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[Analyst: GTA V will launch in Q1 2013, sell 14 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/analyst-gta-v-will-launch-in-q1-2013-sell-14-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/analyst-gta-v-will-launch-in-q1-2013-sell-14-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/analyst-gta-v-will-launch-in-q1-2013-sell-14-million-copies/#comments ImageSterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia is predicting big numbers for Grand Theft Auto V something fierce. Bhatia projects Grand Theft Auto V will debut during the first three months of 2013 and will pull in $700 million in revenue for Take-Two Interactive with 14 million copies sold over its launch window - though Bhatia didn't say just how long he considers this launch window to be.

This $700 million figure is close to the $775 million earned by Modern Warfare 3 in its first five days of launch back in November, which is an entertainment record that has yet to be bested. Rockstar's previous effort, Grand Theft Auto IV, has shipped over 22 million copies worldwide.

JoystiqAnalyst: GTA V will launch in Q1 2013, sell 14 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystarvind-bhatiagrand-theft-auto-5gta5rockstarRockstar-Gamessterne-ageetake-twotake-two-interactiveSat, 26 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter X Tekken adds costume and gem DLC on June 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/street-fighter-x-tekken-adds-costume-and-gem-dlc-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/street-fighter-x-tekken-adds-costume-and-gem-dlc-on-june-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/street-fighter-x-tekken-adds-costume-and-gem-dlc-on-june-5/#comments ImageBefore it patches the latest patch in Street Fighter X Tekken in mid-June, old blue-and-gold wants to sell you some more gems. On June 5, Capcom will make a bevy of new gems and the complete costume swap pack available for purchase.

That doesn't mean there aren't freebies up for grabs. A new color palette and Wild Card booster pack - the latter is only available for download until June 19 - will debut alongside several new gem packs priced at 80 MS Points ($1) a pop. Finally, there's the complete swap costume pack to consider, which will set fightin' fashionistas back a hefty 1440 MS Points ($18).

JoystiqStreet Fighter X Tekken adds costume and gem DLC on June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcostumesdlcgemsmicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxSat, 26 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, Commandos and others 50% off on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/guilty-gear-x2-reload-commandos-and-others-50-off-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/guilty-gear-x2-reload-commandos-and-others-50-off-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/guilty-gear-x2-reload-commandos-and-others-50-off-on-gog/#comments ImageWho's in the mood for a career change but, like, doesn't want to completely change their life? We have an easier solution for you aspiring soldiers of war, city planners and mob bosses out there.

For this weekend, GOG is knocking half off the price of twelve different games. Highlights include Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, Soulbringer and entries in the Commandos series - all games aside from the Commandos 2 + 3 bundle will set you back a pittance of $2.99.

This sale ends on Monday.

JoystiqGuilty Gear X2 #Reload, Commandos and others 50% off on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commandosgoggog.comguilty-gear-x2pcsoulbringerFri, 25 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: The Chain comic out this summer, sequel to AC: The Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/assassins-creed-the-chain-comic-out-this-summer-sequel-to-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/assassins-creed-the-chain-comic-out-this-summer-sequel-to-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/assassins-creed-the-chain-comic-out-this-summer-sequel-to-ac/#comments ImageKarl Kerschl and Cameron Stewart are teaming up again to pen a new Assassin's Creed comic called Assassin's Creed: The Chain. It's a sequel to the duo's previous effort, Assassin's Creed: The Fall; however, The Chain also "sheds a new light on Assassin's Creed 3."

Not much else is known about this new comic right now, but if you want to pre-order it anyway, Ubisoft has unsheathed a pre-order page where you can drop $19.95 right now.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: The Chain comic out this summer, sequel to AC: The Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3assassins-creed-the-chainassassins-creed-the-fallcomicmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Sly Cooper run, jump and climb on PS Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/see-sly-cooper-run-jump-and-climb-on-ps-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/see-sly-cooper-run-jump-and-climb-on-ps-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/see-sly-cooper-run-jump-and-climb-on-ps-vita/#comments
The thing about being a raccoon thief is that you need to be nimble. Who wants to lug a PS3 up on the roof when they've forgotten which zip line leads to the eastern window of the jewel room? Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time on the PS Vita is necessary for these situations.

JoystiqSee Sly Cooper run, jump and climb on PS Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitasanzaru-gamessceasly-cooper-thieves-in-timevitaFri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments The time of being born into power is coming to a close, as democracy sweeps across this world of ours. Now, if you want to be a leader of a country, you need to be smart - a student of conquest and diplomacy - and this weekend you can study up in Civilization V on Steam, free of charge.

You can install the game through Steam and play until you bring the world around to your type of thinking, up until 1pm PT on Sunday. And if you like Civilization V, it just so happens you can also purchase it at a 75% discount this weekend, which brings the price down to $7.49. A good ruler must also be able to spot a good bit of marketing. The expansion, Gods and Kings, is a little more than a month away, after all.

JoystiqMy liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5Firaxis-GamesmacpcsteamFri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crank, twist and pull down a Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor demo on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/crank-twist-and-pull-down-a-steel-battalion-heavy-armor-demo-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/crank-twist-and-pull-down-a-steel-battalion-heavy-armor-demo-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/crank-twist-and-pull-down-a-steel-battalion-heavy-armor-demo-o/#comments Most of us will never know what it's like to pilot a gigantic, bipedal mech in real life - that technology is years off - but the next best thing can be experienced if you've got an Xbox Live Gold subscription and a Kinect sensor.

A demo for Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor is available for download on Xbox Live right now. Perhaps you'll enjoy it as much as we did during our preview session back in March. If not, it's much easier to eject those gigglebites from your storage unit than it is to eject yourself from one of those massive machines.

Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor launches on June 19 in North America.

JoystiqCrank, twist and pull down a Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor demo on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdemokinectmicrosoftsteel-battalion-heavy-armorxboxFri, 25 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Skyrim update adds mounted combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/#comments ImageBethesda is making good on all of the features seen in the Skyrim sizzle video, like the Kinect stuff added earlier this month and those snazzy new kill cams. The next addition to the game will be mounted combat, the Bethesda blog has revealed. Finally you will no longer need to dismount before you punch that dragon to death.

There's no word on when the update will be available on consoles right now, but if you've got the game on Steam, you can opt into the beta version and test out mounted combat in Skyrim immediately. For the full patch notes, hit up the source link below.

JoystiqNext Skyrim update adds mounted combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftmounted-combatpatchpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxThu, 24 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/#comments ImageAlliance operatives, word has come down from command - we've got a new directive for this weekend's Mass Effect 3 combat initiatives. Operation Shieldwall commences this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, but due to our failure with last week's Operation Silencer, expect to encounter more enemy Banshees out there.

The goal for Operation Shieldwall is to promote a total of 50,000 operatives across the Alliance for a Victory pack; promote three characters yourself and you'll be awarded a Commendation pack. Operation Shieldwall concludes on Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Earth Time.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3microsoftn7-bounty-weekendoperation-shieldwallpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/canabalt-ios-update-might-add-local-multiplayer-hardcore-modes/#comments ImageOutside of workshopping "challenge maps" for Canabalt, creator Adam Saltsman has been pretty mum on any kind of updates or changes for the free-runner ... until now. Rather than do a sequel, Saltsman is considering a free update that would add local multiplayer for up to two people, eight new hardcore game modes with corresponding leaderboards, and achievements for Game Center.

Saltsman also kinda joked about Canabalt without rooftops, as seen in the image above - sounds great to us because maybe then we'd stop jumping into walls. This was more of a hypothetical than anything, though Saltsman hasn't officially ruled it out. Maybe it'll be the most hardcore mode of them all: You spawn and then immediately fall to your death.

JoystiqCanabalt iOS update might add local multiplayer, hardcore modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanCanabaltiosipadiphonemobilesemi-secretsemi-secret-softwareupdateThu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kick Zack so hard his fro comes off in Dead or Alive 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/#comments Image
The only thing worse than losing your fro mid-fight is getting run over by a tiger. In this match between Lei Fang and Zack in Dead or Alive 5, there's plenty of both.

JoystiqKick Zack so hard his fro comes off in Dead or Alive 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5lei-fangmicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjaTecmoTecmo-KoeixboxzackThu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/#comments During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores - like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.

It's just one of the more recent audio accompaniments added for the June 6 show. There are also select tunes from Skyrim, which will be handled by a secret guest conductor; composer Russell Bower will conduct some Diablo 3 tunes. Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox and even a Street Fighter segment - to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capcom's fighter - are planned. Akira Yamaoka will also play guitar at some point.

Finally, there's Earthworm Jim to consider, a game that Tallarico himself worked on. Apparently folks have been asking him to add it to Video Games Live for quite some time now, which we're totally in favor of - as long as we get that thrash metal remix of "Use Your Head" we've been waiting our entire lives for.

JoystiqVideo Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustin-wintorydonkey-kong-countrydse3-2012journeykinectmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psprussell-bowerskyrimsonytommy-tallaricovideo-games-livevitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/#comments Mass Effect: Infiltrator - developed by the same team responsible for the mobile version of Dead Space - is now available for download in the Google Play store for $6.99.

In Mass Effect: Infiltrator, players take on the role of Cerberus defector Randall Ezno as he attempts to flee from a Cerberus base with intel for the Alliance. Progress in Mass Effect: Infiltrator affects your Galactic Readiness level in Mass Effect 3. And if you've been meaning to go back to the portable game, the latest update (version 1.0.3) added a new character and mission.

JoystiqMass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-gamesgoogle-playmass-effect-3mass-effect-infiltratormobileWed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/#comments ImageAnother pair of maps drops into Modern Warfare 3's new Face Off mode today, namely "Lookout" and "Getaway." Content Collection #2 also adds three new general purpose multiplayer maps and two new Spec Ops missions, all for 1200 MS Points ($15).

This content is available to all Xbox Live Gold subscribers. A Call of Duty Elite subscription is not necessary to use this content in Modern Warfare 3.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live

JoystiqModern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3content-collection-2face-offface-off-modeinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3sledgehammer-gamesxboxWed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche joins Forza 4 lineup today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/porsche-joins-forza-4-lineup-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/porsche-joins-forza-4-lineup-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/porsche-joins-forza-4-lineup-today/#comments Porsche was not included in the launch of Forza 4 due to complications with EA, who had the license at the time. But Porsche makes its return to the Forza franchise today (as promised) with the Porsche Expansion Pack DLC.

The Porsche Expansion Pack is available to download right now for 1600 MS Points ($20) in Forza 4, and adds 30 new rides to the virtual garage and new Porsche events in World Tour and Rivals modes.

Continue reading Porsche joins Forza 4 lineup today

JoystiqPorsche joins Forza 4 lineup today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcforza-4forza-motorsport-4kinectkinect-forzamicrosoftmicrosoft-gamesporscheporsche-expansion-packturn-10turn-10-studiosxboxTue, 22 May 2012 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PlayStation All-Stars coming to PS Vita, SCEA resume says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/rumor-playstation-all-stars-coming-to-ps-vita-scea-resume-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/rumor-playstation-all-stars-coming-to-ps-vita-scea-resume-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/rumor-playstation-all-stars-coming-to-ps-vita-scea-resume-says/#comments We'll be seeing more characters added to the PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale roster soon enough, and perhaps even see it heading to one additional platform. The LinkedIn profile of Robert Krekel - a sound designer at Sony Computer Entertainment America - suggests PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale may be coming to PlayStation Vita as well.

Krekel lists PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale as his current project, on both PlayStation 3 and Vita. We've inquired with Sony and will update if we hear more -- but as you might expect, this falls firmly in the "rumors and speculation" category.

JoystiqRumor: PlayStation All-Stars coming to PS Vita, SCEA resume says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-vitaps3sceasonyvitaTue, 22 May 2012 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/sega-publishing-ron-gilberts-double-fine-game/#comments ImageIt's been almost two weeks since Double Fine and Ron Gilbert gave us our first glimpse of their new game (different from Double Fine Adventure, the Kickstarter project), and today Sega all but outed itself as the publisher.

After tweeting a link to the image above, the official Sega account has been silent on the matte. It's easy to see the images Gilbert's been teasing match up with the shaded area above. All that remains is the official announcement.

JoystiqSega publishing Ron Gilbert's Double Fine game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ron-gilbertsegaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier review: More than just a soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ghost-recon-future-soldier-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ghost-recon-future-soldier-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ghost-recon-future-soldier-review/#comments Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is a game that, at first glance, may seem like an advertisement for 'murica's armed forces circa 20XX. "Sign up. You can rock Pantera in the barracks, blow up helicopters and assassinate evil warlords every day," I imagined the end credits might read.

But between every clichéd cutscene, showing the four members of Ghost squad swilling beer and talking car engines while they wait for their next mission, are a bounty of excellent gameplay scenarios: VIPs to rescue, things to blow up and stealth missions that require diligent adherence to caution and calculation rather than simply making sure you move slowly and stay out of sight. No two missions in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier are the same, and the diversity in locales and armaments means there's always something new to see - and shoot.

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Soldier review: More than just a soldier

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier review: More than just a soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-parisubisoft-red-stormubisoft-romaniaxboxTue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/#comments
On top of providing "further clarity" to Mass Effect 3's ending, some more details regarding the upcoming "Extended Cut" DLC have come out. "Extended Cut" will include cameos from both Admiral Hackett, who is played by Lance Henricksen, and EDI, voiced by Tricia Helfer.

"I just did another session with them. They were saying there's a little bit of a problem with the abruptness of the ending," Hendriksen told G4 during a press junket for a new animated series called Tron: Uprising that he's involved in. "So we did a whole series of things to add to the end of the game, to live up to the quality they've been doing." Helfer, also part of the show, confirmed EDI would make an appearance.

JoystiqHackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiral-hackettbiowaredlceaediextended-cutlance-henricksenmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3tricia-helfertron-uprisingxboxFri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Expiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/expiring-trademarks-suggest-trouble-for-brothers-in-arms-furiou/#comments ImageBrothers in Arms: Furious 4 may be in trouble. Some lapsing trademarks for the its title intimate the Gearbox-developed game is all but abandoned (or the name is changing), and our inquiries into Gearbox Software have yet to be answered. "We don't have anything to share at this point in time," an Ubisoft representative told Joystiq.

Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 was announced at last year's E3 ... and then that was it. We didn't hear a single thing after that preliminary announcement, even though the game was given a tentative 2012 launch window. Right now a cancelation isn't confirmed, but it's looking like these four will have something to be really furious about soon enough.

JoystiqExpiring trademarks suggest trouble for Brothers in Arms: Furious 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brothers-in-arms-the-furious-4gearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftusptoxboxFri, 18 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/#comments ImageA patent filed by Nintendo in October of last year has just surfaced online, suggesting a neat feature for the Wii U. The patent outlines a feature in which the player can use the Wiimote to grab things from the television and transport them over to the Wii U tablet.

In the example provided, the player is under attack from a UFO and uses the Wiimote to move a character from the TV to the safety of the tablet. Sounds like an interesting feature, though we're not looking forward to taking a bath in radioactive liquid so we can grow that extra arm to use all this stuff.

JoystiqWii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopatentusptowii-uwiipadFri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/sorcery-kicks-off-new-pre-purchase-functionality-on-psn/#comments Who has time to accumulate cash then wait for a game to launch before actually paying for it? In this work-a-day world, we need to prepare for such things; we need lead time. And if you're of a similar mind, it may please you to know that Sorcery will be the first game to kick off a new pre-purchase feature on PSN.

Right now, you can log onto PSN and pay for Sorcery, triggering a download granted you have auto-download enabled. Once you have the game pre-loaded, you can play as soon as Sorcery launches next week on May 22.

Sorcery is the only game you can pre-purchase through PSN right now. We've inquired with Sony about future games.

JoystiqSorcery kicks off new pre-purchase functionality on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moveplaystationplaystation-vitapre-loadpre-orderpre-purchaseps3psnpspsonysorceryvitaFri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/latest-indie-royale-bundle-is-the-all-charity-lightning-pack/#comments ImageA new Indie Royale bundle featuring Osmos, B.U.T.T.O.N., The Shivah and Blueberry Garden has debuted. Unlike past bundles, all of the proceeds from this one don't go to the developers - proceeds go to charities chosen by the developers.

In addition to the games, the All-Charity Lightning Pack also tosses in a trio of chiptunes albums should you pony up $7 or more: Level by Disasterpeace, IN1ep by 6955, and FX4 by Jake "virt" Kaufman. Cruise past the break for some video previews of all four games.

Continue reading Latest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack

JoystiqLatest Indie Royale bundle is the All-Charity Lightning Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueberry-gardenbuttonindie-royalemacosmospcthe-shivahThu, 17 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/konami-confirms-june-12-launch-date-for-metal-gear-solid-hd-on-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/konami-confirms-june-12-launch-date-for-metal-gear-solid-hd-on-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/konami-confirms-june-12-launch-date-for-metal-gear-solid-hd-on-v/#comments The retailers were right. Konami has finally officially announced a June 12 North American launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on the PlayStation Vita and it's unsurprisingly June 12 in North America. The Vita port includes new control options, utilizing the touch-screen and rear touchpad, allowing players to "zoom in on captivating cut-scenes, peek around corners, interrogate enemies, cycle through weapons, and perform rapid attacks with their knife."

In addition to the new control options, the PS Vita version of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection can use Transfarring to sync save files with the PS3 game. Of course to use this feature you need to own Metal Gear Solid HD Collection on both the PS3 and PS Vita.

Continue reading Konami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita

JoystiqKonami confirms June 12 launch date for Metal Gear Solid HD on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-solid-hd-collectionplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datetransfarringvitaThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/#comments GameStop PowerUp Rewards members who pick up Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on May 22 at, well, GameStop, will receive a code to participate in a planned closed multiplayer beta for Far Cry 3, Ubisoft announced today. The beta will kick off this summer and last two weeks on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

If you don't want to buy Ghost Recon, Ubisoft will also be giving away 500 codes through Facebook. It sounds like this is going to be a pretty big beta, so best of luck to those looking for entry. Ubisoft will announce the specific window for Far Cry 3's closed beta at a later date.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Far Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360

JoystiqFar Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafar-cry-3far-cry-3-betagamestopgamestop-powerup-rewardsmicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftxboxThu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 auction house delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/#comments ImageThe auction house in Diablo 3 won't debut on May 22 as planned. Blizzard's community manager Micah "Bashiok" Whipple posted on the Blizzard forums saying the recent server woes have forced the studio's hand. We'll hear later when the new auction house launch date is.

If you were trying to log into Diablo 3 yesterday, you may have been unable to - the same errors experienced on launch day seemed to have resurfaced in North America and Europe. Whipple called out the achievement-earning bug - which either didn't unlock achievements for players or didn't carry earned achievements over multiple logins - as the culprit, and said Blizzard is working on a fix, though servers are all go right now. "We greatly appreciate everyone's support, and we want to sincerely apologize for the difficulties many of you encountered on day one," he concluded.

JoystiqDiablo 3 auction house delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionauction-housebashiokblizzarddelaysDiablo-3error-37macmicah-whipplepcThu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors 'Steamy Punk' DLC adds jetpacks, general dapperness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/gotham-city-impostors-steamy-punk-dlc-jetpacks/#comments Image
What's better than being able to fly in Gotham City Impostors? Looking good while you do it, of course - and you'll be able to do both with the upcoming Steamy Punk DLC pack.

JoystiqGotham City Impostors 'Steamy Punk' DLC adds jetpacks, general dapperness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftMonolithpcplaystationps3Warner-BrosxboxThu, 17 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mass Effect 3's next DLC is the Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion [Update: BioWare responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rumor-mass-effect-3s-next-dlc-is-the-rebellion-multiplayer-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rumor-mass-effect-3s-next-dlc-is-the-rebellion-multiplayer-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rumor-mass-effect-3s-next-dlc-is-the-rebellion-multiplayer-exp/#comments The next DLC for Mass Effect 3 won't be the "Extended Cut" DLC planned for this summer, if a pulled listing on Sony's Hong Kong site is to be believed. The next piece of content will apparently be focused on multiplayer and available for download tomorrow.

The Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion is a series of multiplayer maps and other goodies. "The Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion opens two new fronts against the Reapers: Firebase Jade's jungle reservoir and Firebase Goddess on Thessia," Kotaku reports. "In-game reinforcement packs now include three new weapons as well as equipment, consumables, and six new classes: Quarian Engineer and Infiltrator, Vorcha Soldier and Sentinel, Phoenix Adept and Vanguard." The listing has since been pulled from Sony's site, so we're unable to confirm the contents of the listing.

Update: BioWare community guy Chris Priestly hit the forums to debunk the rumor - at least, about it launching tomorrow. Priestly does say we'll learn more on multiplayer DLC in the future, but doesn't specifically address Rebellion. "We will have more information on ME3 MP DLC in the future, I hope later this month, but nothing more to be said now." [Thanks, JustinSaneV2]

JoystiqRumor: Mass Effect 3's next DLC is the Rebellion Multiplayer Expansion [Update: BioWare responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/serious-sam-3-bfe-serious-sam-double-d-xxl-run-screaming-to-xb/#comments This fall, Xbox Live Arcade doubles down on Serious Sam. Serious Sam 3: BFE - which launched on the PC late last year and was ported over to the Mac last month - will ditch the disc for an Xbox Live Arcade release this fall. Serious Sam 3: BFE on XBLA will be the full game, losing nothing in the transition over to console.

Serious Sam Double D XXL is the new version of Mommy's Best Games' PC release. The XXL brings with it "new campaign missions, new challenges, new enemies, Gunstacker upgrades and a hot new two-player local cooperative mode." Serious Sam Double D XXL is priced at 800 MS Points ($10).

Gallery: Serious Sam Double D XXL (XBLA)

Continue reading Serious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall

JoystiqSerious Sam 3: BFE, Serious Sam Double D XXL run screaming to XBLA this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmommys-best-gamesserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfeserious-sam-double-d-xxlxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#commentsThis is an editorial based on Dave Hinkle's personal experiences with 2000's Diablo 2. Joystiq's review of Diablo 3 is still forthcoming.

It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqEditorial: I can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzarddiablo-2diablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/u4ia-rips-the-wrap-off-free-to-play-fps-offensive-combat/#comments ImageBrowser-based FPS Offensive Combat is the new game from U4iA, a studio formed last year by Activision expats. It's an FPS with a mobile/tablet sidearm, described as working together "unlike any game before," though no further details beyond that were provided. The only other aspect U4iA revealed is customization, which we figure is the awesome lizard hat seen in the screenshot above.

U4iA was founded by Chris Archer and Dusty Welch, former Activision and Call of Duty vets. With Offensive Combat, the two hope to deliver "the most competitive multiplayer action ever seen within a browser." A beta for Offensive Combat kicks off this summer.

Continue reading U4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat

JoystiqU4iA rips the wrap off free-to-play FPS Offensive Combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macoffensive-combatpcu4iaWed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/gas-up-the-truck-for-free-in-motoheroz-ios-right-now/#comments If there's a serious dearth of racers on your iDevice, RedLynx is looking to fill that void with a free download of MotoHeroz. Originally debuting on WiiWare, this game is - well, it's basically Trials. If you haven't heard of Trials, then you really need to start reading our site more.

In short, MotoHeroz is a physics-based side-scrolling racer with platforming elements and a really depressing leaderboard where your friends show you how much better they are at the game. MotoHeroz is free to download on all iOS devices running version 4.1 or greater.

JoystiqGas up the MotoHeroz iOS truck for free right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilemotoherozredlynxWed, 16 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-am-alive-tops-april-2012-psn-downloads-escape-plan-still-atop/#comments The full PlayStation downloads list for April - as opposed to the sneak peek we got thanks to Pulse earlier this month, where the list is not segregated by platform - has been released and Ubisoft's I Am Alive was indeed the top download. On the PS3 and PSN list, thatgamecompany's Journey followed Ubisoft's long-awaited title. Reverge Labs' debut Skullgirls managed to snag the third spot.

On the PS Vita side, Escape Plan continued to dominate - no surprise since there's not much else for the PS Vita right now, though that changes today. Modern Warfare 3's Content Collection #1 drop on PSN also did well, topping out the PS3 add-on category. Finally, Final Fantasy VII was the top PSOne Classic, but then again you already knew that because it's always Final Fantasy VII.

JoystiqI Am Alive tops April 2012 PSN downloads; Escape Plan still atop PS Vita list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3escape-plani-am-alivejourneymoveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnpsn-downloadspspskullgirlssonyvitaWed, 16 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/castle-crashers-xbla-on-sale-for-7-50-through-may-21/#comments We can't imagine there are people out there who haven't ever played Castle Crashers - well, maybe babies haven't. Those babies should to take advantage of the current Xbox Live Arcade sale, which has priced Castle Crashers at 600 MS Points ($7.50) through May 21.

JoystiqCastle Crashers (XBLA) on sale for $7.50 through May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Castle-Crashersmicrosoftthe-behemothxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take the scenic route through this The Last of Us trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/take-the-scenic-route-through-this-the-last-of-us-trailer/#comments Image
Even in the post-apocalyptic setting of The Last of Us, safety comes first when driving. Buckle that seat belt, Ellie!

JoystiqTake the scenic route through this The Last of Us trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>naughty-dogplaystationps3the-last-of-usTue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 servers are now back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-servers-are-now-back-online/#comments According to the latest update on the Blizzard forums, the Diablo 3 servers for North America are up and running. The servers went down for maintenance earlier today - the launch has suffered some hiccups - but now you should be able to log in and take a hit of that sweet, sweet Diablo 3, no problem. Happy looting!

JoystiqDiablo 3 servers are now back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3macpcTue, 15 May 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/#comments Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

JoystiqDiablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalways-on-drmbattle-netblizzardDiablo-3drmmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ looking to sell off Devil's Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/thq-looking-to-sell-off-devils-third/#comments Ex-Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki's first project after leaving Tecmo could be in trouble. During today's financial briefing call to investors, THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell said Devil's Third no longer fits the publisher's "profitability profile."

"The profitability profile for Devil's Third no longer met our internal threshold and we are currently in discussions with third parties regarding the future of this title," Farrell said. "There were a couple of unforeseen events that happened during the development of Devil's Third. One was the company that Valhalla was using for the engine went out of business, so we had to assist Itagaki and the team with a new engine - it took a fair amount of time and cost a fair amount of money."

The other big issue was the appreciation of the Yen, which reduced Devil's Third's potential for profit compared to other stuff in THQ's pipeline. "We think it's an excellent franchise; we've really enjoyed working with Itagaki-san, and we're going to explore other opportunities with him and others to make sure this product comes to market."

Devil's Third is the first project from Tomonobu Itagaki's new development studio, Valhalla Game Studios. Itagaki, who is quite possibly best known for his years at Tecmo on the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series of games, left Tecmo back in 2008.

JoystiqTHQ looking to sell off Devil's Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3thqtomonobu-itagakivalhalla-game-studiosxboxTue, 15 May 2012 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/#comments At this point, a portion of the current conversation surrounding Black Ops 2 is in regards to the engine powering it, version 3.0 of the Infinity Ward (IW) engine - IW 3.0 powered Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War and the original Black Ops. If you're worried the visuals in Black Ops 2 won't be up to snuff, Treyarch head Mark Lamia assures us all the engine has seen numerous tweaks, downplaying its age in a recent audio interview summed up over on One of Swords.

Lamia said "a pretty significant amount of work" in Black Ops 2 is going into the graphics and the lighting. "I think what people are asking for is for us to push. They want us to make a better-looking game; they want things. I don't think those are things people can't ask for. We asked ourselves that very same question - we wanted to advance the graphics. I think the questions are valid. The answer may not need to be an entirely new engine, but you might need to do an entire overhaul of your entire lighting system. The trick is, we're not willing to do that if we can't keep it running at 60 frames per second - but we did that this time."

Lamia gave an analogy akin to remodeling a home - not with a rocket launcher, but rather he talked about sectioning off parts of the metaphorical house for more local improvements. "There's a lot of good still in that foundation that you wouldn't get rid of, and we don't. We look to advance in the areas that support our game design. Engines, each time they get touched, they change. The creators alter them; they don't modify what they don't need to, and then they alter what they need to. You can't make a competitive product if you're not upgrading that engine along the way."

JoystiqLamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2iw-3iw-3.0mark-lamiamicrosoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxTue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreadline: a game about killing soon-to-be-dead people from ex-Irrational and Harmonix devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/dreadline-a-game-about-killing-soon-to-be-dead-people-from-ex-i/#comments Image
As individuals whose chief export is words on the page, we know full well the power of a looming deadline - oh, wait, it's Dreadline? Well, that ruins our analogy.

Dreadline is a hybrid RPG, real-time strategy title from Eerie Canal, a new studio formed by individuals who have worked at Irrational Games, Harmonix and Iron Lore. In Dreadline, players control a group of monsters who travel back through time to human disasters and kill the humans who are doomed to die in the disaster - one level centers around the Titanic, for example.

Dreadline has been in the works for six months now and is slated for launch in the first half of 2013 on PC.

JoystiqDreadline: a game about killing soon-to-be-dead people from ex-Irrational and Harmonix devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013dreadlineeerie-canalpcrelease-dateMon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 EST