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[Report: Assassin's Creed movie to open in May of 2015]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/report-assassins-creed-movie-to-open-in-may-of-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/report-assassins-creed-movie-to-open-in-may-of-2015/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/report-assassins-creed-movie-to-open-in-may-of-2015/#commentsReport Assassin's Creed movie to open in May of 2015 New Regency Films and Ubisoft Motion Pictures' Assassin's Creed movie collaboration will hit theaters May 22, 2015, according to Box Office Mojo. Starring Michael Fassbender, the movie concerns "a man who learns his ancestors were trained assassins after he is kidnapped by a secret org with ties to the Knights Templar, and sent back in time to retrieve historical artifacts," according to a Variety report last year.

We're guessing this release date means that Ubisoft is going to continue to ignore our repeated (and might we add, quite generous) offers to write the film as a reimagined version of You've Got Mail.

JoystiqReport: Assassin's Creed movie to open in May of 2015 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedassassins-creed-movieMichael-FassbenderNew-Regency-Filmsubisoftubisoft-motion-picturesSat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 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[BioShock fan film tells the tale of The Brothers Rapture]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/bioshock-fan-film-tells-the-tale-of-the-brothers-rapture/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/bioshock-fan-film-tells-the-tale-of-the-brothers-rapture/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/bioshock-fan-film-tells-the-tale-of-the-brothers-rapture/#comments
Following up on an intriguing teaser released last week, director Shaun Rykiss and a team of Vancouver film students have produced The Brothers Rapture, a BioShock fan film about a pair of siblings and their experiments with genetics-altering Plasmids in the underwater city of Rapture.

If you've played the BioShock games, you might imagine that things don't turn out well for these guys, but the film provides an interesting look at what life may have been like for Rapture's citizens in the years before its fall. The lighting and Plasmid effects are quite nice, too.

Director Rykiss has published a commentary track here.

JoystiqBioShock fan film tells the tale of The Brothers Rapture originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioshockfanfanfilmfilmshortthe-brothers-raptureWed, 15 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Great Gatsby: The Video Game offers hopeful 8-bit commentary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-great-gatsby-the-video-game-offers-hopeful-8-bit-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-great-gatsby-the-video-game-offers-hopeful-8-bit-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-great-gatsby-the-video-game-offers-hopeful-8-bit-commentary/#commentsThe Great Gatsby The Video Game offers hopeful 8bit commentary If F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a commentary on the American Dream, Slate's The Great Gatsby: The Video Game continues that narrative in the most straightforward, nihilistic manner. In short, you're on a boat and there's a green light at the end of the screen, mimicking the green light at the end of Daisy's dock in the novel. Largely, that light is regarded as representing hope.

Using minimalist controls - right and left arrows on the keyboard - in The Great Gatsby: The Video Game, guide Gatsby across the rocky waters and to the green light. If you can. Spoilers: You can't. Pippin Barr would be so proud.

This is not to be confused with the Great Gatsby NES-inspired game, the Baz Luhrmann movie coming out in May, or anything on Sparknotes.

JoystiqThe Great Gatsby: The Video Game offers hopeful 8-bit commentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futilemacpcslatethe-great-gatsbyMon, 06 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Source Filmmaker strikes again with fan-created Futurama fun times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/source-filmmaker-strikes-again-with-fan-created-futurama-fun-tim/#comments

Stop us if you've seen this one before. YouTuber MisterMulluc took the song from "Hell is Other Robots," the ninth episode ever of Futurama, and gave it a Source Filmmaker twist. Mr. MisterMulluc has some serious skills, even one week after the video was posted.

JoystiqSource Filmmaker strikes again with fan-created Futurama fun times originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futuramamacpcrobot-hellsfmsource-filmmakerTeam-Fortress-2tf2valveSun, 05 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety: Gears of War movie script back in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/variety-gears-of-war-movie-script-back-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/variety-gears-of-war-movie-script-back-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/variety-gears-of-war-movie-script-back-in-the-works/#comments Gears of War movie gets a producer, script to be developedThe ethereal Gears of War movie is back in the headlines, with Variety reporting that producer Scott Stuber has signed on with the project. There's still no writer or distributor attached, but Stuber will work with his own studio, called Bluegrass Films, and Epic Games to develop a script and finance the project. Universal Studios currently has first look rights to whatever he can come up with.

Stuber has produced a number of big-budget films, including Battleship, Ted, and the upcoming 47 Ronin. A movie based on Gears of War was originally set for a release in 2010, but that project allegedly fell apart due to "creative differences."

JoystiqVariety: Gears of War movie script back in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gears-of-wargears-of-war-judgementgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftproducerscott-stuberuniversaluniversal-studioswriterxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arcade documentary '100 Yen' launches on DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/arcade-documentary-100-yen-launches-on-dvd/#comments
For those of us unable to pop into a nearby Taito Station, the film "100 Yen" sounds like the next best thing, and without some guy angrily making an "X" shape with his arms when you try to shoot photos.

The documentary film features a series of interviews illustrating the evolution of arcade culture, focusing on shooting, rhythm, and fighting game scenes in Japanese, Canadian, and American arcades.

The film was funded through two IndieGogo campaigns, and is now available on DVD through distributor Filmbuff, which also released Exit Through the Gift Shop and Super Size Me. Blu-ray and online versions are due in Q4.

JoystiqArcade documentary '100 Yen' launches on DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-yenarcadedocumentaryindiegogoMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/#comments Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie, if given controlEven though Neill Blomkamp already put five months of work into the stalled Halo film project, he's not bitter. In fact, he's still down to work on the film - that is, if he's in control.

"I still really love the world and the universe and the mythology of Halo. If I was given control, I would really like to do that film," Blomkamp told IGN. "But that's the problem. When something pre-exists, there's this idea of my own interpretation versus 150 other people involved with the film's interpretation of the same intellectual property. Then the entire filmgoing audience has their interpretation. You can really live up to or fail in their eyes. That part isn't appealing to me, but the original pieces are appealing."

Blomkamp went on record back in 2009 to say that he wouldn't do the Halo film, even if it was offered to him. Blomkamp drew attention for his trio of Halo 3 short films, eventually all collected in Halo 3: Landfall. The Halo movie was officially postponed in late 2006 after Fox and Universal both pulled out of the project.

JoystiqNeill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-3microsoftNeill-BlomkampxboxWed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Social shares your viewing habits with Facebook friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/#comments

Starting today, the Netflix apps on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PCs and mobile devices in the US have a Facebook sharing option, allowing users to see what programs their friends watch and send out their own recommendations in kind.

Facebook sharing isn't automatically enabled, but those interested can activate it in the social settings panel under "Your Account." If you want to keep up that hardcore image, it's possible to hide specific shows - Say Yes to the Dress, maybe - from appearing in your friends' Netflix queues. Check out how Facebook-enabled Netflix works in the above demo video.

JoystiqNetflix Social shares your viewing habits with Facebook friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmicrosoftmobileNetflixnetflix-socialnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: 'I killed' the BioShock movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/#comments Ken Levine killed off the BioShock movie, here's whyStop asking about the BioShock movie. It's dead, it's all Ken Levine's fault, and this is how it went down: Pirates of the Caribbean's Gore Verbinski announced he was directing a BioShock movie in 2008, and said he wanted to make it a hard-R-rated film with "a lot of blood," Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine said during a BAFTA talk, reported by Eurogamer.

And then Watchmen came out and bombed by Hollywood standards, and the BioShock studio got cold feet. Verbinski originally wanted $200 million, but executives would commit to just $80 million, "and Gore didn't want to make a $80 million film," Levine said. Verbinski brought in a new director, 28 Weeks Later's Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, but by March he was also out, and Levine had pulled the plug.

"They brought another director in, and I didn't really see the match there - and 2K's one of these companies that puts a lot of creative trust in people," Levine said. "So they said if you want to kill it, kill it. And I killed it."

A BioShock movie could get off the ground someday, maybe, Levine said. "It may happen one day, who knows, but it'd have to be the right combination of people." After all this public, back-and-forth teasing, we'd like to ask Levine if he'd kindly make a high-profile BioShock movie happen for real.

JoystiqLevine: 'I killed' the BioShock movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioshockbioshock-movieIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6 (the movie) set for late 2014]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/resident-evil-6-the-movie-set-for-late-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/resident-evil-6-the-movie-set-for-late-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/resident-evil-6-the-movie-set-for-late-2014/#comments Resident Evil 6 the movie set for late 2014The Resident Evil movie franchise is an out-of-control subterranean money train that just won't stop, with the next installment expected next year. ShockTillYouDrop reports star Milla Jovovich and husband/director Paul W.S. Anderson will begin shooting this fall for a September 12, 2014 debut date. The movie doesn't currently have a fancy subtitle.

Since the movies aren't actually numbered and should be enjoyed simply for what they are, the order goes: Resident Evil, Apocalypse, Extinction, Afterlife and Retribution.

Resident Evil: Retribution reportedly cost $65 million to make and grossed $221 million worldwide. Yes, Michelle Rodriguez was back in it. Yes, it was somehow explained. No, we can't recall the reason. Clearly we aren't on the same page on how these movies should be enjoyed.

JoystiqResident Evil 6 (the movie) set for late 2014 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomresident-evilresident-evil-6Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pulp is first film to launch exclusively on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/pulp-is-first-film-to-launch-exclusively-on-xbox-360/#comments
British comedy Pulp will be the first film exclusively distributed on Xbox 360. Pulp stars Jay Sutherland as Tony, a comic artist recruited by the police to help take down a group of no-goods funneling ill-gotten cash through a dummy comic book company. Pulp is available right now for 1180 MS Points ($14.75) in standard definition, 1420 MS Points ($17.75) for high-definition.

Late last year, Microsoft brought on former CBS exec Nancy Tellem to oversee the creation of original video content for the Xbox brand. While Pulp wasn't expressly made for distribution on the Xbox platform, it's the first sign that we'll be seeing more video content exclusive to Xbox from here on out.

JoystiqPulp is first film to launch exclusively on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jay-sutherlandmicrosoftpulpukxboxTue, 05 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution film 'not a rehashing' of game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-film-not-a-rehashing-of-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-film-not-a-rehashing-of-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-film-not-a-rehashing-of-game/#comments Deus Ex: Human Revolution film scribe C. Robert Cargill and director Scott Derrickson claim they're taking care to present a believable cyberpunk setting in their upcoming film, based on the Eidos Montreal game.

"Yeah, the chief philosophy is we're not making a video game movie, we're making a cyberpunk movie," Deus Ex film co-writer C. Robert Cargill says in an interview with Crave Online. "We've taken a look at what's worked in video games and what hasn't, and really what we've broken down is what we think the audience really wants, [what] the audience that loves Deus Ex is going to want to see out of a Deus Ex movie. And it's not a rehashing of the game."

The duo, which think of Mortal Kombat as the best video game movie yet made, will borrow motifs from the game, rather than attempt to replicate specific events. "The thing about Deus Ex, the landscape is massive. I mean, it is a big, broad, sprawling game, and look, it's impossible to get the aesthetic of that game into a single movie," Derrickson says. "That's the nature of turning a video game into a movie, is keeping the elements that are iconic and important, [that] advance the game, but also recognizing that if that's all you do, you'll just make another bad video game movie."

According to Derrickson, there's a draft of the film already, and the process as a whole is "moving like a rocket."

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution film 'not a rehashing' of game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-robert-cargillcbs-filmsdeus-ex-human-revolutionmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3scott-derricksonxboxFri, 22 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie cast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/michael-keaton-joins-need-for-speed-movie-cast/#comments Michael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie castThe world's second original Batman has joined the cast of Dreamwork's surprisingly still forthcoming Need for Speed movie adaptation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Michael Keaton will play the role of a "reclusive and eccentric" race organizer and host, one that invites drivers from around the world to participate in some sort of underground supercar thing.

Keaton joins Kid Cudi and Aaron Paul, among others, as those confirmed for the movie's cast. Still no word yet on who will play the car, but our fake sources tell us that Paul will likely be blasting around the country in a talking Volvo station wagon voiced by either Ellen McLain or Jennifer Hale.

JoystiqMichael Keaton joins Need for Speed movie cast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworksmichael-keatonneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-movieWed, 06 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman movie rebooted with 'Fast and Furious' Paul Walker]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/hitman-movie-rebooted-with-fast-and-furious-paul-walker/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/hitman-movie-rebooted-with-fast-and-furious-paul-walker/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/hitman-movie-rebooted-with-fast-and-furious-paul-walker/#comments Hitman movie rebooted with Paul WalkerPaul Walker will play Agent 47 - replacing Timothy Olyphant - in an upcoming Hitman movie. While we all desperately try to understand who makes these casting decisions, Deadline reports the movie's title is Agent 47 and will be written by the folks behind A Good Day To Die Hard. First-time feature film director Aleksander Back will helm the project.

The Hitman movie starring Olyphant from 2007 grossed $100 million worldwide despite its imperfect execution. The new film will begin filming in Berlin and Singapore this summer after Walker wraps promotion for Fast And Furious 6.

JoystiqHitman movie rebooted with 'Fast and Furious' Paul Walker originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47hitmanPaul-Walkertimothy-olyphantWed, 06 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warcraft movie to be helmed by Source Code director Duncan Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/warcraft-movie-adds-source-code-director-duncan-jones-to-its-par/#comments The film adaptation of Blizzard's Warcraft universe, simply titled Warcraft, is moving ahead with director Duncan Jones, The Hollywood Reporter says. Jones, whose previous work includes Moon and Source Code, is an award-winning English director and the son of music icon David Bowie. Joystiq has also obtained separate confirmation that Jones is indeed signed to direct Warcraft.

Legendary Pictures tapped scriptwriter Charles Leavitt back in August and has chosen to stick with his adaptation. Previously, Sam Raimi was up to direct but chose to opt out instead for another film, Oz: The Great and Powerful. The plan is to start filming Warcraft this fall, with a theatrical release in 2015.

JoystiqWarcraft movie to be helmed by Source Code director Duncan Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duncan-joneslegendary-picturesmacmoonmoviepcsource-codeworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaWed, 30 Jan 2013 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[J.J. Abrams and Gabe Newell to duel in DICE 2013 opening keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/j-j-abrams-and-gabe-newell-to-duel-in-dice-2013-opening-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/j-j-abrams-and-gabe-newell-to-duel-in-dice-2013-opening-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/j-j-abrams-and-gabe-newell-to-duel-in-dice-2013-opening-keynote/#comments J.J. Abrams, prolific film director and dual-wielder of beloved franchises, will headline the opening keynote of the 2013 D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit alongside Valve co-founder Gabe Newell. The Star Wars/Star Trek director will bring his cinematic perspective and flair to a discussion entitled "Storytelling Across Platforms: Who Benefits Most, the Audience or the Player?" on February 6.

"J.J. thoughtfully weaves together suspense, action, emotion, and fun into every one of his projects - elements every game developer aspires to capture as well," said Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences President Martin Rae. "Each year, the D.I.C.E. Summit sets the tone for the year ahead in games and adding J.J. and Gabe's shared insights is a natural fit as we see all forms of entertainment converge."

The D.I.C.E. Summit will have a host of talks swirling around the impending entertainment singularity, and run from February 5 until February 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. The D.I.C.E. Awards, which seek to honor the best games released over the past year, will take place on February 7.

Continue reading J.J. Abrams and Gabe Newell to duel in DICE 2013 opening keynote

JoystiqJ.J. Abrams and Gabe Newell to duel in DICE 2013 opening keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasand-you-get-a-lens-flaredice-2013everybody-gets-a-lens-flaregabe-newelljj-abramsstar-trekstar-warsvalveMon, 28 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout trademark covers a TV show in an apocalyptic paradise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/fallout-trademark-covers-a-tv-show-in-an-apocalyptic-paradise/#comments Fallout trademark filed to cover usage as television programBethesda may be looking toward the future of its franchises, trademarking the Fallout brand for the purposes of using it in "entertainment services in the nature of an on-going television program set in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world," according to a USPTO listing. We thought Desperate Housewives had the "reality we would never want to live in" genre covered, but the more, the merrier.

Fallout forum member Conor Murton posted about the trademark today and Bethesda has yet to comment on the listing. Bethesda could simply be protecting its franchise, or it could have more active plans.

JoystiqFallout trademark covers a TV show in an apocalyptic paradise originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-SoftworksfallouttelevisionTrademarktvUSPTOWed, 16 Jan 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kid Cudi joins cast of Need for Speed movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/kid-cudi-joins-cast-of-need-for-speed-movie/#comments Kid Cudi joins cast in Need for Speed movieDreamworks' Need for Speed movie is rounding out its cast, adding hip-hop artist Kid Cudi (real name Scott Mescudi) to a lineup including Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper and Imogen Poots (real name). Paul, who plays the lead in the Need for Speed film, is best known for his role as Jesse in Breaking Bad. Cooper played Howard Stark in Captain America: The First Avenger and Poots is best known as Tammy from 28 Weeks Later.

Joining Mescudi and the rest of the cast is The Wire's Ramon Rodriguez, American actor Rami Malek and Australian actor Harrison Gilbertson, The Hollywood Reporter says. The Need for Speed film is set to hit theaters on February 7, 2014.

JoystiqKid Cudi joins cast of Need for Speed movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmkid-cudiNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-movieWed, 16 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft hires English playwright to pen Assassin's Creed screenplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/ubisoft-hires-english-playwright-to-pen-assassins-creed-screenp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/ubisoft-hires-english-playwright-to-pen-assassins-creed-screenp/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/ubisoft-hires-english-playwright-to-pen-assassins-creed-screenp/#comments Assassin's Creed film hires English playwright to pen the screenplayThe Assassin's Creed movie is getting some backstage class by tapping English playwright Michael Lesslie to adapt the screenplay. Lesslie's previous writing work includes Prince of Denmark, which was performed at the National Theatre in 2012, short films such as Skirt, and an acclaimed adaptation of the memoir War Reporting for Cowards.

Michael Fassbender, recently known as Magneto in X-Men: First Class and the robot David in Prometheus, is set to star in and co-produce the Assassin's Creed film. In October, Ubisoft Motion Pictures tagged New Regency as a partner on the movie. We're pretty shocked at all the public information about this film; for some reason, we assumed the whole thing would be more stealthy.

JoystiqUbisoft hires English playwright to pen Assassin's Creed screenplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedassassins-creed-moviefilmHollywoodMichael-Fassbendermichael-lessliemovienew-regency-productionsUbisoftubisoft-motion-picturesTue, 15 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow of the Colossus movie picks up 'Hanna' writer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/shadow-of-the-colossus-movie-picks-up-hanna-writer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/shadow-of-the-colossus-movie-picks-up-hanna-writer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/shadow-of-the-colossus-movie-picks-up-hanna-writer/#comments Shadow of the Colossus movie picks up 'Hanna' writerThe film adaptation of Shadow of the Colossus is still chuggin' right along, edging ever closer to becoming either the best or worst thing ever, as is the expected fate of all video game movie projects.

The production has added Seth Lochhead to its staff, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who will be responsible for Colossus' story and/or screenplay. Lochhead's previous writing accomplishments include Hanna, the 2011 action thriller that starred Saoirse Ronan, Galadriel and The Incredible Hulk.

Script production will be overseen by director Josh Trank with Lochhead starting on a fresh adaptation rather than elaborating on the initial draft penned by Justin Marks, the same scribe behind 2009's disastrous Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li. We're not complaining.

JoystiqShadow of the Colossus movie picks up 'Hanna' writer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmmovieplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspscreenplayscreenwriterscriptseth-lochheadShadow-of-the-Colossussonysony-picturesvitawriterThu, 10 Jan 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Del Toro got Valve's permission to use GlaDOS' voice in Pacific Rim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/del-toro-got-valves-permission-to-use-glados-voice-in-pacific/#comments
The presence of Ellen McLain's sultry, robotic trills in the Pacific Rim trailer above filled us with much, much joy when we first saw it last December, but we couldn't help but feel like director Guillermo del Toro wasn't being entirely original. Furthermore, we wondered how Valve would feel about such flagrant counterfeiting; we know it doesn't own Ellen McLain's voice or anything, but come on.

None of that is actually an issue, as it turns out, since del Toro actually obtained permission from Valve to use GlaDOS' voice in the film, according to the Toronto Sun. "I wanted very much to have her, because I'm a big Portal fan," del Toro said. "But just as a wink. She's not cake-obsessed."

McLain's vocal work in the actual film will be run through fewer GlaDOS-inducing voice filters in the final film, del Toro says, but he wanted her voice to be completely recognizable in the trailer. It's also worth noting that there's no actual crossover between Valve's Portal/Half Life universe and Pacific Rim's, even though Pacific Rim is a movie about universes crossing over.

JoystiqDel Toro got Valve's permission to use GlaDOS' voice in Pacific Rim originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ellen-mclainGlaDOSGuillermo-del-ToroPacific-RimPortalPortal-2Valvevoicevoice-actingSat, 05 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2 Player Productions uploads 'Minecraft: The Story of Mojang' to The Pirate Bay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/2-player-productions-upload-minecraft-the-story-of-mojang-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/2-player-productions-upload-minecraft-the-story-of-mojang-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/2-player-productions-upload-minecraft-the-story-of-mojang-to/#comments So, you know how the Minecraft documentary Minecraft: The Story of Mojang premiers on Xbox Live today, and will be available for purchase on DVD tomorrow? Well, that world premier just become a bit less exclusive, as 2 Player Productions has uploaded its film to controversial torrenting destination The Pirate Bay.

"We wanted to come here first because we knew the movie would end up here eventually," the listing reads, "and the best thing to do seemed to be opening a dialogue. Torrents and piracy are a way of life and it probably won't be going anywhere anytime soon. There are many people that want to punish you for that, but we have a more realistic outlook on things."

2 Player Productions goes on to urge torrent-folk to at least "consider" supporting its operations by purchasing the film, either digitally or on DVD: "We're just three guys trying to make a living doing what we love. We love the world of video games, and we love making it real. If you buy the movie, you support those efforts. The reason we Kickstarted this movie in the first place was that we didn't have enough money to make it ourselves, and even then, we still put A LOT of our own money into it."

Joystiq2 Player Productions uploads 'Minecraft: The Story of Mojang' to The Pirate Bay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-player-productionsdocumentaryfilmMinecraftminecraft-the-story-of-mojangmojangpirate-baythe-pirate-baytorrenttorrentsSat, 22 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek boldly goes on April 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/star-trek-boldly-goes-on-april-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/star-trek-boldly-goes-on-april-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/star-trek-boldly-goes-on-april-23/#comments Star Trek boldly goes on April 23Star Trek, the co-op game set in J.J. Abram's rebooted movie universe, will launch on April 23, with pre-orders beginning tomorrow, December 21, at participating retailers. Star Trek is coming to Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, and will be available digitally via PSN.

All pre-orders get access to the Elite Officer Pack, which includes exclusive specialty items for the game's main protagonists, Kirk and Spock. Check out those bad boys in-game in the above screenshot. Looks like Digital Extremes is going for the "set phasers to stunning" look, no?

Continue reading Star Trek boldly goes on April 23

JoystiqStar Trek boldly goes on April 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-extremesmicrosoftNamco-Bandaiparamount-picturespcplaystationps3release-datestar-trekxboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft documentary world premiere on Xbox Live, Dec. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/minecraft-documentary-world-premiere-on-xbox-live-dec-22/#comments

Minecraft: The Story of Mojang, a documentary from 2 Player Productions, will premiere on Saturday, December 22, on Xbox Live for Gold members in the US, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, France, Finland and Sweden. The documentary, strangely enough, tells the tale of Mojang founder Markus "Notch" Persson as he rises to indie fame with the development of Minecraft. It will air at 8 p.m. EST in the US and 8 p.m. CET in Europe on Saturday.

The documentary secured funding through Kickstarter, raising $210,000 of a requested $150,000 in March 2011. 2 Player Productions isn't new to the video game documentary world, having produced films for Double Fine, a chiptune documentary called Reformat the Planet, and more. Check out the launch trailer for Minecraft: The Story of Mojang above and click the Minecraft tile on your Xbox Live dashboard for viewing times in your area.

With Indie Game: The Movie and now this, gaming has officially entered the realm of sans-serif white letters and Sundance hipster chic. Good job, everyone.

JoystiqMinecraft documentary world premiere on Xbox Live, Dec. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-player-productionsdocumentarymicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-the-story-of-mojangmobilemojangnotchpcxboxMon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick on why firing West, Zampella was easy, turning down a CoD film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kotick-on-why-firing-west-zampella-was-easy-turning-down-a-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kotick-on-why-firing-west-zampella-was-easy-turning-down-a-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/kotick-on-why-firing-west-zampella-was-easy-turning-down-a-cod/#comments Activision CEO Bobby Kotick settled a lawsuit with former employees Jason West and Vince Zampella, both now of Respawn Entertainment, in May. Kotick fired West and Zampella in 2010, after learning they were going to bail on their contracts to sign under EA, Kotick said, and from there, his job was easy:

"You find out two executives are planning to break their contracts, keep the money you gave them and steal 40 employees. What do you do? You fire them," Kotick told The New York Times in an extensive profile. West and Zampella sued Activision for royalties they said they never received from Modern Warfare 2, and though the terms of the settlement were never disclosed, the case's conclusion had West smiling.

Kotick's NYT profile extended from his high school years, when he would pick up friends in a chauffeured limo to visit Studio 54, to his time in college and to the present, when he fended off offers from Hollywood to turn Call of Duty into a high-budget film. Kotick said movies based on games rarely do well with fans and could blemish the Call of Duty brand.

He might be on to something there.

JoystiqKotick on why firing West, Zampella was easy, turning down a CoD film originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbobby-kotickCall-of-DutyEAfilmfrank-westHollywoodlawsuitmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Vince-ZampellaxboxSun, 16 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GLaDOS featured in Pacific Rim trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/glados-featured-in-pacific-rim-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/glados-featured-in-pacific-rim-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/glados-featured-in-pacific-rim-trailer/#comments

Director Guillermo del Toro had previously mentioned actress Ellen McLain, best known in gaming circles as the voice of GLaDOS, would use her vocal talent in his upcoming monster movie Pacific Rim. We just had no idea McLain would reprise her GLaDOs voice exactly. It's like hearing Majel Barrett as the voice of Siri.

JoystiqGLaDOS featured in Pacific Rim trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ellen-mclaingladosportal-2Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/angry-birds-movie-tags-despicable-me-iron-man-producers-out-in/#comments Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016The Angry Birds movie is happening. Despicable Me producer John Cohen has signed on to produce, and Iron Man executive producer David Maisel is taking the same role in Rovio's feature film. The Angry Birds movie is set to hit theaters in summer 2016, and it's fully funded and produced by Rovio outside of the standard studio system.

"John's an exceptionally talented producer, and we're delighted to have him join the flock," says Mikael Hed, Rovio CEO. "With John's hands-on producer background and David's expertise in establishing and running his own successful studio, these two are the dream team for making a movie outside the studio system. Both professionals have the ideal skills and vision to achieve incredible things."

Rovio held meetings with Hollywood advisers in 2010 and was rumored to have sought funding to the tune of $1.2 billion in 2011 to expand its entertainment offerings. As this film takes off, keep one thing in mind: Cohen is the guy who thought 2007's Alvin and the Chipmunks was a good idea.

Continue reading Angry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016

JoystiqAngry Birds movie tags Despicable Me, Iron Man producers, out in 2016 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-moviedespicable-meHollywoodiosipadiphoneiron-manmacmobilepcRovioTue, 11 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lovefilm now on Wii U in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/lovefilm-now-on-wii-u-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/lovefilm-now-on-wii-u-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/lovefilm-now-on-wii-u-in-the-uk/#comments Lovefilm makes it to Wii U in the UKJust days after its debut on the Wii, Amazon's video streaming service Lovefilm is now available on the Wii U. All Wii U consoles in the UK come with Lovefilm pre-installed on the dashboard.

The Lovefilm Instant application lets you stream movies and television programs, either through your television or directly to the WiiPad. Users may also access information about any particular program while browsing or streaming content through the WiiPad. Unlimited streaming subscriptions for Lovefilm start at £4.99 a month.

Continue reading Lovefilm now on Wii U in the UK

JoystiqLovefilm now on Wii U in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonlovefilmnintendoukwii-uMon, 10 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes movie trailer traps soldiers behind enemy lines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/#comments
The last time THQ got involved in the movie business, things didn't turn out so well for the associated game. But we have faith all will be good in the adaptation of real-time strategy series Company of Heroes. This first trailer has it all: Nazis, explosions and Tom Sizemore squinting at stuff.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes movie trailer traps soldiers behind enemy lines originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-2neal-mcdonoughpcreal-time-strategythqtom-sizemorevinnie-jonesworld-war-2ww2Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: Lanius fan film shows off its first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/fallout-lanius-fan-film-shows-off-its-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/fallout-lanius-fan-film-shows-off-its-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/25/fallout-lanius-fan-film-shows-off-its-first-trailer/#comments

Fallout: Lanius is a large-scale, in-depth fan homage to Fallout: New Vegas, with real-life actors playing out the origin story of Legate Lanius. The creators, a team from Australia, want to capture a true cinematic experience, something "more than just another Fallout fan film." The video above is our first glimpse at that vision.

The Lanius team snagged New Vegas voice actor Mitch Lewis for the film, and they're using input from Obsidian's Chris Avellone and John Gonzalez. The Indiegogo drive for Lanius has nine days remaining and the project has already received more than the $10,000 it requested. With that cash, Lanius should be able to provide some friendly competition to Wayside Creations' Fallout: Nuka Break series.

If anything, check out those soaring landscape shots in the teaser video. The apocalypse sure is gorgeous.

JoystiqFallout: Lanius fan film shows off its first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falloutfallout-laniusFallout-New-Vegasfan-filmmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 25 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/wii-u-picks-up-amazon-instant-video-youtube-apps/#comments Wii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube appsThe Wii U's complete TVii service is set to launch in December, but some of the programs within it are already dropping onto the console. Netflix hit on launch day (with a rocky, yet resolved start), and now YouTube and Amazon Instant Video are on the Wii U.

With the YouTube app, videos can stream up to 1080p on the television, while the video details stay on the Wii Pad. Browsing uses the Pad's on-screen keyboard. Amazon Instant uses the same browsing method and can stream video directly on the Wii Pad. Both apps are free to download directly from the Wii U menu.

Happy viewing!

JoystiqWii U picks up Amazon Instant Video, YouTube apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon-instant-videoappsnintendotelevisiontvwii-uyoutubeThu, 22 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution movie picks up 'Sinister' director Derrickson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/deus-ex-human-revolution-movie-picks-up-sinister-director-der/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/deus-ex-human-revolution-movie-picks-up-sinister-director-der/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/deus-ex-human-revolution-movie-picks-up-sinister-director-der/#comments Scott Derrickson to direct Deus Ex movieScott Derrickson, the director of Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, will direct and write the screenplay for the Deus Ex: Human Revolution movie, coming from CBS Films. Derrickson is partnering with Sinister co-writer C. Robert Cargill on the Deus Ex screenplay.

"Deus Ex is a phenomenal cyberpunk game with soul and intelligence," Derrickson says. "By combining amazing action and tension with big, philosophical ideas, Deus Ex is smart, ballsy, and will make one hell of a movie. Cargill and I can't wait to bring it to the big screen."

Eventually, we can all look forward to Derrickson's deep, tense, ballsy action flick based on Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Our augmentations are tingling in anticipation.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Human Revolution movie picks up 'Sinister' director Derrickson

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution movie picks up 'Sinister' director Derrickson originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutiondirectorfilmmoviescott-derricksonSquare-EnixThu, 15 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Hardy straps on the goggles for Splinter Cell movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/tom-hardy-straps-on-the-goggles-for-splinter-cell-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/tom-hardy-straps-on-the-goggles-for-splinter-cell-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/tom-hardy-straps-on-the-goggles-for-splinter-cell-movie/#comments Tom Hardy straps on Sam Fisher's goggles in the Splinter Cell movieUbisoft has found its star for a film based on the popular stealth series, Splinter Cell. Tom Hardy will trade his Bane mask from The Dark Knight Rises for the glowing goggles worn by the game's gruff protagonist, Sam Fisher.

According to a report on Variety, Ubisoft has yet to lock down a studio, though it has engaged with Paramount and Warner Bros. in preliminary talks. The script also has yet to be finalized - it's coming from Eric Warren Singer, who wrote 2009 thriller The International.

If it all goes through, Hardy will join Michael Fassbender, who is taking lead on an Assassin's Creed film with New Regency, in Ubisoft's forthcoming film lineup.

Meanwhile, the next game in the Splinter Cell series, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, is slated to launch in Spring 2013.

JoystiqTom Hardy straps on the goggles for Splinter Cell movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3splinter-cellsplinter-cell-blacklisttom-hardyubisoftxboxWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/#comments Microsoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance

Microsoft has filed a patent for a system that could potentially use a camera to determine whether you're breaking its content-viewing rules or not. US Patent Application 20120278904 describes the ability to use a Kinect-like camera-enabled device for "continuously monitoring a number of users at a display device during the performance of [some] content," which basically means the camera would watch the faces of anyone watching a display showing licensed content (like a movie or a game), and then track those faces to see if the viewers had appropriately licensed it.

The patent lists a number of options for determining the validity of the possible viewers, including counting their number (as in, making sure only three people were able to see a movie), or actually identifying specific users (to make sure Julie isn't watching a movie that Mark was only licensed to see). The patent itself doesn't specifically mention Kinect, but it does mention the idea of a "gaming and media system" as well as "mobile devices" with the same capability.

Obviously, such a system would have some weaknesses (could you use a picture or a sculpture to spoof the camera?), and the patent states at the end that this is just one possible implementation of a setup like this. But Microsoft is apparently thinking about using Kinect's ability to recognize you for more than just throwing around spells and playing games. In the future, that camera may be used to figure out whether you're following the rules or not.

JoystiqMicrosoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerakinectlicensingmicrosoftpatentusptoxboxWed, 07 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney acquires Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, LucasArts included]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/disney-acquires-lucasfilm-for-4-05-billion-lucasarts-included/#comments Disney acquires Lucasfilm for $405 billion, LucasArts includedDisney has just announced its purchase of Lucasfilm Limited, the umbrella corporation responsible for all things Star Wars, Indiana Jones and pretty much anything else George Lucas has ever had his hand in. The purchase will set ol' Walt back $4.05 billion.

Industrial Light & Magic, Skywalker Sound and LucasArts are all included in the purchase price, meaning that Disney has not only found a way to profit from the production of movies that it isn't making, but also how to get Jar-Jar Binks into a Kingdom Hearts game.

The company also announced that Star Wars 7 exists and is aiming for a 2015 release date, which makes this the most insane thing ever. Lucasfilm co-chairman Kathleen Kennedy will become president of Lucasfilm under Disney, and will also act as executive producer on "new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant."

JoystiqDisney acquires Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion, LucasArts included originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbuyoutDisneygeorge-lucasindiana-jonesIndustrial-light-and-magickingdom-heartsLucasArtsLucasfilmpurchaseskywalker-soundstar-warsstar-wars-7Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect film script in the hands of 'Rescue Me' assistant editor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/mass-effect-film-script-in-the-hands-of-rescue-me-assistant-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/mass-effect-film-script-in-the-hands-of-rescue-me-assistant-ed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/mass-effect-film-script-in-the-hands-of-rescue-me-assistant-ed/#comments Yes, not only is the Mass Effect movie still in the works, but its pre-production phase has actually progressed to Standard Hollywood Adaptation Step 43, Subsection A, where a new writer is attached to the project without any mention of the original talent.

In this case, the movie is now being written by Morgan Davis Foehl, whose tenure in the motion picture industry is that of an assistant editor for Adam Sandler vehicles such as Click and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, as well as the TV drama Rescue Me.

The original writer attached to the project, Mark Protosevich, had already done some work on the script, according to Variety. Protosevich's history includes the screenplays for I Am Legend and Poseidon, in addition to writer and story credits on The Cell and Thor, respectively. Whether Foehl's job is to rewrite the existing script or begin anew is uncertain.

This is a movie adaptation of a gaming franchise, however, so this is not likely to be last round of musical chairs the production staff will play. After all, the project hasn't even named a director yet, let alone lost one and replaced it several times - as outlined in the Standard Hollywood Adaptation Guidebook.

JoystiqMass Effect film script in the hands of 'Rescue Me' assistant editor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareEAElectronic-Artslegendary-picturesmass-effectmass-effect-moviemovieThu, 25 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft working with New Regency to produce Assassin's Creed film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/ubisoft-working-with-new-regency-to-produce-assassins-creed-fil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/ubisoft-working-with-new-regency-to-produce-assassins-creed-fil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/ubisoft-working-with-new-regency-to-produce-assassins-creed-fil/#comments AC movieThe Assassin's Creed feature film has taken one more sneaky baby step toward production: Ubisoft Motion Pictures has picked a partner company. New Regency Productions, which names Fight Club, Free Willy and Mr. and Mrs. Smith among its works, will partner with Ubisoft on the film, beginning with the development of a screenplay.

If you're a Michael Fassbender fan (a Fanbender?) you might be relieved to hear that the deal was expedited by the attachment of Fassbender to the project - which suggests that both parties will do their best to keep him there. The companies declined to talk about money, so we don't know what kind of financial resources are also gluing the two companies together.

Continue reading Ubisoft working with New Regency to produce Assassin's Creed film

JoystiqUbisoft working with New Regency to produce Assassin's Creed film originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creednew-regency-productionsubisoft-motion-picturesMon, 22 Oct 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/breaking-bads-aaron-paul-playing-lead-in-need-for-speed-movie/#comments Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movieIt looks like Dreamworks' Need for Speed movie is on the fast track to production: Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman in AMC's Breaking Bad, is slated to play the lead. Paul has won two Emmys for his role in Breaking Bad, and has also starred in The Last House on the Left and HBO's Big Love.

Scott Waugh, a veteran stuntman and director of Act of Valor, is directing the movie, George and John Gatnis are writing the screenplay, and EA vice president Patrick O'Brien is one of the producers.

"The film adaptation will be a fast-paced, high-octane film rooted in the tradition of the great car culture films of the 70s while being extremely faithful to the spirit of the video game franchise." the press release reads. "In Need for Speed, the cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story keeps players at the edge of their seat."

While we don't want Paul to be typecast, it'd be pretty cool if he drives an RV for part of the movie. Or even just a blue car. Can you give us that, Dreamworks?

JoystiqBreaking Bad's Aaron Paul playing lead in Need for Speed movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-paulBreaking-Baddreamworksfilmjesse-pinkmanmovieNeed-for-Speedneed-for-speed-movieMon, 15 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Flicks: Dishonored and Leon The Professional]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/stiq-flicks-dishonored-and-leon-the-professional/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/stiq-flicks-dishonored-and-leon-the-professional/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/stiq-flicks-dishonored-and-leon-the-professional/#commentsStiq Flicks - from film and video game industry freelance writer Kevin Kelly - examines video games and attempts to pair them with matching films. It's like wine and cheese, but with more aliens.
Stiq Flicks Dishonored and Lon The Professional
Dishonored puts you into the shoes (and mask) of a mysterious bodyguard who has been framed for the murder of his Empress employer. Saved from death by a band of insurgents, he becomes an assassin who stalks in the shadows and kills silently ... or with extreme noise, depending on how you play the game. Whatever way you decide to go at it, Corvo's ultimate goal is to find and protect the Empress' daughter, Emily.

Which brings us to our film pairing for the game. In 1994, Luc Besson wrote and directed Léon, which was called The Professional in the United States. It starred French actor Jean Reno as a Léon, a skillful hitman "cleaner" working for the mob who takes a very young Mathilda (Natalie Portman) under his wing after her family is murdered by crooked cops.

The character of Léon is a fleshed-out version of a similar cleaner character that Jean Reno played in La Femme Nikita, and Besson himself has said, "Now maybe Jean is playing the American cousin of Victor. This time he's more human." Which is an understatement. Although Léon is a hitman, he's more human than plenty of the heroes of cinema.

Gallery: Dishonored (4/26/12)

Continue reading Stiq Flicks: Dishonored and Leon The Professional

JoystiqStiq Flicks: Dishonored and Leon The Professional originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishonoredmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3Stiq-FlicksxboxSun, 14 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST