Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Deadpool listed for Wii U by Amazon Canada [Update: Activision responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/deadpool-listed-for-wii-u-by-amazon-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/deadpool-listed-for-wii-u-by-amazon-canada/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/deadpool-listed-for-wii-u-by-amazon-canada/#comments Irreverent Marvel antihero Deadpool may be gracing the Wii U, at least according to a listing by Amazon Canada. Spotted by NeoGAF over the weekend, the retailer has High Moon Studios' madcap action game pinned for the Nintendo console.

Unlike other platforms listed by the retailer, the release date is apparently a placeholder (December 31 2013) and the listing is minus details and box art. Even if a Wii U version is on the way, given the timing it seems unlikely it'll launch alongside the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC ones on June 25.

We've reached out to Deadpool himself (and Activision) to clear things up. Update: Activision reps got back to us and have said, "There are currently no plans for DEADPOOL to come to Wii-U."

JoystiqDeadpool listed for Wii U by Amazon Canada [Update: Activision responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzarddeadpoolhigh-moon-studiosmarvelnintendowii-uMon, 20 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[Wolfenstein 3D re-rated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM [update: housekeeping]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/wolfenstein-3d-re-rated-by-esrb-gets-new-page-on-xblm/#commentsWolfenstein 3D rerated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM There's something odd going on with Wolfenstein 3D on PSN and XBLM. First off, this week the ESRB re-rated the classic game on Xbox 360 and PS3, nearly four years after it arrived on the platforms digitally. Secondly, it's sprouted an additional page on XBLM.

Playing Spot the Difference between the two pages, the new one lists the publisher as Bethesda rather than Activision. Developer id Software was acquired by Bethesda's parent company Zenimax in June 2009, just a few weeks after Wolfenstein 3D came to XBLM and PSN. Also, the release date is now listed as May 31 of this year, which is a bit odd. The box art is slightly different too, and once more notes Bethesda's name instead of Activision's.

Overall, the whole thing's as curious as Adolf Hitler in a mech suit. The timing's certainly interesting given the recent reveal of Wolfenstein: The New Order. When approached on the matter, a company spokesperson told Joystiq, "No comment on that from Bethesda."

Update: Bethesda VP of PR and Marketing Pete Hines told Joystiq there's nothing to see here.

"No changes. Was originally published through Activision, so now that it's reverted back to us we have to jump through ESRB (ratings go to the publisher, they don't "follow" the game to a new publisher) and console hoops (game has to be "re-certed" by the new publisher)," Hines said.

JoystiqWolfenstein 3D re-rated by ESRB, gets new page on XBLM [update: housekeeping] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardBethesda-SoftworksESRBid-Softwaremicrosoftplaystationps3PSNWolfenstein-3DXBLMxboxTue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard closes out Q1 2013 with $1.32 billion net revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/activision-blizzard-closes-out-q1-2013-with-1-32-billion-net-re/#comments The first quarter of Activision Blizzard's fiscal 2013 has come to a close, with the massive developer/publisher reporting $1.324 billion in net revenue for the three months ending March 31, 2013. This figure is $164 million beyond Activision Blizzard's prediction for the quarter ($1.16 billion), and 12.96 percent more than the $1.172 billion earned during the same period last year.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivision-blizzardfinancialsfiscal-2013macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q1-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-drop-by-1-3-million-in-three-month/#comments World of Warcraft's subscriber base is down to 8.3 million as of March 31, representing a 14 percent drop in the past three months. In the previous-quarter financials, Activision-Blizzard said the MMO had 9.6 million subscribers, but 1.3 million have since said so long to Azeroth.

"Though the majority of our subscriber decline occurred mainly in the East, where we have more subscribers and lower revenue per subscriber, we saw declines in the West as well," Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in a financials call.

"While we do believe further declines are likely and we expect to have fewer subscribers at year-end than we do today, World of Warcraft remains one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment," he added.

To put the plummet into perspective, it would be like the Governor of New Hampshire decreeing that every citizen must cease playing World of Warcraft - that is, if every citizen of New Hampshire plays World of Warcraft. Which they do.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft subscribers drop by 1.3 million in three months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardfinancialsmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 08 May 2013 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 patch 1.08 has gold duplication bug, Blizzard working on fix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-3-patch-1-08-has-gold-duplication-bug-blizzard-working-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-3-patch-1-08-has-gold-duplication-bug-blizzard-working-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/diablo-3-patch-1-08-has-gold-duplication-bug-blizzard-working-o/#comments Blizzard rolled out patch 1.08 to Diablo 3's American servers yesterday and, along with it, a very substantial bug. The patch increased the stack size for in-game gold in the auction house from 1 million to 10 million, effectively making gold ten times cheaper. Players then discovered a serious bug: Canceling a gold auction refunded them double the amount listed. Streams of the bug in action soon spread the word quickly. Thanks to the higher stack size, players were reportedly duplicating trillions in gold. Some were buying up high-value items in the auction house, thus driving up prices and massively inflating the in-game economy.

Blizzard became aware of the issue last night and shut down the auction house. As of midnight Pacific, the company had created a fix for the problem, but it still hasn't been implemented. The studio has decided not to rollback the update, and will instead "make corrections" to individual accounts. Writing on the Diablo 3 forums, community manager Lylirra stated, "We feel that this is the best course of action given the nature of the dupe, how relatively few players used it, and the fact that its effects were fairly limited within the region."

We've contacted Blizzard regarding the current status of the problem.

[Thanks, Pablo and Erik!]

JoystiqDiablo 3 patch 1.08 has gold duplication bug, Blizzard working on fix originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardblizzardDiablo-3macpcWed, 08 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Spanish retailer lists Call of Duty: Ghosts for Wii U and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/report-spanish-retailer-lists-call-of-duty-ghosts-for-wii-u-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/report-spanish-retailer-lists-call-of-duty-ghosts-for-wii-u-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/report-spanish-retailer-lists-call-of-duty-ghosts-for-wii-u-an/#comments Spanish retailer lists Call of Duty Ghosts on Wii U and PCWhile both UK retailer Tesco and Target pegged an as-yet-unheard-of entry in the Call of Duty series for November 5 on Xbox 360 and PS3, a listing for the same game recently popped up on Spanish retailer Xtralife. In this case, Xtralife's listing includes PC and Wii U versions of Call of Duty: Ghosts, along with a November 11 release date.

Since we still can't prove that this game is anything more than an apparition, we've contacted Activision for comment.

JoystiqReport: Spanish retailer lists Call of Duty: Ghosts for Wii U and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-ghostsInfinity-Wardmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxxtralifeSun, 28 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Ghosts listed at multiple retailers for PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/call-of-duty-ghosts-listed-at-multiple-retailers-for-ps3-xbox/#comments Call of Duty Ghosts appears at multiple retailers, release date November 5Call of Duty: Ghosts emerges from the darkness thanks to Target and UK retailer Tesco, with the former advertising a release date of November 5. Meanwhile, a Tesco listing notes a release date of December 30 - early November is the traditional Call of Duty ETA. The box art posted on Tesco (see below the break for a snippet) features Infinity Ward's logo.

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

We've reached out to Activision for comment.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-ghostsinfinity-wardmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datetargettescoxboxWed, 24 Apr 2013 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty-free: PR managers sentenced for siphoning thousands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/call-of-duty-free-pr-managers-sentenced-for-siphoning-thousands/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/call-of-duty-free-pr-managers-sentenced-for-siphoning-thousands/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/call-of-duty-free-pr-managers-sentenced-for-siphoning-thousands/#comments Call of Dutyfree PR manager siphons thousandsEverything in moderation, dear. The Daily Mail reports Activision UK public relations executive Kathryn Kirton has admitted to stealing £18,963 ($29,000). Her co-defendant, Jamie Kaye, who worked for third-party firm Frank PR, admitted to taking £5,000 ($7,600). The thefts occurred back in 2011 using money intended for promoting the Call of Duty franchise.

For her part, Kirton used the money for a romantic £2,000 two-night stay at a luxury countryside estate, a £1,500 engagement party and spent £9,437 in "one of three shopping sprees." It appears things started falling apart when Kirton, using the Frank PR corporate card for one of the sprees, had Kaye bill Activision for it as Modern Warfare 2 launch expense. Kaye admitted using the money to send his family on a £3,500 family vacation to Florida. He also stole six iPads.

Both pleaded guilty to one count of fraud. The judge sentenced Kirton to 18 months, but suspended it due to the "devastating effect" it would have on her young son. Kirton's marriage is reportedly on the rocks and the stress of the past two years caused her two-year-old son to be born prematurely because of the strain of the investigation. Kaye was sentenced to nine months, but that was suspended for 12 months. He's been ordered to 80 hours of community service.

Earlier this year, former Gamestop VP of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Chris Olivera was sentenced to 51 months in US federal prison after he plead guilty to embezzling over $1.7 million.

Seriously, folks, the accountants will catch up with you eventually. Well, you know, unless they're in on it.

JoystiqCall of Duty-free: PR managers sentenced for siphoning thousands originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardembezzlementKathryn-KirtonmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2pcplaystationps3theftxboxTue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard acquires IGN's Pro League tech, staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/blizzard-acquires-ign-pro-league/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/blizzard-acquires-ign-pro-league/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/blizzard-acquires-ign-pro-league/#comments Blizzard acquires IGN's pro gaming techBlizzard has purchased the IGN Pro League (IPL) technology and assets from IGN. The developer has also hired members of the IPL staff to create high-quality content in support of Blizzard's eSports. IGN will now go "agnostic" in its competitive gaming coverage, seeking to partner "with multiple organizations" to cover the events.

"This is a team of passionate gamers with a proven track record, and we're looking forward to now leveraging their expertise and technology to support a variety of online efforts," said Itzik Ben-Bassat, Blizzard's EVP of publishing.

The IGN ProLeague 6 event, scheduled for late March, was officially canceled early last month. IGN is currently going through a review of resources following its acquisition by Ziff Davis.

JoystiqBlizzard acquires IGN's Pro League tech, staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentigniplipl6Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 'Uprising DLC' trailer calls upon The Replacers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-trailer-calls-upon-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-trailer-calls-upon-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-uprising-dlc-trailer-calls-upon-the/#comments
There's some footage of the new Black Ops 2 'Uprising' DLC lurking in this trailer, which sees actor J.B. Smoove join Peter Stormare to form 'The Replacers,' which to us sounds like a stand-in band resigned to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Oh yeah, the DLC; that's out April 16 on XBLM for 1200 MSP.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 'Uprising DLC' trailer calls upon The Replacers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsofttreyarchxboxMon, 08 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/blizzcon-tickets-available-april-24-and-27/#comments Blizzcon won't be returning to the Anaheim Convention Center until this November, but tickets will go on sale (and inevitably sell out) this month. Specifically, tickets will be available in two batches, with the first going on sale April 24 at 7pm Pacific. The second batch is set for April 27 at 10am Pacific. Tickets will cost $175 and will be available directly from Blizzcon.com.

Additionally, approximately 200 tickets for the Blizzcon Benefit Dinner, an event benefiting the Children's Hospital of Orange County, will go on sale on May 1 at 7pm Pacific. These tickets will run for $500 and include full Blizzcon admission. Proceeds will go the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

The convention itself will take place on November 8 and 9, and will doubtless feature all the latest news regarding World of Warcraft, StarCraft 2, Diablo 3 and possibly Blizzard's mysterious new "Titan" MMO.

Continue reading Blizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27

JoystiqBlizzcon tickets available April 24 and 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardmacpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 04 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 personalization pack out on Xbox 360, next week on PS3 and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-personalization-pack-out-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-personalization-pack-out-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-personalization-pack-out-on-xbox-360/#comments

If you've ever wondered what it'd be like to have a bacon gun, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 solves that mystery with the personalization pack. The downloadable content is available now on Xbox 360 and is scheduled for release April 12 on PS3 and PC.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 personalization pack out on Xbox 360, next week on PS3 and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 deploys 'Uprising' DLC on April 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-deploys-uprising-dlc-on-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-deploys-uprising-dlc-on-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-deploys-uprising-dlc-on-april/#commentsRumor Black Ops 2 gets 'Uprising' DLC on April 16 Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is arming its second DLC pack, titled 'Uprising,' for April 16, at least according to this supposed promo material. Posted on Twitter by a user claiming his friend found it at Best Buy, the card discloses an April 16 release date for the Uprising DLC, which according to it includes Vertigo, Encore, Studio, and Magma maps, along with something called 'Mob of the Dead.'

The posting follows the recent discovery of info in the Call of Duty website's source code that indicated the same content. As Call of Duty Online reports, the info detailed the same inclusions in a DLC pack with the same title, along with an Xbox Live theme. If the April 16 date is accurate, it likely only pertains to Xbox Live Marketplace; the traditional time difference between the Xbox 360 and PS3 and PC releases for the game is around 30 days.

We've reached out to Activision for comment.

JoystiqRumor: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 deploys 'Uprising' DLC on April 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 PS3 footage looks about right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-ps3-footage-looks-about-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-ps3-footage-looks-about-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-ps3-footage-looks-about-right/#comments
After Blizzard announced that Diablo 3 was coming to PlayStation 3, many of us may have wondered just what it looked like in motion. As it turns out, it looks an awful lot like Diablo 3.

JoystiqDiablo 3 PS3 footage looks about right originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-BlizzardblizzardDiablo-3playstationps3Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/#comments
Blizzard's PAX East announcement is Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, a cross-platform digital collectible card game for PC, Mac, and iPad set in the Warcraft universe. The game is free-to-play, with booster packs of five cards available. Blizzard has a price of around $1 in mind for the packs; Hearthstone will have 300 cards in the initial collection. Hearthstone is scheduled to release this year, first on PC and Mac, with iPad shortly after. The beta is out this summer and can be signed-up for now. The game is playable on PAX East's show floor.

Each player's deck is based around a central hero from one of nine Warcraft classes. Players can take on computer opponents or Battle.net friends and other online players. At today's PAX East panel, Blizzard showed how Hearthstone includes twists on familiar mechanics from its Warcraft games, including disenchanting duplicate cards to turn them into arcane dust for use in card crafting.

Gallery: Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Continue reading Blizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

JoystiqBlizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardhearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmacmobilepax-east-2013pcrelease-dateFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm infects 1.1 million in 48 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-infects-1-1-million-in-48-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-infects-1-1-million-in-48-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-infects-1-1-million-in-48-hours/#comments StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, the second salvo in Blizzard Entertainment's three-pronged sequel to the beloved RTS, has managed to entice 1.1 million gamers in its first 48 hours. The 1.1 million figure accounts for sales across both retail and digital.

Predecessor StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty managed to sell 1.5 million copies worldwide in its first 48 hours. Both can't match Blizzard's launch of Diablo 3 last year, which moved 3.5 million copies in its first 24 hours and helped Activision Blizzard enjoy historical profits in 2012.

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm infects 1.1 million in 48 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentpcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmThu, 21 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct launch trailer lingers on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-launch-trailer-lingers-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-launch-trailer-lingers-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-launch-trailer-lingers-on/#comments
The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct honed its senses and held on to make it to retail shelves today in North America. The Wii U first-person shooter crawls across the oceans for its European and Australian releases on Friday, March 22.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead: Survival Instinct launch trailer lingers on originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardnintendoterminal-realitywii-uTue, 19 Mar 2013 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm review: Zerg rushing towards resolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-review/#comments StarCraft 2 Heart of the Swarm review A zerg rush to the heartIn music theory, there's a series of notes called a tritone interval. (I'm a writer and a Rock Band player, not a musician, so bear with me, band members.) The tritone consists of three different whole tones: The first sets the stage, marks the spot on the musical scale that our ear can attune itself to. The second note is actually dissonant - it throws off the harmony, and introduces new elements so distasteful that the chord used to be called "The Devil in Music."

The third tone, however, finishes off the chord in exactly the right way, and brings resolution to all of the dissonance. Leonard Bernstein famously put the tritone to great use in the song "Maria" from West Side Story: "Ma-" is the beginning tone, "-ri-" shakes things up with some disharmony, and "-a" resolves the melody, justifying the lead couple's forbidden love.

Now, using that theory to talk about Blizzard's StarCraft 2 trilogy is a little unfair. The second campaign, Heart of the Swarm, isn't anywhere near "distasteful." But it does introduce plenty of new elements to the series, spinning off the RTS classic into places that Wings of Liberty never dared to go. And like that second note of a tritone, it makes sure to leave plenty of ambiguity and promise out there, making sure we're all ready for the big finale in Legacy of the Void.

Gallery: Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm

Continue reading StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm review: Zerg rushing towards resolution

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm review: Zerg rushing towards resolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfour-starsheart-of-the-swarmkerrigankerrigaynorlegacy-of-the-voidpcreviewstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmMon, 18 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/editorial-simcity-diablo-3-and-a-review-of-customer-service/#comments Editorial SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service
I don't like writing game reviews. I'm a news guy, comfortable moving within and reporting on the binary conclusions of business in the video game industry. Reviews are emotional. Always have been. With SimCity and Diablo 3, I think the already tempestuous machine of game reviews in this industry has changed forever, and as a collective we haven't yet determined how to proceed. SimCity and Diablo 3 aren't just games, they are also services. The question: Should these games be reviewed separately from their service elements or should they be reviewed in combination?

Comparing this to the restaurant industry, the game is the food and the internet-required connection is the table service. Back of the house and front of the house. What we've seen following the launches of Diablo 3 and SimCity are people paying money to walk into the restaurant on opening day and not being served a meal. In a restaurant there would be immediate and dire consequences for such poor customer service. In the video game industry, there's no shortage of apologists justifying the outcome. Nobody genuflects to poor customer service excuses in a restaurant. Any restaurant review would treat the meal and service as one singular expression of the experience.

Continue reading Editorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service

JoystiqEditorial: SimCity, Diablo 3 and a review of customer service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardbattlefield-3diablo-3eaeditorialelectronic-artssimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/#comments Destiny news postDespite being available for pre-order at major retailers, Bungie's recently revealed Destiny isn't going to launch in this calendar year. An Activision Blizzard press release sent out today noted: "Activision has not included [Destiny's] launch in its 2013 outlook and there should be no speculation or expectation of a different result."

Oh, and in case there's any confusion about calendar '13 versus fiscal year, Activision Blizzard is one of the few companies that has its fiscal year synched with the planet's trip around the sun.

The 2010 contract between Activision and Bungie regarding Destiny tentatively scheduled four retail games for the fall of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. There are also four "comet releases" planned for the years between, which are speculated to be substantial add-ons to the prior year's offerings.

Continue reading Activision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013

JoystiqActivision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardbungiedestinymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Trilogy swoops onto Wii U, Wii this year, 1M sold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/angry-birds-trilogy-swoops-onto-wii-u-wii-this-year-1m-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/angry-birds-trilogy-swoops-onto-wii-u-wii-this-year-1m-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/angry-birds-trilogy-swoops-onto-wii-u-wii-this-year-1m-sold/#comments On the back of a million copies sold on PS3, Xbox 360, and 3DS, the foul-tempered fowl of the Angry Birds Trilogy are raging onto the Wii U and Wii later this year. Considering the series' crazy numbers on smaller screens, a million sales are maybe not surprising, but those games weren't going at $40 a pop, albeit ABT being a three-in-one release.

"It was certainly satisfying to see Angry Birds gameplay adapt so well to other platforms in 2012," said Petri Järvilehto, Executive Vice-president of Games at developer Rovio. "The features specific to the Wii U are very intriguing to us, so we're excited to release this version to fans."

Publisher Activision didn't say what those Wii U-specific features are, but given the games' iOS roots we'd be flappergasted if the game wasn't off-TV compatible.

Continue reading Angry Birds Trilogy swoops onto Wii U, Wii this year, 1M sold

JoystiqAngry Birds Trilogy swoops onto Wii U, Wii this year, 1M sold originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionactivision-blizzardangry-birds-trilogymicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3roviowiiwii-uxboxFri, 15 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazing Spider-Man spins a Wii U web on March 5 in NA, March 8 EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/amazing-spider-man-spins-a-wii-u-web-on-march-5-in-na-march-8-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/amazing-spider-man-spins-a-wii-u-web-on-march-5-in-na-march-8-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/amazing-spider-man-spins-a-wii-u-web-on-march-5-in-na-march-8-e/#comments In the chill of the March 5 night, The Amazing Spider-Man arrives like a streak of light on Wii U in North America - well, in the cool of the March 5 day to be accurate. Europeans can take a look overhead to see it swing a thread onto continental retail shelves on March 8.

The Wii U is getting the Ultimate Edition of The Amazing Spider-Man, which bundles in the four DLC packs released for the other versions, including the one that lets you play as Stan Lee - every DLC pack for every game should let you play as Stan Lee. It also supports off-TV play, or if you prefer you can turn the GamePad into a cell-phone with which you can take on new challenges, find your way around the city, and order Spider-pizza sustenance.

Continue reading Amazing Spider-Man spins a Wii U web on March 5 in NA, March 8 EU

JoystiqAmazing Spider-Man spins a Wii U web on March 5 in NA, March 8 EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardamazing-spider-manbeenoxmarvelnintendothe-amazing-spider-manwii-uFri, 15 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 'Revolution' DLC on PS3, PC Feb. 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-on-ps3-pc-feb-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-on-ps3-pc-feb-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-on-ps3-pc-feb-28/#comments
The "Revolution" downloadable content pack for Call of Duty Black Ops 2, already available on Xbox 360, arrives February 28 on PlayStation 3 and PC. The pack is priced at $15 across all platforms and is also available through the $50 Black Ops 2 seasons pass bundle.

Revolution includes four multiplayer maps, a new Zombies map and mode, and a weapon. It still does not add a special place in the afterlife for no-scope snipers.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - Revolution Map Pack

Continue reading Black Ops 2 'Revolution' DLC on PS3, PC Feb. 28

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 'Revolution' DLC on PS3, PC Feb. 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2pcplaystationps3TreyarchTue, 12 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft subscribers dip to 9.6 million, up from Cataclysm low]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/world-of-warcraft-subscribers-dip-to-9-6-million-up-from-catacl/#comments World of Warcraft subscribers dip to 96 million, up from Cataclysm lowWhen the Mists of Pandaria expansion launched for World of Warcraft, Activision Blizzard reported more than 10 million players, up from 9.1 million after Cataclysm. In today's financial call, Activision reported World of Warcraft had 9.6 million subscribers. It's like a roller coaster, kind of.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft subscribers dip to 9.6 million, up from Cataclysm low originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardpcsubscriptionWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 07 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Call of Duty slated for 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/new-call-of-duty-slated-for-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/new-call-of-duty-slated-for-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/new-call-of-duty-slated-for-2013/#comments As we've come to expect, Activision has announced that a new entry in the Call of Duty franchise will be released this year. The news comes via Activision's latest earnings call, during which CFO Dennis Durkin said, "The Call of Duty franchise continues to set the bar for innovation, and we expect the new Call of Duty game in development for 2013 to raise that bar even higher."

Durkin didn't offer further details, such as available platforms or expected release dates. Presumably, it will land on Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. It's also widely expected that both Sony and Microsoft will launch new consoles this year, so it's possible we might see the first next-gen iteration of Activision's gargantuan franchise. As for the release date, we're going to go out on a limb and guess November.

The most recent entry in the series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (pictured), helped push Activision's profits last year, making 2012 the most successful year in the company's history.

JoystiqNew Call of Duty slated for 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutyinfinity-wardTreyarchThu, 07 Feb 2013 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard sees 'best performance in history' during 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/activision-blizzard-sees-best-performance-in-history-during-20/#comments Activision Blizzard and its many, many franchises brought in $4.85 billion dollars in net revenue over the course of calendar 2012, with $1.76 billion of that hitting its coffers during the three month period ending on December 31, 2012. Digital sales represented 32 percent of that total annual new revenue, raking in $1.54 billion.

As far as actual profit is concerned, Activision Blizzard reports net post-tax income of $1.14 billion for the year and $354 million for Q4; a 5.8 and 257 percent year-over-year increase, respectively.

"Activision Blizzard delivered the best performance in its history," CEO Bobby Kotick said in the financial statement. "In the short-term, we expect to continue delivering strong profitability, but below our record setting 2012 performance, due to a challenged global economy, the ongoing console transition and a difficult year-over-year comparison because of Blizzard's record-shattering Diablo 3 success in 2012."

In addition to said Diablo 3 success, Activision Blizzard also lists Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 2 and Skylanders among the many reasons that it had such a successful year, with Skylanders as a series having crested $1 billion in lifetime sales.

Looking forward, Activision Blizzard anticipates total net revenues for calendar 2013 to ring up at $4.08 billion, with $1.16 billion of that being generated during the year's first quarter.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard sees 'best performance in history' during 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzardandroidcalendar-2012diablo-3dsfinancialsfiscal-2013incomeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilemodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaprofitps3pspQ4-2014skylanderssonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 07 Feb 2013 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Black Ops 2 Revolution DLC out now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-out-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-out-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/psa-black-ops-2-revolution-dlc-out-now-on-xbox-live/#comments
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 players are waking up to a 'Revolution' on Xbox 360, as the DLC is now live on XBLM. The 1.86GB pack sets you back 1200 MSP, unless you're a Season Pass holder in which case it's yours via the in-game store for nada and niente.

Revolution includes four multiplayer maps, the Zombies co-op map Die Rise, and the Peackeeper SMG. It also includes the new Turned mode, which lets players become zombies trying to chomp on the solitary human player to take his or her place.

There's no ETA for the PS3 and PC releases, although retailer leaks suggested February 28. Treyarch game design director David Vonderhaar backed this up with a tweet noting the traditional time difference between Xbox 360 and PS3 releases is 30 days.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - Revolution Map Pack

JoystiqPSA: Black Ops 2 Revolution DLC out now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2DLCmicrosofttreyarchXBLMxboxxbox-liveTue, 29 Jan 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm cinematic intro lives up to Blizzard's pedigree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-cinematic-intro-lives-up-to-bliz/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-cinematic-intro-lives-up-to-bliz/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarm-cinematic-intro-lives-up-to-bliz/#comments
Blizzard does like to put on a big show with its opening cinematics, and this one for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm is no exception. The expansion arrives on March 12, but in the meantime you can check out Mike Schramm's recent hands-on preview.

JoystiqStarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm cinematic intro lives up to Blizzard's pedigree originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardcinematicmacpcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmTue, 22 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson moves on to new Blizzard project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-moves-on-to-new-blizzard-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-moves-on-to-new-blizzard-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/diablo-3-director-jay-wilson-moves-on-to-new-blizzard-project/#comments Jay Wilson, who has been directing Diablo 3 for seven years, has decided to move on to other projects within Blizzard. Writing on the Blizzard forums, Wilson says that while working on Diablo 3 has "been one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life, I've reached a point creatively where I'm looking forward to working on something new." Wilson promises fans that support for Diablo 3 will continue and that he will aid the team as Blizzard finds a new director.

Wilson makes note of Diablo 3's bumpy launch and its subsequent woes. The development team doesn't always make "the right decisions" he admitted, "but if we made a mistake then I feel we've made an exceptional effort to correct it." That effort includes scads of additional items and changes to drop rates, as well as the Monster Power and Paragon systems.

As for what project Wilson will take on next, we'll just have to wait and see.

JoystiqDiablo 3 director Jay Wilson moves on to new Blizzard project originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardDiablo-3jay-wilsonmacpcFri, 18 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazing Spider-Man: Ultimate Edition swings onto Wii U this March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/amazing-spider-man-ultimate-edition-swings-onto-wii-u-this-marc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/amazing-spider-man-ultimate-edition-swings-onto-wii-u-this-marc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/amazing-spider-man-ultimate-edition-swings-onto-wii-u-this-marc/#comments
Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Freshly Rebooted Spider-Man
Sometime March, the Wii U
Gets the Spi-Der-Man too

JoystiqAmazing Spider-Man: Ultimate Edition swings onto Wii U this March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardamazing-spider-manbeenoxmarvelnintendorelease-datethe-amazing-spider-manwii-uFri, 18 Jan 2013 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders franchise up to $500 million retail sales in the US alone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/skylanders-franchise-up-to-500-million-retail-sales-in-the-us-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/skylanders-franchise-up-to-500-million-retail-sales-in-the-us-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/skylanders-franchise-up-to-500-million-retail-sales-in-the-us-a/#comments Skylanders franchise up to $500 million retail sales in the US aloneThe United States loves Skylanders to the tune of a whopping $500 million of retail sales, as announced by Activision this morning. Based on recently released NPD data, US boys and girls (and US older boys and girls) can't get enough of the action-RPG games and those oh-so-lucrative accessory packs and figures.

$195 million of those retail sales come from Skylanders Giants and its associated retail products alone; the game only arrived on retail shelves just under three months ago. Maybe that figure isn't so startling when you consider the game brought with it an estimated $500 worth of new figures to collect. While Giants certainly did respectably in December's NPDs, coming in 8th on the month's best-sellers chart, it's clearly the accessory packs and figures which have brought in the big bucks.

Continue reading Skylanders franchise up to $500 million retail sales in the US alone

JoystiqSkylanders franchise up to $500 million retail sales in the US alone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionactivision-blizzardmicrosoftn-spacenintendoplaystationps3toys-for-bobvicarious-visionswiiwii-uxboxFri, 11 Jan 2013 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 'Revolution' hits Xbox Jan. 29 with new weapon, mode, maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/report-black-ops-2-revolution-hits-xbox-jan-29-ps3-and-pc-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/report-black-ops-2-revolution-hits-xbox-jan-29-ps3-and-pc-feb/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/report-black-ops-2-revolution-hits-xbox-jan-29-ps3-and-pc-feb/#comments
Update: Activision has released an official trailer for the DLC pack, confirming much of the information originally posted below, such as its release date on the Xbox 360 and what each new map is like. Furthermore, the above trailer also reveals "Turned," a new zombie mode wherein players become zombies themselves, and the Peacekeeper, an SMG/assault rifle hybrid.

'Revolution' DLC for Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is reportedly coming to PS3 and PC a month after it arrives on Xbox 360. That's according to a Facebook post by UK retailer HMV, as spotted by MP1ST, which says the first DLC pack comes to Xbox on January 29 and then to PS3 and PC on February 28. The dates are somewhat substantiated by an Amazon UK listing which says the DLC is coming to Xbox on January 29, but doesn't mention dates for PS3 or PC. Both listings say the DLC costs 1200 MSP, and is free to Season Pass holders.

A leaked promotional image first indicated the DLC, its January 29 release date, and the inclusion of five new maps. The two retailers substantiate this info, and also note a new weapon in the DLC, the Peacekeeper SMG. The Amazon listing details the five maps as:
  • Hydro: This large map allows you to use the dam and water to your advantage to block paths and stop enemies.
  • Downhill: A medium-sized map based in the French Alps complete with snow, chair lifts, and a strategically placed lodge.
  • Grind: Set within the locale of the Venice, California boardwalk, this small skate park map is sure to deliver fast and frenetic Call of Duty action.
  • Mirage: This Gobi Desert multiplayer map utilises sand dunes to provide different levels of elevation and a sanctuary in the centre as a natural chokepoint.
  • Zombies - Die Rise: The Zombie apocalypse has invaded China, turning downtown into a dilapidated and dangerous MC Escher painting.
We've reached out to Activision for comment.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 'Revolution' hits Xbox Jan. 29 with new weapon, mode, maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2DLCmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-daterevolutiontreyarchxboxTue, 08 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, DLC half-off today on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-dlc-half-off-today-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-dlc-half-off-today-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-dlc-half-off-today-on-xbox-live/#comments
As part of its "countdown to 2013 deals," Xbox Live has Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and its downloadable content available for half off today only.

That means the Games on Demand version of last year's installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 3, is available for $30. Its four DLC packs are 600 Microsoft Points ($7.50) apiece.

Oddly, checking Amazon, Modern Warfare 3 is currently $54.99, which does make this Xbox Live special an actual deal (for once). Meanwhile, this year's Black Ops 2 is $49.99 from the e-tailer.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, DLC half-off today on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DLCmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3xboxTue, 18 Dec 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Black Ops 2 sales a 'cause for concern,' downgrades Activision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/analyst-black-ops-2-sales-a-cause-for-concern-downgrades-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/analyst-black-ops-2-sales-a-cause-for-concern-downgrades-act/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/analyst-black-ops-2-sales-a-cause-for-concern-downgrades-act/#comments Analyst Black Ops 2 sales a 'cause for concern,' downgrades ActivisionSales of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 are on a trend to be down 15 percent from last year's launch of Modern Warfare 3, financial analyst Arvind Bhatia of Sterne Agee posits. Modern Warfare 3 sales were down 5 percent from the previous year's Black Ops, and if this scenario plays out again Bhatia calls it "a cause for concern" for Activision-Blizzard.

Call of Duty as a franchise is responsible for up to 45 percent of Activision's earnings before interest and taxes, Bhatia says, justifying the concern clause. Average reviews of Black Ops 2 were lower than Modern Warfare 3's, and Black Ops 2 launched a week after Halo 4 but a week before Black Friday, meaning some customers may have waited to buy it, Bhatia says.

Sterne Agee downgraded Activision's rating from "buy" to "neutral" and reduced 2013 estimates from $4.74 billion to $4.3 billion.

All this is in spite of the fact that Black Ops 2 pulled in $500 million at retail on its first day, breaking records and surpassing Modern Warfare 3's $400 million, and is the UK's fourth largest launch ever.

JoystiqAnalyst: Black Ops 2 sales a 'cause for concern,' downgrades Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2financialmicrosoftpcplaystationps3sterne-ageestocksxboxThu, 29 Nov 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[007 Legends developers Eurocom staff being cut to 'under 50']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/007-legends-developers-eurocom-staff-being-cut-to-under-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/007-legends-developers-eurocom-staff-being-cut-to-under-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/007-legends-developers-eurocom-staff-being-cut-to-under-50/#comments
Eurocom, which most recently worked on 007 Legends, experienced massive layoffs today. GamesIndustry received a statement from the developer that it let go of a majority of over 200 employees today.

"We've fought to try and save as many jobs as possible, but the steep decline in demand for console games, culminating in a number of console projects falling through in the last week, left us with no option," the statement to GI.biz reads. "Eurocom has retained a core staff of just under 50 employees and will be focusing mainly on mobile opportunities moving forward."

007 Legends was not well received by critics, with a current Metacritic of 45. Prior to that, Eurocom made the Goldeneye 007 remake and Dead Space: Extraction, which will always hold a special place in Joystiq's heart for giving us Dead Space Girl.

Joystiq007 Legends developers Eurocom staff being cut to 'under 50' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007-legendsActivisionActivision-Blizzardeurocomlayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 23 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 patched on 360 and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/black-ops-2-patched-on-360-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/black-ops-2-patched-on-360-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/22/black-ops-2-patched-on-360-and-pc/#comments Treyarch release patch notes for Black Ops 2 PC, Xbox 360 Treyarch updated Call of Duty Black Ops 2 on PC and Xbox 360 this week, and now the patch notes for both updates are out in the wild.

According to the patch notes, the Xbox 360 title update brings improvements to live and playback video streaming, as well as addressing a number of exploits and minor errors. The PC update increases the maximum field-of-view setting to 90 degrees, improves dedicated server matchmaking, and bundles in a few other fixes too.

The PS3 version received a patch across the weekend targeting freezing and console shutdown issues. Activision is still receiving post-patch reports of in-game freezes.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 patched on 360 and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpctreyarchxboxThu, 22 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guinness record of longest game session set at 135 hours with Black Ops 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/guinness-record-of-longest-game-session-set-at-135-hours-with-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/guinness-record-of-longest-game-session-set-at-135-hours-with-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/guinness-record-of-longest-game-session-set-at-135-hours-with-bl/#comments The Guinness World Record for longest video game marathon was set by Australian Okan Kaya this week, after he played Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for 135 hours over seven days.

Guinness rules allow for one ten-minute break every hour, which Kaya could bank and use in chunks. Yahoo's Plugged In reports the previous record was set by a Canadian pair playing the Resistance series for 120 hours.

Kaya was in good company with Call of Duty Black Ops 2, which set sales records when it earned $500 million on its first day at retail.

JoystiqGuinness record of longest game session set at 135 hours with Black Ops 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2guinnessguinness-book-of-world-recordsguinness-world-recordsmicrosoftnintendookan-kayapcplaystationps3Treyarchwii-uxboxWed, 21 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 still freezing on PS3 for some players despite patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/black-ops-2-still-freezing-on-ps3-for-some-players-despite-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/black-ops-2-still-freezing-on-ps3-for-some-players-despite-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/black-ops-2-still-freezing-on-ps3-for-some-players-despite-patch/#comments Black Ops 2 still freezing on PS3 for some players despite patchDespite releasing a patch addressing the issue, Activision is still receiving reports of Black Ops 2 freezing on PS3. Going by the post-patch thread on Activision's forums, users are experiencing a variety of lock-up issues, with some unable to get past initial loading screens.

Complaints about the PS3 version arose quickly after Black Ops 2's launch last week, with widespread reports of the game freezing and requiring a reset, and even of the console shutting itself off in-game. The complaints weren't tied to one particular event, although freezes commonly occurred during online multiplayer.

Activision released patch 1.03 on Saturday, November 17, specifically addressing the freezing issue. However, a day later the publisher said it's aware "some customers are still experiencing PS3 lock-ups after installing the patch" and that it hopes to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

While complaints are plentiful, the latest Call of Duty continues to sell. In the UK, Black Ops 2 enjoyed the fourth biggest launch ever for a video game, while worldwide it took in a whopping $500 million in its first day alone.

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 still freezing on PS3 for some players despite patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-2playstationps3treyarchMon, 19 Nov 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 rakes in $500 million in first day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-500-million-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-500-million-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-500-million-24-hours/#comments Black Ops 2 rakes in over $05 billion at retail in first dayActivision announced today Call of Duty Black Ops 2 made $500 million on its first day at retail, eclipsing the franchise's previous record of $400 million as set by Modern Warfare 3 last year. Back then Modern Warfare 3 sold 6.5 million copies in the US and UK to make that figure, suggesting even greater numbers of copies sold this time around.

Black Ops 2 shifted 1 million copies at GameStop on day one alone, while Amazon noted it became the site's most pre-ordered game ever. We can expect an even more eye-popping amount in around a week's time, when Activision will likely reveal the five-day sales figure. Last year Activision disclosed Modern Warfare 3 made $775 million in its first five days, and at this rate Black Ops 2 will have its eyes set on ten figures for the same mark.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 rakes in $500 million in first day

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 rakes in $500 million in first day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardamazoncall-of-duty-black-ops-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3first-daygamestopmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3treyarchxboxFri, 16 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST