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[Struggling with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim one year later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/struggling-with-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-one-year-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/struggling-with-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-one-year-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/struggling-with-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-one-year-later/#comments This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity. This week Rowan explores the one-year anniversary of Skyrim, a game that - despite critical and commercial success, including a 5-star review from Joystiq - he still can't get a good handle on.

Skyrim's birthday love is easy acceptance is hard
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim hit the first anniversary of its 2011 release this month. Despite a year's worth of play, criticism, mods, and add-ons, I still don't have a good handle on Skyrim in its entirety. It's a game that I'm happy to have played, and recommend highly to anyone who might enjoy it and can afford it. But it's also a game that I give up on fairly quickly, every time I start a new character.

The reason I want Skyrim to hold my interest is because I have a strong, positive gut reaction to much of what Skyrim does. Some of my favorite occasions in games occur when you come to an overlook and catch a moment of sheer beauty. When you wander into a snow-covered town and the music gently plays in the background. When game systems combine and something new emerges from what had been previously predictable. In these moments the experience feels just right. Moments like this help to enhance the experience, unfolding into something grand.

And Skyrim is full of these occasions. Bethesda's latest title in the longstanding franchise has the relative beauty of Ultima VII, the magic of Daggerfall, and the emergent narrative of Far Cry 2. I get sequences in Skyrim where I'm faced with an impending dragon attack, introducing a beast much too powerful for my character. Worried about my survival, I duck into a tomb for safety only to be greeted by the most powerful undead adversary I've yet to meet. Stuck between both, and at the edge of a cliff, I fall and hope to catch tiny ledges on my way down. If I survive, the music calms and I can limp into town to lick my wounds and consider my next step.

Continue reading Struggling with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim one year later

JoystiqStruggling with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim one year later originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-Studioselder-scrolls-5microsoftOpinionpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 30 Nov 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Learning how to creep in Dishonored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/learning-how-to-creep-in-dishonored/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/learning-how-to-creep-in-dishonored/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/learning-how-to-creep-in-dishonored/#comments
Creeping up on your enemies and offing them is a crucial part of Arkane's Dishonored. Protip: Don't walk in through the front door.

JoystiqLearning how to creep in Dishonored originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxThu, 23 Aug 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from Skryim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/bethesda-trademarks-hearthfire-which-is-totally-a-thing-from/#comments Bethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from SkryimUpdate: Please excuse us, but we've written about this before. Like, back in May. Sorry about that, y'all! Nothing to see here! Move right along!

When Skyrim's "Dawnguard" DLC was first outed by a trademark filing back in March, we knew little aside from the name - references to the Dawnguard could be found in Skyrim, but only vague ones. It wasn't even clear that the filing was for DLC at the time - nor is it clear today that a recently unearthed trademark filing by Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media for "Hearthfire" is Skyrim's next DLC.

But it sure smells like it. The term "Hearthfire" (or "Heartfire") correlates to the ninth month in The Elder Scrolls' world of Tamriel, as well as a set of books in the 2920 series. Bethesda is staying mum for now, telling VentureBeat that the studio, "does not comment on trademark filings." The filing was made back in May, so it's always possible that the idea has since passed.

The filing is definitely game software, per the description: "Computer game software for use with computers and video game consoles; downloadable computer game software offered via the internet and wireless devices." There's also a wholly unremarkable image alongside the trademark filing, seen above.

JoystiqBethesda trademarks 'Hearthfire,' which is totally a thing from Skryim originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdlcdownloadable-contentelder-scrolls-5heart-fireheartfirehearth-firehearthfireskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtrademarktrademark-filingunited-states-patent-and-trademark-officeusptozenimax-mediaTue, 21 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/skyrim-and-the-case-of-the-curious-cat-man-conan/#comments Skyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan
Conan O'Brien's no stranger to Skyrim, and in the 11 months since the game came out, he's been exhaustively playing the game in hopes of crafting its most definitive review. The video above is the fruition of those efforts. Or something like that, at least.

JoystiqSkyrim, and the case of the curious cat man Conan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksconan-obrienelder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimteam-cocothe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxzenimax-mediaFri, 03 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim 1.7 patch headed to PS3 'in the coming weeks,' but Dawnguard is nowhere in sight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/skyrims-1-7-patch-headed-to-ps3-in-the-coming-weeks-but-dawn/#comments Don't fret, PlayStation 3 Skyrimmers, Bethesda says the game's 1.7 patch is heading to Sony's console "in the coming weeks." Bethesda acknowledged as much in a tweet yesterday afternoon. The game's 1.7 patch on PS3 includes the various updates from 1.6 (mounted combat, new kill cams, etc.), but it falls short of adding the Dawnguard DLC, which is still exclusive to Xbox 360.

That DLC was issued a 30-day exclusivity period earlier this year - a period which expires today, reports Kotaku - but Bethesda's VP of marketing Pete Hines stated on Twitter, "We have not announced Dawnguard for any other platform, nor given a timeline for any such news. If we have news, I promise I'd tell you." He followed that up by saying, "I was simply stating that expecting/demanding something today is unfounded. Not that news is never coming." It sounds like Dawnguard may yet head to other platforms (eventually).

We've reached out to Bethesda for further comment and will let you know if we hear back.

JoystiqSkyrim 1.7 patch headed to PS3 'in the coming weeks,' but Dawnguard is nowhere in sight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.7bethesdabethesda-game-studioselder-scrolls-5playstationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdateupdate-1.7zenimax-mediaFri, 27 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-review/#comments Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review Looking for blood in all the wrong placesIn Skyrim's "Dawnguard" DLC, I became a vampire. I feasted on the blood of the living. I propelled myself forward at super vampire speed with my leathery grey vampire lord wings. I sapped the energy of my enemies with one boney claw while raising the dead to fight for me with the other, growing my powers ever stronger. I even turned into a swarm of bats and flitted across a room.

It's not as fun as it sounds.

Gallery: Skyrim: Dawnguard (E3 2012)

Continue reading Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise

JoystiqSkyrim's Dawnguard DLC review: Disappointment before sunrise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-SoftworksdawnguardDLCelder-scrolls-5Expansionkinectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxxbox-live-marketplacezenimax-mediaFri, 29 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/dishonoreds-dishonorable-sneaking-looks-like-devilishly-good-fu/#comments Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun
In between arguments about the current value of whale oil and somehow gaining superpowers, Dishonored's main character finds time to carefully sneak into brothels for murderous acts. Or he simply guns everyone down. Hey, it's your choice.

Continue reading Dishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun

JoystiqDishonored's dishonorable sneaking looks like devilishly good fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3trailerxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 28 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives tomorrow 'for English territories,' mid-July elsewhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/psa-skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-arrives-tomorrow-for-english-terr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/psa-skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-arrives-tomorrow-for-english-terr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/psa-skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-arrives-tomorrow-for-english-terr/#comments Your chance to become a vampire lord and block out Skyrim's sun forever becomes (virtual) reality tomorrow with the launch of Skyrim's first major expansion, "Dawnguard." Of course, if you can't speak English (how are you reading this?!) but can speak French, Italian, German, or Spanish, it won't be available for another few weeks. If you speak something else ... well, you might be skunked. But again, you're probably not reading this if that's the case. Also, you smell like feet. Take that, person who can't understand what we're saying!

Continue reading PSA: Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives tomorrow 'for English territories,' mid-July elsewhere

JoystiqPSA: Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' DLC arrives tomorrow 'for English territories,' mid-July elsewhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdawnguarddlcdownloadable-contentelder-scrolls-5expansionkinectmicrosoftpsapublic-service-announcementq3-2012release-dateskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxMon, 25 Jun 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Rage: The Scorchers' pops up on PEGI, smells like DLC to us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rage-the-scorchers-pops-up-on-pegi-smells-like-dlc-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rage-the-scorchers-pops-up-on-pegi-smells-like-dlc-to-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/rage-the-scorchers-pops-up-on-pegi-smells-like-dlc-to-us/#comments 'Rage The Scorchers' pops up on PEGI, smells like DLC to usWhen Rage launched last holiday, it made reference to a faction that didn't make it into the final game: The Scorchers. It appears that The Scorchers are back, as a listing on Europe's PEGI game rating website outs something named "Rage: The Scorchers" for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Siliconera spotted the listing and dated it to less than a week ago. For its part, Bethesda hasn't offered a comment, though we've reached out for more info. Thus far, Rage has zero DLC beyond a day-one "Anarchy Edition" bonus. Ahead of the game's launch last year, id Software's Tim Willits told GamesIndustry.biz, "Our immediate plans, of course, are some DLC for Rage," so it stands to reason that DLC of some form for the game is still planned.

Joystiq'Rage: The Scorchers' pops up on PEGI, smells like DLC to us originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksbethesda-studiosdlcdownloadable-contentexpansionexpansion-packid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ragerage-the-scorchersthe-scorchersxboxTue, 19 Jun 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Doom 3 'BFG Edition' bringing Hellspawn to retail on Oct. 16 in NA, Oct. 19 in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/doom-3-bfg-edition-bringing-hellspawn-to-retail-on-oct-16-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/doom-3-bfg-edition-bringing-hellspawn-to-retail-on-oct-16-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/doom-3-bfg-edition-bringing-hellspawn-to-retail-on-oct-16-in/#comments Doom 3 'BFG Edition' bringing Hellspawn to retail on Oct 16 in NA, Oct 19 in EUSmack in the middle of the busiest game release season of the year, Bethesda is re-launching Doom 3. The publisher announced this morning that Doom 3 "BFG Edition" - which includes "re-mastered versions" of Doom 3 and its "Resurrection of Evil" DLC, as well as the new content dubbed "The Lost Mission" - arrives on October 16 in North America and October 19 in Europe.

Should all that Doom 3 content not be enough, both Doom 1 and 2 are included in the repackaging, and the whole schebang runs $39.99 on 360/PS3, while it's $10 cheaper on PC. Of course, if you wanna play it in virtual reality, Lawnmower Man-style, that's gonna require a heck of a lot more money. And being friends with John Carmack would also help.

Continue reading Doom 3 'BFG Edition' bringing Hellspawn to retail on Oct. 16 in NA, Oct. 19 in EU

JoystiqDoom 3 'BFG Edition' bringing Hellspawn to retail on Oct. 16 in NA, Oct. 19 in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdoom-3-bfg-editionid-softwarejohn-carmackmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q4-2012release-dateremasterresurrection-of-evilxboxTue, 19 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@E3: Todd Howard's hostile takeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/seen-e3-todd-howards-hostile-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/seen-e3-todd-howards-hostile-takeover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/seen-e3-todd-howards-hostile-takeover/#comments SeenE3 We were so busy covering E3 2012, we barely noticed a smiling Todd Howard commandeering Joystiq.com (see it after the break!). Thankfully, freelancer Tyler Colp spotted the takeover and alerted us to it. We think we've removed all of Howard's hidden messages, commanding all to buy Skyrim, but we can't be BUY SKYRIM BUY SKYRIM BUY SKYRIM.

Continue reading Seen@E3: Todd Howard's hostile takeover

JoystiqSeen@E3: Todd Howard's hostile takeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-Studiose3-2012elder-scrolls-5skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTodd-HowardThu, 07 Jun 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda's Todd Howard on Dawnguard, the future of Skyrim, and Steamworks success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-dawnguard-the-future-of-skyrim-and-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-dawnguard-the-future-of-skyrim-and-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-dawnguard-the-future-of-skyrim-and-s/#comments Bethesda's Todd Howard on Dawnguard, the future of Skyrim, and Steamworks success
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim game director Todd Howard and his team at Bethesda Game Studios are weeks away - if things go according to plan - from releasing the game's first DLC 'Dawnguard.' Speaking with Joystiq, Howard detailed the balance between quality and timing when planning new content for its critically and commercially acclaimed RPG.

"There's this weird line between - if you do DLC too early everyone's pissed off. We have found, if you wait too long, they're pissed off," Howard laughed. "We have a very smart audience," he continued, noting that Skyrim players deserve content that adds more than just a few extra quests or features. "We do feel the pressure to make sure it fits into the game smoothly."

To ensure DLC doesn't remove players from the experience, Dawnguard won't notify players when the additional content has been purchased; players must find it for themselves.

"One of the potential negatives to like 'Joe Consumer' is they'll buy it, they'll load up Skyrim, they'll be like, 'Where is it?' Well, you gotta go find it," Howard explained. Dawnguard adds a new, detailed quest-line focusing on vampires, new weapons like crossbows, and even a Werewolf perk system.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 'Dawnguard' is currently scheduled to arrive on June 26 for the Xbox 360.

JoystiqBethesda's Todd Howard on Dawnguard, the future of Skyrim, and Steamworks success originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-Studiose3-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTodd-HowardxboxWed, 06 Jun 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC 'tentatively' scheduled for June 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-tentatively-scheduled-for-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-tentatively-scheduled-for-june-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/skyrims-dawnguard-dlc-tentatively-scheduled-for-june-26/#comments Following a demo of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 'Dawnguard' DLC, Bethesda's Todd Howard said that the game's first content will arrive in June.

"Tentatively," Howard explained, "it's coming on June 26." According to Bethesda's Lord of the Dragons, the DLC will hit that date as long as nothing goes wrong.

To ensure the DLC is ready, Bethesda is offering a beta for the Dawnguard DLC on Xbox 360. Dawnguard and Skyrim's second DLC pack is set to launch on the Xbox 360 first.

JoystiqSkyrim's Dawnguard DLC 'tentatively' scheduled for June 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksDawnguarddlcdownloadable-contente3-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftrelease-dateskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxWed, 06 Jun 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored pre-order bonuses continue dishonorable tradition of splitting up content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/dishonored-pre-order-bonuses-continue-dishonorable-tradition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/dishonored-pre-order-bonuses-continue-dishonorable-tradition-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/03/dishonored-pre-order-bonuses-continue-dishonorable-tradition-of/#comments Dishonored preorder bonuses continue dishonorable tradition of splitting content between several retailersThe marketing team at Bethesda Softworks cooked up a pre-order plan to go along with Dishonored that's perfectly fitting for the game's title, it seems. Like so many pre-order schemes these days, the Dishonored bonuses are varied across several retailers, making it impossible to purchase the game without a sense that you're missing something (well, unless you buy four different copies of the game, all with pre-order bonuses attached).

Should you choose to participate in this arcane chicanery, might we suggest not snagging Target's bonus? While GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart each get their own "downloadable upgrade pack" for one of the game's playable characters, Target simply gets a Dishonored "smart phone decal." Not exactly what we'd call the best convincer. Also, the Best Buy one comes with a "Whale Oil USB Lamp," so, ya know, kinda the obvious choice.

Take a look at all the options just below the break.

Gallery: Dishonored (Pre-Order Bonuses)

Continue reading Dishonored pre-order bonuses continue dishonorable tradition of splitting up content

JoystiqDishonored pre-order bonuses continue dishonorable tradition of splitting up content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonarkanearkane-studiosbest-buybethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredgamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3targetwalmartxboxSun, 03 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/doom-3-bfg-edition-brings-hell-to-360-ps3-pc-this-fall-with/#comments
Are you experiencing a dearth of Doom? id Software is worried about just that possibility, as evidenced by today's announcement of Doom 3 "BFG Edition." Doom 3 is getting remastered and repackaged, with the "Resurrection of Evil" expansion and seven brand new levels, which id are wrapping up as "The Lost Mission."

Beyond remastering graphics, id's also adding Achievements, Trophies, and 3D. In the gameplay department, a "new check point save system" is being added, and the ever-frustrating flashlight issue is being resolved with "the new armor-mounted flashlight." If that weren't enough, the BFG Edition includes both Doom 1 and 2, so you can truly vanquish every single last demon in all of the space hells, all in one package. Finally!

Continue reading Doom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow

JoystiqDoom 3 'BFG Edition' brings Hell to 360/PS3/PC 'this fall' with entire back catalog in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksbfg-editionDoom-3doom-3-bfg-editionid-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaWed, 30 May 2012 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/#comments ImageBetween Valentine's Day and now, 11.6 million Skyrim mods were downloaded from Steam, totaling 13.6 million. That's a lot of hanging out with space cores and dragons modeled after Randy Savage.

The top mods represented on Steam's Workshop as of this writing aren't adding or subtracting major things from the original game. Many extend the experience in minor ways - bolstered sound offerings, more robust map markers, new spells - while a few add whole new quests. Thankfully, Skyrim's mod community moved away from its obsession with clean faces. At least for today.

JoystiqSteam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimstatisticsstatssteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimax-mediaThu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda teases first concept of Mikami's 'Zwei,' explains what 'pure survival horror' means]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/bethesda-teases-first-concept-of-mikamis-zwei-explains-what/#comments ImageAfter Tango Gameworks head and veteran game dev Shinji Mikami outed news on his current game, "Project Zwei," to Famitsu earlier this week, publisher Bethesda apparently decided to do its own big debut. In an email missive early this morning, Bethesda announced Mikami's project as "the realization of *pure* survival horror" (Bethesda's asterisks, not ours), and included a collage of various environments in Zwei, "that communicate the tone and direction that the production is taking."

Mikami said true survival horror is a situation "in which the player confronts and overcomes fear." From that note, we can only assume that the Black Eyed Peas must play some role in Zwei. Mikami added, "I've found my focus and once again I'm striving for pure survival horror. I am being very hands-on in the development of this game to ensure that the quality is there. Rest assured."

As reported earlier, the game is still in the initial stages of development (as evidenced by the collage of environments above). It's expected to launch on "HD consoles" at some point in 2013.

JoystiqBethesda teases first concept of Mikami's 'Zwei,' explains what 'pure survival horror' means originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksconcepthorrormicrosoftplaystationproject-zweips3shinji-mikamisurvival-horrortangotango-gameworksxboxzenimax-mediazweiThu, 26 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored screens take a stab at ... well, everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dishonored-screens-take-a-stab-at-well-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dishonored-screens-take-a-stab-at-well-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dishonored-screens-take-a-stab-at-well-everything/#comments ImageIt looks like Ezio and co. are getting a run for their money in Bethesda's latest, Dishonored. The new slew of screens depict more of the madness we've seen in previous Dishonored media: giant walkers, stabby knives, and ... let's call them "ladies of the night." Take a peek for yourself below.

Continue reading Dishonored screens take a stab at ... well, everything

JoystiqDishonored screens take a stab at ... well, everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Prey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/prey-2-delayed-beyond-2012-has-not-been-cancelled/#comments Prey 2 "will not be released in 2012," Bethesda Softworks announced this morning. The game has apparently "not been canceled," but at this point doesn't match Bethesda's "quality standards."

Bethesda released a statement this morning revealing the delay. "The delay is due to the fact that game development has not progressed satisfactorily this past year," it reads. Despite the game showing "great promise," the publisher is "unwilling to compromise our quality standards to meet a release schedule."

The Human Head-developed sequel to 2006's Prey suffered rumors regarding its cancellation earlier this year - rumors which Bethesda refused to engage at the time. Given Bethesda's track record with shooting down cancellation rumors, that put Prey 2 in a nebulous place for the past month.

Update: Bethesda declined to comment "beyond anything that's in the statement."

Continue reading Prey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled'

JoystiqPrey 2 delayed beyond 2012, has 'not been canceled' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdelayhuman-headhuman-head-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationpreyprey-2ps3release-datexboxzenimax-mediaThu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored's steamy, Dickensian world as seen from its rooftops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/dishonoreds-steamy-dickensian-world-as-seen-from-its-rooftops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/dishonoreds-steamy-dickensian-world-as-seen-from-its-rooftops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/dishonoreds-steamy-dickensian-world-as-seen-from-its-rooftops/#comments
Yesterday's tease from Bethesda depicting a Kurt Cobain-esque character down on his luck was in no way indicative of today's blistering, vengeance-filled Dishonored trailer. Sure, we've seen the game's crazy giant walking machines before, but glimpsing them in action threw us right back to similarly terrifying experiences in and around City 17.

Regardless, Arkane Studios' latest for Bethesda Softworks looks to be a thrilling mix of Assassin's Creed-like sneaking, BioShock-like power-based action, and ... uh ... early Industrialization era Neo-Darwinism. Color us intrigued! Take a look for yourself in the lengthy new trailer, just above.

JoystiqDishonored's steamy, Dickensian world as seen from its rooftops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkanearkane-studiosbethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdishonoredTue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's voice-enabled Dragon Shouts arrive 'the week of April 23']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/skyrims-voice-enabled-dragon-shouts-arrive-the-week-of-april-2/#comments
When Skyrim's Kinect functionality arrives some time during "the week of April 23," it'll come in five different languages (English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French). Bethesda revealed said details to CNN in an exclusive interview, wherein the concept was referred to as "Project Adam" and outed as having begun "shortly after the game's release in November."

Despite the addition of Kinect to Skyrim in a voice-based way, Bethesda VP of marketing and PR Pete Hines said replacing any combat with physical actions in front of a Kinect sensor wouldn't make a lot of sense. "Doing combat and swinging your sword and all that stuff without a controller would dramatically change the game. We're trying to enhance the experience as we designed it with some additional functionality." We can't help but agree, Mr. Hines.

Take a look at the upcoming Kinect support for Skyrim in the video just above.

JoystiqSkyrim's voice-enabled Dragon Shouts arrive 'the week of April 23' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5kinectmicrosoftpatchpete-hinesq2-2012release-dateskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxzenimax-mediaFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/skyrim-adds-kinect-support-for-more-than-200-voice-commands/#comments
Bethesda Softworks announced this morning that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is getting Kinect support for "more than 200 voice commands" at some point this month via a title update. The developer promises the commands will apply to a variety of verbs across the world of Skyrim, from Dragon Shouts (Fus Roh Dah!) to follower instructions, and a mess of other voice-activated actions.

The Kinect functionality for Skyrim is the latest product of Bethesda's internal Skyrim game jam, following on the heels of the 1.5 update that enabled kill cams. There's an adorable video showing off how it'll all work just above.

Update: A Bethesda rep told Joystiq that the update is exclusive to the Xbox 360, despite Kinect existing on PC.

Continue reading Skyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands

JoystiqSkyrim adds Kinect support for 'more than 200' voice commands originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5kinectmicrosoftpatchskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatevoice-commandsxboxzenimax-mediaThu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim Machinima Theater: The fall of Markarth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/skyrim-machinima-theater-the-fall-of-markarth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/skyrim-machinima-theater-the-fall-of-markarth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/skyrim-machinima-theater-the-fall-of-markarth/#comments
Not since the great battle of Skyrim have we seen such a an impressive example of machinima in Tamriel. Unsurprisingly, this video is by the same folks who brought us that previous epic battle.

Continue reading Skyrim Machinima Theater: The fall of Markarth

JoystiqSkyrim Machinima Theater: The fall of Markarth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5machinimamodpcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTue, 20 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/#comments Todd Howard and his clan of designers from Bethesda Game Studios walked off the stage with top honors for 'Game of the Year' at the 2012 Game Developers Coice Awards last week, for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. As the large group shuffled off to party, Howard, the company's boss, took a few moments to speak with the media.

Topics of discussion quickly merged into one frame of thought: what happens next? Everyone wants to know when the first piece of downloadable content will launch, how will it change the award-winning experience, and more.

Howard, being as used to sidestepping media inquires about unannounced items as he is working with a talented team, quickly shot those questions down.

Our focus, however, was slightly different. With a game as large as Skyrim, we wondered what complications arose during development. What is the hardest part about crafting a world meant to live on its own, away from the player's eyes?

Gallery: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (11/10/11)

Continue reading Bethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next

JoystiqBethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5gdc-2012skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardMon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda hiring 'Future Generation Console Programmers']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/bethesda-hiring-future-generation-console-programmers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/bethesda-hiring-future-generation-console-programmers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/bethesda-hiring-future-generation-console-programmers/#comments Bethesda Game Studios is looking toward the future, hiring for "Future Generation Console Programmer" positions. We should be clear: these jobs are for working on "an unannounced game on future-generation consoles." They're not for future generations of people. In fact, you need 5 years of development experience, so not being born yet is actually a big disadvantage.

The listing doesn't give much of a clue as to the technology Bethesda is targeting with its future Elder Scrolls or Fallout or whatever -- applicants need experience programming for PS3 and Xbox, and DirectX 11 experience is "a plus."

JoystiqBethesda hiring 'Future Generation Console Programmers' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosjob-listingmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda remembers Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bethesda-remembers-fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bethesda-remembers-fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/bethesda-remembers-fallout-3-concept-artist-adam-adamowicz/#comments In a touching tribute to Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz who fell to cancer last week, Bethesda is featuring a collection of his work on sites attached to their biggest properties. Though Adamowicz will no longer be seen sketching new worlds for players to explore, the development team at Bethesda says players have yet to see the end of his work.

"Right until the end he was drawing, creating images for a new game many years off. It is in that game, and our past games, that he will live on. You have not seen the last of his amazing talent and spirit," Bethesda's tribute page notes. "We will miss him terribly, but he will always be with us."

Continue reading Bethesda remembers Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz

JoystiqBethesda remembers Fallout 3 concept artist Adam Adamowicz originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-adamowiczBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-SoftworksFallout-3the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimFri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/watch-bethesdas-skyrim-game-jam-sizzle-reel-right-here/#comments
Skeleton butlers? Seasonal foliage? Skyrim knows not these things, but it maybe perhaps we sure hope could according to a seriously noncommittal Todd Howard speaking at the beginning of the video above, shot at his DICE 2012 keynote last evening in Las Vegas.

JoystiqWatch Bethesda's 'Skyrim Game Jam' sizzle reel right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksdicedice-2012elder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimskyrim-game-jamthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim goes Braveheart in amazing machinima video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrim-goes-braveheart-in-amazing-machinima-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrim-goes-braveheart-in-amazing-machinima-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/skyrim-goes-braveheart-in-amazing-machinima-video/#comments
YouTube user "Tyrannicon" has a bit of flair for the dramatic, it seems. Between the epic music, dramatic shots, and hundreds (thousands?) of dead Skyrim characters he lays waste to in this incredible video, we're gonna go ahead and say he's got a pretty apt username.

JoystiqSkyrim goes Braveheart in amazing machinima video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5incrediblemodpcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The thrilling difference the high-res texture pack makes in Skyrim]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-thrilling-difference-the-high-res-texture-pack-makes-in-skyr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-thrilling-difference-the-high-res-texture-pack-makes-in-skyr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/the-thrilling-difference-the-high-res-texture-pack-makes-in-skyr/#comments
Wondering what kind of difference Skyrim's high-res texture pack makes to the game's already gorgeous PC graphics? The folks at HardOCP are all over that.

JoystiqThe thrilling difference the high-res texture pack makes in Skyrim originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5high-res-texture-packhigh-resolutionpcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Creation Kit released with 'surprise' High-Resolution Texture Pack, Portal cameo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/skyrims-creation-kit-released-with-surprise-high-resolution-t/#comments Tamriel's PC adventurers have finally been granted access to the long-awaited Creation Kit for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. A special surprise was promised with today's release, coming in the form of a High-Resolution Texture Pack for the game. "Experience The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as you've never seen it before with the Skyrim High-Resolution Texture Pack," a press release noted.

Skyrim also becomes the second title to be featured on the Steam Workshop, which acts as a "central hub of player-created content and tools to publish, organize, and download that content into your games."

Valve and Bethesda have teamed up to bring users the Space Sphere mod, which adds the space-loving robot from Portal 2 to the game, following players around the world (pictured above). While the special mod appeared on Steam earlier today, it has since vanished. Joystiq has contacted Valve and Bethesda to find out when the new companion will land back on the dragon-infested planet. [Update: Steam Workshop is back online! Enjoy your new talkative friend!]

Steam is also featuring the Elder Scrolls series in a mid-week sale, offering a discount on each game in the series or a bundle (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) for $49.99.

JoystiqSkyrim's Creation Kit released with 'surprise' High-Resolution Texture Pack, Portal cameo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-Studioscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5modspcportal-2skyrimSteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTue, 07 Feb 2012 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-takes-top-honors-at-ny-video-game-critics-circle-awards/#comments You'd have to be a fus-ro-dummy to think that Skyrim would be through with receiving accolades. At last night's New York Video Game Critics Circle Awards, the Bethesda Game Studios-developed RPG took home yet one more, earning the "Big Apple Award for Best Game" as decided by a cabal of NY-based game journos from various outlets.

Other winners include two apiece for Bastion and Portal 2, portable love for Super Mario 3D Land and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP, and explosive nods to both Crysis 2 and Saints Row: The Third. Harold Goldberg's "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" took home the "Algonquin Roundtable Award for Best Book" and Sony's "Michael" commercial won the "Mad Men Award," mysteriously beating out Robin Williams' luxurious beard. Frankly, we were baffled. The full list of winners can be found below the break.

Continue reading Skyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards

JoystiqSkyrim takes top honors at NY Video Game Critics Circle Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsall-your-base-are-belong-to-usbastionbethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscantor-film-centercrysis-2elder-scrolls-5game-centerharold-goldbergiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenew-york-citynew-york-game-critics-circlenew-york-game-critics-circle-awardsnew-york-game-critics-circle-awards-2012new-york-universitynintendonyu-game-centerpcplaystationportal-2ps3saints-row-the-thirdskyrimsuper-mario-3d-landsuperbrothers-sword-and-sworcery-epthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to kill a Skyrim dragon with a single arrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/how-to-kill-a-skyrim-dragon-with-a-single-arrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/how-to-kill-a-skyrim-dragon-with-a-single-arrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/how-to-kill-a-skyrim-dragon-with-a-single-arrow/#comments
Do you have the patience it takes to craft a mighty bow, capable of felling an elder dragon with a single strike? We ask because ... well, we'd love for you to take care of it for us. Here's our copy of Skyrim. Thanks!

[Thanks, Chris.]

JoystiqHow to kill a Skyrim dragon with a single arrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscheatcheatercheatingelder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's Creation Kit available 'soon' on PC; latest vid offers a first look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/skyrims-creation-kit-available-soon-on-pc-latest-vid-offers/#comments
Trolls, dragons, giant spiders, giant crabs, giant ... people -- Bethesda's Skyrim has it all, at least in terms of things that can kill you. But series fans know that they can take the game a few steps further into crazytown with mods, as we've seen over the past few months. Bethesda knows this too, clearly, as the developer is releasing a Creation Kit sometime soon which will allow users to more easily mod and share creations for Skyrim.

Interestingly, the company notes in its developer diary that it's "going to keep looking for ways to get mods to more people, and hopefully one day to our console audience," but comes up short of saying anything more concrete. Frankly, we'd love to be able to snap into a Skyrim with our fellow Macho Man fans out there (oooooh yeah!), but we simply don't have a PC strong enough.

The Creation Kit will support Steam Workshop, allowing mods to be shared via Steam users easily. We'd suggest pushing that Steam Workshop support to PS3 given Steam's past with Sony's home console, but then we also know of Skyrim's ugly past with the PS3. Oh well, maybe next game, right?

JoystiqSkyrim's Creation Kit available 'soon' on PC; latest vid offers a first look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5modmoddingmodspcskyrimsteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim 1.4 detailed, PC 'Creation Kit' for mods coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/skyrim-1-4-detailed-pc-creation-kit-for-mods-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/skyrim-1-4-detailed-pc-creation-kit-for-mods-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/skyrim-1-4-detailed-pc-creation-kit-for-mods-coming-soon/#comments Skyrim's 1.4 update, which is not a patch of a previous patch, should be finalized by next week and submitted to console manufacturers for certification, as well as release on PC. Bethesda also plans to allow PC users to opt-in to "beta" versions of future patches through Steam, we're guessing so the company can opt-out of launching a patch if significant issues are found.

The publisher also announced that the Creation Kit and Steam Workshop are nearly ready, and it is working with Valve and its modding community to do some final testing. To think, people will be able to mod back in backwards flying dragons and add even more of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic crew if they want -- and, honestly, who couldn't use a little more Rainbow Dash in their lives?

The details of the 1.4 patch can be found after the break.

Continue reading Skyrim 1.4 detailed, PC 'Creation Kit' for mods coming soon

JoystiqSkyrim 1.4 detailed, PC 'Creation Kit' for mods coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesdabethesda-game-studiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5microsoftPatchpatch-1.4pcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdatexboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim's PS3 stuttering bug to be 'addressed' this month, Bethesda says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/skyrims-ps3-stuttering-bug-to-be-squashed-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/skyrims-ps3-stuttering-bug-to-be-squashed-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/skyrims-ps3-stuttering-bug-to-be-squashed-this-month/#comments When Bethesda's Twitter account invited fans to "tune in tomorrow" (that's today) for a "Skyrim tweak guide livestream," one follower pointedly asked the question so many PlayStation 3 Skyrim players out there want to know about the upcoming 1.4 patch to the game: "What about PS3 lag?????" You see, the game has some major memory issues on the PS3, making the game chug as the player's save files weigh down the console. It appears that the next patch, 1.4, will correct this "lag" issue.

"We're addressing that in the 1.4 update," Bethesda's Twitter account responded. The account also noted that the patch will be available at some point "this month." And though we imagine that folks waiting for the update would much prefer something more specific, that's the only launch window we've got for now, unfortunately. So you know, there are only 21 days left in January.

JoystiqSkyrim's PS3 stuttering bug to be 'addressed' this month, Bethesda says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5patchpatch-1.4playstationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimTue, 10 Jan 2012 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Snap into a Skyrim with the 'Macho Men' mod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/snap-into-a-skyrim-with-the-macho-men-mod/#comments
We had to watch the above video a couple of times to make sure we weren't having some sort of fantastical dream, but we are apparently awake: the late "Macho Man" Randy Savage has made his way into Skyrim, and he's bringin' the pain. Ohhhhhh yeah!

JoystiqSnap into a Skyrim with the 'Macho Men' mod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazingbethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5macho-manmacho-man-randy-savagemodmodspcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimSat, 07 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Synchronized Skyrim light show knows the reason for the season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/synchronized-skyrim-light-show-knows-the-reason-for-the-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/synchronized-skyrim-light-show-knows-the-reason-for-the-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/synchronized-skyrim-light-show-knows-the-reason-for-the-season/#comments
We're rarely brought to tears by displays of holiday-themed lighting strewn across the face of a residential building. Then again, most holiday lights aren't synchronized to the totally radical theme to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Fortunately, some are -- like the one seen in the video above.

JoystiqSynchronized Skyrim light show knows the reason for the season originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5holidaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxTue, 27 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim PC patched, can now claim 4GB RAM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/skyrim-pc-patched-can-now-claim-4gb-ram/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/skyrim-pc-patched-can-now-claim-4gb-ram/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/skyrim-pc-patched-can-now-claim-4gb-ram/#comments Skyrim has become just a little more cognizant of the money you spent on extra RAM, and the teeny bit of blood lost when you pushed the modules in with enough enthusiasm to cut your fingers. A new incremental patch, bringing the PC version of Skyrim up to 1.3.10, lets the game address up to 4 gigabytes of RAM.

A similar performance fix was issued by the modding community shortly after the RPG's launch, but was rendered incompatible by an official patch. Now, modders and developers agree that Skyrim should take advantage of the extra space afforded on PC.

JoystiqSkyrim PC patched, can now claim 4GB RAM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5patchpcramskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 21 Dec 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim is 2011's most-played game, according to Raptr]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/skyrim-is-2011s-most-played-game-according-to-raptr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/skyrim-is-2011s-most-played-game-according-to-raptr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/skyrim-is-2011s-most-played-game-according-to-raptr/#comments Popular game-tracking service Raptr recently published its list of top-performing games of 2011, a roster entirely decided by the amount of man hours (and woman hours) its gaming community poured into them. The list isn't terribly surprising: Skyrim was the most-played RPG (beating out Dragon Age 2 by a factor of six), Modern Warfare 3 was the most-played shooter and FIFA Soccer 12 was the most-played sports game, because, you know, Europe.

Here's a surprise, though: According to Raptr, the most played game of the year was Skyrim. Crazy, right? We thought for sure that Modern Warfare 3 and the siren call of its quintuple prestiges would take the cake. We admit this tendency could have possibly been surpassed by infinite dragons and somehow-even-more-infinite adventure.

Continue reading Skyrim is 2011's most-played game, according to Raptr

JoystiqSkyrim is 2011's most-played game, according to Raptr originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5microsoftpcplaystationps3raptrskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimxboxFri, 09 Dec 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore Skyrim's other epic settings with PC tweak guide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/explore-skyrims-other-epic-settings-with-pc-tweak-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/explore-skyrims-other-epic-settings-with-pc-tweak-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/explore-skyrims-other-epic-settings-with-pc-tweak-guide/#comments Nvidia has published an extensive optimization guide -- written by TweakGuides creator Koroush Ghazi -- for Skyrim. It explains and advises on the PC game's standard settings (anisotropic filtering, motion blur, etc.), as well as more granular modifications involving console commands and custom initialization files. It should be immensely helpful in getting Bethesda's sprawling game looking and running as good as your system allows.

Be attentive while following the guide, though. Our game used to run so well, but we took an error to the INI.

JoystiqExplore Skyrim's other epic settings with PC tweak guide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5nvidiapcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtweak-guideWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST