Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Editorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/#comments ImageThe Providence Journal sat neatly presented on the counter at the Dunkin Donuts across the street from 38 Studios in Rhode Island, its headline clear as day: "Loan-guarantee fallout costs EDC chief his job." Further down the right column of the page was the other harbinger headline: "Too little cash to cover the check."

This was last Friday, May 18, the day after the head of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the quasi-government group responsible for co-signing the $75 million loan to 38 Studios, was fired. It was also the day after the state couldn't deposit a $1.12 million check the studio delivered as a payment because the company's chief financial officer called to say there were insufficient funds.

A man walked up to the counter for his morning caffeine fix. I guessed he worked at 38 Studios because he had 'the look.' The lady working the counter confirmed my egregious profiling by asking, "How are things going over there?"

Continue reading Editorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions

JoystiqEditorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiospcproject-copernicusRhode-IslandFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/jet-set-radio-tags-playstation-vita-this-summer/#comments ImageYou'll be able to listen to Professor K and his circa-2000 futuristic pirate radio station anywhere. Sega's updated version of Jet Set Radio is coming to PlayStation Vita alongside its PS3, Xbox, and PC releases, the publisher announced today. It'll include "Vita camera integration" in an unspecified capacity, and touchscreen graffiti mechanics.

The summer release will be playable for the first time on Vita at E3. Will we take time out of our packed E3 schedules to play an old game? Of course we will.

Gallery: Jet Set Radio (PS Vita)

Continue reading Jet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer

JoystiqJet Set Radio tags PlayStation Vita this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jet-grind-radiojet-set-radioplaystationplaystation-vitasegavitaFri, 25 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MonkeyPaw on the educational upside of Class of Heroes 2 Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/monkeypaw-on-the-educational-upside-of-class-of-heroes-2-kicksta/#comments ImageMonkeyPaw Games recently experimented with Kickstarter for a physical deluxe edition of the PSP game, Class of Heroes 2. The funding drive ended with $96,951 raised of the company's $500,000 goal.

"Our Kickstarter for Class of Heroes 2 didn't reach our funding bar but I think it was a great experience," MonkeyPaw CEO John Greiner told Joystiq, during an interview about the announcement of Tomba! for PSN. "Class of Heroes isn't a well-known brand but we were able to educate people about the game and its features. That will help immensely when we release the digital version."

The drive may not have worked out to get Class of Heroes 2 onto UMD, but it served in an educational capacity about more than just Class of Heroes, Greiner suggested. "This drive was the first time a console game had been pushed on Kickstarter so that also entailed teaching people why we needed $500K. Not a small sum but not really that much when you consider this was a physical, deluxe boxed version of a console game."

JoystiqMonkeyPaw on the educational upside of Class of Heroes 2 Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-of-heroes-2john-greinerkickstartermonkeypaw-gamesplaystationpspsonyFri, 25 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments The time of being born into power is coming to a close, as democracy sweeps across this world of ours. Now, if you want to be a leader of a country, you need to be smart - a student of conquest and diplomacy - and this weekend you can study up in Civilization V on Steam, free of charge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdemokinectmicrosoftsteel-battalion-heavy-armorxboxFri, 25 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/#comments Steam has proven to be a boon for indie games like Super Meat Boy. Now we'll see if it's similarly helpful for movies about Super Meat Boy. Following its limited theatrical run, Indie Game: The Movie will be released digitally through Steam on June 12. Pre-orders are open for $9; normal price is $10. It'll also be streamable or downloadable from iTunes and the movie's own site the same day.

If you want it on a disc (remember those?) you can pre-order that, as well.

JoystiqIndie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionindie-game-the-movieitunesrelease-datesteamFri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play adds in-app subscription support for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/#comments ImageGoogle Play (formerly Android Market) now supports in-app subscriptions, so developers can optionally accept recurring payments for their apps. Subscriptions can be monthly or annual, and ... are all auto-renewing by default. Good news, developers! You'll get at least one accidental payment from a user.

First out of the gate to support this is Glu Mobile, which appears to be using it for recurring conversions of money to in-game credits in games like Frontline Commando. There's even API functionality allowing developers to use in-app subscriptions to determine access to non-Android-based properties, like websites - allowing an Android app to serve as the subscription system.

JoystiqGoogle Play adds in-app subscription support for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle-playin-app-purchasesin-app-subscriptionsmobileFri, 25 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Because We May sale starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/#comments Image
"Because We May" is a brand new video game sale put together by a whole gang of indie game developers, who say they want to promote both their games and the online stores that let them control pricing. To that end, they've placed almost every great indie game from the last few years (no kidding) on sale, on the various app and game stores that you see above. Whether you're looking for games direct from their developers, on iOS or Android, or on the Mac App Store or Steam, there are tons of great sales for you to take advantage of, and probably more coming.

Let's spend $15, for example: Buy Bit Trip Runner from the developers for $3.99, pick up Waking Mars on the iPad for $1.99, grab Psychonauts on the Mac for five bucks, and pick up both Penny Arcade titles for $3.99. That's five great games for less than the price of a movie ticket.

JoystiqBecause We May sale starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcheapdealsgamesindieiosipadmacmobilepcsalesThu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/adventure-update-components-coming-to-minecraft-xbla-eventually/#comments It may not be the next update (that's scheduled to be an Xbox approximation of Beta version 1.7.3, which adds pistons), but at some point the XBLA version of Minecraft will be brought up to parity with PC version 1.8, also known as the Adventure Update.

"There are no big architecture changes with the move to 1.7.3, so it's been quite straightforward. The move to 1.8.2 is much more challenging," 4J Studios co-founder Paddy Burns told OXM. "We are working with Daniel Kaplan at Mojang to define what is going in to the Xbox version, but the aim is to include as many of the PC features that make sense on the Xbox as possible. The game isn't Minecraft on the Xbox, it is Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, so it isn't really a direct port of the PC game."

When the Adventure Update went live last on PCs September, it introduced the Endermen, several new kinds of building materials, a new mode specifically designed for free-form creation (dubbed "Creative mode"), as well as more minor changes to combat mechanics and the introduction of a food system.

JoystiqAdventure Update components coming to Minecraft XBLA, eventually originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studiosAdventure-UpdatemicrosoftMinecraftMojangxblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 patch incoming, real-money auction house still without launch date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/diablo-3-patch-incoming-real-money-auction-house-still-without/#comments ImageBlizzard has made a quick update on its forums for Diablo 3 today, saying a post-launch patch could be ready as soon as next week. The patch, along with a number of server updates and other incoming fixes, will "further address client issues and apply additional bug fixes." One of the biggest issues is that, while the servers were bobbing up and down like buoys in the ocean last week, lots of players weren't able to earn achievements. Blizzard says it's still working on a solution.

Meanwhile, the real-money auction house has yet to be given a release date. It was supposed to be online earlier this week, but was pushed back after launch last week, and is now delayed indefinitely. "More information soon," says Blizzard.

Finally, Blizzard claims it's following the security concerns of players closely. According to the company, there is no "server spoofing" going on, official Blizzard servers themselves haven't been compromised, and Blizzard Authenticators are still the best way to keep an account secure. There's no word on the PvP update or any post-launch content yet - Blizzard's main goal at this point is to make sure the game is running steadily and securely.

JoystiqDiablo 3 patch incoming, real-money auction house still without launch date originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3fixespatchpcreal-money-auction-houseserverserversupdatesThu, 24 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/#comments ImageThe sudden firing of all 379 employees at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games today was a blow to the industry, even for those of us who expected it. Soon after news broke, many developers, artists, designers, PR people, journalists and fans took to the Internet to express frustration and anger -- and to help.

On Twitter, the hashtag "#38jobs" rose to trending in the US, with people shouting out which studios were hiring and generally sending support to those let go today. A Facebook group titled "38Jobs" popped up around the same time. Freelance games journo Alex Rubens gathered all of these jobs tips into a Google Doc that currently sports 84 studios with openings, including Irrational Games, Bungie, Activision, Klei Entertainment, Rockstar and other major and indie companies.

Access the full list here; it is still in the process of being updated and refined, courtesy of Rubens and The Side Of The Gaming Industry That Proves We're Not All Trolling Douchebags.

JoystiqIndustry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gamesjobskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationproject-copernicusps3wiixboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/#comments We've been pretty worried about the fate of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD's soundtrack after we caught word that the remake probably wouldn't have all of the songs featured in the first two Pro Skater titles, stemming from licensing issues and whatnot. Now that the complete soundtrack has been released, though, we're feeling a little more confident about hitting the asphalt goofy-style once more.

The complete track list can be found after the break, and we're glad to say that "Superman" by Goldfinger and "When Worlds Collide" by Powerman 5000 are both present and accounted for. The new replacement tracks include stylistically appropriate songs such as "Flyentology" by hip-hop artist El-P (featuring Trent Reznor). El-P once featured on the Del the Funky Homosapien track "Offspring," and Del's song "If You Must" was on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 soundtrack. If we're playing by Six Degrees of Separation rules, we can call that a winner.

Continue reading Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionel-pmicrosoftplaystationpowerman-5000ps3rodomodosoundtracksupermantony-hawk-pro-skater-hdtony-hawks-pro-skater-hdxboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Our own Alexander Sliwinski talks 38 Studios with Fox 25 News]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/#comments
Here at Joystiq, we spend most of our time hunched over laptops pumping out a steady stream of news for you to consume. But every now and again, one of us is ripped out from behind the comfort of our mobile workplace to talk gaming news with a mainstream outlet - today is such a day.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosalexander-sliwinskibig-huge-gamesfox-25-newskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmetarhode-islandtelevision-apperanceThu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2's Ancient Ogre bound to GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tekken-tag-tournament-2s-ancient-ogre-bound-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tekken-tag-tournament-2s-ancient-ogre-bound-to-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tekken-tag-tournament-2s-ancient-ogre-bound-to-gamestop/#comments Image
If you read yesterday's European pre-order news for Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and were left wondering how you could get Ancient Ogre in your life over here in the colonies, we now know, and the answer is ... GameStop.

GameStop pre-orders of TTT2 will get day-one access to four DLC characters: Ancient Ogre, Kunimitsu, Michelle Chang, and Angel. Best Buy and Amazon pre-orders only get Michelle Chang and Angel. Don't worry, though, we're sure the other two will be released as regular DLC soon enough.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 comes to PS3s worldwide September 10, and Xbox 360s in North America one day later.

Gallery: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Pre-order Characters)

Continue reading Tekken Tag Tournament 2's Ancient Ogre bound to GameStop

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2's Ancient Ogre bound to GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydlcgamestopmicrosoftplaystationps3Tekken-Tag-Tournament-2xboxThu, 24 May 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The politics of making games: Disconnect between 38 Studios and Rhode Island in quotes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/#comments ImageRhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee gathered his experts on finances and bond laws to discuss the dire situation of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning publisher 38 Studios today, opening with a clear summation: "It's not a good situation; I'm not here to deliver good news."

Just an hour before the conference, news broke that all 379 staff of 38 Studios and its property Big Huge Games had been laid off. Chafee's adviser John Savage answered the first question regarding the layoffs: "In my conversations today, there were no discussions about layoffs."

Chafee agreed, saying "nothing changed today," and the tone of the conference was effectively set.

Of the layoffs that his administration wouldn't acknowledge, Chafee suggested, "Well, they could be rehired. Some investor might come in."

In a related optimistic response, Chafee said he believes 38 Studios will be able to hit its payment benchmarks, banking on the "emotional attachment" of gamers to the Amalur universe. "I would suspect that they are going to be on time and at the proper amount," he said. "All that investment, all that adherement to benchmarks. I think is going to be accurate in the end."

At the moment, Chafee said he couldn't assign blame in the situation to anyone specifically, but he did say "that's gonna come over time if we're not successful in getting this company financially solvent."

To keep 38 Studios solvent will be "very, very expensive," Chafee said, taking "tens of millions of dollars" in marketing alone. These projections come from "industry experts," who also told Chafee that he was doing the right thing the entire time. "Every indication I got from all this process is that everything is going according to the business plan," Chafee said.

"I asked the experts: What could have we done better? And they were telling me, 'You did everything right. You put your money in, you supported the game, and you're better off not meddling.' If I had meddled there wouldn't be all this violence in these games, all the sexism."

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sold 1.2 million units in its first 90 days, but for 38 Studios to break even it would have had to sell 3 million, Chafee said. Even though 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling said the game "outperformed EA's projections," Chafee was forced to disagree.

"The game failed," he said.

JoystiqThe politics of making games: Disconnect between 38 Studios and Rhode Island in quotes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningThu, 24 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning had to sell 3M 'just to break even,' RI governor says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/#comments Despite Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning selling "1.22 million copies in its first 90 days" according to 38 Studios head Curt Schilling, it apparently never crested the 3 million mark it needed to break even. "The game failed, the game failed," Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a press conference this afternoon.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandsalesxboxThu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/dungeon-defenders-shifts-into-an-rts-with-summoner-hero-class/#comments
Image

Dungeon Defenders has expanded its perspective on PC and Mac gameplay (and probably life and love and stuff) with the new Summoner character, who can conduct battle from on high as if in an RTS. Overlord Mode allows the Summoner to supervise entire armies from a top-down perspective, altering the game entirely.

Along with omniscient battle control, the Summoner gets two pets, can levitate for 15 seconds, build an army from sentient crystal and basically wreak havoc on the battlefield, as the above video shows. The Summoner DLC pack is available via Steam for $4.

Gallery: Dungeon Defenders (Summoner Hero Class)

JoystiqDungeon Defenders shifts into an RTS with Summoner hero class originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCdungeon-defendershero-classmacpcreverb-publishingRTSsummonerTop-downtrendy-entertainmentThu, 24 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Skyrim update adds mounted combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/next-skyrim-update-adds-mounted-combat/#comments ImageBethesda is making good on all of the features seen in the Skyrim sizzle video, like the Kinect stuff added earlier this month and those snazzy new kill cams. The next addition to the game will be mounted combat, the Bethesda blog has revealed. Finally you will no longer need to dismount before you punch that dragon to death.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrolls-5microsoftmounted-combatpatchpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxThu, 24 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios and Big Huge Games lay off entire staffs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/#comments 38 Studios and Big Huge Games have both let go of their entire staffs, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Joystiq. Following reports that 38 Studios stopped paying staff on May 1, and just an hour before a scheduled press conference in Rhode Island addressing the recent 38 Studios financial debacle, both the Providence, RI-based 38 Studios and the Baltimore, MD-based Big Huge Games are no more.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesclosurelayoffslincoln-chafeerhode-islandThu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/#comments ImageAlliance operatives, word has come down from command - we've got a new directive for this weekend's Mass Effect 3 combat initiatives. Operation Shieldwall commences this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, but due to our failure with last week's Operation Silencer, expect to encounter more enemy Banshees out there.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicadam-saltsmanCanabaltiosipadiphonemobilesemi-secretsemi-secret-softwareupdateThu, 24 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/this-dude-can-control-a-pipe-organ-using-kinect/#comments
Image
Last year Dmitry Burov modded a Kinect to play the Melbourne Town Hall Organ, and he did it with way more style than any of those sweet Dance Central moves we've attempted to throw down in front of our own little camera boxes. The Melbourne Town Hall Organ is four stories tall, but Burov used his own software, Kinectar, with the organ's MIDI connection to play the whole thing from one moodily lit spot on the stage.

Burov and vocalist Elise Richards composed Carpe Zythum and performed it in November, and finally the full video will be available next week, Burove writes on Kinect Hacks. The above teaser plays a clip of the performance and reveals the madness behind the music, waving arms and invisible instruments included.

JoystiqThis dude can control a pipe organ using Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>composerDmitry-Burovkinectkinectarmelbournemelbourne-town-hall-organmidimusicxboxThu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet Vita box art is as joyous as you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/littlebigplanet-vita-box-art-is-as-joyous-as-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/littlebigplanet-vita-box-art-is-as-joyous-as-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/littlebigplanet-vita-box-art-is-as-joyous-as-youd-expect/#comments
Image

Media Molecule revealed the box art for LittleBigPlanet Vita, shown in its full glory below (that Sack Boy is naked, after all). The LBP team also dropped a behind-the-scenes video that describes how the collaboration between Media Molecule and developer Tarsier, well, developed.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet Vita box art is as joyous as you'd expect

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet Vita box art is as joyous as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-elevenlittlebigplanet-vitamedia-moleculeplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYtarsier-studiosvitaThu, 24 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo Jungle lets you put roller skates on an elephant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tokyo-jungle-lets-you-put-roller-skates-on-an-elephant/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tokyo-jungle-lets-you-put-roller-skates-on-an-elephant/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tokyo-jungle-lets-you-put-roller-skates-on-an-elephant/#comments ImageThe latest Tokyo Jungle screens, explained by Andriasang, introduce a lot about the PS3 game, like items that confer status effects on your animal (like, say, flea shampoo), and challenge missions that help you achieve higher rank and unlock more playable animals, and costumes for those animals.

But it's hard to pay attention to any of that stuff when there are screenshots of an elephant wearing giant roller skates. Repeat: an elephant wearing roller skates.

JoystiqTokyo Jungle lets you put roller skates on an elephant originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanplaystationps3tokyo-jungleThu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kick Zack so hard his fro comes off in Dead or Alive 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kick-zack-so-hard-his-fro-comes-off-in-dead-or-alive-5/#comments Image
The only thing worse than losing your fro mid-fight is getting run over by a tiger. In this match between Lei Fang and Zack in Dead or Alive 5, there's plenty of both.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5lei-fangmicrosoftplaystationps3team-ninjaTecmoTecmo-KoeixboxzackThu, 24 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/#comments ImageAfter thirty hours of incessantly clicking my mouse, I completed my first run of Diablo 3. Of course, the game could have been finished in far less time - I was constantly going back to explore every area to the fullest. Any dark space on my map, signaling an area I didn't explore, gnawed at my obsessive completionist attitude.

But it had me wondering: I know how long it took to get to my final destination and I'm well aware of the spoils obtained along the way, but what had I actually done in those hours? Strip away everything about a game and you may see a simple series of patterns. So when you take the game systems, graphics, and progress out of the equation, what does the pattern of playing Diablo 3 look like and is it ever different?

Gallery: Exploring Patterns in Diablo 3

Continue reading Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3

JoystiqExploring the patterns of Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDiablo-3macpatternspcstatisticsThu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC breaks out May 29/30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-breaks-out-may-29-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-breaks-out-may-29-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-breaks-out-may-29-30/#comments ImageIt's official. The "Rebellion Pack" multiplayer DLC for Mass Effect 3, including new "Firebase Jade" and "Firebase Goddess" environments, new Quarian, Vorcha, and Phoenix classes, and three new weapons, will be released next week. It was first pseudo-announced by Sony Hong Kong, but the listing was then pulled; today, EA finally confirmed the DLC.

If you'd like to join the Rebellion, you'll be able to do so May 29 on PC and Xbox Live worldwide and on PSN in North America; European PSN owners will be strategically deployed one day later. It's free for Online Pass owners (so if you don't have the Online Pass, it's $10 for that, and then the pack is free.)

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC breaks out May 29/30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rebellion-packrelease-datexboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live at E3: Journey, Skyrim, Diablo 3, Earthworm Jim and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/video-games-live-at-e3-journey-skyrim-diablo-3-earthworm-jim/#comments During the week of E3, on June 6, Video Games Live will take over the Nokia Theater L.A. Live arena. Being E3 and all, and L.A. being one of the most frequently played venues for Tommy Tallarico's live video game concert, this year he wanted to add some special scores - like Austin Wintory's Journey score, conducted by Wintory himself.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustin-wintorydonkey-kong-countrydse3-2012journeykinectmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psprussell-bowerskyrimsonytommy-tallaricovideo-games-livevitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light live-action trailer counts down to armageddon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/metro-last-lights-latest-live-action-trailer-counts-down-to-ar/#comments Image
In Metro 2033, we saw the effects of nuclear war 20 years out. In Metro: Last Light's latest trailer, we see that world ending, missiles and all. We'll thankfully have lots of time to prepare for the apocalypse given the game's recent delay into 2013.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gameslive-actionmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-update-game-and-watch-ga/#comments ImageIf you've got Mighty Switch Force, go download it again from the eShop later today. WayForward is updating it to a "New Edition" featuring the vocal stylings of a young Bobby Brown. Actually, it features five new levels, upgraded 3D effects, and a "retry" button.

If you'd like to buy something else while you're on the eShop, the Game Boy Game & Watch Gallery 2 is on the shop today, as is the DSiWare game Snakenoid Deluxe, which is, of course, Snake plus Arkanoid. And this Friday, you can get a Madagascar 3 trailer on Nintendo Video, to bring Chris Rock's voice with you everywhere.

And on Wii this week: nothing.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force update, Game & Watch Gallery 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopgame-and-watch-gallery-2mighty-switch-forcenintendonintendoware-weeklysnakenoidvirtual-consoleThu, 24 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/#comments GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

JoystiqGameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidGameFlyGameStoreiosipadiphonemobileThu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami and Autumn Games sued for fraud over $15 million Def Jam Rapstar loan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/konami-and-autumn-games-sued-for-fraud-over-15-million-def-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/konami-and-autumn-games-sued-for-fraud-over-15-million-def-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/konami-and-autumn-games-sued-for-fraud-over-15-million-def-jam/#comments ImageCity National Bank has sued Konami and Autumn Games for millions over allegations of fraud. Courthouse News reports the bank hasn't received any return on a $15 million line of credit it approved to the defendants, and in court documents claims the financial conditions of Autumn and Konami "were false at the time they were made and that defendants never had any intention of repaying the loan as promised."

"Rather than paying game-related proceeds directly to CNB as agreed, defendant have kept all game-related proceeds for themselves and have refused to remit any such proceeds to CNB."

City National Bank is seeking over $8.9 million in damages for "fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, money had and received, unjust enrichment, recovery of personal property, and punitive damages."

This isn't the first lawsuit the game has spawned. In March, EMI Music Group filed suit against Def Jam Rapstar creators 4mm Games and Terminal Reality, claiming the game contains unlicensed tracks by several artists.

JoystiqKonami and Autumn Games sued for fraud over $15 million Def Jam Rapstar loan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesCity-National-BankDef-Jam-Rapstarfraudkonamilawsuitmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 24 May 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity Rush review: Disorient Express]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gravity-rush-review-disorient-express/#comments ImageGravity Rush for PS Vita is a particular kind of superhero simulation I can't recall seeing before: not only is it an excellent approximation of what I imagine it's like to be a superhero, it approximates the life of a new superhero, with all the awkwardness that entails.

Protagonist Kat, who wakes up with no memories and a starfield-patterned cat companion that allows her to alter her personal gravity, is not terribly graceful with her abilities, as befits someone who just gained the power to fall in any direction. She is, however, immediately willing to help save her new friends from mysterious "gravity storms" eating away parts of the town, and the "Nevi" monsters that start creeping in, and her enthusiasm makes up for the growing pains.

Gallery: Gravity Rush (5/24/12)

Continue reading Gravity Rush review: Disorient Express

JoystiqGravity Rush review: Disorient Express originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gravitygravity-dazegravity-rushjapan-studioplaystationplaystation-vitasony-japansony-japan-studiovitaThu, 24 May 2012 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[JS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/js-joust-creators-respond-to-papa-quash-controversy/#comments ImageJohann Sebastian Joust developer Die Gute Fabrik deliberated over its response to inquiries about the similar iOS app Papa Quash for more than a day, delivering a comprehensive response on its blog last night. "To be clear, we've never given anyone permission to make a derivative version of any of our commercial products - existing or forthcoming," DGF said. "That said, the definition of 'derivative' is elusive. We generally don't believe that game mechanics themselves can or should be copyrighted or otherwise protected."

"We've also never requested any studio to pull any of its products," the studio added, referring obliquely to Papa Quash's removal from the App Store. "We believe that game developers have the responsibility to decide for themselves what is "over the line" in terms of cloning vs. innovating (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights)." As for the specific case of Papa Quash, Die Gute Fabrik demurred from outright calling it a clone - while still expressing disappointment about cloning in general.

In an email to Joystiq, Die Gute Fabrik lead game designer Douglas Wilson provided clarification about the email conversation that took place between Papa Quash creator Sam Pepper and DGF.

"Sam Pepper did email me back in January," Wilson said. "However, I never gave him 'permission' to develop Papa Quash. In his emails, he told me about his general plans to make a motion control game, which he indicated was different from J.S. Joust. He never provided a well-formulated game/design, and as such, there simply was nothing to 'approve.'"

According to Wilson, the decision to pull Papa Quash was not his. "I spoke with Steve Bittan from Ustwo last night, and I made it clear that the determination was theirs (and potentially Sam Pepper's) to make as to whether the game is "different" enough (separate from legal obligations regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights). I don't harbor any animosity towards Ustwo or Sam Pepper."

JoystiqJS Joust creators respond to Papa Quash controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>die-gute-fabrikdouglas-wilsoniosiphonejohann-sebastian-joustmacmobilepapa-quashpcsam-pepperustwoThu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-cave-opens-up-to-adventurers-in-2013-care-of-ron-gilbert-an/#comments
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers - including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler - finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.

The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)

The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle buried deep within in The Cave. With a "New Grog" vending machine (among other inharmonious objects) cropping up in the network's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.

He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.

Gallery: The Cave

JoystiqThe Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013double-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnrelease-dateron-gilbertsegathe-cavexblaxboxThu, 24 May 2012 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgamestop-expogamestop-expo-2012Wed, 23 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/#comments Mass Effect: Infiltrator - developed by the same team responsible for the mobile version of Dead Space - is now available for download in the Google Play store for $6.99.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-gamesgoogle-playmass-effect-3mass-effect-infiltratormobileWed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: 22 Cans conducting '22 Experiments,' first one due in 6 weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/molyneux-22-cans-conducting-22-experiments-first-one-due-in/#comments ImagePeter Molyneux's new studio is going to create his greatest game ever, but first it plans to make 22 of the almost greatest games ever. 22 Cans, Molyneux's studio, is rolling out a project called 22 Experiments, a series of digital releases leading up to the "final product," Molyneux told Beefjack.

The first experiment could drop in as few as six weeks for undisclosed platforms. Molyneux said the projects are "very very different, unusual, I think very intriguing things," probably because that's his thing. During a talk at Imperial College London's GaME12 event, Molyneux provided a vague vision for the direction of his studio, saying he wants to use current technology in ways no one else has, and sharing the following idea:

"I love this one thought, and I have experimented with this in previous games, that you find out more about yourself while being engaged with this experience than [you would] with anything else. And we all love finding out about ourselves - whether it's through personality tests, or someone turning around to you and saying X, Y and Z."

We look forward to a seriously introspective game of 22 Questions starting in six weeks.

JoystiqMolyneux: 22 Cans conducting '22 Experiments,' first one due in 6 weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cans22-ExperimentsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcPeter-Molyneuxplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken Tag Tournament 2 drops worldwide on Sept. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/tekken-tag-tournament-2-drops-worldwide-on-sept-10/#comments ImageThe console version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will hit PS3s and 360s the world over with a lightning-infused glove come the week of September 10, 2012 -- just four days shy of the game's one-year arcade anniversary Japan.

Coming from Namco Bandai's European wing, the announcement was accompanied by news of pre-order bonuses and a European collector's edition, as seen above. Pre-ordering from Shopto will net you Michelle Chang and Angel as bonus fighters, whereas a pre-order from Zavvi includes Kunimitsu and Ancient Ogre, all of which can be seen in the gallery below.

Meanwhile, the "We Are Tekken" collector's edition includes a metal case, the game's soundtrack, a remix album, a behind-the-scenes DVD, a 200-plus page hardcover artbook (and the game itself).

We've reached out to Namco Bandai to find out if any of these bonuses will be making it stateside.

Gallery: Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Pre-order Characters)

JoystiqTekken Tag Tournament 2 drops worldwide on Sept. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editionmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3release-dateTekken-Tag-Tournament-2TTT2xboxWed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 EST