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[Borderlands 2 'Krieg' short is the shiniest meat bicycle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/borderlands-2-krieg-short-is-the-shiniest-meat-bicycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/borderlands-2-krieg-short-is-the-shiniest-meat-bicycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/borderlands-2-krieg-short-is-the-shiniest-meat-bicycle/#comments
We feel for Krieg, the recently introduced sixth vault hunter in Borderlands 2. His calm inner voice fights to be heard, while his psychotic outer voice screams things like "I'm the conductor of the poop train!" This short has its funny moments, but it's also quite sad.

While Krieg's already available, Borderlands 2 is due another piece of DLC in the form of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep. That arrives on June 25 for 800 MSP/$10.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 'Krieg' short is the shiniest meat bicycle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwarekriegmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 31 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/civilization-5-sends-new-trailer-along-trade-route/#comments

Civilization 5's Brave New World expansion is already full of features that'll make culture-based leaders happy. Here's a quick look at how the game's new trade system will work, with the return of caravans and a legit purpose to the oceans.

Continue reading Civilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route

JoystiqCivilization 5 sends new trailer along trade route originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxispcsid-meiers-civilization-5Fri, 31 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2: At the table with Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/borderlands-2-at-the-table-with-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/borderlands-2-at-the-table-with-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragons/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/borderlands-2-at-the-table-with-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragons/#comments "What's initiative?" asks Brick, the hulking bruiser from the original Borderlands. He's seated with Mordecai, Lilith and Tina, all hunched over a table-top roleplaying game - not unlike Dungeons & Dragons - called Bunkers and Badasses.

As the tabletop game gets underway, players are thrust into "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep," the latest DLC campaign for Borderlands 2.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 - Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep

Continue reading Borderlands 2: At the table with Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep

JoystiqBorderlands 2: At the table with Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesanthony-burchborderlands-2gearboxmicrosoftpaul-hellquistpcplaystationps3tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keepxboxThu, 30 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM iOS multiplayer to be added after launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/xcom-ios-multiplayer-to-be-added-after-launch/#comments The iOS version of XCOM: Enemy Unknown will launch with the full single-player experience seen on consoles and PC, with multiplayer modes following later.

"We're sort of focusing our design resources on the single-player experience. We're certainly going to provide [multiplayer] after launch," XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon tells Joystiq. "The single-player is what we really - we know that for it to feel like XCOM, the single-player needs a lot of our focus. So we're playing, giving feedback, making sure it feels nice and polished. It's just we're focusing our resources on single-player first."

2K Games is tentatively slating XCOM: Enemy Unknown for launch on iOS sometime this summer. Pricing is still being determined, though Solomon says the game will exact an up-front fee and won't hinge on in-app purchases.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (iOS)

JoystiqXCOM iOS multiplayer to be added after launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 30 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/jake-solomon-on-xcom-ios-and-the-happy-accident-of-mobile-stra/#comments "This isn't just like a port to a new platform," XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon tells me over the phone. "From a development angle, this is one of the - and I honestly can't think of another experience except for The Walking Dead - where it's a game, a AAA game that we just put out on consoles, and we're putting the whole thing out to tablet. This is something that I can't take any design credit for, but turn-based strategy games work really well on mobile devices. It's sort of a happy accident, in that sense."

The project can be traced back to the time when Firaxis was finishing up its work on XCOM: Enemy Unknown for PC and consoles. 2K China presented a version of the game running on iOS, and from there Firaxis would work with them on the portable incarnation due this summer. It features the full functionality seen on other platforms, thanks to the Unreal foundation that has played nice with iOS since late 2010.

"Without Unreal, it certainly wouldn't have been possible," Solomon says.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (iOS)

Continue reading Jake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games

JoystiqJake Solomon on XCOM iOS and the 'happy accident' of mobile strategy games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonejake-solomonmobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/civilization-5-brave-new-world-enacts-policies-and-ideologies/#comments
In addition to the two new civilizations announced this week for Civ 5's Brave New World expansion, Firaxis has also released a trailer with a quick overview of how the game's new policies and ideologies will be enacted as of July 9.

Continue reading Civilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies

JoystiqCivilization 5: Brave New World enacts policies and ideologies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbrave-new-worldcivilization-5firaxispcFri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5's 'Brave New World' expansion adds Indonesia, Morocco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/civilization-5s-brave-new-world-expansion-adds-indonesia-mor/#comments Two more factions, Indonesia and Morocco, have been revealed for upcoming Civilization 5 expansion, Brave New World. Leading Indonesia is Gaja Mada, famous for his military insight as prime minister of the Majapahit Empire; Ahmad al-Mansur leads the Moroccans, sultan of the Saadi dynasty in the 1500s.

Brave New World, the second expansion to Civilization 5, is due in July and will add nine new civilizations, several new wonders and modified mechanics from the base game. The first expansion, Gods and Kings, arrived last summer, adding new espionage and religious mechanics.

Gallery: Civilization 5: Brave New World (Indonesia and Morocco)

JoystiqCivilization 5's 'Brave New World' expansion adds Indonesia, Morocco originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesAhmad-al-Mansurbrave-new-worldcivilization-5expansionfiraxis-gamesgaja-madaindonesiamoroccopcTue, 21 May 2013 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get $20 to $25 off BioShock Infinite on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/get-20-to-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-amazon-today/#comments Today's Gold Box deal of the day on Amazon is BioShock Infinite. Downloadable PC versions of the game are $25 off ($35), whereas boxed copies of the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are $20 off ($40) for today only.

Meanwhile, $35 Steam codes through Groupon for the game appear to still be available until the end of the day. What we're trying to say is, today might be a good day to buy a new game.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqGet $20 to $25 off BioShock Infinite on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesamazonamazon-gold-boxbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salexboxSun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/#comments Unlike other Groupons for BOGO grow-your-own nagchampa kits and 15 percent off the first 30 minutes of your dog's Le Cordon Bleu certification lessons, this Groupon to get the PC version of BioShock Infinite for $35 is actually worth spending money on.

Continue reading Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam

JoystiqGroupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitegrouponIrrational-GamespcThu, 16 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/ace-patrol-review-sid-meier/#comments
There's a certain stigma attached to strategy games, where deep systems and mechanics can hoist a sky-high barrier for the uninitiated. Sid Meier's Ace Patrol sidesteps these stigmas, presenting a turn-based experience so simple that even the strategically challenged will be able to play and excel.

Designed for iOS devices, Ace Patrol is a dogfighting game set in WWI. With a series of taps, intense air combat is engaged over a battlefield of hexagonal grids. Using these taps, players execute everything from strafing to swooping dives, hard banking, the Immelman turn and other expert maneuvers.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol review: Strategy simplified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/#commentsTakeTwo reports annual net loss of $312 million, rise in digital revenue Take-Two announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, revealing that the company took in $1.214 billion in sales last year, up from $825.8 million for the fiscal year 2012.

Take-Two notes that BioShock Infinite met with "significantly" higher sales than any previous BioShock release, shipping over 3.7 million units to date. The company reports a net loss of $31.2 million over the past fiscal year, but projects between $1.75 to $1.85 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year (ending in March, 2014), spurred by upcoming releases like Grand Theft Auto V and WWE 2K14.

The report notes year-over-year improvements in both revenue and net losses, bolstered by big sellers like Borderlands 2, NBA 2K13, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Catalog sales for older releases like Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption also saw strong performances, as Take Two noted a 192 percent year-over-year rise in revenue from digitally delivered software.

JoystiqTake-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitefinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxMon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE 2K14 throws down at retailers on October 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/#comments WWE 2K14 is scheduled to launch on October 29 for Xbox 360 and PS3, Take-Two Interactive confirmed in its fiscal year 2013 financial report. Take-Two snagged the rights to the WWE franchise in February, through a deal that went down before THQ's public bankruptcy auction in January. The deal gives Take-Two exclusive rights to publish WWE games "across all major platforms and distribution channels."

WWE 2K14 is in production from series developer Yukes, based in Japan, and 2K Sports.

JoystiqWWE 2K14 throws down at retailers on October 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3Take-Twowwe-14wwe-2k14xboxMon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Being a Bureau dude in XCOM Declassified]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/being-a-bureau-dude-in-xcom-declassified/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/being-a-bureau-dude-in-xcom-declassified/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/being-a-bureau-dude-in-xcom-declassified/#comments
You always remember your first alien invasion. The Bureau: XCOM Declassified puts you on the ground in 1962 as William Carter, a crucial member of what will eventually become the planet-guarding, all-caps organization known as XCOM. The game brings it own brand of agency to the revitalized strategy series, though not in the drastically simplified form you might expect from a third-person shooter.

Once Earth becomes unwilling host to "The Outsiders," a race of aliens that have enthralled other extraterrestrial creatures, Carter and a crew of two are ordered to investigate the fate of a fallen agent in New Mexico. The Outsiders have a few slaves up their sleeves, including XCOM's classic sectoids. To compensate, Carter has a dapper vest that effectively says, "Everyone, listen to me, I am going to use some tactics on these aliens."

Gallery: The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (5/10/13)

Continue reading Being a Bureau dude in XCOM Declassified

JoystiqBeing a Bureau dude in XCOM Declassified originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-bureau-xcom-declassifiedxboxxcomMon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Krieg the Psycho Bandit joins Borderlands 2 on May 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/krieg-the-psycho-bandit-joins-borderlands-2-on-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/krieg-the-psycho-bandit-joins-borderlands-2-on-may-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/krieg-the-psycho-bandit-joins-borderlands-2-on-may-14/#commentsKrieg the Psycho Bandit joins Borderlands 2 May 14 Borderlands 2 will add its sixth Vault Hunter, Krieg the Psycho Bandit, to its ranks on May 14. The date for the DLC was announced in a tweet posted earlier today.

Krieg is the second DLC character added to Borderlands 2, joining Gaige the Mechromancer. Gearbox went into more detail about Krieg's skill trees back at PAX East, revealing him to be a more melee-focused character with fire-based skills.

JoystiqKrieg the Psycho Bandit joins Borderlands 2 on May 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlands-2gearboxmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 06 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/xcom-enemy-unknown-mac-version-not-on-steam/#comments Though XCOM: Enemy Unknown Elite Edition arrived on Mac on April 25, one place it didn't launch was Steam. A representative of the Mac version's developer, Feral Interactive, told Joystiq that it "does not release games on Steam."

This isn't the only game that Feral has shipped on platforms not owned by Valve, as the developer is credited with creating Mac versions of BioShock 2, Grid and both Batman: Arkham City and Arkham Asylum, among many other games. When asked about whether any games from its catalog would launch on Steam at any point, the representative said they "do not talk about future products."

Feral is offering XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the Mac App Store, among other online retailers listed on its site.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown Mac version not on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesferal-interactivefiraxismacmac-app-storeSTEAMxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 06 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/next-borderlands-2-dlc-is-tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keep/#comments Coming DLC for Borderlands 2 will be called "Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep." It will launch on June 25 as the fourth pack included in the game's Season Pass, or for $10 (800 MSP) standalone, Gearbox confirmed to Joystiq.

The name of the fourth DLC pack was leaked today in a now-deleted tweet from Gearbox writer Anthony Burch, a screen of which was saved by Stealthy Box. Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep features Tiny Tina herself as the host of a board game.

Continue reading Next Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25

JoystiqNext Borderlands 2 DLC is 'Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep,' coming June 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesAnthony-Burchborderlands-2dlcgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3tiny-tinas-assault-on-dragon-keepxboxThu, 02 May 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Firaxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/firaxis-haunted-hollow-available-now-on-ios-for-real-this-ti/#comments

Firaxis Games' (XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization) free-to-play mobile game Haunted Hollow is available now on the iOS App Store. As we noted last week - when the game accidentally launched the first time - Haunted Hollow takes place over a series of one-on-one, tug-of-war style matches in which players scare the local villagers.

Firaxis also has another iOS title ready to fly in with Ace Patrol, a World War I dogfighting tactics game by strategy game guru Sid Meier himself, which will be available May 9 as a free download.

JoystiqFiraxis' 'Haunted Hollow' available now on iOS (for real this time) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxishaunted-hollowiosipadiphonemobileThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/sid-meiers-ace-patrol-lands-on-ios-may-9/#commentsSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS next week Sid Meier's next project is an iOS game set in World War I called Ace Patrol, a dogfighting strategy game created by Meier himself. Ace Patrol will launch on the App Store May 9 as a free download.

Ace Patrol is comprised of four campaigns - all downloads gain access to the British campaign and multiplayer side; in-app purchase is required to access the other campaigns. Of course, you can also throw some coin down on the typical tactical and cosmetic boosts, like new planes and elaborate paint jobs.

Multiplayer pits two squadrons against each other, allowing for either hot-swapping a device or asynchronous matches over Game Center.

Gallery: Ace Patrol (iOS)

Continue reading Sid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9

JoystiqSid Meier's Ace Patrol lands on iOS May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-mobileace-patrolfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilesid-meiersid-meiers-ace-patrolWed, 01 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Games won't attend E3, Take-Two to have meeting rooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/#comments ImageTake-Two Interactive, parent company of 2K Games and Rockstar Games, has clarified its E3 status to Joystiq. Take-Two plans to have meeting rooms at the show, but 2K's presence isn't planned. 2K Games announced earlier this week that it would not have a booth on the show floor at E3. That didn't necessarily mean the company wouldn't participate at all, since we've seen publishers in the past not have a booth, but hold meetings in the upstairs concourse.

A representative for the Entertainment Software Association, which organizes the annual conference, tells us, "We can confirm that Take-Two Interactive Software is participating in E3 2013."

"We are going to have a meeting room in the upper concourse level and we'll be doing some business meetings as we usually do," a Take-Two spokesperson tells Joystiq. "2K is not participating."

As for Rockstar, the rebellious child of Take-Two, we're still waiting to hear official word if they plan to participate. Rockstar does not typically attend E3 and hasn't made any announcements.

2K's scheduled projects for this year include The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, Civilization V: Brave New World, XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iOS, more Borderlands 2 content, WWE 2K14 and NBA 2K14.

Joystiq2K Games won't attend E3, Take-Two to have meeting rooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamese3-2013rockstar-gamestake-twoTake-Two-InteractiveFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM shooter re-reveal expected this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xcom-shooter-re-reveal-expected-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xcom-shooter-re-reveal-expected-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xcom-shooter-re-reveal-expected-this-week/#comments Image2K Marin's XCOM shooter recently had all its official assets removed from the internet, which now appears to have been prep work for a new reveal of the game later this week. According to a 2K Games post, the XCOM "squad-based tactical shooter in development at 2K Marin" will be shown again.

It was a little surprise back in February when Take-Two (2K Games' parent company) announced during its financial call that the XCOM shooter was still in production and expected before March 31, 2014.

Firaxis' refresh of the original strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, launched last year to "critical and commercial success." It seems we're about to live in a world where two genres of XCOM live in peaceful coexistence (for a time, anyway).

JoystiqXCOM shooter re-reveal expected this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-bureauxboxXCOMWed, 24 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Games pulls XCOM shooter site, trailer from the internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/2k-games-pulls-xcom-shooter-site-trailer-from-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/2k-games-pulls-xcom-shooter-site-trailer-from-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/2k-games-pulls-xcom-shooter-site-trailer-from-the-internet/#comments 2K Games erases all existence of XCOM shooter2K Marin's XCOM shooter seems to be in trouble, based on how thorough 2K Games has been about erasing it from the internet. The XCOM shooter website and even all trailers uploaded to 2K Games' official YouTube channel have been removed.

Last month, a piece from Superannuation posited that 2K Games is looking to rebrand the XCOM shooter, based on some domain registrations for thebureau-game.com, thebureau-game.net, whathappenedin62.com, and whathappenedin62.net. The XCOM shooter, if you'll recall, takes place in 1962.

As of February, XCOM is still in production at 2K Marin for parent company Take-Two's fiscal 2014, which means it's due before March 31, 2014. We've contacted 2K Games for comment and will update when we hear back.

Joystiq2K Games pulls XCOM shooter site, trailer from the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxXCOMMon, 15 Apr 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/xcom-enemy-unknown-prototype-videos/#comments
XCOM: Enemy Unknown art director Greg Foertsch conducted a GDC 2013 panel called Art Direction Autopsy: XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Foertsch shared a few internal videos chronicling the different directions considered by Firaxis Games, and was kind enough to share those videos with Joystiq.

Above, you can see a video with a more survival-horror slant - a prototype with methodical pacing, centered around a lone farm house wrapped in dark atmosphere. Jump past the break for two more prototype videos.

Continue reading Prototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown

JoystiqPrototypes show the evolution of XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesgdc-2013iosipadmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationprototypeps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 12 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS won't have in-app purchasable upgrades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/xcom-enemy-unknown-ios-wont-have-in-app-purchasable-upgrades/#comments XCOM: Enemy Unknown won't go down the common iOS route of charging for upgrades, items and the like, mainly because the game's lead designer can't stand the idea. Firaxis' Jake Solomon made the blunt disclosure to IGN, reaffirming the upcoming mobile version of the 2012 strategy game is a straight port.

"Oh God, please...," Solomon responded to IGN when asked about in-app purchases like power-ups, "No. I'm not sure I would be able to sleep at night. My food would taste like ashes in my mouth."

Solomon told us last month the iOS version, due this summer, is "the exact same game [as on PC or consoles], it's just now fully playable on an iPhone or an iPad." Given that it's the full game, it'll be "appropriately" priced at a premium point, although we're still waiting to see what that is. The iOS version will include the Elite Soldier DLC but not the Slingshot pack, while the Second Wave update remains a possibility.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown iOS won't have in-app purchasable upgrades originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxis-gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownTue, 09 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite alternate covers available for printing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-alternate-covers-available-for-printing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-alternate-covers-available-for-printing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-alternate-covers-available-for-printing/#comments BioShock Infinite alternate covers available for printingIrrational Games now has eight pieces of alternative cover art for BioShock Infinite available on its site. The bland original cover already comes with artistic opposition, which was chosen by 38 percent of participants in an online fan vote.

Now, all the original designs up for the vote are available for printing, along with a few more custom designs, like the one we chose above. Covers are available in PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Irrational warns fans to follow the printing instructions and do a test run before wasting glossy paper. So many pretty covers to choose from.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite alternate covers available for printing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/bioshock-infinite-clings-to-top-spot-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments
Like Booker DeWitt on a skyrail, BioShock Infinite hangs high above the rest in this week's UK charts. Despite a 75 percent sales drop after its launch week, Irrational's clouds-based shooter is numero uno for two weeks in a row. Just below it is Tomb Raider, maintaining its own impressive grip on the UK top two; that's five weeks now it's not budged.

Trion's shooter MMO Defiance marks its debut week by notching third place, and is the only new entry in the top 40. Gears of War: Judgment earns a third week appraisal of sixth, falling behind Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon in fifth. Meanwhile, Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel and PGA Tour 14 endure second week drops to 15th and 17th respectively.

After just three weeks, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is nowhere to be seen in the top 40, although there may be more here than meets the eye. After placing seventh in its debut week, MH3U plummeted to a surprising 37th last week. However, Nintendo of Europe chief Satoru Shibata took to Twitter late last week to apologize "for the current stock shortage" of the Wii U and 3DS game "due to high demand." Shibata said new stock will "hopefully be available" this coming week.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite clings to top spot in this week's UK Charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3dsbioshock-infinitechart-trackchart-track-weeklyirrational-gamesmicrosoftmonster-hunter-3-ultimatenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rapturous deal: BioShock 1 and 2 for $4 from GameFly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rapturous-deal-bioshock-1-and-2-for-4-from-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rapturous-deal-bioshock-1-and-2-for-4-from-gamefly/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rapturous-deal-bioshock-1-and-2-for-4-from-gamefly/#comments Can't afford the trip to Columbia? Want to catch up on lore and ethos that define BioShock before diving into BioShock Infinite? GameFly has you covered, offering a BioShock and BioShock 2 PC download bundle for only five bucks. Throw in the code GFDAPR20 at checkout for an additional 20 percent off, knocking the price down to a piddly $3.99.

JoystiqRapturous deal: BioShock 1 and 2 for $4 from GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Games2k-marinBioshockirrational-gamespcTue, 02 Apr 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/borderlands-2-level-cap-raise-available-now-for-a-fee/#comments Borderlands 2's "Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack" is available now for $5 (400 Microsoft Points) on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. For those with the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, this piece of DLC is included in the bundle.

The new pack increases the level cap from 50 to 61, unlocks new game ++ with the "Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode" and adds the pearlescent-colored weapons tier. The pearlescent tier is the rarest in the game, which we guess makes it epically uber?

Borderlands 2 is slowly wrapping up its downloadable content with the (not season pass eligible) Psycho Pack this May and a final piece of campaign DLC expected in June.

Continue reading Borderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee

JoystiqBorderlands 2 level cap raise available now for a fee originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesborderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/bioshock-infinite-goes-sky-high-in-this-weeks-uk-charts/#comments It's infinitesimally surprising BioShock Infinite debuts at #1 in the UK charts, but more unexpected is that it's the country's second biggest launch of the year, despite being the biggest in the franchise's history with 9000 more sales than BioShock 2. The 2013 crown, however, still belongs to Tomb Raider. Crystal Dynamics' reboot makes it four weeks now in the UK top two - albeit helped by a 45 percent sales boost on the back of price promotions.

Gears of War: Judgment, last week's number one, slips back to third. Below it, three other new releases join BioShock Infinite in the top ten to close what's been a busy March. 3DS exclusive Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon takes fifth spot, while Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 come in sixth and eighth respectively.

Outside the top ten, the Wii U release of Lego City Undercover debuts at 12th, while Sly Cooper: Thieves of Time, which arrived for Vita and PS3 in Europe on March 27, is 31st.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts

JoystiqBioShock Infinite goes sky-high in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games3dsbioshock-infinitechart-trackchart-track-weeklyirrational-gamesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3tomb-raider-2013ukvitawii-uxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unlock BioShock Infinite's '1999 Mode' early with the Konami code]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/unlock-bioshock-infinites-1999-mode-early-with-the-konami-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/unlock-bioshock-infinites-1999-mode-early-with-the-konami-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/unlock-bioshock-infinites-1999-mode-early-with-the-konami-code/#comments Unlock BioShock Infinite's '1999 Mode' with the Konami codeWhen BioShock Infinite launches on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 tomorrow, players can choose to unlock the game's difficult '1999 Mode' early by using a modern variation of the classic Konami code.

By default, Infinite only has three available difficulty settings: Easy, medium and hard, with the 1999 Mode - which tunes Irrational's latest game to a difficulty best suited for those looking for a classic shooter experience akin to System Shock 2's campaign - hidden away until the game is complete. If players decide they want an immediate challenge, using the Konami code will allow them to unlock it at any point.
  • On PC (with keyboardmouse): Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, (Cancel key), (Confirm key)
  • On Xbox: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A
  • On PS3: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, O, X
For more on BioShock Infinite make sure to read the Joystiq review, which called the next installment in the franchise "one of the best told stories of this generation."

JoystiqUnlock BioShock Infinite's '1999 Mode' early with the Konami code originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1999-Mode2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: BioShock Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/metareview-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/metareview-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/metareview-bioshock-infinite/#comments Metareview BioShock InfiniteIt's a good day for the team at BioShock Infinite developer Irrational Games, with the game receiving nearly universal praise. Our review couldn't help gushing either, saying Infinite is "undoubtedly the finest game crafted by Irrational Games" and "one of the best told stories of this generation. It simply cannot be missed."
  • Eurogamer (100/100): "BioShock Infinite doesn't blur the lines between your reality and the game's to quite the same extent as its predecessor, but it's a more complete and polished story, and that's the thing you'll remember. "
  • Game Informer (100/100): "Infinite is more than a new setting, story, and characters; those elements are seamlessly integrated with complex themes, a mysterious plot, and entertaining combat to create an amazing experience from beginning to end."
  • PC Gamer (91/100): "Elizabeth herself is nice. I liked her. If you were hoping for something more - perhaps even the fabled Strong Female Character[TM] - you might be disappointed. When you're together, she's relegated to the role of caddy, limited to passing you a new weapon when you run out of ammo, and only ever using her own abilities when you command her to."
  • Edge (90/100): "Sadly, as the combat opens up, the story begins to slowly unravel. There's no golf club moment, no singular twist around which the tale turns. Instead, Infinite provides a series of revelations that have you replaying earlier sections with a more enlightened, inquisitive eye."
  • VideoGamer (80/100): "It is fascinating, and also boring. It is important, yet forgettable. Its world is enticing and unappealing. It attempts to move things forward, yet is in places stuck in the past. For a game that has the potential to open the franchise up to a multitude of different ideas and interpretations, BioShock Infinite can feel curiously limited."

JoystiqMetareview: BioShock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalIrrational-GamesMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite review: Of lions, lambs and liars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/bioshock-infinite-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/bioshock-infinite-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/bioshock-infinite-review/#comments BioShock Infinite review Of lions, lambs and liarsBioShock Infinite weaves a complicated and intricate plot around ever-changing variables. Not only is it an evolving story that sees protagonist Booker DeWitt and the mysterious Elizabeth grow closer, but Irrational's latest deals with the hubris of a society built above the clouds, its ideals inflated with so much of the same hot air that propels it above the world below.

Though it touches on topics revolving around racism, religion, rebellion and revenge, these themes take a backseat to BioShock Infinite's primary topic: Love. Whether it be a society in love with its own patented brand of American Exceptionalism, a leader in love with his own self-appointed immortal image, or a pair of people that come together to care for one another, BioShock Infinite is a love story.

And it's an easy story to fall in love with.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (03/25/2013)

Continue reading BioShock Infinite review: Of lions, lambs and liars

JoystiqBioShock Infinite review: Of lions, lambs and liars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/#comments

The Civilization 5: Brave New World expansion has been given a launch date of July 9 for North America, July 12 internationally.

During today's Firaxis PAX East panel, the team also announced that the game will feature XCOM squads as late-game units. The units are paratroopers who can drop in 40 units away (delivered by Skyranger), the standard is 9. Would you expect any less from the elite squad of humanity's last hope?

Gallery: Civilization V - Brave New World

JoystiqCivilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/xcom-enemy-unknown-iOS/#comments

XCOM: Enemy Unknown was just announced for iPad and iPhone during a PAX East panel.

"It is a straight port. We have not made any gameplay exceptions," XCOM: Enemy Unknown Lead Designer Jake Solomon told us. "You play the exact same game [as on PC or consoles], it's just now fully playable on an iPhone or an iPad."

Asked about the game's pricing, Solomon wouldn't give specifics, saying, "It's going to be priced appropriately for what it is. It's going to be a premium price point. It is the game. It is the full game."

In case you're looking for a definition of "premium" on iOS, expect to be more than $1 and probably push the limits like The Walking Dead does at $15.

The game should be out by summer. We've been told it will not include the Slingshot pack downloadable content, however the Elite Soldier DLC will be included. Meanwhile, the free Second Wave update has not yet been ruled out.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown announced for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesiosipadiphonemobilexcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/#comments SeenPax East Hanging at the 2K booth at PAX East is an inspirational poster of marketing, featuring the characters from Firaxis' Civilization and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. If you're at the show, you can pick up the poster at the "Strategy Masterminds Mega Panel - Behind the Scenes at Firaxis Games" panel. The panel features the team of Firaxis showing off "never-before-seen footage" and teasing "big reveals" at 4:30PM.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesCivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcxcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite's Elizabeth is the sum of many women]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinites-elizabeth-is-the-sum-of-many-women/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinites-elizabeth-is-the-sum-of-many-women/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/bioshock-infinites-elizabeth-is-the-sum-of-many-women/#comments
As creative director Ken Levine discussed in his recent BAFTA talk, the Elizabeth character is much of what BioShock Infinite is built around. Levine, wearing a BioShock hoodie over a BioShock t-shirt, introduces in this video the women whose work created her.

On that note, one tidbit from BAFTA was Levine describing how he, to paraphrase his own words, had to act like a douchebag to voice actress Courtnee Draper to help her reach the right low for an emotional line. We wish we had such good excuses for our douchebaggery.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite's Elizabeth is the sum of many women originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 20 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown PC download on sale at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/xcom-enemy-unknown-pc-download-on-sale-at-amazon/#comments Commander, you'll find a wave of new recruits joining you soon. Thanks to a special XCOM initiative promotion, we're opening our doors like never before in an attempt to bolster our ranks against the enemy threat in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, offering enlistment via Amazon for $16.50.

Look, we don't want to say you're doing a bad job, it's just - well have you looked out your window lately, Commander? Oh, right, you're underground, sorry. Just know that there are aliens everywhere now, we could really use the extra muscle and the council thinks this is a solid move for a positive monthly report in March.

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown PC download on sale at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesamazonfiraxis-gamespcxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 18 Mar 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite's TV ad on the internets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bioshock-infinite-tv-ad-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bioshock-infinite-tv-ad-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bioshock-infinite-tv-ad-commercial/#comments

Here's the full minute version of the BioShock Infinite commercial you should start seeing on TV in the coming weeks in 30- and 15-second versions. Hmmm, wonder if we'll get the full thing on Hulu?

JoystiqBioShock Infinite's TV ad on the internets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Ken Levine talk about BioShock Infinite at BAFTA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/#comments
Irrational Games posted the recent BAFTA evening with BioShock creator Ken Levine this weekend for your viewership. The 105-minute video sees the Irrational co-founder cover everything from the nearly-here Infinite to his self-described lucky break into the industry.

The first half is Levine's talk, in which he opens by discussing how Irrational Games came to be before focusing on how the studio's vision brought it to Infinite and the character of Elizabeth, who Levine says is the third BioShock game's Big Daddy. The second half, from the 41 minute mark onwards, is a Q&A session touching on several subjects, including how Levine "killed" the BioShock movie and why he "compromised" on Infinite's box art.

JoystiqWatch Ken Levine talk about BioShock Infinite at BAFTA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite indoctrinates us with 'False Shepherd' trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/bioshock-infinite-indoctrinates-us-with-false-shepherd-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/bioshock-infinite-indoctrinates-us-with-false-shepherd-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/bioshock-infinite-indoctrinates-us-with-false-shepherd-trailer/#comments

If you've done a solid job of avoiding BioShock Infinite details up to this point then keep on trucking. We're still waiting to see if jumping sky-lines in the final game will cause us to scream in panic like every time we see it in one of these trailers.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite indoctrinates us with 'False Shepherd' trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 14 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gearbox-details-the-evolution-of-the-playable-borderlands-cast/#comments Gearbox previews the original heroes of BorderlandsDuring a panel at the SXSW Interactive Festival, Gearbox franchise director Matt Armstrong and Borderlands lead character designer Jonathan Hemingway provided a behind the scenes look at how the developer evolved its playable characters from faceless archetypes to its four-person killing crew.

Each character was originally conceived to give players a point of comparison to other genres or game franchises. The accessible and easy to use "Doom Guy" focused on giving classic shooter fans their familiar FPS fix; the tactical shooter archetype focused on delivering more strategic options, like in Metal Gear or Splinter Cell; and a world manipulator character concept wanted to give gamers a James Bond-like, gadget-focused killer.

Eventually, these original concepts - crudely drawn in shapes - evolved into the four playable characters featured in Borderlands.

Continue reading Gearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast

JoystiqGearbox details the evolution of the playable Borderlands cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesBorderlandsBorderlands Game of the Year EditionGearboxGearbox-Softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3SXSW-2013xboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST