Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[IGN acquired by Ziff Davis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/ign-acquired-by-ziff-davis/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/ign-acquired-by-ziff-davis/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/ign-acquired-by-ziff-davis/#comments IGN acquired by Ziff Davis IGN and its related sites have been acquired by j2 Global through its Ziff Davis subsidiary. Although the sale price was undisclosed, Bloomberg cites sources who claim it was less than the $100 million News Corp was asking for the bundle. Ziff Davis will now take over IGN, UGO, 1UP and AskMen.com. According to j2, these sites have over 600 advertisers and 53 million global monthly unique visitors.

The historical context for all this gets crazy and incestuous, so strap in, we'll try to make this easy. The zombie Ziff Davis at the heart of this current deal was acquired by j2 Global for $167 million in late 2012, after Ziff's years of financial difficulty and bankruptcy.

The incarnation of Ziff Davis that game industry watchers probably remember is the one that once upon a time ran 1UP and EGM. Those properties were sold in 2009 to the Hearst corporation, which had also acquired UGO earlier. This led to the death of EGM and reinterpretation of 1UP.

Two years later, News Corp., which owned IGN, took over the Hearst properties and, thusly, the former Ziff Davis site 1UP and Hearst's UGO.

So, now, here we are, with the reincarnated Ziff Davis taking over IGN. We think we got all that right.

JoystiqIGN acquired by Ziff Davis originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upacqusitionignj2ugoMon, 04 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Relaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/07/relaunched-egm-subscriptions-now-available-magazine-details-rem/#comments Hey, you remember EGM, right? The gaming mag that folded in January 2009 when 1UP/EGM was sold by Ziff-Davis Media to Hearst/UGO? And then the original publisher Steve Harris purchased it for a relaunch earlier this year, only to find out that the relaunch was pushed to April? We have to imagine that, by now, you're positively itching to put your money down on a subscription (if you haven't already subscribed to Kill Screen, of course). It would appear that your wish has been granted, as EGM has officially opened the door to its subscription portal, promising savings of 70 percent off the newsstand price.

For 32 issues and access to "EGMi: The Digital Magazine," US customers are looking at dropping $14.99, while 64 issues (as well as the aforementioned digital mag access) will cost $24.99 -- Canadian subscribers are looking at $34.99 and $54.99 for 32 and 64 issues, respectively, minus the digital version. Though we've yet to receive any real idea of the magazine's content, Harris has already signed on ex-EGMers Dan "Shoe" Hsu and Demian Linn, as well as the Co-Op folks, to fill those shoes (or "Hsu's," as it were). We'll certainly find out more this April when the first issue is scheduled to hit subscribers and newsstands.

Update: To be clear, the $14.99 and $24.99 subscription deals actually equal a half year or full year of physical magazines (one per month; six and 12, respectively), as detailed in the fine print. "Your subscription includes either six print issues and 26 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 32 issues OR 12 print issues and 52 premium digital issues of EGM[I]: The Digital Magazine for a total of 64 issues." Confusing enough for you?

JoystiqRelaunched EGM subscriptions now available, magazine details remain hazy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upco-opdan-hsudemian-linnegmegm-nowelectronic-gaming-monthlyemgi-the-digital-magazinehearstkill-screenprint-mediasteve-harrisugoziff-davisSun, 07 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spector-explains-disparity-between-disney-epic-mickey-concept-sh/#comments
If you're anything like us, you may have felt a bit ... underwhelmed by the recently released screenshots of Warren Spector-lead project Disney Epic Mickey, especially when compared to the magic-filled concept art leaked so many weeks ago. Speaking to 1UP in a recent interview, Spector says he works on creating concept art that will find the metaphorical "line" by "pushing past it." For him, it is a question of finding the boundaries for not just himself and his development team, but also Disney. "I know where my lines are, but I don't know where Disney's are."

He additionally teases, "Some of what you saw was beyond the line ... some of it was early design ideas that are no longer relevant ... some of it is stuff that's still in the game, and I'm not saying what." If the recent steady stream of information on Disney Epic Mickey continues, we'll likely see at least a few of those original concepts in their current form at a point in the not-too-distant future.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey


Gallery: Epic Mickey concept art

JoystiqSpector explains disparity between Disney Epic Mickey concept shots and reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upconcept-artdisneydisney-epic-mickeydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickeyjunction-point-studiosmickey-mouseNintendoscreenshotswarren-spectorWiiThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kojima and Desilets trade praise over Assassin's Creed 2 and Peace Walker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/kojima-and-desilets-trade-praise-over-assassins-creed-2-and-pea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/kojima-and-desilets-trade-praise-over-assassins-creed-2-and-pea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/kojima-and-desilets-trade-praise-over-assassins-creed-2-and-pea/#comments
Assassin's Creed 2 head Patrice Désilets and MGS: Peace Walker head Hideo Kojima had a war of compliments in the most recent issue of Famitsu. It seems that the two gentlemen have a bit of a game industry bromance going on, lauding the other's current project in a back and forth translated by 1UP. "I think there are three games that stand out above the rest of the pack in the remainder of this year. One is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, one is Uncharted 2, and the third is Assassin's Creed II," said Kojima.

"If I had to give my impression of Peace Walker, I'd have to say that I want to play more," Désilets responded. "It was great fun; I can't wait for the retail version." Kojima expanded a bit on his appreciation for Désilets' "focus on game design" over style, and said that he's currently considering the possibility of them "maybe, kinda" going steady. Okay, we made up that last part.

JoystiqKojima and Desilets trade praise over Assassin's Creed 2 and Peace Walker originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upassassins-creedassassins-creed-2famitsuhideo-kojimametal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerMicrosoftpatrice-desiletspeace-walkerXbox-360Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5's Yamauchi: 'We could release it any time we want']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/gran-turismo-5s-yamauchi-we-could-release-it-any-time-we-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/gran-turismo-5s-yamauchi-we-could-release-it-any-time-we-want/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/gran-turismo-5s-yamauchi-we-could-release-it-any-time-we-want/#comments
Gran Turismo 5's Kazunori Yamauchi says he could give you his studio's next entry in the venerable racing-sim series right now ... but he won't. Speaking with Famitsu last week (translated by 1UP), the Polyphony Digital studio head explains that while "We could release it any time we want," he's more interested in trying to give the game "that classic GT-style." And though "daily progress is slow," the Japanese developer assures us that "it's still going forward at a steady clip."

Unlike the PSP iteration's somewhat lackluster feature set, Yamauchi intends on going "way beyond gamer expectations" with GT5, even confirming the export of cars earned in GT PSP to next March's PS3 sequel. We're hoping he goes way beyond our expectations as well and delivers the game to other territories in a more timely fashion.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5

JoystiqGran Turismo 5's Yamauchi: 'We could release it any time we want' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfamitsugran-turismogran-turismo-5kazunori-yamauchipolyphonypolyphony-digitalracingsimTue, 13 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Garnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/garnett-lee-becomes-editorial-director-for-gamefly-media-includ/#comments 1UP editor and podcast personality Garnett Lee has joined GameFly to become the editorial director for all of the game rental service's media properties. He will now take charge of GameFly's recently acquired and created sites, which include Shacknews, FileShack, Ponged and Gameanswers.com.

Lee was one of the few survivors in the great 1UP culling that occurred earlier this year, when the former Ziff-Davis property was purchased by UGO. GameFly, as we've mentioned before, is slowly shifting from its core competency of being a game rental service to becoming an internet publishing outfit.

Update: We spoke with Garnett Lee and his comments about the change are after the break.

Continue reading Garnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update]

JoystiqGarnett Lee becomes editorial director for GameFly media, including Shacknews [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbusinessgameflygarnett-leemediaugoTue, 29 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix near to announcing another Nier game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/square-enix-near-to-announcing-another-nier-game/#commentsIt might not be the game we were most excited by at E3 2009, but upcoming action game Nier is apparently already getting the franchise treatment. According to a two-page ad spotted by 1UP in the most recent Famitsu, "Nier Replicant" is set to be detailed in next week's issue of the Japanese magazine.

The spread features a scantily clad white-haired lady with a single line of text that reads, "Beyond revenge lies crazed desperation." Given the absolute dearth of information we have on the Nier franchise, we're sorry to say we can offer little more than our furrowed brow to assuage your confusion over Replicant's tagline. We do know that the name could very well change before it's formally announced on Western shores, as Nier was recently announced in the same edition of Famitsu as "Nier Gestalt" -- known as to us as just Nier. It appears as though at least some of our questions will be answered in next week's issue.

Gallery: Nier


[Image credit]

JoystiqSquare Enix near to announcing another Nier game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upadvertisemente3-2009famitsuniernier-replicantsquaresquare-enixThu, 10 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bayonetta coming to Japan this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/bayonetta-coming-to-japan-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/bayonetta-coming-to-japan-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/bayonetta-coming-to-japan-this-october/#comments
Bayonetta has received a release date of October 29 in Japan, reports 1UP. Not only that, but those who pre-order the game in the region will also receive a CD entitled "Rodin's Selection." The soundtrack disc contains ... well, we don't exactly know, but it comes in a neat case, designed to look like a pub menu.

We've contacted Sega to see if it's still planning on a simultaneous global release for the game. We'll update if we hear back.

JoystiqBayonetta coming to Japan this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbayonettajapanMicrosoftpre-ordersegaXbox-360Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new characters for King of Fighters XII coming home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/two-new-characters-for-king-of-fighters-xii-coming-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/two-new-characters-for-king-of-fighters-xii-coming-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/10/two-new-characters-for-king-of-fighters-xii-coming-home/#comments
In addition to the ultra smooth (and likely quite sophisticated) King of Fighters XII anti-aliasing graphical update, it appears as though the home version of the game will be coming with two new characters. Elizabeth Blanctorche and a character known only as "Mature" will be joining the ranks of the already 20-character strong roster as a result of the move to console from arcades.

1UP claims the game's Japanese language website also teases, "the art of K' and Mai Shiranui in the style of KOFXII," though it remains unconfirmed whether or not the console release will see more exclusive characters. The game releases this July, and in the meantime, we'll be over here looking through the beautiful gallery full of artwork we already have.

[Via 1UP]

Gallery: King of Fighters XII (March 16)

JoystiqTwo new characters for King of Fighters XII coming home originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 May 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upelizabeth-blanctorcheking-of-fightersking-of-fighters-xiiMicrosoftsnksnk-playmoresnkplaymoreXbox-360Sun, 10 May 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Differences between FFXIII demo and retail version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/rumor-differences-between-ffxiii-demo-and-retail-versions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/rumor-differences-between-ffxiii-demo-and-retail-versions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/rumor-differences-between-ffxiii-demo-and-retail-versions/#comments
A fan on 2ch has a list of expected differences between Final Fantasy XIII's demo and retail versions, cobbled together from statements made in Famitsu, Famitsu PS3 and Dengeki PlayStation. 1UP reports the list is everything that FFXIII director, Motomu Toriyama, claims will be changed. A bento sampler:
  • Battles will be harder in the retail version.
  • Players can issue orders to party members in the final build.
  • Most important: The Final Fantasy victory song will be present in the final game.
Check out the full list of alleged changes over at 1UP.

JoystiqRumor: Differences between FFXIII demo and retail version originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xiiisquare-enixThu, 23 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix teams with V Jump mag on 'epic' project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/square-enix-teams-with-v-jump-mag-on-epic-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/square-enix-teams-with-v-jump-mag-on-epic-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/square-enix-teams-with-v-jump-mag-on-epic-project/#commentsJapanese isn't exactly our strong suit here at Joystiq, though one intrepid staffer has the ability to make those crazy shapes interpretable. And he's explained that the teaser for next month's issue of J-mag V Jump has some enticingly vague information about an upcoming collaboration between the magazine and publisher Square Enix.

Out of the six lines of indecipherable glyphs (to our gaijin eyes, at least), he gleaned this gem: "Together with Square Enix, we're producing the next generation epic 'Project V!' Could your ideas become reality!?" For clarity's sake, the snippet isn't referring to that other Project V.

We're not quite sure our ideas will become reality, but we suspect we'll at least find out more about the partnership in next month's issue. (And if you're one of those people with the amazing ability to read Japanese, you'll want to head over to the magazine's website and look out for the symbol you see on the right.)

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqSquare Enix teams with V Jump mag on 'epic' project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upjapaneseproject-vsquare-enixv-jumpWed, 22 Apr 2009 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePro to publish indie games, free magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/gamepro-to-publish-indie-games-free-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/gamepro-to-publish-indie-games-free-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/gamepro-to-publish-indie-games-free-magazine/#comments
Set to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, GamePro -- and parent company IDG -- has made an unexpected announcement: it's getting into the business of publishing games. As reported by GameDaily, the newly formed label, GamePro Labs, will focus on publishing games from independent developers.

The label's official site makes mention of Xbox 360, PC, Zune, iPhone and PlayStation Network platforms, but is light on specific release plans. Game submissions are being accepted, although GamePro does say it will only be publishing a limited number of tiles each year. The company will act as a sort of "middleman" between indie devs and platformer holders, in addition to handling payouts and "regular promotion in GamePro Magazine." The latter hopefully refers to ad space and not any sort of paid editorial consideration. Titles from three currently signed developers will be announced at GDC later this month.

GamePro has also announced plans to produce a free, custom edition of its magazine for distribution exclusively at 7-Eleven stores. The convenience chain began selling games last year (and breaking street dates on them shortly thereafter).

JoystiqGamePro to publish indie games, free magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up7-elevengameprogamepro-labsiphonepsnxblaxnaziff-daviszuneMon, 09 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cory Barlog penning a script for Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/cory-barlog-penning-a-script-for-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/cory-barlog-penning-a-script-for-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/10/cory-barlog-penning-a-script-for-sony/#commentsDid you know Cory Barlog has an awesome name? That's not actually what this post is about, but we spend hours wondering why the ex-God of War II director doesn't just go the whole hog and get those R and L letters swapped round. Anyway, in a recent interview with 1UP, Barlog reveals that he's working on a script for Sony. It's unclear what this script is for, whether it's for a game or some other project. A movie perhaps?

Whatever it is, Barlog says that it'll be "something that everyone's fairly familiar with." A God of War movie script then, maybe? We know a movie is in development and who better to write the script than someone who has worked so closely with the franchise? It's all speculation at this point, but we're certainly intrigued to find out more. Hopefully soon.

JoystiqCory Barlog penning a script for Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcory-barloggod-of-wargod-of-war-iiiinterviewTue, 10 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former EGMer Dan Hsu launches new video show, Cut Scene]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/former-egmer-dan-hsu-launches-new-video-show-cut-scene/#comments
Though he wasn't ousted by the 1UPocolypse, we're always happy to see a former EGM-er land on his feet. That's the good news we got today when Game Cinema HD revealed their new show, "Cut Scene," starring real-life sweethearts Raychul Moore and former EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu.

We're a little cautious of the show's proposed formula, which seems to be a blend of video game talk and inter-couple strife, but we'll hold out judgment until the first episode of the show (which is specifically designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch) appears.

JoystiqFormer EGMer Dan Hsu launches new video show, Cut Scene originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcut-scenedan-hsuegmgchdThu, 05 Feb 2009 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Dan Hsu working on new project with ex-EGM/1UP staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/dan-hsu-working-on-new-project-with-ex-egm-1up-staff/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like the alums of the EGM/1UP era aren't ready to call it quits. 1UP Show staff have already moved onto a new video project, CO-OP. Former EGM editor-in-chief Dan Hsu is also working on an unrelated project also featuring ex-EGM/1UP staff, as revealed on his personal blog. Demian Linn, former executive producer of The 1UP Show and GameVideos.com will be Shoe's primary business partner. Other ex-1UPers ready to contribute include Michael Donahoe, Greg Ford, Crispin Boyer, and Karen Chu, former "art star at 1UP.com."

Hsu is also calling up on the dedication of EGM fans by inviting donations on his blog. Contributions already made have gone toward covering the initial costs of starting this new venture. Hsu is currently looking for investors, a difficult prospect in this economic environment. "If you know any really rich people who would like to see a bunch of ex-EGM and 1UP guys get a new project off the ground, we could sure use the help," he notes in his blog. "This will be a legitimate, revenue-producing business."

[Update: We've made edits to reflect the following: Ms. Chu emailed to clarify that despite being referred to as the "art star at 1UP.com" she was not, in fact, the "art director." Additionally, our original post stated that the list of people, including Chu, would "join the staff" of Hsu's venture; we've clarified the freelance nature of this relationship.]
[Image]

JoystiqDan Hsu working on new project with ex-EGM/1UP staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1updan-hsuegmWed, 21 Jan 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP Show staff returns as Area 5 with new show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/1up-show-staff-returns-as-area-5-with-new-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/1up-show-staff-returns-as-area-5-with-new-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/1up-show-staff-returns-as-area-5-with-new-show/#commentsFiled under:


Unwilling to let a little thing like no longer being gainfully employed slow them down, the 1UP Show team of Ryan O'Donnell, Matt Chandronait, Cesar Quintero and Jay Frechette have returned with a brand new moniker -- Area 5 -- and a brand new show called CO-OP. The very first episode, available right after the break, features a bevy of former, current and very recently current 1UP staffers recounting their top games of last year.

The show currently has no advertising or revenue model, so if you like what you see and hear, perhaps a PayPal tip would be in order.

Continue reading 1UP Show staff returns as Area 5 with new show

Joystiq1UP Show staff returns as Area 5 with new show originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-showarea-5Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Counting Rupees: Oh, magazine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/counting-rupees-oh-magazine/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming:

With the end of the holidays came the news that EGM is being shuttered. These are disappointing days for many people, not least the hard-working staff that contributed to the respected magazine. I think that the occasion probably merits a mention as much for its inevitability as its sadness.

In days in which even large, mainstream print publications are facing severe financial difficulties, it seems all too obvious that smaller, niche publications are going to face similar pressures. And gaming magazines seem to me to be among the most vulnerable, for several reasons.

Continue reading Counting Rupees: Oh, magazine

JoystiqCounting Rupees: Oh, magazine originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPCounting-RupeesEGMPrintUGOFri, 16 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP's Shane Bettenhausen heads to Ignition Entertainment [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/1ups-shane-bettenhausen-heads-to-ignition-entertainment/#commentsFiled under:


First, a confession: our original headline for this post was "Shane turns down Sony PR job, goes with smaller publisher" - that is, until we heard the kids at Rebel FM jokingly suggest that blogs would use exactly that as a headline. Oh yeah, smart guys? Well, we didn't!

Moving on. So, 1UP's Shane Bettenhausen did turn down a Sony PR job ... several years ago. [Update: Shane writes that he "misspoke" and "never interviewed for the position" - so you can stop writing those scathing forum posts, platform conspiracy theorists.] Right now, the recently laid-off Bettenhausen has taken a gig as Director of Business Development (we call that BizDev, folks) at "smaller publisher" Ignition Entertainment. Says Bettenhausen: "they're not on the map as much as other big publishers." Then why take the position, when fellow 1UP alums have moved onto places like Bungie and 2K Boston? At Ignition, Bettenhausen would get to "choose which games to publish" - in other words, he'd rather be a big fish in a smaller pond. Not a bad plan. Up next from Ignition: Blue Dragon Plus for the DS.

To get the full story straight from Shane himself, tune into the latest Rebel FM podcast at around the one hour 21 minute mark. (Bonus: Listen for Shane's comment that the "rise of blogs - Kotaku and Joystiq - completely reshaped the landscape." Great! Now we can add "landscaper" to the old CV).

Joystiq1UP's Shane Bettenhausen heads to Ignition Entertainment [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPEGMIgnition-EntertainmentShane-BettenhausenZiff-DavisWed, 14 Jan 2009 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Boobs! Sweeping changes coming to 1UP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/boobs-sweeping-new-changes-coming-to-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/boobs-sweeping-new-changes-coming-to-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/boobs-sweeping-new-changes-coming-to-1up/#commentsFiled under:


As UGO's purchase of 1UP continues to send shock waves across the gaming landscape, details about what to expect under the site's new overlords have begun to emerge. Or rather, what we could have expected. 1UP's Scott Sharkey drops his synergistic ideas for a new site comprised of lists, boobs and lots of both. But alas, Scott's been promptly muzzled by his new handlers.

Don't worry, though. Joystiq plans to "borrow" all of your fine ideas, Scott, for our new megasite: JoyDaily.com -- brought to you by AOL's TMZ!

JoystiqBoobs! Sweeping changes coming to 1UP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPboobslistsUGOTue, 13 Jan 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP FM lives on (sort of) as Rebel FM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/1up-fm-lives-on-sort-of-as-rebel-fm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/1up-fm-lives-on-sort-of-as-rebel-fm/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/1up-fm-lives-on-sort-of-as-rebel-fm/#commentsFiled under:

After the 1UPocalypse, the various pieces and people of the network were scattered to the wind. But like cockroaches that will rule our post-armageddon world, some of the team continues to live on. Beginning today, you can check out former staffers Anthony Gallegos, Nick Suttner, Philip Kollar, Matt Chandronait, Ryan O'Donnell and others in their new podcast, Rebel FM.

We're still broken up about the massive cuts, but we're happy to see that our friends have kept their fighting spirit. Show them some love and give them a listen, what do you say? Or, go ahead and subscribe on iTunes.

Joystiq1UP FM lives on (sort of) as Rebel FM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1uprebel-fmFri, 09 Jan 2009 01:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Final EGM issue to be 'printed' on 1UP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/final-egm-issue-to-be-printed-on-1up/#commentsFiled under: ,


R.I.P. Electronic Gaming Monthly
1989-2009

EGM's departing final editor-in-chief, James Mielke, has posted the magazine's last cover on his blog, revealing that the issue will be available to read (in hi-res) on 1UP. Protip: You can print it out and put it in your mailbox out of respect for the publication's demise.

Mielke's post goes on to discuss his eight-month stint in the captain's chair -- following the departure of longtime editor Dan Hsu -- and features candid images of the mag's final days. Toward the end of the piece, Mielke claims the EGM circulation was between 550-650K and its death "was simply a matter of UGO wanting a website, not a magazine."

Bonus: Here's an image of nearly every EGM cover, ever! [Via GameCulture]

JoystiqFinal EGM issue to be 'printed' on 1UP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyugoziff-davisThu, 08 Jan 2009 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[UGO boss tells his side of the story; world listens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/#commentsFiled under:


It's like this: there are two sides to every story (even stories about things with more than two sides, apparently). Take last night's 1UP / UGO situation (UGO-gate? 1UP-ton?). On the surface, that certainly appeared to be a gruesome bloodletting, with the entirety of EGM's staff let go, the magazine shuttered, and much of 1UP's popular media production teams sent packing. That's certainly not good news for any of the affected, including Ziff's community.

But, inversely, it's no secret that EGM and other video game mags (not to mention the entire print journalism industry in general) aren't doing so well - one need only peruse themediaisdying for a moment to get the idea. From UGO's point of view, they weren't laying people off, but hiring 24 new employees and expanding the UGO workforce by 33%. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer, UGO chief J Moses says that "the simple reality is that we only wanted to buy 1UP and related sites" and that "closing EGM has absolutely nothing to do with UGO."

What about all those podcasts and video shows? 1UP's Sam Kennedy - who agrees that UGO is not the bad guy - tells MTV that "the Retronauts podcast will continue" and there are "some possibilities" regarding the future of the 1UP Yours podcast. As for the The 1UP Show video podcast? It's "more up in the air," according to MTV. So, dear readers (and angry 1UP / EGM fans), does this help you understand the situation? Empathize with UGO? Still gwumpy? Sound off in the comments.

JoystiqUGO boss tells his side of the story; world listens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPbreakingnewsUGOWed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP director Sam Kennedy: UGO not 'the bad guy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-director-sam-kennedy-says-ugo-is-not-the-bad-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-director-sam-kennedy-says-ugo-is-not-the-bad-guy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-director-sam-kennedy-says-ugo-is-not-the-bad-guy/#commentsFiled under: ,


The closure of games mag EGM and accompanying staff reductions at 1UP had many gamers pointing the finger at UGO. It seems unfathomable that so many longtime industry veterans would find themselves out of a job. Even a day later, it's difficult to truly understand the repercussions of the UGO-1UP merger.

Sam Kennedy, director of the 1UP Network, may have come off as a bit too cheery in yesterday's press release. However, a post on NeoGAF reiterates his belief that UGO's purchase of 1UP is ultimately the best (and perhaps only viable) option left for the community. "There's no way to rationalize this for most people, and I don't want to sugarcoat anything," he says. "Fact: 1UP was a business that was losing money. Fact: This economy sucks and the ad market is diminished.

"UGO did what they could to, what I consider, 'save' 1UP. Obviously, all of us would have wanted to see things go differently - most of all me, considering I just lost many of my closest friends as coworkers and employees today ... If any company out there would have been willing to support us as we were, they certainly didn't step up. The only company that really did was UGO, and they did their very best to continue 1UP."

While things are obviously going to be shaky for the 1UP Network in the coming weeks, Kennedy is hopeful that affected podcasts and writers will be able to return in the future. "I have a commitment from the UGO guys that they -- now, actually, we -- are going to do whatever we can to help these guys out and look for ways to continue these shows with them and/or to look into possibilities for new shows in the future. I'm not saying everything will be back to 'normal' as you knew it anytime soon, but I am saying there should be some good things to look forward to in the future."

[Via Rosenberg's Ramblings, blog of UGO contributor]

Joystiq1UP director Sam Kennedy: UGO not 'the bad guy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upsam-kennedyugoWed, 07 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Assessing the damage at 1UP [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/assessing-the-damage-at-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/assessing-the-damage-at-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/assessing-the-damage-at-1up/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Ziff-Davis CEO Jason Young's message to his company -- including current 1UP Network staff -- today, along with coordinated press releases regarding 1UP's sale to UGO, painted a picture of strength in (and growth of) the 1UP brand, we've begun to hear reports quite to the contrary. Several key members of the 1UP staff have announced their termination via Twitter messages and posts to the NeoGAF forums.

There's very little in the form of official word as to changes at 1UP at present, apart from Young's assertion that "more scale is necessary [for 1UP] to effectively compete in this market segment." Based on what we do know, the only scaling going on is in a backwards and downwards direction. Joystiq -- and many of our readers -- are great fans of the 1UP team's work, and care about what happens to these folks. We'll be keeping you posted after the break with the latest as it develops.

Continue reading Assessing the damage at 1UP [update]

JoystiqAssessing the damage at 1UP [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1upshowlayoffsugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/#commentsFiled under: ,


Within hours of our earlier post regarding 1UP's reported sale to the Hearst-owned UGO network, the deal was confirmed in individual press releases from both entities. Additionally, Ziff-Davis has made official the closure of EGM after nearly 20 years of publication. It's January issue -- currently on sale -- will be its last.

1UP editorial director, Sam Kennedy, is quoted in the release, saying that the site's staff is "extremely excited to join the UGO team." UGO's release states that 1UP.com will operate as a separate entity and implies that its current staff will remain in place. The sale to Hearst also includes GameVideos.com, MyCheats.com and GameTab.com.

The shuttering of EGM -- the oldest multi-platform games magazine in the US -- leaves GamePro and Game Informer as the last bastions of what, with today's news, continues to be the dying breed of print media.

Update: There's not much in the way of new info, but Gamasutra got their mitts on an internal email from Ziff CEO Jason Young, who tells the staff that "more scale is necessary to effectively compete in this market segment." So UGO's planning to keep growing 1UP? Then why kill off the 1UP Show and layoff 30+ people? One other note: Ziff "will continue to operate the Filefront business as a part of the PCMag Digital Network." More as we hear it.

Source - Ziff-Davis press release
Source - UGO press release

JoystiqOfficial: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingnewsegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyhearstjs-twitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/#commentsFiled under:


Update: As you can see here, it's official.

Earlier today, media business site paidContent.org reported that video game media hub 1UP had been sold to Hearst (which runs competing hub UGO), and that the organization would be shuttering Electronic Gaming Monthly. You may remember that we reported that both moves were under discussion last month. PaidContent's report has since been pulled, but the full details were related by former 1UPer John Davison's What They Play. WTP then reported that sources had told them that the story would be validated or denied tomorrow.

If this is on the level (and we have no reason to think it's not), it's a sad day for fans of video game magazines and game journalism in general. If it comes to pass, here's hoping everyone affected lands on their feet.

JoystiqPaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upBreakingNewsegmJS-TwitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: UGO in high-level talks to buy 1UP; EGM not part of deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/exclusive-ugo-in-high-level-talks-to-buy-1up-egm-not-part-of-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Multiple sources in and around Ziff Davis Media have told Joystiq that UGO Entertainment is on the verge of finalizing a deal to buy parts of Ziff's 1UP Network, including 1up.com, GameVideos.com and MyCheats.com.

The sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the talks, confirmed to Joystiq that the companies were in "very advanced talks" regarding the sale of many of Ziff's popular gaming web sites. 1UP Network editorial staff were reportedly informed of the potential sale in an all-hands meeting Tuesday and UGO executives will reportedly be flying out to meet with the Ziff staff as soon as Wednesday. Few details of the potential buyout plan are known at this time, but UGO reportedly plans to keep the Ziff sites operating independently as separate entities with their own branding, rather than subsuming them fully into the UGO Entertainment Network.

Our sources also report that UGO has little to no interest in purchasing either Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine or FileFront.com, two wavering pillars of Ziff's increasingly shaky Game Group. Ziff has had particular trouble selling ads for upcoming issues of EGM, suggesting that the February issue might be the final one for the long-running magazine, our sources reported. This adds credence to recent reports that Ziff may be looking to transform EGM into an online-only property. Ziff has been looking for a buyer for the beleaguered Game Group for at least two years.

UGO Entertainment started off in 1997 as Unified Gamers Online and currently attracts over 35 million unique monthly visitors to its general lifestyle portal at UGO.com. In July of 2007 the UGO Network was acquired by mega-publishing conglomerate Hearst Corporation. The network's current properties include GamingTarget.com, GameCheats.com and RPG-focused site GameBanshee.com, as well as celebrity-focused sites like At Pictures.

JoystiqExclusive: UGO in high-level talks to buy 1UP; EGM not part of deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingnewsEGMelectronic-gaming-monthlyexclusiveGameCheatsGameVideosGamingTargetMyCheatsrumorUGOWed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Mushroom Feast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/its-a-mario-world-mushroom-feast/#commentsFiled under:


Commence with the spending frenzy! Black Friday's door-busting sales and no-holds-barred consumer fistfights initiate holiday shopping today, and that means the annual limited-edition Nintendo swag is now being clawed from store shelves. As many of you know, this year is no slouch with two new DS Lite colors, one of which is a phenomenal Mario-red. No cause for alarm; some foaming at the mouth is to be expected. Almost harder to believe is DS Fanboy's current giveaway where one lucky reader will take it home free. The rest of us can bag it at Amazon.com while supplies last.

ANYWAYS. We still have a gallery this week amidst all of the excitement. It started out as a series of photographs capturing every possible angle of the aforementioned DS Lite, but that didn't quite work. Instead, being so stuffed with Thanksgiving turkey and delicious pumpkin pie, we couldn't help thinking about what comprises Mario's diet. The short answer? Mushrooms. Lots of them. Seriously, what is it about fungus? Chomp down on our new gallery in which you'll taste a smorgasbord of 'shroom varieties Mario has consumed throughout his career. Yum.
It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated: We'll incessantly ruminate about mustache wax, debate the curious whereabouts of the princess and covet the luminous power stars strewn about the galaxy. Check back here every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps.

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Mushroom Feast originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upitemsits-a-mario-worldjoystiqfeaturesmario-brothersmushroomspower-upspowerupssuper-mario-bros.Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: WiiWare sales for third-party devs in the hundreds?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/rumor-wiiware-sales-for-third-party-devs-in-the-hundreds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/rumor-wiiware-sales-for-third-party-devs-in-the-hundreds/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/rumor-wiiware-sales-for-third-party-devs-in-the-hundreds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Apparently overheard by 1UP's Shane Bettenhausen at the recently concluded TGS08, third-party developers on WiiWare haven't been raking in the cash. Supposedly, they've only sold "hundreds" of copies of their digital wares, meaning it's largely been a bust for them. We're not sure how valid this is, hence the rumor label.

When you think about it, how could stellar titles like LostWinds, World of Goo and Mega Man 9 sell only a few hundred copies? Perhaps the shovelware that is Protöthea and SPOGS Racing only sold a few hundred, if that, but we're thinking that the good games have done pretty well. Hey Nintendo, how about some sales data?

Of course, this could all be moot. It's not like there's much of a source on this one (we've checked the latest 1UP show and the latest podcasts, but we haven't been able to find it there), so feel free to apply salt where needed.

We're always looking for new games to enjoy. We've got plenty of other WiiWare reviews, if you're into that kind of thing.. If you're so crazy that you want to go to the store and buy something when you could be playing World of Goo or Mega Man 9, we can help with that, too.

JoystiqRumor: WiiWare sales for third-party devs in the hundreds? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upshane-bettenhausentgs08Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet beta levels will be transferred to final game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/littlebigplanet-beta-levels-will-be-transferred-to-final-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/littlebigplanet-beta-levels-will-be-transferred-to-final-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/littlebigplanet-beta-levels-will-be-transferred-to-final-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


People's opinions in polls be darned, Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans has apparently confirmed to 1UP that the user-created levels from the LittleBigPlanet beta will be transferred to the final game. Evans tells the site that they'll continue running the poll on the Official PlayStation Forums to gauge people's reactions to the news, but it appears this is now a done deal.

The LBP beta ends this Sunday, the game will be out beginning the week of October 21st.

[Thank Erick M.]

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet beta levels will be transferred to final game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upalex-evansbreakingnewslbplbp-ugclittlebigplanetmedia-moleculePS3sonyThu, 09 Oct 2008 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Shawn Elliot leaves 1UP, GFW Radio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/shawn-elliot-leaves-1up-gfw-radio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/shawn-elliot-leaves-1up-gfw-radio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/shawn-elliot-leaves-1up-gfw-radio/#commentsFiled under:


Remember when the Podcast Rodeo told you that GFW Radio, The Brodeo, would continue to soldier on in the absence of fearless leader Jeff Green? It would seem that we were lying. Though it probably could have withstood the dissolution of its magazine and the loss of Green, the departure of Shawn Elliot was apparently more than it could handle. Our favorite philosophizing, rap master game journalist announced yesterday that he was leaving 1UP for 2K Boston (as if we needed another reason to creepy stalk poor KennyL). The final episode of GFW Radio is up now.

Elliot joins a list of recently departed 1UP staffers that has become too long for us to remember. He'll be associate producing a mystery project at the 2K Boston: great news for the "us" two years from now, but absolutely bad news for us today. See you later, boss. Give Ken a back rub for us.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqShawn Elliot leaves 1UP, GFW Radio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPshawn-elliotThu, 18 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GFW's Jeff Green leaves 1UP for Sims team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/gfws-jeff-green-leaves-1up-for-sims-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/gfws-jeff-green-leaves-1up-for-sims-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/gfws-jeff-green-leaves-1up-for-sims-team/#commentsFiled under:

Jeff Green is the kind of game journalist we want to be when we grow up: Seasoned, funny and imbued with the perfect blend of skepticism and passion, even after 17 years on the job. Now, the former CGW and GFW editor and (just as importantly) GFW Radio/Brodeo cornerstone is leaving Ziff-Davis to join The Sims development team.

We have too much respect for Green to use this as an opportunity to note all the high-profile names that have jumped the Ziff-Davis ship recently. We'll only say that we'll miss you Jeff, and we wish you all the best.

[Thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqGFW's Jeff Green leaves 1UP for Sims team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upjeff-greenPCthe-simsFri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blow explains dilemma of Braid's price to 1Up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/blow-explains-dilemma-of-braids-price-to-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/blow-explains-dilemma-of-braids-price-to-1up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/blow-explains-dilemma-of-braids-price-to-1up/#commentsFiled under: ,


Braid is great. Braid's 1200 MS point ($15) price, on the other hand, has been a point of contention. Designer Jonathan Blow sat down with 1Up and discussed what went into the decision of the game's price point and some of the tough choices that needed to be made.

Blow explains if the game maintained sales among a niche audience at 800 points he would be "bankrupt or in debt." Then again, if Braid sells moderately well -- and if the buzz over the title keeps going, it should -- he says he could have stuck it out at 800 points and then the game would have probably sold even better. Check out the developer's dilemma in the video after the break.

Continue reading Blow explains dilemma of Braid's price to 1Up

JoystiqBlow explains dilemma of Braid's price to 1Up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-showbraidjonathan-blowxblaXbox-360Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop coming to Wii this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop-coming-to-wii-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop-coming-to-wii-this-winter/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/dead-rising-chop-till-you-drop-coming-to-wii-this-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,


Famitsu sort of already spilled the beans on a Dead Rising-based Wii game, but Capcom got to fill us in this morning on the game's new title: Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop, which we'd like to make fun of, but we find surprisingly precious. Capcom also related that you could expect the game on shelves this winter.

1UP has some details on the pseudo-port from Famitsu, largely centered on the efforts to make the game more casually appealing. For starters, there's no more timer, you just complete missions and move on. There have also been tweaks to the camera and controls based on Resident Evil 4. And yes, you can expect some motion controls -- in exactly the ways you'd expect -- which you can read about here.

Gallery: Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop (Wii)

JoystiqDead Rising: Chop Till You Drop coming to Wii this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upcapcomdawn-of-the-deaddead-risingWiizombiesMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 2 vehicles on display]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/killzone-2-vehicles-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/killzone-2-vehicles-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/killzone-2-vehicles-on-display/#commentsFiled under:

The latest episode of The 1UP Show features an exclusive first-look at Killzone 2's vehicles. Every bit of info that comes out for this incredibly secretive FPS gets us a bit more excited, and this impressive preview from the 1UP doesn't change the trend. We're going hands-on with the game at E3 next week -- let's hope it plays just as well as it looks.

[Thanks, frankym!]

JoystiqKillzone 2 vehicles on display originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-showFPSGuerrilla-Gameskillzonekillzone-2SCESonySony-Computer-EntertainmentFri, 11 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama and McCain face stiff competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/obama-and-mccain-face-stiff-competition/#commentsFiled under:

If you live in the U.S., you probably know that there's a presidential election coming up this November. As it stands, you currently have a few front-runner options: John McCain, Barack Obama, or ... Mario and Luigi?

Yes, the joke's been done before (especially because of the nine thousand Mario Party games out there), but now it's on a t-shirt. Yet, that's not where Nintendo stops interfering in politics.

Supporters of presidential candidate (and popular Mii), Barack Obama, have made a ton of 1up themed paraphernalia endorsing the candidate. The "O" in "Obama" was replaced with the green power-up, and the slogan reads, "Obama: 1up for America." Check past the break (or just click here) to see the design made by the Leftique.

Now all we need is some game gear for McCain, and Nintendo will have completely taken over this election.

Continue reading Obama and McCain face stiff competition

JoystiqObama and McCain face stiff competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbarack-obamajohn-mccainmccainobamaparaphernaliapoliticspresidential-electiont-shirtFri, 13 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These 1ups taste like beer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/these-1ups-taste-like-beer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/these-1ups-taste-like-beer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/26/these-1ups-taste-like-beer/#commentsFiled under:

What better way to test your drinking limits than with a 1up stein? This way, if you drink too much, you'll have an extra life stored away that you can make use of.*

It's too bad, then, that these nifty mugs aren't available to the public. Designed as a gift for Die Krieger des Lichts clients, only a select few will ever get their hands on these limited edition steins. Yet, if you do manage to nab one somewhere, somehow, we recommend skipping the beer and trying out some Mario themed drinks insead.

Prost!

*Note: Seriously, drink responsibly and legally. This public service announcement was brought to you by DS Fanboy.

[Via Technabob]

JoystiqThese 1ups taste like beer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-mushroombeerbeer-mugbeer-steindie-kreiger-des-lichtsmugsteinMon, 26 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1up will have exclusive Gears 2 video on Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/1up-will-have-exclusive-gears-2-video-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/1up-will-have-exclusive-gears-2-video-on-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/1up-will-have-exclusive-gears-2-video-on-friday/#commentsFiled under:

The headline says it all folks. 1up seems to have gotten their hands on some new Gears 2 footage, and come Friday we are going to be, by their own admission, blown away. We're thinking massive amounts of enemies on-screen and nice water, but whether or not we'll be privy to anything at all close to gameplay is unsure. Epic has proved before that their Unreal engine is up to the job, but gamers will want more than just a tech demo. For now it's just a waiting game till week's end. Oh, and the video won't go live till 10:30pm PST so those of you overseas or cross country may have wait until morning. Boo hoo.

Joystiq1up will have exclusive Gears 2 video on Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upepicgears-of-war-2microsoftWed, 07 May 2008 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Print gaming journalism may be on its way out, says 1UP's Cox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/print-gaming-journalism-on-its-way-out-says-1ups-cox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/print-gaming-journalism-on-its-way-out-says-1ups-cox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/print-gaming-journalism-on-its-way-out-says-1ups-cox/#commentsFiled under:

We can still fondly recall those afternoons during our formative years when, while returning from school, we would notice a rolled-up, plastic sheathed bundle of gaming journalism joy poking out of our mailbox. We're sure it's an occasion that most of you can warm-heartedly remember as well, whether your poison was Nintendo Power or Electronic Gaming Monthly. Unfortunately, in a recent interview with the mighty Ombudsman, 1UP's Simon Cox spoke about the closing of Games For Windows magazine, and how EGM (as well as print gaming journalism as a whole) may have an expiration date.

Cox explained that "dollars and eyes," particularly the beady, sunken eyes of PC gamers, are continually moving away from print media and towards internet publications, stripping the ink-and-papers of their subscribers, advertisers and, eventually, life. Cox remarked that while EGM still has a great deal of spunk, and is supported by a body of loyal readers, it too will eventually be crushed by the incipient, grim claw of new media. The fact that you're reading this right now may support his claim -- have your gaming news consuming habits changed over the past few years?

JoystiqPrint gaming journalism may be on its way out, says 1UP's Cox originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPEGMgamejournalismgamesforwindowsgfwjournalismmagazinesimon-coxsimoncoxSun, 13 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP's letter grade conversion explained, analyzed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/1ups-letter-grade-conversion-explained-analyzed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/1ups-letter-grade-conversion-explained-analyzed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/1ups-letter-grade-conversion-explained-analyzed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update 2: 1UP Vice President Simon Cox has contacted Joystiq to let us know there are some bugs associated with the current roll out of the conversion formula. Specifically, Cox said the full range of grades (including those marked with a dash in the chart) should have been used in the conversion, and will be when the bug is fixed by the end of the week We'll update the chart and this post when that happens.

Update: Since there appears to be some confusion in the comments, a dash in the "Number" column on the chart means that there's no number score that corresponds to that letter grade.

As part of a planned reorganization, 1UP today switched from its well-known 0-10 review scale to a school-style letter grading scheme. The changeover included a conversion of all existing review scores on the site from numbers to letters, but, as Editorial Director Dan Hsu told N'gai Croal, the site will not be publishing a simple conversion scale to figure out which old number ratings apply to which new letter grades, Hsu says they're keeping the scale close to their chest "because we want our readers to go with our new scoring system and not be constantly translating the new letters back to our old scores."

Where's the fun in that? We compared some old numerical ratings to the new letter grades for ourselves and created the handy (if a bit ugly) conversion chart on the right. Read on for way too much analysis of the score conversion and what it means for evaluating 1UP review scores going forward.

Continue reading 1UP's letter grade conversion explained, analyzed

Joystiq1UP's letter grade conversion explained, analyzed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPAgradesletter gradesLetterGradesreviewsscoringWed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST