Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.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[Meet Hong Kong's Yaku ... er, Triads in the latest Sleeping Dogs trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/meet-hong-kongs-yaku-er-triads-in-the-latest-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/meet-hong-kongs-yaku-er-triads-in-the-latest-sleeping-dogs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/meet-hong-kongs-yaku-er-triads-in-the-latest-sleeping-dogs/#comments
United Front Games' Sleeping Dogs seems awfully reminiscent of another open-world, minigame-filled action game with a connection to another well-known Asian mafia, but we just can't seem to put our finger on it. Perhaps you can help identify the mystery inspiration?

Continue reading Meet Hong Kong's Yaku ... er, Triads in the latest Sleeping Dogs trailer

JoystiqMeet Hong Kong's Yaku ... er, Triads in the latest Sleeping Dogs trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplaymicrosoftplaystationps3sleeping-dogssquare-enixunited-front-gamesxboxFri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorgeous Halo 4 concept shots found on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/gorgeous-halo-4-concept-shots-found-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#comments ImageHalo 4 isn't all Master Chief and his revamped blue buddy. It's also got giant, uninhabited spaces with incredible views, as seen in the two Xbox Live Marketplace "Premium Themes" that Little English Halo Blog snagged.

The vista above - full of upside down buildings hanging precariously over a mountain range and marked with a UNSC shuttlecraft of some form - seems to be a Forerunner world of some form, but we can't be sure. As for the second screen, it looks like an engine room, but then we're not exactly future engineers.

JoystiqGorgeous Halo 4 concept shots found on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesconcept-arthalo-4microsoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxxbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Reigns US/EU release date pushed once again, this time to 'TBC']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/anarchy-reigns-us-eu-release-date-pushed-once-again-this-time-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/anarchy-reigns-us-eu-release-date-pushed-once-again-this-time-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/anarchy-reigns-us-eu-release-date-pushed-once-again-this-time-t/#comments ImagePlatinum Games told fans on its latest podcast episode that upcoming brawler Anarchy Reigns no longer has a US/EU release date. According to Platinum, "Sega has decided to change the date to TBC [to be confirmed]." A note clarified the situation further: "While our work on the game is finished, localized, and ready to go, as publisher, Sega gets to make the final decision as to when it is released."

For its part, Sega hasn't announced the delay or even acknowledged it as far as we can tell. Given that the game is still planned for a July 5 launch in Japan, and Platinum's statement suggests the game is "finished, localized, and ready to go," we expect to hear an updated launch date for US/EU territories pretty soon. The game already got pushed out seven months, though, so you never know.

JoystiqAnarchy Reigns US/EU release date pushed once again, this time to 'TBC' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-reignsdelaydelayseuropemicrosoftnorth-americaplaystationps3release-datexboxFri, 25 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-makes-calculated-moves-t/#comments ImageOn June 26, Resident Evil: Chronicles HD launches on the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Network for $26.99, targeting those of us who own a PlayStation Move/PlayStation 3, are way into rail shooters, and didn't play the original versions of the Chronicles' games on Wii. That's a ridiculously specific group of people if you ask us.

Should you have played one of the two games that the collection comprises - The Umbrella Chronicles and The Darkside Chronicles - each game will be individually released for $14.99 a few weeks later on July 17.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26

JoystiqResident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection makes calculated moves to PSN on June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnre-releaserelease-dateresident-evil-chronicles-hd-collectionFri, 25 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-edges-black-ops-out-of-second-spot-on-xbla-charts/#comments

This week, two important things happened to Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on Xbox 360 - one, the game topped the Xbox Live activity charts once more, this time beating out the longstanding Call of Duty: Black Ops for the number two spot (Modern Warfare 3 remains lodged in the top position). Second, and more importantly, I finally made a nether portal last night. This is important business, folks!

Regardless, it's likely many of you folks have also done so by this point - the game's also topping this week's "Top Arcade Titles" list as well, digging under the hills and valleys of big seller Trials Evolution. How about those crazy ghost things, huh? Straight up madness!

JoystiqMinecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j4j-studiosmicrosoftMinecraftmojangmojang-specificationssalesxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadexbox-live-marketplaceFri, 25 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Our own Alexander Sliwinski talks 38 Studios with Fox 25 News]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/#comments
Here at Joystiq, we spend most of our time hunched over laptops pumping out a steady stream of news for you to consume. But every now and again, one of us is ripped out from behind the comfort of our mobile workplace to talk gaming news with a mainstream outlet - today is such a day.

Following the unfortunate events at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, News Editor Alexander Sliwinski took to Boston-area affiliate Fox 25 News to talk all things 38 and Rhode Island. We're hoping that his dashing suit and suave demeanor will help to convince you that our whole staff is made up of debonair jetsetters, even if we know in our hearts that's a stone-cold lie.

JoystiqOur own Alexander Sliwinski talks 38 Studios with Fox 25 News originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosalexander-sliwinskibig-huge-gamesfox-25-newskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmetarhode-islandtelevision-apperanceThu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning had to sell 3M 'just to break even,' RI governor says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/#comments Despite Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning selling "1.22 million copies in its first 90 days" according to 38 Studios head Curt Schilling, it apparently never crested the 3 million mark it needed to break even. "The game failed, the game failed," Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a press conference this afternoon.

According to "experts" speaking with Chafee's office, Reckoning needed to sell over 3 million copies "just to break even," never mind profit. The action RPG was released this past February to critical praise and modest initial financial success. It was credited with saving Big Huge Games from destruction back in 2009 when 38 Studios picked up the Baltimore studio, primarily for repurposing an already-in-production RPG into what we now know was Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

Both 38 Studios and Big Huge Games laid off their staffs this afternoon amidst major financial trouble at 38.

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning had to sell 3M 'just to break even,' RI governor says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandsalesxboxThu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios and Big Huge Games lay off entire staffs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/#comments 38 Studios and Big Huge Games have both let go of their entire staffs, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Joystiq. Following reports that 38 Studios stopped paying staff on May 1, and just an hour before a scheduled press conference in Rhode Island addressing the recent 38 Studios financial debacle, both the Providence, RI-based 38 Studios and the Baltimore, MD-based Big Huge Games are no more.

"Big Huge Games was home for my wife and me for our adult lives so far. I'll miss it terribly, but so proud. Good night and good luck," former Big Huge Games lead world designer Colin Campbell said on his Twitter account. Big Huge's latest release was the moderately successful Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The studio was picked up by 38 Studios back in 2009, and it crafted the first entry in 38's ambitious new universe: Amalur.

The recent financial tumult arose following a defaulted payment from 38 Studios to the Rhode Island state government on May 1, indicating much larger financial issues that could ultimately lead to Rhode Island taxpayers owing up to $112.6 million between 2013 and 2020. It's unclear whether today's layoffs mean 38 Studios is unable to pay back the approximately $50 million its owes Rhode Island of a planed $75 million loan. If that's the case, Rhode Island will take over ownership of the Amalur IP, valued at around $20 million.

We expect to hear more at a scheduled press conference this evening held by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.

Update: WPRI got ahold of the internal memo to employees at 38 Studios, which reads: "The Company is experiencing an economic downturn. To avoid further losses and possibility of retrenchment, the Company has decided that a companywide lay off is absolutely necessary. These layoffs are non-voluntary and non-disciplinary. This is your official notice of lay off, effective today, Thursday, May 24th, 2012." Big Huge Games and 38 Studios collectively employed 379 full-timers as of March 15, according to the report.

Joystiq38 Studios and Big Huge Games lay off entire staffs [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesclosurelayoffslincoln-chafeerhode-islandThu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light live-action trailer counts down to armageddon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/#comments Image
In Metro 2033, we saw the effects of nuclear war 20 years out. In Metro: Last Light's latest trailer, we see that world ending, missiles and all. We'll thankfully have lots of time to prepare for the apocalypse given the game's recent delay into 2013.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light live-action trailer counts down to armageddon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gameslive-actionmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."

With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting - which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop - will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.

JoystiqNPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdavid-rileydsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-npd-groupvitawal-martwalmartwiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop holding first public 'EXPO' event two days before PAX Prime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/gamestop-holding-first-public-expo-event-two-days-before-pax-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/gamestop-holding-first-public-expo-event-two-days-before-pax-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/gamestop-holding-first-public-expo-event-two-days-before-pax-p/#comments ImageWe can't think of many places we'd rather visit during the dog days of summer than San Antonio, Texas. Being a savvy games retailer, GameStop acted on that ubiquitous desire this morning in its announcement of the GameStop Consumer "EXPO," taking place on August 29 in San Antonio.

The event will coincide with GameStop's annual manager meeting, except this time folks who have a PowerUp Rewards card and a spare $35 can also get in (if you have enough PowerUp Rewards points, there's another option). What's that? You'd rather pay more for people to glare in anger as you're whisked past them to play the game they're in line for? A $100 "VIP" option also exists, which nets you "four in-depth sessions with some of the biggest names in gaming, access to VIP-only lines and entrance to the VIP gaming lounge."

And yes, it's on August 29, just two days before PAX Prime kicks off in Seattle.

JoystiqGameStop holding first public 'EXPO' event two days before PAX Prime originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgamestop-expogamestop-expo-2012Wed, 23 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow of the Colossus film still in the works, Chronicle director Josh Trank signed on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-film-is-still-a-thing-chronicle-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-film-is-still-a-thing-chronicle-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/shadow-of-the-colossus-film-is-still-a-thing-chronicle-director/#comments ImageWait, there's still a Shadow of the Colossus film being made? The film is still in progress, according to a report today from Deadline that puts Chronicle director Josh Trank in the director's seat. It appears Sony Pictures signed Trank pretty recently, and the company is already interviewing potential writers to work with him.

According to the report, Trank requested the job from Sony. Given the slow-moving process of the project (we've been hearing about it for three years) and the lack of a ... ya know, script or anything, it seems to still be early in production.

Team Ico's third project, The Last Guardian, has been just as slow to get out of the gate - the studio hasn't released a game since 2005's Shadow of the Colossus.

JoystiqShadow of the Colossus film still in the works, Chronicle director Josh Trank signed on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chroniclejosh-trankShadow-of-the-Colossussony-picturesteam-icoWed, 23 May 2012 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/#comments ImageWe don't know about you, but You Don't Know Jack's charismatic host Cookie Masterson sure seems like a swell fellow; the kind of guy who takes to Facebook only to post photos of cats doing silly things, and potentially show his friends pictures of his newly shaven dome. We say this because we now have a new way to interact with Mr. Masterson through - you guessed it - You Don't Know Jack, now on Facebook.

The game is currently in closed beta, but I signed up to be a beta tester and was already in before this post was finished. Also, yup, I did play a round right quick, and it was totally awesome. In so many words, it's You Don't Know Jack, but played asychronously against Facebook friends. Rounds are shorter, and there's some microtransaction stuff in there, but it's pretty much the same game you've been playing (and loving) for 20 years.

Regardless, it's free and seemingly unobtrusive in regards to your Facebook account, which sounds like a big winner to us.

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookie-mastersonfacebookfree-to-playjellyvisionmacmicrotransactionspcyou-dont-know-jackWed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/#comments Both the 4GB and 250GB Xbox 360 S models were recommended for a trade ban in the US this week by International Trade Commission judge David Shaw. Said recommendation came several weeks after Shaw ruled in favor of Motorola in a case alleging Microsoft violated several patents held by the mobile phone manufacturer, ranging from Wi-Fi technology to video patents.

The recommendation alone doesn't ban the import of the two console models - a panel of six judges on the ITC board will review Shaw's recommendation and decide whether it should be made into law. Florian Mueller of patent site Foss Patents told GamesIndustry International that it's unlikely Shaw's recommendation will make it past its current point. "Unlike judges at courts, ITC judges don't make the decisions: they merely recommend them. Their recommendations are very frequently not adopted by the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the ITC," he said.

Moreover, Mueller pointed out that he's "never seen an ITC judge make any other recommendation than an exclusion order [the import ban in question] if his initial determination is that there is a violation." And given Shaw's initial determination earlier this year that Microsoft was in violation of Motorola's patents, today's news is actually "normal course of business," said Mueller.

JoystiqXbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-shawinternational-trade-commissionlegalmicrosoftmotorolapatentpatentsxboxWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 3's 'Insane Edition' contains the best bobblehead, exclusive to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/far-cry-3s-insane-edition-contains-the-best-bobblehead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/far-cry-3s-insane-edition-contains-the-best-bobblehead/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/far-cry-3s-insane-edition-contains-the-best-bobblehead/#comments Image
It's official: Europe is getting the coolest version of Far Cry 3, replete with the amazing bobblehead seen in the trailer above. Is that star of stage and screen Michael Mando with a goatee and hula skirt? Sure is!

Beyond the facsimile of Mando, buyers of the so-called "Insane Edition" get "exclusive survival kit packaging" (a cloth book), an "essential island survival guide," and "access to all unlockable content" (which includes the in-game content that pre-orders get in the US). Considering the "Insane Edition" is just £15 more than the standard "Lost Expeditions Edition" at £49.85 (at least in the UK - we're waiting on EU pricing), we're thinking it's worth the dough. Perhaps you haven't looked hard enough at that bobblehead? Really explore that space.

JoystiqFar Cry 3's 'Insane Edition' contains the best bobblehead, exclusive to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobbleheadcollectors-editionfar-cry-3insane-editionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxWed, 23 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/#comments It's true - the world is big into Diablo 3. So much so that the game was purchased more than 3.5 million times in its first 24 hours available, making it the "fastest-selling PC game" of all time, according to Blizzard. On top of that 3.5 million, another 1.2 million copies were scooped via the WoW Annual Pass (which included a free copy of D3).

Blizzard's wording on this claim is especially interesting, pointing out that "more than 4.7 million gamers around the world were poised to storm Sanctuary on day 1 of Diablo 3's release." Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime addresses the Diablo-sized elephant in the room soon after, saying, "We also regret that our preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so. I want to reaffirm our commitment to make sure the millions of Diablo III players out there have a great experience with the game moving forward, and I also want to thank them for their ongoing support."

Beyond the day-one sales, Blizzard revealed that by the end of its first week on sale, more than 6.3 million copies were in the hands of gamers worldwide. That guy Diablo is getting beat up by, like, a lot of people.

Joystiq3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3mike-morhaimesalesWed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get down with yo' bad self in Tribes: Ascend's latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/#comments Image
Tribes: Ascend's upcoming "Staying Alive" update adds more than just a smattering of new weapons for you disco dancing disc launchers. The update also brings live streams and training videos into the game's main menu, allowing you to spend even more time wrapped up in Ascend.

JoystiqGet down with yo' bad self in Tribes: Ascend's latest update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiospatchpcstaying-alivestaying-alive-updatetribes-ascendtwitch-tvtwitch.tvupdateTue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadows of the Damned director teases 'movie-length' new game from new studio [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/shadows-of-the-damned-director-teases-movie-length-new-game-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/shadows-of-the-damned-director-teases-movie-length-new-game-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/shadows-of-the-damned-director-teases-movie-length-new-game-fr/#comments ImageAfter revealing his new studio, Ovosonico, last summer, Shadows of the Damned director Massimo Guarini is ready to start teasing its first project. The game is described as "a rich emotional experience packaged in a movie-length time frame" - but it's still in a "very early prototype stage."

The announcement derided "throw-away iPhone games and 40-hour long traditional productions," and noted that the studio is exploring "a reasonable price" for its first game. No platforms or launch windows or themes or ... well, much of anything else was revealed, but Ovosonico encouraged interested parties to keep an eye on its Twitter and Facebook pages for upcoming news.

Update: We spoke with Massimo Guarini via email this afternoon for more info on the mystery project. He told us, "The game will deal with unusual subjects, something definitely unexplored in a teenage-driven market," before he added, "I can guarantee that you'll find lots of crazy ideas, strong emotions, original settings, [and an] unconventional approach to gameplay and storytelling." Beyond that, he wouldn't budge on game details.

Guarini also hinted at digital distribution for the title, though he said, "We're not targeting iOS/mobile or freemium models right now. If we do it, we will focus on product quality, not on ensnaring people with addictive tricks." He said we'll likely see more from the still totally ambiguous project this August.

Continue reading Shadows of the Damned director teases 'movie-length' new game from new studio [update]

JoystiqShadows of the Damned director teases 'movie-length' new game from new studio [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>italymassimo-guarinimilanovosonicoTue, 22 May 2012 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/nintendos-got-more-than-a-few-ways-to-watch-its-e3-2012-press-c/#comments ImageWhat will you be doing on June 5 at noon ET? Nintendo sure hopes your answer to that question revolves around its impending E3 2012 press conference, and it's got a whole bevy of options should that be the case. Beyond partnering with Viacom to broadcast the show live (and commercial-free) on Spike TV and MTV2 (there's still an MTV2?!?!), Nintendo will offer the conference via internet on its usual E3 site.

Nintendo's E3 presentation this year will focus on its next home console, the Wii U, though we'll no doubt hear a few new nuggets about the 3DS. As always, we're hoping for a triumphant return from Ravi Drums. Don't keep breaking our hearts, Nintendo! Let Mr. Drums free!

Sony and Microsoft are also streaming their respective press conferences; more info can be found on each here and here.

Continue reading Nintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference

JoystiqNintendo's got more than a few ways to watch its E3 2012 press conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2012nintendowiiwii-uMon, 21 May 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/#comments ImageAfter shutting down Bizarre Creations last February and restructuring DJ Hero studio Freestyle Games, Activision's reach in the UK was recessed for the past year. But with a renewed mobile push at Activision, the publisher is now looking to build a new studio across the Atlantic - and Team17 co-founder Martyn Brown is in charge of building said studio.

Develop confirmed the news with Activision, who only allowed this vague statement: "We are investing in mobile initiatives and that includes a UK studio." For Brown's part, he's staying mum, but the job description falls right in line with Brown's, following his departure from Team17 last year.

JoystiqActivision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmartyn-brownmobilemobile-develomentteam17ukunited-kingdomMon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/#comments ImageIt's not a new box set from The Cure, nor from Joy Division, nor from Him. It's not a Tears for Fears reference, nor is it access to Prince's 1980s clothing selections! Nope, Infinity Blade 2's "Vault of Tears" is actually a massive (free) content update headed to Epic's latest iOS entry this Thursday.

Several new enemies are being added, as well as "more than 50 new items" and rewards. Most bizarrely, the ability to "earn extra turns and invite their friends, family, and other non-Infinity Blade players to do in-game damage with the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." You read that right, folks: "the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." In the biz, we call that a "paradigm shift." Also, awful.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2 (Vault of Tears)

Continue reading Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)

JoystiqUnleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesfacebookinfinity-blade-2twitterupdatevault-of-tearsMon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/square-enix-registers-domains-for-just-cause-4-despite-lack-of/#comments Just in case the Just Cause series is successful enough to get a fourth entry, Square Enix wants to make sure it can employ any necessary URLs. As such, the company registered URLs in a variety of countries for "JustCause4" via URL proxy registrant Corporation Service Company, as discovered by Fusible.

Neither Square Enix nor Avalance Studios have said much about the Just Cause series as of late, though Avalance studio head Christofer Sundberg told Develop in early 2010 that a third entry in the series is very likely. It's also rumored that Avalanche has been working on a Mad Max-based game; we haven't heard about that project since September 2010. Beyond Avalanche's Stockholm-based studio, the privately owned Swedish company opened a New York City office in 2011 to work on an unannounced game only known as "Project Mamba."

Regardless, with just a few weeks left until E3, it's likely we'll hear more about whatever Avalanche is working on sooner, rather than later.

JoystiqSquare Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-studioschristofer-sundbergcorporation-service-companydomain-registrationjust-causejust-cause-3just-cause-4square-enixurlMon, 21 May 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday dev collaborating with Valve on Left 4 Dead 'co-operative initiative']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/payday-dev-collaborating-with-valve-on-left-4-dead-co-operative/#comments ImagePayday: The Heist studio Overkill Software and Valve Software are working on ... something together. What that something is remains to be seen, as Overkill game director Ulf Andersson only described the collaboration as a "co-operative initiative" between the two companies. We do know that it'll involve both Overkill's Payday: The Heist and Valve's Left 4 Dead - two team-focused four-player co-operative romps (enough hyphens for you?).

"We are working on a very cool blend of Payday and Left 4 Dead," Andersson wrote on his company's official site. "I am sure it is so exciting that it will have some players check into the hospital before we are done." Oh, hospital, you say? We see what you're doing there, you crazy Swedes you!

Andersson apparently couldn't help himself, and added one more zombie-themed quip. "Keep an eye out for more on this infectious and developing story." We know at least one guy we won't be letting into the safe house.

JoystiqPayday dev collaborating with Valve on Left 4 Dead 'co-operative initiative' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opco-operative-initiativecollaborationleft-4-deadoverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistulf-anderssonvalvevalve-softwareMon, 21 May 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/aliens-colonial-marines-delayed-to-february-2013/#comments
Aliens: Colonial Marines launches on February 12, 2013, Sega announced this morning. The Gearbox Software-developed game was previously given a "fall 2012" launch window, and was planned as a Wii U hardware launch title (the game is also planned for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC), though no hard date was ever given before. In fact, despite the February 12 date announcement, the game's Wii U version still doesn't have a date. "A release date for the announced Wii U version will be revealed at a later time," the press release reads.

Upset? That's understandable, but Sega's hoping to deflect some of that rage with a new trailer, which we've dropped just above.

Continue reading Aliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines delayed to February 2013 on 360/PS3/PC, Wii U date to be revealed later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aliens-Colonial-Marinesdelaydelaysgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3q1-2013release-datesegawii-uxboxMon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/#comments Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a 38 Studios-related press conference that the long awaited 38 Studios MMO - only known currently as "Project Copernicus" - is set to launch in June of 2013. Chafee said, "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13."

Considering we've literally never heard any information on the Amalur-based MMO (aside from the fact that it's an Amalur-based MMO), it's a bit hard for us to believe that the game will arrive by next year. "I said from the beginning that it was a risky enterprise," Chafee told press of the troubled business deal between 38 and Rhode Island.

38 Studios is supposed to start paying back its $75 million loan - facilitated by the state of Rhode Island and supported by bond investors - by the beginning of 2013. It's unclear how 38 will afford those payments, but Chafee repeatedly pointed out 38's intention to seek private capital (read: more money from private investors - and not from the state). Said private capital has yet to be secured, Chafee said.

JoystiqRhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioslegallincoln-chafeepcrhode-islandFri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Techland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/techlands-mad-riders-touches-down-on-psn-may-29-xbla-pc-on-may/#comments Image
If you've somehow managed to get your fill of Trials Evolution's dusty peaks and valleys already, Techland's latest, Mad Riders, may be perfect for you. And hey, the game is set to launch on May 30 according to the latest trailer. That's pretty soon!

Like Trials before it, Mad Riders is a digital-only title, but unlike Trials, it's not limited to a single console (Mad Riders is headed to PSN, XBLA, and PC). It'll be available one day earlier for PSN users on May 29, and May 30 on XBLA and PC, but it'll cost the same on all three: a cool $10. Techland describes that as "an awesome game for the price of a pizza," though we'd warn the studio against devaluing its games as such. What kind of pizza are you gonna get for $10? Terrible pizza, that's what!

JoystiqTechland's Mad Riders touches down on PSN May 29, XBLA/PC on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hastemad-ridersmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq2-2012release-datetechlandubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 18 May 2012 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Quantum Conundrum's latest trailer blows the doors off time, our minds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/quantum-conundrums-latest-trailer-blows-the-doors-off-time-our/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/quantum-conundrums-latest-trailer-blows-the-doors-off-time-our/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/quantum-conundrums-latest-trailer-blows-the-doors-off-time-our/#comments Image
Quantum Conundrum's more than just fluffy pillows and super heavy stuff. It's also all about ripping apart space and time itself at your whim, with the helpful aid of a glove-enabled "shift device," as demonstrated in the trailer above.

JoystiqQuantum Conundrum's latest trailer blows the doors off time, our minds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airtightairtight-gamesgameplaykim-swiftmicrosoftpcplaystationps3quantum-conundrumsquare-enixtrailerxboxThu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pitbull Studio assisting with Unreal Engine 4, also developing UE4-based games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/epic-getting-unreal-engine-4-assistance-from-pitbull-studios-al/#comments Never heard of Pitbull Studio? Neither had we. Apparently the English studio specializes in hired gun work and is lead by ex-Midway Newcastle's Robert Troughton (Wheelman, etc.). While unknown, the three-year-old studio is working on two things for Epic Games: Unreal Engine 4, and a game built in said engine. Not too bad for a group of guys no one's heard of, eh?

Job listings for positions at Pitbull reveal the studio is "working on Unreal Engine 4 with Epic Games," but also, "games derived from that and Unreal Engine 3." Positions range from environment artists to engine programmers, with a variety of other roles in between. Epic confirmed the work with Joystiq this afternoon, and offered a prepared statement from director of engineering, Daniel Vogel. "Epic has a great history working with Pitbull Studio. We can count on them to provide reliable engineering resources, and they're helping us prepare for the next generation of games."

We'll see more from Epic's next-gen engine this June.

JoystiqPitbull Studio assisting with Unreal Engine 4, also developing UE4-based games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamespcpitbullpitbull-studiosunreal-engineunreal-engine-3unreal-engine-4Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4's GDC demo: exposed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/unreal-engine-4s-gdc-demo-exposed/#comments ImageJust around 30 lucky GDC attendees saw Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 demo. And one such person was Wired's Stu Horvath, who describes the two minute demonstration as "breathtakingly photo-realistic" in an exclusive reveal. The demo apparently follows the demon knight seen above, as he wakes from a frozen sleep ... only to set everything on fire. That scamp!

The demo runs on Nvidia's Kepler GTX 680 - a graphics card often described as "next-gen" - and it follows the armored demon dude as he shows off his fancy, graphics-heavy castle. Just 14 Epic employees put together the demo, which apparently runs in real-time within the Unreal Engine 4 environment (a feat for modern game engines, including UE3). Don't be surprised if we see this demo show up in a future Epic game - the company's past demos for Unreal Engine lead to some of Epic's biggest games.

Lighting is also improved, according to the piece, with "dynamic lighting" within the engine rather than being individually implemented after the fact. "The number of man-years that required was astounding," Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski said. But with all the additions, Epic's new engine requires much more horsepower; horsepower for which Epic is pushing the likes of Microsoft and Sony. Whether Epic (and us gamers) will get that horsepower, however, remains to be seen.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4's GDC demo: exposed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskiepicepic-gamespcunreal-engineunreal-engine-4Thu, 17 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/#comments ImageUK studio Criterion Games is apparently prepping a project for release on the PlayStation Vita. Superannuation spotted a job listing for a software engineer that at one point reportedly listed "optimising and tuning the game resource system for the PS Vita" as part of the position's overview. The listing was seemingly altered since, as it now reads, "Optimizing and tuning the game resource system for other platforms."

Aside from the bite-sized Burnout Crash launched on XBLA last year, Criterion Games has been rather quiet for the past couple years. The team's last console release was the fantastic Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010, and many expect that the next Need for Speed entry will be handled once again by Criterion. We've yet to hear a peep from the studio in 2012, but E3 isn't too far away.

We contacted Criterion's parent company, EA, for comment.

JoystiqReport: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trials Evolution moves half a million in just three weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/trials-evolution-moves-half-a-million-in-just-three-weeks/#comments ImageScreaming at monitors while attempting to make just one more crushingly difficult checkpoint is apparently a pastime shared by many, many gamers. This week, Ubisoft revealed that the latest Trials franchise entry - Trials Evolution - sold approximately 500,000 units since its launch in mid-April.

Sure, it's no Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, but half a million sales in less than a month is quite impressive for a title on Xbox Live Arcade. How impressive, you ask? Well, we'd love to tell you, but Microsoft doesn't release sales numbers for XBLA games. Those rascals! For context's sake, though, we'd point out that it took just over a year for the first Trials game on XBLA to hit 1 million units sold. We get the feeling it'll take a bit less time with Evolution.

In the same slide, RedLynx is called out as having many brands with "great multiplatform potential." A quick glance at RedLynx's catalog confirms our suspicion that Trials is indeed the Finnish studio's biggest "brand." How about that!

JoystiqTrials Evolution moves half a million in just three weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftredlynxsalestrials-evolutionubisoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/epic-mickey-2-and-the-power-of-next-gen/#comments Image
Epic Mickey's first foray was a Wii-exclusive affair. This time around, Junction Point is bringing Mickey's epic-ness to what it's calling "next-gen consoles." We might call them "7-year-old consoles," but, well, Mickey's best bud is from 1920, so we can appreciate the anachronism at play here.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsepic-mickey-2gameplayjunction-pointjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Respawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/#comments Respawn Entertainment employees will attend this year's E3, but no, the studio won't be showing any new project at the big show. "Some of us will be present at E3, but we won't be showing anything or doing any press related to the game," Respawn community manager Abbie Heppe told Joystiq.

Thus far, little information exists on Respawn's first project. Aside from a single, extremely blurry screen and news that it's an EA Partners title, Respawn has kept the game out of the public eye. But with a team comprising many ex-Infinty Ward folks - the same folks who helped launch Call of Duty into the world of sports playoff trailer debuts - it's hard to imagine Respawn working on anything small.

Respawn wouldn't tell us whether the mystery project will be revealed this year, nor if the studio would attend the various gaming events scattered across the next several months. We're hoping for a surprise reveal during Tokyo Game Show, just to mess with the Japanese market.

JoystiqRespawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbie-heppee3-2012eaea-partnerselectronic-artsrespawnRespawn-EntertainmentWed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/#comments ImageYou see that dude above, straight chillin'? Yeah, you've seen him before - like, a few weeks ago, when the image leaked alongside several other Crysis 3 screens. Well here he is again, but this time he's got a whole bunch more totally official screens, straight from EA. Thrilling!

Continue reading Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new'

JoystiqCrysis 3 screens both new and 'new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept-artcrysis-3crytekeaea-partnerselectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/finally-you-can-play-cho-aniki-zero-on-your-vita-finally/#comments ImageGrandma sure did like playing Rainbow Six: Vegas on that old PSP when you'd make your weekly homage for family dinner, didn't she? "Blap! Blap! Blap!" she'd shout. And things really haven't been the same since you traded up to a Vita, what with its lack of support for many PSP titles. We understand.

Thankfully, so does Sony. This morning, the US PlayStation blog announced today's launch of several PSP games on the Vita (including Grandma's fave), as well as a variety of PSP Minis (full list after the break). As usual, if you already own the games digitally for your PSP, all you'll have to do is re-download the files to your PSN-tied Vita. If not, well, you'll have to pony up some virtual cash.

Interestingly, Sony also mentioned "improved playability" for some titles beyond the up-res'd graphics - we're checking to see what exactly that means. The line has since been removed from Sony's blog post.

Continue reading Finally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!)

JoystiqFinally, you can play Cho Aniki Zero on your Vita (finally!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapsnpspRainbow-Six-VegassonyumdvitaTue, 15 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/#comments ImageThe hits keep coming for ex-baseballer Curt Schillings' 38 Studios. The company reportedly missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting its $75 million loan. WPRI spoke with Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox who confirmed the news.

The loan's facilitator, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation, called an "emergency meeting" for tomorrow morning, wherein it will discuss "an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public regarding the 38 Studios financing." As reported earlier, if 38 Studios were to fully default on its loan obligations to investors supplying the loan via the Rhode Island government, the responsibility would fall to Rhode Island's taxpayers - to the tune of $112.6 million.

Of the $75 million borrowed by 38 Studios from the state of Rhode Island, $49.8 million was received by the studio as of March 15, WPRI reports. Given that, it seems worrisome at best that 38 Studios was unable to fulfill its recent payment of $1.125 million. 38 Studios is working on the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO - the game was originally promised for a launch ahead of 2013, when 38 Studios is set to begin paying back bondholders on its $75 million loan. It's unclear what stage its MMO is at, and 38 Studios hasn't made a public statement regarding its recent issues.

[Image credit: 38 Studios]

Joystiq38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/six-years-in-journey-studio-rewards-itself-with-two-new-hires/#comments ImageDid you know that today is thatgamecompany's sixth birthday? It's true! In those six years, the team of approximately a dozen people created Flow, Flower, and, most recently, Journey, all the while cementing their place as heads of the art games movement. The company recently completed its contract with Sony for three exclusive titles, but that doesn't mean it's resting on past successes. For instance, TGC is already in talks with publishers for whatever's next.

Alongside its success, some big names at the studio recently moved on - co-founder Kellee Santiago and executive producer Robin Hunicke both exited in the past few months, following the launch of Journey this past March. Today, TGC adds two new employees.

In light of its big sixth birthday, thatgamecompany is announcing the appointment of two new stars: former director of marketing and business development of PowerMMO Games, Sunni Pavlovic, becomes studio manager, and taking up the new position of audio director is Cloud and Flower contributor Vincent Diamante.

In a prepared statement from TGC, Diamante said, "I'm very excited to be a part of thatgamecompany, joining forces with both friends from past projects as well as new faces. The last time around, I worked with TGC mostly as a music contractor. Things this time around will be a bit different, as I'll be dealing with all sound and music issues on their upcoming game."

Diamante related his first several weeks at TGC as akin to "tight-rope walking with chainsaws," which is, like, the exact opposite of what we imagine working at TGC to be like. Isn't it all floaty stuff and soft music? Quit ruining our illusions, Diamante! You've only just started!

JoystiqSix years in, Journey studio rewards itself with two new hires originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudflowflowerjourneykellee-santiagorobin-hunickesunni-pavlovicthat-game-companythatgamecompanyvincent-diamanteTue, 15 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Paramore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/rock-band-weekly-paramore/#comments ImageParamore's "Brand New Eyes" album may not be so brand new anymore, but Rock Band Weekly is tapping it this week for a three-pack from the operatic rock band.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Paramore

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Paramore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixharmonix-music-systemsmicrosoftnintendoparamoreplaystationps3rbwRock-Band-3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 11 May 2012 23:59:00 EST