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[Destiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/#comments Destiny designer Luke Smith recently addressed concerns over Bungie's future updates for the game. Namely, Smith said "the mistakes [Bungie] made with the DLC1 reward economy will not be repeated," in a NeoGAF thread, admitting the developer's previous attempts at expanding the first-person shooter with add-on content resulted in a few problems for players. Smith claims the developer will avoid mistakes such as "vendor gear invalidating the effort of [Vault of Glass] Raiders" and exotic gear upgrades resulting in a talent reset.

"Our philosophy about rewards/loot continue to evolve as we see how players play and react," Smith wrote. He noted that item drop rates appear to be "much improved" in the Crota's End DLC compared to Vault of Glass, and that Bungie plans to "improve acquisition stories and frequency" as well as "lessen the grind and get players to the fun parts of their arsenal faster." It issued a hot fix for Destiny in December to boost the drop rates for the Crota's End raid mission.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[On my iPad: Helix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-my-ipad-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-my-ipad-helix/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/on-my-ipad-helix/#commentsThis is On my iPad, a quick look at an iOS game we think you'll enjoy.

We can't seem to put down Michael Brough's Helix. Here's a brief video explaining why the retro-inspired avoidance game is special to us. The challenging, "hectic piece of momentary action" is available on iPhone and iPad for $2.99.
[Image: Michael Brough]

JoystiqOn my iPad: Helix originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionhelixindieiosipadiphonemichael-broughmobileon-my-ipadrecommendedMon, 26 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft announces next experimental game for PC, Grow Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ubisoft-announces-next-experimental-game-for-pc-grow-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ubisoft-announces-next-experimental-game-for-pc-grow-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/ubisoft-announces-next-experimental-game-for-pc-grow-home/#comments Ubisoft announced a new platforming game for PC today, Grow Home. Developed by a small team at Ubisoft Reflections, the game features a red robot named BUD (Botanical Utility Droid), who travels across the galaxy to find a "new species of flora to help oxygenate his home world." While the game was built and launched internally on PC for Ubisoft employees to enjoy, the development team created it with a game pad in mind, as BUD helps a giant beanstalk-like Star Plant grow and climbs around it using the left and right triggers on a controller.

Grow Home's universe features other floating islands, so players can branch the plant out to craft their own "playground in the sky." The game is physics-based and procedurally-animated, emphasizing freedom of movement and allowing BUD to latch on to any object should he find himself plummeting to the planet. Players will be able to launch off of giant leaves, teleport to other parts of the plant and use parachute-style flowers to slow BUD's descent, all while trying to climb two kilometers up to the robot's spaceship. Inspired by Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Pixar's animated film Wall-E, Grow Home will launch on February 4.
[Image: Ubisoft]

JoystiqUbisoft announces next experimental game for PC, Grow Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementgrow-homepcplatformerrelease-daterobotubisoftUbisoft-Reflectionswall-eFri, 23 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a bite out of this Dead Rising film trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/take-a-bite-out-of-this-dead-rising-film-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/take-a-bite-out-of-this-dead-rising-film-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/23/take-a-bite-out-of-this-dead-rising-film-trailer/#comments
Already preparing your popcorn for Dead Rising: Watchtower? Well don't do that; the video game-inspired film will first hit Crackle on March 27, your snack certainly won't last that long. We suppose you can still eat it while watching the film's trailer right here.

Continue reading Take a bite out of this Dead Rising film trailer

JoystiqTake a bite out of this Dead Rising film trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crackledead-risingdead-rising-watchtowerfilmjesse-metcalferob-rigglesonytrailerFri, 23 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dos Anjos among cuatro fighters added to EA Sports UFC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/dos-anjos-among-cuatro-fighters-added-to-ea-sports-ufc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/dos-anjos-among-cuatro-fighters-added-to-ea-sports-ufc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/dos-anjos-among-cuatro-fighters-added-to-ea-sports-ufc/#comments A new content pack for EA Sports UFC is now available to download, adding four fighters to the mixed martial arts game's roster. The new fighters include light heavyweight bruiser Anthony "Rumble" Johnson and women's bantamweight fighter Holly Holm. The latest update also introduced two lightweight fighters: Eddie Alvarez and Rafael Dos Anjos.

EA Sports offered sixth other free content updates for its introductory UFC game since it launched in June 2014. The last update for the game added big-name legendary fighters to the mix in December, such as Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Mark Coleman and Brock Lesnar. Past updates introduced new game mechanics to EA Sports UFC as well, such as Finish the Fight, kick catching and manual taunts.
[Image: EA Sports]

Continue reading Dos Anjos among cuatro fighters added to EA Sports UFC

JoystiqDos Anjos among cuatro fighters added to EA Sports UFC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-ondlcEAEA-Sportsea-sports-ufcfightersmicrosoftmmapatchplaystationps4rafael-dos-anjosufcupdatexbox-oneThu, 22 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pelicans' Holiday is T-Rexing in NBA 2K15 glitch video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/pelicans-holiday-is-t-rexing-in-nba-2k15-glitch-video/#comments
We're fairly certain that New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Jrue Holiday has perfectly functional arms in real life. As demonstrated by YouTube user wEEman33, it appears that NBA 2K15 disagrees. As seen in the video shared shared above, a recent glitch in the game caused Holiday's arms to seemingly retreat into his body following a server-side update to its MyTeam mode, leaving his hands to jut out from his shoulders like fish fins with opposable thumbs. To make matters worse, the shirtless Holiday was also missing part of his torso and occasionally disappeared, but none of it stopped him from sinking multiple three-point shots.

According to Operation Sports, the special armless "Sapphire" version of Holiday no longer exists, as Visual Concepts issued a patch to squash the bug yesterday. 2K Sports' basketball game is no stranger to horrifying glitches; NBA 2K15's face-scanning feature resulted in numerous monstrosities for created players. The publisher had fun with the issue, offering fans Halloween masks based on the face-scan glitch to print out and wear.
[Image: 2K Sports]

JoystiqPelicans' Holiday is T-Rexing in NBA 2K15 glitch video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2K-Sportsarmlessbasketballbugglitchjrue-holidaymicrosoftmy-teammyteamnbanba-2k15new-orleans-pelicansplaystationps3ps4t-rexVisual-Conceptsxboxxbox-oneThu, 22 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elders wait for traffic, play Grand Theft Auto 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/elders-wait-for-traffic-play-grand-theft-auto-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/elders-wait-for-traffic-play-grand-theft-auto-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/22/elders-wait-for-traffic-play-grand-theft-auto-5/#comments
The Fine Brothers offered another React Gaming video, but unlike the youthful ones in the past, this one features senior citizens taking Grand Theft Auto 5 out for a spin. The charming video shows the elderly folks stealing cars, shooting civilians and above all else, obeying traffic signals. Grand Theft Auto 5's PC version will launch on March 24.

The channel's previous reaction videos included teens playing Mario Kart 64, commenting on the Game Boy as well as just plain sucking at Mega Man. Another video features Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams discussing the absurdness of Nintendo's NES. Now that The Fine Brothers delved into senior players reacting to video games, we don't know if these videos make us feel overly young or old.
[Image: Rockstar Games]

JoystiqElders wait for traffic, play Grand Theft Auto 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-5gtagta5microsoftplaystationps4reactreact-gamesreact-gamingreactionreaction-videoRockStarRockstar-GamesSenior-Citizensseniorsthe-fine-brothersxbox-oneThu, 22 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Citizen expected to reach $100 million in funding]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/star-citizen-expected-to-reach-100-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/star-citizen-expected-to-reach-100-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/star-citizen-expected-to-reach-100-million/#comments Wing Commander, and more recently Star Citizen creator Chris Roberts recently delivered his BAFTA Masterclass presentation in Los Angeles and via Twitch, revealing target launch dates for each phase of the game. As reported by Polygon, the beta programs for the game's first-person shooter and planetside components are due this spring, followed by arena commander 2.0 ships in summer. Additionally, the first episode of the story-based Squadron 42 single-player campaign will arrive this fall, with the backers-only alpha program for the persistent universe part of the game due by the end of the year. Roberts expects that Star Citizen will see its commercial launch in 2016.

The designer discussed the community engagement and crowdfunding efforts of the space simulation game, noting that the developer is "now close to $70 million, and it's likely the carry-on will probably be over $100 by the time the game is close to public release." Roberts stressed that Star Citizen's crowdfunding efforts "isn't really about the money," but rather "it's really about bringing people in to create this community and have them sort of share that experience with you as you're building it."
[Image: Roberts Space Industries]

JoystiqStar Citizen expected to reach $100 million in funding originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-robertsCrowdFundingfundingpcrelease-windowroberts-space-industriesstar-citizenWed, 21 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable Legends confirmed for Windows 10, cross-plays with Xbox One [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/fable-legends-confirmed-for-windows-10-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/fable-legends-confirmed-for-windows-10-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/fable-legends-confirmed-for-windows-10-pcs/#comments
Fable Legends is in development for Windows 10 PCs, Lionhead Studios confirmed during Microsoft's Windows 10 briefing today. The game was announced in August 2013 as an Xbox One exclusive. PC and Xbox One players will be able to partake in cross-platform cooperative multiplayer.

Fable Legends' multiplayer beta launched in October. The developer did not offer a release date for the PC version of the game, though it is expected to arrive this year for Xbox One.

Update: Check out the latest screens (below) and a trailer (above) of the game.
[Image: Microsoft Studios]

JoystiqFable Legends confirmed for Windows 10, cross-plays with Xbox One [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementfablefable-legendsLionheadLionhead-Studiosmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospcwindows-10Windows-10-EventWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit alleges EA infringed on sports stadium update patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-ea-infringed-on-sports-stadium-update-patent/#comments White Knuckle IP filed a lawsuit late last week against EA, alleging that the publisher infringed on a patent that focuses on methods for updating sports games based on real-life changes. The suit referred to U.S. Pat. No. 8,529,350, which described methods that record real-world parameters, then store those elements on a server so players can download them to update their games. The patent dates back to October 2002.

While the patent is related to another one that deals with updating an athlete's statistics and skills based on real-life performance, the lawsuit focuses on changes to the appearance and attributes of stadiums and venues. The lawsuit specifically targets games in EA Sports' NCAA Football and Tiger Woods PGA Tour series, from NCAA Football 10 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 through the last respective entries, NCAA Football 14 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14. According to Patent Arcade, White Knuckle "did not identify any specific feature in its complaint."
[Image: EA Sports]

JoystiqLawsuit alleges EA infringed on sports stadium update patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaseaEA-SportsElectronic-Artslawsuitmicrosoftncaa-footballncaa-football-14patentpatent-infringementplaystationps3ps4stadiumssuittiger-woods-pga-tourtiger-woods-pga-tour-14white-knuckle-gamingwhite-knuckle-ipxboxxbox-oneWed, 21 Jan 2015 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/#comments
The latest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare shows off the game's upcoming downloadable content, Exo Zombies. Arriving as part of the first content pack, Havoc, Exo Zombies features the voice acting talents of John Malkovich, Bill Paxton, Rose McGowan and Jon Bernthal. The Havoc DLC pack will launch on January 27 for Xbox One and Xbox 360. Havoc also includes four multiplayer maps, the AE4 assault rifle and Widowmaker custom variant.

While the Havoc DLC can be purchased separately for $15, season pass holders will receive the pack at no additional charge. Advanced Warfare's $50 season pass grants access to three other pieces of downloadable content: Ascendance, Supremacy and Reckoning. Activision struck a deal with Microsoft to bring Advanced Warfare DLC to the Xbox platforms before it arrives on other systems, so the publisher has yet to offer a release date for Havoc on PS4, PS3 or PC.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqExo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlcdownloadable-contentexo-zombiesfirst-person-shooterfpshavocmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamestrailerxboxxbox-onezombiesWed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com adds six Star Wars games, including KOTOR 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/gog-com-adds-six-star-wars-games-including-kotor-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/gog-com-adds-six-star-wars-games-including-kotor-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/gog-com-adds-six-star-wars-games-including-kotor-2/#comments GOG.com added a second helping of Lucasfilm games to its classic PC gaming catalog today, giving players the opportunity to download six Star Wars games on its platform, DRM-free. Three of the games are available digitally for the first time according to GOG.com: Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter ($10), Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance ($10) and Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Saga (Seen above, $6).

The other three Star Wars games now available on GOG.com will be 20 percent off for the next three days: Star Wars Battlefront 2 ($8), Star Wars: Dark Forces ($4.79) and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords ($8). Six other LucasArts games were introduced in late October, including The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Those two games, in addition to Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, are also 20 percent off until Friday, January 30 at 8:59 a.m. ET (5:59 a.m. PT).
[Image: Lucasfilm]

JoystiqGOG.com adds six Star Wars games, including KOTOR 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyKnights-of-the-Old-Republic-2KOTOR-2KOTOR-2-The-Sith-LordsLucasArtslucasfilmpcstar-warsStar-Wars-Battlefront-2star-wars-dark-forcesstar-wars-galactic-battlegrounds-sagastar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicStar-Wars-Knights-of-the-Old-Republic-2-The-Sith-Lordsstar-wars-x-wing-alliancestar-wars-x-wing-vs-tie-fighterTue, 20 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magnetic: Cage Closed entering dark portal in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/magnetic-cage-closed-entering-dark-portal-in-march/#comments
Swedish developer Guru Games announced a new first-person puzzle game this week, Magnetic: Cage Closed. Slated to launch in March for PC via Steam, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Magnetic imprisons players in a dark labyrinth with a magnet gun, solving environmental puzzles to progress through the industrial facility. The game's announcement trailer gives strong Portal vibes, showing multiple wall and floor switches being activated with the toss of a heavy metal cube. Magnetic: Cage Closed will launch at $14.95 with a special edition slated to cost $19.95. It will be published by Gambitious Digital Entertainment and will be playable at PAX South this weekend.

Guru Games' other project in development is the Oculus Rift-supporting, first-person horror game Medusa's Labyrinth. The developer canceled its Kickstarter project for the game in November after it came to a "standstill." It drummed up 55,805 SEK ($6,824) in support, far short of Guru Games' 2,500,000 SEK ($350,000 USD) goal. Guru Games discussed its failed crowdfunding campaign in a blog, acknowledging that it wanted to time the campaign with the Scandinavian launch of Kickstarter despite spending two weeks "creating a prototype, a card house of a game," before putting "it out there for all to see."
[Image: Guru Games]

Continue reading Magnetic: Cage Closed entering dark portal in March

JoystiqMagnetic: Cage Closed entering dark portal in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-persongambitious-digital-entertainmentguru-gamesindiemagneticmagnetic-cage-closedmicrosoftpcPlatformerplaystationportalps4puzzlerelease-windowsteamxbox-oneTue, 20 Jan 2015 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Broadcasting grabs popcorn, exits beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/20/steam-broadcasting-grabs-popcorn-exits-beta/#comments Valve added Steam Broadcasting to its PC distribution platform in an update this week, taking its livestreaming solution for games out of beta. Those that update Steam can now change their settings to determine whether to enable broadcasting and limit it to their friends list. Providing the streaming service is enabled, gameplay video will automatically broadcast when players start their games. Valve announced the Twitch alternative in December.

According to Steam's support page, the service will only broadcast gameplay video by default, though players can opt to stream a video of other apps on their computers, allowing for broadcasts such as instructional videos. It also records the audio that plays through the default speakers on the broadcaster's computer, so those hoping to include audio from another source will have to find a work-around for the time being. Head to your Steam friends list and select "watch game" to check the broadcasting service out.
[Image: Valve]

JoystiqSteam Broadcasting grabs popcorn, exits beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadcastinggameplaylivestreamingmacpcsteamsteam-broadcastingstreamingtwitchupdatevalveTue, 20 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drive through this Project Cars trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/drive-through-this-project-cars-trailer/#comments
Bandai Namco offered a new trailer for Project Cars today, the upcoming racing game from World of Speed and Need for Speed: Shift developer Slightly Mad Studios. In development for PC, Xbox One, PS4 and Wii U, the game features both competitive and asynchronous online multiplayer as well as a "freeform career mode" in which players sign endorsements and complete historical challenges. It also supports Oculus Rift, the nVidia Shield and Sony's Project Morpheus on PC and PS4, respectively.

Project Cars was delayed in October to March 2015 following a number of changes to the game's destined platform choices. Its Wii U version was revealed in January 2012, then Project Cars' Xbox 360 and PS3 versions were scrapped in November 2013. The PC, PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game are confirmed to launch on March 17 in North America and March 20 in Europe and Australasian regions, with the Wii U game set to arrive sometime this year.
[Image: Bandai Namco]

Continue reading Drive through this Project Cars trailer

JoystiqDrive through this Project Cars trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bandai-Namcomicrosoftnintendopcplaystationproject-carsps4racingSlightly-Mad-Studiostrailerwii-uxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pneuma pneuma, yay: First-person puzzler hits Xbox next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/pneuma-pneuma-yay-first-person-puzzler-hits-xbox-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/pneuma-pneuma-yay-first-person-puzzler-hits-xbox-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/19/pneuma-pneuma-yay-first-person-puzzler-hits-xbox-next-month/#comments Pneuma: Breath of Life will launch on February 27 for Xbox One, developer Deco Digital announced. The first-person puzzle game is currently on Steam Greenlight, seeking community approval for distribution on the PC service as well. Pneuma will be console-exclusive to Xbox One for its first 30 days. The game features environmental challenges based in a fairly mysterious setting, as seen in the trailer after the break.

In it, players "progress through a narrated story of self-discovery, exploring the fundamental nature of being," according to the developer. Pneuma: Breath of Life's puzzles are expected to "force players to think outside the box and explore beyond what they know as reality through the eyes of a god," with voice-over work provided by Jay Britton. The PC version of the game will support Oculus Rift.
[Image: Deco Digital]

Continue reading Pneuma pneuma, yay: First-person puzzler hits Xbox next month

JoystiqPneuma pneuma, yay: First-person puzzler hits Xbox next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bevel-studiosdeco-digitalfirst-personfirst-person-puzzleindiemicrosoftpcpneumapneuma-breath-of-lifepuzzlepuzzlerrelease-datetrailerxbox-oneMon, 19 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny tops PS4 downloads in 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/destiny-tops-ps4-downloads-in-2014/#comments Bungie's Destiny topped the PlayStation Store's PS4 best-sellers list for all of 2014, Sony revealed today. The store's top sellers on the current-generation console don't include many surprises; Grand Theft Auto 5 took the second spot, followed by Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Minecraft and The Last of Us Remastered to round out the top five. GTA 5 was the most purchased PS4 game in the month of December.

As for PS3 games, Minecraft led all purchases on the system in 2014 on the PS Store, followed by GTA 5, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny and Battlefield 4. Likewise, the list of top-selling PS4 and PS3 add-ons are a mix of Destiny, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and Call of Duty: Ghosts DLC for the most part; Battlefield 4 Premium and The Last of Us' Left Behind DLC swooped in to the third spot in the PS4 and PS3 lists, respectively. Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment was the highest-selling game last year on the PlayStation Store for Vita. The Bandai Namco RPG was trailed on the handheld system by Minecraft, Killzone: Mercenary, Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z and Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny tops PS4 downloads in 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-4call-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinygrand-theft-auto-5minecraftplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-storeplaystation-vitaps3ps4psnsalessonythe-last-of-us-remasteredtop-sellingvitaFri, 16 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to close its Canadian stores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/sony-to-close-its-canadian-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/sony-to-close-its-canadian-stores/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/sony-to-close-its-canadian-stores/#comments Sony will close all 14 of its Canadian retail locations, according to a press release issued on The Canadian Press. The company will shut down the stores "over the next six to eight weeks," resulting in 90 layoffs. The company has "been scaling back its business in Canada for the past year and has already shut several locations, including one at the Toronto Eaton Centre." As reported by CBC News, the locations of the soon-to-close stores are as follows:
  • Alberta (3)
  • The Greater Vancouver area (3)
  • The Greater Toronto Area (5)
  • Ottawa (1)
  • Montreal (1)
  • Quebec City (1)
Sony announced plans to sell its Vaio PC business and restructure its TV division in February 2014, at which point it planned to lay off 5,000 employees over the next year. It also shut down 20 stores in the United States while restructuring the Sony Electronics division. The Sony-owned developer Sucker Punch laid off some of its staff in August as well.
[Image: Sony]

JoystiqSony to close its Canadian stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaclosureclosuresPlayStationretailSONYsony-storestoresFri, 16 Jan 2015 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/nintendo-amiibo-sales-outpace-smash-bros-wii-u/#comments Mario Kart 8 sold 1.7 million copies in 2014 both digitally and at retail in the United States according to the NPD Group, Nintendo revealed in a press release. The publisher also noted that Super Smash Bros. for Wii U sold 1.3 million copies during the year, though sales of the company's amiibo figurines were "nearly twice" that of Nintendo's Mario brawler on Wii U. Nintendo said that total hardware and software sales increased "by more than 29 percent and more than 75 percent, respectively, over sales in 2013." As of December, the publisher said that amiibo sales were "approximately equal" to that of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

On the handheld side of Nintendo's lineup, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS eclipsed 2 million copies sold since the game launched this past fall. Pokemon Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby also combined to sell 2.6 million copies in the remastered games' first six weeks. Nintendo recently offered a worldwide launch date for the company's new 3DS system during this week's Nintendo Direct presentation; the C-Stick-sporting console will arrive on February 13 for $200. The improved console will be accompanied by The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate along with each game's respective special edition 3DS systems.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Nintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U

JoystiqNintendo: Amiibo sales outpace Smash Bros. Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsamiibomario-kart-8nintendopokemon-alpha-sapphire-omega-rubysalessuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-3dssuper-smash-bros-for-wii-utoyswii-uFri, 16 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Monument Valley made $5.8 million, over 80 percent on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/monument-valley-made-5-8-million-over-80-percent-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/monument-valley-made-5-8-million-over-80-percent-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/monument-valley-made-5-8-million-over-80-percent-on-ios/#comments Monument Valley developer Ustwo earned $5,858,625 from sales for the game as of this past Monday, as highlighted in a fancy infographic breaking down the puzzle game's earnings. Of that revenue, 81.7 percent was earned on iOS, compared to 13.9 percent on Android (where it was released about a month later) and 4.3 percent on Amazon. Ustwo says Monument Valley was installed on over 10 million unique devices, though its profits come from 2,440,076 official sales.

The original game took $852,000 to develop while its eight-level Forgotten Shores update cost the developer $549,000. It first arrived on iOS in April 2014 and recouped its development costed in its first week; Ustwo has now clarified that its launch day on the App Store amounted to $145,530 in revenue.
[Image: Ustwo]

JoystiqMonument Valley made $5.8 million, over 80 percent on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddataIndieiosipadiphonemobilemonument-valleypiracyprofitspuzzlerevenuesalesustwoustwo-studioThu, 15 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC survey: eSports rising, consoles cresting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gdc-survey-esports-rising-consoles-cresting/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gdc-survey-esports-rising-consoles-cresting/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/gdc-survey-esports-rising-consoles-cresting/#comments The Game Developers Conference revealed its third annual "State of the Industry" survey results, which found that 79 percent of North American game developers believed eSports is a "sustainable business." GDC surveyed over 2,000 developers, 12 percent of which said they are working on an eSports-style, skill-based, competitive multiplayer game.

The State of the Industry survey also found that 21 percent of developers said they made most of their profits from microtransactions, whereas 29 percent said "direct sales to consumers or digital sales" was their biggest draw. This compares to 13 percent of the developers surveyed, which pointed to sales at retail as the source of the majority of their profits. Of those surveyed, 41 percent said profits for their companies were higher in 2014 compared to the previous year.

Lastly, 56 percent of the polled developers said their current projects would launch on PC and 50 percent said their games would reach smartphones or tablets. 26 percent said they were currently working on a game for PS4 while 22 percent said they were developing an Xbox One game. Head over to GDC's site for a more detailed breakdown of its State of the Industry survey results.
[Image: GDC]

Continue reading GDC survey: eSports rising, consoles cresting

JoystiqGDC survey: eSports rising, consoles cresting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esportsgame-developers-conferencegdcmicrosoftMicrotransactionsmobilepcplaystationps4state-of-the-industrysurveyxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Twitch introduces free-to-use music, place to perform tunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/twitch-introduces-free-to-use-music-place-to-perform-tunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/twitch-introduces-free-to-use-music-place-to-perform-tunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/twitch-introduces-free-to-use-music-place-to-perform-tunes/#comments Twitch introduced a library of music that is safe to use for broadcasting on the platform. The streaming service's new music section includes over 500 royalty-free tracks that broadcasters can feature in both live and archived videos. Notably, the songs "will not be flagged by the audio recognition system implemented in 2014 to protect audio copyright holders and Twitch broadcasters alike," according to Twitch.

"Our community has been vocal about the importance of music for their broadcasts and their love of music in general," Twitch's Chief Strategy Officer Colin Carrier said in the announcement. "By working with both established and upcoming record labels, we are now able to offer music for them to use that is cleared for live broadcasts and archiving." The streaming platform's audio recognition tech began muting archived broadcasts in August that seemingly contained "unauthorized third-party audio," which included many false-positive cases where genuine in-game audio was muted as well. The company's CEO Emmett Shear called those cases a mistake, introducing an appeals system for streamers to use.

Additionally, Twitch added "Music" to the platform's game directory, giving artists a space for "creating, performing and presenting original songs." Pending Twitch's approval, "certain established labels and artists" may also host "radio-style listening shows and broadcast large scale events, such as music festivals."
[Image: Twitch]

Continue reading Twitch introduces free-to-use music, place to perform tunes

JoystiqTwitch introduces free-to-use music, place to perform tunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artistsfree-to-uselive-musiclivestreamingmusicmusiciansperformanceroyalty-freestreamstreamingtunestwitchtwitch-musicThu, 15 Jan 2015 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity to launch on March 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/obsidians-pillars-of-eternity-to-launch-on-march-26/#comments Obsidian RPG Pillars of Eternity will launch on March 26, the developer announced on its Kickstarter page. The game entered a backers-only beta phase in August, available in early access form to those that pledged at least $110 to its development. Pillars of Eternity is currently available for pre-purchase on Steam for PC, Mac and Linux, starting at $45.

The game earned $3.9 million on the crowdfunding service in October 2012, back when it was known as "Project Eternity." It was originally given a spring 2014 launch window, prior to its name change in December 2013. Pillars of Eternity received two more delays, the first in February 2014, when project lead Josh Sawyer said "virtually nothing good comes from [Obsidian] releasing a date before we're very confident in it." Paradox Interactive agreed to handle the marketing and distribution of the game one month later. Finally, the developer pushed Pillars of Eternity back to early 2015 this past October, noting that "since the very beginning of this project we promised our fans and ourselves that we would release this game only when we knew it would be absolutely ready for the best experience possible."
[Image: Obsidian Entertainment]

JoystiqObsidian's Pillars of Eternity to launch on March 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gog.comkickstarterlinuxmacobsidianObsidian-EntertainmentParadox-Interactivepcpillars-of-eternityproject-eternityrelease-daterpgsteamThu, 15 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/2015-dice-award-nominations-led-by-shadow-of-mordor/#comments The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for this year's DICE Awards, recognizing a total of 56 games. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor received nine nominations, including the Game of the Year award. The other Game of the Year nominees are Destiny, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Far Cry 4 and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft.

Far Cry 4 received seven nominations, one being for Action Game of the Year. Destiny and Hearthstone each had six nominations, whereas Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Monument Valley received five apiece. The 18th Annual DICE Awards ceremony will be held at the The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas following the 2015 DICE Summit, which runs from February 3 through February 5. The event will be livestreamed on DICE's Twitch channel, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). Head past the break for a partial list of nominees; the full list can be found on AIAS' website.

Continue reading 2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor

Joystiq2015 DICE Award nominations led by Shadow of Mordor originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015-dice-awardsacademy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasdestinyDICEdice-2015dice-awardsdice-awards-2015dragon-age-inquisitionfar-cry-4hearthstonemiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordorMonolith-ProductionsWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbieWed, 14 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Party 10 throws an amiibo get-together on March 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/mario-party-10-throws-an-amiibo-get-together-on-march-20/#comments
Mario Party 10 will launch on March 20, Nintendo revealed today. The publisher showed off the new "amiibo Party Mode" for the game during its Nintendo Direct presentation this morning, adding compatibility for Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario series figures. Nintendo noted that the mode requires at least one amiibo, though other players can link their own figures to the game to use their respective characters as game pieces and access game boards inspired by the characters.

Nintendo also announced that a limited edition version of Mario Party 10 will arrive on Wii U that same day, packing in a Mario amiibo figure with the party game. The game's latest trailer shows off both the amiibo Party Mode and the game's Bowser Party mode.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Mario Party 10 throws an amiibo get-together on March 20

JoystiqMario Party 10 throws an amiibo get-together on March 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibobundlegameplay-trailermario-partymario-party-10mini-game-collectionmini-gamesnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015party-gamerelease-datescreenshotstrailervideowii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse slides to February 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse-slides-to-february-20/#comments
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse will launch on February 20, Nintendo confirmed today. The latest in the platforming series was previously expected to launch on February 13. Additionally, the publisher offered a new gameplay trailer for Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, seen above. Nintendo first unveiled the game during its E3 2014 Nintendo Direct presentation.

In it, players trace colorful lines on the Game Pad to guide Kirby and transform the fluffy pink character into a tank, submarine and rocket. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse will receive amiibo support, as Nintendo revealed in December. Players that link up a Kirby, King Dedede or Meta Knight amiibo with the Wii U game will unlock special powers for Kirby.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqKirby and the Rainbow Curse slides to February 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibodelaygameplay-trailerkirbykirby-and-the-rainbow-cursenintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015release-datetrailervideowii-uWed, 14 Jan 2015 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, limited edition 3DS launches next month [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/monster-hunter-4-ultimate-limited-edition-3ds-launches-next-mon/#comments Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will launch on February 13 worldwide, Capcom announced during this morning's Nintendo Direct livestream. The game will be accompanied by its own themed (new) 3DS XL, featuring a brushed silver cover and blue logo.

The latest Monster Hunter game launches on the same day as the standard, red and black versions of the new 3DS. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Monster Hunter 4G in Japan) is the updated version of Monster Hunter 4, which first launched in September 2013 in Japan. 4G reached Japan in October 2014.

Update: Nintendo offered a new trailer for the game, found after the break. Additionally, GameStop announced that the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate 3DS XL will be exclusive to the retailer, and is available for pre-order today. The system will come with the game pre-loaded on it for $230, and customers will have to pay for the bundle in full upon pre-ordering it.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, limited edition 3DS launches next month [Update]

JoystiqMonster Hunter 4 Ultimate, limited edition 3DS launches next month [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmonster-huntermonster-hunter-4monster-hunter-4-ultimatenew-3dsnew-3ds-xlnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015release-dateWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyrule Warriors getting Majora's Mask pack next month [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/hyrule-warriors-getting-majoras-mask-pack-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/hyrule-warriors-getting-majoras-mask-pack-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/hyrule-warriors-getting-majoras-mask-pack-next-month/#comments Hyrule Warriors will receive a new piece of downloadable content themed after The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask on February 5, Nintendo revealed during its Nintendo Direct livestream this morning.

The DLC will include Tingle and the game's youthful Link as playable characters, the former giving his enemies a kiss of death and whipping them with bags of rupees. The pack will also include three as-yet-unknown character skins.

Update: Nintendo says the DLC will cost $7.99 and will also feature a new Adventure Mode map.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Hyrule Warriors getting Majora's Mask pack next month [Update]

JoystiqHyrule Warriors getting Majora's Mask pack next month [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contenthyrule-warriorslinkmajoras-masknintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015the-legend-of-zelda-majoras-masktinglewii-uzeldaWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii games coming to Wii U eShop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/wii-games-coming-to-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/wii-games-coming-to-wii-u-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/wii-games-coming-to-wii-u-eshop/#comments Wii games will begin surfacing on the Wii U eShop, Nintendo announced during its Nintendo Direct livestream this morning. Starting today, players will be able to download Super Mario Galaxy 2, followed by Punch Out on January 22, then the Metroid Prime Trilogy on January 29. The games will be half price ($10) for their respective first weeks on the digital service.

Nintendo also revealed that Wii games that traditionally used the Wii's Classic Controller will be able to use the Wii U's Game Pad to control the game, and the games will be playable right from the Wii U's home menu. The Wii U previously required players to enter "Wii mode" in order to play the previous generation system's games.
[Image: Nintendo]

Continue reading Wii games coming to Wii U eShop

JoystiqWii games coming to Wii U eShop originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards-compatibilityeshopnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-january-2015nintendo-eshopwiiwii-uwii-u-eshopWed, 14 Jan 2015 09:18:00 EST<![CDATA[The Escapists cracks open Xbox One next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/the-escapists-cracks-open-xbox-one-next-month/#comments Mouldy Toof Studios' prison-breaking game The Escapists will launch on Xbox One on February 13, the developer announced today. Additionally, the game will launch in full on Steam on that day after nearly six months on Early Access. In it, players plot an extravagant prison escape while abiding by the prison's schedule, crafting weapons and tools while not raising suspicion from guards.

The Escapists' full version will feature six unique prisons and six different methods to escape from them, such as digging your way out or taking over the whole facility. The game also includes ten prison jobs that players can perform in order to learn useful skills relevant to their escape strategies. The game is currently $15 on Steam Early Access. Worms series developer Team 17 signed on as The Escapists' publisher in February 2014.
[Image: Mouldy Toof Studios]

Continue reading The Escapists cracks open Xbox One next month

JoystiqThe Escapists cracks open Xbox One next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escapemicrosoftmouldy-toof-studiospcprisonrelease-datesimsimulationsteamstrategyteam-17Team17the-escapistsxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fourth Evolve monster granted with pre-orders or separate purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/fourth-evolve-monster-granted-with-pre-orders-or-separate-purcha/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/fourth-evolve-monster-granted-with-pre-orders-or-separate-purcha/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/fourth-evolve-monster-granted-with-pre-orders-or-separate-purcha/#comments Turtle Rock Studios' four-versus-one multiplayer shooter Evolve will receive a number of add-ons following the game's launch in February. For $25, the game's Hunting Season Pass will introduce four new playable hunters this spring, one for each class in the game. Each hunter will also be available for purchase for $7.49 each. Season pass holders will also get exclusive access to three monster skins at Evolve's launch: Magma Goliath, Magma Kraken and Magma Wraith.

Turtle Rock Studios also revealed the Behemoth, a fourth playable "tank of a monster" that transforms into a rolling boulder, available this spring for $15. The Behemoth will also be part of the Monster Expansion Pack, a bonus for those that pre-order or pre-purchase Evolve. That expansion pack itself features a free Savage Goliath skin at the game's launch.

Additionally, the developer revealed two special edition versions of the game today, each available for pre-purchase. Evolve's Digital Deluxe Edition features the monster-slaying game, its season pass and the Monster Expansion Pack for $80, available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. PC players get a special collector's edition to themselves as well: Evolve's $100 PC Monster Race Edition features the same goodies as the Digital Deluxe Edition as well as a fifth monster, two hunters and four monster skins that will be exclusive to PC Monster Race Edition players for 30 days.

Evolve will launch on February 10 and is available to pre-download starting today on Xbox One. While you can find a new trailer for the game to showcase the Behemoth after the break, stay tuned to Joystiq Streams at 4:00 p.m. ET today for a livestream of Evolve in action.
[Image: 2K Games]

Continue reading Fourth Evolve monster granted with pre-orders or separate purchase

JoystiqFourth Evolve monster granted with pre-orders or separate purchase 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]]>2k2k-games4v1add-onbonuscollectors-editiondigital-deluxe-editiondlcdownloadable-contentevolvehuntershunting-season-passmicrosoftmonsterspcpc-monster-race-editionplaystationpre-downloadpre-orderpre-purchaseps4season-passspecial-editiontake-twoturtle-rock-studiosxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former pro League of Legends team opens wallets to fantasy eSports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/former-pro-league-of-legends-team-opens-wallets-to-fantasy-espor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/former-pro-league-of-legends-team-opens-wallets-to-fantasy-espor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/former-pro-league-of-legends-team-opens-wallets-to-fantasy-espor/#comments Former League of Legends team Vulcun started a new fantasy eSports website, offering a $250,000 prize pool for League of Legends spectators. Much like other fantasy sports such as baseball and football, players participate in daily challenges by selecting a team of competitors during the upcoming 2015 League of Legends Championship Series. Also like other daily fantasy sports challenges, both of Vulcun's free and paid leagues work on a salary cap basis; the best League of Legends players in the LCS will be more expensive to roster, so fantasy players will need to be discerning about the athletes they add to their teams.

Founded by Ali Moiz and Murtaza Hussain, Vulcun earned $1.3 million in funding from investors such as eVentures, Battery Ventures and 500Startups, and the team plans to "re-invest every single dollar we make at increasing the prize pool for League fans." While this season's fantasy League of Legends prize pool is $250,000, Vulcun's next goal is to reach $1 million. The next LCS season begins on January 22, so those interested in Vulcun's fantasy challenges will need to request an invite to its closed beta. As League of Legends continues to grow in popularity as a competitive sport, universities are awarding scholarships to student eSports athletes.
[Image: Riot Games]

JoystiqFormer pro League of Legends team opens wallets to fantasy eSports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015-lcsesportsfantasyfantasy-baseballfantasy-footballfantasy-league-of-legendsfantasy-sportsLCSleague-of-legendsleague-of-legends-championship-seriespcriot-gamesvulcunTue, 13 Jan 2015 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hear a new song from Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/hear-a-new-song-from-hotline-miami-2s-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/hear-a-new-song-from-hotline-miami-2s-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/hear-a-new-song-from-hotline-miami-2s-soundtrack/#comments Dennaton Games' Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number has quite the name to live up to; the developer's original 2012 twin stick shooter of the same name is well-regarded for its musical tastes alone. While we've spun Hotline Miami's soundtrack on Steam many times, electronic music artist Magic Sword recently provided a new jam to listen to called "The Way Home," and it happens to be part of Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack. Head past the break to hear the song, courtesy of Magic Sword's SoundCloud page.

Magic Sword told The Guardian that the musical duo was "excited to get involved with the sequel" by providing music for the game. "Hotline Miami has a lot in common with 80s movies like Thief and Blade Runner," the group said. "Movies like that and their synth-heavy soundtracks have always been big inspirations for us." Those that really dig the series' tunes can pick up a special collector's edition of Hotline Miami 2 that includes the games's soundtrack on vinyl, featuring music from artists such as El Huervo and Jasper Byrne. Following its October delay, Hotline Miami 2 is expected to launch early this year.
[Image: Devolver Digital]

Continue reading Hear a new song from Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack

JoystiqHear a new song from Hotline Miami 2's soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennatondennaton-gamesdevolverdevolver-digitalhotline-miamihotline-miami-2hotline-miami-2-wrong-numbermagic-swordmusicostsoundtrackMon, 12 Jan 2015 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/#comments Bungie issued a new patch for Destiny today, primarily providing fixes for issues with the Crota's End raid in the game's first expansion, The Dark Below. As the developer revealed late last week, the update zapped a glitch that allowed players to easily beat the raid boss, Crota, by unplugging one teammate's network cable. The "force quit" by one player previously caused Crota to enter an irrecoverable kneeling state, according to Bungie's patch notes.

Additionally, not only does the update fix a "rare case where the Shriekers would not spawn, preventing players from reaching the Deathsinger" enemy in the expansion, but the Deathsinger now has a chance to drop rare exotic gear and materials.

The Dark Below launched in December, bringing with it a slew of story missions and three Crucible arenas. The DLC is available for $20 on its own, or as part of Destiny's $35 season pass.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcexpansionexploitfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon Blue speedrunner uses 'shortcut,' is super effective]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/pokemon-blue-speedrunner-uses-shortcut-is-super-effective/#comments
Are you going through Awesome Games Done Quick withdrawal like we are? Those that missed some of the speedrunning marathon's fast-paced antics have two options: Attempt to mash through a game of their choice as fast as possible or catch up on the action with archived videos. Frankly, we're taking the easier approach, opting for this fascinating 21-minute speedrun of Pokemon Blue.

Performed by "Werster," this run avoids save-file-corrupting tactics, instead taking advantage of glitches that manipulate the number of items in the speedrunner's inventory. Thanks to the item manipulation glitch, he reached Pokemon Blue's final scene in mere minutes after triggering a few events early in the game. Awesome Games Done Quick wrapped up this past weekend, raising over $1.1 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The marathon offered plenty of entertaining moments to Twitch viewers, including a marriage proposal.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqPokemon Blue speedrunner uses 'shortcut,' is super effective originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdqagdq-2015awesome-games-done-quickgameboygbpokemonpokemon-bluespeed-runSpeedRuntwitchvideowersterMon, 12 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop stores going Azure to stream promos to mobiles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gamestop-stores-going-azure-to-stream-promos-to-mobiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gamestop-stores-going-azure-to-stream-promos-to-mobiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/gamestop-stores-going-azure-to-stream-promos-to-mobiles/#comments GameStop plans to use Microsoft's Azure cloud computing technology to enhance its retail locations, allowing customers to stream "video game and promotional content" to mobile devices. While not offering a timetable for when the services would be offered, the retailer revealed examples of ways it would use Azure, such as giving customers the opportunity to view game trailers on their smartphones while browsing the store shelves. GameStop will also shift its checkout process to in-store mobile shopping carts that "can be used by the customer to facilitate a faster checkout."

Microsoft's Azure technology was previously used by Respawn Entertainment for the developers' first-person shooter, Titanfall. Respawn's Jon Shiring explained in March 2014 that elements of the game's online multiplayer functions like AI hosting and physics calculations relied on the cloud computing tech. GameStop updated its trade-in policies with a four-tiered pricing structure in August. The retailer showed overall declining sales in November, though sales of new hardware was on the rise.
[Image: GameStop]

JoystiqGameStop stores going Azure to stream promos to mobiles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>azurecloudcloud-computinggamestopmicrosoftmicrosoft-azureretailretailersMon, 12 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor/#comments The finalists for the 2015 Game Developers Choice Awards were revealed today, led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which received five nominations. Monolith's third-person action game was nominated for Game of the Year, Innovation, Best Design, Best Narrative and Best Technology awards at the ceremony (on top of also being Joystiq's favorite game of 2014).

The other nominees for the 15th annual GDCA's Game of the Year award are Bayonetta 2, Alien: Isolation, Destiny and Hearthstone. Blizzard's collectible card game received three nominations in total, the other two for Best Design and Best Handheld/Mobile Game. Destiny also received two other nominations for Best Audio and Best Technology. The ceremony for this year's Game Developer's Choice Awards will be held during the Game Developers Conference on Wednesday, March 4 at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) at San Francisco's Moscone Convention Center. Head past the break to see the full list of nominees.

Continue reading GDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

JoystiqGDCA 2015 finalists led by Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidawardsBlizzardgame-developers-choice-awardsgame-developers-choice-awards-2015gdcagdca-15gdca-2015hearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmiddle-earth-shadow-of-mordormobileMonolithMonolith-Productionsnintendopcplaystationps3ps4Warner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwbiewii-uxboxxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Steam Controller design finalized, more at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/report-steam-controller-design-finalized-more-at-gdc/#comments After a number of revisions since its inception, the design of the Steam Controller has reportedly been finalized and will be introduced during March's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Origin PC CEO Kevin Wasielewski discussed the official Valve hardware with GameSpot at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. "So now they're going to production and at GDC is when they're going to announce more stuff," Wasielewski asserted, noting that Origin PC will be in attendance, though the CEO did not divulge what products the company will show off.

Valve announced the Steam Controller alongside SteamOS and Steam Machines in September 2013. It later showed off an updated version of the controller in March 2014 that featured a more traditional face button layout (which we went hands-on with at GDC 2014). Valve then added an analog stick to the gamepad in July before seemingly tacking a d-pad onto it, according to images of the controller's design that surfaced last month.

Origin PC launched two small form-factor "Chronos" gaming machines last year after announcing the SteamOS-compatible rigs just over one year ago. The company teased new living room gaming systems this week, though it is now downplaying the system's compatibility with Valve's operating software. Wasielewski told GameSpot that the "Steam Machines" moniker is "kind of pretty much dead," and while living room-focused systems are nothing new, "it seems like there's a legitimate demand and push for living room PCs."
[Image: Valve]

JoystiqReport: Steam Controller design finalized, more at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-developers-conferencegdc-2015kevin-wasielewskiorigin-pcpcsteamsteam-boxsteam-controllersteam-machinessteamboxvalveFri, 09 Jan 2015 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom drops sales forecasts ahead of year-end results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/capcom-drops-sales-forecasts-ahead-of-year-end-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/capcom-drops-sales-forecasts-ahead-of-year-end-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/capcom-drops-sales-forecasts-ahead-of-year-end-results/#comments Capcom revised its consolidated earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending on March 31, lowering its net sales expectations from 80,000 million yen ($673 million) to 65,000 million yen ($547 million). The change represents an 18.75 percent decline, which Capcom said is "primarily due to the severe impact on pachislo machine sales," thanks to "the delay in the introduction of a new model."

Capcom added that "delays in the launches of some midrange titles in the Digital Contents business" also impacted its projections. While the publisher did not specify what previously-delayed digital games were the culprit, it did push back the beta for its online RPG Deep Down (seen above) to 2015 back in late August. Capcom also delayed the Japanese launch of Breath of Fire 6: Guardians of the White Dragons to this coming spring as of late July.
[Image: Capcom]

JoystiqCapcom drops sales forecasts ahead of year-end results originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breath-of-fire-6breath-of-fire-6-guardians-of-the-white-dragonscapcomdeep-downdelaysearningsfinancialsfiscal-2014fy-2014salesFri, 09 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackwell publisher introduces cyberpunk thriller, Technobabylon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/blackwell-publisher-introduces-cyberpunk-thriller-technobabylon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/blackwell-publisher-introduces-cyberpunk-thriller-technobabylon/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/blackwell-publisher-introduces-cyberpunk-thriller-technobabylon/#comments Point-and-click adventure game publisher Wadjet Eye Games announced a partnership to bring a new futuristic game into its catalog today, Technobabylon. Originally developed by James Dearden of Technocrat Games, the cyberpunk game is set in a dystopian future (in 2087, specifically) where an AI named Central powers the game's city and "genetic engineering is the norm."

Dearden envisioned Technobabylon as an eight-part episodic series, and created the first three games in 2010. The developer revealed on its blog in October that the game is already "playable from start to finish," and Dearden is working with Wadjet Eye Games to record voices for its characters. The publisher provided a teaser trailer that introduces Charlie Regis, one of the secret police for the futuristic city. Technobabylon is expected to launch this coming spring for PC with Mac and Linux versions planned to arrive later.
[Image: Wadjet Eye Games]

Continue reading Blackwell publisher introduces cyberpunk thriller, Technobabylon

JoystiqBlackwell publisher introduces cyberpunk thriller, Technobabylon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureannouncementpcPoint-and-Clickscreenshotsteaser-trailertechnobabylontechnocrattechnocrat-gamestrailerwadjet-eye-gamesThu, 08 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST