The Joystiq Podcast http://www.joystiq.com This is the Joystiq podcast http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/Joystiq_podcast_cover.png Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Joystiq FancastJoystiqAnd it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from the Internet that all the ears should be rocked with video game podcasts. And all went to be rocked, every one into his own iTunes account. And Chris Grant also went up unto the city to be taxed with Ludwig Kietzmann, his espoused co-host, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there he should be delivered. And he brought forth their firstborn podcast, and wrapped it in swaddling jokes, and laid it in a Zune; because there was no room for them in the iPod. And there were in the same country gamers abiding in the field, keeping watch over their ... games by night. And, lo, the angel who was named Justin McElroy came upon them, and the glory of video games shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day a savior, which is the Joystiq Podcast."<![CDATA[Toys R Us testing the waters of the used games business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/toys-r-us-testing-the-waters-of-the-used-games-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/toys-r-us-testing-the-waters-of-the-used-games-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/toys-r-us-testing-the-waters-of-the-used-games-business/#commentsFiled under:


When you happen to stumble upon a $2 billion sales arena which requires almost no initial investment to enter, it makes sense to jump right into it -- regardless of the tremendous girth of said arena's reigning champion. This appears to be the modus operandi for the giraffe-fronted retailer Toys R Us, who is currently entering the used games racket for a trial period in select stores nationwide, as evidenced by an in-store advertisement snapped by Cheap Ass Gamer user phear3d.

Speaking to a clerk at the store which contained the promo (embedded after the jump), phear3d learned that the trade-in program is being tested at certain stores over the next few months to see if the company wants to incorporate it on a wider and more permanent scale.

We spoke with a corporate Toys R Us representative, who confirmed the program is being tested "in a couple New York stores." He informed us the used games program is not occurring at the Times Square location, but wouldn't give specific locations when asked, as the company doesn't "really give information about tests going on in [its] stores." Furthermore, he couldn't discuss the details of the program, as that also falls under the purview of "testing," which the company won't elaborate on. If you've seen a sign for the program at your local store, please feel free to let us know the location and we'll try to get the details.

Hopefully, we'll see a return to the now-defunct "Geoffrey Bucks" system of the late '90s -- we've always thought the one thing missing from modern used trade practices was tangible, non-transferable paper currency.

Continue reading Toys R Us testing the waters of the used games business

JoystiqToys R Us testing the waters of the used games business originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheap-ass-gamergamestoppre-ownedtoys-r-usused-gamesMon, 02 Mar 2009 15:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard appoints new European managing director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/activision-blizzard-appoints-new-european-managing-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/activision-blizzard-appoints-new-european-managing-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/02/activision-blizzard-appoints-new-european-managing-director/#commentsFiled under:


In a hasty attempt to replace outgoing European higher-up Joerg Trouvain, Activision Blizzard has announced that it's found a replacement for the briefly open executive position -- the equally awesomely-named Thibaud de Saint-Quentin will be taking over as the company's European senior vice president and managing director of publishing come next Monday. Strangely enough, Saint-Quentin's auspicious résumé doesn't include any gaming industry experience -- he's actually moving to the job following 20 years of serving as vice president for Kraft Foods' division of coffee, a beverage we're currently enjoying. Damn, this guy's good.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard appoints new European managing director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardeuropeindustryjoerg-trouvainthibaud-de-saint-quentinvice-presidentMon, 02 Mar 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Feb. 16 - Feb. 22: Spit-take edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-16-feb-22-spit-take-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-16-feb-22-spit-take-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-16-feb-22-spit-take-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


"A spit-take is a comedic technique in which someone spits a beverage out of his or her mouth when he or she reacts to a statement during a take. In a spit-take, the reaction is usually one of surprise. Danny Thomas is sometimes credited with popularizing its use in comedy." (Source: Wikipedia, the lazy man's reference material.)

We thought it would be considerate to give you guys the ever-so-brief history of the knee-jerk reaction you're likely about to experience, depending on your level of self-investment in the overseas gaming electronics market, and whether or not you're currently drinking a nice, refreshing beverage. Amidst substantial drops in weekly sales totals for all its competitors, the rarely triumphant Xbox 360 pulled off a spectacular ascent with an increase of over 15,000 units. It performed this feat by riding upon the comfortable, pillowy back of Star Ocean: The Last Hope, a 360 exclusive that sold over 162,000 copies in its release week.

Then again, perhaps news that a Square Enix title featuring vaguely effeminate dudes pushed Japanese sales of its designated system doesn't surprise you to the point of expectoration. Your unflappable, steely nerves keep you from being startled by sales figures, let alone the GIANT SPIDER THAT'S ON YOUR SHOULDER. (Yeah, that probably did the trick.)

- DSi: 41,839 11,644 (21.77%)
- PSP: 29,552 4,704 (13.73%)
- Xbox 360: 25,334 15,501 (157.64%)
- Wii: 16,973 4,043 (19.24%)
- PS3: 16,149 2,507 (13.44%)
- DS Lite: 9,975 4,835 (32.65%)
- PS2: 5,029 303 (5.68%)

[Source: Media Create]

See: The expectorating archives

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Feb. 16 - Feb. 22: Spit-take edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesSun, 01 Mar 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: DSi not competing with cell phones, iPod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/#commentsFiled under:


Though the DSi's inclusion of music playback functionality and a digital camera may make it seem like Nintendo is attempting to compete with other multimedia devices (particularly ones whose brand names begin with a lowercase 'i'), this really isn't the case. At least, that's the sentiment of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who recently talked up the re-redesigned handheld in the latest installment of "Iwata Asks."

Reaffirming a similar statement made around the announcement of the DSi, Iwata said Nintendo "doesn't have any intention of directly competing with existing products" such as cell phones or iPods, adding that the media has a tendency to make up inter-corporate rivalries that don't really exist (Panasonic vs. Atari! More at 11!). Sounds like Nintendo, the undeniable big fish in the small pond of handheld gaming, is hesitant to enter the vast, lucrative ocean of multimedia gadgetry.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqIwata: DSi not competing with cell phones, iPod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiipodiwataSun, 01 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[North American Ubisoft exec Jay Cohen departs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/north-american-ubisoft-exec-jay-cohen-departs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/north-american-ubisoft-exec-jay-cohen-departs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/north-american-ubisoft-exec-jay-cohen-departs/#commentsFiled under:


Publisher Ubisoft recently confirmed that its North American vice-president of publishing, Jay Cohen, has left the company. He might not be among the most recognizable gaming industry luminaries in the nation, though he more or less served as Ubisoft's second-in-command in the Americas, taking responsibility for the company's content acquisitions, partnerships and strategic and financial planning. We sure hope he wasn't the only guy doing the "planning" for Beyond Good & Evil 2.

Nobody's quite sure why Cohen left his prestigious position at the company, or what his future plans regarding employment are, but considering the current state of the nation's expansive, widely accessible job market, it seems the world's totally his oyster.

JoystiqNorth American Ubisoft exec Jay Cohen departs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>employmentindustryjay-cohenubisoftSun, 01 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More gamers turning to pawn shops due to recession ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/more-gamers-turning-to-pawn-shops-due-to-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/more-gamers-turning-to-pawn-shops-due-to-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/23/more-gamers-turning-to-pawn-shops-due-to-recession/#commentsFiled under:


Most gamers who've possessed a longtime penchant for frugality know the pawn shop business model quite well thanks to a certain pre-owned retail juggernaut -- however, due to the aforementioned retailer, we've traditionally rarely taken our business to actual pawn shops. According to a recent Chicago Tribune article, this trend may be reversing -- the article points out that national pawn shop chains had a highly profitable year in 2008 (thanks to the ailing economy), and that most are seeing an increase in hocked electronics; namely, TVs and "expensive game systems."

Sure, it may sound like a depressing trend for gamers to resign themselves to, but really, it's more disastrous news for GameStop. When gamers collectively realize that pawn shops not only offer video games, but also pre-owned Glocks and rings with which to "make that gal an honest woman," they're probably never going to cross the threshold of a GameStop ever again.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqMore gamers turning to pawn shops due to recession originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygamestoppawn-shopsrecessionused-gamesMon, 23 Feb 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 2009: GameStop exec defends used game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-gamestop-exec-defends-used-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-gamestop-exec-defends-used-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-gamestop-exec-defends-used-game-sales/#commentsFiled under:


A few of the headline-making speeches at the 2009 DICE Summit in Las Vegas have prophesied the rise of digital distribution and the slow decline of brick-and-mortar retail outlets, like the oft-demonized GameStop -- Dave Perry's speech even included a photoshopped jab at the company's logo, re-dubbing it "Used GameStop". However, the retail juggernaut's chief operating officer J. Paul Raines recently took the DICE stage to defend the company's used game sale practices, claiming, "borrowing and lending games are very important ways for people to try new games."

He said that the effect GameStop's pre-owned sales have on the success of new games is beneficial -- according to the company's statistics, over 70 percent of trade credits are applied to the purchase of new games. As far as stealing from the coffers of developers and publishers, Raines said that only four percent of used games purchased are titles that were released in the past 60 days. Even with these figures in hand, we still understand developers' protestations -- after all, any slice of a $2 billion pie is highly covetable.

JoystiqDICE 2009: GameStop exec defends used game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2009gamestopj-paul-rainesretailused-gamesSat, 21 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 2009: NPD says six million new gamers came to play last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-npd-says-six-million-new-gamers-came-to-play-last-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-npd-says-six-million-new-gamers-came-to-play-last-yea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/21/dice-2009-npd-says-six-million-new-gamers-came-to-play-last-yea/#commentsFiled under:


The poor brains housed inside the skulls of the 2009 DICE Summit attendees were recently ravaged by an onslaught of gaming industry statistics -- though, really, if they willingly joined the audience of a speech being delivered by NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier, they probably knew what they were getting themselves into. Here were some of the highlights: According to the group's calculations, 58 percent of Americans ages 13 and up play video games, console-based online gaming increased by two percent over the past year and retail sales of PC games have declined by 50 percent over the past seven years.

However, here's the statistic that probably permeated the discussions of attendees as they left the conference hall: According to the NPD, last year saw nearly six million new gamers pick up their first controllers, a figure which lends itself to a retail market that is "very dominated by young people." The group's findings put digits to a familiar trend -- "the audience for some hardcore games is not as large as it is for more casual or family-friendly games," Frazier succinctly surmised. Seriously? We hadn't noticed.

JoystiqDICE 2009: NPD says six million new gamers came to play last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anita-fraziercasualdice-2009family-friendlynpdSat, 21 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 2009: Dave Perry predicts rise of free, online games, death of single-player titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-dave-perry-predicts-rise-of-free-online-games-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-dave-perry-predicts-rise-of-free-online-games-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-dave-perry-predicts-rise-of-free-online-games-death/#commentsFiled under:


Continuing the trend of DICE 2009 speakers casting chicken bones and reading crystal balls in order to divine the secrets of upcoming movements in the gaming industry, Dave Perry (founder of the now defunct Shiny Entertainment and all-around industry veteran) possessed a unique, unsettling vision for the future. He explained that as the technology supporting remote storage and processing improves, the need for gamers to own hardware and software will naturally disappear, ushering in a gaming era where free-to-play online titles reign supreme.

As totally awesome as a world where all video games are sans-price sounds, Perry cautioned that this scenario means that "the days of single-player games are numbered." Equally alarming is the fact that this new business model would make it extremely difficult for traditional developers to compete against their uncostly competitors. Worst of all, think of the impact the rise of Flash games will have on poor ol' GameStop! That part alone is going to prevent us from getting any sleep tonight.

JoystiqDICE 2009: Dave Perry predicts rise of free, online games, death of single-player titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-perrydice-2009dice-summitflashfree-to-playindustryThu, 19 Feb 2009 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 2009: Riccitiello addresses recession, a 'blessing' for gaming industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-riccitiello-addresses-recession-a-blessing-for-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-riccitiello-addresses-recession-a-blessing-for-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/dice-2009-riccitiello-addresses-recession-a-blessing-for-gam/#commentsFiled under:


Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello knows a thing or two about money -- and considering the recent, brutal round of layoffs that the company had to undergo, he probably knows a thing or two about the current economy's sad state of affairs as well. Loading up a tongue-in-cheek screenshot depicting a gruesome wreck in Burnout Paradise, the EA commander-in-chief addressed the recession's effects on the gaming industry, as well as his company's strategy for staying afloat, during his speech at the 2009 DICE Summit in Las Vegas.

Said strategy is unbelievably simple -- Riccitiello summed up the EA survival plan which will result in over 1,000 positions within the company being jettisoned by April in three easy to remember steps: "Start by deciding what's important. Invest heavily in those programs. And cut the rest." This likely adds insult to injury to the nine (apparently unimportant) studios and publishing locations which were recently "cut" by the company, but it sounds like this relentless pruning is in the best interest of the EA mothership.

However, according to Riccitiello, gaming enthusiasts shouldn't be completely disheartened by the recent outbreaks of industry downsizing. He hypothesizes that the "riffraff" that tarnishes the gaming universe will die out, allowing for the market to become more accomodating for the visionaries and luminaries who want to move the medium forward. We certainly hope Riccitiello's dream of a "survival of the fittest" gaming utopia is realized -- we just hope we're all not eating shoelaces and apple cores by the time it gets here.

JoystiqDICE 2009: Riccitiello addresses recession, a 'blessing' for gaming industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dice-2009dice-summiteaeconomyjohn-riccitiellolayoffsrecessionThu, 19 Feb 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Business mag picks 'most innovative' game companies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/business-mag-picks-most-innovative-game-companies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/business-mag-picks-most-innovative-game-companies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/business-mag-picks-most-innovative-game-companies/#commentsFiled under:

Leading business magazine Fast Company has issued its Top 10 list of what it's decided are the "most innovative gaming companies." The list presents an eyebrow-raising mix of choices that make us wonder if "innovative" was really the adjective Fast Company meant to use.

The ranked list can be found on the magazine's site, but we'll offer up some of the highlights. Microsoft is at number eight, innovating (in part) by outselling PS3 and partnering with Netflix. Take-Two, in seventh place, was innovative in not being taken over by EA (and getting some GOTY awards for GTA IV). Let's see ... Harmonix is making a Beatles game, Blizzard sold a lot of Lich King expansions and Nintendo has mass-market appeal. Innovative stuff.

Actually, the only truly innovative item on the list is LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule's refreshing take on the classic 2D platformer. Might we suggest that next year's list be produced using a journalistic innovation known as "research?"

JoystiqBusiness mag picks 'most innovative' game companies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fast-companyinnovationWed, 18 Feb 2009 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Feb. 2 - Feb. 8: Redundant redundancies edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-2-feb-8-redundant-redundancies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-2-feb-8-redundant-redundancies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/15/japanese-hardware-sales-feb-2-feb-8-redundant-redundancies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Here's an interesting fact: In order to earn money through product placements, you actually have to have a pre-arranged deal with the advertised company. You can't just start interjecting their brand name into conversations and wait for them to send you a check. Alas, our meticulous plan for bringing some much-needed economic growth to the Japanese Hardware Sales Institute has collapsed under the weight of its own immeasurable incompetence. We've been forced to take the last measure available to us in order to continue providing this valuable service: Workforce optimization.

We've elected to simplify a startling number of positions here at the Institute, including Stat Trackers, Adders, Subtractors, Analyzers, Percentage Calculators, Red and Green Arrow Breeders, Pun Writers, Pun Editors, and our LOLcat Locator. We even restructured the guy who was in charge of the optimization procedures. We'd like to call this irony, but we can't be sure. We smartsized our Literary Device Examiner.

We also unhired our Witty Remark That Actually Pertains to The Current Week's Sales Figures Guy -- luckily, his services won't be needed, as this week's chart looks alarmingly similar to the last fifty. Just hop into our archives, and choose your favorite wisecrack. Take our word for it -- it'll still be relevant.

- DSi: 49,529 6,084 (10.94%)
- PSP: 34,969 9,166 (20.77%)
- Wii: 20,412 2,866 (12.31%)
- PS3: 16,082 1,323 (7.60%)
- DS Lite: 12,484 2,663 (17.58%)
- Xbox 360: 8,311 204 (2.52%)
- PS2: 5,089 245 (4.59%)

[Source: Media Create]

See: The smartsized archives

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Feb. 2 - Feb. 8: Redundant redundancies edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanese-hardware-salesjapanesehardwaresalesSun, 15 Feb 2009 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Blockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/blockbuster-integrates-games-into-total-access-subscription/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/blockbuster-integrates-games-into-total-access-subscription/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/blockbuster-integrates-games-into-total-access-subscription/#commentsFiled under:


Blockbuster announced today that it will begin offering game rentals as part of its Total Access online movie rental service. The company will start a pilot program during its second quarter, with a goal of implementing the integrated system nationally by the second half of the year. Essentially, Blockbuster is trying to morph Total Access into a Netflix meets GameFly offering. The question: Will the quality of service be as high as the two go-to names in the field?

Several details on how this program will work are missing from the company's press release. We've contacted Blockbuster and will hopefully speak with them soon. We'll update as soon as we hear back.

Update: We talked to Bob Barr, vice president and general manager for Blockbuster Online. He answers our questions after the break about the service and the possibility of integration with PS3.

Continue reading Blockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update]

JoystiqBlockbuster integrates games into Total Access subscription [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockbusterblockbuster-total-accessbusinessgame-rentalsgameflynetflixrentalsWed, 11 Feb 2009 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega re-registers trademarks for Rez, 18 Wheeler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/sega-re-registers-trademarks-for-rez-18-wheeler/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/sega-re-registers-trademarks-for-rez-18-wheeler/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/sega-re-registers-trademarks-for-rez-18-wheeler/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Depending on what half of the information we're about to report appeals to you, be prepared to launch your trance vibrators or cans of Skoal high into the air in a fit of glee. Sega recently saved two franchises from the trademark trash compactor, effectively renewing its claim on future installments in the Rez and 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker series -- two staples in anyone's daily Dreamcast diet.

Try and contain some of your ecstasy/caffeine pill-fueled exuberance -- remember, re-registering a trademark isn't the same as announcing an actual game, so don't start designing your countdown page quite yet. Still, it does mean that Sega thinks these two stones have some blood left in them. Delicious, trance-inducing/cargo-hauling blood.

Source - Rez trademark
Source - 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker trademark

[Via Sega Nerds]

JoystiqSega re-registers trademarks for Rez, 18 Wheeler originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>18-wheeler-american-pro-truckerrezsegatrademarkTue, 10 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PrimePlus assesses the current state of black characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/primeplus-assesses-the-current-state-of-black-characters/#commentsFiled under: ,


PrimePlus has a fairly interesting piece about the current state of black characters in video games. The editorial maintains a very moderate approach to the charged subject, covering the differences between Western and Eastern development, along with how black characters have been portrayed over the years.

The piece mostly focuses on upcoming titles and games from the last decade, like Mass Effect, Half-Life 2, Gears of War and GTA: San Andreas. Without getting "politically correct" or preachy, the editorial notes that representation isn't an "exclusive concern to the population of black individuals." It points out that "more socially imaginative avenues of inspiration" would be welcome, which is something we can agree about.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqPrimePlus assesses the current state of black characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>african-americanblackculturegears-of-war-2half-life-2mass-effectminorityraceresident-evil-5Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR predicts January hardware sales up 58% over last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eedar-predicts-january-hardware-sales-up-58-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eedar-predicts-january-hardware-sales-up-58-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/eedar-predicts-january-hardware-sales-up-58-over-last-year/#commentsFiled under:

Electronic Entertainment Design and Research has released its 'preview' of January game hardware and software sales -- basically, what it expects the January NPD results to be, based on market analysis. Overall, EEDAR expects hardware sales to be up 58% for January 2009 over January 2008.

This jump in sales is mostly accounted for by their prediction of 740,000 Wiis sold in January, versus 274,000 in January 2008. EEDAR expects all of the current systems to reflect increased sales except the PS3, which they estimate will drop 21.93% versus last January. In terms of software, the big winner is predicted to be Wii Fit, whose predicted sales of 700,000 units would be a record for January sales of a single game.

These numbers are basically the group's best guess, and analyst Jesse Divnich made note of the fact that it has exceptional difficulty accurately estimating Wii sales: "The Nintendo Wii simply doesn't comply with the EEDAR's sales projection systems. The total amount of Nintendo Wiis sold every month has a direct correlation to the supply available in the channel."

JoystiqEEDAR predicts January hardware sales up 58% over last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eedarsaleswii-fitMon, 09 Feb 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros Interactive acquires Snowblind Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warner-bros-interactive-acquires-snowblind-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warner-bros-interactive-acquires-snowblind-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/warner-bros-interactive-acquires-snowblind-studios/#commentsFiled under:

Capping off a day that saw Crytek officially sealing the deal with Free Radical, Warner Bros Interactive has announced its purchase of Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and Justice League Heroes dev Snowblind Studios. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition serves to strengthen the publisher's internal development effort.

Martin Tremblay, president of WBIE, said of the purchase, "The acquisition of Snowblind is an important milestone for our games business, allowing us to expand our development capabilities even further." Snowblind's latest title, the XBLA-bound Death Tank, remains on track for release, albeit without an official date.

WBIE's upcoming marquee titles F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin and Wanted: Weapons of Fate are being developed externally at Monolith and GRIN, respectively. The company has been long-rumored as a possible suitor for an ailing Eidos Interactive.

JoystiqWarner Bros Interactive acquires Snowblind Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsnowblind-studioswarner-bros-interactiveWed, 04 Feb 2009 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ announces Q3 results, names new CFO to oversee company's restructuring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-announces-q3-results-names-new-cfo-to-oversee-companys-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-announces-q3-results-names-new-cfo-to-oversee-companys-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-announces-q3-results-names-new-cfo-to-oversee-companys-res/#commentsFiled under:

As it prepares to act on drastic cost cutting measures, THQ has announced the appointment of Paul J. Pucino as executive vice president and (most importantly) chief financial officer. Pucino is assuming the position -- which was left unoccupied by Colin Slade, who is on "indefinite medical leave of absence" -- effective immediately.

The appointment comes in the wake of THQ's Q3 financial report, in which the company reported a net loss of $191.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. $70 million in cuts to product development for fiscal year 2010 are planned as the publisher attempts to remain afloat.

Source - THQ Appoints Paul J. Pucino Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Source - THQ Reports Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter Result

JoystiqTHQ announces Q3 results, names new CFO to oversee company's restructuring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsrestructuringthqWed, 04 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ eliminating 600 jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/#commentsFiled under:


Beleaguered publisher THQ is giving the axe to 24 percent of its workforce -- about 600 employees -- as part of cost reduction measures. The publisher has not disclosed which divisions or specific studios will be affected by the layoffs, stating only that it "will reduce costs in each functional area."

THQ eliminated 100 jobs at its mobile division offices in San Diego, Germany, and the UK at the end of January. It's currently unclear if these jobs are in addition to the 600 the company announced plans to do away with today.

JoystiqTHQ eliminating 600 jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsthqWed, 04 Feb 2009 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space, Mirror's Edge pass 1m unit sales; Left 4 Dead nears 2m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dead-space-mirrors-edge-pass-1m-unit-sales-left-4-dead-nears/#commentsFiled under:

While Rock Band and FIFA 09 stole the headline (and let's not overlook Need for Speed Undercover selling 5.2 million copies), EA's new IPs were also battling an unpredictable market this past holiday. Unfortunately, both Dead Space and Mirror's Edge lost -- or, got lost in the traditionally crowded end-of-year release splurge. Neither game made EA's "highlight" reel, and both were tucked away in a carefully disguised statement of defeat: "Dead Space, Mirror's Edge, Madden NFL 09 and NBA Live 09 each sold over one million copies." Consider that Dead Space and Mirror's Edge's development costs surely far exceeded those of EA's perennial sports installments (not to mention, EA's trio of top sellers mentioned above) and it's easy to qualify the new IPs as underperformers.

Going by the sales figures, at 1.8 million units sold, Left 4 Dead isn't exactly a standout either -- but it does go down in EA's "win" column. As an EA Partners game, Left 4 Dead didn't cost EA development bucks; and while that means a lesser share of gross revenue, the game's decent sales performance has likely equaled greater profit for EA compared to the results of its new, in-house IP.

Where does EA go from here? Well, a "new" Dead Space game can signal one of two things: (a) EA is confidently moving forward with its plan to build compelling, new franchises; or (b) EA is morphing its compelling, new franchises into redundant, tired formulas. If the latter, don't blame EA. Our money does the dictating. EA just follows along.

Source - EA Q3 2009 Earnings Conference Call Script [PDF]

JoystiqDead Space, Mirror's Edge pass 1m unit sales; Left 4 Dead nears 2m originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacediceeal4dleft-4-deadmirrors-edgepcsalesvalveWed, 04 Feb 2009 16:14:00 EST