Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[RedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/redlynx-digital-strategy-pays-off-1-5-million-games-sold-in-09/#comments While the big fellas struggle to figure out how to make digitally distributed content profitable, smaller dev houses like RedLynx are handily succeeding. The Trials HD developer claims to have moved 1.5 million digital units worldwide (of all of its games) in 2009, though, as RedLynx itself points out, "most RedLynx games have also free promotional web versions available, bringing the company's key titles to an even wider audience."

Aside from putting out the Summer of Arcade XBLA release Trials HD last year, the Finnish company also made Monster Trucks Nitro on PC and a couple of iPhone games, assuredly assisting that 1.5 million statistic. CEO Tero Virtala looks forward to the coming year, saying things look "even better," and adding that RedLynx is "bringing 8-10 new games to market." We really, really hope the company brings more copies than that if it wants to move past 2009's sales. Come on, guys -- simple math!

JoystiqRedLynx digital strategy pays off, 1.5 million games sold in '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009drawracemonster-truck-nitromonster-trucks-nitroredlynxsalestero-virtalatrialstrials-hdxblaWed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Man 2 flying into stores on May 4 to 'exclusive' Lamb of God tune]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/iron-man-2-flying-into-stores-on-may-4-to-exclusive-lamb-of-go/#comments With a previous appearance in Rock Band as DLC, it's no surprise that known face melters Lamb of God are apparently creating an original song for the upcoming Iron Man 2 game, now scheduled for release on May 4 (just three days before the film's release).

"The music of Lamb of God definitely evokes the intensity of Iron Man action," explains Sean Ratcliffe, veep of marketing for Sega. Meanwhile, Lamb of God's drummer Chris Adler says that some of the band's members are "real game and comic fans," making them all the more excited "to play the game and hear our music as Iron Man kicks a**." Us, on the other hand? We're going to take full advantage of the soundtrack swap function and rock out to some even edgier P.O.D. jams upon the game's release. It just really makes us feel so alive, ya know?

JoystiqIron Man 2 flying into stores on May 4 to 'exclusive' Lamb of God tune originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iron-maniron-man-2lamb-of-godmusicrelease-datesegasoundtrackTue, 09 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ghost-recon-also-headed-to-wii-psp-and-ds-wii-version-develop/#comments Among the handful of Ubiscoops about 2010's releases coming out of today's investor call, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot brought up the tactical Tom Clancy franchise Ghost Recon. Beyond the already revealed platforms for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Guillemot detailed the franchise's further ubiquity, saying the next Ghost Recon game will "be on all platforms: 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, [and] DS." He noted that the Wii version of Ghost Recon will "be done by a different team" with a "different approach ... created for that Wii population." Presumably, the game will involve standing on the balance board to approximate a sniper's breathing -- and it'll also be made up entirely of mini-games. Whoa, whoa -- calm down there killer. We're just joshin' ya!

He also confirmed something we've been mentioning for months now: "There will be more competition in the first eight months than in the last four." Get your calculators and spreadsheets out, folks -- early 2010 is gonna be a bruiser like we've never seen before (on our bank accounts, that is).

JoystiqGhost Recon also headed to Wii, PSP, and DS; Wii version developed by a different team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-reconghost-recon-future-soldierq1-2010ubisoftyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Q-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/q-games-dylan-cuthbert-taking-aim-at-more-pixeljunk-shooter/#comments There's no doubt about it -- Q-Games head Dylan Cuthbert is very much interested in making more content for the latest in the PixelJunk series of games, PixelJunk Shooter. When he spoke recently to G4TV, Cuthbert said, "for PixelJunk Shooter we still have a ton of ideas on the drawing board and the engine has lots of potential we want to use before moving onto our next idea." He also teased the possibility of a full-on sequel, front-loading his last statement with, "normally sequels are just a re-hashing of the ideas in the original."

Given the PixelJunk's all-over-the-place history with DLC and re-releases and Encore versions, we poked Cuthbert for clarification. When we asked which of the aforementioned options we might see for PixelJunk Shooter, Cuthbert told us: "It hasn't been decided yet, as it depends on how much content we end up making. Whatever we end up making, though, it will be even better than the first installment with loads of new stuff. (Obviously I know what some of that stuff is, but I can't say -- all I can say is that fans will be extremely pleased.)" So, there you have it, folks! We're gonna see ... umm ... something else from Shooter.

JoystiqQ-Games' Dylan Cuthbert taking aim at more PixelJunk Shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcdylan-cuthbertencorepixeljunkpixeljunk-shooterpsnq-gamessequelTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft reports fiscal Q3 sales of $679 million, hints at unannounced titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/ubisoft-reports-fiscal-q3-sales-of-679-million-hints-at-unanno/#comments Sure, $679 million may sound like a lot of money (it sure does to us!), but when you're a company CEO reporting that number to investors and it's 2.7 percent lower than last year's equivalent time period ($697 million), it's not quite as impressive. And that's just what Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot had to do earlier today when the company reported its fiscal Q3 (October 1 through December 31) sales for 2009. Given the publisher's French HQ, we're not privy to the period's revenue until later this year.

In discussing plans for the upcoming year, the company cited "at least seven franchise titles" being launched this year, calling out this morning's (finally) officially-announced Ghost Recon: Future Soldier among others, leaving one (presumably unannounced) title unmentioned. The publisher then indicates "at least two new brands (R.U.S.E. has already been announced)" will see the light of day in 2010 -- leaving one unannounced new brand. Getting murkier yet, it appears "at least 5 online games" will be heading to the information superhighway, though only three are mentioned (yep, you guessed it -- that means two have yet to be revealed). With GDC, PAX East, and E3 not too far off (already?!), there's still plenty of 2010 left for announcements.

JoystiqUbisoft reports fiscal Q3 sales of $679 million, hints at unannounced titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010financefinancialsfranchisefy-2009fy-2009-2010ghost-recon-future-soldierq3-2009rusesalesubisoftunannouncedyves-guillemotTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Flight devs announce 'Gender Wars: The Battle,' an iPad strategy game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/last-flight-devs-announce-gender-wars-the-battle-an-ipad-str/#comments Remember back in late January when the world was all abuzz with iPad news and, more specifically, we named a handful of game genres we'd like to see on the upcoming tablet? If our spidey sense is functioning correctly, the recent announce of "Gender Wars: The Battle" -- a "turn-based tactic game" (read: RTS) -- seems to indicate Last Flight devs Bloober Team are avid Joystiq readers (obviously BT got its ideas from our post -- don't be so foolish!).

The game (as described by lead designer Peter Bielatowicz) is intended to be "easy to pick up and play" with what sounds like paired down tactical commands for "casual players." Producer Piotr Babieno explains the iPad development focus by saying, "We believe that tactic games will be one of [the] best and most successful games on [the] iPad platform." He also notes that the game will be released at a "very low price" to entice players to get hooked on the "series" and prepare them for future "Gender Wars" titles. And no, neither Beilatowicz or Babieno explain why it's called Gender Wars, but we'll hopefully find out when the game releases this March alongside Apple's new device.

JoystiqLast Flight devs announce 'Gender Wars: The Battle,' an iPad strategy game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloober-teamgender-warsgender-wars-the-battleipadlast-flightpeter-bielatowiczpiotr-babienortsturn-basedTue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Discounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/discounted-brand-new-tony-hawk-ride-at-goodwill/#commentsIt may seem at this point that we're kicking an already downed and plenty insulted victim here, but we couldn't help but note the shockingly low price of a Tony Hawk: Ride bundle -- complete with board, unopened -- discovered by Gamertell at an Arlington Heights, Il. Goodwill store. Two Wii versions of the game were on sale for just $74.99 (down from $119.99 MSRP) -- a Goodwill employee said the game's presence could be explained by donations from local retailers, listing Kohls, Sears, Borders, and Target as potential donators. Alright, alright, we'll admit it -- the price drop isn't that steep, but a near $50 difference on a barely four-month-old game sounds pretty decent to us.

Presumably, one of the aforementioned retailers was more interested in the shelf space (and the tax write-off) than waiting for the game's fairly cool sales to heat up. Either way, if you're looking to get your ... ahem ... feet on the game, maybe your local Goodwill could offer a better deal than the other brick-and-mortars, eh?

JoystiqDiscounted: Brand new Tony Hawk Ride at ... Goodwill? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arlington-heightsgoodwillgoodwill-storesillinoissalestony-hawktony-hawk-rideTue, 09 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies shambling to iPhones February 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/plants-vs-zombies-shambling-to-iphones-february-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/plants-vs-zombies-shambling-to-iphones-february-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/plants-vs-zombies-shambling-to-iphones-february-15/#comments PopCap today announced that the iPhone port of Plants vs. Zombies is heading to Apple's handheld on February 15, seemingly aiming for the exact day that it had originally approximated for a delayed release. What's more, the publisher has also released the first trailer for the game (seen above), showing off the port's pared down touch-based controls and getting us even more (trepidatiously) pumped for the impending release. Sure, some other games are releasing this month or whatever, but do those games grab us by the dopamine receptor and refuse to let go? Yeah, didn't think so.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies shambling to iPhones February 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayhandheldplants-vs-zombiespopcappopcap-gamesrelease-datetower-defensetrailervideoMon, 08 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Moore excited about PlayStation 'Arc,' unsure about OnLive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/peter-moore-excited-about-playstation-arc-unsure-about-onlive/#comments In a time-honored Peter Moore tradition, the EA Sports head recently opened up for an interview on a variety of subjects in the game industry. This time, the oft fake-tattooed gentleman exposited on the future of OnLive and his company's investment in the upcoming PlayStation Motion Controller (supposedly named "Arc"). "I don't know about OnLive," Moore told CVG, responding to the question of whether or not the cloud gaming service will become the "iTunes of gaming." He does, however, see opportunity in burgeoning distribution and pricing methods. "If a consumer's got five bucks to spend on some cool DLC; if they love Tiger Woods but want to be able to play online and invest $10 or $15 over a period of time ... those are the things we need to look at."

As far as his interest in the "Arc" goes, he says that he's seen the hardware in action and thinks it'll be a "great complement to what's out there." He directly points out its distinction from the Wii's motion controller and reconfirms EA Sports' development of games with Sony motion in mind -- he even names tennis and golf as prime contenders as each sport lends to an "authentic sports motion" (at least with what he's seen on the Wii). Frankly, we're just about as excited as could be to finally show off our lacking sports skills as games based on sports creep closer to reality.

JoystiqPeter Moore excited about PlayStation 'Arc,' unsure about OnLive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcdevelopmentdlceaea-sportsonlivepeter-mooreplaystation-motion-controlsony-motion-controllertiger-woodsMon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA loses $82 million in fiscal Q3 2010, revenue down 25%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-loses-82-million-in-q3-2010-revenue-down-25-year-over-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-loses-82-million-in-q3-2010-revenue-down-25-year-over-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/ea-loses-82-million-in-q3-2010-revenue-down-25-year-over-year/#comments Right off the bat, you should know this: for EA, losing $82 million in the third quarter of a fiscal year is an enormous improvement. Compared to the same period last year ("Q3" for EA is October 1 - December 31), the company lost 559 million fewer actual physical dollars. Yes, really. Now that we've told you that, we should also note that the publisher pulled in 24.85 percent less revenue year over year (down to $1.243 billion in Q3 2010 from $1.654 billion in Q3 2009). That said, Playfish had "two of the top ten Facebook games" for the quarter! Good thing EA spent $300 million on those folks, eh?

Okay, okay, real talk: the company also points out that it was the "#1 packaged goods publisher in North America and Europe" for its entire fiscal year. CEO John Riccitiello even notes that Mass Effect 2 is "the first blockbuster of 2010." And hey, with 2 million units already shipped, we tend to agree.

JoystiqEA loses $82 million in fiscal Q3 2010, revenue down 25% originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafinancefinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2010john-riccitielloprofitsq3-fy-2010revenuesalesMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Two EA Sports Active games due Holiday 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/two-ea-sports-active-games-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/two-ea-sports-active-games-due-holiday-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/two-ea-sports-active-games-due-holiday-2010/#comments Just before today's sure to be thrilling investor's call, EA released a fact sheet to the folks gearing up for the hour-plus finance-a-thon -- a fact sheet that revealed two "TBA" EA Sports Active games set for release on consoles in the third quarter of the company's fiscal 2011 (October 1 through December 31, 2010, in human being time).

We've yet to hear anything on a new EA Sports Active title for the Wii, though we did hear some rumblings at E3 last year that the franchise would be headed to Sony and Microsoft's respective motion-based outings. And considering the unannounced titles are set for release in line with the announced release of Microsoft's Project Natal, and perhaps just after the PlayStation Motion Controller, there's a good chance that these pending EA Sports Active releases are for those platforms -- maybe one for Natal and one PlayStation; or one for Natal and Playstation and one for Wii.

JoystiqTwo EA Sports Active games due Holiday 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arceaea-sportsea-sports-activeplaystation-arcplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalq4-2010release-dateMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/pour-one-out-for-halo-2-and-the-original-xbox-with-bungie-on-apr/#comments The plasma party may be almost over for those of you still gripping tight to your Xbox 1 and copy of Halo 2, playing game after desperate game before Microsoft shuts the online servers, but Bungie is looking for fans to join staff members in a last hurrah on April 14. Community manager Brian "Sketch" Jarrard proclaims on Bungie.net that, "We're all saddened at the realization that an era is coming to an end," before asking fans to "mark your calendars now - on April 14th let's all rally to go online for one last hoorah." And sure, he might not explicitly mention the emptying of various malt beverages from 40 ounce glass bottles, but that's why we read between the lines. It's right there, people!

JoystiqPour one out for Halo 2 and the original Xbox with Bungie on April 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiehalohalo-2sketchxblxbox-liveSun, 07 Feb 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'care package' patch submitted to Microsoft certification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/modern-warfare-2-care-package-patch-submitted-to-microsoft-cer/#comments Considering the Xbox 360 received the lion's share of Modern Warfare 2 purchases, it comes as a bit of a shock to us that the already released on PS3 and PC "care package patch" is just now being submitted to Microsoft for certification. That said, developer Infinity Ward's community man Robert Bowling tweeted as much to Game Informer's Andrew Reiner approximately 24 hours ago when Reiner asked about a possible release for the much anticipated fixes.

As Bowling has pointed out before (and details in this forum post on the subject), the patch is set to remedy the following (you might need a pillow for all of this pure, unbridled excitement:
  • Care Package, Emergency Airdrop, and Sentry Gun marker grenades sprint speed normalized.
  • Fix for "infinite care package" exploit.
  • Sentry Guns: Improved placement detection, preventing cases of Sentry Guns inside geometry.
  • Model 1887: Bling using Akimbo and FMJ combination now has same range and damage as non-Bling Model 1887s.
  • Fixes to prevent various XP hacks.
And no, there's no date given for when it's coming out. So stop asking. (Seriously.)

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (11/10/09)

[Via Game Informer]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'care package' patch submitted to Microsoft certification originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2modern-warfaremodern-warfare-2multiplayerpatchrobert-bowlingtwitterSun, 07 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/esrb-outs-wwii-based-opening-of-bad-company-2/#comments The original Bad Company spinoff in the Battlefield series kept the franchise's setting firmly in modern times, but if the Bad Company 2 ESRB description is true, you'll be seeing a return to WWII in the sequel. At the very least, the game's opening will bring players back to the Pacific side of the war, with the ESRB description saying, "In single-player mode, players conduct missions on an unnamed Japanese island during World War II and then move into the modern day through jungles, deserts, and snowy terrain."

Just like we've discovered in our way too many hours with the game's multiplayer demo, the description details the inclusion of "melee attacks with a power drill" (yes, seriously) and the characters use of profanity "during cutscenes and in the heat of battle." And yes, we're just as excited by the former as you might imagine.

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqESRB outs WWII-based opening of Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-company-2battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2campaigndiceeaesrbsingle-playerwwiiSun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Relaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/#comments Hey, you remember EGM, right? The gaming mag that folded in January 2009 when 1UP/EGM was sold by Ziff-Davis Media to Hearst/UGO? And then the original publisher Steve Harris purchased it for a relaunch earlier this year, only to find out that the relaunch was pushed to April? We have to imagine that, by now, you're positively itching to put your money down on a subscription (if you haven't already subscribed to Kill Screen, of course). It would appear that your wish has been granted, as EGM has officially opened the door to its subscription portal, promising savings of 70 percent off the newsstand price.

For 32 issues and access to "EGMi: The Digital Magazine," US customers are looking at dropping $14.99, while 64 issues (as well as the aforementioned digital mag access) will cost $24.99 -- Canadian subscribers are looking at $34.99 and $54.99 for 32 and 64 issues, respectively, minus the digital version. Though we've yet to receive any real idea of the magazine's content, Harris has already signed on ex-EGMers Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn, as well as the Co-Op folks, to fill those shoes (or "Hsu's," as it were). We'll certainly find out more this April when the first issue is scheduled to hit subscribers and newsstands.

Update: To be clear, the $14.99 and $24.99 subscription deals actually equal a half year or full year of physical magazines (one per month; six and 12, respectively), as detailed in the fine print. "Your subscription includes either six print issues and 26 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 32 issues OR 12 print issues and 52 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 64 issues." Confusing enough for you?

JoystiqRelaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upco-opdan-hsudemian-linnegmegm-nowelectronic-gaming-monthlyemgi-the-digital-magazinehearstkill-screenprint-mediasteve-harrisugoziff-davisSun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swag Sunday: Bayonetta (360)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/swag-sunday-bayonetta-360/#comments Look, alright, we'll level with you -- we've got a short supply of schweet schwag hanging around Joystiq Prizeland as of late. That should at least partially help to explain last week's absence of a contest. We also kind of felt like you might've been overloaded with games during our holiday giveaways at the end of 2009. What's that? No, you say? Well we suppose that the first few months of 2010 are unusually flush with quality content, so giving away a bit couldn't hurt, right?

We certainly hope a nine foot tall bullet witch will do it for you, because that's what we've got. One lucky winner (chosen at random) takes home Bayonetta on Xbox 360, chosen from the comments below (please leave one and only one) that are left in the next 24 hours. You tell us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game and you may very well win yourself a vidjagame. How about that?!
  • Leave a comment telling us what you think is the most annoying song you've ever heard used in marketing a game.
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, due in part to our aversion to snowy owls).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day.
  • This entry period ends at 11:31AM ET on Monday, February 8.
  • At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one copy of Bayonetta for Xbox 360 ($59.99 ARV).
  • For a list of complete rules, click here.

Gallery: Bayonetta


What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

JoystiqSwag Sunday: Bayonetta (360) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettagiveawayhideki-kamiyajoyswagplatinum-gamessegaswag-saturdayswag-sundaySun, 07 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/sega-cites-tweaks-and-release-position-for-alpha-protocol-dela/#comments It would have been nice to hear more of an explanation way back in October when Sega's Alpha Protocol was "officially delayed" to the amorphous "Spring 2010," but, unfortunately, that didn't happen. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer this week, though, assistant producer at Sega Matthew Hickman explicitly detailed the reasons for the delay, saying, "We really wanted to polish the game up, make it everything Obsidian planned it to be, and give the consumer a very polished game."

He added that there's been some "tweaks in lighting here and there," and the inventory screen has been revamped a bit, but in general the team has been focused on "bringing the whole quality level up." The post's author also notes that the game is set for a "Summer 2010" release window now, and we've reached out to him (and Sega) for clarification.

Update: The post's author has responded that, yes, the game's current release window is set for "Summer 2010." Guess that's another delay then, eh? We'll update again if Sega responds.

Gallery: Alpha Protocol


JoystiqSega cites 'tweaks' and release position for Alpha Protocol delay [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocoldelaysmatthew-hickmanobsidianobsidian-entertainmentq2-2010release-datesegaspring-2010summer-2010Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook nabbing its first FPS: Brave Arms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/facebook-nabbing-its-first-fps-brave-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/facebook-nabbing-its-first-fps-brave-arms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/facebook-nabbing-its-first-fps-brave-arms/#comments Our biggest gripe with Facebook "games" most times is the lack of actual gameplay involved in them. Things like Mafia Wars seem much more like stat management spreadsheets couched in a social networking medium rather than games with a social media component. That said, it seems that 3G Studios is bringing a full on 3D shooter to the website in Brave Arms, announced this week and set for a March launch.

As the screenshot above corroborates, Brave Arms puts players in the first-person perspective for a Team Fortress 2-eque cartoony death match. CEO James Kosta says in the press release announcing the game that, "Our new title, Brave Arms, will bring first-person shooter games to the masses." Snarkier, meaner bloggers might mention games like Doom, Quake, Halo, or Call of Duty at this point, but we wouldn't do that. Nope. No sir. We'd just say something like, "How has EA not jumped on Facebook with Battlefield Heroes, nonetheless id Software/Bethesda with Quake Live?" As you might imagine with this type of free-to-play fare, there will be some form of microtransactions, though nothing has been explicitly detailed just yet.

Gallery: Brave Arms

[Via Games.com]

JoystiqFacebook nabbing its first FPS: Brave Arms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g-studiosbattlefield-heroesbrave-armscall-of-dutydoomfacebookfpshalojames-kostamicrotransactionsquakequake-liveteam-fortress-2Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/red-dead-redemption-screens-go-hogtie-wild/#comments We've already seen John Marston get himself into a whole mess of different being a cowboy-related situations before Red Dead Redemption's impending April release date, but today's are (as you might imagine) just a bit different. That's right, folks -- this time he's got a lasso. Rather than employing the ubiquitous Old West tool in cow wrangling, though, Marston drops some rope-based justice on fools and horses alike (okay okay -- we suppose it's possible there are also some fool horses). Peep the five new screens below in our hi-res gallery.

Gallery: Red Dead Redemption (2.6.2010)

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption screens go hogtie wild originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-marstonlassoold-westred-dead-redemptionrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-san-diegoscreenshotsSat, 06 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/06/bioshock-2-soundtrack-song-list-revealed/#comments Considering the upcoming digital release of BioShock 2's soundtrack is, well, digital, you could probably just procure the track list from Amazon and grab the individual songs before its announced February 9 release date. Sure, you're not gonna get your ... uhh ... eyes on the fancy digital packaging, but you could snag all those classy tunes a full three days before the other kids on your block. Think about that!

Done thinking? Good, 'cause we've got more BioShock 2 music info for you -- there's also a way to enjoy the soundtrack this very second. How's that, you ask? Well, simple: just grab this iTunes music file or this WIndows music file and enjoy a taste of "Rapture Radio." To be clear, the tracks listed are no bearing on the game's official score which comes with the game's special edition. Head past the break for a breakdown of both the standard and deluxe editions (no prices are available yet).

[Via Destructoid]

Continue reading BioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed

JoystiqBioShock 2 soundtrack song list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-marinbioshockbioshock-2deluxe-editionmusicrapture-radiorelease-datesoundtrackstandard-editionSat, 06 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry survey shows iPhone growth, console development preference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/industry-survey-shows-iphone-growth-console-development-prefere/#comments Alright, alright, calm down -- before you break out the bottle of kerosene for a completely baseless flame war, we're going to point out that the following survey results are from a "comprehensive 55 question survey" of "more than 800 video game professionals from North America and beyond who read Gamasutra, subscribe to Game Developer magazine, or attend Game Developers Conference." We'd also like to note that the not-quite-recovered economy is likely playing a larger role than we can tell at the moment. All that said, the 2009/10 State of Game Development Survey shows that small development houses ("50 employees or fewer") have grown seven percent in the last year -- a statistic pretty much directly tied to the 25 percent of developers now working on "mobile platforms" (nearly 75 percent of which name the iPhone directly).

We're hoping that, by this point in the post, any potential console warriors have moved on and won't notice us pointing out the breakdown of development percentage for each home console. Of the developers working on home consoles, 69 percent said they're developing for Xbox 360, while 61 percent claimed PlayStation 3. Maybe more interestingly, Wii console development dropped from 42 percent of respondents last year to 30 percent this year. Soft sales of third-party Wii titles last year likely didn't help to persuade devs to work with Nintendo. We'll see how that translates to the console's releases in the coming year.

JoystiqIndustry survey shows iPhone growth, console development preference originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentgame-industrystate-of-game-development-surveystate-of-game-development-survey-2009-10statisticssurveyFri, 05 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 'almost at its final edit' stage, says Molyneux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/fable-3-almost-at-its-final-edit-stage-says-molyneux/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/fable-3-almost-at-its-final-edit-stage-says-molyneux/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/fable-3-almost-at-its-final-edit-stage-says-molyneux/#comments The head of MGS Europe assuredly has a few more things on his plate than the third game in a franchise he helped create, but in a recent feature on Peter Molyneux at Develop, the British creator calmly pronounced the game to be nearing its "final edit" stage of production. Whether he means "ready for submission to Microsoft" or "we haven't started polishing it yet" (or, heck, anywhere in between) remains unclear, though we'd certainly like to get our hands on the final product sooner rather than later.

Additionally, Molyneux triple dips on his love for Valve, proclaiming Half-Life 2 as his "favourite" game ever (you crazy Brits!) as well as the game he would most like to have worked on, and also notes the developer as the one he most admires (get a room, you two!). And hey, if you've been hankering to know his "favourite" album, it's Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." (Yep, we were kind of disappointed too.)

JoystiqFable 3 'almost at its final edit' stage, says Molyneux originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-side-of-the-moonfablefable-3half-life-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmgs-europemicrosoft-game-studiospeter-molyneuxpink-floydvalvevalve-softwareFri, 05 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[High Voltage Studios reveals The Grinder to be multiplatform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/high-voltage-studios-reveals-the-grinder-to-be-multiplatform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/high-voltage-studios-reveals-the-grinder-to-be-multiplatform/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/high-voltage-studios-reveals-the-grinder-to-be-multiplatform/#comments Speaking exclusively with IGN, The Conduit developer High Voltage Studios has revealed its upcoming game The Grinder to be heading to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, as well as the Nintendo Wii. Previously announced as another of HVS' exclusive games for the Wii aimed at teh hardcorez, the game will now end up on every console, which "allows us [High Voltage] to show off what our company can really do and get it into the hands of the most gamers."

While we're inclined to argue that most gamers' hands are in possession of a Wiimote and Nunchuk (at least that's what the numbers tell us), moving to the other consoles is a fairly understandable choice given the relatively low sales of HVS' previous Wiisclusive title. "We are extremely proud of the sales for The Conduit, with over 350,000 copies sold, numerous 'best-of 2009' nods, and over a million hours played according to the Nintendo Channel," noted CEO Kerry Ganofsky. From the interview, it appears that the studio's proprietary game engine ("Quantum 3") will also be heading to the other consoles. Does that mean a Conduit port to the 360 and PS3 is in the cards? Hopefully we'll find out when we next see HVS at the Game Developer's Conference this March. In the meantime, we've embedded a new trailer after the break.

Continue reading High Voltage Studios reveals The Grinder to be multiplatform

JoystiqHigh Voltage Studios reveals The Grinder to be multiplatform originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eric-nosfingergrinderhigh-voltagehigh-voltage-studioskerry-ganofskythe-conduitthe-grinderFri, 05 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Awakening: now with creepy Children!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-age-awakening-now-with-creepy-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-age-awakening-now-with-creepy-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/05/dragon-age-awakening-now-with-creepy-children/#comments Felt like your copy of Dragon Age: Origins was missing something, eh? Say, maybe, slugs with demonically mutated children's faces? Perfect -- we've got just the trailer for you today, care of upcoming DA:O expansion Awakening, full of creepy-crawly things called "The Children."

There's not much in the way of an explanation of exactly what or why they are, but there are some pretty awful birth pods full of (presumably) amniotic fluid -- well, y'know, evil amniotic fluid (they're bad guys, after all). Hopefully the Children aren't working in concert with that terrifying blue dragon we saw last week. Man, that'd be just the worst! Get fully creeped out by the trailer after the break.

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (Retail Expansion)

Continue reading Dragon Age Awakening: now with creepy Children!

JoystiqDragon Age Awakening: now with creepy Children! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningdigital-distributiondlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningexpansionthe-childrentrailervideoFri, 05 Feb 2010 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap loses another $2.7m to MumboJumbo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/popcap-loses-another-2-7m-to-mumbojumbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/popcap-loses-another-2-7m-to-mumbojumbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/popcap-loses-another-2-7m-to-mumbojumbo/#comments
[Image credit: bloomsberries]

Despite PopCap's claim to appeal the original ruling of the lawsuit between it and MumboJumbo, a judge has awarded another $2.7 million to MumboJumbo citing "legal fees," according to Develop. 193rd Civil District Court Judge Carl Ginsberg ruled earlier this week that PopCap would be burdened with the amount (which includes $525,000 in "post-verdict appeals"), making the total sum that MumboJumbo receives $7.3 million.

The case originally derived from an alleged breach of contract on PopCap's part regarding the right to sell its own games in North America -- in so many words, the lawsuit found that PopCap had illegally broken an agreement with MumboJumbo and sold/marketed said games in NA (those monsters!). That said, the agreement was for MumboJumbo to handle that sales/marketing, thus making PopCap in breach of contract in doing so. Sound confusing? It's business, folks. We're right there with you.

JoystiqPopCap loses another $2.7m to MumboJumbo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach-of-contractcarl-ginsbergcasual-gameslawsuitlegalmarketingmumbojumbopopcapsalesThu, 04 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/#comments You know Gamer, right? That movie with a pasty-faced kid controlling human prisoners in a future game? Well, it turns out that the film almost ended up as a Grand Theft Auto joint. According to a recent interview with co-writer/director Mark Neveldine, "We [Neveldine and co-writer Brian Taylor] actually were going to be hired to write GTA. I am sure that was part of it. That was after we wrote and directed Crank, so I got involved with GTA pretty heavily, I didn't grow up with it."

Neveldine claims that it was a "rights issue" that caused the silver screen adaptation of GTA to founder. "It was a movie originally directed by Ron Howard ... and because Rockstar Games made a video game, there is some battle of who can use the title ... you can't make it about the game." Back in 2008, Variety alleged that a GTA movie was on the precipice of production when the deal fell through, but we get the feeling that these folks are speaking about something completely different.

JoystiqWhy a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-taylorcrankfilmfilm-adaptationgamergrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-moviegta-ivmark-neveldinemovierockstarrockstar-gamesron-howardtake-two-interactiveThu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 demo falling from the sky any day now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/just-cause-2-demo-falling-from-the-sky-any-day-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/just-cause-2-demo-falling-from-the-sky-any-day-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/just-cause-2-demo-falling-from-the-sky-any-day-now/#comments In the land of Twitter, Just Cause 2 developer Eidos is a fairly new entrant. Having just, 10(ish) hours ago, joined up via Square Enix Europe community manager Keir Edmonds, the company account has already dropped one bombshell: a Just Cause 2 demo is "on its way." Though the account merely alludes to "details to follow," we'd be downright surprised if the demo hit any later than the game's March 23 release date.

Just to make sure Eidos didn't want to say anything else, we've reached out for more information and we'll update this post if we hear anything else.

Gallery: Just Cause 2

[Via CVG]

JoystiqJust Cause 2 demo falling from the sky any day now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeidosjust-causejust-cause-2keir-edmondspsnsquare-enixsquare-enix-europetwitterxblxblmThu, 04 Feb 2010 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft revenues increase 11% in 2009, 122 million (mostly) digital dollars made]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gameloft-revenues-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gameloft-revenues-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gameloft-revenues-2009/#comments Yep, it says it all right there in the headline, folks. Gameloft swiftly took $122 million from consumers in 2009, roughly equating to 15 million digital copies of DSiWare Oregon Trail. Alright, alright, the digital distribution-based publishers probably sold some of its other games too, we guess -- mobile games (in general) represented a whopping 94 percent of the company's sales in 2009. And despite our voracious habit for mobile games here at Joystiq, North Americans were second place in terms of worldwide sales at 32 percent, with Europeans leading at 39 percent and the rest of the world trailing at 27 percent. Good luck catching up, rest of the world!

And yes, even amidst the global economic recession, Gameloft predicted "further growth in 2010 in terms of revenue and profitability." The publisher also pointed out its strong position in the long term, saying it will "benefit from the rapid emergence of digitally distributed video games on mobile phones, tablets, consoles, and from major technological innovations." You catch that tablet reference in there? Yeah, we did too. Hey, it's 2010, right? The future. We're in it.

JoystiqGameloft revenues increase 11% in 2009, 122 million (mostly) digital dollars made originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondsiwareearningsgameloftipadmobile-gamespsnrevenuesaleswiiwarexblaWed, 03 Feb 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/darksiders-rides-into-1-2-million-homes-thq-financially-recover/#comments THQ today announced to investors its financial holdings for the year ending December 31, 2009, reporting a net income of $1.4 million and sales of $701.5 million in the final nine months of the year. To put that in some perspective, the net income for the same period last year was a $334.2 loss. No doubt well-reviewed titles like UFC Undisputed 2009 and (personal favorite) Red Faction: Guerrilla helped that financial 180° turn -- a much needed one after a rocky 2008 and a mess of layoffs in 2009.

The publisher also announced "first four week" sales of Darksiders have already reached 1.2 million in the US (Ahem, Mr. Greenwald? Did you hear that?). Interestingly, THQ called the game part of its "growing portfolio of owned brands," among Red Faction, de Blob, Drawn to Life, and Saint's Row. And with this afternoon's investor call, it would certainly appear we'll be seeing more from that portfolio in the coming year.

JoystiqDarksiders rides into 1.2 million homes, THQ recovering financially originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersde-blobdrawn-to-lifeearningsfinanceincomeinvestormoneyred-factionred-faction-guerrillasaints-rowthqufc-undisputed-2009Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Europe: Don't worry, Gran Turismo 5 will be out before Christmas. Maybe. (We hope.)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/sony-europe-dont-worry-gran-turismo-5-will-be-out-before-chri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/sony-europe-dont-worry-gran-turismo-5-will-be-out-before-chri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/sony-europe-dont-worry-gran-turismo-5-will-be-out-before-chri/#comments The vice president in charge of "Southern Europe" (read: Spain, Portugal) at Sony Computer Entertainment isn't a man to mince words. No sir, James Armstrong answered his recent interview question from Canarias Al Dia on the subject of Gran Turismo 5's release date with rock solid certainty: "We believe that we will launch the product this Autumn, before the holiday, though this hasn't been decided yet. [our translation, not direct]"

Alright, so Armstrong wasn't exactly 100 percent nailing down a date for the game that's been delayed more than a few times (Sony most recently pushed back its Japanese release to an unknown date). However, it is nice to see someone at Sony saying the sim might actually see release before the end of this console cycle. Oh, and in case you were wondering, he also puts doubt on the use of Sony's Motion Controller in the game, so at least we've got that knowledge to console us in the meantime.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5


[Via GT Planet, Videogamer.com]

JoystiqSony Europe: Don't worry, Gran Turismo 5 will be out before Christmas. Maybe. (We hope.) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fall-2010gran-turismogran-turismo-5holiday-2010james-armstrongpolyphony-digitalsonysony-computer-entertainment-europesony-europesony-motion-controllerWed, 03 Feb 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixar, Molyneux and Schafer also giving talks at GDC 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/pixar-molyneux-and-schafer-also-giving-talks-at-gdc-2010/#comments Worried that you're only gonna get one legendary game developer speaking at this year's GDC? Well quit it, because it turns out that March's pontification festival will also feature the likes of Double Fine's Tim Schafer, Lionhead/MGS Europe head Peter Molyneux, Square Enix FFXIII director Motomu Toriyama, a couple of "Pixar notables," and fantasy wordsmith R.A. Salvatore.

According to Gamasutra's announcement of the speakers, the gentlemen will join "almost 350 other lectures, keynotes, and panels" taking place at the early March event, giving speeches on everything from comedy in gaming (Schafer, of course) to intuitive game design (Molyneux), and even a sneak peek (the first, actually, if we're not mistaken) of 38 Studios' upcoming MMO (with R.A. Salvatore). For all you zipper and chain-clad folks, Toriyama's speech on creating "The Crystal Mythos" might be more up your alley. If none of that sounds exciting to you, then there's always the other 345 or so folks at the event or ... umm ... a bar down the street maybe? Listen, are you alright?

JoystiqPixar, Molyneux and Schafer also giving talks at GDC 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosdevelopmentdouble-finedoublefineeuropeffxiiifinal-fantasy-xiiigame-designgdcgdc-2010lionhead-studiosmicrosoft-game-studiosmotomu-toriyamapeter-molyneuxra-salvatorethe-crystal-mythostim-schaferTue, 02 Feb 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DigiPen expands, increasing graduating class size by a third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/digipen-expands-increasing-graduating-class-size-by-a-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/digipen-expands-increasing-graduating-class-size-by-a-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/digipen-expands-increasing-graduating-class-size-by-a-third/#comments
[Image credit: Wade Rockett]
Being a premier college for game developers seeking out bachelor's and master's degrees in mind-bending, DigiPen recently announced plans to expand its campus to a larger location in Redmond, Washington. A 100,000 square-foot ex-Microsoft building will house the expanded facilities -- said to include "tiered-seating auditoriums, classrooms, art studios, electronic labs, a large work area for students to study and collaborate on projects, library, cafeteria with a professional kitchen, student recreation room and a general store" -- and the opening is set to take place as early as this Summer.

Redmond Mayor John Marchione points to the school's financial and culture benefits to the region in the press release, saying, "DigiPen is a tremendous asset to the Redmond community, with considerable contributions to education, the arts and our local economy." The Seattle Times points out that this move brings with it an increase in the school's matriculated roster from 900 to 1,200, bringing DigiPen one small step closer to total global domination.

JoystiqDigiPen expands, increasing graduating class size by a third originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collegedigipenexpansiongame-designredmondschooluniversitywashingtonTue, 02 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA drops an elbow full of screenshots onto our lower back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/ea-sports-mma-drops-an-elbow-full-of-screenshots-onto-our-lower/#comments The slow trickle of EA Sports MMA media appears to be picking up again with today's small handful of new shots. EA released a relative pittance of assets in the form of five screenshots (including the Eeyore-inspired headshot you see above). Rather than show off new fighters, the screens instead showcase two long-announced Strikeforce combatants -- Jake Shields and Brett Rogers. Head to the gallery below for both gentlemen in all their polygonal glory.

Gallery: EA Sports MMA (2.1.2010)


JoystiqEA Sports MMA drops an elbow full of screenshots onto our lower back originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brett-rogersdana-whiteeaea-sportsea-sports-mmajake-shieldsmediapartnershipscreenshotsstrikeforceMon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom Q3 2009 financials reveal monster sales of Monster Hunter Tri]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/capcom-q3-2009-financials-reveal-monster-sales-of-monster-hunter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/capcom-q3-2009-financials-reveal-monster-sales-of-monster-hunter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/capcom-q3-2009-financials-reveal-monster-sales-of-monster-hunter/#comments If you're anything like us, you immediately tore into the recently released Capcom Q3 2009 financial report looking for the number of Mario Party Fushigi no Korokoro Catcher arcade machines the company sold in the last nine months of 2009 (80, in case you were wondering) only to find a wealth of information about the publisher's other games. For instance, worldwide sales (sell-in, not sell-through, mind you) of Bionic Commando crept over 700k, while Monster Hunter Tri moved 1.15 million in Japan alone -- we worry deeply for the monsters of Japan, being hunted relentlessly by all of those people. At this point in the post, we'd like to point out that these numbers are for the nine months ending December 31, 2009, and thusly don't reflect January's sales. Also, things are about to get really boring.

The Japanese publisher is reporting a 5.9 percent increase in net sales for the nine month period, and boasts an 84.3 percent increase in "operating income compared to the same term in [Fiscal Year 2008]," which is to say sales increased by ¥49,987 million from the same time period last year (netting ¥1,731 million). Whew - glad we got through that! Capcom itself doesn't ruminate on the numbers too much either, saying "only a few flagship software titles were released from our home video game division, while both arcade operations and content expansion were weakening." Unfortunately for us, there's still no word on the US arrival of Mario Party Fushigi No Korokoro Catcher.

Source -- Capcom 3rd Quarter Financial Results (warning: PDF)
Source -- Capcom 3rd Quarter Financial Results press release

JoystiqCapcom Q3 2009 financials reveal monster sales of Monster Hunter Tri originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandocapcomfinancialfinancial-reportfy-2009mario-party-fushigi-no-korokoro-catchermonster-hunter-triq3-2009Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West previewed, screenshotted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-previewed-screenshotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-previewed-screenshotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/lead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-wild-west-previewed-screenshotted/#comments Hang on a sec, are you trying to tell us that you weren't at the Paradox Interactive Convention in Stockholm, Sweden last week when the publisher showed off its upcoming game, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West? Lucky for you then that Paradox Interactive recently released a mélange of screenshots and a developer interview to help assuage your fear of totally missing out. Developed by Swedish company Fatshark, Lead and Gold is a third-person multiplayer-focused shooter set in the Old West.

As described by executive producer Martin Wahlund in the video after the break, the game features a a variety of different competitive multiplayer modes (variations on the traditional "team deathmatch" and "capture the flag," among others) to be played by the game's four classes. Set for release in "Q2 2010," we have to imagine we'll be getting some face time with the game (and news on which consoles it's coming to) in the not too distant future.

Gallery: Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West

Continue reading Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West previewed, screenshotted

JoystiqLead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West previewed, screenshotted originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fatsharklead-and-goldlead-and-gold-gangs-of-the-old-westparadox-interactivewesternSun, 31 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cursed Mountain dev Deep Silver Vienna shuttered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/cursed-mountain-dev-deep-silver-vienna-shuttered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/cursed-mountain-dev-deep-silver-vienna-shuttered/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/cursed-mountain-dev-deep-silver-vienna-shuttered/#comments As confirmed by parent company Koch Media to Develop, Cursed Mountain developer Deep Silver Vienna has apparently been closed. Citing "the overall economic situation" and noting "this decision is not easy for us," the 20-person staff was recently cut and told they would receive pay through the end of March. Develop posits that the studio's other game -- Ride to Hell -- will likely remain unaffected by the shutdown, as UK dev house Eutechnyx is handling development and Koch Media's Munich offices will oversee the game's management.

Deep Silver Vienna was formed in the wake of Rockstar Vienna's closing back in 2006, and originally called itself Games That Matter. Ex-Rockstar Vienna heads Hannes Seifert and Niki Laber launched the studio, and it is said that Siefert has moved on to a position at Square Enix Europe as a creative director. As with every case like this, we'd like to wish those affected the best of luck.

JoystiqCursed Mountain dev Deep Silver Vienna shuttered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closurecursed-mountaindeep-silverdeep-silver-viennaeutechnyxgames-that-matterhannes-seifertkoch-medianiki-laberride-to-hellrockstar-viennasquare-enixsquare-enix-europeSun, 31 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach 'not a Natal title,' being made with a controller in mind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/halo-reach-not-a-natal-title-being-made-with-a-controller-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/halo-reach-not-a-natal-title-being-made-with-a-controller-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/halo-reach-not-a-natal-title-being-made-with-a-controller-in/#comments Sure, you could take Bungie's latest foray into Mythbusters territory as full on confirmation of Halo: Reach not having Project Natal support, or you could be like us and remain skeptical of the developer's still-not-straightforward wording. In a recent post on Bungie.net, the company attempted to answer a mess of "myths" about its upcoming Halo game, including "Myth: Reach is being built for Natal!" In answering, the post states, "Halo: Reach is NOT a Natal title and is being developed expressly with the traditional Xbox 360 controller in mind."

That said, rather than outright saying, "No, there's no support for Project Natal in Halo: Reach," Bungie instead chose to loosely word the answer. It certainly doesn't help the situation that multiple Bungie employees have expressed interest in seeing Natal incorporated into the Halo series, with Bungie prez Harold Ryan even saying he could "absolutely" see Reach specifically incorporate Natal. So, about that myth ...

JoystiqHalo: Reach 'not a Natal title,' being made with a controller in mind originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungie.nethalohalo-reachharold-ryanmythbustersproject-natalSun, 31 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble's Bruce Shelley working on The Settlers 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/31/ensembles-bruce-shelley-working-on-the-settlers-7/#commentsAs spotted by Joystiq's sister site Big Download in a recent gameplay trailer, ex-Ensemble Studios co-founder Bruce Shelley is working on Ubisoft's next installment in the Settlers series, The Settlers 7. Oh, what's that? You've never heard of the Settlers franchise? That's okay, we're right there with you.

Popular in Europe (like Jerry Lewis, but less obnoxious), the city-building sim developed by Blue Byte Software will apparently get Shelley's input as a "game design consultant" -- and considering the pedigree that comes with Shelley, we have to imagine that, If you're into that kind of thing, it's time to start getting totally psyched. The game is currently in beta and will be headed to PCs in "late March."

JoystiqEnsemble's Bruce Shelley working on The Settlers 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-byteblue-byte-softwarebruce-shelleyensemble-studiosthe-settlersthe-settlers-7the-settlers-7-paths-to-a-kingdomubisoftSun, 31 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: iPad consumers will graduate to the PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/sony-ipad-consumers-will-graduate-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/sony-ipad-consumers-will-graduate-to-the-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/sony-ipad-consumers-will-graduate-to-the-psp/#comments We've already heard from Nintendo's Satoru Iwata on Apple's most recent handheld (spoilers: he doesn't care about it), but the Wall Street Journal recently asked Sony's John Koller how his company's reacting to the device. Rather than outright dismissing it like the Nintendo prez, though, he said he's looking to the iPad for boosted PSP sales. Seriously.

"Apple's entrance into the portable gaming space has been a net positive for Sony ... when people want a deeper, richer console, they start playing on a PSP." In fairness, it's part of Koller's job to rep Sony in these situations, but it's not exactly impossible to argue with his logic in this case -- as the WSJ points out, sales of the PSP have "nearly tripled" since June 2007 (when the iPhone first launched). This would normally be the point where we point out other mitigating factors in year-over-year sales increases (say, games like God of War: Chains of Olympus and GTA: Chinatown Wars coming out, or a new console iteration being released), but we'll leave the comments section below to handle that.

Gallery: Apple iPad

JoystiqSony: iPad consumers will graduate to the PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehandheldipadjohn-kollersatoru-iwatasonySat, 30 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age: Origins 'Awakening' expansion has a giant blue dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/dragon-age-origins-awakening-dlc-has-a-giant-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/dragon-age-origins-awakening-dlc-has-a-giant-blue-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/30/dragon-age-origins-awakening-dlc-has-a-giant-blue-dragon/#commentsAlright, alright, you kind of already knew about the giant blue dragon in the upcoming Dragon Age: Origins 'Awakening' expansion pack, but you hadn't seen her (yes, her) in all her rage-filled majesty, scaring the crap out of those venturing into Blackmarsh. Between her and Skeletor, we're getting pretty psyched for March's DA:O content infusion. Sure, there's that other BioWare RPG that we're obsessively playing for now, but how long will that last before we feel the urge to venture back into the fantasy realm? We're guessing about two months. And hey, if nothing else, it'll give us something to talk about at PAX East during the Joystiq / Blueberry Muffintops Breakfast.

Gallery: Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening (Retail Expansion)


JoystiqDragon Age: Origins 'Awakening' expansion has a giant blue dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awakeningdigital-distributiondlcdragon-agedragon-age-originstrailervideoSat, 30 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST