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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Activision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/activision-paid-infinity-ward-over-493-million-in-bonuses-since/#comments Hard numbers are starting to come out of the Activision v. Infinity Ward case as things continue to ramp up towards the actual trial, which is currently slated to take place next month. Specifically, Activision revealed during a hearing last Friday that it has paid out in excess of $493 million in bonuses to Infinity Ward, a figure that includes the $42 million payout that occurred earlier this month, according to Polygon.

That $439 million encompasses all bonuses paid out to Infinity Ward since the original Call of Duty launched in 2003. To date, IW has been granted bonuses for games it was directly involved with as a studio, as well as games that used its tech and the Call of Duty IP, like the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty: World at War.

Attorneys for former IW heads Vince Zampella and Jason West argued that the ex-Infinity Ward employee group is also owed its share of "launch quarter" bonuses from the release of Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3, a point that Activision obviously disagrees with.

JoystiqActivision paid Infinity Ward over $493 million in bonuses since 2003 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-WardJason-Westlawsuitlegalmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3TreyarchVince-ZampellaxboxSun, 27 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-revealed-superman-returns/#comments We've been pretty worried about the fate of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD's soundtrack after we caught word that the remake probably wouldn't have all of the songs featured in the first two Pro Skater titles, stemming from licensing issues and whatnot. Now that the complete soundtrack has been released, though, we're feeling a little more confident about hitting the asphalt goofy-style once more.

The complete track list can be found after the break, and we're glad to say that "Superman" by Goldfinger and "When Worlds Collide" by Powerman 5000 are both present and accounted for. The new replacement tracks include stylistically appropriate songs such as "Flyentology" by hip-hop artist El-P (featuring Trent Reznor). El-P once featured on the Del the Funky Homosapien track "Offspring," and Del's song "If You Must" was on the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 soundtrack. If we're playing by Six Degrees of Separation rules, we can call that a winner.

Continue reading Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater HD soundtrack revealed, Superman returns with Powerman 5000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionel-pmicrosoftplaystationpowerman-5000ps3rodomodosoundtracksupermantony-hawk-pro-skater-hdtony-hawks-pro-skater-hdxboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/#comments It's true - the world is big into Diablo 3. So much so that the game was purchased more than 3.5 million times in its first 24 hours available, making it the "fastest-selling PC game" of all time, according to Blizzard. On top of that 3.5 million, another 1.2 million copies were scooped via the WoW Annual Pass (which included a free copy of D3).

Blizzard's wording on this claim is especially interesting, pointing out that "more than 4.7 million gamers around the world were poised to storm Sanctuary on day 1 of Diablo 3's release." Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime addresses the Diablo-sized elephant in the room soon after, saying, "We also regret that our preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so. I want to reaffirm our commitment to make sure the millions of Diablo III players out there have a great experience with the game moving forward, and I also want to thank them for their ongoing support."

Beyond the day-one sales, Blizzard revealed that by the end of its first week on sale, more than 6.3 million copies were in the hands of gamers worldwide. That guy Diablo is getting beat up by, like, a lot of people.

Joystiq3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3mike-morhaimesalesWed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/modern-warfare-3s-content-collection-2-now-on-xbox-live/#comments ImageAnother pair of maps drops into Modern Warfare 3's new Face Off mode today, namely "Lookout" and "Getaway." Content Collection #2 also adds three new general purpose multiplayer maps and two new Spec Ops missions, all for 1200 MS Points ($15).

This content is available to all Xbox Live Gold subscribers. A Call of Duty Elite subscription is not necessary to use this content in Modern Warfare 3.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live

JoystiqModern Warfare 3's 'Content Collection 2' now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3content-collection-2face-offface-off-modeinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3sledgehammer-gamesxboxWed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit outs West and Zampella's salaries, bonuses at Infinity Ward: Projected $13M bonus in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lawsuit-outs-west-and-zampellas-salaries-bonuses-at-infinity-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lawsuit-outs-west-and-zampellas-salaries-bonuses-at-infinity-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/lawsuit-outs-west-and-zampellas-salaries-bonuses-at-infinity-w/#comments ImageFormer Infinity Ward studio heads Jason West and Vince Zampella had projected salaries of $420,000 in 2009, with projected bonuses of more than $3 million each, emails between Activision bosses in 2009 show.

The spreadsheet lists the expected salaries of the top 20 Infinity Ward employees in 2009 and 2010. The 18 remaining employees -- the bulk including software engineers and game designers -- had projected salaries between $71,500 and $173,000. The seven employees under West and Zampella each expected a bonus of $603,000, while staffers seeing the lowest percentage of the bonus pool (1.5 percent) had a projected $278,000.

In 2010, the year Activision fired West and Zampella, they were each expected to earn $437,000, with projected bonuses of $13 million each. The rest of the top 20's projected salaries and bonuses rose accordingly, with salaries between $74,000 and $180,000, and bonuses ranging from $1.4 million to $2.5 million.

"If you recently worked on a hit FPS, read this and see how incredibly underpaid you are," ngmoco general manager Benjamin Cousins tweeted about the documents.

The emails were released into public record in the lawsuit between the Infinity Ward Employee Group and Activision; West and Zampella sued Activision in 2010 claiming they were owed $36 million in royalties associated with Modern Warfare 2, after Activision fired them earlier that year. West and Zampella now claim $1 billion in damages and the case is set for trial May 29.

JoystiqLawsuit outs West and Zampella's salaries, bonuses at Infinity Ward: Projected $13M bonus in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionbonusInfinity-Wardinfinity-ward-employee-grouplawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2pcplaystationps3salariessalaryxboxTue, 22 May 2012 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision enlists former Rockstar bosses to help with new UK studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/activision-enlists-former-rockstar-bosses-to-help-with-new-uk-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/activision-enlists-former-rockstar-bosses-to-help-with-new-uk-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/activision-enlists-former-rockstar-bosses-to-help-with-new-uk-st/#comments ImageFormer Rockstar bossmen Mark Washbrook and Mark Lloyd are helping establish Activision's freshly announced UK studio. The studio, based in Leeds, will focus on mobile development and is led by Team17 co-founder Martyn Brown. Brown hopes to eventually have a staff of 40 at Activision Leeds.

Washbrook established Rockstar London, which worked on mobile aspects of Manhunt 2 and online features of Max Payne 3. He left Rockstar in February 2011 and worked as game director at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe for six months.

Lloyd was studio head of Rockstar Lincoln for 12 years, but left in March 2011 to found his own games consulting service, Titanium Consultancy, which has since been voluntarily dismantled.

Activision Leeds was established in November, but is just now blipping on public radar. Washbrook and Lloyd could be at Activision Leeds for the long haul or as initial consultants; Activision hasn't clarified.

JoystiqActivision enlists former Rockstar bosses to help with new UK studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-LeedsleedsMark-LloydMark-Washbrookmartyn-brownmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3RockStarukxboxTue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision/Bungie contract reveals four-game plan code-named 'Destiny', potential for new Marathon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/#comments As a side effect of Activision's ongoing court battle with former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, details of the company's deal with Bungie have been made public in documents posted by the LA Times.

According to the documents, Bungie has agreed to create four "sci-fantasy, action shooter games" in a project code-named "Destiny" (for which Bungie filed trademarks last year). The first will be an Xbox exclusive (360 with the option for its successor) in fall 2013 (versions for other systems would follow one year later) with followup games on Xbox successor, PS3 successor, and PC in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Four DLC expansions, code-named "Comet," are included in the deal, due fall 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

In the contract, Activision reserves the right to take over the "Destiny" property if Bungie fails to meet its requirements; however, it stipulates that it will not begin more "Destiny" projects until Bungie has completed its work.

The contract also gives Bungie the freedom to put five percent of its staff to work on a prototype for a new game referred to as "Marathon," with the team size allowed to grow after certain operating income. There are also rules governing how much of the company's staff can work on Bungie.Net, Halo Reach DLC and other projects.

That takes care of the next eight years or so of video game news. Who wants tacos?

JoystiqActivision/Bungie contract reveals four-game plan code-named 'Destiny', potential for new Marathon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymarathonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 21 May 2012 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-employing-team17-co-founder-to-create-mobile-studio-i/#comments ImageAfter shutting down Bizarre Creations last February and restructuring DJ Hero studio Freestyle Games, Activision's reach in the UK was recessed for the past year. But with a renewed mobile push at Activision, the publisher is now looking to build a new studio across the Atlantic - and Team17 co-founder Martyn Brown is in charge of building said studio.

Develop confirmed the news with Activision, who only allowed this vague statement: "We are investing in mobile initiatives and that includes a UK studio." For Brown's part, he's staying mum, but the job description falls right in line with Brown's, following his departure from Team17 last year.

JoystiqActivision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmartyn-brownmobilemobile-develomentteam17ukunited-kingdomMon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Amazing Spider-Man trailer showcases the 'web rush' movement and combat system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/latest-amazing-spider-man-trailer-showcases-the-web-rush-movem/#comments Image
Spider Man games are, generally speaking, made or broken by how satisfying it is to traverse New York City as your Friendly Neighborhood Spider Man. Slingin' webs is the essence of that fantasy, second only to being an accomplished journalist. That's why everyone likes Spider Man, right? The journalism?

Beenox's solution for The Amazing Spider Man, the "Web Rush," pulls double duty as both locomotive and combative solution by slowing down time, thus allowing the player to select their next web-oriented target of interest. Slowing down time will also be helpful for making J. Jonah Jameson's incredibly strict deadlines, which we know you're also concerned about. No one ever said the life of a genetically enriched photojournalist would be easy.

JoystiqLatest Amazing Spider-Man trailer showcases the 'web rush' movement and combat system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionamazing-spider-manbeenoxmicrosoftplaystationps3the-amazing-spider-manweb-rushxboxSat, 19 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/#comments ImageUSAopoly and Blizzard have teamed up to develop a special, World of Warcraft-themed "Collector's Edition" Monopoly set, which lands at retailers tomorrow. Not only did we get a first look at the final product, the team at Joystiq is reluctantly giving it away to one lucky reader.

Get a detailed look at the WoW-themed Monopoly set in the Joystiq gallery below.

Entering the contest is easy! Just tell us where in Azeroth you'd buy the most real estate. Need some inspiration? Check out our latest coverage of WoW's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Rules and conditions for this giveaway are listed after the break.

Gallery: Monopoly 'World of Warcraft Collector's Edition' Set

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardboard-gameJoyswagMonopolyusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 auction house delayed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/diablo-3-auction-house-delayed/#comments ImageThe auction house in Diablo 3 won't debut on May 22 as planned. Blizzard's community manager Micah "Bashiok" Whipple posted on the Blizzard forums saying the recent server woes have forced the studio's hand. We'll hear later when the new auction house launch date is.

If you were trying to log into Diablo 3 yesterday, you may have been unable to - the same errors experienced on launch day seemed to have resurfaced in North America and Europe. Whipple called out the achievement-earning bug - which either didn't unlock achievements for players or didn't carry earned achievements over multiple logins - as the culprit, and said Blizzard is working on a fix, though servers are all go right now. "We greatly appreciate everyone's support, and we want to sincerely apologize for the difficulties many of you encountered on day one," he concluded.

JoystiqDiablo 3 auction house delayed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionauction-housebashiokblizzarddelaysDiablo-3error-37macmicah-whipplepcThu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NovaLogic sues Activision over use of 'Delta Force']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/novalogic-sues-activision-over-use-of-delta-force/#comments ImageNovaLogic, the developer behind 1998's PC FPS Delta Force and its subsequent sequels, has filed suit against Activision over the inclusion of its own "Delta Force" in Modern Warfare 3. As you can see in the tastefully photoshopped comparison image above, Acti's Delta Force logo (right) bears a striking resemblance to NovaLogic's - additionally, NovaLogic owns a trademark on the words "DELTA FORCE."

"Despite Activision's irrefutable knowledge of NovaLogic's superior trademark rights," reads the complain, "Activision created knockoff marks that are nearly identical [to] NovaLogic's design and word marks. Activision then shamelessly inserted these infringing marks throughout its competing first person military adventure video games." The complaint also makes reference to the various Modern Warfare 3-branded headsets, Xboxen and strategy guides in production that feature Activision's Delta Force logo.

Both NovaLogic and Activision's fictional Delta Force teams are based on the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, a counter-terrorism branch of the United States military. NovaLogic claims that Activision's inclusion of a Delta Force in MW3 has caused NovaLogic to lose millions, and that if "infringing practices are not discontinued quickly, it is likely that the damage to NovaLogic will grow exponentially, causing more confusion in the market place, and to the reputation for quality that NovaLogic has worked so hard to establish." The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and also calls for an injunction to protect against further trademark infringement.

JoystiqNovaLogic sues Activision over use of 'Delta Force' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3delta-forcelawlawsuitlegalmodern-warfare-3NovaLogicThu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA and Activision settle in Call of Duty lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/#comments ImageEA and Activision have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that began two years ago, pertaining to the departure of Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella. EA had been accused of secretly recruiting the pair while they were still at Activision.

No details about the settlement are currently available, but both companies said today that they will file a settlement agreement in Los Angeles' California state court.

Former Infinity Ward developers Jason West and Vince Zampella sued Activision in 2010 after being fired, claiming damages of $36 million from unpaid royalties associated with Modern Warfare 2, which launched in 2009. After leaving Activision, the pair began their own studio, Respawn Entertainment, and inked a publishing deal with EA. Since then, West and Zampella's claim rose to $1 billion and Activision countersued with EA as a defendant.

Activision recently paid out $42 million to the Infinity Ward Employee Group, though not as a settlement; IWEG said it would pursue litigation and is still scheduled for trial May 29.

The settlement news comes the same day as a report on Activision's "dirt"-digging tactics has surfaced, stating that Activision launched an information-gathering IT spree on West and Zampella just before the launch of Modern Warfare 2, intended to see them both fired. Activision called it "Project Icebreaker."

No joke.

In Project Icebreaker, Activision's George Rose asked the IT department to access West and Zampella's email, voicemail and computer without anyone's knowledge, a court filing given to Giantbomb by West and Zampella's attorneys shows. The orders reportedly came from Activision CEO Bobby Kotick. Activision attempted to use third-party security specialists and threw around the idea of staging a fake fumagation to get into West and Zampella's offices, the report says.

But now the case is settled -- any verdict on the level of sanity of gaming companies is, however, still out.

JoystiqEA and Activision settle in Call of Duty lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionEAElectronic-ArtsInfinity-WardlawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2pcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/i-can-never-play-diablo-3/#commentsThis is an editorial based on Dave Hinkle's personal experiences with 2000's Diablo 2. Joystiq's review of Diablo 3 is still forthcoming.

It's not because I lack the requisite memory blocks and quantum computers to run Blizzard's latest, Diablo 3 - it's personal. You see, I'm genetically predisposed to Diablo. It's something I think about each and every day.

Diablo is a proper addiction to me. Diablo 2 is something I associate with the darkest moments of my life, when I skipped showers and seriously lived on Pop Tarts. My only comfort back then was the dim glow of the monitor and the random piece of treasure the game would occasionally drop for me as I toiled away hours doing nightmare-level Meph runs.

I have an addictive personality, as many of those who have met me in real life can attest. I eat horribly, can't seem to quit smoking cigarettes and have drunk to excess on occasion. The Diablo experience is like some kind of magical talisman created by the wizards of southern California that is meant to poke and prod that dark place inside me I actively ignore and deny every day of my life. Diablo brings out my greed and disdain for everything other than myself in the worst way.

But again, these are just words. They don't mean anything without examples, so I'm going to take you back to when I was in college and Diablo 2 ruined my life.

Continue reading Editorial: I can never play Diablo 3

JoystiqEditorial: I can never play Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionaddictionblizzarddiablo-2diablo-3macpcWed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-internet-hiccups-dont-penalize-players/#comments Some of you may have experienced this first hand, but if you've yet to suddenly go offline while playing Diablo 3, here's what happens. First, your game will lock up for a minute or so, then you'll be sent back to the character selection screen.

According to Eurogamer, at this point you'll log back in and find that you've retained all gold, experience and items - no penalties there. Once you get back into the game, you'll start from your last checkpoint.

The decision to require a constant internet connection initially received some blowback from the community, but it would seem it's not as bad as initially thought, at least in one regard. Eurogamer even notes that being booted back to the character selection screen didn't happen every time - occasionally the game would resume as if no disconnect even occurred.

JoystiqDiablo 3 internet hiccups don't penalize players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalways-on-drmbattle-netblizzardDiablo-3drmmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-3-psa-dont-give-a-templar-follower-a-shield/#comments Having fun with Diablo 3? If you hope to keep having fun, you might want to avoid the game-breaking bug discovered by fellow players. According to many posts on the Blizzard forums, equipping a Templar follower with a different shield may result in the game desynchronizing from Blizzard's servers. Users are also reporting that they are unable to log back into Diablo 3 - specifically encountering timeout error 3006 - even after restarting the game.

As noted by Eurogamer, the issue may be restricted to the Demon Hunter class. Blizzard is currently looking into the problem. In the meantime, regardless of your class, you should probably avoid swapping equipment with the Templar follower.

Update: Apparently the issue arises specifically if you swap items that you currently have equipped with the Templar. Still, probably safer to not mess with a Templar's equipment at all for now..

JoystiqDiablo 3 PSA: Don't give a Templar follower a shield originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbugDiablo-3glitchmacpcTue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/lamia-says-black-ops-2-visuals-a-priority-downplays-age-of-engi/#comments At this point, a portion of the current conversation surrounding Black Ops 2 is in regards to the engine powering it, version 3.0 of the Infinity Ward (IW) engine - IW 3.0 powered Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War and the original Black Ops. If you're worried the visuals in Black Ops 2 won't be up to snuff, Treyarch head Mark Lamia assures us all the engine has seen numerous tweaks, downplaying its age in a recent audio interview summed up over on One of Swords.

Lamia said "a pretty significant amount of work" in Black Ops 2 is going into the graphics and the lighting. "I think what people are asking for is for us to push. They want us to make a better-looking game; they want things. I don't think those are things people can't ask for. We asked ourselves that very same question - we wanted to advance the graphics. I think the questions are valid. The answer may not need to be an entirely new engine, but you might need to do an entire overhaul of your entire lighting system. The trick is, we're not willing to do that if we can't keep it running at 60 frames per second - but we did that this time."

Lamia gave an analogy akin to remodeling a home - not with a rocket launcher, but rather he talked about sectioning off parts of the metaphorical house for more local improvements. "There's a lot of good still in that foundation that you wouldn't get rid of, and we don't. We look to advance in the areas that support our game design. Engines, each time they get touched, they change. The creators alter them; they don't modify what they don't need to, and then they alter what they need to. You can't make a competitive product if you're not upgrading that engine along the way."

JoystiqLamia says Black Ops 2 visuals a priority, downplays age of engine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2iw-3iw-3.0mark-lamiamicrosoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxTue, 15 May 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/behind-the-scenes-of-modern-warfare-3s-face-off-dlc-and-conte/#comments Image
Modern Warfare 3's upcoming Face Off mode isn't set hit to Xbox 360-enabled living rooms until next Wednesday, May 16, but it's never too soon to start using promotional materials (like the behind the scenes video above and screenshots below) to start memorizing map layouts. This is war, dammit, and you need every possible advantage you can get to survive. Don't come crawling back to us when you've been blasted to the bottom of the leaderboards, riddled with shame bullets from the hand cannons of someone who actually took the time to prepare.

... Watching the video because you enjoy development diaries and/or have a casual interest in Modern Warfare games is also acceptable.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 3 (Face-off Content Collection)

JoystiqBehind the scenes of Modern Warfare 3's 'Face Off' DLC and Content Collection 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2Face-OffInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesTreyarchxboxSat, 12 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-IGNer Tina Palacios replacing Bowling as Infinity Ward community manager]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ex-igner-tina-palacios-replacing-bowling-as-infinity-ward-commun/#comments ImageWhen Call of Duty's main public face, Robert Bowling, left his longtime spot as creative strategist at Infinity Ward earlier this year, he left a tank-sized hole in the studio. Though she's small in stature, ex-IGN/1UP community manager Tina Palacios aims to fill that spot in the coming days, IGN reports.

Palacios is taking up the job of "senior community manager" at Infinity Ward - the studio that created the Modern Warfare series, but is most recently known for a nasty legal battle involving its former creative leads.

"I can't say what my official duties are yet," Palacios told us. "But I definitely want to bridge the gap between devs and fans - making sure their voices are heard." There'll be some adjustment of course, she admitted. "The amount of comments I'll receive will probably be much larger than I've experienced at IGN or 1UP, but I'll still do my best." We imagine it won't be too long before we hear more from her. Say, oh, seven to eight months from now? Just a guess.

JoystiqEx-IGNer Tina Palacios replacing Bowling as Infinity Ward community manager originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmodern-warfare-3robert-bowlingtina-palaciostina-sanchezFri, 11 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/diablo-3-is-amazons-most-pre-ordered-pc-title-ever/#comments Anticipation for Diablo 3 is at its peak right now, with fans feverishly wringing their hands as they wait until launch on May 15. Just look at this one guy's computer - no joke! That anticipation translates into a lot of pre-orders; however, not all of those pre-orders are through Blizzard's Battle.net service. Amazon is apparently another popular pre-purchase destination.

A representative for Amazon told Joystiq that Diablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever. "Today, it became the most pre-ordered PC game of all-time on Amazon.com - even exceeding pre-orders for Blizzard's own StarCraft II and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm," the rep said.

It's been a pretty good month for pre-orders on Amazon. Earlier this month, day-one pre-orders for Black Ops 2 managed to top pre-orders for the first Black Ops and even last year's Modern Warfare 3.

JoystiqDiablo 3 is Amazon's most pre-ordered PC title ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonblizzardDiablo-3macpcpre-orderFri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Entire Quest for Glory series now available on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/entire-quest-for-glory-series-now-available-on-gog/#comments
If you have an affection for adventure games, you may want to sit down. Since you're on the internet, you may be doing that already, so feel free to stand up and subsequently sit down again. Ready? Good. It's been a long, long road, but Sierra's classic Quest for Glory series is finally available on Good Old Games.

You can snag all five Quest for Glory games in a single package for just ten bucks. Best of all, the pack seems to be based on the CD-ROM collection, meaning you'll get both the original and VGA enhanced versions of Quest for Glory 1, and the sweet, velvety voice of John Rhys-Davies all up in your Quest for Glory 4.

JoystiqEntire Quest for Glory series now available on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfrickin-finallygogpcquest-for-glorysierraso-you-want-to-be-a-heroThu, 10 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 getting free 'Face Off' mode, non-free Content Collection 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/modern-warfare-3-getting-free-face-off-mode-non-free-content/#comments Image
A new way of murdering your friends and/or strangers is coming to the Xbox 360 version of Modern Warfare 3 on May 15, in the form of "Face Off" mode. Face Off has been designed for 1v1 or 2v2 firefights, with its four maps built specifically for small, close-quarters battle between a small number of soldiers. The two free maps launching with the new mode, Aground and Erosion, take place on a beached ship on the coast of Scotland and on the Italian coast during a volcanic eruption, respectively. PlayStation 3 and PC dates for Face Off have yet to be determined.

A new Content Collection is also on its way, available to Call of Duty Elite subscribers on May 15 and everyone else (with an Xbox) on May 21. Content Collection 2 includes three new multiplayer maps (Sanctuary, Foundation and Oasis), as well as two new Spec Ops missions (Iron Clad, Kill Switch) and the other two Face Off maps, Getaway and Lookout. As per usual, PS3 and PC dates are indeterminate, but everyone is welcome to take a peek at the new jams courtesy of IGN's trailer above.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 getting free 'Face Off' mode, non-free Content Collection 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Content-Collection-2DLCFace-OffInfinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3MW3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gamesTreyarchxboxThu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/#comments We can't imagine how many clicks it takes to get to the center of a Diablo 3 open beta, but Activision has told us how many men and women have braved the potential carpal tunnel syndrome. Blizzard president Michael Morhaime revealed in Activision's annual earnings call today that a total of two million players took Diablo 3 for a spin.

"We recently conducted an open beta stress test for Diablo 3, where anyone could download and try out the game. The response we got was huge, with more than two million people worldwide participating in the open beta." A lot of the testing, Morhaime said on the call, was beneficial to Diablo 3's development - particularly to the Auction House feature.

Of course, the beta suffered its fair share of hiccups, and 300,000 concurrent users marked the high point of the weekend open beta event. We just hope Blizzard is prepared for more than that, because we feel a touch of the flu coming on.

JoystiqDiablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardDiablo-3michael-morhaimepcWed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite reaches 10 million users, 2 million paid subscriptions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/call-of-duty-elite-reaches-10-million-users-2-million-paid-subs/#comments

Activision's Call of Duty Elite service puts another feather in its very busy cap today with a reported total of 10 million users, two million of which are paid subscribers. This is an increase of three million and 500,000, respectively, since last Activision dished out some numbers in February.

The latest earnings report says it's "an increase of approximately 33% from January 31, 2012." As of March 31, Activision has 40 million monthly active users across all Call of Duty products and platforms.

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite reaches 10 million users, 2 million paid subscriptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3Raven-Softwaresledgehammer-gamestreyarchxboxWed, 09 May 2012 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/#comments Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

Continue reading Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

JoystiqPrototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroiddlciosiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-Entertainmentxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/#comments Image
Thought this would be a post about the Diablo 3 cartoon short by Titmouse, and not the video itself, didn't you? Fooled again! The full, very impressive cartoon is just above. Enjoy.

JoystiqDiablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcartoonDiablo-3macpctitmouseTue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tony-hawks-pro-skater-hd-lands-on-xbox-live-and-psn-in-june/#comments Robomodo's Unreal Engine-powered remake Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD will drop in on Xbox Live and PSN this June, Tony Hawk himself has revealed. He took to Twitter to announce the launch window, as he is wont to do.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD is a remake featuring select levels from the first two games, which originally debuted on the PSOne. Tony has said that, depending on the HD remake's reception, we could see other past levels added - Hawk even envisions Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD as a platform for completely new content.

JoystiqTony Hawk's Pro Skater HD lands on Xbox Live and PSN in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-daterobomodotony-hawktony-hawk-pro-skater-hdtony-hawks-pro-skater-hdxboxxbox-liveTue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/#comments A new update for Skylanders Cloud Patrol, the arcade shooting gallery tie-in for iOS, is available for download right now. The biggest feature of this new update is Retina Display support for the latest iPad.

The other major feature of this update is allowing more Skylanders. Activision specifically calls out "Warnado, Wham-Shell, Camo and all of the Legendary Skylanders collection" in the update notes, though the full list of now-supported Skylanders is something we're trying to track down right now.

JoystiqSkylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidiosipadiphonemobileskylanders-cloud-patrolupdateMon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-coming-this-fall/#comments ImageLooks like that Amazon listing we caught wind of a few days ago wasn't some insidious plot by an ineffectual practical joker, but rather an actual video game that Activision now acknowledges the existence of, if just barely.

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse is a console title that will leverage the show's "source material, including the talented voice cast and writers, authentic humor and subversive spirit." Beyond that, and the fact that it's set to launch sometime this fall, we nothing else is known about the MacFarlane tie-in. Inferences can be made from the game's title, however, which is surprisingly close to the name of the first episode of season eight, Road to the Multiverse, which saw Stewie and Brian travelling to parallel universes via remote control.

Continue reading Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall

JoystiqFamily Guy: Back to the Multiverse coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionfamily-guyfamily-guy-back-to-the-multiversemicrosoftplaystationps3Twentieth-century-fox-consumer-productsxboxMon, 07 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Black Ops 2 art teases Zombies mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-black-ops-2-art-teases-zombies-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-black-ops-2-art-teases-zombies-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-black-ops-2-art-teases-zombies-mode/#comments ImageBlack Ops 2 brings back Treyarch's personal twist on Call of Duty, namely Zombies. The official Twitter account issued this image, teasing a shotgun-toting female. It's not the first time a woman had to get her hands dirty, though we think this one took the phrase a bit too literally.

JoystiqNew Black Ops 2 art teases Zombies mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxThu, 03 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon lists 'Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse' for PS3 and 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-lists-family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-for-ps3-and-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-lists-family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-for-ps3-and-36/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-lists-family-guy-back-to-the-multiverse-for-ps3-and-36/#commentsA game called Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse is slated to launch on September 25 for the PS3 and 360, at least according to Amazon listings that turned up earlier today.

Activision is listed as being involved in some capacity, but beyond that and the platform and the release date, no other information is available. We've reached out to Activision for comment and will update with anything we're able to dig up. For now, let's just imagine the possibilities, and hope things turn out better this time.

JoystiqAmazon lists 'Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse' for PS3 and 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonfamily-guy-back-to-the-multiversemicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 03 May 2012 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon: Black Ops 2 day one pre-orders higher than Black Ops, Modern Warfare 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-black-ops-2-day-one-pre-orders-higher-than-black-ops-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-black-ops-2-day-one-pre-orders-higher-than-black-ops-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/amazon-black-ops-2-day-one-pre-orders-higher-than-black-ops-mo/#comments Amazon's pre-order numbers indicate Activsion's Call of Duty gravy train is still going full steam. Earlier today, Amazon UK told MCV that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 pre-orders were three times higher than its predecessor, Black Ops, two years ago. We wanted to know if that anticipation crossed the pond.

"Pre-orders from day one of Black Ops 2 were more than ten times the amount of pre-orders for the first Black Ops on its first day of availability," Amazon US told Joystiq this afternoon, but that's not all the buzz.

"Black Ops 2 even out pre-ordered the first day of availability for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 by more than 30 percent. Modern Warfare 3 currently holds the record for the most pre-ordered game of all time and was amongst the top 20 pre-orders ever on Amazon.com, including books and movies."

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 went on to gross over $775 million globally in five days, flying past Call of Duty: Black Ops' $650 million record and the $550 million record before it, set by Modern Warfare 2.

JoystiqAmazon: Black Ops 2 day one pre-orders higher than Black Ops, Modern Warfare 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazoncall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxThu, 03 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 video tells of our terrifying future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-video-tells-of-our-terrifying-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-video-tells-of-our-terrifying-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-video-tells-of-our-terrifying-future/#comments
In which Activision does its damnedest to make sure you never sleep soundly again.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 video tells of our terrifying future originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3treyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Black Ops 2 at GameStop, receive poster, Prestige token, future goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/pre-order-black-ops-2-at-gamestop-receive-poster-prestige-toke/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has officially existed for barely over a day, and as the internet hype machine slowly begins to whirl up to speed, so too does the uproarious clamor from our nation's retailers, hell-bent on claiming custody over your Call of Duty consumer commitment.

Predictably, Gamestop is the first out of the gate with enticements to earn your dollars, with pre-order bonuses that come in waves - four to be precise - the first of which is active now. Securing your future purchase of Black Ops 2 during the first wave will net you an "exclusive, limited edition two-sided poster," as well as a Prestige token for Modern Warfare 3 and all of the subsequent pre-order bonuses offered during waves two, three and four.

Continue reading Pre-order Black Ops 2 at GameStop, receive poster, Prestige token, future goodies

JoystiqPre-order Black Ops 2 at GameStop, receive poster, Prestige token, future goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2Gamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/#comments Image
Now that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is officially out there, we can examine the game's reveal trailer and offer some further insight beyond the bombast.

We've compiled a handful of screen grabs from the trailer after the break, with notes about the game's locale, features, and more. For even more, make sure to read our detailed campaign preview and details on the game's new, story-altering 'Strike Force' missions.

Continue reading Breaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer

JoystiqBreaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBreakdownCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Controlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/#comments ImageChoice in a video game is not a rare occurrence, unless that game happens to be Call of Duty. During the campaign in Black Ops 2, players will have the ability to select from a handful of 'Strike Force' missions anchored to hotspots throughout the globe. When one mission is selected, the others become unavailable, replaced later with fresh 'Strike Force' missions.

But these single-player missions set in the near-future aren't simply random missions without a story wrapper. Instead, they offer players an opportunity to play Call of Duty with an element of rarely seen choice.

Continue reading Controlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions

JoystiqControlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Strike-Force-MissionsTreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/#comments ImageGarnering legions of fans tends to wedge a franchise right between those that crave more of the same content, and those that loathe its existence. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is in the same spot, but developer Treyarch is looking to create some wiggle room between the two camps in its next contribution to Activision's billion dollar franchise.

At Treyarch's office in Los Angeles, company boss Mark Lamia steps into a darkened theater filled with journalists. He's chipper, excited to finally talk about the game his team has been slaving over for more than a year. Despite a tightly constructed marketing schedule, the secret of Black Ops 2 was hard to contain; its existence began to leak in January.

"Let me introduce you to the worst kept secret in the game industry," Lamia says as he walks in front of a giant screen embellished with the sleek Black Ops 2 logo. The walls around the screen are lined with concept art, some of it modeled after surveillance photos from in-orbit satellites, but all with a futuristic tint to them. "Saying that," Lamia continues, "we think what Black Ops 2 is about is one of the best kept secrets in the industry."

Gallery: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (5/1/2012)

Continue reading Black Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 EST