Joystiq

Deus Ex 3 PC exclusivity rumored, doubted, dismissed

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST

An Eidos Montreal community spokesperson has put a dent in rumors of Deus Ex 3 being developed exclusively for PC. "Only the PC version has been announced so far," he wrote on the official Eidos forums, diplomatically addressing a story that originated from a (now corrected) article on Bit-Tech. "I dunno where that website is getting its info from!"

We dunno if these comments preclude an exclusivity announcement in the future but, as John Walker notes on Rock Paper Shotgun, the situation isn't a conspiracy so much as "a matter of crossed wires." The Deus Ex franchise is certainly no stranger to consoles and, considered from a commercial viewpoint, it seems likely that Eidos and Square Enix would want to share their collaborative efforts with as wide an audience as possible.

Deus Ex 3 PC exclusivity rumored, doubted, dismissed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video game tacticians could save a lot of lives

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

From the medium that taught us a console is just a "hard drive with games on it" comes a new episode of NCIS (not to be confused with CSI FYI or CSI NY) that highlights the significant military advantage of employing a video game tactician. But don't even think about deploying them! As the episode's summary reveals, "a government think-tank filled with child prodigies" may be the only safe refuge for the killer's next victim.

You know what else could save a life? Not being so smug.

[Thanks, Danny]

Video game tacticians could save a lot of lives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battlefield: Bad Company 2 PC beta starts early 2010

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Battlefield: Bad Company 2's associate producer and dedicated server of official blog updates, Gordon Van Dyke, has assured fans that the PC beta will still happen -- though later than expected. "With the huge success of the PS3 Beta we decided to drastically increase the PC Beta's capacity to insure as many people as possible could participate," Van Dyke wrote. "Unfortunately this meant we had to delay the Beta to very early next year giving us more planning time to make it happen and implement more optimizations."

The PC version of DICE's first-person, military-person shooter will boast full support for DirectX 11, a maximum of 32 active players (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions go up to 24), clans, friend lists and dedicated servers, which is that controversial thing we referenced in the previous paragraph.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will arrive on store shelves in March 2, 2010. It's the one that ups the lone-soldier-walking-towards-you ante with some helicopters, a tank and another soldier that is slightly farther away.

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 PC beta starts early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: OPM teases Dead Space reveal in December

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Considering the artwork depicted on the "next month" page of November's Official PlayStation Magazine, it requires only the slightest of hops to reach the conclusion that a new Dead Space announcement is lurking just around the corner. Allegedly snapped by GOONL!NE (as in the connectivity instruction, not the lineup of criminals), the artwork features a grotesque, tentacled creature viewed through what appears to be the iconic toaster visor of Dead Space protagonist Isaac Clarke. The site confidently suggests that the creature itself is derived from the original game's concept art.

Now's the time to strategically remember several job listings, which mentioned a Dead Space follow-up, along with EA CEO John Riccitiello's recently expressed desire to have EA focus on more profitable, safer games. What could be safer than an isolated spaceship sending out a distress call?

The November issue of Official PlayStation Magazine is on sale ~~behind youuuuu~~ in the UK right now.

[Via CVG]

Rumor: OPM teases Dead Space reveal in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony replaces faulty Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines download

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

"Yes, there was an issue with the original download," a Sony Europe spokesperson has told Eurogamer. Said issue, which rendered PAL digital copies of Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines dead on arrival, was rectified by replacing the PSP file on the European PlayStation store -- though this came at a cost to those who had already been greeted by the defective copy's never-ending loading screen. According to the spokesperson, "It was pulled from the store and we are issuing replacement codes for those people who purchased the content before 12PM GMT on November 20."

Developed by Griptonite Games, Bloodlines follows the protagonist of 2007's Assassin's Creed, complete with 3D free-running and an Altair native control scheme.

Sony replaces faulty Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines download originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Mercs Inc' officially announced, developed by Pandemic at EALA

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:48:00 EST

This morning's leaked footage, purported to belong to a new multiplayer-capable Mercenaries game called "Mercs Inc," just barely beat EA's official announcement of the (working) title to our front page. In development at EA Los Angeles, the latest toy in the destructive sandbox is paraded underneath the Pandemic banner, held aloft by the "core creative team" that survived the physical studio's recent closure. No target platforms have been announced.

According to EA senior VP and group GM, Nick Earl, the swift announcement "demonstrates our continued commitment to Pandemic's rich catalog of intellectual properties." As the press release innocently points out, "Mercs Inc will also be the first Pandemic game" to be released after this December's The Saboteur, the last Pandemic game. Oh, the previous one, we mean.

'Mercs Inc' officially announced, developed by Pandemic at EALA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AbleGamers launches reviews with accessibility in mind

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Before you send an overtly hostile dissertation to AbleGamers about their outrageous 6.7/10 scoring of Batman: Arkham Asylum, keep in mind that the site's newly launched review section focuses on accessibility above all else. While that particular review mentions the game's many qualities, some of them may be difficult to appreciate by disabled players.

The site offers critique and advice on several aspects you may take for granted, including the presence of subtitles, colorblind options and adjustable controls. "There are countless sites out there that review games for their graphics and sound, but no one is looking at the game from the standpoint of accessibility," explains Mark C. Barlet, President of the AbleGamers Foundation. "With 63 million Americans with disabilities this is a focus that is needed and who better to do it than the flagship site for disabled gamers, AbleGamers.com. I hope that game makers now add AbleGamers to their list of news outlets to send review copies to."

In a show of support, Joystiq Publishing has sent over its highly anticipated puzzle game, Is This Color Red or Green?. We reckon it's at least a nine.

AbleGamers launches reviews with accessibility in mind originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Users report faulty digital copies of Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Some of those eager to immerse themselves in Altair's portable crusade in Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines have allegedly been denied entry into the Animus. This has, in turn, led to animosity being expressed on Sony's message boards and our tips line. According to complaints, the downloadable version (the game is also available on UMD) freezes during its initial loading screen, regardless of PSP model.

Based on user comments, the hobbled file originated from the European PlayStation Store and has since been bumped off -- to be replaced with a working version soon, hopefully. We'll keep an eye on things (and your comments below) while we await a response from Ubisoft.

Update: Sony has replaced the faulty download and offered replacement codes to those affected.

Source -- Official PlayStation Forums
Source -- EU PlayStation Blog comments
Source -- Youtube video [Thanks, Gian]

Users report faulty digital copies of Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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French police avert school shooting, 13-year-old boy apprehended

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

According to a report from The Times, French authorities have prevented a school shooting by arresting a 13-year-old boy before he could exact revenge on his teachers for poor marks. Raymond Yeddou, a senior state official in Beauvais, is quoted as saying, "He left his home with a loaded shotgun and 25 cartridges. He went in the direction of the school where, according to his statement, he intended to kill all his teachers." The boy now faces charges of attempted murder.

As GamePolitics notes, several reports -- including the one from The Times, which boasts the headline, "Computer games fan 'planned school massacre'" -- have drawn a connection between the presumably foiled attack and the young boy's hobbies. Piggybacking on word of the boy playing World of Warcraft and other games until "one or two in the morning," the mainstream media has once again attempted to trace unusual, outcast criminal behavior to a culturally entrenched and widespread hobby.

Unless you plan to thoroughly investigate the complex impetus for a planned school shooting, the only use in linking a young boy to video games is to remind us what year we're in. Protip, media: It's 2009. And you're still doing it.

[Via GamePolitics]

French police avert school shooting, 13-year-old boy apprehended originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dark Void film adaptation announced

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Preemptively cutting off complaints that it strays too far from the source material, Capcom has announced a film adaptation of a game you haven't played yet: Dark Void, next year's promising third-person shooter from Airtight Games. In line with the agreement reached between Capcom, Reliance BIG Entertainment and Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment production company, Dark Void is primed as a "sci-fi action franchise and potential starring vehicle for Pitt."

While the parties involved decide whether or not the movie is indeed the Pitt's, someone should probably point out that as far as starring vehicles go, a jetpack is probably the best one. Players will beat Hollywood to the punch and experience it for themselves when Dark Void lands on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on January 19, 2010 in North America and January 22, 2010 in Europe.

Congratulations to Crusty Magic on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

Dark Void film adaptation announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Harry met Lara: a Pringles commercial

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST

Determining the origins of the huge chip on Joystiq's shoulder has proven difficult these last few years, but it's easy to suggest that it didn't come from a tall, cardboard tube. That's why we're not averse to posting unhinged Pringles commercials, least of all those that feature plenty of overt video game references. Head past the break and see if you can figure out where the various HUD elements and arbitrarily locked doors came from.

And then see if you can figure out where that Rubik's Cube came from.

[Via enthusiastic Lara Croft fansite; thanks, Jose]

Continue reading When Harry met Lara: a Pringles commercial

When Harry met Lara: a Pringles commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Commercial success dependent on 'more than just quality,' Divnich suggests

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST

Pictured: A successful commercial

Speaking during a presentation at the recent Montreal International Game Summit (as covered by Edge), EEDAR Director of Analyst Services Jesse Divnich highlighted a tenuous connection between game review scores and commercial success. In the case of Nintendo's DS, Divnich is quoted as saying "scores don't matter." But do they matter among a more dedicated gaming audience?

"When we did compare Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 only games, we did, to no surprise, find that review scores highly correlated to sales," Divnich told Joystiq. "However, marketing correlation was still just a tad bit more." According to EEDAR's research, marketing has played the "more crucial role" with DS games and, to some degree, Wii games (a point Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime seems to agree on).

While emphasizing that his aim was not to dismiss the value of critical evaluation, Divnich suggested that marketing plays a more persuasive role in what has become a burgeoning industry. "Video games are now a mass marketed product, it is a product that targets all major demographics, very similar to television or movies or any other sector within the entertainment division." While Joystiq readers may lock out the din of marketing as they tap the F5 key and anxiously wait for review embargoes to lift, the industry has grown to encompass people who aren't as exposed to the likes of Metacritic.

It seems that being informed takes precedence over being entertained -- at least until you start playing the game. "Quality does matter," concluded Divnich, "but marketing matters just a little bit more."

Commercial success dependent on 'more than just quality,' Divnich suggests originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Wednesday: XBLA takes you out for Diner and a Gyromantic date

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Xbox Live Arcade shows a belligerent disregard for productivity this week, hosting a pair of light puzzle games that are sure to weigh heavily on your mind during working hours. Why not have a go (and then just one more) at Gyromancer, the gem-shifting collaboration between Square Enix and PopCap? The cost of entry is 1200 ($15). If it's a cohesive concoction of puzzles, RPG elements and item collection, your departure is likely to be at no point.

PlayFirst is also serving up an XBLA version of Diner Dash for 800 ($10). The culinary-themed time management game should be an ideal snack in between gorging on Dragon Age: Origins, Modern Warfare 2, Assassin's Creed 2, Left 4 Dead 2 and ... hmm. How good are you at time management?

This Wednesday: XBLA takes you out for Diner and a Gyromantic date originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST

Outside of the MMO genre, solitary experiences are de rigueur for role-playing games, most of all those emerging from the venerable story specialists at BioWare. Speaking to VideoGamer.com, BioWare CEO and co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka offered some insights into the company's considerations for co-op multiplayer gaming. "We haven't announced anything on that front yet, but those are interesting ideas," Muzyka explained. "They could make a great gameplay experience. Whether we'll do them or not remains to be decided."

Among the things to be decided is how best to incorporate your party of friends with, well, your party of in-game friends. "It's hard to weave a great single-player storyline into a multiplayer experience," Muzyka said. "It's not impossible." The good doctor insists that it's been done and points to the developer's anticipated Star Wars MMO as proof. "We've done it, and we're doing it again now in Star Wars: The Old Republic. But it is challenging."

BioWare considers storytelling challenge of multiplayer experiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Fantasy XIII launches March 9, 2010 on PS3, 360

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST

Download in HD from BigDownload
Final Fantasy XIII will launch in North America and Europe on March 9, 2010, just a few months after it debuts in Japan and nearly four years after it was originally announced. Since that time, Square Enix's flagship role-playing game has become a multiplatform project -- the English version will debut on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 simultaneously -- as well as the first part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis series. It's also no longer the highest-numbered Final Fantasy game.

"We know that our fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installation of the franchise -- FINAL FANTASY XIII will exceed all expectations," said John Yamamoto, president, chief executive officer and official title shouter of Square Enix, Inc. "Coming simultaneously to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for the first time, FINAL FANTASY XIII will be available to all players who are looking for the most immersive gaming experience of 2010."

And you'll have to look -- we hear Q1 2010 is already swamped with immersive gaming experiences. That's not a complaint!

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XIII launches March 9, 2010 on PS3, 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artist's resume lists work on 'R3' for Insomniac Games

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

If you're impressed by the works of artist Ben Mauro -- featured on his blog, "Perpetual Motion" -- you may soon be seeing more of it in the next game from Resistance developer Insomniac Games. According to Mauro's LinkedIn profile, he spent three sleepless months from March until May 2009 crafting content for several projects, including "RCF2" (presumably Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time), "R3" and some unannounced items. [Note: Mentions of "R3" and "unannounced projects" have mysteriously vanished since we contacted the parties concerned.]

Though Insomniac's PlayStation 3 release pattern -- oh, and a massive billboard -- would seem to unfurl "R3" as Resistance 3, a third outing for Chimera crusher Nathan Hale has not been officially announced. A bigger, better sequel would undoubtedly provide a good opportunity to counter the negative feedback that the previous game incurred in hardcore fans.

[Via Game Guru]

Artist's resume lists work on 'R3' for Insomniac Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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To Borderlands director, a sequel 'seems like a no-brainer'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

If you build it, they will come -- mostly for the loot. That's how Borderlands creative director Mike Neumann candidly describes the possibility of a sequel to his game. "Yes, I can probably confirm that there's a chance of a Borderlands 2 ," he told VG247 with a chuckle. "I mean, with anything, especially a new IP, if people want more and you can make more, and everybody can make money and do good business there, it obviously makes really good sense to do that."

An unexpectedly large number of people thought it made really good sense to purchase the colorful, FPS-RPG hybrid. Neumann jokingly admits surprise at seeing stores running out of stock, even though "it certainly doesn't suck to be the people who made the game you can't keep in stock."

Though plans for a sequel have yet to manifest outside of the water cooler area -- Gearbox is currently grinding through Borderlands DLC -- Neumann believes the "praise and love" for the franchise will make that first decision easier. "So yeah, if everything makes sense, Borderlands 2 seems like a no-brainer to me."

To Borderlands director, a sequel 'seems like a no-brainer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As easy as 1.23 million: Modern Warfare 2 breaks first-day UK sales record

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

Citing "astonishing" first-day sales figures in the UK, the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has trumpeted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's debut as a sign that "interactive entertainment has completely come of age." Said Michael Rawlinson, Director General of the ELSPA: "These first day sales figures are astonishing and clear evidence that video games are now mainstream in the UK."

Smashing through the estimated 631,000 units sold by 2008's Grand Theft Auto IV, Infinity Ward's slick shooter grossed £47 million (roughly $78.3 million) in first-day sales, which ELSPA and GFK-ChartTrack pair with 1.23 million units sold. Sold to adults, of course! "So, as an 18-rated video game, it is important that this game is not played by children, and parents should be appropriately vigilant," said Rawlinson. "We ask everyone to make sure they check the packaging of games to ensure they are suitable for their players, especially as we enter the festive season when video games are one of the most popular gifts of the holiday."

We hope you don't take offense, people of the UK, but some of you have awfully high-pitched voices online.

As easy as 1.23 million: Modern Warfare 2 breaks first-day UK sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ESA founder Doug Lowenstein receives AIAS Lifetime Achievement Award

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:28:00 EST

The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has chosen the third recipient for its prestigious and reportedly quite heavy Lifetime Achievement Award in Doug Lowenstein, founder of the Electronic Software Association (ESA). Lowenstein served as the organization's president for 13 years until 2007, after which he became CEO of the Private Equity Council (PEC).

The AIAS has deemed Lowenstein a video game industry champion, noting his achievements in combating various forms of piracy, unfriendly legislature and anti-game sentiment. According to AIAS Board chair Jay Cohen, "It was under Doug's leadership that the industry fought off dangerous efforts to impose restrictions on video game content, in the process establishing unequivocally that video games are entitled to the same First Amendment rights as any other entertainment content." He added, "For those of us in the AIAS, it is no exaggeration to say that the artistic freedom we now enjoy stems directly from Doug's efforts."

Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Nintendo of America founders Howard Lincoln and Minoru Arakawa, as well as PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi. But do any of them know Jack as well as Lowenstein does?

ESA founder Doug Lowenstein receives AIAS Lifetime Achievement Award originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanitarium now available on GoG.com

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:29:00 EST

One of the best things about digital distribution is how rapidly it can attend to a sudden, nostalgic urge. Classic PC game purveyor GoG.com has decided to reward rampant inpatients by offering Sanitarium for download -- right this instant. The point-and-click classic comes to your hard drive for $9.99 and free of DRM. GoG has also included the game's soundtrack as a free downloadable bonus.

If you're going to spend today playing an old adventure game, we can't imagine a more apt choice than Sanitarium, a tale of one man struggling to escape a world gone mad.

Sanitarium now available on GoG.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Left 4 Dead 2: now with 4 times as many pre-orders

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST

As if blissfully dancing on the grave of its opposing and recently deceased boycott, Valve's shambler-shooting sequel, Left 4 Dead 2, seems destined to surpass its predecessor. Speaking to CVG, Chet Faliszek revealed that pre-orders for the game had quadrupled those enjoyed by the original game. "As we get closer to launch we see the reaction to the demo, pre-orders are four times what Left 4 Dead 1 was, people's excitement, the boycott itself and how it's changed..." he said. "I think people are just excited now."

Having tested what the power of the people can accomplish (most of all when wielding skull-smashing implements) Valve can finally let that excitement wash over them, content that fans have latched on to what's in the game -- and not what's missing. "Honestly I made the joke and it's true: If you put $20 in a box and charge $10 for it someone would complain you didn't put $50 in a box," added Faliszek. "Not to say some of the concerns raised aren't valid, but you're always going to have some kind of upset and that's not how we work. We work at looking at the project and trying to get it out."

Valve gets Left 4 Dead 2 out on November 17th.

Left 4 Dead 2: now with 4 times as many pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone plays Doom, but what about Doom 3?

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST

id Software's John Carmack estimates that the iPhone version of iconic first-person shooter Doom took "maybe six weeks of serious work" to come together. Borrowing time -- and an artist -- the prolific programmer managed to assemble a port that, according to a recent VentureBeat interview, "plays great on every iPod Touch and iPhone ever made." But what if he focused effort on the iPhone 3GS, the latest and more powerful variant of Apple's killer app-platform?

"I think we could do the real Xbox Doom 3 game on a 3GS if we targeted it exclusively," Carmack notes. "That is pushing it a bit. You could probably get that kind of visual fidelity." And here we thought portable devices were only good for recording spooky audio logs and unlocking doors within exploding barrel research laboratories.

iPhone plays Doom, but what about Doom 3? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft reports first-half sales drop, deems Q4 most important quarter in company history

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST

Ubisoft has reported financial results for the first half of its fiscal year, ending September 30, 2009. Coming in at €166 million ($246 million), this year's sales represent a drop of 52% when compared to the first two fiscal quarters of the previous year. Second-quarter sales totaled €83 million ($123 million) -- a drop of 53.1%, though one that Ubisoft states falls within previously issued guidance.

Standout titles released during the period include the Western-themed first-person shooter, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (which has shipped 'close to 900,000 units'), reptilian brawler Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up and, "in certain countries," the Pelé-powered Academy of Champions.

Ubisoft points to its fiscal third quarter -- that's October to December on your official Secretive Hunks of Third Echelon Calendar -- as "the most important quarter in Ubisoft's history." Sales are expected to reach €540 million ($801 million) during the period, thanks to Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines, James Cameron's Avatar: The Game, Rabbids Go Home and Shaun White Snowboarding World Stage. Ubisoft's also counting on several new casual and self-improvement games for the Wii and DS, which we imagine will help the financialz quite a bit.

Ubisoft reports first-half sales drop, deems Q4 most important quarter in company history originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow coming to DS in Spring 2010

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

If you've been dying to march Akira Toriyama-designed characters through fantasy landscapes and monster-infested dungeons, you'll be saddened to hear that Dragon Quest IX has yet to be announced for North American release. As if sensing your oddly specific yearning, D3Publisher has stepped in with a US debut for Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow.

Dubbed Blue Dragon: Ikai no Kyojuu in Japan (and published by Namco Bandai, which owns the majority of D3Publisher), the second DS entry in the Mistwalker's role-playing franchise stars a new protagonist, with gender, facial features and clothing determined by your input. Awakened Shadow is set two years after the events of the Xbox 360 game and finds Shu and the gang returning to Blue Dragon's "contemporary" RPG gameplay. Expect to upgrade weaponry, tactically change shadows and skip every scene featuring Marumaro.

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow is scheduled for release in Spring 2010.

Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow coming to DS in Spring 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Molyneux: Milo will boast collective object recognition, accept half-eaten fruit

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST

From a four-by-four pixel face, to a loyal pooch, to an inquisitive youth -- that's the path Peter Molyneux has taken in his quest to find life within technology. "Right, can we dare to create a character which anybody interacting with that character would truly believe was alive?" the renowned designer recently asked attendees of the annual BAFTA Video Game Lecture (transcribed by The Guardian).

Harnessing the motion-sensitive camera in Microsoft's Project Natal, Molyneux hopes to breathe that life into a young boy -- or girl! -- named Milo (or Millie!). While he admits that much of it is "smoke and mirrors and tricks," he provided some interesting insight into the technology put to use behind the scenes. It seems Milo won't just recognize you (his imaginary, otherworldly friend), but everyday objects as well. "Firstly the process of scanning is really lovely, you just reach your arm up, you can also scan in three dimensional objects, for example if you are eating an apple you can give that apple to Milo and he will carry on eating the apple," the Lionhead lead explained. But will Milo scan candy held aloft by strangers?

"Or the other thing that is amazing about this technology and this is the online portion of inspiration, we are collecting continuing to collect and improve his object recognition skills." If his plans come to fruition, Molyneux envisions "all the Milos that will be released" feeding their observations into a centralized recognition of "everything in the world."

To Skynet alarmists: Have you seen this boy?

Molyneux: Milo will boast collective object recognition, accept half-eaten fruit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modern Warfare 2 has a bad scene in it for some reason

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST

Editors' Note: This is an addendum to our post, "New Modern Warfare: Airport Murder Simulator 2 video game glorifies terrorism."

Much like the level of anticipation amongst us gamers, controversy is set to reach uncomfortable levels when Activision and Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 starts shooting up the sales chart (and [SPOILER]) on November 10th. By now, you've likely seen or heard of the leaked footage depicting a [SPOILER], [SPOILER].

Speaking to Joystiq, Activision noted that consumers will be given the option to skip such scenes, which it claims are not representative of the overall game. They'll also be preceded by explicit warnings about their "[SPOILER]" nature. While we imagine most players will judge, discuss and react to the sequence within its context -- did you know that [SPOILER] -- don't expect the mainstream media to handle the issue with equal consideration. Witness Mirror.co.uk's initial reaction: "Modern Warfare 2: Leaked level makes light of [SPOILER]." [SPOILER] in my vidgame -- haha!

"The game includes a plot involving [SPOILER]" reads Activision's official statement, included in full after the break. "In order to defeat [SPOILER], [SPOILER] infiltrates his [SPOILER]. The scene is designed to [SPOILER]" Whether or not it crosses a line in doing so is up for debate ... but don't tell Fox News that.

On the bright side, at least you can't shoot a pair of alien lesbians having sex on the [SPOILER]. We'd never hear the end of it.

Modern Warfare 2 has a bad scene in it for some reason originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Modern Warfare: Airport Murder Simulator 2 video game glorifies terrorism

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST

Sorry, mainstream press, but we already beat you to the headline! Much like the level of anticipation amongst us gamers, controversy is set to reach uncomfortable levels when Activision and Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 starts shooting up the sales chart (and the airport) on November 10th. By now, you've likely seen or heard of the leaked footage depicting a civilian massacre, perpetrated by the player himself.

Speaking to Joystiq, Activision noted that consumers will be given the option to skip such scenes, which it claims are not representative of the overall game. They'll also be preceded by explicit warnings about their "disturbing" nature. While we imagine most players will judge, discuss and react to the sequence within its context -- did you know that the plot tasks you with infiltrating a terrorist group? -- don't expect the mainstream media to handle the issue with equal consideration. Witness Mirror.co.uk's initial reaction: "Modern Warfare 2: Leaked level makes light of terrorist activities." Terrorists in my vidgame -- haha!

"The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war," reads Activision's official statement, included in full after the break. "In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism." Whether or not it crosses a line in doing so is up for debate ... but don't tell Fox News that.

On the bright side, at least you can't shoot a pair of alien lesbians having sex on the luggage carousel. We'd never hear the end of it.

Continue reading New Modern Warfare: Airport Murder Simulator 2 video game glorifies terrorism

New Modern Warfare: Airport Murder Simulator 2 video game glorifies terrorism originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modern Warfare 2 will feature third-person mode for playlists

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST

You never want to bring a third person along on a date -- not unless that date happens to be November 10th. Infinity Ward's community manager Robert Bowling (A.K.A. fourzerotwo) has taken control and confirmed that a third-person camera viewpoint will be available in this holiday's monolithic Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, though it'll be limited to specifically labeled online playlists.

"It's not something you can toggle on and off in ANY game," said Bowling. The special mode can only be played in private matches -- toggled on or off just like "Hardcore" settings -- or in playlists that are designated for third-person play. According to Bowling, everyone playing in a third-person playlist will be restricted to the viewpoint. "This is just another cool way to play the game," he said, "you obviously will still have the option to play gametypes normal as well."

Our friend, the internet, has an inscrutable video of some person running around in third person, but you're probably better off waiting for the "awesome trailer" the folks at Infinity Ward have planned.

Modern Warfare 2 will feature third-person mode for playlists originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Animator resume lists work on 'GoldenEye 2010'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST

It'll probably look a bit better than this

Shortly before being pulled from the internet's intimidating view, an animator's online resume may have let out a secret -- concerning an iconic secret agent. According to the eagle-eyed Superannuation, Craig Peck listed work on a game dubbed "GoldenEye 2010 (Wii)," created in association with British developer Eurocom.

Eurocom previously worked on the PlayStation 2 version of Activision's Quantum of Solace tie-in. Assuming "GoldenEye 2010" isn't merely a nostalgic codename, it seems the publisher could be looking to a well-regarded classic for inspiration on a new James Bond game. Alas, Hollywood can't keep up with Activision's annual aspirations.

The publisher won't divulge any of its plans this early, leaving us to wait for further information or for our time-traveling correspondent to confirm the game's existence. He's really more of a GoldenEye 2020 fan -- looking back, that really was the best of the remakes.

Rumor: Animator resume lists work on 'GoldenEye 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3's Dragon Age: Origins back on track for Nov. 3

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST

Speaking during a live chat on the PlayStation Blog, Bioware's Ray Muzyka announced the latest North American release date for the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age: Origins. To be specific, the PS3 version will no longer be the latest in showing up on store shelves. So long, "later in November" and farewell to you, November 17! All three versions -- that's PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- of BioWare's "dark heroic fantasy" will hit North America on November 3.

European PS3 owners, however, still need to hang on until "a bit later in November." Don't worry, that brief disappointment will make eventual platform parity feel like something amazing again!

PS3's Dragon Age: Origins back on track for Nov. 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST

After discussing his vision for Fable's future, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux recently reiterated his mantra of inclusive gaming innovation to attendees of BAFTA's Annual Video Games Lecture. Citing their ability to challenge "the foundation stones of conventional wisdom," he revealed five titles (documented by That VideoGame Blog) that he considers to be among the most revolutionary within the last two decades.

Molyneux praised Tomb Raider for subverting gaming's tough-guy protagonist and named Mario 64 as the genuine precursor to 3D titles like Grand Theft Auto 3. Dune 2 got a nod for its encouragement of more thoughtful tactics, while Bungie's first Halo earned mention for halfway introducing the now-ubiquitous regenerative health system and curtailed weapon swapping.

And the fifth title? World of Warcraft, which managed to lure Molyneux to level 40 with promise of a steed. You see? He's human, just like the rest of us.

Peter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spare some coin, get Assassin's Creed for $5 on Steam 'til Thursday

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST

How does it feel to have your wicked nature unfurled for all to see? Please, before you head off to the Steam website and take advantage of a temporary, 75 percent discount off Ubisoft's open-world bump-off sim, spare a moment's thought -- and some coin -- for those less fortunate than you.

Before you purchase Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition (now with more missions, etc.!), why not stop by that poor chap on the street corner and send $5 his way? Think of it not only as a magnanimous gesture, but as an act of contrition -- because you just paid the same amount to repeatedly stab people like him as they constantly harass you because you're just trying to follow this guy and you don't have any money anyway and why won't they just stop bothering you man this is so annoying no means no don't you get it.

[Thanks, Astroblack]

Spare some coin, get Assassin's Creed for $5 on Steam 'til Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London's Leicester Square to host Modern Warfare 2 midnight bash

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST

Late-night revelers and iron-sight junkies situated near London should note that Activision plans a proper launch for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at Leicester Square, on the night before the game's November 10 launch on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Hip square visitors to-be can gape at the shooter's action on the nearby ODEON's cinema screen, purchase it from the HMV Trocadero at the stroke of midnight, and then give Tom Cruise a solid high five on the way home.

There's also talk of a secret VIP party in an underground bunker, set to feature "one of the UK's biggest male artists of 2009." Don't tell anyone, but we heard they'll also have dedicated servers there. They'll bring you whatever drink you want.

London's Leicester Square to host Modern Warfare 2 midnight bash originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telltale hoping to push content to new consoles, handhelds & Macs

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST

With more avenues now open between consumers and game creators than ever before, third-party companies like Telltale Games can sell their wares on every platform -- as long as their software runs on it. That's the tricky part, but Telltale CEO and co-founder Dan Connors has told Gamesindustry.biz that his team is already looking to take advantage of the "huge potential" out there.

"I definitely think there's huge potential there, and right now we're working on getting our content over to some more channels, over to new consoles and the Mac," Connors said. With any luck, PlayStation 3 will be caught in Telltale's wider net -- it's the only current home console that has yet to be visited by a talking dog, a hyper-kinetic rabbity thing ... or even a dog that doesn't talk but is still weirdly expressive.

Telltale's ambitions go further still, added Connors. "And after that's done, we're going to be looking at handhelds. I think we have to consider the PSP Go for sure."

Telltale hoping to push content to new consoles, handhelds & Macs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analysts: Nintendo may forecast drop in profits

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST

Striding into informed meta-prediction territory, several Tokyo-based analysts have suggested that Nintendo may cut its earnings forecast in preparation for a decline in profits -- the first in six years. According to a Bloomberg report, Nintendo's adjustments will be prompted by slowing Wii sales and a stronger Yen.

Scheduled to report earnings on October 29th, Nintendo is expected to indicate an 11 percent fall in net income to 249.3 billion yen (nearly $2.75 billion) for the fiscal year. Soichiro Fukuda, a Tokyo-based Citigroup Inc. analyst, expects "a large downward revision" from the manufacturer in the form of a 29 percent profit drop to 201 billion yen (roughly $2.2 billion).

While the figures make for dry reading, they illuminate the altered landscape in which Nintendo and its products now compete. Standing atop a wobbling economy, the games industry now hosts a revitalized PlayStation 3 and a Wii that brings in fewer dollars -- the only thing that hasn't changed, of course, is our desire to buy the DS again and again.

Analysts: Nintendo may forecast drop in profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kojima has plan for ZOE sequel, but lacks production line

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

"The production lines within Kojima Productions are currently full," Hideo Kojima writes on the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker blog. The candid comments, translated by Andriasang, spring from the designer's recently expressed desire to return to the Zone of the Enders universe -- someday. Clogged by large, anticipated titles like the aforementioned Peace Walker and Metal Gear Solid: Rising, the Kojima Productions pipeline doesn't have the room to support the fan-requested sequel. But there's plenty of room in the revered designer's head.

"I already have a game plan and method for sales in my head," Kojima says before concluding, "I cannot make a promise about time. However, I can promise a sequel." While far from seeing the green light, a new Zone of the Enders would seek to obtain a level of success the previous game missed out on, just as it missed a more profitable release window. "At that time, if I hadn't made a mistake with the release date, Anubis [as ZOE 2 is known in Japan] might have ended up a major Kojima Productions title to follow MGS, still seeing development as a series." How frustrating -- if only that considerable retconning power could be put to use outside of the Metal Gear mythology.

Kojima has plan for ZOE sequel, but lacks production line originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need for Speed Nitro rushes to retail in early November

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST

Need for Speed Nitro, the graffiti-laced second entry in EA's "fresh" Need for Speed trio, has pulled out of the garage sooner than expected. Promising a mixture of "the franchise's trademark attitude, sense of speed and addictive gameplay," the colorful Nitro has gone gold, with both Wii and DS versions now set to ship on November 3 in North America and November 6 in Europe.

Capitalizing on its Unique Art Style, the game will drape in-game vehicles with skins designed by popular "lifestyle brands," including Upper Playground, tokidoki, and i am 8-bit. You'd be right in calling it a product of marketing, but it's preferable to the alternative conjured up by the Dante's Inferno promotional team: in-game vehicles draped in human skins.

Gallery: Need for Speed NITRO

Need for Speed Nitro rushes to retail in early November originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony discusses PlayStation Home's shift from social network to 'game platform'

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST

Aside from providing a venue for a wonderfully childish gender bending game, PlayStation Home initially failed to offer PlayStation 3 users much of a playground. But the various Home spaces and minigames implemented by third-party developers have changed Sony's thinking, according to platform director Jack Buser: "In the early days when we built Home, we really were building a social network for gamers ... through that, over the last year, it's developed into a game platform, first and foremost."

Speaking at a San Francisco meeting -- documented in detail by Gamasutra -- Buser described Home-based games as a "low-risk and high-margin" opportunity for developers. "Home is a high definition environment where you can create extremely polished games but with very rapid development cycles," he explained. "You can have small teams of developers -- a couple of engineers and a few artists -- crank out very sophisticated social gaming experiences in very small amounts of time."

Buser also highlighted the value of community input in the "evolution" of Home, though he didn't indicate whether Sony had also stopped listening to that guy in the office who's really into Snow Crash. But even that guy might see the sense in Sony's vision, which is "about social, repeatable, fun, and dynamic games that are always changing and being fun for people."

We haven't seen the "killer app" yet (we're still waiting in line), but renovating Home into a social games platform -- even if it's built atop the PS3's actual game platform -- seems like a much better use of all that segmented real estate.

Sony discusses PlayStation Home's shift from social network to 'game platform' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision: DJ Hero's 'diversity' key in attracting 'Hero' newcomers

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST

While the Guitar Hero franchise has ensnared many a casual passerby with its infectious mix of rock tunes, Activision senior brand manager Ian McClellan believes that the publisher's next rhythm release, DJ Hero, will draw in people who have yet to become acquainted with musical protagonists. "With the kind of diversity DJ Hero offers, we expect it to appeal to people who may not have yet discovered the Hero franchise," he told MCV. "The key is that the music - which comprises of over 90 mashups that are unique to DJ Hero - is still very accessible."

Of course, they're only accessible through a large turntable peripheral, which doesn't seem to offer the same warm reception that a guitar and a Bon Jovi number might. The game's sales performance later this month should be a good indicator of how music lovers -- some of whom have yet to purchase a music game, McClellan believes -- respond to this Hero's cultural shift.

In other news: Nepalese GameStops have begun surveying all customers claiming to be unfamiliar with Guitar Hero games. Their responses are to be documented and shared in November's nationwide educational seminar, "How To Avoid an Avalanche."

Activision: DJ Hero's 'diversity' key in attracting 'Hero' newcomers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST

If given the choice of becoming a (presumably) anthropomorphic vegetable, Phil Spencer would opt for an eggplant. Sure, we spoke to the confident head of Microsoft Game Studios about other things -- Halo, Project Natal, Fable, Crackdown, the Xbox 360's successor, blah blah blah -- but with that profound scoop out of the way, there's barely any reason to read this interview.

Mind you, the part where Spencer suggests that alternate forms of input (whether in addition to or in substitute of traditional controllers) might become a common expectation is pretty interesting. You should definitely read that.

Joystiq: We just came out of the Tokyo Game Show panel discussion for Project Natal ...

Phil Spencer: The creators panel.

Yes, the creators panel. Hideo Kojima was there; they brainstormed about all these games. How much focus is Microsoft Game Studios placing on Natal development internally in comparison to other projects?

It's a big focus for us in first party. As a first party, I think it's our duty, it's our responsibility to look at the new technologies that we bring to our platform. We did this with Live. We did at launch of 360. When we look at Project Natal as an opportunity for first party to truly innovate on our platform, creating new experiences, new intellectual property, we're very focused. A large percentage of the studio right now is thinking about Natal as part of what they're doing.

Continue reading Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer

Interview: Microsoft Game Studios' Phil Spencer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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