Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Golem to follow Omen's lead onto Killer Instinct roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/golem-to-follow-omens-lead-onto-killer-instinct-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/golem-to-follow-omens-lead-onto-killer-instinct-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/golem-to-follow-omens-lead-onto-killer-instinct-roster/#comments

Following a reveal earlier this month, developer Iron Galaxy has issued a proper trailer for Omen that, like past Killer Instinct character trailers, is nearly overshadowed by a cameo at the end.

The walking mass of rocks and shrubs that crashes onto camera and squishes Orchid is named Golem. Whether or not words can hurt you is irrelevant, as Golem brings both sticks and stones - two items notorious for bone trauma - to the Xbox One-exclusive fight. Unfortunately, beyond that brief footage, none-too-surprising name and the pun about sticks and stones, we know nothing about this new fighter. Outside of this brief footage, Iron Galaxy has yet to reveal any useful information on Golem.

We can tell you, however, that Omen will join Killer Instinct later this week. On January 30, the character will be available for owners of Killer Instinct Ultra Edition, while those with Killer Instinct Combo Breaker Edition will be waiting until February 5.
[Image: Microsoft]

JoystiqGolem to follow Omen's lead onto Killer Instinct roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-helixgolemiron-galaxykiller-instinct-2013microsoftomenxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony accepting claims on 2011 PSN data breach settlement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/sony-accepting-claims-on-2011-psn-data-breach-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/sony-accepting-claims-on-2011-psn-data-breach-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/sony-accepting-claims-on-2011-psn-data-breach-settlement/#comments If you were a PSN, Qriocity or Sony Online Entertainment user at the time of the April 2011 Sony hack that disrupted the PlayStation Network for nearly a month and compromised 70 million user accounts, now's your chance to get a piece of the class action settlement levied against Sony last year.

To qualify, you must have held a PSN, Qriocity or Sony Online Entertainment account on or before May 14, 2011. Each service is eligible to receive different claims, but PSN users are able to receive either one or two games - if you already received a free game in Sony's 2011 "Welcome Back" promotion, you're only eligible for one; if not, you're eligible to choose two - from a list that includes standouts like LittleBigPlanet and God of War HD. Notably, none of the games on offer are for the PlayStation 4. If none of the games tickle your fancy, you can instead choose free dynamic themes for your PlayStation 3 or free PlayStation Plus subscription time.

After wading through multiple pages of bureaucratic legalese, you'll find everything you need to make your claim at the PSN-SOE settlement website.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqSony accepting claims on 2011 PSN data breach settlement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LBPlegalLittleBigPlanetplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3ps4psnpspsettlementsonyvitaMon, 26 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/silence-the-whispered-world-2-also-has-words-for-the-ps4/#comments Alongside its "early 2015" PC, Mac and Xbox One debut, publisher Daedalic Entertainment has announced that lovely, snowbound adventure Silence: The Whispered World 2 will be released on the PlayStation 4.

A sequel to 2010's The Whispered World, Silence: The Whispered World 2 casts players as Noah, a 16-year-old boy attempting to find his younger sister in the ethereal world of Silence. The duo enter Silence in an effort to escape from a war in their world, but quickly find that the wondrous land of Silence is also embroiled in conflict (not to mention populated by nasty beasts and self-serving political factions). It's sort of a Chronicles of Narnia situation, only with fewer Christian allegories in the form of sage predatory felines.

Though the original Whispered World featured 2D graphics, Silence: The Whispered World 2 employs 3D models and a method the developers call "camera projection" that "allows [the artists] to maintain the high detail level of our hand-drawn art, while still being able to use the benefits of 3D game design."
[Image: Daedalic Entertainment]

Continue reading Silence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4

JoystiqSilence: The Whispered World 2 also has words for the PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daedalic-entertainmentmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps4the-whispered-worldthe-whispered-world-2xbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox seeks help crafting the next Borderlands entry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gearbox-seeks-help-crafting-the-next-borderlands-entry/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gearbox-seeks-help-crafting-the-next-borderlands-entry/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/gearbox-seeks-help-crafting-the-next-borderlands-entry/#comments Given the massive success of Borderlands 2 and the lesser but still significant success of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, it comes as little surprise that Gearbox is planning another entry in the over-the-top post-apocalyptic shooter franchise.

"We are recruiting for next Borderlands. This is the big one," Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford recently tweeted, before offering his business email address to anyone who could be described as an "industry badass." Pitchford outlines no other qualifications, as the studio is seeking myriad people, from writers to art designers to engine programmers.

Beyond the help-wanted ad, neither Pitchford nor Gearbox has offered any further information on the next Borderlands game. It will probably feature some iteration of robotic irritant Claptrap and vibrant, color-coded weaponry, but otherwise we're in the dark.
[Image: Randy Pitchford/Gearbox]

JoystiqGearbox seeks help crafting the next Borderlands entry originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsborderlands-2gearboxrandy-pitchfordMon, 26 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Awards will return, Keighley confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/the-game-awards-will-return-keighley-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/the-game-awards-will-return-keighley-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/the-game-awards-will-return-keighley-confirms/#comments Following a year-end debut that attracted 1.93 million viewers, producer Geoff Keighley has confirmed that The Game Awards will return again in 2015.

"As I announced this morning at PAX, I'm excited to already be working on @thegameawards for 2015," Keighley recently tweeted. "Will share more later this Spring." Keighley makes no mention of when the next show will take place, nor does he mention any changes he might have in mind.

For those unfamiliar, think of The Game Awards as long-time industry journalist and presenter Geoff Keighley's attempt to capture the gravitas and importance of an event like The Academy Awards, but for gaming instead of films. While his previous gig as host of Spike's superficially similar VGX Awards lacked a certain maturity and refinement, we were pleasantly surprised by the "classy" Game Awards.
[Image: The Game Awards]

JoystiqThe Game Awards will return, Keighley confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Geoff-Keighleythe-game-awardsthe-game-awards-2014Mon, 26 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA snitches on Battlefield Hardline, reveals maps and modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ea-snitches-on-battlefield-hardline-reveals-maps-and-modes/#comments Following a raid by local authorities, informants at publisher EA were compelled to give up detailed information on the multiplayer maps and game modes included in the upcoming cops versus robbers shooter Battlefield Hardline.

The nine maps included in Battlefield Hardline all seem either ripped from a Michael Mann heist film or from one of the earlier, military-focused Battlefield games. Bank Job centers around an imposing financial institution that must be relieved of its cash, Hollywood Heights is populated by expansive houses likely belonging to media moguls and hip hop artists and Riptide is an ocean-front map that continues the Battlefield series' long-running fascination with gun battles set against a tidal backdrop. There's also a map called "Growhouse," but we're guessing you can figure out what happens there. A full rundown on each of the maps can be found on the game's website.

Battlefield Hardline will include seven gameplay modes, ranging from the classic to the wholly novel. Conquest is a Battlefield mainstay mode that pits teams of players (up to 64 in total) against one another in a battle to see who can control certain areas of the map. Blood Money, by contrast, is a new mode where both cops and robbers attempt to swipe money from the opposing teams' vault while gunfire rages all around. Perhaps the most intriguing new mode is Hotwire, a vehicle-focused addition in which the criminal team attempts to steal a list of cars while the cops try to stop them with extreme prejudice, leading to the sorts of high-speed gunfights pictured above. Full details on the game modes found in Battlefield Hardline can also be found on the game's website.

Battlefield Hardline is slated to launch on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC on March 17.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqEA snitches on Battlefield Hardline, reveals maps and modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-hardlineeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB: Reloaded to wreak MMO havoc on PS4, Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/apb-reloaded-to-wreak-mmo-havoc-on-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/apb-reloaded-to-wreak-mmo-havoc-on-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/apb-reloaded-to-wreak-mmo-havoc-on-ps4-xbox-one/#comments Free-to-play PC MMO All Points Bulletin: Reloaded is coming to consoles, thanks to a collaboration between publisher Deep Silver and developers Reloaded Games and The Workshop Entertainment.

Barring catastrophe, APB: Reloaded is planned to launch on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in the second quarter of 2015. The game will be free-to-play on both consoles, and while APB: Reloaded will be available for download to all PlayStation 4 owners, only those Xbox One owners with valid Xbox Live Gold subscriptions will be able to join the massively multiplayer game's perpetual crime spree.

For those who don't keep tabs on mid-tier MMOs, APB: Reloaded began life in 2010 as APB: All Points Bulletin, a sort of mashup of World of Warcraft and Grand Theft Auto 3, under developer Realtime Worlds. Only a few months after APB: All Points Bulletin launched, Realtime Worlds went into administration (think of it as the European equivalent of bankruptcy) and the game's servers were shut down. Eventually the property was purchased and relaunched with a new developer (Reloaded Games) and new title. According to Deep Silver, since its rebirth in 2011, the PC version of APB: Reloaded has been downloaded more than five million times.
[Image: Reloaded Games]

Continue reading APB: Reloaded to wreak MMO havoc on PS4, Xbox One

JoystiqAPB: Reloaded to wreak MMO havoc on PS4, Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apb-reloadeddeep-silvermicrosoftplaystationps4reloaded-gamesxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trials Fusion adds online multiplayer, new DLC hits next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/trials-fusion-adds-online-multiplayer-new-dlc-hits-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/trials-fusion-adds-online-multiplayer-new-dlc-hits-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/trials-fusion-adds-online-multiplayer-new-dlc-hits-next-week/#comments As promised late last year, developer Redlynx has added online multiplayer gameplay modes to its stunt-platforming motorcycle game Trials Fusion in a new, free update.

According to publisher Ubisoft, the new online multiplayer options support up to eight players, and include three gameplay options. Online-X Supercross pits eight players against each other in a series of three races, while Private Game and Private Game With Spectator allow players to alter race parameters, ranging from track to speed and handling to the strength of gravity, before the event.

Additionally, Ubisoft has announced that the fourth Trials Fusion DLC pack, entitled "Fire In The Deep," will arrive on January 27. Described as the "biggest downloadable content pack yet," Fire In The Deep will include "11 new tracks, five new achievements and trophies to unlock, 27 new track challenges and dozens of new editor objects." Like all Trials Fusion DLC packs, Fire In The Deep is priced at $5, but can also be found among the five DLC packs included in the $20 Trials Fusion Season Pass.
[Image: Ubisoft]

Continue reading Trials Fusion adds online multiplayer, new DLC hits next week

JoystiqTrials Fusion adds online multiplayer, new DLC hits next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfire-in-the-deepmicrosoftpcplaystationps4redlynxtrials-fusionxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Early Access zombie survival hit DayZ tops 3 million sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/early-access-zombie-survival-hit-dayz-tops-3-million-sales/#comments Publisher Bohemia Interactive has revealed that DayZ, the cult-hit, open-world zombie survival game, has attracted more than three million sales since its debut on Steam's Early Access platform.

DayZ arrives at this milestone only a year after reaching Early Access. Despite pragmatic warnings from DayZ creator Dean "Rocket" Hall that the Early Access version of DayZ is incomplete, the game was an immediate hit, selling over a million copies in its first month, owing largely to the cult following it attracted in its original incarnation: a modification for Bohemia's ArmA 2 first-person military sim.

"We would like to say thank you to every single one of the three million players, that have joined us on the journey of making DayZ," writes project lead David Durcak. "You all have helped make DayZ the best open world, zombie survival game. This is an amazing achievement, and we are really looking forward to start sharing with you all of our game design improvements, anti-hack solutions and other optimizations we have been working on for a majority of the last year."
[Image: Bohemia Interactive]

Continue reading Early Access zombie survival hit DayZ tops 3 million sales

JoystiqEarly Access zombie survival hit DayZ tops 3 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bohemia-interactiveday-zdayzdean-hallearly-accesspcsteamFri, 23 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The hows and whys of time manipulation in Life Is Strange]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/the-hows-and-whys-of-time-manipulation-in-life-is-strange/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/the-hows-and-whys-of-time-manipulation-in-life-is-strange/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/the-hows-and-whys-of-time-manipulation-in-life-is-strange/#comments
The latest footage from developer Dontnod's Life Is Strange offers a detailed look at how the game's central time manipulation gimmick is supposed to work, courtesy the developers that built the system in the first place.
[Image: Square Enix]

JoystiqThe hows and whys of time manipulation in Life Is Strange originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dontnodlife-is-strangemicrosoftpcplaystationps4square-enixxbox-oneFri, 23 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-review-shout-at-the-devil/#commentsXbox 360, PS3, PC, Xbox One, PS4
If your best friend, a person who has saved your life countless times (often in super-cool, action movie fashion), was sucked into hell, would you go after them? Of course not, that's ludicrous. That poor schmuck is on their own. But you're not Johnny Gat, resident murder-happy antihero of the Third Street Saints. When Johnny's best pal is pulled into the netherworld, he jumps in after him, guns blazing. Through bat-winged demons, flaming monster trucks and historically questionable playwrights, Johnny will do whatever he can to save his friend, especially if it involves punching Satan in the face.

With that succinct intro, Saints Row: Gat out of Hell drops players into a netherworld that's equal parts Hieronymous Bosch, Megadeth album covers and the 1989 Beetlejuice cartoon series. Concrete roads crack and spiral around pits of molten lava while glowing obelisks hover ominously above crowds of shambling, doomed souls huddled within a twisted mockery of a human metropolis. It's gorgeous, in a grim sort of way, and is pocked with all kinds of neat diversions and fun excuses for Johnny to test his new demonic superpowers. Saints Row: Gat out of Hell is developer Volition's most successful attempt at proving that a license is not required for a great, open-world superhero game, though a too short run time, a few technical flaws and some odd design choices keep it from eclipsing Saints Row 4.

Continue reading Saints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil

JoystiqSaints Row: Gat out of Hell review: Shout at the Devil originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4saints-row-4saints-row-gat-out-of-hellxboxxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Rising: Watchtower takes a bite out of Crackle in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/dead-rising-watchtower-takes-a-bite-out-of-crackle-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/dead-rising-watchtower-takes-a-bite-out-of-crackle-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/dead-rising-watchtower-takes-a-bite-out-of-crackle-in-march/#comments Dead Rising: Watchtower, the Crackle-exclusive adaptation of Capcom's over-the-top zombie survival franchise Dead Rising, now has a release date: March 27.

Scant plot information on Watchtower is available, though comedian Rob Riggle has been cast as photojournalist Frank West, suggesting that the film could be linked to either of the two games that feature West as protagonist. Beyond Riggle, the cast includes Meghan Ory (Once Upon A Time), Jesse Metcalfe (Dallas, Desperate Housewives) and Virginia Madsen (Candyman, Sideways).

According to Crackle parent company Sony, following its initial debut on the streaming video platform, Dead Rising: Watchtower will also appear on DVD, TV and video on demand services.
[Image: Crackle]

JoystiqDead Rising: Watchtower takes a bite out of Crackle in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackledead-risingdead-rising-watchtowersonyFri, 16 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band survey hints at modern console sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/rock-band-survey-hints-at-modern-console-sequel/#comments Following the recent release of the series' first new DLC in nearly two years, it appears that Harmonix might be gearing up for a new entry in its Rock Band series, if an online survey is anything to go by.

"Hello friends! You should fill out this important Rock Band survey," reads a tweet from the official Rock Band Twitter account. "Sharing the link is encouraged. DO IT NOW!" The link attached to that message leads to a three-page survey regarding your history with the Rock Band series to date. It's pretty typical stuff - What Rock Band game did you play most?, Which console do you use to play Rock Band?, etc. - but the third page is where things get interesting.

Continue reading Rock Band survey hints at modern console sequel

JoystiqRock Band survey hints at modern console sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps4rock-bandRock-Band-3surveywii-uxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[As Seen On TV: Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell launch infomercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/as-seen-on-tv-saints-row-gat-out-of-hell-launch-infomercial/#comments

If you ignore most of the other, far worse sins, wanton consumerism is diabolically evil, which is why it's so fitting that the launch trailer for Volition's upcoming Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell should appear as a lengthy informercial packed with 1-800 numbers and endless groin trauma.
[Image: Deep Silver]

JoystiqAs Seen On TV: Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell launch infomercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4saints-rowsaints-row-gat-out-of-hellVolitionxboxxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Just pirate it,' Hotline Miami 2 dev tells Australian fan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/just-pirate-it-hotline-miami-2-dev-tells-australian-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/just-pirate-it-hotline-miami-2-dev-tells-australian-fan/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/just-pirate-it-hotline-miami-2-dev-tells-australian-fan/#comments While most developers are staunch opponents of piracy, Hotline Miami 2 designer Jonatan Söderström recently encouraged one Australian fan to pirate the game if censors keep it from his local retailers.

Following the Australian Classification Board's recent decision to withhold a rating from Hotline Miami 2 (effectively banning the game from the country), designer Jonatan Söderström was asked by an eager Australian fan how he might obtain a copy. The fan even offered to send money directly to the developer. Söderström politely turned down the offer, instead telling the fan, "If it ends up not being released in Australia, just pirate it after release."

Söderström's response was posted to Reddit where it was immediately cheered, though some questioned its authenticity. At least until Fork Parker, fictional CFO (yet very real mouthpiece) of Hotline Miami 2 publisher Devolver Digital, confirmed the events in question with a succinct, "That was him."
[Image: Devolver Digital]

Joystiq'Just pirate it,' Hotline Miami 2 dev tells Australian fan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiadevolver-digitalfork-parkerhotline-miamihotline-miami-2jonatan-soderstrompcpiracyFri, 16 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Journey composer Austin Wintory nears expulsion from AFM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/journey-composer-austin-wintory-nears-expulsion-from-afm/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/journey-composer-austin-wintory-nears-expulsion-from-afm/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/journey-composer-austin-wintory-nears-expulsion-from-afm/#comments Seven months after the American Federation of Musicians threatened Grammy Award-winning composer Austin Wintory with a $50,000 fine for recording the soundtrack to The Banner Saga against regulations, the music union has issued an official fine of $2,500.

Despite a looming January 19 deadline, Wintory refuses to pay. "Doing so would be to agree that their failed policies, selective tactics and threats work," the composer told Variety. Instead, Wintory claims his lawyers are examining the options available to him should the AFM make good on its threat to boot him from the union. As a further snub, Wintory claims he will write a check to the Education Through Music - Los Angeles charity "where the money can be used toward building on dreams instead of destroying them."

When the AFM first notified Wintory of the potential $50,000 fine he faced for not following proper union regulations in recording music for a game, the composer was defiant. "Ultimately I don't think this is about me," Wintory stated. "This is about what's right. This is about composers and musicians being able to work in a medium that we love without fear of threat and intimidation, and it's about the next wave of musicians and composers who want to get into this business and dream of working in games, who shouldn't have to fear being attacked."
[Image: AFM]

JoystiqJourney composer Austin Wintory nears expulsion from AFM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-federation-of-musiciansaustin-wintorylegalthe-banner-sagaunionThu, 15 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The War Z dev: 'We were arrogantly deaf to problems']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/troubled-zombie-game-the-war-z-tops-2-8-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/troubled-zombie-game-the-war-z-tops-2-8-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/troubled-zombie-game-the-war-z-tops-2-8-million-sales/#comments They may not be slavering corpses, but the developers of The War Z share one thing in common with the undead denizens of their game: Persistence. Despite seemingly endless controversy, the open-world zombie survival game has reportedly passed 2.8 million sales.

From the beginning, players accused The War Z (aka Infestation: Survivor Stories) of liberally borrowing ideas from Bohemia Interactive's cult-hit DayZ, including its setting and basic "survive against endless hordes of corpses" gameplay. Then The War Z reached Steam and was immediately hit by allegations that the developers knowingly listed features on the digital storefront that had not yet been added to the game. Valve eventually stepped in and pulled The War Z from Steam.

Continue reading The War Z dev: 'We were arrogantly deaf to problems'

JoystiqThe War Z dev: 'We were arrogantly deaf to problems' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>day-zhammerpoint-interactiveinfestation-survivor-storiesOP-Productionspcsalessergey-titovthe-war-zworld-war-zzombiesThu, 15 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop holiday sales down 6.7 percent to $2.94 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-6-7-percent-to-2-94-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-6-7-percent-to-2-94-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gamestop-holiday-sales-down-6-7-percent-to-2-94-billion/#comments As it does every January, ubiquitous mall retailer Gamestop has issued its holiday sales report. Though sales of $2.94 billion mark a year-on-year decline in business, it comes as little surprise and the retailer remains optimistic.

That $2.94 billion figure is overshadowed by the $3.15 billion Gamestop reported last year (though it tops the $2.88 billion from the previous year's sales report). The key reason for this is a year-on-year 32 percent decline in new hardware sales. While that seems dire, keep in mind that the 2013 holiday season saw the launch of both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, so the $3.15 billion Gamestop reported last year is likely greatly enhanced by the appearance of new hardware on the market. The highlight of Gamestop's holiday sales report is a 5.8 percent increase in new software sales, which the retailer attributes primarily to a 94.4 percent jump in sales of games for the now-established Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles.

"During the holiday period, consumer demand for video games was strong, resulting in new software sales growth," said Gamestop CEO Paul Raines. "We expect that trend to continue into the first quarter. Overall, each of our business units performed well giving us positive momentum as we look toward 2015."

JoystiqGamestop holiday sales down 6.7 percent to $2.94 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopholiday-salesmoneysalesThu, 15 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/dark-souls-2-prepares-for-expansion-with-free-update/#comments To prepare existing copies of Dark Souls 2 for the additions coming to the dark fantasy game in the Scholar of the First Sin expanded re-release, From Software will issue a free update on February 5.

The list of changes included in the update is immense, but highlights include improved loading times on the PlayStation 3, longer-lived white phantoms, more consistently useful rewards during multiplayer combat, new item flavor text and the addition of the titular Scholar of the First Sin character. For a comprehensive list, see Bandai Namco's Tumblr.

Since there are so many changes included in this update, the Dark Souls 2 servers will be brought down for maintenance on February 4 at 9AM EST. Barring any technical problems, the servers should be back up and running by 12PM EST. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is scheduled to launch on April 7.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

JoystiqDark Souls 2 prepares for expansion with free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodark-souls-2dark-souls-2-scholar-of-the-first-sinmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3updatexboxThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Hardline beta will bust perps on all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/battlefield-hardline-beta-will-bust-perps-on-all-platforms/#comments Publisher EA has announced plans to beta test its upcoming cops vs robbers shooter Battlefield Hardline on the PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.

EA's announcement fails to mention when the beta test will take place, but it does offer a handful of new details on what will be included. Alongside the series' mainstay Conquest mode (with support for up to 64 players, assuming you're playing on a PC, PS4 or Xbox One), beta testers will have access to the new Hotwire game type, which the publisher describes as "an all-new mode coming to Battlefield focused on combining all-out warfare with all-out speed." There won't be any progression cap during the beta, so players are free to gain as many ranks and new gadgets as they can (though none of this progression will carry over to the final game).

EA's decision to beta test Battlefield Hardline on a wide range of systems stands in contrast to other imminent shooters, notably Turtle Rock's Evolve, that heavily promote a console-exclusive beta test prior to launch. Battlefield Hardline is scheduled to launch on March 17.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqBattlefield Hardline beta will bust perps on all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-hardlinebetaeamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kung Lao, Kitana, Goro officially join Mortal Kombat X cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kung-lao-kitana-goro-officially-join-mortal-kombat-x-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kung-lao-kitana-goro-officially-join-mortal-kombat-x-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kung-lao-kitana-goro-officially-join-mortal-kombat-x-cast/#comments

He's a stoic monk in a murderous hat and she's the buxom princess of a demonic alternate reality, but there's one thing they can both agree on: That four-armed guy at the end of this trailer is a real jerk for crashing their unveiling.
[Image: WBIE/Netherrealm Studios]

JoystiqKung Lao, Kitana, Goro officially join Mortal Kombat X cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gorokitanakung-laomicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-xNetherrealm-Studiosplaystationps4Warner-Bros-InteractiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwbiexbox-oneWed, 14 Jan 2015 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 60 games discounted in PlayStation Anniversary Sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/over-60-games-discounted-in-playstation-anniversary-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/over-60-games-discounted-in-playstation-anniversary-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/over-60-games-discounted-in-playstation-anniversary-sale/#comments To celebrate the twentieth birthday of the PlayStation brand, Sony is hosting a digital sale on a wide swath of games for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Vita and PSP.

Highlights of the sale include Killzone: Shadow Fall at $24, Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City and Vice City Stories at $4 a piece and Mass Effect 2: Ultimate Edition at $14. If you prefer games from the original PlayStation era, you'll find digital re-releases of Final Fantasy 7, 8 and 9 each priced at $6 and Jet Moto at $3. As with all PlayStation Network sales, these discounts are even larger for PlayStation Plus subscribers.

For a full rundown of all the games on sale, visit the PlayStation.blog. The PlayStation 20th Anniversary Sale ends on January 19.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqOver 60 games discounted in PlayStation Anniversary Sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>killzone-shadow-fallplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4sonyvitaWed, 14 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splatoon makes a mess of the Wii U in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/splatoon-makes-a-mess-of-the-wii-u-in-may/#comments Fulfilling a claim made in November's Nintendo Direct, Nintendo has revealed that its third-person ink shooter Splatoon will reach the Wii U at some point in May.

Alongside the release window confirmation, Nintendo also mentioned that the game features a central "plaza" that links Splatoon's various game modes and allows players to customize their weapons and gear. Below you'll also find a gallery of new screenshots pulled from the vibrant action game.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Splatoon makes a mess of the Wii U in May

JoystiqSplatoon makes a mess of the Wii U in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo-direct-january-2015splatoonwii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 4 visits an Outdoor Retreat, jumps to Mac in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/sims-4-visits-an-outdoor-retreat-jumps-to-mac-in-february/#comments Like all Sims entries, it's time for The Sims 4 to start spawning expansions, and the life simulation's first addition sees your virtual people taking a relaxing vacation in the pristine wilderness of Granite Falls. According to publisher EA, Sims can build camp, share ghost stories around the campfire and "uncover rare collectibles."

You can find a full rundown of the new features found in the Outdoor Retreat expansion by visiting the developer's blog, or you can just buy it and check things out for yourself. Outdoor Retreat is now available from Origin for $20.

While revealing the new expansion, EA also mentioned that The Sims 4 is coming to Mac. There's no specific release date nailed down just yet, but it should launch at some point in February.
[Image: EA]

JoystiqSims 4 visits an Outdoor Retreat, jumps to Mac in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamacmaxisoutdoor-retreatpcthe-sims-4Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/#comments Havoc is the title of what publisher Activision is calling an "epic DLC pack" and the "definitive DLC offering" for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In less grandiose terms, it's known as the game's first DLC pack.

Alongside the trailer beyond the break, and the images found above and in the gallery below, Activision sent over a brief synopsis of what's inside the near-future shooter's first major addition. Included are four new multiplayer maps, two new weapons and the Exo Zombies cooperative mode, which is less notable for its undead enemies than for its human protagonists played by big-name, established actors like John Malkovich and Bill Paxton.

It appears that Microsoft has struck up an exclusivity agreement with Activision as the Havoc DLC "will be available first, exclusively on Xbox LIVE for a suggested retail price of $15 on January 27." There's currently no word on when the DLC will reach other platforms.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch

JoystiqFirst CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlchavocmicrosoftxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Arrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/arrow-actor-stephen-amell-stars-in-new-lego-batman-3-dlc/#comments For its latest downloadable addition, Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is ditching the titular Dark Knight to focus on another vigilante billionaire: Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow.

Instead of simply cobbling together a Lego version of the comic book character - a thinly-veiled Robin Hood/Batman hybrid - Warner Bros. Interactive cast Stephen Amell, the actor who plays Green Arrow in the surprisingly good CW series Arrow. The developers then modeled the Lego character after Amell, who provided the voice work. As you can see in the trailer beyond the break, Amell seems very comfortable as a virtual character, which shouldn't be too surprising, given that he also played the role as a Green Arrow DLC skin in Injustice: Gods Among Us.

The Arrow DLC for Lego Batman 3 is currently available on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 and will be available on January 14 for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC. It bears a $3 price tag, but is included (along with four other DLC packs) in the game's $15 season pass.
[Image: WBIE]

Continue reading Arrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC

JoystiqArrow actor Stephen Amell stars in new Lego Batman 3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowcwdlclego-batman-3-beyond-gothammicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4stephen-amellWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivexboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PlayStation Network comes down temporarily on January 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/psa-playstation-network-comes-down-temporarily-on-january-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/psa-playstation-network-comes-down-temporarily-on-january-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/psa-playstation-network-comes-down-temporarily-on-january-15/#comments Owners of Sony gaming devices, take note: The console manufacturer has scheduled PlayStation Network maintenance for January 15, which will bring the online service down for approximately four hours.

During the downtime, PlayStation owners will not be able to access the PSN Store, any streaming entertainment apps or online gameplay functions. However, if you just can't go four hours without shooting somebody over the Internet, you can get around this problem by signing into PSN before the network comes down. As long as you don't sign out of the PlayStation Network, you'll be able to play online while everyone else is forced to interact with reality.

Barring any last-minute changes or unexpected problems, the downtime is scheduled to occur at 12PM EST and last through 4PM EST.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqPSA: PlayStation Network comes down temporarily on January 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maintenanceplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitaps3ps4psnsonyvitaTue, 13 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New 3DS reaches North America next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/rumor-new-3ds-reaches-north-america-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/rumor-new-3ds-reaches-north-america-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/rumor-new-3ds-reaches-north-america-next-month/#comments The New 3DS, an upgraded version of the existing Nintendo 3DS XL with a faster processor and additional joystick, may launch in North America as soon as February 13, according to an unverified photograph posted to NeoGAF.

The image, seen above, depicts what appears to be official signage. It clearly mentions the New 3DS model and says "Available 2.13." According to Kotaku, this is an official Gamestop promotional poster, though Nintendo has yet to officially confirm the image's claims.

The timing of the leak raises this rumor's prominence - Nintendo is scheduled to unveil a wide swath of information on its upcoming plans tomorrow morning during the first Nintendo Direct of 2015. If the company is going to announce the North American launch of the New 3DS model, that's where it will happen. We'll keep you updated on any announcements the console manufacturer may make.
[Image: vinnygambini/NeoGAF]

JoystiqRumor: New 3DS reaches North America next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnew-3dsnintendoTue, 13 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Far Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/far-cry-4-dlc-escape-from-durgesh-prison-now-available/#comments The expansive Himalayan world of Far Cry 4 just got a bit larger with the launch of the "Escape From Durgesh Prison" DLC mission.

"In this new piece of downloadable content for Far Cry 4, Ajay and Hurk find themselves defenseless in the dangerous northern region of Kyrat after being captured, tortured and stripped of their weapons in Yuma's prison," reads Ubisoft's official plot description. "On their way to the extraction point, they will be able to complete a series of challenges kicked off by the tyrannical Pagan Min to acquire weapons and upgrade their gear before a final stand-off against Yuma's forces."

Escape From Durgesh Prison can be played either alone or with a friend in co-op mode. This mission is a time trial, meaning that players will be vying for position on an online leaderboard. However, this also means that, on death, players will be forced to restart the mission completely.

Escape From Durgesh Prison is now available on PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PS4. The DLC is included in the $30 Far Cry 4 season pass, but can also be purchased a la carte for $10.
[Image: Ubisoft]

Continue reading Far Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available

JoystiqFar Cry 4 DLC, Escape From Durgesh Prison, now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcescape-from-durgesh-prisonfar-cry-4microsoftpcplaystationps3ps4ubisoftxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun: Hong Kong seeks funding [update: funding found]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/shadowrun-hong-kong-seeks-funding/#comments Harebrained Schemes, developer of the excellent Shadowrun Returns and even more excellent Shadowrun Returns: Dragonfall roleplaying games, has launched a Kickstarter page that it hopes will fund the development of a new game called Shadowrun: Hong Kong.

This early in development solid gameplay details and in-game imagery is sparse, but the Kickstarter page reveals that while Shadowrun: Hong Kong will utilize the same core engine behind Shadowrun Returns and Dragonfall, it will be a wholly new adventure. "Shadowrun: Hong Kong has everything you expect from a Harebrained Schemes Shadowrun game: strong storytelling and sharp writing, lots of morally gray choices, a crew of memorable characters with distinct personalities, challenging tactical turn-based combat, a robust character creation system, and a one of a kind cyberpunk-meets-magic game setting that's endured for over 25 years," the developer claims.

Harebrained Schemes is seeking $100,000 to develop Shadowrun: Hong Kong, a goal that shouldn't be too hard to reach. With 34 days of fundraising remaining, the total sits at just over $85,000 and climbing.

Update: In the short time between this article being written and it being published, Shadowrun: Hong Kong attracted over $40,000, easily toppling its goal. Now we wait to see just how much extra cash the fundraising effort can pull in before it ends.
[Image: Harebrained Schemes]

JoystiqShadowrun: Hong Kong seeks funding [update: funding found] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdfundingharebrained-schemeskickstartermacpcshadowrun-hong-kongshadowrun-returnsTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom moves DmC Definitive Edition launch forward one week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/capcom-moves-dmc-definitive-edition-launch-forward-one-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/capcom-moves-dmc-definitive-edition-launch-forward-one-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/capcom-moves-dmc-definitive-edition-launch-forward-one-week/#comments Maybe Dante skipped breakfast, or maybe demonic construction on his demonic commute wasn't so bad this morning. Whatever the reason, Capcom's remastered action game DmC Definitive Edition is arriving a week earlier than expected.

As we mentioned last month, DmC: Devil May Cry, a reboot of Capcom's classic Devil May Cry action series, will be granted improved graphics and gameplay in a new version dubbed DmC Definitive Edition on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. At the time we were told the remake would launch on March 17, but this morning Capcom changed all that by moving the release date ahead to March 10.
[Image: Capcom]

JoystiqCapcom moves DmC Definitive Edition launch forward one week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdmc-definitive-editiondmc-devil-may-crymicrosoftplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza Motorsport 6 announced, Ford features prominently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-ford-announce-forza-motorsport-6-at-naias/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-ford-announce-forza-motorsport-6-at-naias/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/microsoft-ford-announce-forza-motorsport-6-at-naias/#comments
In a joint statement, auto manufacturer Ford and console manufacturer Microsoft have officially confirmed the next entry in the Xbox's hit racing franchise, Forza Motorsport 6, is currently in development for the Xbox One.

This announcement comes from the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where Ford has just unveiled its new Ford GT supercar - the same supercar seen above, which will grace the cover of Forza Motorsport 6. Additionally, the two companies also announced the game will feature the newly revealed F-150 Raptor and Shelby GT350 Mustang models before they are available to the public.

Continue reading Forza Motorsport 6 announced, Ford features prominently

JoystiqForza Motorsport 6 announced, Ford features prominently originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford-gtforza-motorsport-5forza-motorsport-6microsoftxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com drops protected installers following Linux backlash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gog-com-drops-protected-installers-following-linux-backlash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gog-com-drops-protected-installers-following-linux-backlash/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gog-com-drops-protected-installers-following-linux-backlash/#comments GOG.com has heard the frustrations of Linux users, and has decided to remove password-protected installers from its games.

Previously, GOG.com had used password-protected .RAR files in select games that require multi-part Windows installers. The idea, GOG claims in a recent forum post, was to prevent less tech-savvy users from mucking around with the necessary installer files and making their game unplayable. This is a valid concern, given that so many of GOG.com's offerings are relatively ancient games that are only able to work on modern hardware through a combination of emulators and optimism. However, because the innoextract tool in Linux is unable to parse the password protection when unarchiving .RAR files, any games using those files become inaccessible to Linux users. You can see how this might upset people.

Following a lengthy forum thread outlining the problem, GOG has decided to remove the .RAR files. "We've heard your concerns regarding this solution and we do agree it could have been better," reads GOG.com's official response. "Although the same could probably be said about many other answers to this problem, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try to do better for our community.To that end we will be removing the mentioned archive protection from the select Windows installers that had it until a better solution, both technically and philosophically, is ready."

JoystiqGOG.com drops protected installers following Linux backlash originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GOGgog.comlinuxMon, 12 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mike Bithell's Volume finally looks like an actual game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/mike-bithells-volume-finally-looks-like-a-real-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/mike-bithells-volume-finally-looks-like-a-real-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/mike-bithells-volume-finally-looks-like-a-real-game/#comments

The last time we saw Volume, it wasn't a proper game so much as a mass of half-formed yet intriguing ideas involving stealth mechanics and neon walls highlighted by the involvement of Gollum actor Andy Serkis. In the new "Enemy Reveal" trailer, however, developer Mike Bithell's stealth game begins to take shape.
[Image: Mike Bithell]

JoystiqMike Bithell's Volume finally looks like an actual game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-serkismike-bithellpcvolumeMon, 12 Jan 2015 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band DLC silence broken by Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/rock-band-dlc-silence-broken-by-arctic-monkeys-foo-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/rock-band-dlc-silence-broken-by-arctic-monkeys-foo-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/rock-band-dlc-silence-broken-by-arctic-monkeys-foo-fighters/#comments It's been nearly two years since hit rhythm game series Rock Band last saw new downloadable music, but now it appears that developer Harmonix is tuning up for an encore.

Come January 13, both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 Rock Band games will have access to three new songs: "R U Mine?" from the Arctic Monkeys, "Shepherd of Fire" from Avenged Sevenfold and the Foo Fighters' "Something From Nothing." Regardless of platform, each of these tracks will feature a $2 price tag.

Whether this is an unexpected one-off DLC offer or if it might signal a return to regular Rock Band music releases is currently unknown. Harmonix makes no mention of its future DLC plans, and so far our attempts to reach the studio for more information have gone unanswered.
[Image: Warner Bros.]

JoystiqRock Band DLC silence broken by Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftmusicplaystationps3Rock-Bandrock-band-2rock-band-3xboxMon, 12 Jan 2015 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splash Damage plants a Dirty Bomb exclusively on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/splash-damage-plants-a-dirty-bomb-exclusively-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/splash-damage-plants-a-dirty-bomb-exclusively-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/10/splash-damage-plants-a-dirty-bomb-exclusively-on-steam/#comments Publisher Nexon has announced an agreement with Valve Software to release team-based free-to-play shooter Dirty Bomb (formerly known as Extraction) exclusively through the Steam digital distribution platform.

The addition of yet another free-to-play shooter to Steam wouldn't normally be news, but Dirty Bomb is being developed by Splash Damage, a UK studio that got its start developing mods for games like Quake 3, but earned real accolades with the launch of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory. That too was a team-based shooter (and one of the first of its kind offered to players at no charge), and despite being over a decade old, still commands a loyal following of players to this day.

Before you click through to Steam to try Dirty Bomb for yourself, keep in mind that the game is currently only available as a closed beta test. It won't officially launch until "summer 2015." If you'd like to join the test, you'll need to register your pertinent information at the game's website.
[Image: Nexon]

JoystiqSplash Damage plants a Dirty Bomb exclusively on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirty-bombextractionnexonpcsplash-damagesteamvalveSat, 10 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row series on sale this weekend at Humble Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/saints-row-series-on-sale-this-weekend-at-humble-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/saints-row-series-on-sale-this-weekend-at-humble-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/saints-row-series-on-sale-this-weekend-at-humble-store/#comments To prepare players for the January 20 launch of Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell, publisher Deep Silver has teamed with the Humble Store to offer sizable discounts on the entire line of Saints Row games, in what they're calling the Humble Store Saints Row Weekend Sale.

Highlights of the sale include 75 percent discounts on Saints Row 4, Saints Row: The Third, Saints Row 2 and the all-inclusive Saints Row Ultimate Franchise Pack. For those who want to purchase the more recent entries with all of their DLC intact, Saints Row 4 Game of the Century Edition and Saints Row: The Third - The Full Package have also received 75 percent discounts. Those hoping to buy the series' DLC piecemeal will find 50 percent discounts on each content pack. Alongside these discounts, the Humble Store has also opened pre-orders on Saints Row: Gat Out of Hell.

For a full listing of discounts available this weekend, visit the Humble Store. The Humble Store Saints Row Weekend Sale ends on January 12 at 10AM PST.
[Image: Deep Silver]

JoystiqSaints Row series on sale this weekend at Humble Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>saints-row-4Fri, 09 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Life Is Strange PC specs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/life-is-strange-pc-specs-prove-surprisingly-reasonable/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/life-is-strange-pc-specs-prove-surprisingly-reasonable/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/life-is-strange-pc-specs-prove-surprisingly-reasonable/#comments Developer Dontnod, who you may remember from the flawed yet ambitious Remember Me, has outlined the PC specs required to play Life Is Strange. Happily, you probably won't need to build a new computer to play the upcoming time-bending adventure.

You'll find a full rundown of both minimum and recommended specs beyond the break, but the quick version is that if you have a modern dual core processor, video card built in the last half-decade and greater than 2GB of RAM, you should be fine. Alongside the system requirements list, Dontnod has also issued a lengthy developer diary that offers viewers an in-depth look at the time manipulation mechanics that serve as the key hook in Life Is Strange. You'll find that trailer beyond the break as well.

The first episode of Life Is Strange will debut on January 30.
[Image: Square Enix]

Continue reading Life Is Strange PC specs

JoystiqLife Is Strange PC specs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dontnodlife-is-strangemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4square-enixxboxxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: DRM not to blame for Far Cry 4 woes, says Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-drm-not-to-blame-for-far-cry-4-woes-says-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-drm-not-to-blame-for-far-cry-4-woes-says-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-drm-not-to-blame-for-far-cry-4-woes-says-microsoft/#comments Following a sudden Xbox One Marketplace delisting that coincides with reports that some players could no longer play their legitimate digital copies of Far Cry 4, Microsoft has issued assurances that these woes were not the result of draconian Xbox One DRM.

The argument, as outlined by Gamespot, is that the delisting was an accident, and one that was quickly rectified by Microsoft. During the delisting, numerous reports of players being unable to play the game - specifically, digital copies of Far Cry 4 - began to crop up, even after players had deleted and redownloaded the Ubisoft shooter. These reports ceased immediately once the game returned to the Xbox One Marketplace. This leads some to believe that the delisting also took down whatever online verification system is attached to the game, despite Microsoft's claims that the Xbox One does not require constant online verification.

In a statement sent to Gamespot, Microsoft denies that the problems had anything to do with hidden DRM, though the Xbox One manufacturer offers no alternate explanation of what actually happened. Instead, Microsoft responds to the rogue DRM allegations with the following boilerplate statement: "If customers own the rights to a game, they can visit their download history and initiate a re-download whenever they please - even if the game has been delisted from Xbox Store and is no longer available for purchase."
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqReport: DRM not to blame for Far Cry 4 woes, says Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmfar-cry-4microsoftubisoftxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bladestorm: Nightmare won't rally the troops until March 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/bladestorm-nightmare-wont-rally-the-troops-until-march-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/bladestorm-nightmare-wont-rally-the-troops-until-march-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/bladestorm-nightmare-wont-rally-the-troops-until-march-17/#comments Publisher Koei Tecmo has opted to delay the release of its "Troop Command Action" game Bladestorm: Nightmare from its initial March 3 launch date to March 17.

As you'd expect from a sequel to 2007's Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War, Bladestorm: Nightmare also takes place in the lengthy medieval conflict between England's Plantagenets and the French House of Valois. Unlike most historically-focused Koei Tecmo action games (collectively known as the "musou" subgenre), Bladestorm: Nightmare grants players control over a squad of troops instead of a sole fighter. This both adds novel complexity to the game's combat system and differentiates Bladestorm: Nightmare from the superficially similar (and far more prolific) Dynasty Warriors series.

Alongside news of the delay, Koei Tecmo also spilled a bit more information on the game's "Nightmare" mode. Though Bladestorm: Nightmare is based on real events, Nightmare mode takes a fantasy approach, creating a plotline where both English and French forces are under siege by demons. To fight back, players can enlist an army of mythical creatures, hence the otherwise inexplicable dragon in the screenshot above.
[Image: Koei Tecmo]

Continue reading Bladestorm: Nightmare won't rally the troops until March 17

JoystiqBladestorm: Nightmare won't rally the troops until March 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladestormbladestorm-nightmarekoei-tecmomicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xbox-oneThu, 08 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST