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[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/#comments ImageBattlefield 3 players recently noticed that all of DICE's official servers for the game appeared to be unavailable, and they wondered: What's up with that? What's up with that, EA says, is that the game was too popular. DICE runs a number of official servers, but those servers can also be rented by players, and if too many players rent official servers, they can appear to be unavailable. But EA and DICE say they want what's best for players, so DICE will keep an eye on the policy, and "will reserve a percentage of servers for players who prefer to connect through DICE-hosted servers."

The publisher hopes that will answer player concerns. And if not ... free XP? Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Battlefield 3 is hosting another double XP weekend for all ranked servers and matches, with players earning twice as much experience as usual. This special weekend isn't a direct response to the server concerns, but hey, free points are free points.

JoystiqEA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dedicated-serverdiceeapcprivatepublicrentalserver-rentalsserversFri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-and-valve-settle-dota-argument-blizzard-dota-is-now-bl/#comments Blizzard has dropped a short-and-sweet press release (reprinted below) informing us that it has landed on a "mutual agreement" with Valve regarding the contested "DOTA" trademark. DOTA, of course, stands for "Defense of the Ancients," which is a fanmade map and mode for Blizzard's Warcraft 3, originally based on a Starcraft map. Developer "IceFrog," who's overseen the DOTA map since 2005, has gone to work for Valve on DOTA 2, while Blizzard has been working on its official variation of the game, previously called Blizzard DOTA.

The mutual agreement means that Valve will get the rights to use the "DOTA" trademark commercially, so DOTA 2's name won't change. Blizzard reserves the right for fans to use the trademark noncommercially, but will give up the DOTA name for its official variant. That game will instead be called Blizzard All-Stars, "which ultimately better reflects the design of our game," said Blizzard executive VP Rob Pardo. "We look forward to going into more detail on that at a later date."

Valve's Gabe Newell also gave comment, saying that Valve is "pleased that we could come to an agreement with Blizzard without drawing things out in a way that would benefit no one." Blizzard All-Stars doesn't have a release date yet, and DOTA 2 is due out next year.

Continue reading Blizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars

JoystiqBlizzard and Valve settle DOTA argument, Blizzard DOTA is now Blizzard All-Stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotadotadota-2gabe-newellnoncommercialpcrob-pardotrademarkvalveFri, 11 May 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Sons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/sons-of-anarchy-getting-a-real-console-title-rather-than-brow/#comments ImageKurt Sutter, the creator of the FX TV series, Sons of Anarchy, said a little while back there was a game in progress, based on the series' rowdy biker family exploits. It was set to be "a high-end browser-based" title, but a recent tweet from Sutter says that's all changed. Instead, FX and Fox have agreed to "do a REAL game. Console based. Not some slapcrap browser [multiplayer] thing," according to Sutter. He admits it'll take a long time to put together, but since the browser game "felt rushed and unsatisfying," he wants the property treated right.

That's good news for Sons of Anarchy fans ready for a full console experience based on their show. As for us, as long as Ron Perlman's Clay Morrow is playable somehow, we're happy with whatever SAMCRO-based experience we can get.

JoystiqSons of Anarchy getting a 'real' console title, rather than browser-based multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolefoxfxken-sutterlicensedmicrosoftplaystationps3sons-of-anarchytvxboxFri, 11 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Play as both Robin and Batman in Harley Quinn's Revenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/play-as-both-robin-and-batman-in-harley-quinns-revenge/#comments Image
The Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC coming to Batman: Arkham City has been detailed, and it sounds like a departure from the game. Instead of an open-world affair, the DLC is story driven, initially placing you in Robin's boots and tasking you with finding Batman, who's been lost chasing Harley Quinn after the final events of the main game. The story time-shifts, explaining where Batman is and what he's been up to by switching viewpoints a few times.

Robin still doesn't have the chance to wander Arkham in full - he'll only be able to explore this content and any previously released challenge maps. Harley Quinn is scheduled to get her revenge on May 29, for $9.99 on PSN, or 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham City (Harley Quinn's Revenge Pack)

JoystiqPlay as both Robin and Batman in Harley Quinn's Revenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycontentdlcharley-quinnmicrosoftplaystationps3robinstoryxboxFri, 11 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/epic-games-gives-away-soundtrack-retrospective-for-20th-annivers/#comments ImageEpic Games has turned 20 years old, and to celebrate the company is giving away a free album of tunes from its games over the past two decades. You can pick up the tracks from the official blog right now. The set includes everything from the Main Theme of Unreal and the Menu Song of Jazz Jackrabbit, all the way up to tracks from Infinity Blade 2 and Gears of War 3.

And what, you might ask, did they include as a bonus track? Perhaps the pinnacle of Epic Games' musical gifts to the world at large? It's the Cole Train Rap from the first Gears of War, of course. Woo baby! Bring it on sucka! Etc.

JoystiqEpic Games gives away soundtrack retrospective for 20th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-3jazz-jackrabbitmicrosoftmusicpcunrealunreal-tournamentxboxThu, 10 May 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA['The Last Laugh' DLC coming to DC Universe Online in June, adds new PvP content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/#comments ImageThe Last Laugh, a new DLC pack that expands player-versus-player options in DC Universe Online, is set to arrive on PC and PlayStation 3 this June. In addition to introducing three different four-on-four battle scenarios (all conjured up by the actions of Batman's nemesis, The Joker), The Last Laugh adds a two-phase, 16-vs-16 scenario in which both sides try to take over the other's Headquarters. And there's a new weapon called The Shield, which can either be used to bash enemies, or hurled for a ranged attack, Captain America-style! (Wait ...)

Finally, there are two new Legends PvP characters to play as: Kilowog the Green Lantern, and Amon Sur from the Sinestro Corps. The pack is a free download for Legendary subscribers, and available for purchase by Free and Premium players. You can see what it all looks like in the gallery below.

Gallery: DC Universe Online: Last Laugh DLC

Joystiq'The Last Laugh' DLC coming to DC Universe Online in June, adds new PvP content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinedcuodlcdlc-packlegendarypcplayer-versus-playerplaystationpremiumps3pvpsoethe-last-laughWed, 09 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: MW3 Content Collection #1 now available on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psa-mw3-content-collection-1-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psa-mw3-content-collection-1-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/psa-mw3-content-collection-1-now-available-on-pc/#comments ImageThe first collection of content for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has finally closed the circle and arrived on the PC, according to Raven Software's official Twitter account. This is the same content (the Liberation, Piazza, Overwatch and Black Box maps, along with new Spec Ops missions Black Ice and Negotiator) that originally arrived on the Xbox 360 back in March.

Raven says there is one small consolation for PC gamers who've been made to wait so long. The company has added Infected and FFA Gunplay modes to the Community playlists, so you can throw down on those if you like. The collection itself is $14.99, available on Steam right now.

JoystiqPSA: MW3 Content Collection #1 now available on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3contentcontent-collection-1dlcelitemodern-warfare-3pcTue, 08 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Carmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/carmageddon-earns-reincarnation-as-a-kickstarter-project/#comments Image

Carmageddon: Reincarnation, initially announced as a downloadable multiplatform game last year, now depends on Kickstarter for completion.

Patrick Buckland and Neil Barnden, CEO and Executive Director of Stainless Games, tell an all-too-common horror story from creatives stuck in a bad business deal. After doing work-for-hire projects with their new company in the mid '90s, they finally released a passion project, called Carmageddon, which featured goofy and gory, over-the-top vehicular carnage, and still claims a place in the heart of older PC gamers everywhere. In order to get published, they sold rights for the title to SCI, which co-published the game with Interplay.

The title was followed up with a sequel in 1998 (it was called Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now, back when games could be called things like that), but when the sequel didn't do as well, the worst happened: Buckland and Barnden lost their own creation. They've spent years since then trying to get the rights back.

Gallery: Carmageddon Reincarnation (PC)

Continue reading Carmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project

JoystiqCarmageddon earns Reincarnation as a Kickstarter project originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarmageddoncarmageddon-reincarnationdestructionneil-barndenpatrick-budlandpcracingstainless-gameswreckageTue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders headlines new Indie Royale bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/dungeon-defenders-headlines-new-indie-royale-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/dungeon-defenders-headlines-new-indie-royale-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/dungeon-defenders-headlines-new-indie-royale-bundle/#comments ImageIndie Royale has broken out a brand new bundle for the month of May, with five big games for a tiny price. This time around, the great MOBA/RPG mashup Dungeon Defenders is included in the bunch, along with Containment: The Zombie Puzzler (which is of course a zombie puzzler), abstract arcade racer Data Jammers: FastForward, trippy falling game Brainpipe, and the indie space sim sequel Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space.

All of these can currently be had for the minimum price of $5.28, but as always that price will fall if anyone comes along and pays above it. There are also a few extras already unlocked, including a couple of original soundtracks, extra tracks for Data Jammers, and two extra games: Dr. Blob's Organism and Soup du Jour. Anyone paying over $7 also gets an album from chiptune band Starscream. In short, that's more games than you have time to play, all for less than you'll pay to see The Avengers this weekend. The bundle's up for sale for the next week.

JoystiqDungeon Defenders headlines new Indie Royale bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainpipebundlecontainmentdata-jammersdungeon-defendersindie-royaleindie-royale-bundleindie-royale-may-hurraypcweird-worlds-return-to-infinite-spaceFri, 04 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/#comments ImageEA has put Star Wars: The Old Republic on sale for Star Wars Day, which is today, May the fourth (as in, "be with you" -- geddit?). Bioware's massively multiplayer Jedi simulator has been discounted from from $59.99 to $34.44 for the standard edition, or $44.44 for the digital deluxe edition, which includes some in-game digital goodies.

The sale lasts until Sunday, May 6. If you need it longer than that, you should have had more midichlorians, people.

JoystiqSWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeammorpgold-republicpcsaleStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft planning to expand Toronto studio to 800 employees within 10 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ubisoft-planning-to-expand-toronto-studio-to-800-employees-withi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ubisoft-planning-to-expand-toronto-studio-to-800-employees-withi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ubisoft-planning-to-expand-toronto-studio-to-800-employees-withi/#comments ImageUbisoft Montreal, as we've reported before, is a huge video game outfit with a large team of developers coordinating multiple projects at a time, across up to six different studios. Ubisoft wants to repeat that structure in its new Toronto studio, according to the Financial Post. The French company is adding over 600 employees to the current staff of 210 over the next 10 years, which means an investment of over $500 million in that time.

That has big ramifications, not only for Ubisoft's future as a publisher and developer, but for Toronto's Wallace Avenue neighborhood as well (where these employees will live, work, and spend all of this money). As for the studio itself, it's currently at work on five upcoming Ubisoft titles, including the next Splinter Cell. As more and more is invested in the operation there, that list will probably grow.

JoystiqUbisoft planning to expand Toronto studio to 800 employees within 10 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadiandevelopersemployeeshiringinvestmentjade-raymondneighborhoodsplinter-cellstudiotorontoubisoftwallace-avenueWed, 02 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/#comments ImagePid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.

The PA Report explains how it all works: When Microsoft agrees to allow devs to publish on XBLA, those devs get a set number of slots to sell games with. Not all of the publishers who get these slots use them and some of those publishers are now selling their slots, usually for a share of the game's profits, to other developers. That's the case with Pid: Might and Delight is "borrowing" another publisher's game slot and in return sharing part of Pid's profits.

Anyone publishing a game on XBLA needs to give Microsoft a cut of the profits as well, so both Microsoft and the publisher are taking money away from Might and Delight here. But on the plus side, Might and Delight doesn't need to make a traditional publishing deal at all, so there's no issue with exclusivity or long-term rights. If the game does well, they're much more likely to make sure they see the rewards directly.

JoystiqMight and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmight-and-delightpidpsnpublishingrentself-publishingspotsteamxblaxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/#comments ImageBeamdog has announced the writer for all of that new content coming in the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate: Dave Gross. A very experienced fantasy and D&D writer, Gross has worked for TSR in the past, as well as having written two Forgotten Realms novels. More recently, he says, he was "sitting in a coffee shop complaining about the lack of classic RPGs for the iPad, when [Beamdog's] Trent [Oster] appeared in a sulphurous cloud and said, 'Have I got a job for you.'" Gross will presumably work to update the old game, as well as oversee all the writing on the new content as well.

Elsewhere on that team, artist Nat Jones has also joined up. He's got a background in fantasy and horror comics, and has worked on some story elements in Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer comic series as well. Good to hear there's some substantial talent working on this much-anticipated revival.

JoystiqDave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidartistbaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editioniosipadiphonemobilepcwriterSun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Syfy begins production on TV side of transmedia 'Defiance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/syfy-beings-production-on-tv-side-of-transmedia-defiance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/syfy-beings-production-on-tv-side-of-transmedia-defiance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/syfy-beings-production-on-tv-side-of-transmedia-defiance/#comments ImageScience fiction TV channel Syfy (Really? Still calling it that?) has reportedly begun production on the pilot of Defiance, that previously announced huge transmedia property in conjunction with Trion Worlds. The idea is that there will be both a TV show and an MMO, and that narratives and actions from each one will intersect in some way with the other. The pilot will star Dexter's Julie Benz, 24's Mia Kirshner, and True Blood's Grant Bowler, and feature writing by David Weddle and Bradley Thompson, and music by Bear McCreary, who all worked together on the popular Battlestar Galactica series.

The show will take place on a destroyed future earth, where "human and alien survivors of a universal war" have to work together to build a new society. Trion Worlds (creators of Rift and End of Nations) is putting the MMO together, and both the game and the TV series are expected out in Spring 2013.

JoystiqSyfy begins production on TV side of transmedia 'Defiance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabear-mccrearydefiancegrant-bowlerjulie-benzpcstarssyfytrion-worldsSun, 29 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga posts loss, beats estimates following OMGPOP acquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/zynga-posts-loss-beats-estimates-following-omgpop-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/zynga-posts-loss-beats-estimates-following-omgpop-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/zynga-posts-loss-beats-estimates-following-omgpop-acquisition/#comments ImageThere's good news and bad news for Zynga's financials. The good news first: Thanks to its purchase of Draw Something developer OMGPOP and some strong releases, the social game publisher beat quarterly revenue estimates from Wall Street, growing its year-over-year revenue to $321 million from $243 million. Zynga says it expects to make from $1.425 billion to $1.5 billion this year in total.

But the bad news is that outside of that big purchase, the company isn't showing the growth that Wall Street would like. Total monthly active users were up 24 percent, but analysts would prefer to see even more, and claim that Zynga only had a good quarter because of the acquisition.

Zynga also lost $85 million for the quarter. "They had to acquire to raise their numbers, but you're not going to be able to do that too many times," said Arvind Bhatia at Sterne Agee.

So Zynga will need to prove that it can sustain its growth outside of major acquisitions if it wants to keep stock prices up. We don't know much about the financial world, but would planting more corn help?

JoystiqZynga posts loss, beats estimates following OMGPOP acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>draw-somethingfinancialsmobilemoneyomgpoppcquarterlyrevenuezyngaSat, 28 Apr 2012 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/#comments ImageGOG.com is having a big sale this weekend until Monday on "EA Guns and Spells." Everything's half off down to $2.99, including the first Syndicate, Magic Carpet, hack-and-slasher Nox, Lands of Lore 1 and 2, and two Crusader games, No Regret and No Remorse.

JoystiqGOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagamesgog.commagic-carpetnoxpcsalessyndicateSat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Human Head 'fully intends' to make a more savage Rune sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/human-head-fully-intends-to-make-a-more-savage-rune-sequel/#comments ImageNow that Prey 2 has been pushed back, it seems that Human Head co-founder Ted Halsted wants to put up the green light on bringing back the 10-plus year old action title, Rune. "I can't reveal what we've got planned," he says, "but we fully intend to bring digital viking mayhem into the here-and-now."

There were rumblings of a sequel a few years ago, but the potential game's publisher at the time decided to pass on funding development. These days, Kickstarter is the funding method of choice, but Halstead only says he's glad there are multiple methods to funding, and the team "certainly wouldn't rule out Kickstarter."

What else can we expect from this not-officially-announced project? Halsted says a second game would offer a more savage viking world, with updated combat, and a big emphasis on clan-based multiplayer. "We're envisioning an action-world of warrior tribes," says Halsted. They're just not, you know, announcing it yet.

JoystiqHuman Head 'fully intends' to make a more savage Rune sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clanscommunityhuman-headrunerune-sequelsavageted-halstedThu, 26 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb expansion is huge, due in late May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-expansion-is-huge-due-in-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-expansion-is-huge-due-in-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-expansion-is-huge-due-in-l/#comments ImageThe Binding of Isaac expansion we heard about back in January, titled The Wrath of the Lamb, is almost here. Creator Edmund McMillen announced in a series of tweets that the expansion will arrive in late May, and that it is jam-packed with content: new challenges and achievements, over ten new bosses, over 100 new items, a new character, a new ending, and tons of other new material. "What I'm getting at is there is a lot of extra shit in this damn thing," tweeted McMillen. "We have been working on it longer than the actual game."

The latest screens of The Wrath of the Lamb are in the gallery below. For all of that content, the expansion will only cost three bucks. McMillen also said there's a trailer on the way, but he's busy right now, working with Steam on release details and testing and polishing the game itself.

Gallery: The Binding of Isaac: The Wrath of the Lamb (PC)

JoystiqBinding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb expansion is huge, due in late May originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenexpansionpcpricerelease-datethe-binding-of-isaacwrath-of-the-lambThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Pocket Edition adds simplified, touch-based crafting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/#comments ImageThe world of Minecraft - Pocket Edition was pretty boring up to this point - just mines and mines, everywhere, as far as the eye can see. But finally, the other half of the game has been added in an update: Crafting is now available on the iOS and Android mobile versions of the popular sandbox title.

The crafting system for the mobile interface is called MATTIS, as in the Minecraft Advanced Touch Technology Interface System. All you need to do is open your inventory, choose what you want to make, and as long as you have the necessary components, it's made. Other additions in this update include better AI for zombies, cows and ducks, and descriptions of items in your inventory. We're really looking forward to the next update, though: Hopefully Mojang will put Pockets or Editions in the game next.

JoystiqMinecraft Pocket Edition adds simplified, touch-based crafting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcraftingiosiphonemattisMinecraftmobilesystemtouchupdateWed, 25 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 gets a free Steam weekend, we've never heard of it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/modern-warfare-3-gets-a-free-steam-weekend-weve-never-heard-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/modern-warfare-3-gets-a-free-steam-weekend-weve-never-heard-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/modern-warfare-3-gets-a-free-steam-weekend-weve-never-heard-of/#comments ImageThis is obscure, but a few people might be interested in it: A little indie title called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is going to be free on Steam this weekend. The publisher, "Activision" (we've never heard of them - probably a really artsy two-man studio in Canada somewhere) needs a little more exposure for this game, so the multiplayer features will be free to download and play starting this Thursday, April 26, through the rest of the weekend, for anyone with a Steam account.

So if you've got some free time this weekend, maybe give the game a download and give some struggling indie developers a little bit of your attention for once. Who knows - maybe if the weekend goes well, this "Activision" will be encouraged to enter a competition or two. It could be the next Independent Games Competition finalist in waiting!

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 gets a free Steam weekend, we've never heard of it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3jokemodern-warfare-3pcWed, 25 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft announces innovative student software as Imagine Cup finalists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/microsoft-announces-innovative-student-software-as-imagine-cup-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/microsoft-announces-innovative-student-software-as-imagine-cup-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/microsoft-announces-innovative-student-software-as-imagine-cup-f/#comments ImageMicrosoft has awarded finalist positions to a series of innovative software projects put together by student teams in the US leg of the Imagine Cup awards. The event started in January, and promised to award students - who take on tough social problems with Windows 8 and Kinect on Xbox - with cash prizes, Microsoft hardware, and a sizable donation to their university. Now, students have been sorted out into four teams in each of four categories, and will face off at the world finals in July.

In the Game Design Windows/Xbox category, a team named Dr. Fishbowl made an unnamed game that allows players to create a model of sustainability in an environment that uses limited resources. Team Drexel Dragon won the Game Design Mobile category, with a title called Mash Dash for Windows phones, that helps teach mathematics as you play. And a team called FlashFood (above) won first place in the overall Software Design category, by putting together an app that connects websites and smartphones to help families in need find donated food on a real-time basis.

Other runner-ups include an app that uses a sleeping pad hooked up to a PC and a Windows Phone to help monitor infant health, a mobile game about fighting easily communicable diseases, and a game called Children of War, in which you play as a Ugandan child, sneaking past rebels and other dangers in an attempt to find safety.

JoystiqMicrosoft announces innovative student software as Imagine Cup finalists originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfoodimagine-cupimagine-cup-finalistskinectmath-dashmicrosoftmobilepcxboxWed, 25 Apr 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment to raise money through games marathon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/museum-of-art-and-digital-entertainment-to-raise-money-through-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/museum-of-art-and-digital-entertainment-to-raise-money-through-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/museum-of-art-and-digital-entertainment-to-raise-money-through-g/#comments ImageThe Oakland-based Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment has been trying to carry out a second round of donation-based funding for a few months now, but things haven't quite come together as well as planned. So, things are getting serious: They're going to play some video games.

Starting this Friday afternoon, the museum will be hosting a marathon of various games, including Super Metroid, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Fallout 3, and Resident Evil 3, along with a few other classics. The event will be streamed on the museum's website, and the goal is to raise $1,000 for every game that's defeated on the stream. If more money than the $20,000 goal is raised, they'll keep playing until one game is beaten for every $1,000 earned.

All the funds raised will go to the Museum, to keep up the collection there and continue all of the programs the organization hosts (including, just recently, one of the locations for MolyJam). MADE is accepting donations from now through the marathon this weekend.

JoystiqMuseum of Art and Digital Entertainment to raise money through games marathon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fundraisingmademarathonmuseummuseum-art-and-digital-entertainmentMon, 23 Apr 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Sniper Elite V2 demo available on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/#comments ImageConsole players have had access to it for a while, but if you're on the PC and waiting to play Sniper Elite V2 the wait's over. The demo has appeared on Steam, weighing in at about 2 gigs, and should give you a good idea of what to expect when the game drops on May 1.

PC users may have gotten the demo late, but they're getting rewarded with an exclusive 6v6 team deathmatch mode, along with all of the game's other options.

Steam also says pre-orders will get two special weapons, the SVT-40 and the Karabiner, presumably alongside the bonus mission adjective to, you know, kill Hitler. That guy's still hanging around?

JoystiqPSA: Sniper Elite V2 demo available on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demohitlerkill-hitlerpcpreordersniper-elite-v2steamMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trendy offering real money for best Dungeon Defenders maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/trendy-offering-real-money-for-best-dungeon-defenders-maps/#comments ImageTrendy Entertainment, the dev behind Dungeon Defenders, is looking to beef up the offerings from that game's free development kit. It's holding a contest, in which it's giving away some real money and prize packs for the best maps made for the game.

To enter, all you have to do is put a map together for the tower defense RPG (here's a guide.) Submit your map to Trendy by June 21, and if it wins both a public vote and a judges' vote you can walk away with $1000, and even get your map included in the game.

The full rules and requirements are over on Trendy's forums. Those of us without any design skills at all will just sit here quietly waiting to see what you put together. Don't mind us.

JoystiqTrendy offering real money for best Dungeon Defenders maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdesigndevelopment-kitdungeon-defendersmappcsdktrendy-entertainmentMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Touring the Louvre with a 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/touring-the-louvre-with-a-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/touring-the-louvre-with-a-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/touring-the-louvre-with-a-3ds/#comments Image
The Nintendo 3DS debuted in its latest occupation last week, as tour guide at the biggest and best museum in the world, Paris' legendary Musée du Louvre. I just happened to be in the neighborhood this week while on a month-long trek across Europe, so I paid my 5 € along with the 10 € museum admission for the audio guide, and was handed a Korean Air-branded black 3DS and a pair of headphones on the way to go see some of the world's finest art.

The 3DS isn't the only portable device in use as a museum tour guide. While visiting the Musée d'Orsay last week, I was handed an iPod touch in a special security case, and walked around among the works of French impressionists while using Apple's device to hear insights in English. And I've used quite a few other audio guides on this trip - in London, Westminster Abbey and the Royal Observatory both used custom-made audio guide systems, with a keypad and a play button to choose certain audio tracks for various sights on the tour.

But the 3DS was definitely the only gaming-specific device I've seen in use so far. And because of all of the various technologies included, specifically the wireless features, it actually did a great job.

Gallery: 3DS Louvre Audioguide

Continue reading Touring the Louvre with a 3DS

JoystiqTouring the Louvre with a 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsartcommentaryexploreguideinsightkorean-airlouvremuseumnintendonintendo-3dsparisparis-franceThu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Axel free to all in Twisted Metal tomorrow, Sweet Tooth skin for Starhawk previewed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/axel-free-to-all-in-twisted-metal-tomorrow-sweet-tooth-skin-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/axel-free-to-all-in-twisted-metal-tomorrow-sweet-tooth-skin-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/axel-free-to-all-in-twisted-metal-tomorrow-sweet-tooth-skin-for/#comments ImageFor those of you still firing missiles in Twisted Metal (but didn't think of pre-ordering it ahead of time), good news! Axel was formerly only available as a pre-order bonus, but as of tomorrow, April 18, his vehicle will be available to all. You too can run around on two wheels, pushing smaller vehicles around with your special moves.

The PSBlog has also posted a video, embedded below, of the Sweet Tooth skin going to Starhawk when it launches early next month. Every (new) copy of Twisted Metal has a code for the Outcast skin, so you'll just have to punch that in when the Starhawk comes out.

Continue reading Axel free to all in Twisted Metal tomorrow, Sweet Tooth skin for Starhawk previewed

JoystiqAxel free to all in Twisted Metal tomorrow, Sweet Tooth skin for Starhawk previewed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axelplaystationplaystation-blogpreorderps3skinsonystarhawksweet-toothtwisted-metal-2011twisted-metal-2012Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers, running on and off for testing since last September, are coming down for good on May 1. At that point, all of the characters currently in the game will disappear forever. You'll be able to being the full quest anew when when Diablo 3 launches on May 15.

The forums for the game are also being locked down. To post there after May 1, you'll need to either have pre-purchased Diablo 3, or have an active StarCraft 2 or World of Warcraft account. So, if you have complaints about Diablo 3 but don't meet that criteria, you'll have to go, oh, you know, anywhere else on the internet.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-serversblizzardDiablo-3forumsofflinepcstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken producer Harada: No DLC characters for us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/tekken-producer-harada-no-dlc-characters-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/tekken-producer-harada-no-dlc-characters-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/tekken-producer-harada-no-dlc-characters-for-us/#comments ImageCapcom's been explaining itself over the on-disc DLC that came with Street Fighter x Tekken, but Tekken series producer Katsuhiro Harada said there will be no such problem with his side of the franchise. Because, you see, he told Edge that no Tekken game will ever have DLC characters at all.

That's quite a pronouncement. He clarified that he doesn't have a problem with Capcom doing it, noting that their motives may be different from his. But Harada sees, he said, "the characters and their move sets as chess pieces - they are essential items necessary in the game and we would never sell any of those individually."

That doesn't rule out DLC completely, as Harada added that vanity items that might be added to the game after the fact would likely come with a charge. Characters might also be added to a Tekken game in advance as pre-order incentives, as long as they could eventually be unlocked by all players in the game. But as for after-the-fact characters, you won't find any of those in Tekken x Street Fighter if Harada has his way.

JoystiqTekken producer Harada: No DLC characters for us originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charactersdlcdlc-charactersharadakatsuhiro-haradamicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighterstreet-fighter-x-tekkentekkentekken-x-street-fighterxboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-allowing-banned-origin-players-access-to-offline-content/#comments ImageEA has quietly made things a little easier for those banned from its digital Origin service, allowing even those scorned by the company to access single player content in purchased and downloaded games. Previously, gamers who behaved badly on official EA forums or otherwise caused their accounts to be revoked were locked out completely, but now EA is saying that by switching the Origin client over to offline mode, players can at least play bought games by themselves.

To get back online, players will need to appeal the ban, for which instructions can be found here. EA does say that most bans are only temporary, but just in case you want to speed up the process we'll say this: Offering crop sacrifices to an idol of John Riccitiello certainly can't hurt.

JoystiqEA allowing banned Origin players access to offline content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessbanbannedcontenteagamesoriginpcplayerssingle-playerupdateMon, 16 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: FarmVille 2 revealed by resume]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rumor-farmville-2-revealed-by-resume/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rumor-farmville-2-revealed-by-resume/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/rumor-farmville-2-revealed-by-resume/#comments ImageA San Francisco copywriter's resume appears to hint that Zynga has given the green light to making a sequel to its popular flagship Farmville title. Writer Alex Harvey, while listing out his work for "communications agency" Isobar, says he participated in the "successful" pitch for Farmville 2. That tells us that Farmville 2 was at one point a suggested thing, and that Zynga has said yes to it becoming a real thing.

For now, that's all we know. It's probably fair to say, however, that there will be cows, and you will click them.

Update: We reached out to Zynga to ask if there was any news on this front, but the company declined to comment on "rumors and speculation." Fair enough.

JoystiqRumor: FarmVille 2 revealed by resume originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-harveycopywritercvmobilepcresumerumorwriterzyngaMon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Current gen consoles 'can't cope' with traditional Total War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/current-gen-consoles-cant-cope-with-traditional-total-war/#comments Creative Assembly's Mike Simpson says the popular Total War series of strategy games wouldn't work on the current console generation, just in terms of hardware requirements. "They don't have enough memory, by a large factor," Simpson tells Eurogamer. The audience for console games tends to be a little more action-oriented and a little less strategy focused, and the experiences are very different as well, he asserts. But there's hope yet, "for all sorts of reasons."

The user interface is another issue, according to Simpson, but it's fixable through solid game design. While he doesn't mention the Total War version coming to iOS, that's definitely a clear indicator that the game can work on platforms other than PC. And Simpson says that despite the differences, Creative Assembly has some "very clever ideas" on adapting its popular strategy games for the next wave of consoles and the pick-up-and-play style that go along with them.

JoystiqCurrent gen consoles 'can't cope' with traditional Total War originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creative-assemblymicrosoftmike-simpsonpcplaystationportsps3shogun-2-total-warstrategytotal-warxboxSat, 31 Mar 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reverb to publish Exis Interactive's Majestic 12, revealed at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/reverb-to-publish-exis-interactives-majestic-12-revealed-at-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/reverb-to-publish-exis-interactives-majestic-12-revealed-at-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/reverb-to-publish-exis-interactives-majestic-12-revealed-at-pa/#comments Reverb Publishing is the publishing wing of Reverb Communications, a PR agency for video games that's helped launch titles like Rock Band and Zen Pinball. The latest published title from the company will be called Majestic-12, Reverb has announced. The game is developed by Exis Interactive, and is a 3D side-scroller action title, with some human-on-alien bullet hell action "in the vein of old-school shooters like Contra."

Wikipedia says "Majestic 12" is supposedly the codename for a secret government group meant to fight aliens -- so, historically, you know, the premise all checks out. There's no platform listed for the game yet, but Reverb says it'll be out for "digital download platforms," so you can start guessing Steam, and then go on from there.

Our first chance to see Majestic 12 will be at PAX East early next month -- Reverb will be there showing off the game in booth 808. We'll be sure to stop by.

Continue reading Reverb to publish Exis Interactive's Majestic 12, revealed at PAX East

JoystiqReverb to publish Exis Interactive's Majestic 12, revealed at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contraexis-interactivemajestic-12pax-eastpcreverb-publishingrun-and-gunThu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/#comments Insomniac has posted a timeline entry on its Facebook page detailing a pinball game it worked on, but never released. 1080Pinball was the name attached to the project-in-progress, and one of the featured tables was named Captain Starfire, after the handsome chap above. You can see what looks like an in-game screenshot on the official timeline post, along with some concept art.

The blurb says the game was designed to be "the most realistic pinball simulation ever," complete with actual material physics and graphics running at in 60fps at 1080p (as you might have guessed from the title). There was also going to be a "Gran Turismo level of progression," designed to build as much replay value as possible.

This, says Insomniac, also explains the whole (pin)Ballz phenomenon, and the company's fascination with pinball in general. The developer will discuss the abandoned game on a future podcast. As for whether it'll ever return, Insomniac says, "The Zen Pinball games do a fantastic job anyways."

JoystiqInsomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pinballcanceledcompanydesigngameinsomniac-gamespinballpinballzplaystationps3Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browserquest: an MMO tech demo made to work in browsers everywhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/browserquest-an-mmo-tech-demo-made-to-work-in-browsers-everywhe/#comments Browserquest is a game put together by Mozilla (the company behind the popular Firefox browser) and intended to show off WebSockets, a technology that allows constant communication between your browser and a server online. But outside of the tech, it's a nice little streamlined MMORPG. There's no story to speak of, but you can explore a beautiful world, meet NPCs, and kill creatures while upgrading your items.

Browserquest is also impressive because it's as cross-platform as these things get -- even just resizing your browser screen will change the way the HTML 5 game is displayed, so it works great on your big-screen monitor, mobile devices, or anything else you run it on. If you happen to be a coder, the full source is also available on Github, so you can see how it's all done, and even use that code to build your own games.

The graphics and gameplay are charming enough that you'll wish it was filled out more, but Browserquest already works as a template for what browser-based games might be like in the future.

JoystiqBrowserquest: an MMO tech demo made to work in browsers everywhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>githubmmorpgmobilemozillapcrpgtech-demowebsocketsThu, 29 Mar 2012 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pandora's Tower gets an English trailer from Nintendo of Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/pandoras-tower-gets-an-english-trailer-from-nintendo-of-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/pandoras-tower-gets-an-english-trailer-from-nintendo-of-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/pandoras-tower-gets-an-english-trailer-from-nintendo-of-europe/#comments
Don't get too excited -- there's still no North American release of Pandora's Tower to speak of. But in the meantime you can still enjoy this (kind of gross) English trailer for the Japanese export, coming out April 13 on the Wii in Europe.

JoystiqPandora's Tower gets an English trailer from Nintendo of Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englisheuropenintendonorth-americapandoras-towertrailerwiiWed, 28 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 4 gets 10-car Alpinestars car pack on April 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/forza-4-gets-10-car-alpinestars-car-pack-on-april-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/forza-4-gets-10-car-alpinestars-car-pack-on-april-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/forza-4-gets-10-car-alpinestars-car-pack-on-april-3/#comments Forza Motorsport 4 is getting a new "Alpinestars Car Pack" right at the beginning of next month. April 3 will bring ten new cars to Microsoft's driving game, including the awesome Aston Martin AMR One, the gorgeous 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, and the classic 1995 BMW M5. Oh, '95 isn't classic enough for you? The pack also includes the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, also known as the big huge boat of a car driven by Elvis.

At 560 Microsoft points, the pack will set you back less than buying even just the floor mats for any of these cars. If you haven't yet, you can also subscribe to the Season Pass for Forza 4, which costs $29.99 and gets you all of the previous add-on content (four car packs including this one), as well as two more upcoming packs and the special IGN Car Pack. Although, if you're spending that much money, you might as well just pick up a Jag for yourself, right? Heck, why not two?

Gallery: Forze 4 Alpinestars car pack

JoystiqForza 4 gets 10-car Alpinestars car pack on April 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinestarscar-packcarsdlcforza-4forza-motorsport-4kinect-forzamicrosoftxboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Website live, beta applications underway for Audiosurf Air]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/#comments Music/racing game Audiosurf never made it to the iPhone, unfortunately, but its developers are apparently hard at work anyway. They've launched a website for something called Audiosurf Air, which is presumably a sequel to the tune-riding title.

There are a few screenshots on the site, and while there is a disclaimer that they're not final at all, they do look about like you'd imagine a sequel to Audiosurf to look. There's also a beta signup, so if you're interested, you can enter your email and presumably get a chance to play it at some point. We'll keep our ears open and our headphones plugged in for more news to come.

JoystiqWebsite live, beta applications underway for Audiosurf Air originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiosurfaudiosurf-airbetadylan-fittererpcTue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistborn fantasy novels becoming Birthright game, due out Fall 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/mistborn-fantasy-novels-becoming-birthright-game-due-out-fall-2/#comments Brandon Sanderson is the author who was selected to finish off the popular Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels after Robert Jordan passed away, and of course he's a legitimate author in his own right with a New York Times top ten series called Mistborn. Sanderson has announced on his own blog that he's teaming up with Little Orbit Games (creators of licensed games for Young Justice and Sherlock Holmes) to turn Mistborn's setting into a video game.

The game is set as sort of a prequel to the books, taking place hundreds of years in the past. Sanderson says he's been impressed by Little Orbit from working with them so far, and while there's not a lot of information on the game yet, he says the company "envisioned the game the same way I always had." Sanderson will be staying away from the actual game's design, but he will be writing the plot and dialogue. Mistborn: Birthright is due out on "video game platforms" later on in 2013.

JoystiqMistborn fantasy novels becoming Birthright game, due out Fall 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013brandon-sandersonfall-2013fantasylittle-orbit-gamesmistbornmistborn-birthrightnovelsreleasewheel-of-timeTue, 27 Mar 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/behind-the-scenes-of-quantic-dreams-kara-tech-demo/#comments
Have you thought about just how Quantic Dream pulled off that "Kara" tech demo on the PS3? If your answer, like ours, was that they actually built a female android and taught it how to speak all those languages and sing, then you're wrong. They didn't do that at all. Female androids don't exist in real life. Sigh.

No, instead they hired an actress named Valorie Curry (actually three different women -- Curry for acting, one for the German and French, and another to sing) to come in and do motion capture for the part, and refined and developed her performance over a series of about eight months before finally capturing it for the tech demo.

You can see the whole process in the video above, and watch the original tech demo below. Yeah, we guess it's cool and all that they put so much care and work into such a quality video -- but not as cool as a real female android. Sigh again.

Continue reading Behind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Quantic Dream's 'Kara' tech demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actresskaramotion-captureperformanceplaystationps3quantic-dreamtechtech-demovalorie-curryMon, 26 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST