronimo Games makes some sort of announcement, but we're cautiously optimistic that this'll all play out. We really want explosive holocats to be a part of our lives.

JoystiqRumor: Awesomenauts DLC character info discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsCoco-NebulonDerpl-ZorkDLCdtp-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3ronimo-gamesxboxSun, 13 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/buy-the-greatest-song-ever-written-and-other-sonic-soundtracks/#comments Image
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.

Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.

Update: As it turns out, these soundtracks have been available since last year or earlier. Sega decided to nest the announcement of forthcoming Episode 1 and Episode 2 soundtracks within a reiteration of the availability of its other musical offerings.

Continue reading Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update]

JoystiqBuy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crush-40iTunesJun-SenouemusicSegasonic-adventuresonic-adventure-2Sonic-CDSonic-ColorsSonic-Heroessonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-1sonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2soundtrackssuper-sonic-songsthe-worksSun, 13 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Good morning, here's the Dragon's Dogma launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/good-morning-heres-the-dragons-dogma-launch-trailer/#comments Image
Most people may not know this, but starting your day off with dragons, burning ouroboroses and cheesy, overwrought voice acting is just as important as eating a well-balanced breakfast. It's something to do with fiber, and having your humors balanced ... Look, we're not nutritionists, okay?

JoystiqGood morning, here's the Dragon's Dogma launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdragons-dogmalaunch-trailermicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 13 May 2012 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-confused-and-scared/#comments Roughly two and a half weeks ago, at the behest of the Joystiq Qrew and my family, I ceased all consumption of soda-pop and fast-food. The change has been dramatic, to say the least, and while I feel less "full of goo" than I once did, I fear that I also may be changing into someone, or something, that I'm not comfortable with.

Earlier this week, for instance, I purchased blueberry-flavored Pop Tarts while grocery shopping, when I just as easily could have bought S'mores flavored. There wasn't even anyone else with me, it was a decision I made of my own volition and what's worse, I didn't even realize it until much, much later. This is just one example of the many, increasingly frequent health-conscious decisions I've made as of late.

So, I just wanted to tell you guys that I love you, while I still can. I don't know what is to become of me, but I want you to take these webcomics from last week, read them, vote for your favorites after the break, and enjoy. The old me would have wanted it that way.

Revenge of the Aparoids (Brawl in the Family)
The Warrior Spirit (Penny Arcade)
Hidden Power (Nerf Now!!)
Hands-On Experience (Awkward Zombie)
Canine Conundrum (Life in Aggro)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 12 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/#comments Image
Modern Warfare 3's upcoming Face Off mode isn't set hit to Xbox 360-enabled living rooms until next Wednesday, May 16, but it's never too soon to start using promotional materials (like the behind the scenes video above and screenshots below) to start memorizing map layouts. This is war, dammit, and you need every possible advantage you can get to survive. Don't come crawling back to us when you've been blasted to the bottom of the leaderboards, riddled with shame bullets from the hand cannons of someone who actually took the time to prepare.

... Watching the video because you enjoy development diaries and/or have a casual interest in Modern Warfare games is also acceptable.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Face-off Content Collection)

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2Face-OffInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesTreyarchxboxSat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/gate-fives-lawsuit-against-beyonce-going-to-court/#comments Manhattan judge Charles Ramos has ruled that Gate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce Knowles is sufficiently jelly prepared, and as such will be heading to court at some unspecified date in the future. Justice Ramos agreed with Gate Five's assertion that Beyonce did not give proper notice before backing out of the deal: "You continue to negotiate right up until the time you pull the plug," Ramos said as he addressed Beyonce's lawyers, according to the New York Post. "That is not going to work with me."

As you'll recall, Gate Five's lawsuit purports that Beyonce was in breach of contract when she backed out of a deal to lend her likeness to Starpower: Beyonce, and that her departure from the project directly resulted in the firings of 70 employees. Beyonce's attorneys attest that Gate Five did not have funding in place for Starpower: Beyonce's development, but Gate Five maintains that Beyonce was aware of an impending agreement with unnamed financiers scheduled to take place on December 6, 2010 - just three days after Beyonce bounced.

Gate Five's lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $100 million; $6.7 million in investment capitol and $100 million in hypothetical Starpower: Beyonce profits. Honestly, Gate Five should have known something was up when Beyonce didn't put a ring on it.

JoystiqGate Five's lawsuit against Beyonce going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyoncebeyonce-knowlesgate-fivelawsuitlegalstarpower-beyoncesuedSat, 12 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 Patch 1.11 brings back Elimination Mode, 'The Lab']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/uncharted-3-patch-1-11-brings-back-elimination-mode-the-lab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/uncharted-3-patch-1-11-brings-back-elimination-mode-the-lab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/uncharted-3-patch-1-11-brings-back-elimination-mode-the-lab/#comments
A free content update/patch is headed to Uncharted 3 sometime before the end of this month, bringing with it new multiplayer modes and the promise of a better tomorrow. Well, the promise of more updates in the future, at any rate.

In addition to an Advanced Settings menu and various other gameplay tweaks, Patch 1.11 reintroduces two features from Uncharted 2's multiplayer functionality: The Lab and Elimination Mode. The Lab, which is more of a playlist than a gameplay mode itself, contains unique variants of other multiplayer modes. It's set to launch with a T-bolt/Pistole-only version of Team Deathmatch, with "other game types" to be added "as the year progresses," according to Naughty Dog's patch notes.

Elimination Mode splits players into two teams of five, with the obvious goal being to eliminate the opposing team. Unlike Team Deathmatch, however, players do not respawn during Elimination Mode matches - victory is claimed once one team has been fulled killed three out of five times.

JoystiqUncharted 3 Patch 1.11 brings back Elimination Mode, 'The Lab' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCelimination-modemultiplayerNaughty-Dogpatchpatch-1.11playstationps3the-labuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionSat, 12 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga sues French publisher Kojobo over 'PyramidVille']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/zynga-sues-french-publisher-kojobo-over-pyramidville/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/zynga-sues-french-publisher-kojobo-over-pyramidville/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/zynga-sues-french-publisher-kojobo-over-pyramidville/#comments ImageIn its continuing efforts to secure unwavering dominion over the suffix "ville," Zynga has filed suit against French publisher Kojobo over the name of its strikingly familiar-looking Facebook game PyramidVille.

As you'd imagine, the complaint has a hell of a lot to do with Kojobo's usage of "ville," with Zynga arguing that "Facebook users are likely to believe, erroneously, that PyramidVille is a member of Zynga's 'ville Family of Games," according to the complaint. Zynga hopes that its aggressive promotion of Farmville and Castleville will outweigh the fact that it doesn't actually own a trademark on the suffix.

"Given Kojobo's refusal to change their game name, legal action was necessary to defend our famous marks and prevent player confusion," Zynga said in a statement to Reuters. The San Francisco-based publisher seeks damages totaling three times the amount of profit accrued by PyramidVille since its release in 2011.

JoystiqZynga sues French publisher Kojobo over 'PyramidVille' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KobojolawsuitlegalmacpcPyramidVilleZyngaSat, 12 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega also skipping Gamescom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/sega-also-skipping-gamescom/#comments Sega has decided to opt out of this year's Gamescom trade show, joining the likes of Nintendo and THQ as a proud member of the "Eh, Maybe Next Year" Club. Essentially, having a presence at a show in August (even if it is the largest gaming show in the entire world) just doesn't jive well enough with Sega's 2012 release calendar:

"Unfortunately the release timing of our 2012 AAA titles and new projects don't work with the mid- August scheduling of the show," reads a statement made by Sega to GamesIndustry. "The decision will not mean that Sega will never attend Gamescom in the future, this was simply a commercial decision made for 2012." Maybe the German market for interactive gaming toilets isn't as booming as originally thought?

JoystiqSega also skipping Gamescom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamescomgamescom-2012SegatoiletsSat, 12 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CD Projekt Red hiring for RPG in a 'brand new setting']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/cd-projekt-red-hiring-for-rpg-in-a-brand-new-setting/#comments CD Projekt Red, the makers of The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, has posted a boat-load of job openings for an unannounced "RPG in a brand new setting" over on its official blog. "We're looking for people who would rather work on an entirely new and different IP," reads the listing, "a vast RPG for which we want to assemble the best possible staff. It represents an opportunity for you to create a grand new project from the ground up!"

The listing also makes reference to the developer's existing "mature dark-fantasy world," distinguishing this new project as likely separate from The Witcher (at least in location), and as one for those who "can't stomach dwarves, elves or sorceresses who put their ample charms on display in Playboy magazine."

If you're an artist, programmer or designer looking for work in Poland, give it a shot! There's never any harm in trying. Well, unless you're trying to teach synchronized swimming to an uncooperative bear - there's probably a lot of harm in that.

JoystiqCD Projekt Red hiring for RPG in a 'brand new setting' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CD-Projektcd-projekt-redemploymenthiringjobsRPGthe-witcherthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsunannouncedSat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/#comments Image
If you were home schooled through Kindergarten, or grew up as a single child, the concept of sharing may be foreign and difficult to understand, but allow us to break it down for you: By giving someone something they want, there's a good chance you'll receive something you want in return, either immediately or down the road!

It's a system that's worked well for millennia, and now it comes to Uber Entertainment's Super Monday Night Combat in the form of Steam Trading support, which allows Steam users to trade in-game items. To celebrate, two Super MNC hats ("Gunslinger Hat" and "Assassin Helmet") are now available in Team Fortress 2, earned by achieving levels five and 20 (respectively) in Super MNC. Conversely, TF2 costumes have been added to Super MNC: An Engineer's uniform for CombatGirl and a Soldier uniform (plus rocket launcher skin!) for Megabeth, unlocked at levels 10 and 15.

JoystiqSteam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CombatGirlmegabethpcsteamsteam-tradingsuper-mncsuper-monday-night-combatTeam-Fortress-2uber-entertainmentSat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/#comments ImageAt ease, soldiers. The brass is remarkably proud of each and every one of you for making Operation Exorcist such a rousing success, but unfortunately the completion of that mission doesn't directly translate to the end of our war against the Reapers, Cerberus and the Geth. Starting tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, Operation Silencer will require the full force of the Systems Alliance Military as we work towards our collective goal of exterminating three million banshees.

Now granted, that's two million more baddies than you were responsible for during Operation Exorcist, but now that PlayStation Division has been allowed into combat, we think you can handle the difference. Each individual squad will receive a Commendation Pack for every successful extraction from a Gold-level encounter, until Operation Silencer ends at 8 a.m Eastern Earth Time on Monday morning. Successful completion of the Alliance's universal goal results, as usual, in Victory Packs for all.

Speaking of PlayStation Division and Commendation Packs, we've got some good news for you prune-fingered dish washers: Now that KP duty is over and you're out in the field, HQ has dispatched Commendation Packs to compensate for the gear you couldn't earn during Operations Goliath and Raptor. Check the shop to redeem yours and get in shape before heading into the field this weekend.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artseventmass-effect-3ME3microsoftOperation-Silencerpcplaystationps3xboxXP-weekendFri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead tops XBLA activity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-walking-dead-tops-xbla-activity/#comments As it turns out, "point-and-click adventure game" and "horrible traumatic zombie apocalypse" go together like chocolate and peanut butter, or peanut butter and waffles, or chicken and waffles, or waffles and waffles. Look, this analogy is falling apart and we haven't had breakfast yet, but the point is that a lot of people bought The Walking Dead on XBLA.

In fact, Telltale's tumultuous title was the number one game on XBLA for the week of April 30, beating out Trials Evolution, Fable Heroes and Fez, among others. Peep the full list of the week's top-selling games after the break, and be astounded by the fact that Castle Crashers is still in the top 20, one million years after its original release in 2008.

Continue reading The Walking Dead tops XBLA activity

JoystiqThe Walking Dead tops XBLA activity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadXBLAxbla-activityxboxFri, 11 May 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/sonys-fiscal-2012-results-820-million-loss-due-to-floods-ear/#comments ImageSony's financial results for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012 are in, with the Japanese giant reporting year-over-year losses in revenue and operating losses that it attributes to "the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates, the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the floods in Thailand, and deterioration in market conditions in developed countries."

Sony's fiscal 2012 ran from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, with the company reporting net revenue of ¥6.49 trillion ($79.1 billion), down 9.6 percent year-over-year from the ¥7.18 trillion (approx. $89 billion) reported at the end of fiscal 2010. After expenses, Sony reports an operating loss of ¥67.3 billion ($820 million), which is actually a smaller loss than that reported at the end of fiscal 2011 (¥199.8 billion/approx $2 billion).

Year-over-year sales decreases were primarily due to Sony's Consumer Products & Services (CPS) and Professional, Device & Solutions (PDS) divisions, with CPS sales down 18.5 percent at ¥3.13 trillion ($38.2 billion) in 2012 vs. ¥3.84 trillion (approx. $48 billion) in 2011, resulting in an operating loss of ¥229.8 billion ($2.8 billion) - more than a 2,000 percent decrease from 2011's operating income of ¥10.8 billion (approx. $135 million). CPS encompasses Sony's consumer electronics sectors, including LCD TVs, PCs, photography solutions and, of course, gaming.

Sony partially attributes CPS' decline in sales to "lower sales of PlayStation(R)3 hardware due to a strategic price reduction and lower sales of PlayStation(R)2 due to platform migration," among other reasons like deteriorating conditions in North American and European TV markets.

JoystiqSony's fiscal 2012 results: $820 million loss due to floods, earthquakes and exchange rates originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsfiscal-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaThu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/april-npd-prototype-2-tops-charts-industry-wide-sales-down-32/#comments The results for April are in, and things are looking a little rough out there in consumer video-game electronics land. As a whole, the gaming industry (which for our purposes includes all hardware, software and accessories sales between April 1 and April 28, 2012) brought in $630.4 million, a 32 percent decrease over the same period last year, where its various machinations resulted in collective sales of $930.9 million.

Breaking the industry down into its three major components, hardware sales accounted for $189.7 million (down 32 percent year over year), while software sales contributed $292.1 million to the cause - a 42 percent decrease year over year. Accessories, on the other hand, posted a 1 percent increase year-over-year at $148.6 million in 2012, as compared with $147.8 million in 2011.

The average amount of money spent on hardware increased year-over-year, however, due in part to the 360 Star Wars Kinect Bundle, according to NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Generally though, the period's lackluster performance is due to the month's release schedule: "Last April, the top seven titles outsold the top-selling title this year, and, simply stated, there were notably fewer new market introductions. I think it's a simple as that because when we see compelling content come into the market, the games are still selling as well as ever - we just saw a lot less this April as compared to last."

The list of April's top 10 best-selling titles can be found after the break as per usual, with newcomers Prototype 2 and Kinect Star Wars leading the charge ahead of Modern Warfare 3, Mario Party 9 and Mass Effect 3.

Update: According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, the Xbox 360 sold 236K units during April.

Continue reading April NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year

JoystiqApril NPD: Prototype 2 tops charts, industry-wide sales down 32 percent year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>April-NPDkinectkinect-star-warsmicrosoftnintendoNPDNPD-Aprilpcplaystationplaystation-vitaprototype-2ps3pspsonyvitawiixboxThu, 10 May 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 getting free 'Face Off' mode, non-free Content Collection 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/#comments Image
A new way of murdering your friends and/or strangers is coming to the Xbox 360 version of Modern Warfare 3 on May 15, in the form of "Face Off" mode. Face Off has been designed for 1v1 or 2v2 firefights, with its four maps built specifically for small, close-quarters battle between a small number of soldiers. The two free maps launching with the new mode, Aground and Erosion, take place on a beached ship on the coast of Scotland and on the Italian coast during a volcanic eruption, respectively. PlayStation 3 and PC dates for Face Off have yet to be determined.

A new Content Collection is also on its way, available to Call of Duty Elite subscribers on May 15 and everyone else (with an Xbox) on May 21. Content Collection 2 includes three new multiplayer maps (Sanctuary, Foundation and Oasis), as well as two new Spec Ops missions (Iron Clad, Kill Switch) and the other two Face Off maps, Getaway and Lookout. As per usual, PS3 and PC dates are indeterminate, but everyone is welcome to take a peek at the new jams courtesy of IGN's trailer above.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 getting free 'Face Off' mode, non-free Content Collection 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2DLCFace-OffInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesTreyarchxboxThu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft patents pressure-sensitive controller that identifies who's holding it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/#comments ImageIris scans are old hat. The future of biometric identification is in registering and identifying a person's unique hand pressure profile - at least, that's what someone at Microsoft believes. The megalithic multimedia mogul has been granted a patent for "personalization using a hand-pressure signature," specifically in conjunction with game console controllers.

A device outfitted with this technology would include internal memory and a processing unit. Once gripped by a user, the device would register the pressure exerted by the user's mits and compare that to a stored database of recognized pressure profiles. Once a match is found, the device (in this case a 360) knows who is holding the controller and can then display advertisements information appropriately. Despite this patent being specific to controllers, we could see the usefulness of this technology in cell phones, tv remotes, or essentially any hand-held electronic device, should it ever come to fruition.

JoystiqMicrosoft patents pressure-sensitive controller that identifies who's holding it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricsmicrosoftpatentUSPTOxboxWed, 09 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/#comments Activision Blizzard has released its financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, posting total net revenue (pre-tax income) of $1.17 billion for the period ending on March 31, 2012. This is a 23 percent drop over the same period in 2011, where Activision Blizzard posted a net revenue of $1.44 billion. Net income (post-tax/expenses profit) was also down year over year, with the pub/dev reporting a remainder of $384 million for Q1 2012, as compared with $503 million in Q1 2011.

Breaking that down a little more specifically, Activision itself was responsible for 23 percent ($271 million) of segment net revenues, down 19 percent form the $323 million it was responsible for in 2011. Blizzard accounted for 21 percent ($251 million) of segmented net revenues, down 42 percent year-over-year vs. the $357 million it posted for Q1 2011.

Many of Activision and Blizzard's major releases are still pending, including Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Looking forward, Activision Blizzard expects to report a "record" non-GAAP Q2 net revenue of $805 million due to Prototype 2, Amazing Spider Man and Diablo 3. As for the rest of the year, the company expects to end fiscal 2012 to the tune of $4.2 billion in net revenue.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzarddsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ1-2012sonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/#comments Publishing giant Electronic Arts has issued its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 and fiscal 2012 as a whole and, wouldn't you know it, a year with a new Mass Effect game results in revenue totals that are much higher than years without Mass Effect games.

Looking at just the fourth quarter of 2012, EA's total net revenue stacked up at $1.36 billion, a 24 percent increase over the $1.09 billion reported at the end of this same period last year. Net revenue generated from digital sales nearly doubled year-over-year, $419 million in Q4 2012 as opposed to $211 million in Q4 2011 - a 98 percent increase.

Packaged goods still made up the majority of the publisher's revenue, however, at $949 million, up from $879 in Q4 2011. Net income for the period was also up year-over-year, $400 million for the period ending on March 31, 2012 as compared with $151 million for the same period in 2011. Naturally, EA contributes its successful fourth quarter to the release of Mass Effect 3 and the continued popularity of FIFA 12.

Fiscal 2012 as a whole presents a slightly different story. While net revenue was up 15 percent year-over-year ($4.14 billion in fiscal 2012 vs. $3.58 billion in fiscal 2011), net income fell 263 percent, from $276 million in fiscal 2011 to just $76 million in fiscal 2012.

Looking forward to fiscal 2013, EA expects an approximate net revenue of $4.07 billion, $950 million of which it expects to earn during the first fiscal quarter of 2013, which ends on June 30, 2012.

JoystiqEA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFifa-12financialsFiscal-2012fiscal-2013Mass-EffectMass-Effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Q1-2013Q4-2012xboxMon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/#comments ImageLooks like that Amazon listing we caught wind of a few days ago wasn't some insidious plot by an ineffectual practical joker, but rather an actual video game that Activision now acknowledges the existence of, if just barely.

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse is a console title that will leverage the show's "source material, including the talented voice cast and writers, authentic humor and subversive spirit." Beyond that, and the fact that it's set to launch sometime this fall, we nothing else is known about the MacFarlane tie-in. Inferences can be made from the game's title, however, which is surprisingly close to the name of the first episode of season eight, Road to the Multiverse, which saw Stewie and Brian travelling to parallel universes via remote control.

Continue reading Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall

JoystiqFamily Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfamily-guyfamily-guy-back-to-the-multiversemicrosoftplaystationps3Twentieth-century-fox-consumer-productsxboxMon, 07 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, April 23 - 29: Forgotten hero edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/stiq-figures-april-23-29-forgotten-hero-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/stiq-figures-april-23-29-forgotten-hero-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/stiq-figures-april-23-29-forgotten-hero-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.
Image
There's a lot of noise going on about The Avengers this weekend, what with it having the most successful opening weekend in cinematic history and everything, but we thought we'd take this opportunity to remind everyone about a super hero they were forced to forget: The Sentry.

The Sentry, in his time, was a superhero filled with "the power of one million exploding suns," and was arguably the most powerful living being in the Marvel universe. He was also Reed Richard's best friend, a confidant of the Fantastic Four and mentor to the Hulk. Peter Parker even won a Pulitzer Prize for a photograph he took of The Sentry, though neither Peter, nor Richard, nor any other hero from the Marvel continuum (save for the Hulk) remembered any of this.

The reason being that, in order to defeat The Void, his greatest nemesis that also happened to be a manifestation of his subconscious, The Sentry used his immense powers to erase the memory of his existence from nearly everyone on the planet, including everyone at Marvel Comics, and those who had read about his adventures in the past. The Sentry only resurfaced when a virus in his brain caused him to subconsciously implant memories of his forgotten life into comic book writer Paul Jenkins.

Once released from the debilitating grasp of the virus by Emma Frost, The Sentry became a member of, wouldn't you know it, The Avengers.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, April 23 - 29: Forgotten hero edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, April 23 - 29: Forgotten hero edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesstiqfiguresSun, 06 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Crysis 3 concept art is pretty, of course]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/#comments ImageSaying that anything related to a Crysis game "looks good" is a bit like saying the Sun is somewhat hot, or that the Joystiq staff is somewhat attractive - true, obviously, but a bit of an understatement.

This latest batch of concept artwork for Crysis 3 proves once again that, even without a trillion dollar gaming rig and DirectX 30, the artistic vision behind the Crisis franchise is just as beautiful and intense as the finished products are. The swampy, aged, almost Venetian feel Crysis 3's dystopian New York City exudes is so damn pretty, we almost wish the apocalypse would hurry up and get here.

Gallery: Crysis 3 (Concept Art)

JoystiqThis Crysis 3 concept art is pretty, of course originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytek-frankfurtEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: Australian Classification Board rates 'Rabbids Rumble']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/#comments ImageThe Australian Classification Board has issued a rating of "G" to Rabbids Rumble from Ubisoft, which doesn't exist. Okay, well, not officially anyway. We're sure something exists, and that the Australian Classification Board rated it, but Ubisoft has yet to publicly acknowledge its existence, whatever it is. Just like every other time we've been present with a leak that completely lacks context, Rampant Speculation Theatre has some ludicrous, baseless guesses totally reasonable ideas about what Rabbids Rumble might be.
  • Not to miss the brawler gravy train, Rabbids Rumble will be a Smash Bros.-esque fighter starring all the extremely recognizable characters we all know and love from the Rabbids franchise, like, uhm, the white one, or the one with the ears. Launch is tentatively set for "whenever PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale comes out."
  • Other entirely made up sources claim that Rabbids Rumble is actually a hyper serious seismology simulator, wherein the player takes control of a Rabbid Seismologist that must analyze tectonic recordings from around the globe. Microtransactional progression is implemented via seismometer upgrades that can either be earned in-game, or purchased as DLC.

JoystiqRampant Speculation Theatre presents: Australian Classification Board rates 'Rabbids Rumble' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardrabbidsrabbids-rumblerampant-speculation-theatreubisoftSun, 06 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['PPPPPP: The VVVVVV Soundtrack' and 'Pac-Man Fever' featured in Indie All-Stars Bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrack-and-pac-man-fever-featured-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrack-and-pac-man-fever-featured-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/pppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrack-and-pac-man-fever-featured-in/#comments ImageYou can't swing a dead cat these days without hitting an independent gaming bundle of some kind - hell, even EA has one now. You can, however, swing a dead cat without hitting someone attempting to champion the independent music scene, especially in gaming's neck of the woods.

The Indie All-Stars Bundle seeks to correct that by offering a collection of 10 albums for sale under the pay-what-you-want-and-donate-to-charity pricing model used by countless indie gaming bundles. Granted, not every album in the bundle is directly video game related, but it does include Magnus Pålsson's phenomenal soundtrack to VVVVVV, as well as Buckner & Garcia's somehow still ironically iconic Pac-Man Fever.

Charity donations benefit the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Like usual with these kinds of things, all purchases that beat the average sale price will also include five bonus EPs.

Joystiq'PPPPPP: The VVVVVV Soundtrack' and 'Pac-Man Fever' featured in Indie All-Stars Bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-all-stars-bundleindie-bundleMagnus-PalssonMagnus-PålssonPac-Man-Feverpppppp-the-vvvvvv-soundtrackvvvvvvSun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sorcery's first dev diary gets a Move on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/sorcerys-first-dev-diary-gets-a-move-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/sorcerys-first-dev-diary-gets-a-move-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/sorcerys-first-dev-diary-gets-a-move-on/#comments Image
All right, fine - we're sorry for the pun in the headline. This inaugural developer diary from Sorcery conjurers The Workshop and SCEA covers the game's extensive Move integration, the design processess involved and the satisfying feeling that comes with creating a tornado made of fire.

JoystiqSorcery's first dev diary gets a Move on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moveplaystationps3SCEAsorcerythe-workshopSun, 06 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is [insert topical subject here]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-insert-topical-subject-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-insert-topical-subject-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/weekly-webcomic-wrapup-is-insert-topical-subject-here/#comments *//// PostBot by Jordan[TM] Error #98465: Parse data not found. Unable to fill article template.

Welcome to another edition of [insert name of recurring weekly feature] here on [insert name of internet website]. Say, did you all happen to [see/hear/watch] [globally/nationally significant popular culture event]? Boy howdy, I sure was [thrilled/angry/bemused] by [outcome/result] of [globally/nationally significant popular culture event]. One thing's for sure, I definitely won't forget [witty observation/horrendous pun tangentially related to significant popular culture event].

[Perfunctory recommendation to check out our favorite webcomics from last week and vote for your favorite after the break].

Ditto's in the Trash (Brawl in the Family)
The Grapevine (Extra Life)
Information Overload (Nerf Now!!)
Lead Trightly (Awkward Zombie)
Mathelvania (Life in Aggro)
Capsized (Hejibits)

Continue reading Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is [insert topical subject here]

JoystiqWeekly Webcomic Wrapup is [insert topical subject here] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>webcomicSat, 05 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ragnarok Odyssey journeying to North American Vitas sometime this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ragnarok-odyssey-journeying-to-north-american-vitas-sometime-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ragnarok-odyssey-journeying-to-north-american-vitas-sometime-thi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ragnarok-odyssey-journeying-to-north-american-vitas-sometime-thi/#comments ImageIn addition to bringing Orgarhythm stateside sometime before the end of this calendar year, XSEED has also announced equally nebulous plans to localize Ragnarok Odyssey for North American audiences and their Vitas. This follows the game's Japanese release last February, though how closely it'll follow remains to be seen.

Set in the same world as Ragnarok Online, Odyssey is a Monster Hunter-esque runabout wherein the player's (fully customizable) character traverses the world, hunting "monsters and giants" as they do so. Players can choose from six different job classes, switching between missions when necessary, and play cooperatively either online or via local ad-hoc network, the later of which supports up to four players at a time.

Continue reading Ragnarok Odyssey journeying to North American Vitas sometime this year

JoystiqRagnarok Odyssey journeying to North American Vitas sometime this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Game-ArtsGungHo-Online-Entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitaragnarok-odysseyvitaXSEEDSat, 05 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/sam-and-max-beyond-time-and-space-ios-on-sale-first-episode-free/#comments Sam and Max may have gone beyond the boundaries of time and space in their latest series of episodic adventures, but does that mean they must also travel beyond the boundaries of your budget?

Nay, says Telltale Games, and to prove it the developer has made the first episode of Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space on iOS totes free, and discounted the other four episodes to $2.99 a piece. These aren't permanent pricing changes, of course, so anyone looking to get their adventuring feet wet with something a little more family friendly than the alternative should take note.

Continue reading Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free

JoystiqSam & Max: Beyond Time and Space iOS on sale, first episode free originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneiTunesmobilesam-and-maxSam-and-Max-Beyond-Time-and-Spacetelltale-gamesSat, 05 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[thatgamecompany courting publishers, next game announced 'hopefully within this year' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/thatgamecompany-courting-publishers-next-game-announced-hopefu/#comments Update: Chen contacted us to clarify his statements regarding Hunicke and Santiago: "Both Kellee and Robin made huge contributions to our games. My comments about their roles were made to address, particularly, the creative development process of our next game. By no means would I make those statements by themselves, otherwise it would feel like I'm downplaying my partners' roles."

Now that Journey is out and thatgamecompany has been loosed from the bonds of its three game exclusivity deal with Sony, company co-founder Jenova Chen is on the prowl for a new publishing parter. "It takes us a little bit of time to basically readjust after the three game deal," Chen said during an interview with VG247. "We're very close in figuring out what the next deal is. We're negotiating with various partners."

Obviously, thatgamecompany wouldn't need a new publisher unless it was working on a new game, but the acquisition of a new publication pal won't necessarily translate into any information about Chen's next project. "In terms of when you'll know about the next game, I think we intentionally announce our games very early. We announced Flower half a year after we launched Flow. We announced Journey half a year after we launched Flower. So hopefully within this year, you'll hear from us about our next game."

Chen also put to bed fears that the departures of producer Robin Hunicke and co-founder Kellee Santiago would hamper thatgamecompany's ability to create its next title. "I wouldn't say they have any direct impact when it comes to developing the game. Kellee is mostly working on the business end and PR for TGC, so she represents the company, but she's not a developer in terms of engineer or artist or designer on this game.

"Robin was the producer. She's more like a manager type. But we still have the lead engineer, lead designer and artists from Journey, so it doesn't really matter in terms of our ability to make games."

Joystiqthatgamecompany courting publishers, next game announced 'hopefully within this year' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jenova-chenKellee-Santiagorobin-hunickethatgamecompanySat, 05 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xbox-marketplace-renames-obsidians-south-park-as-south-park-t/#comments ImageNot only has an Xbox Marketplace listing for Obsidian's South Park: The Game turned up with an astoundingly erroneous release date of today, but it's also revealed what appears to be the game's actual title: South Park: The Stick of Truth.

None of the other assets in the listing (screenshots, description, etc) are particularly revealing, although the box art and banner do look exceedingly legit. Obviously, none of this is official until Obsidian or THQ make some sort of announcement, which hasn't happened yet.

It might be possible that some rogue Microsoft employee, in a nefarious attempt to cause mayhem and wanton confusion, manufactured false artworks and an inaccurate Marketplace listing, but where's the motive? Was he spurned by a former lover? Did he do it for the money, for the fame? Nope, sorry, this screenplay just isn't coherent enough. Get out of my office.

JoystiqXbox Marketplace renames Obsidian's South Park as 'South Park: The Stick of Truth' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidianObsidian-Entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQxboxSat, 05 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/xseed-announces-rhythm-strategy-title-orgarhythm-for-vita/#comments Image
Move over Theatrhythm, there's a new absurdly titled and unpronounceable handheld rhythm game in town: Orgarhythm. Developed by Acquire (in association with Neilo) and set to be published in North America by XSEED sometime this year, Orgarhythm is a hybrid rhythm/strategy game for the Vita.

Acting as the God of Light, players do battle against the diametrically named God of Darkness by commanding armies of elementally-themed soldiers. The game's soundtrack, described as "a hypnotic mix of rock, club and tribal music," affects how and when your units attack, with the beat of the music acting as a quantifiable resource to be spent on stronger attacks. The music also dynamically alters itself depending on the circumstances of the battle, adding additional layers of complexity as more troops enter the fray.

As implied by the rather artsy trailer above, commanding your army is handled entirely by the Vita's touchscreen - tapping to select troops, swiping to direct them towards the desired target, etc. Said troops also have a Pokemon-esque relationship with the enemy, due to the fact that every unit is either an Earth, water or fire-type, with all the inferred weaknesses and strengths you'd expect from such a system.

Eventual DLC is mentioned by the press release tucked away after the break, but no specific plans are actually outlined. If you're an aspiring musician, however, take note: XSEED will be looking for independent artists sometime in the near future to bolstier Orgarhythm's aural catalog.

Gallery: Orgarhythm (Announcement)

Continue reading XSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita

JoystiqXSEED announces rhythm/strategy title 'Orgarhythm' for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquireNeiloOrgarhythmplaystationplaystation-vitaRhythmstrategyvitaXSEEDSat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/jam-live-music-arcade-launches-the-week-of-may-16/#comments
Those dusty, old, cobweb-ridden, spider-infested peripheral instruments collecting mold and animal dander in your living room corner may soon see some use, as Zivix and Reverb Publishing's Jam Live Music Arcade is now set to pump up your 360/PS3's jams and/or volume sometime during the week of May 16.

If you made the space-saving decision to rid your apartment of its plastic instruments long ago, you'll still be able to remix tracks from the likes of Atmosphere and Rise Against with a conventional controller. We suppose wearing a giant homemade Deadmau5 mask is also optional, if you can really consider it proper music production without one.

Continue reading Jam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16

JoystiqJam Live Music Arcade launches the week of May 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jam-live-music-arcademicrosoftplaystationps3PSNrelease-datereverb-publishingXBLAxboxzivixSat, 05 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing Persona 4 Arena, Episode 1: Buttons and systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/playing-persona-4-arena-episode-1-buttons-and-systems/#comments Image
Despite the exceedingly rudimentary tone of this video's first half, Atlus' new series of Persona 4 Arena tutorial videos will undoubtedly come in handy for those less mired in the intricacies of fighting games, yet still interested enough to give P4A a shot.

This first episode covers basic movement and button functionality, as well as P4A's cornucopia of special techniques and gameplay systems. RPG fans following the series into this brave new world will undoubtedly be able to handle concepts like "blocking" and "jumping," but the game's "Auto Combo," "Furious Action," "Burst," "All-out Attack," "SP Skill" and "Awakening" mechanics are probably worth familiarizing yourself with ahead of time.

And by "probably," we mean "We're never going to remember any of this."

JoystiqPlaying Persona 4 Arena, Episode 1: Buttons and systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arc-system-worksAtlusmicrosoftP4Apersona-4-arenapersona-4-the-ultimate-in-mayonaka-arenaplaystationps3tutorialxboxSat, 05 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Domain registered for 'Avengers: Battle for Earth,' all signs point to Ubisoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/domain-registered-for-avengers-battle-for-earth-all-signs-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/domain-registered-for-avengers-battle-for-earth-all-signs-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/domain-registered-for-avengers-battle-for-earth-all-signs-po/#comments ImageLook, we're gonna level with you: We need more of Joss Whedon's The Avengers in our lives. We need more Captain America suspenders, more Sammy-J eye patch and more Scar-Jo everything. That new Pinball FX 2 table kinda helps, but its not really the explosive licensed tie-in gaming experience our bodies are craving.

There is hope, however, as a domain for Avengers: Battle for Earth has been registered by Marvel (via brand protection company MarkMonitor) and is currently parked on a Ubisoft server, according to whois data unearthed by the URL sleuths at Fusible.

As there have been no official announcements of any sort, the chances of Avengers: Battle for Earth being a super high-octane movie tie-in blockbuster are just as good as it being some sort of social farming/drawing/word search cash in for iOS and/or Facebook. We're keeping our fingers crossed for the first option, but at this point we'll take what we can get.

JoystiqDomain registered for 'Avengers: Battle for Earth,' all signs point to Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avengers-battle-for-earthjoss-whedonmarvelthe-avengersthe-avengers-battle-for-earthubisoftSat, 05 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier trailer: Bloody tattoo guy edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ghost-recon-future-soldier-trailer-bloody-tattoo-guy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ghost-recon-future-soldier-trailer-bloody-tattoo-guy-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/ghost-recon-future-soldier-trailer-bloody-tattoo-guy-edition/#comments Image
The latest trailer for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is a bit more ominous than ones we've seen in the past, in primarily due to the fact that it predominantly features a very bloody, very tattooed Russian interrogation subject, menacing laughter, as well as unusually werewolfian undertones.

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier trailer: Bloody tattoo guy edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodarksGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftpcplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-Parisubisoft-red-stormxboxSat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirby's Pinball Land rated in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/kirbys-pinball-land-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/kirbys-pinball-land-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/05/kirbys-pinball-land-rated-in-australia/#comments Image
Kirby's Pinball Land, which as you'll recall was a Game Boy title from the early 90s, has been given a "General" rating by the Australian Classification Board, which is completely unsurprisingly given the game's adorable subject matter. What is surprising, however, is the fact that this game was classified at all, considering the fact that it hasn't really been announced or anything.

It's possible that Kirby's Pinball Land is coming to the eShop in the land down under, but it's also possible that the game could be included in that 20th anniversary collection Nintendo announced last month. Either way, classification is usually a precursor to an official announcement, so we'll keep out eyes peeled for press releases with fluffy pink letterhead.

JoystiqKirby's Pinball Land rated in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 May 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eshopkirby-20th-anniversarykirby-20th-anniversary-wiikirbys-pinball-landnintendoSat, 05 May 2012 03:15:00 EST