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[Top 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/top-5-selling-games-in-2008-across-global-markets/#comments
NPD, GfK Chart-Track and Enterbrain have combined video game software sales lists for the respective regions they cover to declare Mario Kart Wii as the top selling game of 2008. Games sales across the "world's three largest games markets" saw an 11% increase, totaling 409.9 million units last year.

Top five selling games for US, UK and Japan combined:
  1. Mario Kart Wii - 8.94 million
  2. Wii Fit - 8.31 million
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV - 7.29 million
  4. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - 6.32 million
  5. Call of Duty: World at War - 5.89 million
The rankings are almost identical to Edge's "guesstimate" sales list released last week, which included all of Europe, but not Japan. Overall, the US and UK markets saw increases of 15% and 26%, respectively. The Japanese market saw a 13% decline in software sales, which Enterbrain explains has little to do with the current generation of consoles, but is due to the 46% software sales drop on the PS2. Check out the chart after the break for a regional dissection of the software ranks.

Continue reading Top 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets

JoystiqTop 5 selling games in 2008 across global markets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008call-of-duty-world-at-warchart-trackenterbraingrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivNintendonpdnpd-groupsalestop-5Wiiworld-at-warMon, 02 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming industry worth $22 billion in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/gaming-industry-worth-22-billion-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/gaming-industry-worth-22-billion-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/gaming-industry-worth-22-billion-in-2008/#comments
People, we spent a lot of money on video games last year. Hey, just because we're blogging all serious like doesn't mean we don't buy our fair share of games. We're as responsible for this as you are! How much of that money do you think belongs to Nintendo?

The ESA was kind enough to break down the data further, showing us that we spent $11.7 billion on software alone, a 22.9% jump year-over-year. A lot of the sales, both on the hardware and software side, can be traced back to December, where consumers spent $5.3 billion, breaking the coveted $5 billion mark in a single month for the first time.

Gaming is becoming more and more popular (seriously?), and we're all for it. Do us a favor, though. When it's 7 o'clock and it's time for your grandma to watch Wheel of Fortune, instead ask her if she wants to shoot some Covenant in the face with you. You just might be surprised at how well she handles a Battle Rifle.

JoystiqGaming industry worth $22 billion in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008businessesasalesWed, 28 Jan 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bury the Shovelware: 2008 in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/bury-the-shovelware-2008-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/bury-the-shovelware-2008-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/bury-the-shovelware-2008-in-review/#commentsFiled under:



We're barely one week into 2009 and I'm already prepared to make a judgment about the current year: I don't like it one bit. With that in mind, I've decided to take a nostalgic look back to an easier, care-free time: 2008.

Our study began on the 2nd of July with a look at the laughably terrible Homie Rollerz. It will continue indefinitely (in other words, until my overlords decide to give me the axe), or until we can come to a concrete and atomic definition of "shovelware."

That's not to say that we've been woolgathering this past half-year. Indeed, we've learned quite a bit about what constitutes shovelware and what doesn't. Here's a handful of our most acute observations:

Continue reading Bury the Shovelware: 2008 in Review

JoystiqBury the Shovelware: 2008 in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008joystiqfeatureslistreviewshovelwareWed, 07 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best of WoW Insider: December 30th, 2008 - January 6th, 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/the-best-of-wow-insider-december-30th-2008-january-6th-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/the-best-of-wow-insider-december-30th-2008-january-6th-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/the-best-of-wow-insider-december-30th-2008-january-6th-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 was the best year in the World of Warcraft yet -- we got a terrific expansion, a few content patches, tons of class improvements, and lots and lots of great gameplay out of it. The past twelve months have been very good to Azeroth's inhabitants, and we're looking for an even better time in the coming year. To find out about it all, whether you're a level 10 noob or have six level 80s already, hit up Joystiq's WoW Insider for the latest news, views, and insights from the World of Warcraft.

News

Features

JoystiqThe best of WoW Insider: December 30th, 2008 - January 6th, 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 04:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008account-securityazerothblizzardhunterknow-your-lorePaladinsserver-queuesshifting-perspectivessuicideteenthreatswarlocksworld-of-warcraftwowwow-insideryear-in-reviewWed, 07 Jan 2009 04:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: VC 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/#commentsFiled under:


There's been a lot of Virtual Console releases this year (been keeping up?), and we were wondering which were among your favorites? We've received Secret of Mana, Super Mario RPG, and River City Ransom, to name a few. So, which sit at the top of your list for this year? Sure, we were hoping we'd have another to consider, but let's not dwell on that.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: VC 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008earthboundriver-city-ransomsecret-of-manasuper-mario-rpgvcvirtual-consoleWed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Tomorrow is Black Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-tomorrow-is-black-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-tomorrow-is-black-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-tomorrow-is-black-friday/#commentsFiled under:

black friday
This is just a friendly reminder as you lounge idly on the couch watching TV while your stomach defrags a large Thanksgiving meal. Tomorrow is Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year in the US. Whether you're getting ready for a morning onslaught, getting comfortable with your computer's refresh button, or simply planning trips around shopping centers, here's a guide to finding the hottest deals.





Click on a store above to view its Black Friday Guide

JoystiqReminder: Tomorrow is Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008black-fridayjs-twittershoppingThu, 27 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/2008s-best-sellers-revealed-familiar-outcome-ensues/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gamasutra has compiled a bunch of charts showing the best-selling games of 2008 (so far) across all formats. At first glance, the results are thoroughly predictable -- it's yet more Wii dominance in the U.S. -- but there are interesting factoids to be drawn from this.

Wii Play, for example, looks like finishing in the top five games of the year for the second year running. Even more impressively, Gamasutra thinks it could sell more copies in 2008 than in 2007, which is all kinds of crazy. Surely that would be some kind of first?

The top two spots are held by Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart Wii, a pair of titles that we always expected to sell well, but to beat the likes of Wii Fit or other games aimed at Nintendo's broadened audience? Speaking of Wii Fit, it tops the chart for estimated revenue so far this year, thanks to its higher retail price. We'll reproduce the 2008 YTD sales table below, but Gamasutra has other data worth looking at here.

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) -- 3.5 million
2. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) -- 3.4 million
3. Grand Theft Auto IV (360) -- 3.2 million
4. Wii Play (Wii) -- 3.0 million
5. Wii Fit (Wii) -- 2.8 million

Joystiq2008's best-sellers revealed, familiar outcome ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008businessgrand-theft-auto-ivmario-kart-wiinpdsmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playMon, 17 Nov 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Still obsessing over sales statistics, Gamasutra has crafted a report on 2008's five top-selling games in the US -- so far. Though some figures are approximated, there's assurance that "the maximum possible error in each figure should not affect the rankings." All consoles considered, the rankings are as follows:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (3.5 million, estimated)
  2. Mario Kart (3.4 million)
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV (3.2 million, estimated)
  4. Wii Play (3 million)
  5. Wii Fit (2.8 million)
Be sure to check out the report for further details, several of which are likely to fuel the fanboy fires for, oh, the next fifteen minutes at least. We look forward to entertaining your "Wii games don't sell," "GTA IV is overrated" and "Wii Play is just a controller in disguise" arguments. We do not, however, want anything to do with your "Why isn't Golden Axe: Beast Rider on there?" madness.

JoystiqReport: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Grandt-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVjs-twitterMario-KartNPDPS3SalesSSBBSuper-Smash-Bros-BrawlWiiWii-FitWii-PlayXbox-360Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game tournament to be "Welcome Event" at Beijing Olympics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/game-tournament-to-be-welcome-event-at-beijing-olympics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/game-tournament-to-be-welcome-event-at-beijing-olympics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/18/game-tournament-to-be-welcome-event-at-beijing-olympics/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fans eager to get competitive gaming recognized as a real sport got a boost recently when the Global Gaming League announced they will be organizing a video gaming "Welcome Event" for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. "The Digital Games" will include World Cup-style national tournaments leading up to an international finals competition in Shanghai, where Olympic soccer matches will be held.

While video games are recognized as an official sport by the Chinese government, the tournament falls quite a bit short of being an official, medal-worthy event at the 2008 games. Still, it's an important first step to that eventual goal, and one that GGL CEO Ted Owen thinks will be popular in its own right. "We believe the crowds we'll get will be far larger than for the Olympic games themselves," he said. That's a little hard to believe, considering 3 million attendees overall are expected for the real games. If the GGL is lucky, maybe they'll be more popular than racewalking ...

Read - Announcement on GGL
Read - Article on CNN/Fortune

JoystiqGame tournament to be "Welcome Event" at Beijing Olympics originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008beijingchinaGGLglobal-gaming-leagueolympicstournamentMon, 18 Feb 2008 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DS releases for the week of January 14th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-january-14th/#commentsFiled under:

Wherever you are this week, there's not a lot to choose from. That isn't to say there aren't a few worthwhile titles hitting the shelves, but the key words here are "a few." As in "not many." As in, "not a big burden on your wallet." Considering everything we've got coming up for the DS, around the world, that's probably pretty good news.
  • Corvette Evolution GT
  • Miami Nights: Singles in the City
  • Nanostray 2
For the rest of the world's major markets, see the release lists after the jump.

Continue reading DS releases for the week of January 14th

JoystiqDS releases for the week of January 14th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008dementiumgeometry-wars-galaxiesjanuarymario-and-sonicnanostray-2releasesMon, 14 Jan 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trade group: Game industry growth to slow in '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/trade-group-game-industry-growth-to-slow-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/trade-group-game-industry-growth-to-slow-in-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/trade-group-game-industry-growth-to-slow-in-08/#commentsFiled under:

Game industry business stories in 2007 were a pretty one note affair -- record-breaking this, unprecedented sales that, blah blah blah. But the boom times might be ending soon, as the Consumer Entertainment Association is predicting that games industry growth will begin to slow in 2008.

To be clear, this doesn't mean the industry is going to get smaller, by any means. The CEA is still predicting that the industry will grow 13 percent, to $17.9 billion, in the coming year. What's getting smaller is the rate of growth, which was a ridiculously high 22 percent from 2006 to 2007.

This isn't all that distressing, considering economic analysts are pointing to recession across the economic board. In fact, plenty of industries would be positively giddy with 13 percent growth these days. Then again, declining growth is the first step to actual industry shrinkage, which is the first step to the total evaporation of the industry. Then again again, given that we're entering the middle of the current console generation, this is probably just a sign that the chronically cyclical game industry is going through yet another one of its regular cycles. Amid all the uncertainty, one thing is for sure ... economic analysis makes our heads hurt.

JoystiqTrade group: Game industry growth to slow in '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008analystbusinessgrowthindustrypredictionsalessizeMon, 07 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP games to look for in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/psp-games-to-look-for-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/psp-games-to-look-for-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/psp-games-to-look-for-in-2008/#comments
The PSP's revival continues in 2008. Millions of gamers have a new Sony handheld, and they want games! In the next few pages, we will attempt to highlight some of our most anticipated games of 2008. But watch out! Many of these dates are tentative and can fall into (cue dramatic music) 2009. Watch out! There's more! These are all the games we know about so far. Who knows what secrets will be released upon the unsuspecting PSP public ...

Let's begin our journey into the beginning of 2008.

[Image from Alexisonfire: Watch Out!]

Continue reading PSP games to look for in 2008

JoystiqPSP games to look for in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008joystiqfeaturespspMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 games to look for in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008/#comments
The PS3 has a shocking number of games coming out in 2008. In the next few pages, we will attempt to highlight some of our most anticipated games of 2008. But watch out! Many of these dates are tentative and can fall into (cue dramatic music) 2009. Watch out! There's more! These are all the games we know about so far. Who knows what secrets will be released upon the unsuspecting PS3 public ...

Let's begin our journey into the beginning of 2008.

[Image from Alexisonfire: Watch Out!]

Continue reading PS3 games to look for in 2008

JoystiqPS3 games to look for in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008joystiqfeaturesps3Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: A new year of gaming edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/wrup-a-new-year-of-gaming-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/wrup-a-new-year-of-gaming-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/wrup-a-new-year-of-gaming-edition/#commentsFiled under:


We've said goodbye to a year with games. We're now heralding in a new year with our own unique gaming resolutions. It's quite the time to be alive, if we may say so. And, as we look forward to a new year of gaming with Nintendo's handheld, we wonder how we'll occupy our first weekend with some quality titles. There really isn't anything new for us this week, so we'll be checking our stack for something to play.

How about you, fine reader? Is the wide-eyed optimism we have for the new year a feeling you share? Do you look forward to getting your game on this weekend?

JoystiqWRUP: A new year of gaming edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008eoyholidaysresolutionsFri, 04 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Gen compiles best of 2008: GTAIV on top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/#commentsFiled under:


Next Generation has put together its own list of the best upcoming games of 2008, a popular thing to do at this time of year. Their list has an interesting twist though: estimated sales numbers. Each game is given a three month sales projection derived by taking sales of previous entries in a franchise (or similar games in the case of new franchises) and tacking on expected sales increases for 2008. Most titles are nestled somewhere in the 300,000 - 900,000 sales range. Undoubtedly though, the one game predicted to blow the competition away is none other than Grand Theft Auto IV, projected to sell between 3.5 and 4 million copies. The only titles close to this number are Fable 2 which could go as high as 1.3 million and Fallout 3 and Halo Wars, both of which could break 1 million. Granted, these are all merely predictions, but we'd say it's a pretty safe bet that Grand Theft Auto IV will be the game to beat in 2008.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqNext Gen compiles best of 2008: GTAIV on top originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008best-of-2008fable-2fable2fallout-3fallout3gtaivhalo-warshalowarsThu, 03 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Paul wins WoW's presidential naming race]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/ron-paul-wins-wows-presidential-naming-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/ron-paul-wins-wows-presidential-naming-race/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/ron-paul-wins-wows-presidential-naming-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With Iowa's first in the nation presidential nominating caucuses coming tomorrow, and New Hampshire's primaries following early next week, pundits and observers across the nation are closely watching the polls and prediction markets for early word on who might win. But these pundits might be ignoring a potentially important leading indicator of political opinion. We're talking, of course, about World of Warcraft character names.

As pointed out by blogger Andrew Sullivan, a full 48 realms in the popular online game have a player-characters named after Republican candidate Ron Paul (player names must be unique to a realm). The WoW naming support for Paul isn't that surprising given the recent in-game rally held in his honor in Whisperwind's IronForge. Paul runs well ahead of his closest competitor, Democrat Barack Obama, who shares a name with 36 WoW characters. No other candidate breaks the ten-character mark in a search of World of Warcraft info. resource The Armory.

While naming a WoW character after your favorite politician seems a great way to show your support, it's not always possible. For one, names longer than twelve characters are not allowed, meaning supporters of Hillary Clinton or Bill Richardson couldn't use their full names for a WoW character. Even shortened names don't always work -- in our tests, characters named HillClinton, HClinton and just plain old Clinton were deemed "unavailable." This likely means the Clinton name has run afoul of Blizzard's terms of use clause against using character names that belong "to a popular culture figure, celebrity, or media personality." (This is also probably why there are no characters named BillClinton or GeorgeWBush. There are 29 GeorgeW's though).

While tracking WoW's presidential naming race is fun and all, it probably has very little actual value in predicting nationwide voting preferences. After all, there are 71 characters named Trogdor, and no one really expects him to burninate across the 2008 elections.

Read on for a complete list of WoW's presidential candidate name counts, as of press time.

(Thanks to WowInsider's Elizabeth Harper for help with this story)

Continue reading Ron Paul wins WoW's presidential naming race

JoystiqRon Paul wins WoW's presidential naming race originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Activisionbarack-obamaBlizzardelectionhillary-clintonPCpoliticspresidentron-paulworld-of-warcraftWoWWed, 02 Jan 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell us your most anticipated games of 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/tell-us-your-most-anticipated-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/tell-us-your-most-anticipated-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/tell-us-your-most-anticipated-games-of-2008/#commentsFiled under:


Alright, New Year's Day hangovers are (mostly) taken care of now, so it's time for 2008 to officially begin. We've already dispensed with our best games of 2007. Now it's time to look forward. We are speaking, of course, of the most anticipated games of 2008. It's hard to imagine that 2007 could be trumped, but we're more than willing to be proven wrong. This year promises some serious gaming goodness from the likes of Ninja Gaiden II, Halo Wars, Condemned 2, the next Banjo-Kazooie, Alan Wake, Grand Theft Auto IV, Silent Hill V, and a host of others. And let's not forget the unofficial releases like the next installment of Gears of War.

The truth is, there are so many games headed our way, we're bound to forget some. We're going to need some help keeping up with them all. So, our question to you: what games are you looking forward to the most in 2008? Let your opinions be known in the comments below. And don't forget, if you find some tasty info about a game your looking forward to, send it to our tips line. Happy 2008 everyone, let's make it a good year.

JoystiqTell us your most anticipated games of 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008best-of-2008Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter states the obvious: strong sales in early '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/pachter-states-the-obvious-strong-sales-in-early-08/#commentsFiled under: ,

Oh, that Michael Pachter. Even when he's running off at the mouth, he manages to at least keep us entertained. Now he's back with some terribly obvious predictions on industry sales for the early months of 2008. Pachter's latest revelation? Due to the strong upcoming release schedule, gaming sales will continue to stretch for the heights. Now, we understand that Pachter is an expert and we are but peons here, but, really -- wasn't that a little ... predictable? In keeping with the spirit of prediction here, we have one of our own: we anticipate that the Wii and DS will continue to be snapped up whenever and wherever they appear on shelves for a few months, due to all the people who couldn't get their hands on one during the holidays.

JoystiqPachter states the obvious: strong sales in early '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008demandpredictionsshortageWed, 02 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Our New Year's resolutions: DS edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-ds-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-ds-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-ds-edition/#commentsFiled under:



Yeah, we know what you're thinking: "Each and every member of the DS Fanboy team is pretty much perfect, so why the heck would such unblemished, shining beacons of humanity require New Year's resolutions?" We thought the exact same thing, before we each took a minute to stare deeply into the recesses of our souls, and realize that even we -- WE! -- could take steps to improve ourselves. And here's how we plan to go about it:
  • Alisha: I promise to try not to go crazy and pee myself every time Square Enix remakes a game they've remade before, but it's going to be very, very difficult, and I will probably fail. Ask me again tomorrow.
  • David: This year, I resolve to beat Contra 4 in front of a live studio audience. I will then reap the benefits and rewards of having a studio full of people not know who I am or what I am doing look at me with faces full of confusion as I rip my shirt off in conquest and scream wildly.
  • JC: I resolve to play one of those RTS or SRPG or TRPG games. I've always believed I wasn't smart enough to play these things, while simultaneously believing that I was smart enough to pursue advanced degrees.
  • Candace: I resolve that I will resist my urge to download the entire catalog of Phoenix Wright songs onto my cell phone. But not really.
  • Chris: To not see in another New Year with gaming's answer to high-class narcotics, Animal Crossing Wild World. Also, to finally wrap up Trauma Center: Under the Knife, by which time I fully expect to boast the dexterity of an actual surgeon.
  • Eric: I resolve to never trust a big butt and a smile. That girl is poison. Poison.
So now we've shared, what about you, reader? If you haven't already, tell us about your DS-related resolutions for 2008.

JoystiqOur New Year's resolutions: DS edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008animal-crossingcontra-4resolutionstraumacenterTue, 01 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Our New Year's resolutions: Wii edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-wii-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-wii-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/our-new-years-resolutions-wii-edition/#commentsFiled under:



Now that the sun has set on 2007, it's time for the Wii Fanboy staff to start laying down some New Year's resolutions, such as resolving not to use tired metaphors about the sun setting on stuff. So, without further ado, here are each of the staff's personal goals for 2008 (Wii-related ones, obviously. It goes without saying that I'd like to try to stop having wine for breakfast, but some things just aren't appropriate topics of conversation here):
  • Alisha: I resolve to populate YouTube with many short films of my forthcoming baby playing Wii. Of course, since he's not even gonna get here until February, you can probably replace "playing" with "lying there looking pissed while Mommy makes him hold a Wii remote."
  • David: I resolve to actually keep my job and not fall into a shame spiral of bad hygiene and lone nights crying alone as I play nothing but Smash Bros. Brawl in February. Hopefully I'll find the courage to not be sucked into that vacuum.
  • Mike: I resolve to not buy ten new games before beating the last one. That either means I'll be spending more time playing games (yikes!), or just buying less of them. The more games I get, the harder it becomes for me to finish any of them, and even a masterpiece like Super Mario Galaxy ends up sitting at a measly 61 star gets, princess saved, and no green overalls.
  • JC: I resolve to make a deal with Mike that could solve both our problems. (Here's how it works: Mike continues to buy too many games, but sends them to me instead. I play them until he is ready to start another one. There are no flaws with this perfect plan.)
  • Candace: I resolve to not laugh at my mom anymore when she plays Wii ... even though she looks really, really ridiculous.
  • Chris: To not excitedly squeal like a schoolgirl the first dozen times I insert No More Heroes into my Wii. This will almost certainly end with abject failure. And to beat my cousin, who is LESS THAN HALF MY FRICKEN' AGE, at Guitar Hero III. The child has the fingers of Hendrix.
  • Eric: In the Year 200ERIC, I will exercise with Wii Fit while wearing a Banana yellow suit and a huge pair of shades, singing out "Too Wii Fit to Quit" like it's going out of style. Was it ever in style? Hey, HAAYYYYYYY!
How about you? If you haven't already filled us in on your resolutions for 2008, what are you waiting for?

JoystiqOur New Year's resolutions: Wii edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008guitar-hero-iiino-more-heroesresolutionssmash-bros-brawlssbbsuper-mario-galaxywii-fitTue, 01 Jan 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Resolutions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-warm-up-resolutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-warm-up-resolutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/wii-warm-up-resolutions/#commentsFiled under:


We're going to be sharing our resolutions with you a little bit later on this morning, but for now, we want to hear from you! Anything you're planning on changing or doing differently this year? Companies you'll attempt to avoid? Trying out some new peripherals? Playing more (or less) Wii with friends? Introducing some new people to gaming? Let us know what you have planned for the year!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Resolutions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008resolutionsTue, 01 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Resolutions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-daily-resolutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-daily-resolutions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-daily-resolutions/#commentsFiled under:


We're going to be sharing our resolutions with you a little bit later on this morning, but for now, we want to hear from you! Anything you're planning on changing or doing differently this year? Companies you'll attempt to avoid? Buying fewer (or more) games? Let us know!

JoystiqDS Daily: Resolutions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008resolutionsTue, 01 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Share your '08 resolutions with X3F]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/share-your-07-resolutions-with-x3f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/share-your-07-resolutions-with-x3f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/share-your-07-resolutions-with-x3f/#commentsFiled under:


Well fanboys, it's a new year, and with a new year come new year's resolutions (and game of the year awards). As people begin a brand new year, they attempt to start with a clean slate, get a fresh start. Some people try to quit smoking or find a way to better themselves. Considering our readers are all gamers, we thought maybe some people out there might like to share their gaming resolutions. Don't scoff, as there are plenty of worthy resolutions to be made. For example, resolving to not spend as much money on games, or perhaps resolving to try a new genre. As for us, our new year's resolution is ... 1080p (ba dum bum, ch!). But seriously folks, it probably is time for us to stop buying retro Xbox Live Arcade games in the middle of the night. A note to the wise, they are never as good as you remember them.

So, how about you? Got any resolutions to share?

JoystiqShare your '08 resolutions with X3F originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008new-yearresolutionsTue, 01 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: What's going to be great about '08?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/ds-daily-whats-going-to-be-great-about-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/ds-daily-whats-going-to-be-great-about-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/30/ds-daily-whats-going-to-be-great-about-08/#commentsFiled under:

With the receding hairline of 2007 about to become the implausible comb-over of 2008, we've been pondering the future quite a lot here in the DS Fanboy dungeons. As we've already taken time out to reflect on the DS's output during the last twelve months, the next question must inevitably be: what DS-related events are you most looking forward to in 2008?

Perhaps you can't wait to sink your teeth into Final Fantasy IV, to begin barking orders in Advance Wars 2, or for a certain Professor to arrive on western shores. Then again, maybe you're just giddy about the prospect of purchasing another DS. Who knows? Well, we don't. So tell us!

JoystiqDS Daily: What's going to be great about '08? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008futureSun, 30 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Presidential candidates talk video game violence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/presidential-candidates-talk-video-game-violence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Health care? Taxes? Immigration? Why do presidential candidates insist on wasting our time talking about such trivial issues? When will they address the questions we really care about -- the ones about video games? Well, actually, right now.

Non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy group Common Sense Media has quizzed some of the leading presidential candidates on a variety of media issues, video game violence legislation among them. Here's a quick summary of their views on proposed federal legislation limiting children's access to violent games:
  • Senator John Edwards (D - NC): The ESRB and retailers are doing a pretty good job, but the FTC found that 42 percent of children under 17 can still purchase M-rated games, and that's too high. Publishers need to tone down the marketing of violent games to kids. If the industry isn't careful, the government "will need to consider further steps" to keep these games away from children
  • Senator Barack Obama (D - IL): Video games should use technology to let parents restrict content [Note to Obama: they already do.] The rating system should be improved to make content information "easier to find and easier to understand. ... but if the industry fails to act, then my administration would." In any case, the government should spend money to study the problem.
  • Governor Bill Richardson (D - NM): "I would consider this legislation," but it's really up to the parents. I'll give federal employees paid time off to spend with their kids.
  • Fmr. Governor Mitt Romney (R - Mass.): I would enforce current obscenity laws to protect children from "a societal cesspool of filth, pornography, violence, sex, and perversion." I would "go after" retailers that sell violent games.
While the responses are interesting, the lack of participation from front-runners like Hillary Clinton, Rudy Guliani and Mike Huckabee makes the information a little less than complete just weeks away from the Iowa caucuses. Still, the full questionnaire has illuminated the candidates' thoughts on other game-related issues such as childhood obesity, screen time, media literacy and the media's impact on the candidates' own kids. Be an informed voter and give it a read.

JoystiqPresidential candidates talk video game violence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008barack-obamabill-richardsoncampaignedwardsjohn-edwardslawlegislationmitt-romneyobamapresidentpresidentialrichadsonromneyviolenceThu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anniversary aftermath: What are we looking forward to?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/anniversary-aftermath-what-are-we-looking-forward-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/anniversary-aftermath-what-are-we-looking-forward-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/24/anniversary-aftermath-what-are-we-looking-forward-to/#commentsFiled under:

As anniversary week winds down, we can't help but wonder: what's next? One good year for a video game console means nothing if it's followed by some not-so-great years. Fortunately, there are many fun things in store for the Wii, so we've decided to create this little guide to show you what exactly there is to look forward to.

Continue reading Anniversary aftermath: What are we looking forward to?

JoystiqAnniversary aftermath: What are we looking forward to? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008anniversary-weekchannelsjoystiqfeaturesNintendovirtual-consoleWiiwii-wareSat, 24 Nov 2007 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your brush ready: Okami's on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/get-your-brush-ready-okamis-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/get-your-brush-ready-okamis-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/18/get-your-brush-ready-okamis-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

After the rumors started rumbling yesterday, more and more sites are piling on this morning to assure everyone that Okami has indeed been confirmed for the Wii by Capcom. It won't be long before we see it, either, if early reports are correct; the game is currently scheduled for a spring release, and full motion-control functionality is planned.

Word is that footage from the game -- at least in the form of screencaps -- will be available as early as today, so we should soon see just how the under-appreciated PS2 title will look on the Nintendo console.

[Update: Check after the jump for a slide from Capcom's event that reveals the development team and more.]

Continue reading Get your brush ready: Okami's on the way

JoystiqGet your brush ready: Okami's on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008actionadventureCapcomOkamiportReady-at-DawnThu, 18 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeff Bell talks Microsoft's strategy, TGS plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/jeff-bell-talks-microsofts-strategy-tgs-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/jeff-bell-talks-microsofts-strategy-tgs-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/31/jeff-bell-talks-microsofts-strategy-tgs-plans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft's global marketing maestro, Jeff Bell, recently shed some light on the sorts of things we can expect from the company at the Tokyo Game Show next month. Speaking to Canada.com (Canada has its own website?), Bell responded to questions about Microsoft's 2008 lineup, which some have been curious about in the wake of the company's E3 presence, which focused solely on 2007 titles. Bell rattled off names like Halo Wars, Fable 2 and Alan Wake, but noted we won't see anything about them until after the holidays. The most specific Bell gets about TGS is, "the Tokyo Games Show will be a place where we show off new elements." New elements of what exactly we have no idea. Games, we would hope.

Bell also spoke of Microsoft's goal to push the concept of publishers launching games simultaneously on both Xbox 360 and PC. In Bell's words, "We want people to develop once and publish twice," an attractive proposition to be sure.

Finally, Bell went on record saying that he welcomed the success of the Wii, noting, "If it does grow the market, good for all of us." He further stated that he takes no issue with people owning both the Wii and Xbox 360 as both "are very different experiences." He's not all buddy-buddy with the competition, however, as he states that he and Microsoft "definitely want to win," and notes that only two big franchises still aren't on Xbox 360. He is of course referring to Metal Gear and Final Fantasy. Bell concludes by saying that Microsoft is at the "tipping point" where developers are keen to work with them as the install base continues to grow.

Expect to hear plenty more about Microsoft's plans at the Tokyo Game Show, which runs from September 20-23.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqJeff Bell talks Microsoft's strategy, TGS plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008jeffbelltgsFri, 31 Aug 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[No Spore until Q2 2008 ... no, seriously]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/no-spore-until-q2-2008-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/no-spore-until-q2-2008-no-seriously/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/no-spore-until-q2-2008-no-seriously/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's worth noting that Spore isn't in the 2008 fiscal year plans for EA. This means that Spore is not expected to release until, at a minimum, April of 2008. Observant readers probably saw this coming when last month Soren Johnson, lead designer for Civ IV, joined the Spore development team, meaning that there's probably still a little way to go. We'll just make the pain of this post come to a abrupt end by saying that Spore has been in development since 2000 and only prescient aliens evolving on some other planet know when it'll actually release.

JoystiqNo Spore until Q2 2008 ... no, seriously originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008neverPCsporewill wrightTue, 08 May 2007 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Eidos holding out for better PS3 install base]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/eidos-holding-out-for-better-ps3-install-base/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/eidos-holding-out-for-better-ps3-install-base/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/eidos-holding-out-for-better-ps3-install-base/#commentsFiled under: ,

Eidos, publisher of all things Tomb Raider and Hitman, is taking a wait and see approach to the PS3. Eidos says they will not release major titles on the PS3 until 2008 because the amount of people who own a PS3 doesn't make the cost of manufacturing for the console worth their time.

Eidos CEO Jane Cavanagh says, "We believe that PlayStation 3 will be a successful platform, and are developing technology and products for this console ... we do not believe that the installed base will be high enough until the second half of our 2008 financial year, most of our major product releases on the PlayStation 3 platform are not scheduled before that date." Coincidentally, Cavanagh spoke of digital distribution increasing their opportunities for profit the same day we received a release stating that Steam is increasing their line of Eidos games for sale.

Considering Hitman releases on a two year cycle, the next edition in the saga wouldn't occur until 2008 anyway. We also don't plan to see the next part of the Tomb Raider: Legend story until 2008 also. If PlayStation 3 owners really want to play Legend and Blood Money, they can always just get the PS2 versions.

JoystiqEidos holding out for better PS3 install base originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008eidoshitmanplaystationPS3Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy informs pre-orders no Metroid 3 till 2008?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/best-buy-informs-pre-orders-no-metroid-3-till-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/best-buy-informs-pre-orders-no-metroid-3-till-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/best-buy-informs-pre-orders-no-metroid-3-till-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Best Buy sent out letters (example above with identifiers removed) to those who pre-ordered Metroid Prime 3: Corruption informing them the status of their pre-order has changed. The pre-order release date is now 12/31/2007. Does Best Buy know something that the rest of us don't, or are they just hedging their bets and protecting themselves by giving an outrageous date? All we know at this point is Metroid is not a Q2 release and it's already been said that the game will be "perfect" at release.

Nintendo does not comment on rumors and speculation. Best Buy currently has 3/15/2007 as the release date on their website, other major retailers in the U.S. and gaming sites are still using 6/1/2007 or later as their placeholder date. We raise one eyebrow and now seek signs of a 2007 Mario Galaxy and Smash Bros. Brawl release.

[Thanks Zac]

JoystiqBest Buy informs pre-orders no Metroid 3 till 2008? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008delaymetroidmetroidprime3reggiesamusWiiTue, 13 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: The democratic process]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/ds-daily-the-democratic-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/ds-daily-the-democratic-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/25/ds-daily-the-democratic-process/#commentsFiled under:

Well, it looks like the next Presidential campaign is already well under way in the good ol' U.S. of A., so it must be time for us to ask a preliminary election question: how big is the issue of videogame legislation to you? For those of you who will be voting, is this one of of your major issues when evaluating candidates? In a time of war, this may seem like a small issue to some, but it's one that affects us pretty much every day. So, what we want to know is how you feel about candidates who support heavier regulation of video game content?

JoystiqDS Daily: The democratic process originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008controversyDSdsdelectiongamelegislationNintendoSun, 25 Feb 2007 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama: 'Stop playing GameBoy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/24/obama-stop-playing-gameboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/24/obama-stop-playing-gameboy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/24/obama-stop-playing-gameboy/#commentsFiled under:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is fired up to win this election like it's 1999. Stopping in Texas, Obama spoke to a group of youths about recruiting their friends for his campaign and said, "I want you to tell them, 'It's time for you to turn off the TV and stop playing GameBoy' ... We've got work to do."

A good first step is for Obama's speech writer to learn this is the 2008 election. If we're going to be hip and cool, let's learn what the kids are actually playing. Words to use in the future are: Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, DS -- and N-Gage.

[Thanks Obo]

JoystiqObama: 'Stop playing GameBoy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008barack obamaBarackObamaelectionn-gageplaystationps2ps3wiixboxSat, 24 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST