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[ESRB breakdowns say 5 percent of games were rated M in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/esrb-breakdowns-say-5-percent-of-games-were-rated-m-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/esrb-breakdowns-say-5-percent-of-games-were-rated-m-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/esrb-breakdowns-say-5-percent-of-games-were-rated-m-in-2010/#comments The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has published its annual breakdown of classifications it applied to 2010's video game releases, arranged in the delicious-looking pie chart posted above. As you can see, Mature games made up a surprisingly small sliver of the whole -- only 5 percent of the 1,638 games rated last year received an "M" rating, a drop in the bucket compared to the 55 percent of games that received an "E" designation.

These statistics haven't changed much over the past few years -- actually, Mature games actually fell by one percent year-over-year. So, you know, if anyone tries to convince you that games are solely designed to mold everyday citizens into unfeeling murderbots, feel free to drop that knowledge on them.

JoystiqESRB breakdowns say 5 percent of games were rated M in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010esrbeveryoneindustrymatureratingsstatisticsTue, 15 Mar 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/npd-2010s-bestselling-game-releases-by-platform/#comments Gamasutra has obtained NPD data that puts a new filter on last year's US box-copy software sales, ranking the top ten bestselling 2010 releases for each console and handheld platform (PC excluded). Like the monthly NPD breakdowns, these rankings don't include actual sales numbers, but they do reveal some interesting trends.

By omitting Nintendo's so-called "evergreen" titles (i.e., games released before 2010), Gamasutra found that -- perhaps unsurprisingly -- Just Dance 2 was last year's top-selling 2010 release for Wii, and among six additional third-party games that made the top ten in sales for the platform. On DS, however, Nintendo games filled out half of the top ten, and Pokemon SoulSilver and HeartGold were the only titles to surpass sales of one million units each.

At first glance, PSP software sales look even bleaker, with Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep on top and, according to Gamastura, the only PSP title to break 300K units sold; with the other top ten games each falling below 200K. Of course, these rankings don't include digital sales or box-copy games bundled with hardware, so it's unlikely that Birth by Sleep (which isn't available on the PlayStation Store) was the true #1 bestseller among 2010's PSP releases -- let alone the most pirated.

What is certain is that Call of Duty: Black Ops dominated torrents, as well as the games legitimately sold for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Still, both Sony and Microsoft saw two first-party releases make their console's respective top ten sales charts for the year; though each publisher's most critically-acclaimed release of 2010 -- at least, from Joystiq's perspective -- was not present. Perhaps telling of the two console's core player bases, Madden 11 beat out God of War 3 for the #2 spot on the PS3 chart, but fell to #3 beneath Halo: Reach in the Xbox 360 ranking.

Finally, we have to wonder just what were they thinking? They, of course, being all those Xbox 360 owners that purchased Fable 3 and Fallout: New Vegas instead of Mass Effect 2. Three and a half stars plus four still doesn't add up to the Game of the Year, people.

Check out Gamastutra for the complete breakdown of 2010's bestselling releases by platform.

JoystiqNPD: 2010's bestselling game releases by platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010call-of-duty-black-opsdsfable-3fallout-new-vegasgod-of-war-3halo-reachjust-dance-2kingdom-hearts-birth-by-sleepmadden-nfl-11mass-effect-2microsoftnintendonpdplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3pspsalessoftwaresonyusawiixboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops led 2010 UK game sales, Just Dance top of the pops on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/black-ops-led-2010-uk-game-sales-just-dance-top-of-the-pops-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/black-ops-led-2010-uk-game-sales-just-dance-top-of-the-pops-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/black-ops-led-2010-uk-game-sales-just-dance-top-of-the-pops-on/#comments Although it comes as little surprise, Call of Duty: Black Ops was the best-selling game in the UK last year. The UK Interactive Entertainment Association's 2010 bestsellers list features the usual suspects, with Black Ops, FIFA 11 and Just Dance occupying the top three spots, respectively, across all platform sales.

Breaking it down by format, Blops landed in the top sales spot for Xbox 360 and PS3 games, while Just Dance and its sequel filled the first and third positions among Wii releases, naturally. Professor Layton And The Lost Future took the golden picarat for DS and FIFA 11 charged to the top of the charts on PSP.

Although one could speculate as to why Black Ops wasn't at the front line of PC sales in the UK, it's just as fitting that Football Manager 2011 and 2010 occupied the forward spots in the region. Check out the complete breakdown by format after the jump.

Continue reading Black Ops led 2010 UK game sales, Just Dance top of the pops on Wii

JoystiqBlack Ops led 2010 UK game sales, Just Dance top of the pops on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010britainCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsalessoftwaresonyukukiewiixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/gamefly-reveals-the-most-requested-games-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/gamefly-reveals-the-most-requested-games-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/gamefly-reveals-the-most-requested-games-of-2010/#comments Online rental service GameFly has named its "most requested" games of 2010. The rankings are based on each member's GameQ, which is "a personal wish list of games available for rent." Given the inconsistent availability of titles offered through the service, sometimes "wish list" is right.

Continue reading GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010

JoystiqGameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010dsGameFlymicrosoftmost-requestednintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kill Screen's inaugural 'High Scores' show Limbo and Mass Effect 2 atop 2010 leaderboard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kill-screens-inaugural-high-scores-show-limbo-and-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kill-screens-inaugural-high-scores-show-limbo-and-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kill-screens-inaugural-high-scores-show-limbo-and-mass-effect/#comments In its first annual "High Scores" ranking, our friends at Kill Screen broke down 2010's releases into two main categories: "Big Games" (including blockbusters, full retail releases and subscription-based MMOs) and "Small Games" (including indies, downloadables, DLC and expansions, mobile, social, free-to-play and completely free titles). Then, a whole gang of critics, Joystiq's Andrew Yoon and myself included, were elected as judges, each allotted 100 points per category and able to award any game 2-40 points. (A judge, for example, could have totally given 1 vs. 100 all 40 points it rightfully deserved!)

Scoring in the top spots across the two categories were two titles that also appeared in our own Top 10: Mass Effect 2 (the "big" game) and Limbo (the "small" one). Notably, Minecraft landed in the #3 "Small Games" position, just below Super Meat Boy, showing how much critical love there's been for the just-in-beta world-building game. Also of note: BioShock 2's "Minerva's Den" and Mass Effect 2's "Lair of the Shadow Broker" charted, representing the only DLC to earn a "High Score."

JoystiqKill Screen's inaugural 'High Scores' show Limbo and Mass Effect 2 atop 2010 leaderboard originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010dshigh-scoreskill-screenLair-of-the-Shadow-BrokerlimbomacMass-Effect-2microsoftminecraft-patchminervas-denmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WarioWare D.I.Y. games cover 2010 news]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/warioware-d-i-y-games-cover-2010-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/warioware-d-i-y-games-cover-2010-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/warioware-d-i-y-games-cover-2010-news/#comments British mag NGamer put together a clever 2010 "year in review" of mainstream news using WarioWare DIY. Some of the referenced incidents may be obvious internationally, while others are quite UK specific, so we made a list of the minigames and what they represent.

  1. Actor Mel Gibson's colorful exchange with his ex [NSFW].
  2. "Car Splatter" -- Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla's car attacked by student protesters over tuition fee hike.
  3. "Unmask" -- Top Gear driver revealed.
  4. "Flush it" -- Politician reneges on UK tuition hike promise.
  5. "Engage" -- Prince William of England proposes to girlfriend.
  6. "Cap the Leak" -- BP oil spill.
  7. "Rescue" -- Chilean miners
  8. "Goal Get" -- Controversial goal.
  9. "Here Kitty" -- Cat bin lady.
  10. FIFA decision to go with Russia over England for World Cup 2018.
Check out the full DIY video after the break.

Continue reading WarioWare D.I.Y. games cover 2010 news

JoystiqWarioWare D.I.Y. games cover 2010 news originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010dsnewsNGamernintendoWarioWare-DIYWed, 22 Dec 2010 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer spending on video games reached $25 billion this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/consumer-spending-on-video-games-reached-25-billion-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/consumer-spending-on-video-games-reached-25-billion-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/consumer-spending-on-video-games-reached-25-billion-this-year/#comments Market research firm Newzoo recently published a report on the U.S. video game industry's sales performance during the current, nearly-finished calendar year, providing evidence for some trends you've probably already noticed. During the past 12 months, overall consumer spending on game software fell two percent year-over-year to $24.7 million, while console and boxed PC/Mac software lost 29 percent and 19 percent of their market shares, respectively.

While these two former sales juggernauts waned, every other form of gaming software, including MMOs, downloadable PC/Mac games, mobile apps, casual games and social networking titles all saw sizable sales boosts over their 2009 totals. Check out the chart after the jump to see how these categories shook out.

[Image credit: Flickr user AMagill]

Continue reading Consumer spending on video games reached $25 billion this year

JoystiqConsumer spending on video games reached $25 billion this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010casual-gamesindustrymacmicrosoftmmomobilenewzoonintendopcplaystationps3salessoftwarewiixboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgaea Infinite trailer makes as much sense as the other Disgaea games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/disgaea-infinite-trailer-makes-as-much-sense-as-the-other-disgae/#comments
That Disgaea Infinite trailer that snuck out in Japanese a little while back has now been officially released and translated into almost-English and, while it's a little harsh to call the series "the ultimate grind-fest" (unless fans want to wear that title as a badge of honor), this weird little adaptation that turns the strategy RPG into a "visual novel" adventure game still looks interesting.

Last we heard, this one was due out for the PSP in May, but this trailer actually says June of 2010. We checked in with NIS America, and they informed us that the game is due out on June 8th of this year. Look for it as a downloadable title on PSN then.

JoystiqDisgaea Infinite trailer makes as much sense as the other Disgaea games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010adventuredelaydisgaeadisgaea-infiniteenglishjapanesejuneNippon-IchiNippon-Ichi-Softwarenis-americareleasestrategy-rpgtrailertranslatedvisual-novelTue, 06 Apr 2010 20:16:00 EST<![CDATA[If at first you don't succeed, Ride, Ride again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/tony-hawk-2010-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/tony-hawk-2010-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/tony-hawk-2010-game/#comments You think the first time Tony Hawk, the man himself, stepped onto a skateboard it was a sick run? Heck no -- it was pathetic. But you know what? He got back on. And the rest is history.

Activision today fessed up to that new installment in the Tony Hawk game franchise, confirmed for a 2010 release and paired with the skateboard peripheral introduced with Ride last fall -- and boy was that a big fall. Shaking off signs that Ride and its board are about as beloved as worn-out Levis and antique Tupperware, Activision has committed to another run on the Tony Hawk board.

"Game ratings for Tony Hawk: Ride weren't as high as we would have hoped last year, and in hindsight it took longer to optimize the hardware, leaving less time to develop the software we launched in 2009," said Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, during a financial report and outlook call today. "Still, play-testing and consumer feedback have been very encouraging."

"This year, with the hardware complete, we'll be focusing on improving the software in order to unlock the full potential of the board," Griffith added. "We continue to believe that this innovative peripheral redefines the skateboarding experience and could potentially have different applications in the future."

JoystiqIf at first you don't succeed, Ride, Ride again originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010activisionboardperipheralsrobomodoskateboardingtony-hawktony-hawk-boardtony-hawk-rideWed, 10 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo report hints at new Wii titles, Other M release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-report-hints-at-new-wii-titles-other-m-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-report-hints-at-new-wii-titles-other-m-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/nintendo-report-hints-at-new-wii-titles-other-m-release/#comments Nintendo is one of a few companies to release its earnings report earlier this week, and a supplemental report released today has some surprises and new information for Wii owners. Not only does it finally list a target date for Metroid: Other M (you can expect it as soon as summer of this year if all goes according to plan), but there are two brand new names in the list as well: Xenoblade and The Last Story. Xenoblade is listed for a Spring 2010 release, so we should be hearing about that one soon, and The Last Story is listed for sometime this year, with both slated for release on the Wii in Japan. There's reason to believe these are just new names, as both Monado: Beginning of the World and Cosmic Walker are missing from the report, and Monado was being developed by Monolith Soft, known most notably for another Xeno- title you may have heard of. But Monado is still listed for a release in the US this year, so who knows?

Other than that, the report lists some titles we expected to see soon: A new Kirby Super Star title, Super Mario Galaxy 2, the Wii's Legend of Zelda, Golden Sun for DS, and a few other releases scheduled in 2010. Full list of Japanese Wii releases is after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo report hints at new Wii titles, Other M release

JoystiqNintendo report hints at new Wii titles, Other M release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010cosmic-walkerdateearningsearnings-reportenglish-conversationhoshi-no-kirbykensakusukirbylegend-of-zeldaline-attack-heroesmetroid-other-mmonado-beginning-of-the-worldmoneymonolith-softnintendoother-mreleaserelease-dateschedulespan-smasherspringsummersuper-mario-galaxy-2the-last-storyWiixenobladeThu, 28 Jan 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop shares drop 15% following holiday sales info release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/gamestop-shares-drop-15-following-holiday-sales-info-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/gamestop-shares-drop-15-following-holiday-sales-info-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/gamestop-shares-drop-15-following-holiday-sales-info-release/#comments Following yesterday's lowered profit forecast announcement from GameStop, the company's stock took a 15 percent dive as of last night. According to GamesInudstry.biz, stocks opened yesterday "sharply down" due to the release of lowered profit expectations, but rose again before ending the day at $20.46.

We might not know what the future holds for GameStop, but Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter returned from the future for just long enough to say he believes "industry sales will rebound in 2010 and that GameStop is well-positioned to gain share [over] the first half of the year." It certainly doesn't hurt the retailer that 2010 is chock full of delayed 2009 releases, we imagine.

JoystiqGameStop shares drop 15% following holiday sales info release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010businessgamestopmichael-pachtermoneystock-dropstockswedbush-morganFri, 08 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Backbreaker trailer promises 'next-level' football]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/new-backbreaker-trailer-promises-next-level-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/new-backbreaker-trailer-promises-next-level-football/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/new-backbreaker-trailer-promises-next-level-football/#comments We haven't heard much about Backbreaker in a good year and a half, but the Euphoria Engine-powered football title (thinkThe Force Unleashed, with all of those Stormtroopers flying around) is still hitting first downs. It's now set for a release in spring of 2010 (ah, spring, when everyone's mind turns to football -- oh wait), and 505 Games has screenshots and a brand new trailer to share.

The game will boast both online and split-screen multiplayer, Arcade and Pro modes (the tougher one will have AI and visual assists switched off) and full team customization options, including a full logo editor. But of course the real star quarterback here is the physics engine -- while the video hints at some great dynamic tackling and movement, we'll have to wait and see if the gameplay provides some real innovation in the football genre.

Gallery: Backbreaker

JoystiqNew Backbreaker trailer promises 'next-level' football originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010505-gamesamerican-footballbackbreakerfootbalfootballMicrosoftplaystation-3screenshotssportsspringspring-2010trailervideoxbox-360Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenberg: Crackdown 2 coming first half of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/greenberg-crackdown-2-coming-first-half-of-2010/#comments On Major Nelson's weekly podcast -- with a host left laughing and teary-eyed due to the Xbox head's dental-related lisp -- Aaron Greenberg did some NPD boasting before ruminating on the first half of 2010. After pointing out Mass Effect 2, Splinter Cell Conviction, and Alan Wake, he confirmed Crackdown 2 as part of Microsoft's list of "triple-A, exclusive" titles heading to the Xbox 360 during "the first half of the year."

"Those are just the exclusives, that doesn't include Final Fantasy ... there's no way we had a first half of the year like that last year," Greenberg added. The back end of the upcoming year is no slouch either in his eyes, with Halo Reach and Fable 3 said to be on schedule for launch in the Fall. Considering the first Crackdown's February release date, we're hoping for a similarly timed release of the sequel (just in time for its third birthday!). We've followed up with Greenberg and will update this post if we hear more.

Gallery: Crackdown 2 (11/24/09)

JoystiqGreenberg: Crackdown 2 coming first half of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010aaron-greenbergActionCrackdownCrackdown-2halo-reachMicrosoftrelease-dateRiot-Act-2Ruffian-GamesSandboxsplinter-cell-convictionXbox-360Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Faux Pas of the Day: Free '2010 Glasses']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/xbox-live-faux-pas-of-the-day-free-2010-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/xbox-live-faux-pas-of-the-day-free-2010-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/18/xbox-live-faux-pas-of-the-day-free-2010-glasses/#comments Your Avatar can celebrate the next dance around the sun by putting on some hideous 2010 glasses, now available in the Avatar Marketplace for free. Wearing the glasses will have your virtual representation come dangerously close to committing the high crime of fashion: socks and sandals (which is, sadly, also available on the marketplace).

However, if you think your Avatar can rock the look, by all means, have them go for it. If you regret getting these, just remember that hindsight is 2010.

Shortcut: Download "2010 Glasses" to Xbox 360 [via Xbox.com]

JoystiqXbox Live Faux Pas of the Day: Free '2010 Glasses' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010-glassesavataravatar-marketplacedealsholiday-2009holidaze-2009salexblmxbox-live-deal-of-the-dayFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/sonys-koller-calls-motion-control-3d-gaming-psn-focal-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/sonys-koller-calls-motion-control-3d-gaming-psn-focal-point/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/sonys-koller-calls-motion-control-3d-gaming-psn-focal-point/#comments After a strong 2009, Sony plans to focus its efforts in the coming year on some new initiatives -- notably the still unnamed and, with a "Spring 2010 release," curiously under-promoted PlayStation Motion Controller, 3D games, and the PlayStation Network. In a recent GamePro interview, Sony marketing head John Koller said the company will be focusing on these "three big pillars" going forward, and detailed its plans to expand on each. "I think the areas that are going to be really critical to our success will be family games, as well as shooters and sports games ... they're areas that quite honestly, I think Project Natal and the Wii are going to have trouble matching," he said of the company's motion controller plans.

Without getting too specific, the PlayStation Network will apparently be seeing the addition of "a number of very critically demanded features" in the coming year, while the company strives to reach day-and-date release parity between UMD-based PSP games and their digital counterparts from third-party devs on PSN. He even teased the concept of "placing you as a consumer into the game physically" -- an idea he called "the Holy Grail of gaming." We get the feeling 2010 is going to be kind of a weird year, folks.

JoystiqSony's Koller calls 'motion control, 3D gaming, PSN' focal points of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20103d3d-gamesbusinessjohn-kollermarketingplaystation-motion-controllerplaystation-networkpsnpsp-gosonyWed, 16 Dec 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard says no Diablo 3 in 2010, 'who knows' when it'll be released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/blizzard-says-no-diablo-3-in-2010-who-knows-when-itll-be-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/blizzard-says-no-diablo-3-in-2010-who-knows-when-itll-be-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/blizzard-says-no-diablo-3-in-2010-who-knows-when-itll-be-rel/#comments Remember that silly, insane rumor from back in 2008 about Diablo 3 being released by Blizzard before StarCraft 2? Turns out that Blizzard's Rob Pardo thinks that's a bunch of hogwash. Rather, that's at least what we can infer from his recent conversation with Techland on the subject. "We always announce all of our games too early," he says. "I think it's safe to say that, yeah, [Diablo 3] is not going to be out next year."

Considering StarCraft 2's delay to 2010, we think it's fair to assume that Diablo 3 will in fact not be arriving before a StarCraft sequel. Pardo adds that it's not a question of lacking resources, as "each game has individual development teams; it's just that the way that we develop games, we develop them very iteratively." Worse yet, there doesn't seem to be a finish line in sight for D3. "Now when we announce [a game] we just go, 'Here's the game we're working on, we're going to start talking about it and who knows when it ships.'" If any of you were still holding your breath for Diablo 3's release, now might be a good time to exhale.

[Via Big Download]

Gallery: Diablo 3 (9/5/09)

JoystiqBlizzard says no Diablo 3 in 2010, 'who knows' when it'll be released originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010activisionactivision-blizzardblizzarddiablodiablo-3pcrelease-daterob-pardostarcraftstarcraft-2Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 'hasn't committed' to new Zelda for Wii in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/08/nintendo-hasnt-committed-to-new-zelda-for-wii-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/08/nintendo-hasnt-committed-to-new-zelda-for-wii-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/08/nintendo-hasnt-committed-to-new-zelda-for-wii-in-2010/#comments We all know that home console Zelda games take longer to develop than most small, fledgling nations -- still, we'd secretly hoped that Nintendo would pull a hat trick next year, releasing new Wii installments in the Metroid, Mario and the aforementioned Triforce-centric series. Sadly, a recent quote from Reggie Fils-Aime has made us doubtful that this scenario will be realized -- speaking on GameTrailers TV, Fils-Aime explained that Nintendo hasn't "committed to Zelda for 2010."

So, feel free to keep that hope in your heart that you'll be Ganon-thwarting once more within the next 365 days -- but don't get too upset if it doesn't happen. Much like a college-aged Lothario, Nintendo's remaining non-committal. You might say the company's as free as a bird, darling -- and this bird, you cannot change.

JoystiqNintendo 'hasn't committed' to new Zelda for Wii in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010gametrailers-tvLegend-of-Zelda-2010miyamotonintendoWiizeldaSun, 08 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 2 PC delayed to 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/assassins-creed-2-pc-delayed-to-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/assassins-creed-2-pc-delayed-to-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/assassins-creed-2-pc-delayed-to-2010/#comments Ubisoft has tweeted that the PC version of Assassin's Creed II has been delayed to 2010. Specifically, the game has been moved to the ever-so-crowded first quarter of 2010. According to the necessarily brief announcement, Ubisoft has decided to delay the PC version in order to secure "a bit more time for the dev team to deliver the best quality game."

Considering Ubisoft's own Yves Guillemot stated that early 2010 is "looking pretty crazy" and warned that some Spring 2010 titles may be delayed again, this is all very amusing. Unless you've been waiting for the PC version of Assassin's Creed II, of course.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 2 PC delayed to 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010assassins-creedassassins-creed-2delaysubisoftThu, 24 Sep 2009 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter expects GTA 5 coming in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/pachter-expects-gta-5-coming-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/pachter-expects-gta-5-coming-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/pachter-expects-gta-5-coming-in-2010/#comments So yes, prognosticator of all electronic entertainment Michael Pachter told Gamasutra that he expects Take-Two to release the fifth full Grand Theft Auto game in 2010. It seems far-fetched to us (especially with another GTA IV episode still in the pipeline). But, sadly, Pachter doesn't give us a lot to work with in the piece, so, in the absence of details, we're just going to assume he's right. Journalized.

One thing that's actually hard to argue about from the piece, analysts are overwhelmingly positive about Take-Two in 2010 with a bevy of big titles like BioShock 2, Mafia 2, Red Dead Redemption and several others. Does Take-Two even need a Grand Theft Auto next year?

JoystiqPachter expects GTA 5 coming in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010analystgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-5gta5michael-pachterrockstartake-twoThu, 03 Sep 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm targeted for 2010 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-targeted-for-2010-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-targeted-for-2010-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-targeted-for-2010-release/#comments
We know, we know -- 2010 is an entire year, and doesn't provide much information as to when we'll be perusing the ruined landscape of Azeroth when World of Warcraft's next expansion, Cataclysm, is released. Still, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the only piece of information yet to surface about the release schedule of the recently announced expansion, via a WoW.com interview with Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime. Thus, here it is: It's targeted for a 2010 release.

Here's the two observations we can cull from that ambiguous launch announcement -- first, it's not coming out this year. Second, it's not coming out in two years. It's coming out somewhere between January 1 and December 31 of next year, it seems. That is, unless it takes Blizzard longer to develop than Morhaime initially thought, in which case, we'll hastily revoke our second observation.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Cataclysm targeted for 2010 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzcon-2009cataclysmexpansionmike-morhaimemmopcrelease-dateworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmwowSun, 23 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Next to Fall from Fall 09: Our Predictions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/the-next-to-fall-from-fall-09-our-predictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/the-next-to-fall-from-fall-09-our-predictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/the-next-to-fall-from-fall-09-our-predictions/#comments
As we breathlessly await to see which of our hopes and dreams will be crushed by the next game being pushed from this fall into Q1 of 2010, we've decided to pass the time with an office pool of sorts, each of us picking one game that we think will be the next to get bumped.

Now, you may not want to read too much into these, as we've used methods ranging from sophisticated industry telemetry to completely pulling it out of our asses to make our picks. If there's one you think we missed, let us know in the comments, and if we get enough good ones we might collect those in a separate post.

Also, true story: During the creation of this feature yesterday, at least two guys had to make new pics after StarCraft II got bumped. Fact.

Ready? Let's get started.

Gallery: The Next to Fall from Fall 09: Our Predictions

Rogue WarriorSilent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii)Army of Two: The 40th DayAlpha ProtocolGran Turismo (PSP)

JoystiqThe Next to Fall from Fall 09: Our Predictions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010delaysDSMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[No Guitar Hero: Van Halen for Europe this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/no-guitar-hero-van-halen-for-europe-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/no-guitar-hero-van-halen-for-europe-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/no-guitar-hero-van-halen-for-europe-this-year/#comments
We bring you sad tidings of yet another game's delay into 2010 -- but two elements of this particular delay may soothe your frayed nerves. First, the title in question will only be delayed in Europe, where a good number of you do not live. Second, the delayed title is Guitar Hero: Van Halen, which a good number of you apparently could not care less about.

Activision recently told Eurogamer that the PAL version of the "Jump"-infused rhythm title would not hit store shelves later this year. The game has since undergone a release date bump to "TBD 2010" -- not the "Q1 2010" window we've become so accustomed to seeing this year's titles pushed to. The publisher didn't explain the reason for the delay, but we're pretty certain it didn't want Van Halen competing with the other 58 rhythm titles it's releasing this holiday season.

JoystiqNo Guitar Hero: Van Halen for Europe this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010activisiondelayseuropeguitar-hero-van-halenMicrosoftneversoftNintendovan-halenWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision talks 2010: Bond is back, joined by Tony Hawk, Spider-Man, and 'innovative' action game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/activision-talks-2010-bond-is-back-joined-by-tony-hawk-spider/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/activision-talks-2010-bond-is-back-joined-by-tony-hawk-spider/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/activision-talks-2010-bond-is-back-joined-by-tony-hawk-spider/#comments

On this afternoon's earnings call, Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith dropped some details on what we can expect out of Activision in 2010. Of course, there's "a strong lineup behind the Guitar Hero franchise" and some Call of Duty "new releases" as well as "online monetization" of the franchise (not this again!) and strong Modern Warfare 2 sales, but that's not all it has in store for 2010.

"We'll launch also new games based on James Bond, Tony Hawk, and Spider-Man, along with games supporting the theatrical releases for Dreamworks' Shrek 4 and How to Train Your Dragon," Griffith said. "In addition, as previously announced, we're planning to release an innovative property in the $4b action genre." Here's Activision CEO Bobby Kotick discussing the aforementioned $4b opportunity; could this be what former Dead Space producer Glen Schofield dumped EA and went to Activision for?

Regardless, it's been nearly half a year since we got an update on Activision's first stab at the Bond franchise, after acquiring the rights from EA over three years ago. So it looks we'll be seeing more of Bond in '10 ... two-thousand and ten.

JoystiqActivision talks 2010: Bond is back, joined by Tony Hawk, Spider-Man, and 'innovative' action game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBizarre-CreationsBondJames-Bondjames-bond-007-blood-stoneMike-GriffithWed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter on delays: Game industry not 'particularly well-coordinated']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/pachter-on-delays-game-industry-not-particularly-well-coordina/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/pachter-on-delays-game-industry-not-particularly-well-coordina/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/pachter-on-delays-game-industry-not-particularly-well-coordina/#comments
When confusing things happen (say, for instance, games slipping into the first quarter of 2010 faster than we can count) we turn to the guy who has all the answers, analyst Michael Pachter. As we cried into his flannel shirt (metaphorically, of course) about all the fun we were missing, he tried his best to explain the situation.

"I think the game industry isn't particularly well-coordinated," he said, in his best soothing tone. Movies, he continued, are able to get out of one another's way more easily, because if two movies come out you want to see in back-to-back weeks, you're likely to see them both. "But the game business is different," he said, "because you're not going to go out and buy three games in one month. ... Well, maybe you will, but the average consumer won't."

We begged for even more explanation, and he obliged.

Continue reading Pachter on delays: Game industry not 'particularly well-coordinated'

JoystiqPachter on delays: Game industry not 'particularly well-coordinated' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010delaysmichael-pachterFri, 31 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reality check: Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M not due 'til 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/reality-check-super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-other-m-not-due-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/reality-check-super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-other-m-not-due-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/reality-check-super-mario-galaxy-2-metroid-other-m-not-due-t/#comments
Nintendo's newly announced sojourns into space, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M, are already sending avid Wii fans into convulsive seizures of glee (gleezures, if you will). Though it's the kind of behavior that blends well with the bustling E3 crowds, it's rarely professional for those of us trying to do work. As a preventative measure, we've etched the tragic facts of Nintendo's release schedule into our minds, bringing us down to earth from the galactic highs offered by Mario and Samus' returns.

They're currently not due until 2010. Gleezure contained.

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2

JoystiqReality check: Super Mario Galaxy 2, Metroid: Other M not due 'til 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010e3-2009mariometroidmetroid-other-mNintendosuper-mario-galaxy-2team-ninjaWiiTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Republic developing a game based on a 'popular Hollywood film']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/game-republic-developing-a-game-based-on-a-popular-hollywood-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/game-republic-developing-a-game-based-on-a-popular-hollywood-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/game-republic-developing-a-game-based-on-a-popular-hollywood-fi/#commentsFiled under:

Game Republic, best known for Folklore and their PSN outings Toy Home and Dark Mist, have been signed on to produce a title for Brash Entertainment. The game, based on a "popular Hollywood film," will be released in 2010 for unspecified platforms. Looking at Brash's history, this doesn't really bode well - their software library consists of Alvin and the Chipmunks and Jumper: Griffin's Story. Both of which bombed. Hard.

We're in two minds, then, about what we can expect to see coming in 2010. Game Republic is a great developer who, ignoring Genji II, has a great PS3 legacy. On the other hand, what was the last good movie-based game you played? We cautiously look forward to hearing more.

JoystiqGame Republic developing a game based on a 'popular Hollywood film' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010brash-entertainmentgame-republicWed, 12 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Next-next-gen coming in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/analyst-next-next-gen-coming-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/analyst-next-next-gen-coming-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/analyst-next-next-gen-coming-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Remember when the term "next generation" meant systems like the N64 and original PlayStation? Those were the days. Now the term next generation can only be legally applied to the post-PSWii60 systems that are no doubt being planned as we speak. While no one knows anything for sure about these units yet, that hasn't stopped Pacific Crest Securities analyst Evan Wilson from predicting a 2010 start date for the next console cycle.

Talking about EA's bullish revenue projections, Wilson let slip to Gamespot that he believes Nintendo will launch first, followed by Microsoft later in the year (no word on when the assumed PS4 will come). On the portable side, Wilson also predicts the next round of Nintendo DS and Sony PSP hardware will appear sometime in 2010, though it's not clear whether he's calling for a new chipset or just another redesign.

If these predictions pan out, that means you only have 687 to 1051 days to save up for a very expensive year.

JoystiqAnalyst: Next-next-gen coming in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010analystmicrosoftnext generationnext-genNextGenerationnintendopredictionPS3sonyWiiXbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Peek into the future: the best games of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/26/peek-into-the-future-the-best-games-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/26/peek-into-the-future-the-best-games-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/26/peek-into-the-future-the-best-games-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2010's best games
Pointlesswasteoftime has been peeking into the future, and has prepared a list of the 12 best games from 2010. It's really nice to know that the Wii will still be dominating gaming by then. Speaking of the Wii, sign us up for those Star Wars: Jedi Saga and DC vs. Marvel: Superhero Brawl games. And seriously, have you heard of a better concept for a game than Killchain? That would seriously be extreme fun. Burnout is just the tip of the iceberg in setting up a series of accidents.

Of everything on the list, the one that has the best chance of coming true is World of Starcraft. Isn't it about time Blizzard just went ahead and told us that they're gonna make this for the crying masses? Maybe they'll wait until WoW subscriber numbers start dropping off, which doesn't seem like it'll be anytime soon ... looks like 2010 isn't a bad guess.

JoystiqPeek into the future: the best games of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010Awesome gamesDCJedi SagaKillchainMarvelNintendo WiiPlayStation 3Pointless Waste of TimePS3Star WarsWiiXbox 360Xbox-360Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:55:00 EST