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[Master Chief called in to resolve Syria, reports BBC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/master-chief-called-in-to-resolve-syria-reports-bbc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/master-chief-called-in-to-resolve-syria-reports-bbc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/master-chief-called-in-to-resolve-syria-reports-bbc/#comments
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During a news segment on the United Nations' involvement in the Syrian conflict, the BBC aired an image of the UNSC - the fictitious United Nations Space Command from Halo.

The image, shown in the background of the clip above, even gets a special spotlight as the camera zooms in on the anchor as she discusses the very serious, very real issues plaguing Syria over the past year.

The BBC has since acknowledged and apologized for airing the Halo logo, telling Eurogamer, "BBC News makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all images broadcast, however very occasionally mistakes do happen. Unfortunately an incorrect logo was used during a segment on last week's News at One bulletin and we apologise to viewers for the mistake.

"The image was not broadcast in our later bulletins."

Even if the BBC has stopped airing the USNC logo, the error has of course popped up on YouTube. The most obvious logic behind the mistake is that BBC editors searched Google Images for "United Nations Security Council symbol" and snagged the Halo UNSC logo that popped up in the results, but we like to think it was a subtle message to focus more efforts on quickly appeasing the situation in Syria - more efforts involving Master Chief.

JoystiqMaster Chief called in to resolve Syria, reports BBC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcHalo-3master-chiefmicrosoftunited-nationsunited-nations-space-commandunscxboxMon, 28 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: BBC iPlayer now available on 360 in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psa-bbc-iplayer-now-available-on-360-in-the-uk/#comments
BBC's iPlayer may already live on your PlayStation 3, Wii, tablet, television cable box, and ... uh ... probably a few other devices you own, but now it's also on the Xbox 360. Moreover, the application is free for all Xbox 360 owners, whether you're a Silver or Gold Xbox Live user, giving access to a variety of BBC's content - well, if you live in the UK, that is.

Not content with merely knowing it exists? We've got this thrillingly British video above detailing the service and showing it in action. Or, you know, you could just go download the iPlayer and see for yourself. Or whatever.

JoystiqPSA: BBC iPlayer now available on 360 in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayermicrosoftpsaukxboxxbox-liveTue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who breaks The Silence, dances with Daleks in March 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/doctor-who-breaks-the-silence-dances-with-daleks-in-march-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/doctor-who-breaks-the-silence-dances-with-daleks-in-march-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/doctor-who-breaks-the-silence-dances-with-daleks-in-march-2012/#comments
The Doctor's two dimensional adventures on the PC, PlayStation 3 and Vita aren't quite as lost in time as the doctor himself, as Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock has been given a "March 2012" launch window. Perhaps you were worried that Supermassive Games (note: not Bastion dev Supergiant Games) wouldn't include series staples like Silurians, Daleks, and whatever "The Silence" is? Well ... uh ... quit worrying about that, because they're all totally in there.

Also in there? Classic 2D gameplay! And, well, did we mention that those characters from the long-running TV series are in the game? Because they are, in case you didn't realize that.

Gallery: Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock

JoystiqDoctor Who breaks The Silence, dances with Daleks in March 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-who-the-eternity-clockgameplaypcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3q1-2012release-datesupermassivesupermassive-gamesvitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a look at Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/take-a-look-at-doctor-who-the-eternity-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/take-a-look-at-doctor-who-the-eternity-clock/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/take-a-look-at-doctor-who-the-eternity-clock/#comments This image (bigger on the inside version here) is our first glimpse at Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, a new downloadable title "initially" coming to PC, PS3 and Vita sometime this year. For those of you unfamiliar with the Time Lord and his escapades across the fabric of reality, the above image shows the Doctor (technically the 11th Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith) at the control panel of his time machine the TARDIS (which is an acronym for "Time And Relative Dimension In Space").

One screenshot isn't much to go on, but it looks like Supermassive Games has Matt Smith's trademark look down about as well as one could hope. We wait with baited breath for a look at River Song, or any information about this game.

JoystiqTake a look at Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCDoctor-Whodoctor-who-the-eternity-clockmatt-smithpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3river-songsupermassive-gamesThe-DoctorvitaThu, 19 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock winding up on PS3, Vita and PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-winding-up-on-ps3-vita-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-winding-up-on-ps3-vita-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/doctor-who-the-eternity-clock-winding-up-on-ps3-vita-and-pc/#comments
Though it exists in every video game with save files or checkpoints, time travel isn't regularly acknowledged -- but when your story revolves around a temporally insulated phone booth piloted by an immortal doctor, it would just be weird not to. Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, a new downloadable game derived from the popular BBC show, is bringing narratively justified time travel to us early next year, "initially" on PC, PlayStation 3 and Vita.

This first entry in a series of three new BBC timelord games is being developed by Supermassive Games, the folks behind PSN's Tumble. Both Doctor Who and companion River Song will be playable, and furnished with the voices and likenesses of show stars Matt Smith and Alex Kingston, respectively. They'll be "challenged to master the complexities of time travel," it says here, with puzzles that can interact with each other across centuries.

The BBC hasn't announced a precise release date, but a note on Supermassive's website suggests Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock is being prepared for the PlayStation Vita's launch in late February.

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Eternity Clock winding up on PS3, Vita and PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-whodoctor-who-the-eternity-clockpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3supermassive-gamesvitaFri, 09 Dec 2011 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC player finally coming to Xbox early next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/#comments Though we focused last night on what's being delayed from the Xbox Live TV service, there are a couple of things we didn't have timelines for in the past to be excited about! Or, at least, for UK residents to be excited about. Like Lovefilm, which will be available tomorrow.

Having finally hammered out an agreement in October allowing access to both Silver and Gold members, the BBC will be available through Xbox Live in the UK in "early 2012." Microsoft and the BBC had better get back to hammering, though, as the actual details of the offering aren't final. "We're still working with the BBC to define exactly what we're going to be bringing, but it's going to be 2012," XBL UK product manager Pav Bhardwaj told Eurogamer. "We're working with them now to make sure it's a really compelling, strong application."

Basically, it's unclear whether the BBC app will be an implementation of the existing iPlayer app or something else. What is clear is that, as required by the BBC, it'll be free to everyone who pays license fees. "As long as you're connected to the internet it will be free to every Xbox Live customer," Bhardwaj said. Once again, that's every Xbox Live customer in the UK. Sorry, New World Whovians.

JoystiqBBC player finally coming to Xbox early next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdashboard-update-fall-2011europelovefilmmicrosoftukxboxxbox-liveMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who and You going online in 'Worlds of Time']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/doctor-who-and-you-going-online-in-worlds-of-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/doctor-who-and-you-going-online-in-worlds-of-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/doctor-who-and-you-going-online-in-worlds-of-time/#comments It's a good thing the TARDIS is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside, because the good Doctor is about to pack a clown car-esque number of companions in there. BBC and developer Three Rings have announced a partnership to create a "free-to-play multiplayer online game" based on the long-running British television series, titled Doctor Who: Worlds in Time.

According to the game's press release announcement, players will "be able to follow in the footsteps of the eccentric and brilliant Doctor by travelling through time and space, exploring new worlds and encountering many alien races, both friend and foe." We wonder if Daleks are going to make an appearance? Nah, that seems pretty unlikely. Keep an eye out for more info next week, when Three Rings will share more details about the title during GDC 2011.

Continue reading Doctor Who and You going online in 'Worlds of Time'

JoystiqDoctor Who and You going online in 'Worlds of Time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-whodoctor-who-worlds-in-timefree-to-playpcthree-ringsFri, 25 Feb 2011 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC: Spanish police arrest blackmailing Nintendo hacker [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/bbc-spanish-police-arrest-blackmailing-nintendo-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/bbc-spanish-police-arrest-blackmailing-nintendo-hacker/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/bbc-spanish-police-arrest-blackmailing-nintendo-hacker/#comments According to a report from BBC News, Spanish police recently arrested a man in the southern province of Malaga who illicitly obtained personal information on over 4,000 "Nintendo users" -- assumedly gamers who made purchases on the Wii and DSi Stores. The man reportedly warned Nintendo that he would contact the country's data protection agency and reveal the gaps in Nintendo's defenses -- though it's unclear whether the info was obtained directly through Nintendo or a third-party source. After Nintendo failed to respond to him, he reportedly began to leak the info onto the internet.

We've contacted Nintendo for a comment on the BBC report, but don't have our fingers crossed as this is still an ongoing investigation. Maybe we should contact this incarcerated hacker to get Nintendo's comment, since he's apparently capable of getting all up in their infos.

Update: According to a report on El Mundo, the hacked data in question didn't come from one of the console-based services, but a website for upcoming 3DS preview events. ElOtroLado user adan_gecko discovered a vulnerability allowing any user to see or even modify the list of people who signed up for more information. He said that he reported this vulnerability to Nintendo, and this appears to be the infraction in question. Thanks to Elideb for the extra information.

JoystiqBBC: Spanish police arrest blackmailing Nintendo hacker [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdshacknintendosecuritywiiwii-shopTue, 15 Feb 2011 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ITV and Channel 4 on demand coming to PS3s in the UK this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/bbc-bringing-itv-and-channel-4-on-demand-to-ps3s-in-the-uk-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/bbc-bringing-itv-and-channel-4-on-demand-to-ps3s-in-the-uk-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/bbc-bringing-itv-and-channel-4-on-demand-to-ps3s-in-the-uk-this/#comments After long last, British television services ITV and Channel 4 are coming to PlayStation 3 in the UK this week. The BBC's iPlayer service launched on the console a little while back (first unofficially and then officially), but this new development brings some of Britain's most popular on-demand content, including shows Coronation Street and The Inbetweeners (both of which many US readers have probably never heard of), to Sony's console.

Channel 4 tells the Guardian that it is "not saying no" to a similar deal with Microsoft for the Xbox 360, but that the other console company isn't seeking out a deal either. And the Wii is a no-go, apparently, because the platform can't offer advertising options. Both services should, however, launch on the PS3 for free to UK users sometime this week. If you're jealous of the UK's extra video content, US viewers, just head on over to Hulu and imagine what life would be like if every video you hit play on just told you it was "not available in your region." Yeah. Let them have their fun.

Update: A previous version of this post stated that the BBC owned ITV and Channel 4, but they are actually competing public television services in Britain. Sorry for the confusion.

JoystiqITV and Channel 4 on demand coming to PS3s in the UK this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcchannel-4great-britainitvplaystationps3ukunited-kingdomTue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Doctor Who adventure game of the season coming Christmas Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/last-doctor-who-adventure-game-of-the-season-coming-christmas-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/last-doctor-who-adventure-game-of-the-season-coming-christmas-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/last-doctor-who-adventure-game-of-the-season-coming-christmas-da/#commentsIt may not be as nice as finding a for-real sonic screwdriver under your tree, but the BBC does have a great holiday gift in mind for any Doctor Who fan: the last episode of the first season of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games, called "Shadows of the Vashta Nerada." This episode takes place during Christmas and entirely underwater, and it'll be available for download on Christmas Day.

If you're a UK resident, it's a really cheap gift -- like all the episodes, it'll be free. US residents will have to pay $5 for it, or $12.95 for the whole season.

JoystiqLast Doctor Who adventure game of the season coming Christmas Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesmacpcrelease-dateshadows-of-the-vashta-neradaukThu, 02 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC America programming now available on PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/bbc-america-programming-now-available-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/bbc-america-programming-now-available-on-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/27/bbc-america-programming-now-available-on-psn/#comments Sony announced this week that BBC America programming is heading to PlayStation 3's across the United States. To kick off the new partnership, BBC America has made the first episode of the American version of "Top Gear" available at no charge (normally $1.99 for SD, $2.99 for HD), at least for the first two weeks. "Doctor Who" and "Being Human" will join "Top Gear" on the network's launch list at some point in December, and BBC America promises to "rapidly add BBC programming each week, including the best of the BBC's library as well as currently airing series."

As you've likely already guessed, the BBC's offerings can be found in the video section of the PlayStation Store starting right now.

JoystiqBBC America programming now available on PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-americabeing-humandoctor-whoplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-storeps3psnpspsonytop-gearSat, 27 Nov 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: Mazes of Time coming to iPhone, iPad this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/doctor-who-mazes-of-time-coming-to-iphone-ipad-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/doctor-who-mazes-of-time-coming-to-iphone-ipad-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/doctor-who-mazes-of-time-coming-to-iphone-ipad-this-holiday/#comments Doctor Who, the lonely lord who taught us that time is "wibbly wobbly," is heading to iOS devices with an app titled Mazes of Time. The game, based on the popular BBC show, is expected before Christmas and will be developed by Dundee, Scotland-based developer Tag Games.

"Doctor Who is the UK's number one science fiction property, and I think it is in the BBC's top three for worldwide sales, so it is great to bring it to Dundee - especially in light of what happened at Realtime Worlds and the effect it had on Dundee," a developer spokesman told The Courier. "It shows there is still something positive we can bring to the sector."

Tag has also made apps based on the UK's Channel 4 properties Come Dine With Me and Peep Show, which doesn't sound half as interesting as a potential app combining the two: Come Dine With Me at the Peep Show.

JoystiqDoctor Who: Mazes of Time coming to iPhone, iPad this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCDoctor-WhoDoctor-Who-Mazes-of-TimemacmobileThu, 25 Nov 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[UK's Channel 4 kills digital innovation fund [Update: Lots of gaming still 'on the slate for 2011' at Channel 4]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/uks-channel-4-kills-digital-innovation-fund/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/uks-channel-4-kills-digital-innovation-fund/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/08/uks-channel-4-kills-digital-innovation-fund/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UK's Channel 4 is ceasing 4iP, its £20m digital innovation fund. The division was responsible for digital innovations like AudioBoo and Privates. Any projects currently in development will finish and the remaining 40 percent of the fund will be redistributed.

We remembered that Channel 4 was funding Introversion's Chronometer, but studio co-founder Mark Morris tells us it "never got taken forward beyond the concept stage." Morris elaborated, "Sad news about C4 though, they were doing some good in the business."

[Update 10/8 3pm ET: Channel 4's Alice Taylor - you may recognize her blog, Wonderland! - took to the comments to clarify how this affects some projects: "Naw. Mixup. 4iP is going, but it wasn't responsible for Privates. 4iP's closure doesn't affect The Curfew, or Privates DLC, or 1066, or Smokescreen, or Cover Girl, or Trafalgar Origins, or 303 Squadron, or Ada, or Bow Street Runner, or the 8 or so new game commissions we've got on the slate for 2011. 4iP's games: Papa Sangre and friends, they'll still turn up too. Hope that helps!

It sure does. Thanks, Alice!]

JoystiqUK's Channel 4 kills digital innovation fund [Update: Lots of gaming still 'on the slate for 2011' at Channel 4] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4ipBBCChannel-4IntroversionMark-MorrispcprivatesUKFri, 08 Oct 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games receiving second season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/20/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-receiving-second-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Doctor Who: The Adventure Games will return for a second season, which will tie into the next series starring the eleventh Doctor. The BBC's Simon Nelson said the the company would be "daft" not to commission another season after 1.6 million downloads of the initial episodes.

Episode four of Doctor Who:TAG's first season will be available "later in the year," free to UK residents. The series is available in North America through Direct2Drive at $13 for the whole bundle.

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games receiving second season originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCbbc-wales-interactiveDoctor-Whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesmacpcSumo-DigitalMon, 20 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fly the TARDIS in third Doctor Who: The Adventure Games episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/22/fly-the-tardis-in-third-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-episode/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Traveling through time is tough. Unless you were lucky enough to be born as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Doc Brown (or his young companion, Marty McFly) or something, it's pretty much been a crapshoot for most of us human beings. The only other possible option has been to meet The Doctor.

A more realistic alternative than trying to track that dude down is to play Doctor Who: The Adventure Games and BBC has announced that the upcoming third episode -- due to launch on August 27, but only available to UK residents -- will give players an intimate look behind the blue doors of the TARDIS and even let them pilot it. For the unaware, the TARDIS is the it's-a-police-box-but-not-really structure that allows The Doctor and his companion to traipse through time and space. So it would seem that next week Einstein-Rosen Bridge enthusiasts will finally have a viable fix!

Now if only we could fast-forward to next week. Jean-Claude, if you're reading this, would you mind helping us out?

JoystiqFly the TARDIS in third Doctor Who: The Adventure Games episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-wales-interactivedoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesmacpcsumo-digitaltardisSun, 22 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forgive the TARDIS-ness: Doctor Who games arrive today in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/forgive-the-tardis-ness-doctor-who-games-arrive-today-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/forgive-the-tardis-ness-doctor-who-games-arrive-today-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/forgive-the-tardis-ness-doctor-who-games-arrive-today-in-the-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PC gamers in the US who felt like they were getting sonic-screwdrivered-over by not being able to play the BBC's free Doctor Who: The Adventure Games have some good news today. Direct2Drive has made the first two episodes, City of the Daleks and Blood of the Cybermen, available exclusively via its download service, for a price. The two Sumo Digital-developed installments can be had as a bundle for $4.95.

What you won't find at Direct2Drive: the Mac versions of the Adventures. Though out in the UK, they seem to have just missed the TARDIS before it vanished. We're getting in touch with the D2D folks to find out if us Yanks who think different will ever see Who here -- and if there are plans to bring over the two yet-to-be-released episodes, as well.

JoystiqForgive the TARDIS-ness: Doctor Who games arrive today in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCdirect2driveDoctor-Who-The-Adventure-GamespcThu, 22 Jul 2010 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games now available (and free) in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-now-available-and-free-in-the/#comments Brilliant! Folks living in the land from whence the time-traveling, sonic-screwdriving adventurer originated can now download the first episode in Sumo Interactive's Doctor Who: The Adventure Games for free. Titled "City of the Daleks," the game sees the Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond, in an alternate version of London in 1963, where the nefarious Daleks have taken over the city and are baking cakes for everybody. (Just kidding! They're murdering everyone. That's what Daleks do.)

Us Americans will have to wait until "early July," when the game will be available for us to purchase. Yes, purchase. Like, with money. Life can be so unfair sometimes.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games now available (and free) in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbccity-of-the-daleksdoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamessumo-digitalThu, 03 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Doctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-dev-diary-is-photogenic/#comments Can't wait for next Saturday to finally bring you the first installment in the Doctor Who: The Adventure Games series? Your two options boil down to either hopping into your discreet, time-traveling police box and moving two weeks into the future, or ... you know, waiting. Fortunately, the latter should be made more bearable by watching the developer diary posted after the jump.

Watch as the ever-charming Matt Smith (the titular Doctor) and Karen Gillan (companion Amy Pond) do some rotoscoping photo shoots, and lend their voices to the game. Then watch as the developer works on facial animations, which results in the horrifying texture seen above. Not so pretty now, is he, ladies?

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading Doctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic

JoystiqDoctor Who: The Adventure Games dev diary is photogenic originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbcdev-diarydoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamessumo-digitalvideoMon, 24 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Doctor Who: The Adventure Games' premieres June 5, teaser revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-premieres-june-5-teaser-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-premieres-june-5-teaser-revea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/doctor-who-the-adventure-games-premieres-june-5-teaser-revea/#comments The Doctor Who adventure game will premiere on June 5, 2010, according to the BBC. In the first of the four free interactive episodes, the new Doctor and his companion find themselves in a destroyed version of 1963 London, battling (shock of shocks!) the Daleks.

For those who aren't up on their Who, almost the entire series is now on Netflix -- available on demand through all current consoles, personal computers and TARDIS interfaces. The new series is currently airing on BBC America, Saturdays at 9PM. Interested web travelers will find a trailer for the game embedded after the break.

[Via Videogamer]

Continue reading 'Doctor Who: The Adventure Games' premieres June 5, teaser revealed

Joystiq'Doctor Who: The Adventure Games' premieres June 5, teaser revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbcbbc-americadoctor-whodoctor-who-the-adventure-gamesepisodicmacMon, 19 Apr 2010 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC bringing Doctor Who: The Adventure Games to PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/bbc-bringing-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-to-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/bbc-bringing-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-to-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/bbc-bringing-doctor-who-the-adventure-games-to-pc-mac/#comments The interesting thing about BBC's announcement of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games -- instead of it sounding like farmed-out licensed schlock -- is there appears to be some actual creative weight behind it. Beginning in June 2010, four original "interactive episodes" will release for free on the BBC Doctor Who website. The episodes feature the current cast, and are executive produced by new show-runner Steven Moffat and Broken Sword designer Charles Cecil, with story and script by Doctor Who and Torchwood alumni. It's being developed by Sumo Digital.

Piers Wender, head of drama for BBC Wales and executive producer for Doctor Who says, "There aren't 13 episodes of Doctor Who this year, there are 17 - four of which are interactive."

The BBC had previously stated it was looking into multiple "experiences" for Doctor Who games. Depending on the quality of the final product, this certainly opens up new trans-media opportunities for network television beyond Flash games and webisodes. And yes, we still wish Telltale Games were involved.

JoystiqBBC bringing Doctor Who: The Adventure Games to PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebbccharles-cecildoctor-whoepisodicThu, 08 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC plans multiple Doctor Who games and 'experiences']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/bbc-plans-multiple-doctor-who-games-and-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/bbc-plans-multiple-doctor-who-games-and-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/bbc-plans-multiple-doctor-who-games-and-experiences/#comments BBC Worldwide explains to MCV that it's in "interesting discussions" about Doctor Who-based games that are "complementary to each rather than in competition." All we're going to say is that Telltale better be at the table for these discussions. A representative for BBC expressed that the series has "a huge shelf life going back 47 years - it's about managing and satisfying expectations of both older and younger audiences."

Apparently the Doctor Who game ideas involve "boxed product console games, virtual worlds and other experiences." With the long-running BBC series headed for a reboot later this year, with a new Doctor (who looks like he stumbled out of Skins) and show-runner, it'll be interesting to see if the fanbase follows and buys games for the series.

JoystiqBBC plans multiple Doctor Who games and 'experiences' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-whoFri, 29 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC wants back into the game biz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/bbc-wants-back-into-the-game-biz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/bbc-wants-back-into-the-game-biz/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/bbc-wants-back-into-the-game-biz/#comments The BBC has a ton of great IPs under its publicly-funded belt, but hasn't had a lot of luck transitioning those into quality interactive entertainment. According to MCV, the Brits are looking to change that, currently seeking out developers and publishers to turn Doctor Who, Top Gear, In The Night Garden and other properties into games for the Wii, DS, iPhone and (hooray!) Facebook.

OK, so it's not quite the Doctor Who adventure game that we (and Telltale!) were hoping for. But we guess you've got to start somewhere, even if you're a Time Lord.

JoystiqBBC wants back into the game biz originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebbcdoctor-whoDSfacebookiPodNintendotop-gearWiiSat, 23 Jan 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer for 360 indefinitely postponed due to disagreement with Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/bbc-iplayer-for-360-indefinitely-postponed-due-to-disagreement-w/#comments Though the BBC iPlayer is already available on the Wii and PS3 overseas, it seems a disagreement between the television corporation and Microsoft will keep the platform off of the Xbox 360 for the time being. According to a recent Telegraph article, sources close to the BBC's Future Media and Technology department claim that Microsoft's desire to make the iPlayer a Gold Subscriber-exclusive feature is "incompatible with the BBC's public service remit."

An unnamed BBC representative reportedly explained, "this does not fit with the BBC's model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible." We've contacted Microsoft to hear the other half of the story.

JoystiqBBC iPlayer for 360 indefinitely postponed due to disagreement with Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayergold-subscriptioniplayermicrosoftxbox-360xbox-liveSun, 29 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study scrutinizes shooters for violations of war crime laws]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/study-scrutinizes-shooters-for-violations-of-war-crime-laws/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/study-scrutinizes-shooters-for-violations-of-war-crime-laws/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/24/study-scrutinizes-shooters-for-violations-of-war-crime-laws/#comments Two Swiss humanitarian organizations recently examined 20 shooting-centric video games to determine whether they allowed players to break the wartime guidelines laid out by the Geneva Convention -- rules which prohibit torture, destroying "protected objects" (such as churches or mosques), or, say, shooting a bunch of people who are waiting to catch a plane. The games observed, which include 24: The Game, Call of Duty 4 and 5 (we assume they meant Modern Warfare 2) and Metal Gear Solid, were largely panned for allowing the player to simply ignore the Geneva Convention's statutes.

According to a BBC report on the study, the two groups explained that while players of these titles may never become soldiers, these war crime violations could "influence what people believe war is like and how soldiers conduct themselves in the real world."

In short, you should feel bad about your recent airport murder spree in Modern Warfare 2. Not for the moral implications of killing dozens and dozens of innocent people, mind you -- but because it was against the rules.

JoystiqStudy scrutinizes shooters for violations of war crime laws originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-the-gamebbcgeneva-conventionHumanitarianmetal-gear-solidmodern-warfare-2studywar-crimeTue, 24 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC asks: What happened to Second Life?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbc-asks-what-happened-to-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbc-asks-what-happened-to-second-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/bbc-asks-what-happened-to-second-life/#comments You don't see nearly the amount of coverage of Second Life (or as we call it in these parts, PlayStation Home's creepy, aggressively pornographic uncle) these days as you used to, and BBC did a little digging to find out why. Their discovery? Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but Second Life sucks. It's overly complicated to control, it's full of some truly horrific human beings, there are many better social networking hubs and (perhaps most importantly) companies that sunk a bunch of money into it rarely got their investments back.

What the BBC seems to be implying is that Second Life was largely a media-created phenomenon, with journalists and public figures so smitten by the idea of a virtual world, no one stopped to notice that it was a wretched hive of scum and villainy.

Besides, everybody knows that HiPiHi is where it's at.

JoystiqBBC asks: What happened to Second Life? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbclinden-labmmosecond-lifeFri, 20 Nov 2009 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC's 'The Big Questions' tackles Modern Warfare 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bbcs-the-big-questions-tackles-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bbcs-the-big-questions-tackles-modern-warfare-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/bbcs-the-big-questions-tackles-modern-warfare-2/#comments In case you were wondering yet had no intention of finding out for yourself, Modern Warfare 2 was released specifically to offend you. "The Big Questions" takes on this exact subject in this week's episode, hosting a handful of religious leaders as well as a couple of knowledgeable game industry folks. Though we feel that the game's graphic scenes are somewhat on par with action movies like Heat or Ronin (and are nowhere near as offensive as something like, say, Hostel - or even the 30-year-old Texas Chainsaw Massacre), religious leaders guesting on this week's BBC program took approximately forty seconds before enacting Godwin's Law when speaking about the game, according to an MCV report.

"Joseph Goebbels said his entertainment did more for the German people, in terms of creating the psyche for war and hostility towards others, than the speeches of Adolf Hitler ... the idea this is entertainment is not justification whatsoever, " Fazan Mohammed of the British Muslim Forum told viewers. Thankfully, Future Publishing's James Binns kept a level head among knee-jerk claims (unlike that other gentleman). "We can make all entertainment for children, or we can take proper steps to try and protect children from adult entertainment."

So, whaddya say, folks? Modern Warfare 3 with major battles between adorable stuffed pandas and adorable stuffed kodiaks, and when they get shot (with hearts) they explode candy? Where do we sign up?!

JoystiqBBC's 'The Big Questions' tackles Modern Warfare 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbbccall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2controversygodwins-lawinfinity-wardmcvmodern-warfare-2sensationalismthe-big-questionsMon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC iPlayer relaunching as a dedicated Wii Channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/bbc-iplayer-relaunching-as-a-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/bbc-iplayer-relaunching-as-a-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/bbc-iplayer-relaunching-as-a-dedicated-wii-channel/#commentsThe BBC iPlayer, only available in the UK, is proof that streaming video can work on the Wii -- like the Wii no Ma service, Minna no Theater Wii, and the Nintendo Channel. Well, maybe not that last one, given the stuttery playback of Nintendo Week whenever we attempt to watch it.

As rumored, the Wii's iPlayer is moving up from a nice browser-based app to its very own Wii Channel. BBC dated the launch of the new iPlayer download for November 18. It'll be a free download, and, once again, only available in the UK. We'd pay the licence fee if you'd let us, BBC!

[Thanks, Bobulous!]

JoystiqBBC iPlayer relaunching as a dedicated Wii Channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayerchannelsstreaming-videoukvideoFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony attacks BBC Watchdog's PS3 hardware failure report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/sony-attacks-bbc-watchdogs-ps3-hardware-failure-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/sony-attacks-bbc-watchdogs-ps3-hardware-failure-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/sony-attacks-bbc-watchdogs-ps3-hardware-failure-report/#comments Tonight's episode of the BBC consumer advocacy program Watchdog will scrutinize a phenomenon which a few of you might be familiar with -- the PlayStation 3's "Yellow Light of Death." However, before the episode hit the airwaves, Sony UK Managing Director Ray Maguire issued a six-page response to the Watchdog team, picking apart the program's investigative methods and questioning their findings.

During the episode, the Watchdog team sends Sony a technical report for three PS3s which had succumbed to hardware failure. This is one of Sony's biggest issues with the report -- Maguire explained, "The testing concerned a sample of only three PS3s, which cannot, on any basis, be deemed to be representative of a UK user base of 2.5 million."

According to Maguire, Sony's got some numbers of its own for hardware failure rates. With a quick search of the company's warranty database, Maguire found that, "fewer than one half of one per cent of units have been reported as failing in circumstances where the yellow indicator is illuminated." You should be able to watch the controversial episode on the Watchdog site within the next few days (or after the break) -- but GamesIndustry has the entire transcript of Sony's letter for your immediate perusal.

Continue reading Sony attacks BBC Watchdog's PS3 hardware failure report

JoystiqSony attacks BBC Watchdog's PS3 hardware failure report originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbchardware-failureinvestigationsonywatchdogylodThu, 17 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bon Jovi turned down inclusion in Guitar Hero 5, supports Love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/bon-jovi-turned-down-inclusion-in-guitar-hero-5-supports-love/#comments Even though his songs have landed in music games far and wide, Jon Bon Jovi said in a recent interview that he turned down Activision's offer to be included as a playable character in Guitar Hero 5. "They [Activision] wanted me to be on that game and I just passed," Bon Jovi told the BBC. "To hear someone else's voice coming out of a cartoon version of me? I don't know," he added, siding with Kurt Cobain's widow Courtney Love, and others tied to the Nirvana estate, against the use of Cobain's likeness in GH5.

Bon Jovi explained that no one at Activision "even broached the subject with me that I would be singing other people's stuff ... I don't know how I would have reacted to that." In the meantime, Activision has retorted that Love did evidently sign a contract -- but according to Bon Jovi's statements, it appears as though she may have not reacted to the fine print.

JoystiqBon Jovi turned down inclusion in Guitar Hero 5, supports Love originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbbcbon-jovibusinesscourtney-loveguitar-heroguitar-hero-5jon-bon-jovikurt-cobainMicrosoftmusicNintendorhythmWiiXbox-360Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 overtakes Mac, becomes second biggest iPlayer platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/ps3-overtakes-mac-becomes-second-biggest-iplayer-platform/#comments
UK residents are lucky enough to have access to iPlayer, a web-based service that streams BBC programming for free. Firmware 3.00 adds iPlayer to the Video section of the XMB (provided you live in the UK, and have a UK-purchased system). It seems the added spotlight of iPlayer has increased viewership significantly, as PS3 now accounts for 10% of all iPlayer viewing. In comparison, Mac accounts for only 8.5% of viewership.

The success of services like BBC iPlayer and Vidzone show how important non-gaming applications are to PS3 owners. Hopefully, figures like these will convince other players -- like Hulu -- to join in on the PlayStation party.

JoystiqPS3 overtakes Mac, becomes second biggest iPlayer platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayerxmbWed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pong boots whip you when you lose]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/pong-boots-whip-you-when-you-lose/#comments
The next time someone picks on you for reading Joystiq, a site devoted exclusively to reporting how many copies of Dragon Quest IX have sold and which games have been delayed until 2010 (hint: all of them), we want you to laugh right in their stupid faces. We at Joystiq are proud to announce today that we've branched out into stories about boots that play Pong and whip you when you lose.

Now, you may say that Ellie Gibson's video profile of the bizarre game's inventor is -- well, it's a bit creepy. And you'd be right. But we're not afraid to admit that it's also just the eenziest bit sexy. Eenzy ... like just a minuscule dollop of sexy.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqPong boots whip you when you lose originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcellie-gibsonpongretroThu, 30 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Are you listening, BBC? Telltale wants to make Doctor Who games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/are-you-listening-bbc-telltale-wants-to-make-doctor-who-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/are-you-listening-bbc-telltale-wants-to-make-doctor-who-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/are-you-listening-bbc-telltale-wants-to-make-doctor-who-games/#comments During an interview with UK Develop magazine, Telltale's CEO Dan Connor's discussed the licenses that he'd love the company to work on in the future. Getting hold of the Monkey Island license was a pretty major coup, but he's also got his eye on The Young Ones -- a classic UK comedy show -- The Big Lebowski and Spinal Tap. Another name that gets passed around the office quite often, which may be more plausible, is Doctor Who.

"We do get emails from people asking us to make a Doctor Who series," Connors says. "Maybe if we can get a channel into the UK with Wallace & Gromit we could talk business with the BBC, that would be really good for us." We have a feeling it would be really good for us, too. The Doctor Who universe fits Telltale's point-and-click episodic style perfectly and, with some direct input from the producers of the show, could tie in very nicely to fill in some between-episode gaps. Worse things have been done with the franchise, after all.

JoystiqAre you listening, BBC? Telltale wants to make Doctor Who games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdoctor-whotelltaleMon, 08 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto flattered, not worried by Sony, Microsoft motion controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/miyamoto-flattered-not-worried-by-sony-microsoft-motion-contro/#comments If there was one driving theme behind this year's E3, it was that motion controls are too cool for school. However, even with both Microsoft and Sony jumping onto the bandwagon with their own gesture-based antics, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto tells the BBC that he's "not worried at all" about being left behind.

In fact, the brain trust says that Nintendo's "very flattered" by the competition. Still, Miyamoto barbed his comments, stating that, based on what he's seen so far, neither competitor's motion controllers "have the type of depth that we're able to provide with Wii Motion Plus." Sony. Microsoft. You hear that hitting the floor? That's the gauntlet.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqMiyamoto flattered, not worried by Sony, Microsoft motion controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbce3-2009Microsoftmiyamotomotion-controlmotion-controlsmotion-sensingmotionsensingnintendoshigeru-miyamotoshigerumiyamotoWiiXbox-360Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: BBC iPlayer getting dedicated Wii channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/rumor-bbc-iplayer-getting-dedicated-wii-channel/#comments
According to Cubed3, Nintendo has approved plans for the BBC to release a dedicated iPlayer Channel for the UK market. Sources tell the British tech site that the BBC plans to launch the Wii Channel in Q2 2009, and that the service will be comparable in quality to the current mobile iPlayer services. Improvements are allegedly planned for a future version.

In October, the official BBC blog revealed it had optimized the iPlayer for the Nintendo Wii after previously mentioning the possibility of a dedicated channel for the service.

Cubed3 also reports that the broadcasting channel is looking to expand into video game development, but no franchises were mentioned. Can anyone say Bargain Hunt: The Game?

JoystiqRumor: BBC iPlayer getting dedicated Wii channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc-iplayeriplayerrumorwii-channelwii-channelsMon, 06 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC Watchdog gets to the bottom of Xbox 360 disc scratching]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/bbc-watchdog-gets-to-the-bottom-of-xbox-360-disc-scratching/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/bbc-watchdog-gets-to-the-bottom-of-xbox-360-disc-scratching/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/bbc-watchdog-gets-to-the-bottom-of-xbox-360-disc-scratching/#comments
We've all known about a busted Xbox 360's ability to not only self-destruct, but to also trash any games you place into the console. Bumps, vibrations, or any kind of movement while a game is being played can bring about a quick death to that particular disc, and now the problem has reached the doorstep of BBC Watchdog, who decided to conduct some tests of their own.

Taking a new Xbox 360 and one that had been known to cause the circular disc scratch, BBC Watchdog placed each console on a level surface with a vase of water next to it to help monitor movement. Then, the tests began, starting with small vibrations to simulate walking around the house. Both consoles passed, but when the strength of the vibrations was increased to the level of a book dropping on a table, the older Xbox 360 put a big ring on the disc inside of it, whereas the new unit performed swimmingly.

As always, the emphasis is on keeping the Xbox 360 on a level, safe place when playing. We understand that hardware malfunctions can be a touchy subject, but throwing a tantrum with a disc in the tray might be a bad idea.

JoystiqBBC Watchdog gets to the bottom of Xbox 360 disc scratching originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdiscscratchdiscscratchingMicrosoftscratchukwatchdogXbox-360Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds unique gaming disease 'PlayStation palmar hidradenitis']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/25/study-finds-unique-gaming-disease-playstation-palmar-hidradenit/#comments
Based on a report from BBC, it would appear researchers have discovered a disease that has hitherto gone undiagnosed by modern medicine: PlayStation palmar hidradenitis. As one might imagine, it has something to do with "PlayStation" and the "palms of your hands." See, using that controller is not only killing your (virtual) enemies, it's also killing you.

According to the report, researchers emphasized the case of one 12-year-old girl who arrived at Geneva University Hospital in Switzerland with sores on her palms. She had recently struck up a fascination with a PlayStation game (sorry, the exact title isn't mentioned) and despite developing these sores, continued to play. That's when her folks brought her to the hospital. After 10 days of abstaining from the deadly activity, however, she was sore free! We're sorry, but we wouldn't call that "PlayStation palmar hidradenitis." We'd probably call it: Stop squeezing the controller like you want to break it!

Our favorite line in the entire piece has to be this: "For the disorder to only affect the hands is very unusual." So, wait, you're telling us it's unusual for this so-called disease, the one that comes from using a game controller, to only affect the hands? What other body parts are interacting with your controller?

[Thanks, RazorD!]

JoystiqStudy finds unique gaming disease 'PlayStation palmar hidradenitis' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcgeneva-university-hospitalmedicalmedicineplaystationplaystation-palmar-hidradenitisresearchstudyswitzerlandtherapyWed, 25 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: 2009 release calender 'all looking a bit dry']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're less than a week into the new year, and already some people are casting doubting glances at the industry. And by some people, we mean Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, who recently told the BBC that 2009's upcoming slate of game releases is "all looking a bit dry." The face behind our favorite game of 2008 also spoke out against current retail prices, predicting "a lot of price pressure put on games" in the future. Good thing, as we need to buy something to wash all of this down.

Noted Molyneux, "All the triple A titles came out this Christmas and while there is stuff in 2010 we can look forward to, off the top of my head I cannot think of anything next year that really excites me." Of the things that get him going, one is likely to be his next "super secret" project, a game that he teased "might" be revealed next year. Dmitri, is that you?

JoystiqMolyneux: 2009 release calender 'all looking a bit dry' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbbcfable-2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGMon, 05 Jan 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: EverQuest II population may be 40% female]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/study-everquest-ii-population-may-be-40-female/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/study-everquest-ii-population-may-be-40-female/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/study-everquest-ii-population-may-be-40-female/#commentsFiled under:


Shocking news: The half-naked human (elf, or cat-thing) female dancing for tips in the main city of your favorite MMORPG might actually be played by a real woman. The BBC reports on a study by researcher Scott Caplan at the University of Delaware, which examined gender differences in 2,400 EverQuest II players, and found that 40% of the gamers were female.

Although 40% does sound awfully high, it does help alter the stereotype of the genre which has a bunch of middle-aged men living in their parents' basements. Caplan says the perception of video games is in a "cultural time lag" and that people are still ascribing decade-old stereotypes to video game players.

Caplan also found an unusually high level of female bisexuality in the survey group, which was apparently "five times higher than the general population." Another thing Caplan found was that the women's self-reported exercise regimes and body mass indexes were better than the general population.

We suddenly imagine subscription numbers for EverQuest II going way up as boys clamor to hit it off with a glamazon.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqStudy: EverQuest II population may be 40% female originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbceverquest-2everquest-iistudywomenTue, 23 Dec 2008 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[UK parents instructed about knockoff consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/bbc-warns-parents-of-knockoff-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/bbc-warns-parents-of-knockoff-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/bbc-warns-parents-of-knockoff-consoles/#commentsFiled under:


Knockoff electronics must be a big issue in the UK, because the BBC is airing a public service advisary from Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs that takes extra care to show parents and other potential gaming consumers the warning signs of counterfeit goods. Not only is it a danger to shoppers because it's not what they intended to purchase, but because these counterfeit devices could pose a fire hazard or some other danger to the child or children the gift is intended for. They provide a handy little checklist that allows consumers to know if they're looking at a legit Nintendo handheld or some knockoff.

JoystiqUK parents instructed about knockoff consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccounterfeitds-liteukFri, 05 Dec 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 now fully supported by BBC iPlayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/ps3-now-fully-supported-by-bbc-iplayer/#commentsFiled under:

We've been waiting for native iPlayer support on our PS3 since a cunning coder created their own workaround site back in April. Finally our wait is over and PS3 everywhere (well, in the UK at least) can enjoy the BBC's latest offerings through their PS3s. Simply head on over to the official website and you will be shown the new, specially made PS3 version (also accessible from your PC, if you so wish). Now catching up with Merlin, Nevermind the Buzzcocks and Heroes has never been easier.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqPS3 now fully supported by BBC iPlayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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