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[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[Joystiq impressions: DiRT 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-impressions-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-impressions-dirt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/joystiq-impressions-dirt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


click for bigger, dirtier image
The series that gave our own Ludwig Kietzmann his first gaming injury is thundering back this September on, well, pretty much every platform imaginable. Last night we were treated -- and it was a treat -- to a first look at in-game footage from Codemasters' hotly anticipated rally racer, DiRT 2.

There are some fundamental changes coming to the series for its second go-round. The biggest of which is a very strong focus on marrying rally racing with the world of extreme sports. Inspired by X-Games icons such as Dave Mirra strapping in behind the wheel and taking the sport to new heights (and lengths! We watched a video of a rally car landing a flawless 181ft jump) the game's designers are ratcheting up the edge, but, more importantly to gameplay, introducing whole new elements. Rally on after the break for more.

Note: all images associated with this preview are target renders (not to be confused with bullshots).

Gallery: DiRT 2

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: DiRT 2

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: DiRT 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-2Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Let's play Noby Noby Boy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/psn-thursday-lets-play-noby-noby-boy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/psn-thursday-lets-play-noby-noby-boy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/psn-thursday-lets-play-noby-noby-boy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Your guess is as good as ours as to how today's major PSN release, Noby Noby Boy plays. Heck, even it's creator -- Katamari Damacy's Keita Takahashi -- doesn't know why he made it. But, given its pedigree and $4.99 pricetag, we're going for it. Will you join us? (The more the merrier, as new stages are unlocked via cumulative global play -- crazy!).

Today's update also brings PopCap's Zuma to PS3 (it's no Peggle, but what is ... except, well, Peggle), along with the much-anticipated Burnout Paradise Legendary Cars Collection, WipEout trimmings (plus costumes) for LittleBigPlanet and a playable demo of Loco Roco 2 for PSP, among various other offerings.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Let's play Noby Noby Boy

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Let's play Noby Noby Boy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>noby-noby-boypsn-thursdayreleasesThu, 19 Feb 2009 18:15:00 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[January NPD: Industry up 13% over Jan. '08, handhelds down 80% from Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/january-npd-industry-up-13-over-jan-08-handhelds-down-80-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/january-npd-industry-up-13-over-jan-08-handhelds-down-80-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/january-npd-industry-up-13-over-jan-08-handhelds-down-80-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


With the 2008 holiday season behind us, this month's NPD sales data brings with it figures showing the inevitable -- and dramatic -- decline in hardware sold for the month of January '09. For instance, last December the Nintendo DS was the top-selling platform, with 3.04 million units moved that month alone. This month? 511K were sold. (It was still the second best selling hardware after the Wii.)

In the battle to decide who's going to play second fiddle to Nintendo, 360 continues to lead PS3 in sales, but the gap isn't nearly as wide as last month (roughly 106K versus December's 714K). Handheld saw the most significant drop-off in sales, with DS and PSP declining 82% and 83%, respectively.

Software-wise, there are only three platforms -- and companies -- to look at this month. Those would be the Wii, DS and 360 on the hardware representing the hardware on the backs of which EA, Activision and Nintendo rode to software sales success. EA's two most recent major releases, Skate 2 and Lord of the Rings: Conquest, both made it into the top 10.

Fun Fact: Three of this month's top games have something in common other than their publishers: they all have "Mario" in the title and they're all a bit ... dated. Mario Kart DS hit in 2005, New Super Mario Bros. in 2006 and Mario Kart Wii in April of last year. That's-a some lasting power!

-Wii: 679K1.47m (-68%)
-DS: 511K2.5m (-82%)
-Xbox 360: 309K1.1m (-76%)
-PS3: 203K523K (-72%)
-PSP: 172K848K (-83%)
-PS2: 101K309K (-75%)

Check out the software sales chart after the break.

Continue reading January NPD: Industry up 13% over Jan. '08, handhelds down 80% from Dec.

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Industry up 13% over Jan. '08, handhelds down 80% from Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardware-salesnpdsales-datasoftware-salesThu, 12 Feb 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Seller: 3 million copies of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G shipped in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/monster-seller-3-million-copies-of-monster-hunter-portable-2nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/monster-seller-3-million-copies-of-monster-hunter-portable-2nd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/monster-seller-3-million-copies-of-monster-hunter-portable-2nd/#commentsFiled under:

Capcom has shipped more than 3 million copies of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G for the PSP in Japan, Capcom announced today. The game has been released in three editions: the original release, the hardware bundle, and a "The Best" reissue.

It's a massive success story for Capcom -- Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G couldn't have cost much to make, being based on Monster Hunter Portable 2nd, which is itself based on the PS2 Monster Hunter 2, and yet it was the best-selling game in Japan last year. It was also the only PlayStation title to sell over two million copies in Japan in 2008. The company has more big numbers to look forward to when it releases the game in North America as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite.

JoystiqMonster Seller: 3 million copies of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G shipped in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-freedom-unitemonster-hunter-portable-2nd-gsalesThu, 12 Feb 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood Bowl developer: making PS3 version 'a bit risky and expensive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/blood-bowl-developer-making-ps3-version-a-bit-risky-and-expens/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you're a PS3-only gamer who happens to be a fan of vintage tabletop gaming, monsters, and football, then you are probably acutely, painfully aware of the lack of Blood Bowl video games in your future. Cyanide is making an Xbox 360 version -- why not use the same assets and codebase for the PS3 like so many others? What's the deal? Does it hate the PS3 or something?

In an interview with Destructoid, the developer explained its apparent snub on the platform. "Cyanide is a small company," a representative said. "We have no previous experience on that platform [and] it would have been a bit risky and expensive for us. But, we are hoping to do a PS3 version if the game is selling well."

So, rather than a lack of faith in the platform, Cyanide has somewhat of a lack of faith in its own ability to develop for it without killing the budget. It still means no PS3 version for now, but it also means no janky, poorly ported PS3 version for now. That's ... something. And if the other versions of the game, coming out in Q2 of this year, are successful, we may see a (good) PS3 version yet.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqBlood Bowl developer: making PS3 version 'a bit risky and expensive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlboard-gamecyanidefootballgames-workshopMon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1: Money, money makin' edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-26-feb-1-money-money-makin-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-26-feb-1-money-money-makin-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/08/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-26-feb-1-money-money-makin-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Times are tough, folks. If you live in the economically beleaguered U.S. of A., we think you're probably aware of what we're DRINK PEPSI talking about. We know you guys place us on a towering, resplendent pedestal, high above the recession's unforgiving grasp, but just like everyone else, we've needed to find CRISP REFRESHING PEPSI-COLA alternative methods of earning some extra greenbacks in order to make ends meet. The wariest among you may have qualms with our new, surreptitious product placements, but hey, a blogger's gotta eat AND DRINK PEPSI IT'S SO CRISP AND GOOD.

Here's the charts, which are boring. There, we said it. Their order has IT'S PEPSI TIME barely changed over the past two months, and aside from the post-holiday drop-off, the changes in sales figures haven't exactly razzle-dazzled us either. C'mon, Japanese console buyers. We wanna DRINK PEPSI-COLA ALL NIGHT AND DAY see some shifts of apocalyptic proportions next week. Everyone in Japan under the thrall of our voice -- go buy PEPSI a few Game Boy Pockets, and nothing else. That oughta do the trick.

- DSi: 55,613 3,995 (7.73%)
- PSP: 44,135 5,855 (15.29%)
- Wii: 23,278 3,492 (13.04%)
- PS3: 17,405 303 (1.71%)
- DS Lite: 15,147 1,461 (10.68%)
- Xbox 360: 8,107 444 (5.79%)
- PS2: 5,334 257 (5.06%)

[Source: Media Create]

See: The TALL, SWEATY GLASS OF PEPSI-COLA archives

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Jan. 26 - Feb. 1: Money, money makin' edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanese-hardware-salesjapanesehardwaresalesLET-YOUR-TASTEBUDS-GET-LOST-IN-AN-ENDLESS-OCEAN-OF-REFRESHMENTOH-MAN-PEPSI-IS-SO-GOODPEPSISun, 08 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese hardware sales, Jan. 19 - Jan. 25: Super prediction edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-19-jan-25-super-prediction-edi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-19-jan-25-super-prediction-edi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/01/japanese-hardware-sales-jan-19-jan-25-super-prediction-edi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


If the trusty mechanisms which usher our incoherent ramblings onto the internet do their job, then this particular edition of the Japanese hardware sales should be hitting monitors across the globe just before the beginning of the 43rd Super Bowl. We devised this clever bit of scheduling because -- prepare to be amazed -- we know exactly what the outcome of the big game will be. This way, you guys can be impressed by our soothsaying prowess, but it'll be too late for you to abuse our clairvoyance in a Pete Rose-esque fashion.

How did we coerce this prophecy from the swirling ether of fate? It was a two-step process:

1. Despite protests from a number of concerned parties, we arranged a boxing match between a construction worker and an aged higher-up of the Catholic church to determine the winner.

2. To discern the numerical statistics, we handed an overzealous five-year-old a crayon and a piece of graph paper containing the first 700 digits of pi. Following our explicit instructions, he drew a breathtaking portrait of a certain ambulatory sponge on the paper. We divided said sponge in half, assigning the digits touching his symmetrical parts to statistics for each team. We gave the child a bag of Skittles, and returned him to his extremely worried parents.

Here's our final tally: Cardinals over Steelers with a final score of 88 to 2. We know, we were surprised as well -- who would have anticipated that Monsignor Francis would be so darn scrappy?

- DSi: 51,618 10,907 (17.44%)
- PSP: 38,280 4,279 (10.05%)
- Wii: 26,770 5,563 (17.21%)
- PS3: 17,708 2,982 (14.41%)
- DS Lite: 13,686 5,123 (27.24%)
- Xbox 360: 7,663 1,913 (19.98%)
- PS2: 5,077 683 (11.86%)

[Source: Media Create]

See: The clairvoyant archives

JoystiqJapanese hardware sales, Jan. 19 - Jan. 25: Super prediction edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanesehardwaresalesSun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus coming to PS2, PSP, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-coming-to-ps2-psp-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-coming-to-ps2-psp-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/guilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plus-coming-to-ps2-psp-and-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fans of 2D fighters and the Guilty Gear franchise, prepare for enjoyment. Aksys has revealed Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus, which is set to grace the PS2, PSP, and Wii with its 2D splendor in Spring 2009. As big fans of 2D fighters, we were more than happy to receive the press release and pass the info along to you all. So, what should you expect?

Well, there will be punching. There's also going to be some kicking. And, by all means, do not freak out when you see a character or two jump. Jokes aside, it's another Guilty Gear game. You pretty much know what you're getting into by now.

Gallery: Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus

JoystiqGuilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus coming to PS2, PSP, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3daksysguilty-gearguilty-gear-xx-accent-coreguilty-gear-xx-accent-core-plusTue, 27 Jan 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony dismisses IGN's PSP2 rumors, disses IGN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/sony-dismisses-igns-psp2-rumors-disses-ign/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/sony-dismisses-igns-psp2-rumors-disses-ign/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/sony-dismisses-igns-psp2-rumors-disses-ign/#commentsFiled under:


Wow, not only did Sony take the time to deny an IGN rumor about the PSP2, but the company took the opportunity to flat out insult the site. IGN recently cited "several credible sources" in a report on Sony's next handheld, allegedly featuring a touch screen, Bluetooth support, hard drive and GPS. MCV then spoke to Sony about the rumor -- that's when the sparks flew.

"Clearly, being a quiet time of year, many, what we thought to be credible websites, are making up stories about PSP2, and how it allows you to teleport across the globe, travel through time, and will be powered by the horns of baby rhinoceroses," Sony explained. "Hopefully, you can sense a mild tone of sarcasm, which should hopefully indicate how 'on the money' IGN are. Needless to say, we don't comment on rumour or speculation, but this is nonsense."

We don't know who to feel embarrassed for right now, but it's certainly going to be awkward if IGN is right.

Source - Rumor: PSP2 coming soon. (IGN)
Source - PSP 2 Rumors are "nonsense." (MCV)

JoystiqSony dismisses IGN's PSP2 rumors, disses IGN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ignmcvpsppsp-2rumorsonyTue, 27 Jan 2009 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Afro Samurai edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/new-games-this-week-afro-samurai-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/new-games-this-week-afro-samurai-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/new-games-this-week-afro-samurai-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Take note, game publishers: There are two ways to take the featured slot on our weekly release list. 1. Be a hotly anticipated game or 2. Have your top competition be MLB Front Office Manager. Yes, Afro Samurai may have taken the road less traveled, but it's hard to argue with the results.

Also, we're not saying that we're going to go out of our way to play new series entry Iron Triangle, but we're compelled to point out that "Nobunaga's Ambition" is still one of the best names for a video game ever.

Continue reading New games this week: Afro Samurai edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Afro Samurai edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afro-samuraijoystiqfeaturesnewgamesMon, 26 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings swings onto Wii, DS in Spring 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/indiana-jones-and-the-staff-of-kings-swings-onto-wii-ds-in-spri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A trailer for Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings has popped up online. Watch as Indy gets thrown through a window, escapes floods, uses a whip, steals an amulet, and runs away from gunfire -- all without ever losing his trademark fedora. Yep, all in a day's work.

According to the video, it's coming Spring 2009 for Wii, DS, and an unidentified PlayStation console (it's already been rated for PSP and we know Wii games often see a PS2 port). This is great, LucasArts. Really ... but any chance of getting an Indy game in the vein of Indiana Jones and The Emperor's Tomb on 360 and PS3?

Oh, it all makes sense now: IGN's rumor; the vague response. Sounds to us like that project won't ever see the light of day, while Staff of Kings is LucasArts' "commitment" to the franchise. Is it possible to miss something that was never released?

[Via Mixnmojo]

JoystiqIndiana Jones and the Staff of Kings swings onto Wii, DS in Spring 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiana-jonesIndiana-Jones-and-the-Staff-of-Kingsindyindy-joneslucasartslucasfilmFri, 23 Jan 2009 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet leads in AIAS award nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/littlebigplanet-leads-in-aias-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/littlebigplanet-leads-in-aias-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/littlebigplanet-leads-in-aias-award-nominations/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The game industry's closest approximation of Hollywood's Academy Awards has to be the Interactive Achievement Awards. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) has revealed its nominees for 2008, and LittleBigPlanet has managed to run away with ten category nominations, the most of any game this year.

Ahem. And the nominees are:

Overall Game of the Year:
  • Fallout 3
  • Grand Theft Auto IV
  • Left 4 Dead
  • LittleBigPlanet
  • Metal Gear Solid 4
 Console Game of the Year:
  • Fallout 3
  • Gears of War 2
  • Grand Theft Auto IV
  • LittleBigPlanet
  • Metal Gear Solid 4
See the rest, after the break.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet leads in AIAS award nominations

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet leads in AIAS award nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasdicedice-2009Fable-2Fallout-3Gears-of-War-2goty-2008GTA-IVLeft-4-DeadlittlebigplanetMGS4Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Demos for F.E.A.R. 2, WipEout HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/psn-thursday-demos-for-f-e-a-r-2-wipeout-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/psn-thursday-demos-for-f-e-a-r-2-wipeout-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/psn-thursday-demos-for-f-e-a-r-2-wipeout-hd/#commentsFiled under: , ,


No joke, writing this post about today's PSN update put the fear of Alma into us. In the parlance of the lolcats: she was in r computr, hackin r sistems. Every imaginable glitch that could go wrong ... did, but three hours later it's finally complete. This week, you can check out the demos for F.E.A.R. 2 and WipEout HD. There's all the standard rhythm game DLC and a special premium treat for all the slacker Skate 2 players out there. The full North American PSN update is after the break.

PS3 Fanboy has the European PSN update, which finally adds Penny Arcade Adventures: Episode 1. Wow, was Alma messing with their system too?

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Demos for F.E.A.R. 2, WipEout HD

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Demos for F.E.A.R. 2, WipEout HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fear-2fear-2-project-originpsnpsn-storepsn-thursdayFri, 23 Jan 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony games division expects increased loss of $337 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-games-division-expects-increased-loss-of-337-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-games-division-expects-increased-loss-of-337-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-games-division-expects-increased-loss-of-337-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sony Corp. is having a bad year, and it appears that the company's games division isn't helping the situation. GI.biz reports that the PlayStation group is expected to increase losses by $337 million this fiscal year, though it's unclear what number the loss is increasing from. The erosion is due to lower than expected sales of hardware and software.

Sony's video game division seems to have teetered between good and bad financial news over the last couple years. The very dim silver lining here is if the reports of Sony CEO Howard Stringer wanting to focus on software are correct, the PlayStation division shouldn't suffer as mightily as others.

JoystiqSony games division expects increased loss of $337 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financiallosssonysony-computer-entertainmentThu, 22 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony warns of $2.9 billion annual loss, reveals restructuring plan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're an overpaid, television design director reading this from a battery-powered, mid-sized LCD panel, you're about to have a very bad day. After warning that it would post a record $2.9 billion annual operating loss due to weakening demand and a mightier yen, Sony Corp. has unveiled plans to significantly restructure its operations, not to mention that stupid economy's face.

According to Reuters, the plan is to cut costs by 250 billion yen by March 2010, a move that would see the end of TV manufacturing and design at one plant in Japan and a worldwide reduction in TV design's headcount by 30 percent. Sony also plans to consolidate resources devoted to batteries (we hope the "anti-explosion" division won't be too hard hit) and small and mid-size LCDs. The salaries going to directors and managers are also expected to be cut.

See, we told you you'd be having a bad day.

JoystiqSony warns of $2.9 billion annual loss, reveals restructuring plan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-2playstation-3pspSonyThu, 22 Jan 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Stringer wants Sony focusing on software, 'old guard' resisting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/report-stringer-wants-sony-focusing-on-software-old-guard-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/report-stringer-wants-sony-focusing-on-software-old-guard-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/report-stringer-wants-sony-focusing-on-software-old-guard-re/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sony is reportedly planning to announce details of a restructuring scheme soon, confirming its first operating loss in 14 years. According to previous reports, the manufacture consider closing plants and, possibly, whole divisions.

According to the Financial Times, Sony CEO Howard Stringer is facing serious resistance from the 'old guard' in Japan to fix (or save, depending on your perspective) the company. Certainly one of the more interesting pieces coming out of the alleged plan is Stringer's goal to shift Sony's focus from hardware to software. If true, the PlayStation brand, along with Sony Computer Entertainment, would presumably be the main benefactors of such an upheaval.

Source - Sony to announce restructuring details soon: FT (Reuters)
Source - Stringer battles Sony 'old guard' ... (FT.com, registration required)

JoystiqReport: Stringer wants Sony focusing on software, 'old guard' resisting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financial-timesftrestructuringrestructuring-plansonyWed, 21 Jan 2009 11:48:00 EST<![CDATA[These are the real top games of 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/these-are-the-real-top-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/these-are-the-real-top-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/these-are-the-real-top-games-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Who cares which games Joystiq lovingly selected as 2008's best? The only games that count are the ones chosen by George Washington and Ben Franklin, and we don't mean Imagine Founderz. We're talking about the top-selling titles of the year. By combining some platform-spanning SKUs, MTV came up with what it thinks is the most accurate top 5, more so than the one released by the NPD earlier this month.

The top slot is still held by Wii Play, but we think you'll be surprised by how the other four positions shake out. See the full list right after the break.

Continue reading These are the real top games of 2008

JoystiqThese are the real top games of 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2008npdtop-5Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Firmware 5.03 addresses 'security vulnerabilities']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/psp-firmware-5-03-addresses-security-vulnerabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/psp-firmware-5-03-addresses-security-vulnerabilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/psp-firmware-5-03-addresses-security-vulnerabilities/#commentsFiled under:


The latest PSP firmware update -- dubbed version 5.03 -- should be making its way onto your portable pal soon. According to Sony's blog, the update "improves system software stability during use of some features" and continues the trend of ambiguously altering unspecified thingies.

More specific are the accompanying patch notes, which highlight the squashing of "security vulnerabilities in the system software." It seem likely that the infamous Gripshift exploit, which allowed the PSP-3000 to run homebrew application, has been eradicated. Where will the next buffer overflow come from?

[Via PSP Fanboy]

JoystiqPSP Firmware 5.03 addresses 'security vulnerabilities' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GripshiftPSP-BritePSP-FirmwareTue, 20 Jan 2009 12:10:00 EST