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[David Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/#comments Noted Twisted Metal and God of War designer David Jaffe has signed on with Pixelbionic, a new independent games studio formed in southern California late last year. Jaffe will take a creative advisory role to aid in Pixelbionic's first game, Autoduel - an online vehicular combat game for the PC that will seek funding on Kickstarter sometime soon.

On the advisory board, Jaffe is joined by Zack Norman, the creator of Interstate '76, and Chanel Summers, a sound expert who helped design the audio systems of the Xbox hardware. There isn't much detail in the press release past the break about Autoduel itself, other than it's a team-based affair set in the post-apocalypse (of course) with "RPG-influenced persistence and progression gameplay."

Pixelbionic was founded by Maxx Kaufman - a founding member of inXile Entertainment with a long list of games to his name such as The Bard's Tale, Return to Castle Wolfenstein and the Redneck Rampage series - and Mike Arkin, who served as producer for many studios, including a stint at Fox Interactive where he helped on Die Hard Trilogy, ID4 and Aliens vs. Predator.

Gallery: Autoduel

Continue reading David Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter

JoystiqDavid Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodueldavid-jaffekickstartermaxx-kaufmanmike-arkinpcpixelbioniczack-normanThu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA puts an end to its Online Pass program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward."

The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.

JoystiqEA puts an end to its Online Pass program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-online-passea-sportsmicrosoftnintendoonline-passpcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/google-play-launches-game-services-for-mobile-social-cloud-gam/#commentsGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming Google is kicking off games services on its Play Store that allows developers to add achievements, social and public leaderboards, cloud saving, and real-time multiplayer. The games service goes live today and works completely on Android, and mostly on iOS or other "connected devices" - that second batch won't support multiplayer.

Google Play's games services differs from Apple's Game Center in that it offers backend support, rather than a standalone application.

Anyone making a game with Google Play has access to its developer services. A handful of games already have these services incorporated: World of Goo, Super Stickman Golf 2, Beach Buggy Blitz, Kingdom Rush, Eternity Warriors 2 and Osmos.

"We won't make it a mandatory exercise, or have any certification process around it," Google lead product manager Greg Hartrell told Engadget. "We create fantastic services that allow developers to create these great game experiences, and help promote their discovery, help retain their users and keep them engaged."

Check out the games services on Google's developer site.

Continue reading Google Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming

JoystiqGoogle Play launches game services for mobile, social, cloud gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamesgames-servicesgooglegoogle-gamesgoogle-io-2013google-playiosipadiphonemobileWed, 15 May 2013 12:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 6 officially announced, available this holiday [update: demo in July, trailer]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-officially-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-officially-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-officially-announced/#comments
After details leaked out of Europe this morning, Sony has officially announced Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 this holiday.

"I'd like to announce today that we are developing GT6 for the holiday season this year on the PlayStation 3," said Polyphony Digital and creator of Gran Turismo Kazunori Yamauchi moments ago.

"10 million copies of [Gran Turismo 5] have been sold," according to the Toyota Europe communications team, which did a better job of tweeting the reveal at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK than Sony Europe. "Gran Turismo is most successful [PlayStation] franchise ever - over 70 million copies sold to date, almost 50 percent in Europe"

Update: We now have a trailer, along with some further details. First and foremost, Sony says a demo of Gran Turismo 6 is scheduled for July. This'll be what kicks off GT Academy 2013, for those of you interested in that.

The new iteration launches with 1200 cars, 33 locations, and 71 layouts. That's seven new locations in addition to those in Gran Turismo 5, and one of the new ones is the UK's Silverstone circuit, where today's event took place. Polyphony Digital's developed a new game engine for GT6, which Sony says "pushes the limits of the PS3," and a new physics engine, which includes new modeling for suspension, tyres, kinematics, and aerodynamics.

Sony says we'll see more of GT6 at this year's E3 and gamescom conferences.

Continue reading Gran Turismo 6 officially announced, available this holiday [update: demo in July, trailer]

JoystiqGran Turismo 6 officially announced, available this holiday [update: demo in July, trailer] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran-turismo-6gran-turismo-eventplaystationpolyphonypolyphony-digitalps3Wed, 15 May 2013 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts Unmasked amasses thousands of DC Comics characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/scribblenauts-unmasked-amasses-thousands-of-dc-comics-characters/#comments
The creators of Scribblenauts have ceaselessly documented and cutely illustrated nearly everything in the known universe, so why not turn to the parallel worlds of DC Comics? Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure contains a number of heroes, villains and weirdos - that number being over 2,000.

Developer 5th Cell claims to have scrutinized every single superpower, series and universe in DC Comics history, all to serve the game's trick of summoning whatever or whoever the player commits to a magical notepad. Maxwell returns as jotting protagonist, joined this time by his twin sister Lily.

If Scribblenauts Unmasked doesn't have the best Batmans (Batmen?), it certainly has the most at 33 pairs of pointy ears in total, joined by an extravagant 130 Green Lanterns. That emerald grouping includes Mogo, a sentient planet with a lot of gravitational pull in the Green Lantern Corps.

Scribblenauts Unmasked is hinged on using adjectives and objects to complete "heroic feats," a bombastic term for puzzles procedurally generated from a dynamic list of DC characters, locations and potential tasks. Custom-built characters can also be thrown into the mix, though only DC's official figures get a written biography on the Batcomputer.

Scribblenauts Unmasked will be available on 3DS, Wii U and PC this fall.

Gallery: Scribblenauts Unmasked

JoystiqScribblenauts Unmasked amasses thousands of DC Comics characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds5th-celldc-comicsnintendopcscribblenauts-unmaskedwarner-broswii-uWed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 this holiday [update: it's official]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/gran-turismo-6-announced/#commentsGran Turismo now cruising at 678 million series sales, GT5 over 9 million Gran Turismo 6 will reportedly launch this holiday season for PlayStation 3, according to iafrica, which allegedly obtained a leaked press release.

There is currently a Gran Turismo event going on at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK, where attendees are learning more about the series and are being treated to "exciting announcements about its future." Yesterday, the Sony-managed gran-turismo.com website featured a product listing for the unannounced simulation.

Gran Turismo 6 has been in development since 2010 and a Sony executive stated in February the game would be out this year for PS3. As this is Gran Turismo we're talking about, release windows may mirror dates that are closer than they actually appear.

Update 1: As spotted by Digital Spy, Someone at Toyota Europe Product Communications has been a busy tweeter at today's Gran Turismo event. We'll let the tweets (after the break) speak for themselves.

Update 2: It's official.

Continue reading Rumor: Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 this holiday [update: it's official]

JoystiqRumor: Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 this holiday [update: it's official] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3Wed, 15 May 2013 08:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield launches in June for $350, pre-orders open May 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-launches-in-june-for-350-pre-orders-open-may-20/#comments Nvidia's Project Shield - now officially dubbed Nvidia Shield - will launch before the end of June for $349.99, Nvidia has announced. Pre-orders for the Tegra 4-powered Android handheld will open on May 20, through select online and brick-and-mortar retailers: New Egg, GameStop, Micro Center and Canada Computers. Those on Nvidia's Project Shield notification list can pre-order starting today.

With the price and pre-order date, Nvidia announced five new games coming to the platform: Broken Age and Costume Quest from Double Fine, Flyhunter: Origins from Steel Wool Games, Skiing Fred from Dedalord Games and Chuck's Challenge from Chuck Sommerville's Niffler, who you may recall of Chip's Challenge fame.

The Nvidia Shield is running Android 4.2.1, sports a 5-inch retinal display capable of 720p and has 16GB of internal storage, expandable through a SD card slot on the back. Other hardware features include a built-in mic and GPS, plus a mini-HDMI out in the back. The Shield is also capable of streaming games from your PC, granted you have a GTX 650 GPU or better in there.

All Nvidia Shields will include two free games: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 and Expendable: Rearmed. We'll have a hands-on video with the final Nvidia Shield and some impressions up soon.

Gallery: NVIDIA Shield (Hands-on)

JoystiqNvidia Shield launches in June for $350, pre-orders open May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldrelease-dateTue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/shadow-warrior-resurrected-by-hard-reset-developer/#commentsShadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset dev, Flying Wild Hog Flying Wild Hog, the developer behind sci-fi shooter Hard Reset, is resurrecting Shadow Warrior, with Devolver Digital set to publish.

In a reveal on Flying Wild Hog's Facebook page, the developer calls Shadow Warrior a "total reimagining." A teaser site featuring the first look at the new title has also appeared online; however, no other details have been revealed.

Shadow Warrior originally launched in 1997, created by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive. Upon its release, the shooter/slasher was heavily criticized for perceived Asian stereotypes and racial profiling. An iOS re-release was issued late last year.

JoystiqShadow Warrior resurrected by Hard Reset developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalflying-wild-hogshadow-warriorFri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-launch-delayed-to-june-25-controller-defect-being-fixed/#comments The Ouya isn't going to make its planned June 4 launch. The diminutive Android console will now launch on June 25. Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman tells Joystiq that the decision was made in order to meet high demand at retail.

"We've had incredibly positive reactions from our retail partners, and so in order to meet their greater than expected demand, we decided to shift the launch date by a couple of weeks - three weeks - which will allow us to create more units and, basically, have more units on store shelves in June."

Uhrman also addressed one of Ouya's stickier issues, notably that the controller's buttons can get stuck underneath its faceplate. The problem has already been fixed, she says, and has been implemented in production. The solution: larger button holes. "I don't know what the exact millimeter is, but we've increased the size just a little bit, so now the buttons don't stick under it. We made that change very early so all the units are being produced with those larger button holes." The corrected controllers will ship alongside Ouya's retail launch units.

We followed up with Ouya and were told that the new controllers are already being shipped to Kickstarter backers as well. When asked if those who already received a defective controller would get a replacement, a representative told us, "If backers have a problem with their controller, we will work with them to resolve the issue via customer service."

We'll have more on the Ouya's upcoming launch later today.

Continue reading Ouya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed

JoystiqOuya launch delayed to June 25, controller defect being fixed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidjulie-uhrmanmobileouyaThu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/#comments Electronic Arts has confirmed to Joystiq that neither Tiger Woods PGA Tour, nor its take on the UFC rights it acquired last June, will be released in fiscal year '14 (concluding March 31, 2014). Although this doesn't necessarily confirm there will be no Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 as has been rumored - due to the awkward timing of the game's standard release in late March - it does confirm the game won't come out in its usual spot during the last week of March, which it has done for three years.

Speaking during today's investor call, EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau explicitly mentioned 11 games the company plans to launch before next March, none of which were UFC or Tiger. When asked for clarification, a representative for EA told us the games would not release in the fiscal year, though they are "still in development."

JoystiqEA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfy-2014tiger-woodsufcTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wolfenstein: The New Order announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wolfenstein-the-new-order-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wolfenstein-the-new-order-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wolfenstein-the-new-order-announced/#comments

Bethesda Softworks has announced Wolfenstein: The New Order for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, and next-gen consoles. The reimagined take on the classic first-person shooter is under development at MachineGames and set in an alternate universe during the 1960s. The game will goose-step into retail during the final quarter of 2013.

"As fans of the series, working on this game is an honor, and our team is driven to create an unforgettable action-adventure experience that will make FPS fans proud," said Jens Matthies, creative director at developer MachineGames. The studio was founded in 2009 by a group of Starbreeze Studios vets. It was purchased by Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media in 2010.

Continue reading Wolfenstein: The New Order announced

JoystiqWolfenstein: The New Order announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>machinegamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3wolfensteinwolfenstein-the-new-orderxboxTue, 07 May 2013 09:05:00 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[EA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/#commentsEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars
Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company, which obtained the Star Wars franchise as part of its $4.05 billion acquisition of LucasFilm last year, have signed a multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish Star Wars games.


"While we don't have any details to share today on specific titles, our development teams are already brimming with design ideas," said EA Labels President Frank Gibeau. "The EA Studios that will develop these games are some of the most innovative and popular creative teams in the world, and include DICE and Visceral, in addition to the BioWare team, which is already developing for the Star Wars franchise."

The financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed. EA will develop and publish new Star Wars games for the "core gaming audience" across all interactive platforms and "most popular game genres." Disney will retain certain rights to mobile, social, tablet and online games.

JoystiqEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveeaelectronic-artsLucasArtslucasfilmstar-warsMon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/#commentsThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac Maxis announced The Sims 4 this morning, coming to PC and Mac in 2014. More details are due later today, EA said.

"The Sims franchise is fueled by the passion and creativity of its millions of fans around the world," reads EA's announcement. "Their continued devotion to the franchise ignites the fire of creativity of the team at The Sims Studio, driving them to continually improve and innovate on one of the world's most successful simulation game that has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide."

[Image source: @CurtisParadis]

JoystiqThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmacmaxispcrelease-datethe-sims-4Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Legends swings into North America Sep. 3, EU Aug. 30 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/rayman-legends-reaches-north-america-august-27-europe-august-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/rayman-legends-reaches-north-america-august-27-europe-august-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/rayman-legends-reaches-north-america-august-27-europe-august-30/#comments
Rayman Legends hits North America on September 3, an Ubisoft spokesperson tells us, and August 30 in Europe. The Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U game hits its "early September" release window following its delay earlier this year.

The news is joined by today's arrival of the game's precursory Online Challenges app on the Wii U eShop. The free demo includes Land of the Livid Dead, Neverending Pit, and Infinite Tower levels, as well as the GamePad-tailored Murfy's Dungeon run.

The app also features daily and weekly "Extreme Challenges," unlocked by winning cups and subsequently increasing your "Awesomeness Level." Ubisoft didn't say what happens if your Awesomeness Level is already Super Duper Awesome.

Update: We were earlier provided with a release date of August 27 for North America by an Ubisoft spokesperson. We were then contacted with a corrected date of September 3.

Continue reading Rayman Legends swings into North America Sep. 3, EU Aug. 30 [update]

JoystiqRayman Legends swings into North America Sep. 3, EU Aug. 30 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3rayman-legendsrelease-datewii-uxboxThu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events instead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/nintendo-not-doing-e3-press-conference-holding-smaller-closed-e/#comments Nintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events insteadIn an investor presentation, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced that Nintendo will skip the usual large-scale E3 press conference this year in favor of "a few smaller events that are specifically focused on our software lineup for the U.S. market."

One of these events will be for American distributors, with another closed event "for mainly the Western gaming media." Iwata noted that Nintendo is not planning to announce any new hardware at this E3, with showing off software the main focus.

While Nintendo is dropping a lot of mainstream press attention with this move, it makes a lot of sense for a company with the recent financial history of Nintendo to skip out on some expensive pageantry. Especially when the company makes E3-level announcements monthly, for a tiny fraction of the cost.

JoystiqNintendo not doing E3 press conference, holding smaller closed events instead originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2013nintendosatoru-iwatawiiwii-uWed, 24 Apr 2013 23:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to reveal next generation Xbox May 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xbox-reveal-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xbox-reveal-may-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/xbox-reveal-may-21/#comments Xbox reveal May 21Microsoft will reveal the next Xbox on May 21.

The event will have a global stream on Xbox.com, Xbox Live and Spike TV (US and Canada). No word yet if the Xbox 360 Pizza Hut app will also stream the event.

"On that day, we'll share our vision for Xbox, and give you a real taste of the future. Then, 19 days later at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, we'll continue the conversation and showcase our full lineup of blockbuster games," said Xbox's community guru Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb.

The event is titled "A New Generation Revealed" and will occur at Microsoft's Redmond, Washington, campus on Tuesday, May 21 at 1PM Eastern (10AM Pacific, 6PM UK).

JoystiqMicrosoft to reveal next generation Xbox May 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>may-21microsoftnextboxredmondseattlexboxxbox-720xbox-720-revealWed, 24 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Ghosts listed at multiple retailers for PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/#comments Call of Duty Ghosts appears at multiple retailers, release date November 5Call of Duty: Ghosts emerges from the darkness thanks to Target and UK retailer Tesco, with the former advertising a release date of November 5. Meanwhile, a Tesco listing notes a release date of December 30 - early November is the traditional Call of Duty ETA. The box art posted on Tesco (see below the break for a snippet) features Infinity Ward's logo.

We know (as if we didn't before) that Activision has another edition of its shooter series slated for this year. "The Call of Duty franchise continues to set the bar for innovation," company CFO Dennis Durkin said during Activision's February earnings call, "And we expect the new Call of Duty game in development for 2013 to raise that bar even higher."

We've reached out to Activision for comment.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Ghosts listed at multiple retailers for PS3, Xbox 360

JoystiqCall of Duty: Ghosts listed at multiple retailers for PS3, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-ghostsinfinity-wardmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datetargettescoxboxWed, 24 Apr 2013 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/wii-u-shipments-miss-targets-at-3-45m-fy14-forecasts-of-9m/#comments The Wii U shipped 3.45 million units worldwide as of March 31, a figure well short of the 4 million projected in January, itself adjusted from initial forecasts of 5.5 million. That means the Wii U only shipped around 390,000 units worldwide in the last three months.

In a financial statement, Nintendo said its console failed to "maintain the initial sales momentum" due to delays of subsequent games, and the company aims to remedy this in the second half of this year through to next year by "releasing key Nintendo titles." The company believes this'll help the Wii U attain its projected shipping figures of 9 million for the next fiscal year (April 1 2013 to March 31 2014).

Nintendo's fiscal year net profits came in at almost half the company's projections, down from a projected ¥14 billion to just over ¥7 billion, or around $71 million. The figure nonetheless represents significant turnaround from the ¥43 billion net loss posted for the previous fiscal year. Nintendo forecasts net profits of ¥55 billion for its next fiscal year.

3DS shipping figures continue to climb, with the handheld now at 31.09 million, up over a million in the last quarter. The Wii remains short of the 100M mark at 99.84 million. The Wii outperformed the Wii U in the last quarter, shipping 70,000 units more at 460,000.

Continue reading Wii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year

JoystiqWii U shipments miss targets at 3.45M, projected 9M for next fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-crossing-new-leaffinancialsluigis-mansion-dark-moonnew-super-mario-bros-2new-super-mario-bros-unintendonintendo-landpaper-mario-sticker-starwiiwii-uWed, 24 Apr 2013 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/#comments THQ auction results Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction 505 Games is Drawn to Life
The THQ back catalog auction results are in, with Nordic Games riding away with the intellectual property (IP) rights to Darksiders, Red Faction and MX vs. ATV for $4.9 million. The company picked up nearly all the assets in the auction, including Titan Quest, Supreme Commander, Frontlines, Stuntman, Juiced, Full Spectrum Warrior, Destroy All Humans and much more.

"First and foremost we are very happy about this deal which also turns over a new leaf for the entire Nordic Games Group. In the long term, we either want to cooperate with the original creators or best possible developers in order to work on sequels or additional content for these titles," said Nordic Games CEO Lars Wingefors. "A very important point for us is not to dash into several self-financed multi-million dollar projects right away, but rather to continue our in-depth analysis of all titles and carefully selecting different financing models for developing new instalments of acquired IPs."

The other reveal is 505 Games grabbed the rights to Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300K.

The news follows this afternoon's unexpected acquisition of the Homeworld franchise by Gearbox Software. We now know the price tag for Gearbox to re-release the original games on digital distribution networks and take a swing at its own spin on the real-time strategy franchise was $1.35 million.

We've listed the winning bids in greater detail after the break.

Continue reading THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life

JoystiqTHQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesDarksidersdarksiders-2Destroy-All-HumansHomeworldmicrosoftnordic-gamesnordic-games-licensing-abpcplaystationps3red-factionSupreme-Commanderthqthq-bankruptcyxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/#comments Homeworld IP purchased by GearboxGearbox Software, best known for the Borderlands series, has purchased the rights to the Homeworld intellectual property during the recent THQ back catalog auction round.

Gearbox Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel has "great love and respect for Relic's brilliant, fun and innovative game and personally spearheaded the acquisition," according to a studio statement.

The company's subspace communication continues: "Brian intends as first priority to direct Gearbox's interest to preserve and assemble the purest form of the original acclaimed and beloved games, Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with the intent of making them accessible on today's leading digital platforms."

The Homeworld series was originally developed by Relic Entertainment, which was purchased by Sega during a previous round of the THQ bankruptcy auctions.

It is unclear at this time if Sega bid on Homeworld. We do know that Galactic Civilization developer and Sins of a Solar Empire publisher Stardock was in the running. CEO Brad Wardell tweeted us, "I'm surprised. I was wondering who had outbid us. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it. As long as I get [Homeworld 3]!"

JoystiqHomeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgearbox-softwarepcRelicRelic-Entertainmentthqthq-bankruptcyMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Solid 'Legacy Collection' brings a box of Snakes to PS3 in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-brings-a-box-of-snakes-to-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-brings-a-box-of-snakes-to-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/metal-gear-solid-legacy-collection-brings-a-box-of-snakes-to-p/#comments Metal Gear Solid 'Legacy Collection' brings a box of Snakes to PS3 in JuneThe Metal Gear Solid "Legacy Collection" found on a Korean rating has now been officially announced by Konami. The PS3 collection brings together Metal Gear Solid, the HD Collection versions of Metal Gear Solid 2, 3, and Peace Walker, and the "Trophy Edition" of Metal Gear Solid 4, along with the relatively hard-to-find Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions and two digital graphic novels by Ashley Wood, in a handsome package that might make some consider buying them again.

Metal Gear fans have an affinity for fancy cardboard boxes. The collection will be released in North and South America in June. Konami has yet to specify a price.

Continue reading Metal Gear Solid 'Legacy Collection' brings a box of Snakes to PS3 in June

JoystiqMetal Gear Solid 'Legacy Collection' brings a box of Snakes to PS3 in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collectionplaystationps3release-dateMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Pikmin 3 dated August 4 by Nintendo press release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pikmin-3-dated-august-4-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pikmin-3-dated-august-4-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pikmin-3-dated-august-4-release-date/#comments
Although Nintendo President Satoru Iwata had no launch date to share on Pikmin 3 during this morning's Nintendo Direct, the company's official press release just sent out notes an August 4 release date. The game will launch in stores and on the Nintendo eShop.

We're following up with Nintendo for confirmation.

Update: Confirmed.

JoystiqPikmin 3 dated August 4 by Nintendo press release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo-direct-aprilpikmin-3wii-uWed, 17 Apr 2013 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[New 3DS Zelda returns to the world of A Link to the Past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-3ds-zelda-returns-to-the-world-of-a-link-to-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-3ds-zelda-returns-to-the-world-of-a-link-to-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-3ds-zelda-returns-to-the-world-of-a-link-to-the-past/#comments A new top-down Zelda set in the "world" of A Link to the Past will be released in North America in Holiday 2013. While the perspective is the same, it uses the 3D effect of the 3DS to show depth in environments.

Link has a new ability that allows him to turn into paper and move against walls. This game will be out holiday 2013, and it's kind of nuts that it was announced just now, on some totally random Wednesday, instead of E3 or something.

JoystiqNew 3DS Zelda returns to the world of A Link to the Past originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsholiday-2013nintendonintendo-direct-aprilzeldaWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Animal Crossing 3DS XL coming to North America and Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/animal-crossing-3ds-xl-coming-to-north-america-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/animal-crossing-3ds-xl-coming-to-north-america-and-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/animal-crossing-3ds-xl-coming-to-north-america-and-europe/#comments Animal Crossing New Leaf 3DS XL coming to North AmericaThe Animal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL will be released in Europe and North America, Nintendo revealed during separate regional Nintendo Direct presentations. The system retails for $219.99 and comes with a copy of the game pre-loaded on its 4GB SD card.

The system, which bears a tiled pattern of Tom Nook leaves, houses, and fruit, will be released alongside the game on June 9 in North America and June 14 in Europe.

JoystiqAnimal Crossing 3DS XL coming to North America and Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-xlanimal-crossing-3dsanimal-crossing-new-leafbundlenintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-aprilrelease-dateWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Virtual Console out in North America next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/wii-u-virtual-console-out-in-north-america-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/wii-u-virtual-console-out-in-north-america-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/wii-u-virtual-console-out-in-north-america-next-week/#comments The Virtual Console will arrive for real on Wii U next week, a Nintendo Direct presentation revealed. The launch lineup includes Excitebike, Super Mario World, Mario Bros. Punch-Out, Super Metroid, Balloon Fight, and F-Zero, with GBA games and N64 games planned for the future.

You might notice that some of these Wii U Virtual Console launch games ... are already on the Wii U Virtual Console. F-Zero, Balloon Fight, and Punch-Out were released for 30 cents as an early preview.

JoystiqWii U Virtual Console out in North America next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-aprilvirtual-consolewii-uWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mario Party coming to 3DS this winter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/new-mario-party-coming-to-3ds/#comments New Mario Party coming to 3DSYou could find a new Mario Party 3DS game in your Christmas stocking this year, since one is being released in Japan, North America, and Europe this winter. The news comes via this morning's Nintendo Direct broadcast, and if you've ever played, seen, or even imagined Mario Party, you know the deal. It's multiplayer competitive minigames.

There are some new twists, like AR minigames and some that use drawing. 7 different boards each use their own rule sets. It's coming out this winter.

JoystiqNew Mario Party coming to 3DS this winter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-partynintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-aprilrelease-dateWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team in Europe July 12, North America August 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mario-and-luigi-dream-team-in-europe-july-12-north-america-augus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mario-and-luigi-dream-team-in-europe-july-12-north-america-augus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mario-and-luigi-dream-team-in-europe-july-12-north-america-augus/#comments
Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, the first entry in the long-running RPG series for the 3DS, will arrive in Europe on July 12. The game will hit North American shores on August 11. Dream Team takes place in Luigi's dreams, giving Mario's second banana something of a starring role, which plays into Nintendo's Year of Luigi.

JoystiqMario & Luigi: Dream Team in Europe July 12, North America August 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-and-luigi-dream-teamnintendonintendo-directnintendo-direct-aprilrelease-dateWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Forecast, News, other channels going offline in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wii-forecast-news-other-channels-going-offline-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wii-forecast-news-other-channels-going-offline-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/wii-forecast-news-other-channels-going-offline-in-june/#comments Wii Forecast, News, other channels going offline in JuneEverybody Votes ... until June 28. Nintendo of America has informed us that many of the network-reliant Channels on the Wii will go out of service on that date, including the Forecast Channel, News Channel, Everybody Votes, Check Mii Out, Nintendo Channel, and data exchange between friends. Mii exchanges and Wii Message Board conversation functionality will also go offline.

Other services will remain active for the time being, including the really important one, the Wii Shop Channel, so your original Wii is still infinitely better than the totally-offline Wii Mini.

JoystiqWii Forecast, News, other channels going offline in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>channelseverybody-votes-channelnintendoofflinewiiFri, 12 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Layoffs hit EA, company 'not disclosing specific teams impacted']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/#comments Following up with EA about the closure of EA Mobile Montreal, we've received the following statement from the company.

"EA is sharpening its focus to provide games for new platforms and mobile. In some cases, this involves reducing team sizes as we evolve into a more efficient organization," the company told Joystiq. "These are difficult decisions to let go of good people who have made important contributions to EA, and whenever possible we retrain or relocate employees to new roles. Streamlining our operations will help ensure EA is bringing the best next-generation games to players around the world."

We continue to work on finding out the extent of today's impact, but we believe we have a better grip on today's layoffs at EA Mobile Montreal. Our understanding is that 60 to 70 permanent employees were let go, along with over 100 people working under EA's contract system. These are mostly quality assurance testers. We're told by one source, "If you walk through the office all you see is a bunch of already cleared out desks, and people cleaning out their desks."

These layoffs and closures were expected in the wake of former CEO John Riccitiello's resignation last month. In his departure letter to the company, Riccitiello wrote, "My decision to leave EA is really all about my accountability for the shortcomings in our financial results this year. It currently looks like we will come in at the low end of, or slightly below, the financial guidance we issued to the Street, and we have fallen short of the internal operating plan we set one year ago. And for that, I am 100 percent accountable."

If you're a member of an affected team, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'll continue to work on this story and update as new information comes in.

Update: Brazilian site UOL Jogos reports EA Mobile Brazil will shut down by week's end. A separate source informs us 30-40 people worked at the studio, providing localization and support.

UOL Jogos also has unconfirmed reports that BioWare Social and a studio in London were also closed.

Update #2: More jobs are reportedly being cut at EA's customer service center in Galway, Ireland. The European customer service expansion into Ireland was announced in September 2012, and was expected to create 300 jobs.

JoystiqLayoffs hit EA, company 'not disclosing specific teams impacted' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobile-montrealEA-MontrealElectronic-ArtslayoffsThu, 11 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft picks up Cloudberry Kingdom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ubisoft-picks-up-cloudberry-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ubisoft-picks-up-cloudberry-kingdom/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ubisoft-picks-up-cloudberry-kingdom/#comments
Ubisoft will help distribute Cloudberry Kingdom, the co-op platformer with an endless parade of randomly generated levels. Having gone through years of gestation and a successful Kickstarter campaign, Cloudberry Kingdom will be released this summer (Ubisoft tells us, despite what the video above says) on Wii U, Xbox 360, PS Vita, PS3, Mac and PC.

In a new developer diary, game creators Jordan Fisher and TJ Lutz espouse on the many obstacles they've encountered in finalizing their vision and finding the right business partners.

Gallery: Cloudberry Kingdom

Continue reading Ubisoft picks up Cloudberry Kingdom

JoystiqUbisoft picks up Cloudberry Kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudberry-kingdommacmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pwnee-studiosubisoftvitawii-uxboxThu, 11 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flashback gets a do-over on XBLA, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/flashback-gets-a-do-over-on-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/flashback-gets-a-do-over-on-xbla-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/flashback-gets-a-do-over-on-xbla-psn/#comments
Ubisoft has a remake of Flashback in the works for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. This Unreal-powered version is helmed by VectorCell, the French studio behind horror game Amy. It is owned by the original Flashback's lead designer, Paul Cuisset.

Flashback was first developed by Delphine Software and released over 20 years ago on the Amiga. The stylized platformer, which was later ported to Genesis, Mega-CD, PC and Mac (amongst others) centers on Conrad B. Hart, an amnesiac who finds a message - recorded by himself - warning of an alien plot threatening Earth.

Gallery: Flashback (Concept Art)

Continue reading Flashback gets a do-over on XBLA, PSN

JoystiqFlashback gets a do-over on XBLA, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashbackmicrosoftpaul-cuissetplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnubisoftvector-cellxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 11 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS Vita v2.1 system update cleans up the home screen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ps-vita-v2-1-system-update-cleans-up-the-home-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ps-vita-v2-1-system-update-cleans-up-the-home-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ps-vita-v2-1-system-update-cleans-up-the-home-screen/#comments PS Vita v21 system update deploying later todayPS Vita owners will find a new firmware update awaiting them tonight, rolling over the system to version 2.1. Chief among changes is the ability to add and drop shortcuts into folders, for obsessed organizers looking to clear the clutter on their home screen. Your customized layout can then be saved to the memory card.

Some videos can be viewed in the browser with v2.1, though a memory card is required for this feature - only certain videos supported. Email has been tweaked too, and PS Plus members can update PlayStation Mobile software and upload game save data automatically to the cloud through 3G. Finally, a new mute feature in v2.1 lets you automatically silence your PS Vita speakers and pause your music when a headset isn't in use.

JoystiqPS Vita v2.1 system update cleans up the home screen originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwarefirmware-updateplaystationplaystation-vitasonysystem-updatev2.1version-2.1vitaTue, 09 Apr 2013 20:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tearaway cuts loose on PS Vita October 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/tearaway-cuts-loose-on-ps-vita-october-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/tearaway-cuts-loose-on-ps-vita-october-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/tearaway-cuts-loose-on-ps-vita-october-22/#comments
Media Molecule's next game, Tearaway, will launch on PS Vita October 22 in North America, October 25 in the UK. Media Molecule's last game was 2011's LittleBigPlanet 2.

Tearaway is an adventure game utilizing several hardware aspects of the PS Vita - such as the camera and rear touch-pad - to interact with the paper world. At the outset, players may choose the male messenger Iota or his female counterpart, Atoi.

JoystiqTearaway cuts loose on PS Vita October 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>media-moleculeplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datetearawayvitaTue, 09 Apr 2013 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Planet 3 delayed until August 27 in NA, August 30 in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/lost-planet-3-delayed-until-august-27-in-na-august-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/lost-planet-3-delayed-until-august-27-in-na-august-30-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/lost-planet-3-delayed-until-august-27-in-na-august-30-in-eu/#comments At the very end of a long press release detailing Capcom's lineup for the next few months, Capcom sneaked in news of a delay for Lost Planet 3. According to the announcement, Spark Unlimited's Akrid-drilling sequel is now due August 27 in North America, and August 30 in Europe, for PS3, Xbox, and PC.

The last known release dates were June 25 and 28 for North America and Europe, respectively - following a delay out of the "early 2013" release window.

Continue reading Lost Planet 3 delayed until August 27 in NA, August 30 in EU

JoystiqLost Planet 3 delayed until August 27 in NA, August 30 in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelayslost-planet-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Origins revealed on Game Informer cover, out Oct. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/batman-arkham-origins-revealed-on-game-informer-cover-out-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/batman-arkham-origins-revealed-on-game-informer-cover-out-oct/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/batman-arkham-origins-revealed-on-game-informer-cover-out-oct/#comments Batman Arkham Origins revealed on Game Informer cover, out Oct 25Warner Bros. Montreal is making the next Batman Arkham game, called Arkham Origins, Game Informer has just revealed. Set before the previous game, Arkham Origins shows Batman encountering many of his villains for the first time, including Deathstroke. Warner Bros. Montreal is responsible for the Wii U port of Batman: Arkham City, taking over the series from originator Rocksteady Games. WB has brought in creative director Eric Holmes, who worked as lead designer on open-world superhero games The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and Prototype.

Batman: Arkham Origins will be released on Wii U, PS3, Xbox 360, and PC October 25.

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate will be the 3DS and Vita companion to the console release, launching the same day. Developed by Armature Studio, the game is a 2.5D Metroidvania-style action game. Armature was founded by leads from the Metroid Prime series. When this game is released, it will be Armature's first original game. Just today, Armature's work on a cancelled Mega Man X FPS was revealed.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Origins revealed on Game Informer cover, out Oct. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originsbatman-arkham-origins-blackgatemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Aliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U 'no longer in development']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/aliens-colonial-marines-wii-u-canceled/#comments Aliens Colonial Marines for Wii U misses launch window, Sega declines commentThe Wii U version of Aliens: Colonial Marines is game overed, man.

"Sega can confirm that the Wii U SKU of Aliens: Colonial Marines is no longer in development," a company representative has informed Joystiq.

Discomfort over the game's heartbeat rose this week after the title missed its first quarter launch window and publisher Sega was unable to confirm an updated status. Aliens: Colonial Marines currently stands as one of the worst-reviewed games of the year.

JoystiqAliens: Colonial Marines for Wii U 'no longer in development' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-colonial-marinesdemiurgedemiurge-studiosgearboxgearbox-softwarenintendosegawii-uFri, 05 Apr 2013 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney closes LucasArts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/disney-closes-lucasarts/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2013/04/lucasartslogo.pngDisney, which acquired Lucasfilm and LucasArts last year in a $4.05 billion deal, has shut down the legendary LucasArts division.

"After evaluating our position in the games market, we've decided to shift LucasArts from an internal development to a licensing model, minimizing the company's risk while achieving a broader portfolio of quality Star Wars games," Disney informed Game Informer in a statement. "As a result of this change, we've had layoffs across the organization. We are incredibly appreciative and proud of the talented teams who have been developing our new titles."

Although a Star Wars game factory in recent years, the publisher will be remembered for its work defining the adventure genre from the '80s to the '90s, on such titles as Maniac Mansion, The Secret of Monkey Island, Grim Fandango and Day of the Tentacle. The soul of those games and that era moved on from the company after the departure of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine's Tim Schafer.

The last announced LucasArts project was Star Wars 1313, but rumors have circulated for months about the action-adventure's halted development. The fate of Star Wars: First Assault, a multiplayer shooter, has been just as unclear.

As for Disney, the company is all-in on Disney Infinity and mobile games, having shut down the last of its core developers.

JoystiqDisney closes LucasArts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyLucasArtsWed, 03 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Monaco takes what's yours on April 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/monaco-takes-whats-yours-on-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/monaco-takes-whats-yours-on-april-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/monaco-takes-whats-yours-on-april-24/#comments Monaco takes what's yours on April 24Monaco is coming to Steam and XBLA on April 24. From Pocketwatch Games, Monaco is a top-down heist game that's been crawling the indie convention circuit and awards shows for years, and it's finally pretty enough to sneak out of development.

Monaco is $15 on PC, with pre-orders available through the Pocketwatch website right now. Take what's yours - and everything that isn't, as the tagline goes.

JoystiqMonaco takes what's yours on April 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmonacopcPocketwatch-Gamesrelease-datexboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Layoffs hit Square Enix Los Angeles, part of 'corporate restructuring']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/layoffs-square-enix-los-angeles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/layoffs-square-enix-los-angeles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/layoffs-square-enix-los-angeles/#comments Joystiq has confirmed with Square Enix that "a number of positions" in its Los Angeles office have been eliminated today. Below, a statement from a Square Enix representative:
We can confirm that Square Enix's Los Angeles office has eliminated a number of positions as part of the corporate restructuring announced last week. This is an unfortunate situation and we are offering assistance and severance packages to any employees affected by this, we want to thank them for their hard work and sincerely wish them well in the future.
We're currently hunting down information regarding the exact number of individuals let go. We'll be sure to update as the story develops - of course, if you were one of the employees affected or know something we don't, feel free to drop us a line. Anonymity assured!

Update: More details.

JoystiqLayoffs hit Square Enix Los Angeles, part of 'corporate restructuring' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffslos-angelessquare-enixsquare-enix-los-angelesTue, 02 Apr 2013 19:04:00 EST