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Grid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan

Mike Suszek — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST

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.

Grid 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.

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Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault launches for PS Vita next week

Danny Cowan — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:30:00 EST

The once-delayed PlayStation Vita version of Insomniac's hybrid tower defense-action game Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault will launch next week as a downloadable PlayStation Network title in North America and Europe.

Full Frontal Assault was originally released as a retail and downloadable PlayStation 3 title back in November, boasting cross-play features with a Vita edition that was subsequently hit with a series of delays. Buyers of the retail version of Full Frontal Assault - and its renamed European counterpart Ratchet & Clank: QForce - will be able to download the Vita edition for free starting May 21 in North America and May 22 in Europe by accessing the game's "Disc Benefits" option.

Those who purchased Full Frontal Assault's retail edition will also receive an additional bonus after redeeming the PS Vita version when it launches next week. Ratchet Deadlocked HD, an Idol Minds-developed PlayStation 3 port of the fourth PS2 entry in the Ratchet & Clank series, will be available as a free download for Full Frontal Assault buyers when it launches in the PlayStation Store.

A release date for Deadlocked HD (also known as Ratchet: Gladiator in Europe) has not been announced.

Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault launches for PS Vita next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just jargon through Remember Me

Joystiq Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:45:00 EST

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)

Just 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.

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EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST

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!

EA 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.

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Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 EST

Originally scheduled for June, Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection will arrive via cardboard boxes to North and South America on July 9, publisher Konami announced this afternoon. The PlayStation 3 exclusive bundle includes Metal Gear Solids (or Metal Gears Solid?) 1-4, Peace Walker and VR Missions. The package is priced at $49.99.

The bundle also includes two Ashley Wood "digital graphic novels" and the 100-page art book featuring the series' marketing art over the past 25 years. The Legacy Collection was previously dated July 11 for Japan, and it appears to include the same items now announced for the Americas.

Continue reading Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas

Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection priced, dated for July in Americas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullgirls' fourth new character is Beowolf

Jordan Mallory — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:45:00 EST

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

Skullgirls' 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.

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Last of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update]

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST

The Last of Us launches on June 14, simultaneously on Blu-ray and as a download through PSN. Those who choose the latter route on PS3 will find the game playable once the download has reached 50 percent, Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann has told Game Informer.

It's our first taste of PS4-esque functionality, just on the PS3 - as you'll recall, one of the major features touted by Sony is the ability to play games as they're downloaded. This is accomplished on the PS4 through the use of hardware dedicated to background downloading and processing.

Update: This is in regards to the PS3. We've added more clear language to that effect.

Last of Us digital version playable when halfway downloaded [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Limited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription

Mike Suszek — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST

Since Madden NFL 25 ~~skipped 12 years~~ is named to commemorate the series' 25th anniversary, it shouldn't be surprising that EA Sports recently unveiled a special Anniversary Edition. What is a little surprising are the contents of the special edition, which includes a free one-year subscription for DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket service, allowing fans to watch every out-of-market NFL game throughout the season.

EA Sports tells us that the subscription is limited to the NFL Sunday Ticket computer, tablet and mobile service. Additionally, those who are able to receive DirecTV service in their area can get $10 off per month for the service, which starts at $225, as well as a free subscription to the higher-tier NFL Sunday Ticket MAX.

The Anniversary Edition of Madden 25 is exclusive to Amazon, and limited to 50,000 copies on each of the game's platforms, Xbox 360 and PS3 (100,000 copies total). It will also include complimentary Madden Ultimate Team card packs every week of the NFL's 17-week regular season. Madden 25's Anniversary Edition is available to pre-order now on Amazon for $99.99.

Limited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Men's Room Mayhem hits PSN next week, Aliens: Colonial Marines DLC

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST

The former Sony Liverpool devs at Sawfly Studios are bringing Men's Room Mayhem to Vita next week, via PSN. It should arrive on May 21 in North America, although as always with news revealed by the PlayStation Blogcast, dates can be subject to change.

If you're curious about the curiously named game, Phil Gaskell from publisher Ripstone describes it as "Flight Control meets Carry on at Your Convenience." - No, it's not the flight paths of... that stuff, but about getting patrons to where they need to go.

"In Men's Room Mayhem you're hired as the janitor of your very own chaotic men's room," said Gaskell on the PlayStation Blog. "You're responsible for directing patrons, keeping everywhere sparkling clean and steering patrons away from trouble! You need to get your customers safely to the urinals and cubicles in time - otherwise there'll be a few nasty accidents for you to clean up!"

The Blogcast also outed a wee (ahem) bit of other content in next week's PS Store update. A "smattering of DLC" is coming to Aliens: Colonial Marines, although the podcast wasn't any more specific than that. A digital PS3 version of Mugen Souls is also due.

Men's Room Mayhem hits PSN next week, Aliens: Colonial Marines DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin-stick shooter 'Narco Terror' smokes some fools this summer

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 EST

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.

Twin-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.

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The Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:01:00 EST

When "survival" is trotted out as a game genre, it usually comes with implicit caveats. Developers often seem scared of the player, fearful of the controller-crushing outrage that surely results when a game constricts resources, punishes careless actions and dares to craft a deliberately unpleasant experience.

The Last of Us is a crafty, tense experience in which my attempts to attack bandits and disfigured creatures head-on usually resulted in a gruesome death. Upon starting a two-level demonstration of the game, I only had two bullets in my pistol - missing a headshot felt like a catastrophe. Surprise and caution enable success, just as cynical protagonist Joel constantly tells Ellie, a young girl who hasn't yet been turned dour by the terrible state of the world.

To grasp what's most important in The Last of Us, and what it might deem valuable in comparison to other games that blend stealth, scavenging and shooting, I asked Naughty Dog designer Ricky Cambier for some general survival strategies.

Gallery: The Last of Us (04/17/13)

Continue reading The Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets

The Last of Us: Bricks, bottles and a few bullets originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4

David Hinkle — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST

John Hight, who serves as Production Director on Diablo 3, says the most exciting thing about the PS4, in Blizzard's eyes, is the controller. "This is not a mouse, this is something different for us," Blizzard Senior System Designer Jason Bender says of the DualShock 4. "Working on a console version of Diablo 3, for us that means the controller is king," Lead Console Designer Josh Mosqueira adds.

The use of both analog sticks comes from a perceived player expectation on Blizzard's part - players will just expect to be able to do that with a console controller, Mosqueira says. The console versions of Diablo 3 on PS3 and PS4 will feature an evasion roll technique not available on PC.

The trackpad is demonstrated in the video above, sorting through a player's inventory in the new radial-style interface. "We really built our inventory screens and the UI system from the ground up," says Mosqueira. Another new ability is quick equip - at any time, players can press up on the dpad to cycle through the last few acquired items and equip any of them.

Take a peek at Diablo 3's new menu system, controls for PS3/PS4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atomic Ninjas brings multiplayer mayhem to PS3, Vita this summer

Danny Cowan — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:30:00 EST

Foosball 2012 and One Epic Game developer Grip Games announced the upcoming PlayStation Network release of Atomic Ninjas, a multiplayer action game for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita.

Atomic Ninjas is a competitive 2.5D platformer in which up to four players compete in trap-filled arenas to be the last ninja standing. The twist is that players aren't able to harm each other directly; instead, you'll need to make clever use of environmental hazards, hiding spots, and item pick-ups in order to lead competing players to their doom. The game offers seven arenas and multiple gameplay modes, including a selection of team-based competitions.

Creator Grip Games describes Atomic Ninjas as the theoretical love child of Fat Princess and Crash Commando -- a worrisome mental image, for sure, but potentially a worthwhile gameplay mix. Atomic Ninjas is set to launch this summer.

Gallery: Atomic Ninjas (PS3/Vita)

Atomic Ninjas brings multiplayer mayhem to PS3, Vita this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Danny Cowan — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:00 EST

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

PSA: 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.

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April NPD: Injustice: Gods Among Us reigns supreme

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 EST

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

April 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.

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Injustice: Gods Among Us' Red Son pre-order DLC available to all next week

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EST

Hey, remember that bundle of Red Son Injustice: Gods Among Us DLC that GameStop had as an exclusive pre-order bonus? In a fitting turn of events, said bundle will no longer be the privileged purview of the bourgeois and will instead be available to the sweaty, overworked proletariat masses as of next Tuesday.

No word yet on how much the DLC will cost, or whether it includes the pre-order's 20 bonus challenge missions in addition to the costumes seen above. The game's official twitter account has also asked which other characters from Red Son we'd like to see; we think the answer should be obvious.

Injustice: Gods Among Us' Red Son pre-order DLC available to all next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Putty Squad bounces onto pretty much everything this summer

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST

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

Putty 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.

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Fuse ignites launch trailer, new screens

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:30:00 EST

"Shit gets really weird" in Fuse. Not our words, but those of Overstrike 9's Dalton Brooks. Still, would be a great tagline for Fuse, or any game for that matter. Oh well, Insomniac's Fuse will have to make do without when it launches on May 28 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gallery: Fuse (Launch)

Fuse ignites launch trailer, new screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arkham Origins tease features Deathstroke ballet

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 May 2013 09:31:00 EST

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.

Arkham 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.

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Crysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing

Sinan Kubba — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

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.

Crysis 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.

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Assassin's Creed 4 retailer pre-order bonuses revealed

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:00 EST

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.

Assassin'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.

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EA puts an end to its Online Pass program

David Hinkle — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST

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.

EA 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.

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The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Guacamelee

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EST

It's not that there are too many indie games; it's that there aren't enough hours in a day to play all of them. The Joystiq Indie Pitch curates the best indies to play now and watch out for in the future.

What's your game called and what's it about?

Guacamelee! is all about kicking ass and saving the girl.

Sell Guacamelee in one sentence:

Guacamelee is a Mexican-themed cross-platform cooperative multiplayer metroidvania dimension-swapping brawler. Warning: reading this sentence out loud may cause seizures or loss of bowel control.

Gallery: Guacamelee!

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Guacamelee

The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Guacamelee originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN hacking suspect sentenced to house arrest for destroying evidence

Danny Cowan — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:00:00 EST

This week, 23-year-old Ohio resident Todd M. Miller was sentenced to a year of house arrest for destruction of evidence and obstructing a federal investigation into a 2008 hacker-led PlayStation Network breach.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that US District Judge Peter C. Economus said Miller was a member of the KCUF hacking clan in 2008 when the group organized an attack on the PlayStation Network, potentially compromising user data.

The FBI contacted Miller while investigating another hack in 2011 that resulted in an extended PSN outage. After obtaining a search warrant, the FBI entered Miller's home to find that his computers were smashed and his hard drives were missing. Lacking evidence to bring up Miller and another suspect on hacking charges, the FBI instead charged Miller with obstructing the investigation.

While Miller faced up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, he was sentenced to three years of probation and a year of house arrest for obstruction of justice. The judge additionally ordered Miller to obtain a high-school equivalence certificate, as part of his sentencing.

PSN hacking suspect sentenced to house arrest for destroying evidence originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats

Mike Suszek — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST

While we learned in April that NCAA Football 14 will include its own Ultimate Team mode this year, EA Sports announced details on how it will operate today. The mode will include more than 1,400 former college football players at the game's launch, as well as both solo and special head-to-head challenges. Ultimate Team is the long-running mode that spans most of EA Sports' properties, which combines standard on-field gameplay with a card-collecting system for building and managing your team.

NCAA 14's version of Ultimate Team will also include a head-to-head season mode, in which players match up against one another with their specially crafted teams in a 10-game season, before entering an end-of-the-season tournament. Players can earn rewards along the way for toppling challenges that increase in difficulty, such as coins for procuring more card packs.

The game will receive similar treatment in the mode that other EA Sports games got in the past, with challenges and card collections being added throughout the real-life football season. NCAA 14 is slated to launch July 9 on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Continue reading NCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats

NCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST

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

Ex-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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Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST

Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

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

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

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Far Cry 3 up to 6 million shipped, digitally sold

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:00 EST

Ubisoft has shipped and digitally sold 6 million units of Far Cry 3 since its release late last year. That's 1.5 million more than the figure reported in Ubi's Q3 report back in February.

Assassin's Creed 3 sits at 12.5 million shipped and digitally sold (it was at over 12 million back in February), while Just Dance 4 is up to 8.5 million shipped.

Far Cry 3 up to 6 million shipped, digitally sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

I am a monologue trailer. I'm going to say things in a deeper than natural voice. I'm also going to wait ... (wait, no wait some more) before I finish a full sentence. I'm going to tell you how cool I am between quick flashy edits of me stabbing dudes. Yes, I am a protagonist and I'll finish off by saying something supposedly profound.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag monologue trailer bends knee to no man originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:40:00 EST

After details leaked out of Europe this morning, Sony has officially announced Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 this holiday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PS Plus Europe explores Amalur, Demon's Souls, Ico/SotC in June

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:15:00 EST

European PlayStation Plus subscribers have plenty to keep themselves busy with when the rain inevitably lashes down on Wimbledon next month. June's Plus update brings two very different breeds of RPG to the PS3's Instant Game Collection in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Demon's Souls, as well the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection. All three games arrive a wee bit early on May 29.

Meanwhile on Vita, June features Rayman Origins and Coconut Dodge Revitalized for the portable. Both Vita games join the Collection on June 5. Coconut Dodge Revitalized is the next Futurlab PS Mini to get the HD treatment. As before, the self-explanatory (or not) 2D high-scorer gets leaderboards and trophies support on Vita.

As ever, the revolving door that is PS Plus means new arrivals are countered by departures. Hitman: Absolution, Joe Danger 2, and Dead or Alive 5 leave the service on May 29, followed by Sine Mora on June 5, and Futurlab's Velocity Ultra on June 12.

PS Plus Europe explores Amalur, Demon's Souls, Ico/SotC in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:07:00 EST

Gran Turismo 6 will reportedly launch this holiday season for PlayStation 3, according to iafrica, which allegedly obtained a leaked press release.

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

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

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

Update 2: It's official.

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

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

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Time and Eternity trailer features two souls in one-on-one battles

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:30:00 EST

Here's a better feel for how battles work in the upcoming Time and Eternity, thankfully without that voiceover. In the Imageepoch PS3 RPG you control two souls trapped in one magical princess body, trying to escape the cycle of a recurring wedding day. Like most weddings, then.

Time and Eternity trailer features two souls in one-on-one battles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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God of War: Ascension multiplayer DLC gets primordial

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:00:00 EST

God of War: Ascension has two new pieces of multiplayer DLC, with the Typhoon Armor and Mercenary Sword available on the PS Store now for $2.99 each, Multiplayer deities should prepare to feel the wrath of Sony Santa Monica via some new maps, coming "soon."

God of War: Ascension multiplayer DLC gets primordial originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony-published Dare to Fly outed by Australian Classification Board

Danny Cowan — Wed, 15 May 2013 01:00:00 EST

A recent ratings submission from the Australian Classification Board has revealed Dare to Fly, a previously unannounced console game that will apparently be published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

The classification points to console and mobile developer GameShastra as the game's creator. Though Dare to Fly does not appear on the company's website, GameShastra has released a handful of PlayStation 2 and PSP games in the past, and cites testimonials from Sony employees, indicating an existing relationship.

Interestingly, as PlayStation Lifestyle points out, Dare to Fly's unlockable trophy set has already been leaked, classifying the game as a downloadable title for the PlayStation 3. We've contacted GameShastra for clarification regarding Dare to Fly's upcoming release.

Sony-published Dare to Fly outed by Australian Classification Board originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall

Mike Suszek — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:45:00 EST

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures will launch this fall on PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360, with a special side-scrolling version coming to 3DS, Namco Bandai announced. The game takes inspiration from the TV show of the same name, which is slated to begin airing June 17 on Disney XD.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures features the iconic yellow character in a 3D adventure game in which he turns into a chameleon at some point, using his tongue to reel in ghosts. In the game's announcement trailer, Pac-Man also eats entire vending machines. Healthy choices, kids!

Gallery: Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures (Announcement)

Continue reading Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures chomps North America this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skullgirls character color packs hit PSN, balance patch out on XBLA

Danny Cowan — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:15:00 EST

Lab Zero Games released a PlayStation Network-exclusive batch of new DLC for its 2D fighter Skullgirls, giving the game's cast a wider variety of colorful wardrobe options.

Skullgirls' eight color packs grant access to five additional color schemes per character, and are priced at $0.99 each. Players can also grab all 40 alternate outfits by purchasing a $5 bundle.

Owners of the Xbox Live Arcade edition will have to wait until a later date to explore this new world of color coordination. Starting today, however, XBLA players now have access to a long-delayed balance patch. The newly released "required compatibility update," which is available as a hefty 273 MB download, fixes regional online play and improves GGPO performance, among many other character-specific tweaks. A full list of changes is here.

Gallery: Skullgirls (New Characters and Color Packs)

Skullgirls character color packs hit PSN, balance patch out on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo 6 product page discovered at official site

Danny Cowan — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:45:00 EST

The Sony-managed website gran-turismo.com now features a product listing for the as-of-yet unannounced Gran Turismo 6. Currently, the link in question leads to its own unique (if empty) page; further URL manipulation produces generic results.

The discovery yields no details, but Sony is expected to announce a new entry in Polyphony Digital's driving simulation series at an anniversary event tomorrow in the UK. Drivers, start your...waiting.

[Thanks, Szczesny!]

Gran Turismo 6 product page discovered at official site originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall

Jordan Mallory — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:00 EST

What time is it?! Well, Adventure Time obviously, but it's also Regular Show time and, most specifically, new games from WayForward time. The house responsible for Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! and Ducktales: Remastered has announced that it will be putting out two new games this fall based on what we believe to be Cartoon Network's most hilarious/magical franchises.

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I don't know! tasks players with exploring the Secret Royal Dungeon underneath the Candy Kingdom. The game features multiple selectable characters, including Finn, Jake, Marceline "and more," has co-op for up to four players and includes the voices from the show. Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward is once again involved in production, though his specific role is unknown. The game will be available on Wii U, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and 3DS.

Meanwhile, Mordecai and Rigby make their non-iOS gaming debut in Regular Show: Mordecai and Rigby In 8-Bit Land for the 3DS. As the name suggests, our heroes must survive being transported inside of their favorite games, which sounds about right for an episode of Regular Show. The game is being developed "in close collaboration with show creator JG Quintel," according to the press release.

New Adventure Time, Regular Show games from WayForward this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pachter: Wii U sales hit 55,000 in April, 20,000 below Wii

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 EST

Nintendo's Wii U sold 55,000 units in April, down 19 percent from March, while the Wii sold 75,000 in April, down 16 percent from last year, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter estimates. To compare, he says Microsoft sold 205,000 Xbox 360 units and Sony snagged 165,000 sales of the PlayStation 3 this April. By these numbers, sales of the Xbox 360 are down 13 percent and PS3 sales are down 5 percent year-over-year.

Nintendo hit 185,000 sales of its 3DS last month, a 46 percent jump in sales from the previous year, Pachter says. Sony's Vita is down 57 percent from 2012, selling just 30,000 units this April. These are of course the standard Pachter estimates, which can only mean one thing - the official numbers are on their way, via the NPD. Those figures are expected on Thursday.

As of March 31, the Wii U has sold 3.45 million units since its launch, below Nintendo's initial forecast of 5.5 million, and even January's adjustment to 4 million. Nintendo expects to have sold 9 million Wii U consoles by next fiscal year, ending March 2014, with sales spurred by the release of "key Nintendo titles."

Pachter: Wii U sales hit 55,000 in April, 20,000 below Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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