Joystiq PC http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq PC 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[Among the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/among-the-sleep-kickstarter-ends-nearly-50k-beyond-its-target/#comments Krillbite Studio's first-person baby simulator/horror game Among the Sleep has completed its 30-day Kickstarter campaign, raising a grand total of $248,358 from 8,110 backers - nearly $50,000 more than the $200,000 fundraising goal originally set.

All that extra cash will be put towards buying ice cream, Oculus Rift compatibility and a developer commentary track, though the campaign's bonus earnings didn't extend far enough for the "supersecret free DLC" stretch goal to be funded. Among the Sleep is expected to launch on PC, OSX and Linux during the fourth quarter of this year, but intrigued folks can go ahead and check out the game's public alpha.

JoystiqAmong the Sleep Kickstarter ends nearly $50k beyond its target originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>among-the-sleepkickstarterkrillbite-studiolinuxmacpcsuccessSat, 18 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/resident-evil-revelations-adds-pirate-jill-sailor-chris-ninja/#commentsResident Evil Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith The upcoming console/PC iteration of Resident Evil: Revelations will include a trio of confusing new costumes for Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Keith Lumley, Capcom has announced. As can be seen in the gallery, Jill and Chris both sport equally leggy nautical-themed outfits, while Keith channels his inner One Piece character as a shirtless sword-guy in hammer pants.

Costumes are unlocked by playing through the game's Campaign and Raid modes, in addition to "other unlocking mechanisms" that Capcom is keeping a secret. We're just hoping Capcom eventually rides this train of thought all the way to its logical extreme: Pretty Soldier Sailor Claire Redfield.

Gallery: Resident Evil: Revelations (New costumes)

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations adds Pirate Jill, Sailor Chris, Ninja Keith originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomchris-redfieldcostumesjill-valentineKeith-Lumleymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3resident-evil-revelationswii-uxboxSat, 18 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Costco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/costco-uk-selling-full-size-f1-simulator-for-just-90-000/#commentsCostco UK selling fullsize F1 simulator for just 90,000 Costco UK is selling an FMCG International F1 racing simulator for £89,999.89 (including delivery and installation!), or $138,338.83, which is still significantly cheaper than owning an actual Formula 1 car. We also assume it's probably a tiny bit safer and easier to maintain, but that's just a hunch.

The body is available in "your own choice of colour" and is made out of various combinations of composite materials, alloys and carbon fiber, with real wheels, tyres, chromed-out exhaust tips and everything. There's no engine or transmission, obviously, but it does come with one of those totally awesome detachable steering wheels.

The gaming portion of the rig is powered by an Intel Core i7, an SSD of unknown capacity, 16 gigs of RAM and a non-specified graphics card outputting to three 23-inch adjustable TFT monitors. Meanwhile, sweet jams are pumped through a 5.1 audio system into both the car's body and your body, since the subwoofer is located directly behind the driver's seat.

JoystiqCostco UK selling full-size F1 simulator for just £90,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costcoF1FMCG-InternationalpcracingreplicasimsimulationsimulatorSat, 18 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/#comments
EA recently provided us with a producer walkthrough video for The Sims 3 Island Paradise DLC, an upcoming expansion pack for the game. The DLC takes players to the Isle Paradiso where, as seen in the video, they can cruise on houseboats from port to port.

Players will also get to build their own resort on the island when the expansion launches June 28. Before that, however, The Sims 3 Dragon Valley world will open on May 30.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - Island Paradise (5/16/13)

JoystiqSims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtspcThe-Sims-3Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/#comments
This gameplay video for Grid 2 shows a racer drifting around turns on a downhill course in Okutama, Tokyo in Japan. Grid 2 is coming to PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on May 28.

JoystiqGrid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersdriftinggameplaygrid-2microsoftokutamapcplaystationps3racerRacingtrailerxboxSat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/dust-an-elysian-tail-scampers-onto-steam-may-24/#comments Next week marks the Steam debut of Humble Heart's XBLA darling, Dust: An Elysian Tail. Dean Dodrill, animator and creator of Dust, took to Twitter to announce the May 24 launch date; though there is currently no Steam product page.

Dust: An Elysian Tail is a 2D action platformer in the vein of Metroid and Castlevania, featuring beautiful hand-drawn sprites throughout. Aside from being visually appealing, it's also a delight - a game our review said "doesn't do much to innovate the platform-adventure sub-genre, but it does manage to look and play beautifully throughout, and sometimes that's enough."

JoystiqDust: An Elysian Tail scampers onto Steam May 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dean-dodrilldust-an-elysian-tailhumble-heartpcsteamSat, 18 May 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/team-fortress-2-robotic-boogaloo-update-tangos-with-steam/#comments
The first community-created updated for Team Fortress 2 has rolled out: 'Robotic Boogaloo.' Continuing the robot theme of previous Team Fortress 2 updates, Robotic Boogaloo adds 57 new artisanal hats, helmets, bonnets, turbans, crowns, toppers and other headgear - all created by the community.

Robotic Boogaloo isn't all hats but, naturally, it's mostly hats. Each new Team Fortress 2 item can be found within RoboCrates - rare drops after June 3 - that can be opened with a key from the Mann Co. store, each costing $2.50. The revenue from these items will then be shared amongst all creators responsible for Robotic Boogaloo content.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 'Robotic Boogaloo' update tangos with Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitymacpcrobotic-boogaloosteamTeam-Fortress-2updatevalveFri, 17 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Defenders 2 begins character profiles with 'Man and Machine']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/dungeon-defenders-2-begins-character-profiles-with-man-and-mach/#comments

Trendy Entertainment's Dungeon Defenders 2, which is split into a tower defense sequel and a MOBA, has begun releasing videos for the latter portion of its DNA. Every Wednesday, the studio will highlight a new character for the player-versus-player mode. First up is the "Man and Machine."

JoystiqDungeon Defenders 2 begins character profiles with 'Man and Machine' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-defenders-2pctrendytrendy-entertainmentFri, 17 May 2013 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/report-remastered-final-fantasy-viii-coming-to-pc-in-japan/#commentsReport Remastered iFinal Fantasy VIIIi coming to PC in Japan [Rough translation of the above dialogue: "...whatever."]

The ever-sullen Squall and his friends are set to make a high-resolution return, as Famitsu reports that Square Enix is developing a remastered PC version of Final Fantasy VIII.

Final Fantasy VIII was originally released for the PlayStation in 1999, and PC players saw a no-frills Windows port one year later. News of Final Fantasy VIII's forthcoming rerelease follows up on last year's upgraded PC port of Final Fantasy VII, which added cloud saving and unlockable achievements. While the new version of Final Fantasy VIII boasts a graphical update, no further details are known, and a release date has not been announced.
[Image Credit: Famitsu]

JoystiqReport: Remastered Final Fantasy VIII coming to PC in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-viiipcportrpgsquare-enixwindowsFri, 17 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just jargon through Remember Me]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/just-jargon-through-remember-me/#comments
Join Joystiq in the streets of Neo-Paris and the intricate pathways of the mind in this Remember Me video preview. Dontnod's memory-focused action game features strategic battle jeans, "remembrane buoys" and even more dubiously named plot devices, if you can believe it.

Remember Me launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on June 4.

[Video production: Miguel Concepcion]

Gallery: Remember Me (2/14/13)

JoystiqJust jargon through Remember Me originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adriftdontnoddontnod-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3remember-mevideo-previewxboxFri, 17 May 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/skullgirls-fourth-new-character-is-beowolf/#commentsSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf The results are in, and fans have voted to make Beowolf the fourth new character in Lab Zero Games' little fighter that could, Skullgirls. An ex pro wrestler, Beowolf and his trusty folding chair (named The Hurting, naturally) have come out of retirement in order to test the true limits of his strength. Being a wrestler and everything, Beowolf's playstyle has been influence by Street Fighter's Rainbow Mika and El Fuerte, as well as Tekken's King.

Beowolf is the fourth new character to be funded by Lab Zero's wildly successful Indiegogo campaign, which raised over $800,000 for DLC production back in March. Three other characters, Eliza, Squigly and Big Band, are also currently in development. Squigly is expected to be the first released, dropping alongside the PC version of the game sometime this summer.

Continue reading Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf

JoystiqSkullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesbeowolfcharactersDLCkonamilab-zero-gamesmarvelous-aqlmicrosoftpcplaystationps3reverge-labsskullgirlsxboxFri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Twin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/twin-stick-shooter-narco-terror-smokes-some-fools-this-summer/#comments

In what appears to be a modern take on late-80s arcade game Narc, Deep Silver's Narco Terror is a twin-stick blast-everything shooter of one man (or two in local or online co-op) versus the cartels. The game is listed for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

JoystiqTwin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silvermicrosoftnarco-terrorpcplaystationps3rubiconrubicon-organizationxboxFri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-confirmed-for-pc/#comments Series creator Hideo Kojima announced Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is coming to the PC. Speaking on his HideRadio podcast, Kojima revealed the upcoming port. The news was then confirmed by Platinum Games creative producer Jean Pierre Kellams.

We'll have further details as we learn them.

JoystiqMetal Gear Rising: Revengeance confirmed for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hideo-kojimaKojima-Productionskonamimetal-gear-rising-revengeancemetal-gear-solid-risingpcplatinum-gamesFri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/cognition-an-erica-reed-thriller-launches-episode-3-the-oracle/#comments

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, the Kickstarted adventure game from Phoenix Online Studios and Gabriel Knight writer Jane Jensen, is now on its third episode and things are really heating up. Watch the trailer and that line is funny, we promise. Well, funnier.

Episode three is subtitled The Oracle, and it continues the tale of Erica, a psychic FBI agent, as she tracks down a serial killer.

"Cognition's third episode picks up right where the last left off, with a body hurtling down the Enthon Towers' 33 stories to smash onto a parked police cruiser," the press release describes. Players are able to control Erica and the serial killer as the (gruesome) story unfolds.

Cognition will have four parts in total, with the final called The Cain Killer. Grab The Oracle and any previous episodes via Phoenix Online - with sales live through tomorrow, May 17 at 3 p.m. ET - and if you like the series, vote for Cognition on Steam Greenlight.

Gallery: Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller (Episode 3: The Oracle)

Continue reading Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle

JoystiqCognition: An Erica Reed Thriller launches episode 3, The Oracle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecognitionjane-jensenmacpcPhoenix-Online-StudiosThu, 16 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/psa-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-out-today-on-ps3-pc/#commentsPSA Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's multiplayer offerings grow stronger -- and undead-er -- with today's release of the Uprising DLC map pack for the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms. The pack is priced at $14.99.

Uprising adds the Magma, Encore, Vertigo, and Studio multiplayer maps, the latter of which is a reworking of the classic Firing Range level featured in the original Black Ops. The bundle also includes Mob of the Dead, a Prohibition-era Zombies mode map that takes place at Alcatraz Prison.

Today's release brings PC and PS3 players up to speed with the Xbox 360 version of the game, which received Uprising a month ago. Activision has not announced plans to release any of Black Ops 2's DLC for the Wii U.

Continue reading PSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC

JoystiqPSA: Black Ops 2 Uprising DLC out today on PS3, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2dlcmultiplayerpcplaystationps3psatreyarchuprising-dlcThu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/groupon-for-25-off-bioshock-infinite-on-steam/#comments Unlike other Groupons for BOGO grow-your-own nagchampa kits and 15 percent off the first 30 minutes of your dog's Le Cordon Bleu certification lessons, this Groupon to get the PC version of BioShock Infinite for $35 is actually worth spending money on.

Continue reading Groupon for $25 off BioShock Infinite on Steam

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitegrouponIrrational-GamespcThu, 16 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reus, 2D god game featuring four giants, blows through PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/reus-2d-god-game-featuring-four-giants-blows-through-pc-today/#comments

Reus, the 2D god game from Abbey Games, is available today, right now, for $10 (€10, £7) on Steam, GOG, Desura and Gamersgate. It's PC only for now, with Mac and Linux ports planned.

Reus offers a twist on the standard god game narrative, asking players to find balance in the world by controlling nature with four giants. The humans have a strong will of their own, and the player is tasked with ensuring they can thrive, but not too much, lest they become corrupted and destroy the planet.

Reus is on sale on Steam, GOG and Desura, for 10 percent off ($9). If you want to show Abbey Games your full monetary appreciation today, Gamersgate is the way to go.

JoystiqReus, 2D god game featuring four giants, blows through PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dabbey-gamesgod-gameIndiepcreusThu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Swapper switches it up on May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-swapper-switches-it-up-on-may-30/#comments

The Swapper - the Indie Fund-ed, clay model-animated, puzzle platformer put together by a few Finnish university students - has been set to hit Steam on May 30. The game has a lone space explorer wandering an alien cave, with a "weapon" that allows him to create clones of himself to solve puzzles and move around.

Facepalm has released a brand new trailer showing that gameplay and the title's excellent graphics, which were created by animating photos of actual clay. The initial release will be for PC, with Mac and Linux coming later, and "maybe something else" after that.

JoystiqThe Swapper switches it up on May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facepalmfacepalm-gameslinuxmacmay-30pcreleaserelease-datesteamthe-swapperThu, 16 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ Games no more after June 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/google-games-no-more-after-june-30/#comments After June 30, Google+ Games will be no more. Google has announced it's pulling the plug on all games through its service, so if you have credits in any games or wish to continue playing, you'll need to pursue that through each individual developer.

Google announced it's pulling the plug shortly after revealing its new games services suite for Google Play, which is live right now. Google started rolling out games to its social networking service in the summer of 2011, starting with Angry Birds, Dragon Age Legends and sudoku.

JoystiqGoogle+ Games no more after June 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle-plusgoogle-plus-gamesmacpcThu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/april-npd-injustice-gods-among-us-reigns-supreme/#comments Another hot, fresh loaf of financial data has been pulled out of The NPD Group's analytical oven, and its buttery goodness contains sales information for the four week period between April 4 and May 7, 2013. During that time, the physical retail sector of the games industry was down 25 percent when compared with its performance over the same four weeks in 2012, pulling in a grand total of $495.2 million. It's worth noting, however, that this figure does not include the sale of PC games.

Hardware sales brought in $109.5 million, a 42 percent decrease from the $187.8 million seen last year, with the Xbox 360 once again enjoying the highest sales with 130,000 units moved. Meanwhile, the brief reprieve from year-over-year decline seen by the Accessories segment last month was short lived, as in April it by dropped 19 percent to a total of $131.4 million.

Software sales (including PC games) topped out at $267.8 million, with NetherRealm Studios' Injustice: Gods Among Us taking top honors as the best-selling game for the period, the first time a fighting game has finished in first since 2011's Mortal Kombat. Dead Island: Riptide and BioShock Infinite rounded out the podium in spots two and three respectively - meanwhile MMO/Syfy series Defiance debuted in fifth. As always, scope the full list after the break.

Continue reading April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme

JoystiqApril NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsapril-npdbioshock-infinitedead-island-riptidefinancialinjustice-gods-among-usmicrosoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationps3saleswiiwii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Dev Tycoon, Bleed, Riot head up batch of six at Steam Greenlight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/game-dev-tycoon-bleed-riot-head-up-batch-of-six-at-steam-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/game-dev-tycoon-bleed-riot-head-up-batch-of-six-at-steam-green/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/game-dev-tycoon-bleed-riot-head-up-batch-of-six-at-steam-green/#comments
Steam revealed today that Game Dev Tycoon, Bleed and other standout titles are featured in the latest batch of games to earn community approval and platform distribution rights through Steam Greenlight.

Green Heart Games' simulation title Game Dev Tycoon earned a devoted following upon its release last month for its clever in-game approach to anti-piracy protection. Bootdisk Revolution's Bleed, a one-man effort that premiered for Windows and the Xbox Live Indie Games service late last year, combines frantically paced platforming with time-bending, quadruple-jumping gameplay mechanics.

Other games to pass through the latest round of Greenlight approvals include ConcernedApe's open-ended RPG Stardew Valley, The Leonard's "playable documentary" Riot, AustinHand's survival horror title The Legend, and Aterdux Entertainment's Kickstarted strategy-RPG Legends of Eisenwald.

JoystiqGame Dev Tycoon, Bleed, Riot head up batch of six at Steam Greenlight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleedgame-dev-tycoongreenlightlegends-of-eisenwaldmacpcriotstardew-valleysteamsteam-greenlightthe-legendwindowsThu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/steam-borderlands-2-for-13-59-mass-effect-1-and-2-for-10-cs/#comments "Hear ye, hear ye," the Newellville town crier bellowed out across the crowded, bustling market. "It is by royal decree, that for the 24 hours proceeding forthwith, respectable denizens of His Highness' Great Sovereign Nation of Valve may acquire the first two entries in the Mass Effect series of merrymaking programmes for $9.99."

"Ad interim," the crier continued, "patrons may avail themselves of substantial discounts on select digital comestibles found within the Royal Steam Marketplace, making it possible to obtain a single issuance of Borderlands 2 for $13.59, or four for $40.79, until May 20. In addition, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be free for interested parties through 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Sunday. Should customers enjoy the experience, a 50 percent abatement will be applied to the purchase price."

JoystiqSteam: Borderlands 2 for $13.59, Mass Effect 1 and 2 for $10, CS:GO F2P weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2counter-strike-global-offensivemacmass-effectmass-effect-2pcsalesteamvalveThu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 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[SimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/#comments

SimCity's "Amusement Park Pack," which leaked like oil out of a tea cup ride a tad early, has been confirmed to arrive in two weeks by developer Maxis.
"Some of you may have seen thrilling new SimCity content that arrived too early at the gate. It's coming May 28th. We think you'll be amused," the official SimCity Facebook page now notes.

The pack will allow mayors to lay out the park how they wish, featuring several different rides and customizable entrances. The park will also generate cash by bringing in shoppers, tourists and boosting the local commercial economy. No price was listed for the expansion.

JoystiqSimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/putty-squad-bounces-onto-pretty-much-everything-this-summer/#comments
British publisher/developer System 3 has announced an enhanced remake of its blue-blob-based action platformer Putty Squad, available sometime this summer on Xbox 360, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Vita, 3DS and Windows 8.

The original Putty Squad was initially released on Super NES back in 1994, as a sequel to 1992's Putty for the Amiga. A demo was also released for Amiga and DOS systems, but the full game never dropped for either of those platforms. This new version, beyond offering obvious graphical improvements, will also include free downloadable levels and "location-based services used for extra content."

Continue reading Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer

JoystiqPutty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3putty-squadSystem-3vitawii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate Diablo 3's birthday with Magic Find and EXP boosts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/celebrate-diablo-3s-birthday-with-magic-find-and-exp-boosts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/celebrate-diablo-3s-birthday-with-magic-find-and-exp-boosts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/celebrate-diablo-3s-birthday-with-magic-find-and-exp-boosts/#comments One year ago, The Diablo 3 servers went public. In celebration of the Lord of Terror's re-birthday, Blizzard is granting Diablo 3 players some special in-game boosts. From now until May 21, all dungeon-crawlers will receive an extra 25 percent bonus to both Magic Find and EXP. In addition, this bonus will stack above the usual 300 percent cap.

In addition, many Diablo 3 Twitch streamers are holding celebrations of their own, hosting special streams and giveaways. You can find the schedule right here.

Last week, Blizzard implemented a boost of a different sort, massively expanding Diablo 3's in-game gold reserves, but that was an accident.

JoystiqCelebrate Diablo 3's birthday with Magic Find and EXP boosts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardblizzardDiablo-3macpcThu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[David Jaffe consulting on Autoduel, multiplayer car combat game coming to Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/david-jaffe-consulting-on-autoduel-multiplayer-car-combat-game/#comments Noted Twisted Metal and God of War designer David Jaffe has signed on with Pixelbionic, a new independent games studio formed in southern California late last year. Jaffe will take a creative advisory role to aid in Pixelbionic's first game, Autoduel - an online vehicular combat game for the PC that will seek funding on Kickstarter sometime soon.

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

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

Gallery: Autoduel

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autodueldavid-jaffekickstartermaxx-kaufmanmike-arkinpcpixelbioniczack-normanThu, 16 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham Origins tease features Deathstroke ballet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/arkham-origins-tease-features-deathstroke-ballet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/arkham-origins-tease-features-deathstroke-ballet/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/arkham-origins-tease-features-deathstroke-ballet/#comments

This Batman: Arkham Origins tease features no gameplay, no real concept of how the game will differ from the excellent Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. What it does feature is grizzled Batman in a CGI fight ballet with Deathstroke, and that's good enough for this morning.

JoystiqArkham Origins tease features Deathstroke ballet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3Warner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-montrealwii-uxboxThu, 16 May 2013 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/#comments A new achievements listing suggests Crysis 3 is suiting up for multiplayer DLC. Posted on the typically reliable Xbox 360 Achievements, the listing indicates a 250G pack featuring four maps called Creek, Crossing, Ascent, and Coastline, and two modes called Frenzy and Team Possession. The mention of a flag points to Team Possession being a CTF variant.

The DLC apparently also has a new weapon: the boat oar. We mainly wanted to mention it because the associated achievement is called 'Totally Oarsome.'

EA hasn't announced any upcoming DLC for Crysis 3, although developer Crytek previously indicated it had "big plans" for post-launch content. We've reached out to EA for more info.

JoystiqCrysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscrytekDLCEAmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Ubi Land becomes Super Ubie Land as dev complies with Ubisoft's request]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/super-ubi-land-becomes-super-ubie-land-as-dev-complies-with-ubis/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/super-ubi-land-becomes-super-ubie-land-as-dev-complies-with-ubis/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/super-ubi-land-becomes-super-ubie-land-as-dev-complies-with-ubis/#commentsSuper Ubi Land becomes Super Ubie Land In what's come across as far too amicable to be called a dispute, Notion Games has accepted Ubisoft's request and changed the name of its upcoming platformer to Super Ubie Land. The PC and Mac platformer, successfully funded through Kickstarter to launch later this year, was originally christened Super Ubi Land. Ubisoft then stepped in and asked for the name to be changed, which Notion's now done with little fuss.

By the way, that's our interpretation above of how Super Ubie Land's new logo will look. As if the sheer quality didn't make that obvious.

JoystiqSuper Ubi Land becomes Super Ubie Land as dev complies with Ubisoft's request originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macnotion-gamespcsuper-ubi-landsuper-ubie-landubisoftThu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawngate site points to new EA MOBA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/#commentsDawngate site points to new EA MOBA A website for a new fantasy MOBA called Dawngate launched this morning, listing EA and a company called Waystone Games as involved. As spotted by online sleuth superannuation, the site apparently launched early. Links to Twitch. Twitter, and YouTube lead to accounts either inactive or private.

"Dawngate is a new MOBA," the page reads, "Built from the ground up to look and feel familiar while offering a whole new way to experience MOBA gameplay. Dawngate empowers you to forge the champions you love for the roles you want in a competitive arena, shaped by ever-evolving, community-driven content and story."

Superannuation suggests Dawngate is the MOBA seemingly outed by Visceral Games job listings late last year, and that Visceral's free-to-play group has been renamed Waystone Games. Apart from the little that's on the site, there's no other info on the studio.

Earlier this year, it was speculated Visceral had undergone massive restructuring following below-target sales of Dead Space 3, claims which EA strenuously denied. EA recently announced 900 layoffs across its total workforce as part of organizational restructuring.

The Dawngate website has a page that allows users to register for a chance to take part in an upcoming beta. As far as we could see, signing up requires an Origin account.

We've reached out to EA for comment.

JoystiqDawngate site points to new EA MOBA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawngateEApcvisceral-gameswaystone-gamesThu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Contraption Maker, spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine, due this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/contraption-maker-spiritual-successor-to-the-incredible-machine/#comments 1992s Rube Goldberg-em-up The Incredible Machine is getting a spiritual successor this year, produced by the creators of the original. Contraption Maker will makes its debut on Windows PC and Mac, helped along by The Incredible Machine coder Kevin Ryan, producer Jeff Tunnell, and original pixel artist Brian Hahn.

Expect improved physics, art and animations in Contraption Maker, developer Timothy Aste told Indie Games. "The higher fidelity graphics really shine on making the puzzles more fun an exciting (especially for those who enjoy flipping cats). In addition, we have some really cool things in development that are new to the series such as a super beefed up the sandbox mode and allow players to build much more elaborate puzzles and machines that can interconnect and be easily share-able over the internet." Aste added Contraption Maker will be mod-friendly. "We have even discussed some really 'out there' stuff such possibly support for Arduino to control real life puzzle elements, but we'll have to wait and see if we can get that far.

The Incredible Machine tasks players with constructing a series of complex Rube Goldberg devices around fixed devices to complete an objective. The series was published by Sierra Entertainment. In 2009, Tunnell acquired the rights through his studio, PushButton Labs.

Gallery: Contraption Maker

JoystiqContraption Maker, spiritual successor to The Incredible Machine, due this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contraption-makermacpcpushbutton-labsthe-incredible-machineThu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 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[Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/assassins-creed-4-retailer-pre-order-bonuses-revealed/#commentsAssassin's Creed 4 preorder bonuses, y'all Though Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches later this year, North American retailers are vying for your dollars today by announcing a slew of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses.

GameStop has the 'Black Island' pack, which includes the deadly black ship, a Captain Morgan costume and his silver flintlock pistol. Amazon.com will offer the 'Hidden Mystery' pack, an extra treasure-hunting mission on Mystery Island, Stede Bonnet's ship and Sted Bonnet costumes and multiplayer items. Walmart gets the 'Sacrificed Secrets' pack, a collection centered around Captain Drake that includes his dual-wield swords and pistols, plus his picture, title and relics. Best Buy has the 'Lost Treasures' pack, an ivory wheel and spyglass relic, and Target gets the 'Trove of Mystery' pack, which includes an iron wheel and astrolab relic.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag launches on the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U and PC on October 29. Next-generation console ports of Assassin's Creed 4 are also planned. All UK pre-orders get access to "The Watch" app.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creed-4-black-flagbest-buygamestopmicrosoftnext-xboxnintendopcplaystationplaystation-4preorderps3ps4targetubisoftwalmartwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light dev warns against changing FOV with coming patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metro-last-light-dev-warns-against-changing-fov-with-coming-pat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metro-last-light-dev-warns-against-changing-fov-with-coming-pat/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/metro-last-light-dev-warns-against-changing-fov-with-coming-pat/#commentsMetro Last Light devs respond to field of view requests Metro: Last Light features a fixed field of view, and while we didn't have a problem with that, other players have. Developer 4A Games heard the feedback and has a fix in the next title update coming to Steam - but it comes with a warning. Changing the field of view could trigger a range of bugs, including breaking cut scene animations and decreasing game performance in general.

"We had considered offering three FOV pre-sets, but this would still require significant work to re-do every animation, adjust the HUD and UI and other seemingly small but incredibly time consuming tasks," 4A writes on the game's Steam discussion board. "Even with a wider but still fixed field of view, Artyom's hands would look too far away. We know - we tried."

4A is looking at other possible solutions, but for now the next title update's fix will have to do.

"This may well trigger a number of issues listed above - you have been warned!" 4A says.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light dev warns against changing FOV with coming patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesfield-of-viewfovmetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightpatchpctitle-updateWed, 15 May 2013 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA puts an end to its Online Pass program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-online-passea-sportsmicrosoftnintendoonline-passpcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Fotonica lands a $1 sale for six days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/fotonica-lands-a-1-sale-for-six-days/#comments

Fotonica comes from Italian development house Santa Ragione, which makes sense considering how positively vogue the game is. It's a one-button, first-person runner in duotone with a smooth, blippy soundtrack - and right now it's all just $1. Fotonica is 80 percent off direct from Santa Ragione's site (using that handy Humble Store widget), now and for six more days.

Fotonica supports PC, Mac and Linux, and it's available through Desura, Indievania, OnLive and the Mac App Store, though that $1 deal is via Santa Ragione only. The developers would like to see Fotonica on Steam and are making a leap with Greenlight - if it gets voted in, Santa Ragione will create new levels, modes and music for all Fotonica players.

JoystiqFotonica lands a $1 sale for six days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fotonicahumble-storeIndieLinuxmacpcsalesanta-ragioneWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Trading Cards enter beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/steam-trading-cards-enter-beta/#commentsSteam Trading Cards enter beta Steam Trading Cards are the next 10-gallon hats from Valve. If you understand that line, then the rest of this story will make sense to you. If not, then you have every right to scratch your head and ask "Why?" to everything that follows.

In beta starting today, Steam Trading Cards allow users to earn Steam rewards for playing games. The current line-up of participating games is Don't Starve, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Team Fortress 2, Portal 2 and Half-Life 2. Users will earn game-specific trading cards that can be collected to earn "game badges, profile backgrounds, emoticons, coupons, and more."

Here's the simplest way we understand it: Create trading Card sets > craft badges > get prizes listed above. There's more details on the Steam Trading Card site.

Continue reading Steam Trading Cards enter beta

JoystiqSteam Trading Cards enter beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starvepcsteam-trading-cardsvalveWed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/#comments Former THQ president Jason Rubin has spoken about the struggles Metro: Last Light developer 4A Games went through to get its game to launch. In a post on GamesIndustry International, Rubin extolled the efforts of the Ukrainian studio, citing a relatively meager budget, cramped working conditions, and extreme logistical troubles as major adversities.

According to Rubin, the game's development budget was "less than some of its competitors spend on cut scenes, a mere 10 percent of the budget of its biggest competitors." That budget apparently didn't extend to swanky office equipment, with 4A's staff sat "elbow to elbow" at card tables and on folding chairs. Upon seeing 4A Games in person, Rubin wrote, he wanted to buy them proper office chairs, but the logistics were something else.

"When 4A needed another dev kit, or high-end PC, or whatever," Rubin wrote, "Someone from 4A had to fly to the States and sneak it back to the Ukraine in a backpack lest it be 'seized' at the border by thieving customs officials. After visiting the team I wanted to buy them Aeron office chairs, considered a fundamental human right in the west. There were no outlets in the Ukraine, and our only option was to pack a truck in Poland and try to find an 'expediter' to help bribe its way down to Kiev."

In the end, the offices were too cramped for the wider Aeron chairs anyway.

Continue reading Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions

JoystiqEx-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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