Joystiq DS http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq DS http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New shipment of Radiant Historia en route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/new-shipment-of-radiant-historia-en-route/#comments It's funny how good news for JRPG fans is also often bad news for eBay moguls. Radiant Historia, a DS-exclusive time-travel JPRG from Atlus (which routinely auctions for $60 plus) is being reprinted and redistributed in North America, although this reprint will not include the soundtrack bundled with the original run.

Pre-orders are starting to pop up at various retailers, and Atlus is urging interested parties to take advantage of the opportunity before the new batch hits store shelves in late March. Considering that Atlus has not released specifics regarding how limited of a reprint this is, if limited at all, we recommend erring on the side of caution (and a $35.00 price tag) rather than taking your chances on an uncertain, seller-feedback-oriented future.

JoystiqNew shipment of Radiant Historia en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusdsnintendoradiant-historiareprintshipmentSat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/nintendoware-weekly-burgertime-world-tour-marus-mission/#comments The XBLA/PSN reimagining of BurgerTime needed a little more time on the grill before hitting WiiWare, but now MonkeyPaw Games is ready to serve BurgerTime World Tour to a hungry audience on a plastic tray all right these food metaphors are falling apart.

We'll have to warn you about this week's 3DS eShop game, lest you get unreasonably excited. Maru's Mission is not about Maru the cat. It is a cute-looking ninja action game, though. But not about Maru. Sorry!

Gallery: BurgerTime World Tour (WiiWare - 2/9)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: BurgerTime World Tour, Maru's Mission originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds40-in-1-explosive-minigamesburgertime-hdburgertime-world-tourdsdsiwareeshopmarus-missionnintendonintendoware-weeklyvirtual-consolewiiwiiwareThu, 09 Feb 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Battleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/battleship-movie-adapted-into-an-fps-by-double-helix/#comments Activision and Double Helix have announced a video game adaptation of Battleship, the Hasbro Studios/Universal Films adaptation of Milton Bradley's Battleship. Set for an April European release and a May North American release, Battleship will combine aspects of the classic board game with FPS gameplay. It will be available on PS3 and 360, with "uniquely designed versions" released for the Wii, DS and 3DS.

The player takes on the role of demolitions expert Cole Mathis, who somehow finds himself in charge of an entire naval fleet and must use said fleet to defend the Hawaiian archipelago from underwater space aliens. This is a separate storyline from the film -- however, given the abundance of extraterrestrials and a severe lack of white and red pegs, we figure it's still set in the movie's universe. Gameplay is split between FPS sections and a "Battle Command" map, which is somewhat akin to the classic Battleship grid we're all familiar with. Here's hoping for Electronic Talking DLC on day one.

Gallery: Battleship (2/8/12)

Continue reading Battleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix

JoystiqBattleship movie adapted into FPS by Double Helix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionbattleshipdouble-helixdsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/now-playing-february-6-12-2012/#comments
Destiny awaits this week in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning...

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Continue reading Now Playing: February 6-12, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: February 6-12, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[IndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/indiecades-2012-festival-of-independent-games-accepting-submi/#comments Indie devs take note, submissions for IndieCade's 2012 "Festival of Independent Games" are now open on the event's official website.

IndieCade's track record is stellar, giving budding designers and developers the exposure their hard work deserves and the money their growing debt so richly desires. Past winners include darlings like Limbo, VVVVVV, and Superbrothers' Sword and Sworcery EP. Of course, bills only get paid if the games launch -- unlike Fez, which by our heart's count has been in development for the last seven hundred years.

Teams that submit a game will receive a main festival pass and an invitation to a day-long networking and workshop event. Games selected are set to be featured during the annual IndieCade Festival from October 4 through October 7.

JoystiqIndieCade's 2012 'Festival of Independent Games' accepting submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsIndieCadeindiecade-2012iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/shin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2-summons-your-wallet-on-feb/#comments
The above trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 not only shows off the title's battle system, character interaction mechanics, "master demon fusion" system and demon auctions, but it also reveals the game's North American release date: February 28.

Set in an alternate dimension from the first Devil Survivor, Devil Survivor 2 concerns a group of Japanese high-school students who must use their newly discovered "Devil Messenger" abilities to summon demons and rid Japan of the "Septentrion," a group of creatures who also have the ability to summon demons.

JoystiqShin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 summons your wallet on Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusatlus-usadevil-survivor-2dsnintendorelease-dateshin-megami-tensei-devil-survivor-2Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

Game's economic problems aren't an issue solely for retailers, but can affect the larger gaming industry as well -- both EA and Take-Two discussed Game's position during their Q3 financial calls.

JoystiqEuropean retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo card case is worth the fake money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/club-nintendo-card-case-is-worth-the-fake-money/#comments Nintendo's never sent me a Club Nintendo bonus for review before, and I thought it was kind of odd when one arrived. But I don't think there's ever been a Club Nintendo bonus this nice. The 3DS Game Card Case is both beautiful and genuinely useful, holding 18 DS or 3DS games in a case the size of a single DS game box. That's a rarity among DS game cases.

The transparent case comes with four reversible covers, for a surprisingly versatile look. I grabbed some random DS and 3DS cartridges from my desk, stored them in the case, and took some pictures so you can see for yourself.

Gallery: 3DS Card Case (Club Nintendo)

Gallery: Club Nintendo 3DS Card Case (official shots)

JoystiqClub Nintendo card case is worth the fake money originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscaseclub-nintendodsnintendoThu, 02 Feb 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/now-playing-january-30-february-5-2012/#comments
Repair time this week in Final Fantasy XIII-2...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 30 - February 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo testing classroom text-to-speech tech with DSis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/nintendo-testing-classroom-text-to-speech-tech-with-dsis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/nintendo-testing-classroom-text-to-speech-tech-with-dsis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/nintendo-testing-classroom-text-to-speech-tech-with-dsis/#comments Nintendo and Japanese telecom company NTT are working together on a voice recognition project, aimed at making it easier for students with hearing or other disabilities to keep up in classrooms.

The project, which NHK reports is undergoing trials in Okinawa and Tottori Prefecture, captures instructor speech, converts it to text, and saves it to the cloud while also sending it to devices -- like the DSi. That way, students can read along, and have an automatic record of lessons. See it in action in the video on NHK's site.

The downside to this plan, of course, is that it creates a situation in which a student is expected to be paying very close attention to his or her DS in the back of the classroom -- a situation ripe for abuse of the Retro Game Challenge variety.

JoystiqNintendo testing classroom text-to-speech tech with DSis originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classroomdseducationjapannintendontttext-to-speechMon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/nma-tvs-breakdown-of-nintendos-financial-situation-is-as-zany-as-youd/#comments
Nintendo is coming off of a pretty rough fiscal year, posting an anticipated loss of ¥65 billion ($839M) despite strong sales for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They're optimistic for the future, naturally, with the 3DS performing well since the price drop and the Wii U right around the corner, but that enthusiasm hasn't been enough to repair the company's trading value.

It's a serious situation with meaningful implications both for stockholders and the industry as a whole, so who better to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the situation than the incomprehensibly bizarre and often disturbing creative powerhouse that is NMA TV. If you've seen any of their other videos, you've got a good idea of what to expect in the media briefing above. If not, you'd better sit down.

JoystiqNMA TV's breakdown of Nintendo's financial situation is as zany as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnext-media-animationnintendoNMA-TVNMATVwiiwii-uSat, 28 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/super-mario-3d-land-breaks-5-million-sold-skyward-sword-at-3-4/#comments Nintendo elaborated on the "strong sales" for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Super Mario 3D Land today, in its list of million-selling titles for the last nine months. The Wii adventure sold 3.42 million units worldwide, of which 3.04 million took place outside of Japan.

That makes it the best selling Wii game for the period, right? Nope! That's Mario Kart Wii, which sold 4.91 million copies between April and December, for a life-to-date total of 31.91 million copies. New releases Kirby's Return to Dreamland and Wii Play Motion squeaked into the million-seller club with 1.21 million and 1.12 million respectively.

On 3DS, Super Mario 3D Land sold 5.03 million in total -- 3.68 million "overseas" and 1.36 million in Japan. Mario Kart 7 sold almost as many, at 4.54 million. Even the good old DS managed to have some million-selling new releases: Professor Layton and the Last Specter (1.19 million, all outside of Japan) and Kirby Mass Attack (1.01 million).

JoystiqSuper Mario 3D Land breaks 5 million sold, Skyward Sword at 3.4 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskirbys-return-to-dreamlandLegend-of-Zelda-2010nintendoprofessor-layton-and-the-last-spectersalessuper-mario-3d-landThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiiFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Creepy Japanese title Nanashi no Game phones in a sequel (in Japan)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/creepy-japanese-title-nanashi-no-game-phones-in-a-sequel-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/creepy-japanese-title-nanashi-no-game-phones-in-a-sequel-in-jap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/creepy-japanese-title-nanashi-no-game-phones-in-a-sequel-in-jap/#comments

Call us masochists, but we were really looking forward to the stateside release of Japanese horror title Nanashi no Game, or its sequel, Nanashi no Game Me (trailer above) for the DS. Neither of these made the trip -- evil spirits are afraid of flying, we assume -- and now there is one more Nanashi no Game title we can feel left out on, Nanashi no Appli, out today for iOS devices in Japan.

Nanashi no Appli follows the same story as its predecessors, Andriasang reports, where you play as someone who downloads a cursed RPG, which gives you one week (whisper: seven days) to complete it before you die. Nanashi no Appli features Twitter connectivity, a virtual OS that decomposes as the game progresses, and 3D sound, so you never know exactly where those disembodied voices are coming from.

An Android version will be released in February, also in Japan. Maybe it's better that way.

JoystiqCreepy Japanese title Nanashi no Game phones in a sequel (in Japan) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcreepydshorroriosipadiphoneJapanmobileNanashi-no-Applinanashi-no-gamenanashi-no-game-2nintendothe-ringThu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch Mewtwo in Pokemon White and Black starting on Feb. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/catch-mewtwo-in-pokemon-white-and-black-starting-on-feb-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/catch-mewtwo-in-pokemon-white-and-black-starting-on-feb-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/catch-mewtwo-in-pokemon-white-and-black-starting-on-feb-12/#comments It was hard for us to trust Pokémon again after Gold and Silver came out. We had spent years learning every minute detail about the original 151, and suddenly all of that work and devotion was worthless? What's more, it needed repeating with 100 more Pokemon? We may have been young tykes, but we were old enough to feel broken.

Regardless, the Kanto Pokemon still hold a special place in our hearts, and it's endearing to see one of the most awesome monsters in the OG Pokedex coming back into the fold. Starting on February 12, Mewtwo (#150 for you whippersnappers out there) will be distributed to Pokémon White/Black via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service "for a limited time."

Further information about the event is forthcoming, but we do know that the legendary clone comes packing "an exclusive move that Mewtwo cannot normally learn," which we're hoping is an ability that takes us back to the days of the PokeRap and Team Rocket's original voice actors.

JoystiqCatch Mewtwo in Pokemon White and Black starting on Feb. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseventkantomewmewtwonintendonintendo-wifi-connectionpokedexpokemonpokemon-blackPokemon-Black-and-Whitepokemon-whiteThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendoware-weekly-mutant-mudds-mario-and-sonic-flush-the-gold/#comments As promised, another 3DS demo is available on the eShop, this time for Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. It may not have zombies, but then, it may have Waluigi. Renegade Kid's Mutant Mudds, its first self-published project, is also up on the eShop this week, offering challenging platforming and shooting and some dramatic 3D effects.

DSiWare features a sequel to the indie game Flipper; though if you played it, you still won't recognize Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish. The original was an isometric puzzle game about reshaping environments ... and the sequel is a side-scrolling action game that uses one contextual button!

Gallery: Mutant Mudds (3DS eShop)

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mutant Mudds, Mario & Sonic, Flush the Goldfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdemodsdsiwareeshopflipper-2-flush-the-goldfishlolas-alphabet-trainmario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmutant-muddsnewton-vs-the-hordenintendonintendoware-weeklywiiwiiwareThu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/nintendo-enhances-expected-loss-15-million-3ds-units-sold-since/#comments Nintendo has once again revised its expected loss for the fiscal year ending in March, widening its forecasted financial misfortune from ¥20 billion ($258M) to ¥65 billion ($839M). The increased loss comes a quarter after Nintendo switched its forecast from a ¥20 billion profit to loss.

For the first nine months of the fiscal year ending December 31, Nintendo had sales of ¥556 billion ($7.2B), a 31 percent decrease from the same period last year. Overall, it posted a loss of ¥48.4 billion ($620M).

"Nintendo 3DS hardware during the nine months ended December 31, 2011, were 11.43 million units, and the total worldwide sales since its launch exceeded 15 million units," the company stated. Both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 have gone on to become million-selling titles.

The company also mentioned that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii recorded "strong sales, especially in the United States." Worldwide Wii sales over the nine-month period hit 8.96 million units, with software selling 89 million units.

Nintendo's financial woes, coupled with mobile gaming's increased portion of the handheld market, are not sitting well with investors. The House of Mario continues to see its stock sitting at a five-year low.

JoystiqNintendo enhances expected loss; 15 million 3DS units sold since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfinancialfinancialsnintendoQ3wiiwii-uThu, 26 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/deals-on-fitness-modern-warfare-3-dead-island-on-amazon-today/#comments It's deadAmazon has a load of deals on games lined up for today. First up, Dead Island is the deal of the day and will no doubt quickly shamble off the shelves at only $25. Today's Lightning Deals are all game-themed as well, with the current deal being LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean on the DS for $15. As of this writing, the deal has about an hour to go.

Find a list of the remaining deals' start times (and our best guesses as to what the deals actually are) after the break.

Continue reading Deals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today

JoystiqDeals on fitness, Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondead-islanddeal-of-the-daydslightning-dealsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/activision-grabs-skylanders-giants-domains/#comments The land of Skylanders may be getting giant-sized in the coming months, as a smattering of domain registrations bearing the name "Skylanders Giants" recently popped up. A few of said domains even go as far as to call it a full on "game" rather than just an expansion to last October's magical character-swapping action game slash collectible addiction. Just imagine a giant Drobot! The possibilities!

The registrations are still fairly recent according to Fusible, only dating back to January 19, and none are tied directly to Activision. That said, it's common for publishers to register domains for unannounced projects via proxy, which is exactly how these were handled. We've reached out to Activision for comment, as well as Drobot, but don't expect to hear much from either.

Update: Activision offered no comment and neither did Drobot.

JoystiqActivision grabs 'Skylanders Giants' domains originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisiondsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3skylanders-giantsskylanders-spyros-adventuretoys-for-bobwiixboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boingo offers free Wi-Fi to 3DS users at select UK airports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/#comments No longer will exotic StreetPasses be the sole reason for you to loiter around the airport. In between the acquisition of traveling Miis, you can now pass the time with some free Wi-Fi.

Similar to its deal in North America, Boingo has set up free Wi-Fi hotspots that will allow 3DS users to automatically connect when in range at London Heathrow, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Gatwick and Stansted airports ... unless you plan on checking out some PDF files or watching a Flash cartoon online, that is. We don't know about you guys but that's, like, 90 percent of what we do on the internet over here in America.

The other ten percent of the time? Google image searches of Atsushi Inaba, of course. Best hair in the biz!

JoystiqBoingo offers free Wi-Fi to 3DS users at select UK airports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsboingodsmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoukwi-fiTue, 24 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson name will live on after Konami takeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/hudson-name-will-live-on-after-konami-takeover/#comments We're still not sure if Konami will take the Hudson bee out back and put two tiny bullets into its brain, Old Yeller style, but Konami at least plans to keep the Hudson name around. According to a notice spotted on the company's site by Andriasang, Hudson branded products and services will continue to be developed post-acquisition.

The Hudson website will also stay open after Konami takes over the company on March 1. And while the last few years haven't given us much cause to celebrate Hudson, we're sure there are a few people out there who'd like to see the bee stick around -- one of them is a person we actually know!

JoystiqHudson name will live on after Konami takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshudsonhudson-softknami-groupkonamimicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/now-playing-january-23-29-2012/#comments
Looking for a good reason to become a Call of Duty Elite subscriber? How does access to the Modern Warfare 3 - Roll Call DLC sound? It's out this week on XBLA... for Elitists only.

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 23-29, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 23-29, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmacmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Good morning! Here's Herman Cain singing the Pokemon 2000: The Movie theme song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/good-morning-heres-herman-cain-singing-the-pokemon-2000-the-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/good-morning-heres-herman-cain-singing-the-pokemon-2000-the-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/good-morning-heres-herman-cain-singing-the-pokemon-2000-the-m/#comments
You can hate or love SOPA, call yourself a hardcore Republican or Democrat, or prefer vegetable oil to butter. No matter how you identify, you will no doubt laugh your face off watching a former presidential primary candidate sing the entirety of the theme song from Pokemon: The Movie 2000. Herman Cain did just that last Friday afternoon during Stephen Colbert's Charleston, South Carolina faux political rally, much to the delight of people everywhere on the planet.

What does this have to do with video games? In all honesty, not very much, but we know how hard life can be -- sometimes it seems impossible. It's never easy when there's so much on the line, but you can make a difference. And Herman Cain is here to share that message, in song.

JoystiqGood morning! Here's Herman Cain singing the Pokemon 2000: The Movie theme song originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsherman-cainnintendopokemonpokemon-the-movie-2000south-carolinastephen-colbertMon, 23 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stare at Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition for two minutes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/stare-at-pokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambition-for-two-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/stare-at-pokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambition-for-two-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/stare-at-pokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambition-for-two-minutes/#comments
So ... Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition is still happening. That's pretty weird.

JoystiqStare at Pokemon Plus Nobunaga's Ambition for two minutes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendonobunagas-ambitionpokemonpokemon-plus-nobunagas-ambitiontecmo-koeiThu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/nintendoware-weekly-resident-evil-revelations-demo-stonekeep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/nintendoware-weekly-resident-evil-revelations-demo-stonekeep/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/nintendoware-weekly-resident-evil-revelations-demo-stonekeep/#comments 3DS demos have finally arrived in North America! Or, at least, they will in a couple of hours when the eShop updates. You'll have the opportunity to check out Capcom's classic-style Resident Evil Revelations at no risk -- other than the usual risk of terror-soaked pants, we suppose.

In WiiWare news, remember when Interplay was going to revive Stonekeep for WiiWare? Well, that's happened. You can see the results above.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Resident Evil Revelations demo, Stonekeep originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsannes-doll-studio-gothic-collectiondsdsiwareeshopgaias-moonlock-n-chasenintendonintendoware-weeklyresident-evil-revelationsstonekeepwiiwiiwareThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/3ds-nintendo-lead-japans-30-best-selling-games-of-2011/#comments The top two spots in Japan's 2011 list of best-selling games are taken by a pair of Nintendo 3DS games: Mario Kart 7, with more than 1.6 million sold, and Super Mario 3D Land with more than 1.08 million sold. In third is Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri-G for 3DS, followed by 27 more titles for 3DS, DS PSP, Wii and PS3. These include From Software's Dark Souls and Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Check out the entire list, provided by Media Create of Japanese Hardware Sales fame, below!

Continue reading 3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011

Joystiq3DS, Nintendo lead Japan's 30 best-selling games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsJapanmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoplaystationps3pspsalessonywiiMon, 16 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/now-playing-january-16-22-2012/#comments
Saints Row: The Third fans can put their lives at risk for fun, excitement and entertainment this week with the Genkibowl VII DLC...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 16-22, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 16-22, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ denies rumors about cancellation of its 2014 lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/#comments Yesterday, a series of tweets by IGDA Mobile SIG chair Kevin Dent alleged that THQ was in financial trouble, and that it was canceling its 2014 game lineup (most notably Warhammer 40k: Dark Millenium Online) and shopping itself out to potential buyers.

This evening, THQ's Australian PR department issued a statement to the contrary, as posted by VG247. "THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO," THQ said. According to the statement, the only reduction to THQ's lineup has been to move focus away from the "kids' boxed games sector" following poor performance of the most recent version of the uDraw. " Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business," the statement said. "We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry."

Note that THQ said it "has not made any decisions" about Warhammer 40k: DMO -- that's hardly a statement of unwavering support. Regardless, the statement is clear about the rest of the 2014 lineup.

JoystiqTHQ denies rumors about cancellation of its 2014 lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscancellationdskevin-dentmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3thqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewiixboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-york-videogame-critics-circle-announces-first-annual-awards/#comments Look, we're gonna be upfront about this, we're a little biased -- okay, I'm a little biased -- toward any news involving the New York Game Critics Circle (I'm the standing member for Joystiq), but we're putting together an awards show and it's gonna be totally boss. On February 2, a gaggle of us are taking over New York University's Cantor Film Center and holding an awards show to honor the best games of 2011 -- what we consider to be 2011's best, anyway.

Founding member (and occasional NPR correspondent) Harold Goldberg is heading up the proceedings with some assistance from various NYGCC members, while an unannounced, well-known voice man is on tap to MC the event. The first annual awards show will take place on February 2 and we've dropped the entire list of nominees after the break. It'll also be open to the public with limited seating, which we'll have more info on in the coming weeks.

Wondering who voted for said nominees? That list is right here, but rest assured that everyone involved is totally your favorite.

Continue reading New York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show

JoystiqNew York Videogame Critics Circle announces first annual awards show originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-yorknew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenintendonycnygccpcplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/#comments MCV's 2012 UK Games Industry Salary Survey, which polled 975 people (597 of whom worked in United Kingdom), showed an average UK games industry salary of £33,123 ($50,741), more than a 10 percent increase from 2011's average of £30,667 ($46,979).

That figure was created using survey results from "all sectors - development, publishing, retail, PR & marketing, services, technology and business development," according to MCV. Ten percent of respondents were women, which is reportedly in-scale with their overall presence in the British gaming industry.

The study's average salary figure is a median average rather than a mean average, we should note, and does not include "the group of very senior, and very well paid, execs" that also participated in the survey. Including their data, the average salary is £35,790. If you include the 378 non-British respondents, the average rose to £34,263, indicating that junior-level employees may be earning more outside of the UK.

The survey also showed a disparity between the average salaries of men and women, with industry women making £1.35 an hour less than their male counterparts. This is disproportionate to MCV's global findings, which show that women in the games industry earn more than men on average, albeit only by a few hundred pounds. Here is your reward for making it all the way through a facts-oriented article about salaries and averages.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

JoystiqMCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dsandroidaveragedsiosiphoneMCVmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsalariessonysurveythe-queenUKwiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mole Kart is the iOS Mario Kart rip-off you never wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/#comments
It's not the first blatant rip-off to appear on the App Store by any stretch, but it might be one of the most obnoxious. Mole Kart is the quintessential Mario Kart clone, copying key gameplay mechanics, power-ups and even track designs from Nintendo's classic rubber-band racer. To top it off, it has fewer memorable characters and, based on the video above, what looks to be some way janky steering.

The game is currently available for $2.99 on the App Store and is compatible with both the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad, granted they're running iOS 4.1 or later. Also, you'll need a high tolerance for cartoon moles because this game is totally full of them.

JoystiqMole Kart is the iOS Mario Kart rip-off you never wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsiosipadiphonemario-kartmario-kart-7mobilemole-kartnintendorip-offwiiwii-uThu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/uncharted-3-leads-aias-2011-award-nominations/#comments We've already told you what our favorite games of 2011 are, but the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences apparently needed a bit more time to ruminate on the matter. The final awards will be given at the annual DICE summit in Las Vegas on February 9, giving us all tons of time to pressure the AIAS into giving Rayman Origins the awards for Outstanding Animation and Outstanding Art Direction.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is the belle of the ball this year, with a total of 12 nominations across several categories. Other notable titles include Portal 2 (10 nominations) L.A. Noire (9 nominations), Bastion (3 nominations), and Battlefield 3 (6 nominations). 2010's top game from the AIAS was Mass Effect 2, which walked away with awards in the RPG and storytelling categories.

Jay Mohr will be hosting again -- here's his monologue from last year -- and the entire show will be streamed online through GameSpot, starting at 7:30pm PT/10:30pm ET. Or you could buy a plane ticket and fly to Vegas, hoping to somehow sneak in. We wouldn't suggest that, though, as your time and money can be better spent petitioning for Rayman Origins.

Hit the jump for the full list of this year's nominees.

Continue reading Uncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations

JoystiqUncharted 3 leads AIAS 2011 award nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsacademy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasandroiddsiosipadiphonekinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/npd-2011-sales-across-industry-between-16-3-and-16-6-billion/#comments Assassination and dancing has proven to be a lucrative mix, as Just Dance 2 and 3 and Assassin's Creed: Revelations helped Ubisoft to lead this year's best seller's list with three entries. That's according to the NPD Group, which also estimates the video game industry's profits, comprising "new physical video and PC games, used games, game rentals, subscriptions, digital full-game downloads, social network games, downloadable content, and mobile games," reached sales of somewhere between $16.3 and $16.6 billion in 2011.

Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 took top honors (it's kind of a big deal), while Just Dance 3 and Skyrim occupied the second and third spots, respectively. NPD also says that, despite sales growth in the digital sector yet again, physical copies offered at retail outlets still accounted for the majority of sales coming in at $9.3 billion, "an 8 percent decline over the $10.1 billion in 2010."

That decline was "partially" offset by increases in digital, mobile, and used game sales, which NPD expects to be a focus moving into 2012. "Our overall estimate of the market continues to point toward the increased imperative for deeper visibility into digital distribution than is available today, not only in the U.S. but globally," said NPD prez David McQuillan. Our waning shelf space agrees.

Continue reading NPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list

JoystiqNPD 2011: Sales across industry between $16.3 and $16.6 billion, Ubi tops software sales list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionandroidassassins-creed-revelationscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3david-mcquillandsiosipadiphonejust-dance-2just-dance-3kinectmacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3movenintendonpdnpd-2011npd-grouppcplaystationps3pspskyrimsonyubisoftwiixboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story DSiWare still headed to Europe, but delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/cave-story-dsiware-still-headed-to-europe-but-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/cave-story-dsiware-still-headed-to-europe-but-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/cave-story-dsiware-still-headed-to-europe-but-delayed/#comments Cave Story Cave Story hitting DSiWare in North America over a year ago, but Europe is still waiting for an official release. It looks like the region will go without the delightful title a little longer, as it has failed certification with Nintendo of Europe. Responding to a question on Twitter, developer Nicalis noted that Cave Story was submitted to NOE in December but failed because of "some really minor crap with the manual." Nicalis hopes to submit the game yet again sometime this month.

Keep the faith, European Cave Story fans! Or you could always pick up the 3DS version.

JoystiqCave Story DSiWare still headed to Europe, but delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cave-StorydelaysdsdsidsiwarenicalisnintendoThu, 12 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/#comments Two major UK video-game retailers, HMV and Game, saw a drop in sales over Christmas, prompting HMV to reconsider its investment in games as a whole, The Telegraph reports. HMV's gaming market share fell 16 percent over the holidays, while sales in music and DVDs saw no change; games now account for 20 percent of HMV's sales. Chief Executive Simon Fox said HMV may focus only on AAA titles in the future.

Game's Christmas retail sales were down 15 percent, while year-on-year it lost 13 percent in sales, GamesIndustry.biz says. Online sales rose 4 percent, and sales for the year ending January 2012 dropped 12 percent, less than the UK gaming market's total loss of 13 percent. Game recently closed 39 stores and is expected to have 550 in the UK by 2013, GamesIndustry notes. CEO Ian Shepherd is banking on the Wii U and PS Vita to revitalize sales in 2012.

JoystiqUK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsgameHMVkinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsalessonyukvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not even Link is immune to the recession]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/not-even-link-is-immune-to-the-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/not-even-link-is-immune-to-the-recession/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/not-even-link-is-immune-to-the-recession/#comments
When we need money, we do what any upstanding member of society does: we cut lawns and sell lemonade. If you're a game protagonist, you hock your most treasured possessions -- at least, that's what Link does.

JoystiqNot even Link is immune to the recession originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsLegend-of-Zelda-2010nintendopawn-starspwn-starssatireThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-Swordwiiwii-uTue, 10 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Now Playing: January 9-15, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/now-playing-january-9-15-2012/#comments
Get in some retro action this week with Choplifter HD...

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Continue reading Now Playing: January 9-15, 2012

JoystiqNow Playing: January 9-15, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdskinectmicrosoftmovenintendonow-playingpcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy: Buy two, get two used games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/best-buy-buy-two-get-two-used-games/#comments Who doesn't love Alan Rickman? Best Buy is currently offering a buy two, get two sale on used games. There are plenty of recent titles available, including the likes of Modern Warfare 3, Dead Island and Batman: Arkham City. If you're feeling frugal, just head over to the website.

Continue reading Best Buy: Buy two, get two used games

JoystiqBest Buy: Buy two, get two used games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buydsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retail game market fell in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/#comments The boxed retail market continues to decline in the UK, with sales slipping 7 percent from 2010. The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) reports, using Chart-Track data, that 2011 saw boxed sales of £1.42 billion ($2.2 billion).

Of the ten best-selling games in the year, eight were launched in the fourth quarter, generating 51 percent of annual revenue. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was the top seller, generating £83 million ($128 million) during its launch week and selling two million copies in five days.

"In a year when overall consumer spending was down, 2011 proved to be a better than expected year for the UK's boxed-product games market," said UKIE Chairman Andy Payne. Helped by the launch of many top quality titles, particularly in quarter four, total software sales of £1.42bn was better than many predicted."

Overall, the total gross generated in the UK games market from hardware, software and accessories in 2011 was £2.5 billion ($3.9 billion), a drop of 13 percent. That's understandable since the global economy is horrible, so keep calm and carry on.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK retail game market fell in 2011

JoystiqUK retail game market fell in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukukiewiixboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto working on an unannounced 'original' game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/miyamoto-working-on-an-unannounced-original-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/miyamoto-working-on-an-unannounced-original-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/miyamoto-working-on-an-unannounced-original-game/#comments
A recent Zoomin Games interview with Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned in passing that, in addition to Luigi's Mansion 2 for 3DS and Pikmin 3 to Wii U, he is also working on what ZoomIn called an "undisclosed original title." Speaking about that mysterious new project, Miyamoto said "If you ask me, 'Is it too much pressure to try to come out with something new?' I have to say no, I'm enjoying myself."

By way of explaining his own style, he gave us some idea of what to expect. "Each creator has his or her own field for which he or she is particularly good at," Miyamoto said. "I'm not saying that I am particularly bad at making the very photo-realistic video games. But when it comes to the realistic games, you have to create something familiar. I personally want to make something really different."

The rest of the interview is devoted to damage control from that time he didn't even actually say he was retiring from Nintendo.

JoystiqMiyamoto working on an unannounced 'original' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendoshigeru-miyamotowiiwii-uFri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo tells developers not to share digital sales numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/nintendo-tells-developers-not-to-share-digital-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/nintendo-tells-developers-not-to-share-digital-sales-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/nintendo-tells-developers-not-to-share-digital-sales-numbers/#comments Richard Hill-Whittall is the owner and director of Icon Games Entertainment, and his company has released several games in the last year for various platforms, including WiiWare. He recently shared some sales numbers over on Gamasutra, but was asked by Nintendo to take the numbers for its platforms down. According to Hill-Whittall, Nintendo doesn't allow developers to share digital sales numbers for self-published WiiWare and downloadable DS titles.

That's an interesting tack to take, and Hill-Whittall argues that it hurts smaller developers who might need to make those sales numbers known in order to secure financing or plan out their business. He doesn't see it as surprising, however, because Nintendo doesn't allow developers to change their prices or offer demos or promotions either, which are all tactics that Microsoft, Sony, and other digital publishers have used to pick up lots of digital sales before.

Obviously, not everyone will want to share sales data, and Nintendo itself must see this data as valuable information to be protected. A restriction on sharing the data, says Hill-Whittall, could be fatal for a smaller developer like his, especially if they rely on Nintendo's platform alone.

JoystiqNintendo tells developers not to share digital sales numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdigitaldsdsiwaredswarenintendonumberssaleswiiwiiwareThu, 05 Jan 2012 20:15:00 EST