Joystiq Mobile http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq Mobile 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[Poker Night at the Inventory 2 splits onto iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/poker-night-at-the-inventory-2-splits-onto-ios/#commentsPoker Night 2 deals in iOS tomorrow As of today, you can join Sam, Ash, Brock, Claptrap, and dealer GLaDOS at the table via iPads and iPhones. Telltale Games launched Poker Night at the Inventory 2 on iOS this morning, where it's priced $4.99. Just don't bring anything less than an iPhone 4 or iPad 2, 'cos it ain't getting through the door.

JoystiqPoker Night at the Inventory 2 splits onto iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilepoker-night-at-the-inventory-2release-datetelltale-gamesThu, 23 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dying: Sinner Escape absconding to Vita, iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/dying-sinner-escape-absconding-to-vita-ios/#comments The Vita and iOS devices are set to receive a new dose of horror courtesy of Dying: Sinner Escape. The game is being made with help from the creator of Saw, according to developer Nekcom Entertainment, though the announcement neglects to name exactly which creator it's referring to. Neither Saw's director, James Wan, nor its screenwriter, Leigh Whannell, are mentioned specifically.

Regardless, Dying clearly has a Saw vibe. It's story revolves around characters being trapped in foreboding environments, forcing them to solve strange puzzles and try to escape. The game will be released episodically with the first episode, "Last Hour," slated to arrive on May 25.

Gallery: Dying: Sinner Escape

JoystiqDying: Sinner Escape absconding to Vita, iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dying-sinner-escapeiosipadiphonemobilenekcom-entertainmentplaystationplaystation-vitasawvitaTue, 21 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Unity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/unity-mobile-tools-go-free-for-indies-and-small-studios/#commentsUnity dropping Flash support Unity Technologies, creators of the multi-platform Unity engine and its tools, is making its mobile tools free to indies and small studios starting today, taking tools that cost around $800 and making them free. Unity currently supports Apple's iOS and Google's Android, with support for BlackBerry and Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 to be added at no additional cost in the future.

"Mobile games development is possibly the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world, and it's an honor to be able to help so many developers be so successful in fulfilling their visions and in building their businesses," said Unity CEO David Helgason. "We were able to make Unity free for the web and for desktop computers a while ago, but have been dreaming of doing the same for mobile for what seems like forever."

To contextualize this, Unity is already a beast in the mobile field in terms of market share and developer relations. The company just opened the flood gates further.

Continue reading Unity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios

JoystiqUnity mobile tools go free for indies and small studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemobileunityTue, 21 May 2013 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/molyneuxs-godus-goes-mobile-mobage-with-publisher-dena/#comments22Cans' Godus gets publisher, DeNA Godus, the Kickstarted god game from Peter Molyneux's 22Cans, will be published on mobile devices by DeNA in western territories, Japan and Korea. Godus raised £526,563 ($852,000) with Kickstarter in December, exceeding its goal of $£450,000 ($730,000). It will launch on PC and Mac, alongside mobile devices Android, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

Godus will use DeNA's Mobage platform for mobile and social games, joining previous handheld iterations within the No More Heroes, Final Fantasy and Professor Layton franchises, to name a few.

Continue reading Molyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA

JoystiqMolyneux's Godus goes mobile, Mobage with publisher DeNA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22CansandroidDenagodusiosipadiphonemobagemobilePeter-MolyneuxTue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former DJ Hero devs exploring IPTV for multi-platform project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/former-dj-hero-devs-exploring-iptv-for-multi-platform-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/former-dj-hero-devs-exploring-iptv-for-multi-platform-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/former-dj-hero-devs-exploring-iptv-for-multi-platform-project/#comments DJ Hero developer FreeStyle Games is hiring a producer for IPTV gaming, according to a job listing on LinkedIn. The position will lead "the development of new multi-platform games with specific emphasis on online infrastructure-heavy video applications."

"IPTV" could mean any number of platforms, including set-top boxes such as Apple TV and Roku. The job listing noted that the developer is working on a "new ground-breaking multi-platform and mobile project."

FreeStyle Games posted a number of jobs to LinkedIn in the last week, including one for a mobile gaming producer role that will "develop strategies to leverage mobile enabled business models including free-to-play and freemium." That person would also be in charge of creating "features to bridge online, console and mobile games to create a connected product."

FreeStyle Games' most recent efforts were seen in Sing Party for Wii U, so the Activision-owned developer hasn't strayed too far from music-based games. Whether its next multi-platform and potentially free-to-play project falls in line with that genre remains to be seen.

JoystiqFormer DJ Hero devs exploring IPTV for multi-platform project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple-tvdj-heroFreeStyleGamesIPTVjob-listinglinkedinmobilesing-partyMon, 20 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/spicy-horses-oz-game-is-ozombie-if-i-only-had-some-brainsss/#commentsSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie 'If I only had some brainsss' Spicy Horse's Oz game combines the undead with "an Oz not of our remembering" - it's called OZombie, and it stars Dorothy, Toto, the Lion and the Tin Woodsman. The Scarecrow, who always wanted brains, is cast as the villain in this iteration, and instead of carrying around a basket, Dorothy gets a repeater.

Spicy Horse is unsure which game it will make next, OZombie or Alice: Otherlands, and it all depends on whether the studio can regain the Alice rights from EA. If Spicy Horse and EA work out a good deal, then Alice it is. If not, OZombie gets the green light and probably a Kickstarter.

"Actually, the more I think about it - and the more I see/hear feedback from you guys - the more I'm personally leaning towards Oz," Spicy Horse founder American McGee writes on the OZombie Facebook page. "There's so much fun stuff to explore, so many interesting characters and locations to discover. Wonderland will also be there, if not today, if not the next project, then perhaps the one after that?"

Keep in mind (and mind your brains) that OZombie is entirely separate from American McGee's Oz, the game Atari canceled in 2004.

JoystiqSpicy Horse's Oz game is OZombie: 'If I only had some brainsss' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-otherlandsandroidiosipadiphonemobileozozombiepcspicy-horsethe-wizard-of-ozWizard-of-OzSun, 19 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ron-gilberts-scurvy-scallywags-gets-trailer-screens/#comments
Scurvy Scallywags, the upcoming game from Ron Gilbert and DeathSpank co-creator Clayton Kauzlaric, is a little different from most match-three puzzlers. As we learned in March, players can influence the direction in which the board collapses after making a match. This, in turn, can move their character around the board and allow them to engage in combat with other characters.

The concept is a bit difficult to put down on paper, so thankfully there's a new trailer! Take note of the end of the video, as we're fairly certain this is the first sea shanty in history to feature a theremin.

Gallery: Scurvy Scallywags

JoystiqRon Gilbert's Scurvy Scallywags gets trailer, screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beep-gamesiosipadiphonemobilescurvy-scallywagsFri, 17 May 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield pre-orders open early (as in, right now)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/nvidia-shield-pre-orders-open-early-as-in-right-now/#comments Nvidia canceled its forced wait time to pre-order an Nvidia Shield, allowing anyone to commit to the $350 Android handheld as of now. The Nvidia Shield is available for pre-order directly through Nvidia or through select retailers: GameStop, Micro Center, Canada Computers and New Egg.

The Nvidia Shield - previously known as Project Shield - is a handheld gaming console powered by Android. It has a five-inch retinal multi-touch screen capable of 720p, 16GB of internal storage and can stream your PC games, granted you have a GTX 650 GPU or better in your PC.

JoystiqNvidia Shield pre-orders open early (as in, right now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldFri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-speeds-to-android-today/#comments Update: The game is now available on the Google Play store.

There are quite a few Sonic games available on Android, but today marks the first appearance of the Blue Blur's original adventure, Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic's first adventure has been updated for mobile devices, adding widescreen support, a remastered soundtrack, leaderboards and more. Furthermore, a brand new addition will allow users to play as either Knuckles or Tails. This new feature is also being added to the iOS version of Sonic the Hedgehog via a free update.

The game hasn't appeared on the North American Google Play store as of this writing, but it's slated to arrive today for $2.99.

Continue reading Sonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog speeds to Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogle-playiosipadiphonemobilesegasonic-the-hedgehogThu, 16 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/indie-platform-confessional-steam-humble-store-apple-android/#commentsIndie platform confessional Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android
The internet is kind of like a classic confessional - except it's not a box, it's a lot brighter and everyone can hear what you have to say. Still, we asked a handful of independent developers for their thoughts on what exactly makes a platform effective, and they spilled it all, dissecting the pros and cons of the most popular, current models of distibution.

Today, we feature answers from Ridiculous Fishing's Rami Ismail, Canabalt's Adam Saltsman, Octodad's Philip Tibitoski, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and others. This group of developers had specific thoughts about Steam, the Humble Store, Apple's app stores and the Android hub, Google Play.

This follows yesterday's batch of answers from the Steam, Humble Store, iOS and Android camps. Let the confessions begin:

Continue reading Indie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android

JoystiqIndie platform confessional: Steam, Humble Store, Apple, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidIndieindie-confessionaliosipadiphonemobilepcThu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/angry-birds-flick-flies-to-cinemas-july-1-2016/#comments A release for the upcoming Angry Birds flick has been narrowed to July 1, 2016, with Sony distributing the movie worldwide, Rovio announced on its website today.

Rovio's intent on creating a feature film was made public late last year, when the studio tapped producers John Cohen and David Maisel from Despicable Me and Iron Man to lead the project. The Angry Birds movie is unique in that it's being completely done in-house - Rovio is funding and producing the film entirely on its own.

JoystiqAngry Birds flick flies to cinemas July 1, 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-movieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 15 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/zoombies-review-portabliss/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.

Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage
Say the name High Voltage, and your first thought might be the Conduit series of first-person shooters (or this). While the studio is indeed known most recently for The Conduit, one of its other ideas has been languishing for quite some time, namely Animales de la Muerte. Originally slated for WiiWare, and then for XBLA and PSN, the game has finally found a home on iOS.

Renamed Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte, the game tells the story of two children who must save a Mexican zoo from being overrun by a horde of zombified animals. To do this, the kids utilize every available tool of destruction, ranging from axes to shotguns, roman candles and even the occasional dollop of guacamole.

Zoombies is the most festive zombie game I've ever played, and it's also one of the most immediately entertaining.

Gallery: Zoombies: Animales de la Muerte (5/15/2013)

Continue reading Zoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage

JoystiqZoombies is a fiesta of undead carnage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>high-voltageHigh-Voltage-Softwareiosipadiphonemobileportablisszoombieszoombies-animales-de-la-muerteWed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 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[Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/#comments Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

Ubisoft contributes its stellar year to the continued success of its main three franchises, Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry, the latest entries in which have all sold between six and 12 million copies.

JoystiqUbisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-3far-cryfar-cry-3financialsfiscal-2013just-dancejust-dance-4macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ubisoftvitawii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/karateka-classic-coming-to-ios-and-android-tomorrow/#commentsKarateka Classic coming to iOS, Android History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor - others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android.

Karateka Classic recreates the Apple II experience - right down to the disk drive noises - and offers a range of "monitor" choices, including color CRT, green or amber display. There are a couple of new additions, including gameplay tips and a rewind feature that can be earned, allowing players to reverse their mistakes.

Karateka Classic arrives on iOS and Android tomorrow for $0.99.

Gallery: Karateka Classic

JoystiqKarateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonejordan-mechnerkarateka-classicliquid-entertainmentmobileWed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/rovio-lets-loose-stars-publishing-program-for-third-party-games/#comments
Rovio is entering the mobile publishing arena through its Rovio Stars initiative, which will cover the whole spectrum of publishing duties such as marketing and PR. Rovio will even consult with developers to help them optimize their games prior to launch.

Budding developers can already submit their mobile works to Rovio Stars through a handy application page, though all applicants must have a playable build to present. Screens, videos and other supplementary materials are also encouraged, as it provides Rovio with a better sense of the overall game.

As of now, Rovio Stars has recruited two games: Icebreaker: A Viking Voyage from Longdon-based Nitrome (based on the Flash version) and Tiny Thief from Barcelona indie outfit 5 Ants. The latter is due sometime this summer, while Icebreaker's mobile release is tentatively scheduled for "soon" on the official site.

Continue reading Rovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games

JoystiqRovio lets loose Stars publishing program for third-party games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5antsandroidicebreaking-a-viking-voyageiosipadiphonemobilenitromeroviorovio-starstiny-thiefWed, 15 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/#commentsEA has a mobile version of Frostbite EA has published a website for its Frostbite graphical engine, and text on the website mentions the existence of a project called Frostbite Go, which EA describes as "a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite's proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms." In other words, the company is putting together the technology to run Frostbite on platforms such as iOS and Android.

The blurb doesn't say which version of Frostbite the mobile engine will be based on, but given that Frostbite 3 is the new hotness around EA, it's a fair guess that the company is adapting the latest and greatest for Frostbite Go. We're supposed to see Frostbite 3 games arrive later on this year (with Battlefield 4 being the first of these), so odds are that any Frostbite Go-created products should hit the market at that same time.

JoystiqEA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-4developmenteaenginefrostbitefrostbite-3frostbite-gogamegamesiosipadiphonemobileTue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/steam-is-king-in-service-wars-humble-store-a-sleeping-giant-in/#commentsSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say Twenty-one randomly selected indie developers walk into a digital room and ponder the question, "Which online distribution system has been the most effective for your games?"

If this were the set-up to a joke, the punchline would probably be, "Facebook." But for many indie developers, the question of which platform to publish their games on is a very serious one, with potentially dire consequences. Pared down, platform success is all about accessibility, upload and support, and in terms of those factors, there's a clear, unsurprising favorite: Steam.

But maybe not for long.

I asked 21 indie developers this question, and while the majority mentioned Steam in the same casual manner that begets an unchallenged king, there were consistent whispers of other platforms doing things well, perhaps even better than Steam, from a backend perspective. One of these platforms was the Humble Store, which received the second-highest number of solid votes and a handful of positive shout-outs.

"I owe pretty much my entire survival the last few years to iOS, the Humble Store, and to a lesser extent Android and Steam," Adam Saltsman, the creator of Canabalt, said. But iOS ran into some bad censorship issues, Android had discoverability problems and Steam was "obviously" too closed, he said. If Saltsman could choose just one of those platforms to release his next game on, it would be, "Humble Store," hands-down.

Continue reading Steam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say

JoystiqSteam is king in service wars, Humble Store a sleeping giant, indies say originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideShophumble-storeiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNSTEAMvitawii-uXBLAxbligxboxTue, 14 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/portabliss-mosaique-ios-android/#commentsThis is Portabliss, a column about downloadable games that can be played on the go.


Puzzle games tend to fall into one of two categories. There are the fast and frenetic ones, where you watch pieces smash into one another, pushing your mental and physical reflexes as far as they can go before a wire is crossed and it all comes crashing down, hopefully after you've set a new high score. Then there are the Zen puzzlers. These are slow, asking you to plan the best moves for the highest score. You examine the board, analyzing its patterns and discerning how best to eliminate all those pesky blocks or orbs or gems or what-have-you.

Mosaique falls into the latter category, presenting a deceptively simple game of destroying colored blocks. At no point will it bring you either the stress or exultation of a Tetris or a Puzzle Fighter, but sometimes that's okay. Sometimes you want to sit back, relax, and watch as everything falls into place.

Continue reading Portabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android)

JoystiqPortabliss: Mosaique (iOS, Android) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilemosaiqueportablisswinning-blimpTue, 14 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/nvidia-shield-joystiq-goes-hands-on/#comments
The Nvidia Shield arrives next month for $349.99, and yesterday I got to sit down with the final version of the hardware. The first thing I noticed was the heft: bulkier than a PS Vita, but no less comfortable.

Where the PS Vita sacrificed bigger buttons for smaller form factor, the Nvidia Shield takes a lot of inspiration from the Xbox 360 controller. In fact, the left and right triggers feel identical to the Xbox 360 and, more or less, so does the d-pad. The one big difference from Microsoft's gamepad is the symmetrical analog sticks.

Gallery: NVIDIA Shield (Hands-on)

Continue reading Nvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on

JoystiqNvidia Shield: Joystiq goes hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenvidianvidia-shieldproject-shieldTue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 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[Lucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/lucids-jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mystery-unravels-on-vita-io/#commentsLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery sets off for Vita and iOS this week. Lucid's cutesy-looking Unreal Engine 3 puzzler pitches up in North America via PSN on Tuesday, May 14 - it should be Wednesday in Europe. Then iOS welcomes it on Thursday. No prices are announced as yet.

The game features Jacob, a kid who prefers traipsing the outdoors to milling around with his peers. Thankfully, his trip to Camp Eagle Feather includes bumping into Bigfoot, an event that always brightened our summer camp excursions.

Meanwhile, we're still waiting on Lucid's mid-May announcement, which looks to be a racing game, and one possibly tied to Microsoft's own mid-May announcement. The studio, comprised of ex-Bizarre devs, gave a brief shout-out today to fans of Blur and Project Gotham Racing who'd sent the studio messages recently. Which group will be the more pleased later this month, if either, remains to be seen.

JoystiqLucid's Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery unravels on Vita, iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonejacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterylucid-gamesmobileplaystationplaystation-vitarelease-datevitaTue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/warren-spector-blizzard-coo-to-lead-university-of-texas-game-pr/#commentsWarren Spector, Blizzard COO lead University of Texas game program Developer Warren Spector and Blizzard Entertainment COO Paul Sams will help oversee a new gaming academy being put into place at the University of Texas at Austin. The Denius-Sams Gaming Academy, named after co-founders Wofford Denius, Sams and his wife, will begin in 2014 with only 20 spots for students, and will award a postbaccalaureate certificate rather than a graduate degree, which the school says will help it remain industry-focused.

Spector, the creator of Deus Ex and the Disney Epic Mickey series, will put together the curriculum, which will include a 12-month intensive program where students will make a game themselves. Students selected for admission will also get a tuition waiver and a $10,000 stipend for fees and housing expenses. The program will begin next fall.

Continue reading Warren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program

JoystiqWarren Spector, Blizzard COO to lead University of Texas game program originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>degreedenius-sams-gaming-academyeducationgraduatemobilepaul-samspcschooltraininguniversity-of-texasuniversity-of-texas-at-austinwarren-spectorMon, 13 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/hit-mobile-rpg-puzzle-and-dragons-earned-113-million-in-april/#commentsHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April In its latest financial report (translated here by Dr. Serkan Toto) Osaka-based publisher GungHo Entertainment announced that its mobile puzzle-RPG Puzzle & Dragons grossed over $113 million in April.

To put that in perspective, GungHo's catalog-wide earnings for April totaled ¥12 billion ($119 million) - a 1,142.8 percent increase over its performance in April 2012. Puzzle & Dragons currently generates $3.76 million in daily revenue, and boasts 13 million players in Japan.

Puzzle & Dragons originally launched for iOS and Android devices last year. A Nintendo 3DS adaptation is slated for release in Japan this winter.

JoystiqHit mobile RPG Puzzle & Dragons earned $113 million in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfinancialsgunghoiosiphonemobilepuzzle-and-dragonsMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 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[C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/c-wars-kickstarter-ends-with-over-95k-raised-heading-to-wii-u/#comments C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers.

The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.

JoystiqC-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidc-warsCyberpunkiosipadiphonekickstarterLinuxmacmobilenintendoonipunksonipunks-studiopcplaystationplaystation-vitaroguelikeRTSvitawii-uSun, 12 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GREE lays off 30 from San Francisco offices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/gree-lays-off-30-from-san-francisco-offices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/gree-lays-off-30-from-san-francisco-offices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/gree-lays-off-30-from-san-francisco-offices/#comments Japanese publisher GREE has laid off 30 members of its San Francisco office, according to a report from GamesIndustry International. Anil Dharni, COO of the mobile and social publisher, told GamesIndustry that GREE has recently aligned its US studio "to focus on creating the next generation of mobile social games. This shift in focus has been clearly demonstrated by the success and growth of our games."

"As part of ensuring that we are operating as efficiently as possible, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our work force. The employees leaving today have made great contributions to our success and we wish them all the best," he added.

We have contacted GREE for confirmation of the layoffs, and will update accordingly.

JoystiqGREE lays off 30 from San Francisco offices originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anil-dharnigreegree-san-franciscolayoffsmobilesocial-gamesSun, 12 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/google-play-games-leaks-out-will-feature-matchmaking-and-achiev/#comments'Google Play Games' leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements The Android answer to Apple's Game Center app on iOS will be Google Play Games, according to information obtained by Android Police from a Play Services APK teardown. The service will bring lobbies and invites for matchmaking, in-game chat, cloud game saves, achievements and leaderboards to the platform for developers to make use of.

The APK Android Police pulled apart is a file package primarily used to update Android apps, so this update was riddled with code that indicated what features would be coming to the platform down the road, but aren't accessible just yet. There is certainly a good chance Google Play Games will be fully unveiled at Google's I/O event next week in San Francisco.

JoystiqGoogle Play Games leaks out, will feature matchmaking and achievements originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsandroidcloud-savesgame-centergooglegoogle-playgoogle-play-gamesleaderboardsmatchmakingmobileSun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/#comments Two of Electronic Arts' top-level executives have collectively unloaded a total of 57,085 stocks, following a general increase in EA's stock value after this week's Star Wars exclusivity announcement. According to SEC forms filed yesterday, EA Sports executive vice president Andrew Wilson has sold his entire stake in the company: 32,085 shares at $21.42 a pop, for a grand total of $687,260.70.

EA senior vice president and General Counsel Stephen Bene followed suit, today exercising an option to buy 25,000 shares from EA at $16.06 per share for $401,500 in total, well below the current market value. Bene then sold those shares for $22.40 each, making $560,000. After subtracting the amount originally spent when the option to buy the shares was exercised, Bene made a net profit of $158,500. Unlike Wilson, Bene is still in possession of 6,700 shares of EA, according to SEC documents.

JoystiqEA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAndrew-WilsonEAelectronic-artsfinancemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Stephen-Benestocksvitawii-uxboxFri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/into-the-dead-endless-zombie-shooter-for-mobile-hits-10-millio/#commentsInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, gets 10 million hits Mobile games may not all reach the same level of fame as retail or desktop counterparts, but the market is strong, producing games that sell millions more than some of our favorites and support entire teams of developers. Into the Dead from mobile publisher PikPok, for example, just passed 10 million downloads across iOS and Android devices, after five months on the market.

Into the Dead is an endless runner combined with a shooter, all set in the zombie apocalypse. It's free on iOS and Android, but a no-ad version of the game is available for $2 as an in-app purchase. And now for a thought experiment: If only 10 percent of players purchase the ad-free game, that's $2,000,000. Not bad for a 5-month-old.

If you want to bring Into the Dead to 10,000,001 downloads, head to the App Store or Google Play. Another PikPok game to pass 10 million downloads is Flick Kick Football. The Flick Kick series has clocked in more than 20 million downloads.

Continue reading Into the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million

JoystiqInto the Dead, endless zombie shooter for mobile, hits 10 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-millionandroiddownloadfree-to-playinto-the-deadiosipadiphonemobilepikpokzombiesFri, 10 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/konami-reports-year-over-year-losses-strength-in-social-games/#commentsKonami 2013 financial results report strength in social games, losses in pachinko Konami has released details of its financial performance in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, reporting sizable year-on-year losses in its digital entertainment and pachinko divisions but growth in its social gaming sector.

Company product sales and service revenue for the year amounted to ¥226 billion ($2.4B), down 15 percent from its earnings of ¥266 billion last year. Net income sank to ¥13.2 billion ($140M), a decrease of 42.8% compared to last year's reported income of ¥23 billion.

Konami saw its largest losses in the pachinko sector, in which revenue fell more than 70 percent compared to last year. The company's Digital Entertainment division reported a loss of 17.1 percent in year-on-year revenue, though solid worldwide performances for titles like Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance boosted earnings.

Konami's finances are buoyed by the success of Metal Gear Solid Social Ops and another popular online game, Dragon Collection, which it operates in partnership with Japanese social networking service GREE. Konami's social games currently boast more than 35 million registered users worldwide.

JoystiqKonami reports year-over-year losses, strength in social games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsfinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013konamimicrosoftmobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaxboxThu, 09 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/gamepop-console-offers-unlimited-mobile-games-on-your-tv-for-7/#comments
2013, the year of the mobile game TV console, marches on with a new contender: GamePop. Created by mobile company BlueStacks, the GamePop console allows users to play mobile games on their TV using the included controller, iPhone or Android smartphone. The twist on other similar consoles like Ouya and GameStick is that GamePop uses a subscription model akin to Netflix. For $6.99 a month, users get access to the entire GamePop library, which currently sits at 500 games according to BlueStacks.

Those who pre-order the console this month will get it for free with a paid subscription to the service. BlueStacks tells Joystiq that there is no commitment or contract, with the only caveat being that customers must return the console if they cancel their service within one year. So, essentially, you're getting the console for 12 payments of $6.99, plus $10 shipping. We asked if users will still be able to access their downloaded games after canceling their service, but BlueStacks says that info is "TBD."

BlueStacks is touting big name developer support in the form of Halfbrick Studios (Jetpack Joyride, Fish Out of Water), Glu Mobile and others. BlueStacks will be sharing 50 percent of its subscription revenue with developers, "apportioned by usage," and developers will retain all revenue derived from in-app purchases.

GamePop is slated to launch this winter.

Continue reading GamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month

JoystiqGamePop console offers unlimited mobile games on your TV for $7 a month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluestacksgamepopglu-mobilehalfbrick-studiosmobileThu, 09 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ouya-secures-15-million-in-funding-bing-gordon-joins-board/#comments Ouya has picked up a new board member with some industry klout - no really, he's on Klout's board too - in the the form of former EA chief creative officer Bing Gordon. "What we really liked about Bing is that he doesn't get constrained by conventional thinking, and that's a lot about what we do at Ouya," CEO Julie Uhrman tells Joystiq. "And he also is a really big supporter of game creators, and that's been one of the key focuses of Ouya. It felt like a perfect match." Gordon will be helping the company seek out new games and promote the Ouya itself, she says.

The company has also secured $15 million in new funding. "We want to be in this for the long haul," says Uhrman. "This money will allow us to continue to support game developers as well as meet the demand that we're seeing from retailers and really gamers all over the world."

Ouya has seen higher than expected demand, she says - so high, apparently, that the company delayed the launch from June 4 to June 25 to manufacture more units - and this new funding will help "service that demand." The funding may also help Ouya expand beyond its initial launch territories, North America, Canada and the UK. Many regions have shown an interest in Ouya, she says. "We will be able to look at those regions and determine what makes sense for Ouya, and be there when we want to be there."

Continue reading Ouya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board

JoystiqOuya secures $15 million in funding, Bing Gordon joins board originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbing-gordonjulie-uhrmanmobileouyaThu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Room unlocks 2 million sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-room-unlocks-2-million-sales/#comments The Room has cracked 2 million sales since its launch in September 2012. Speaking at the Game Horizon conference in the UK, Fireproof Studios Commercial Director Barry Meade revealed the new milestone. The iOS and Android puzzler hit 1 million sales in January, shortly after earning Apple's iPad Game of the Year award.

Meade put down the ex-Criterion devs' success to The Room being featured on Apple's store, and this generating word of mouth. He also noted originality as significant.

"We did not want to do a better version of someone else's game, or an update of a genre," Meade told the audience at Game Horizon. "We thought we're not doing our jobs properly if we don't add to what's out there. As a game creator that's your responsibility. If you're not doing that, if you're chasing what other people are doing, you don't deserve success because you're not showing respect to the audience."

Interior detectives can look forward to The Room getting a sequel this fall, with a free chapter due beforehand.

JoystiqThe Room unlocks 2 million sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgame-horizon-2013iosipadiphonemobileThu, 09 May 2013 07:20:00 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[Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/bad-piggies-adds-recording-sharing-to-ios-more-levels-for-ever/#comments

The Rise and Swine update for Rovio's Bad Piggies adds 15 new levels and two fresh items, suction-cup tires and spring-loaded boxing gloves. The big, bad news in this update is the addition of a recording and sharing feature for iOS devices, allowing users to record moments on a whim and share to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The recording feature will come to Android later, Rovio says.

The Rise and Swine update also adds a new sandbox and the Road Hog Challenge. Rise and Swine is a free update, so get up and grab it now on your download service of choice. You know what they say - the early Bird gets Angry. We don't know what that has to do with Bad Piggies, but it's true regardless.

Continue reading Bad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone

JoystiqBad Piggies adds recording, sharing to iOS, more levels for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbad-piggiesiosipadiphonemobileRovioThu, 09 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tearing down an Ouya: iFixit finds it to be easily repairable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/tearing-down-an-ouya-ifixit-finds-it-to-be-easily-repairable/#commentsTearing down an Ouya iFixit finds it to be easily repairable The Ouya team sent the gentlehands at iFixit a retail unit of the tiny Android console to rip apart and gauge its openness and repairability. IFixit found only one moving component, the fan, in the entire little box and remarked on the hardware's "very clean and simple layout."

The Ouya scored a 9 out of 10 on iFixit's Repairability scale, because it uses standard-head screws, no weird glues, and most of its components are easily removed and replaced. IFixit factored in the Ouya controller to its score, knocking it for having the joysticks soldered to the circuit board, meaning a broken stick may necessitate an entire board transplant.

JoystiqTearing down an Ouya: iFixit finds it to be easily repairable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhardwareifixitmobileouyarepairteardownWed, 08 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/#comments The first quarter of Activision Blizzard's fiscal 2013 has come to a close, with the massive developer/publisher reporting $1.324 billion in net revenue for the three months ending March 31, 2013. This figure is $164 million beyond Activision Blizzard's prediction for the quarter ($1.16 billion), and 12.96 percent more than the $1.172 billion earned during the same period last year.

"The shift in release dates of competing products, the disappointing launch of the Wii U, uncertainties regarding next-generation hardware, and subscriber declines in our World of Warcraft business all raise concerns, as do continued challenges in the global economy," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the report. "For these reasons, we remain cautious."

Despite this, Activision Blizzard is raising its net revenue outlook for calendar year 2013 by 3.3 percent, from $4.085 billion to $4.22 billion. Kotick attributed the company's successful quarter to Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm and World of Warcraft, as well as continued consumer interest in Call of Duty and Skylanders.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivision-blizzardfinancialsfiscal-2013macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q1-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/rovio-introduces-rovio-accounts-resume-progress-across-devices/#comments Angry Birds fans will soon be able to have their progress migrate across multiple devices. Enter: Rovio accounts, only available in The Croods game and the original Angry Birds (Poland and Finland) right now, but Rovio expects to roll out the functionality to all of its games eventually.

Rovio's latest financial report shows the company had a strong 2012, earning $195 million in revenue, with almost half of that coming from toy sales alone. The most recent Angry Birds game from Rovio is Angry Birds Friends, a free app on iOS and Android that integrates with Facebook.

JoystiqRovio introduces Rovio accounts: resume progress across devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-friendsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcrovioWed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony waives license fee for PlayStation Mobile developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/sony-waives-license-fee-for-playstation-mobile-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/sony-waives-license-fee-for-playstation-mobile-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/sony-waives-license-fee-for-playstation-mobile-developers/#comments In its ever-vigilant push to become a heavy hitter in the independent development scene, Sony has made it free to publish games on PlayStation Mobile. Previously, developers had to pay a $99 publisher license fee, but Sony has waived that to encourage more developers to sign up.

That means the barrier of entry to bring games to PlayStation certified devices and the PlayStation Vita is now effectively zero. You know, except for programming knowledge, talent and a head for game design. You still need that stuff.

JoystiqSony waives license fee for PlayStation Mobile developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileplaystationplaystation-mobileplaystation-vitavitaWed, 08 May 2013 11:45:00 EST