Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/#comments
Xbox 360 owners will find the Rebellion DLC pack available for download in Mass Effect 3 right now. The Rebellion pack is free to those who have activated their Online Pass and adds a new objective type, two new maps, and three new playable characters to the multiplayer side of BioWare's latest RPG.

PC and PS3 owners will have to wait for Rebellion. Chris Priestly, BioWare's community guy, says that it'll be available on those platforms "soon." We'll be sure to update as soon as BioWare reveals new details.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlceakinectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rebellionrebellion-packxboxTue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare to sell fan-designed Mass Effect hoodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/bioware-to-sell-fan-designed-mass-effect-hoodies/#comments ImageDeviantArt user Christine Schott is pretty good at designing Mass Effect hoodies. So good, it seems, that BioWare has decided to manufacture her designs and sell them to the public. Schott recently posted her designs, which reflect many of Mass Effect's most popular characters, and her work inspired BioWare to reach out with the offer.

Schott does note that her designs are likely "nowhere near the final product" and that BioWare will be redesigning them before selling a selection of them as a trial run. BioWare is compensating Schott for her work, though the details are still being "worked out." Frankly, we just want to know when we can get our Mordin on.

JoystiqBioWare to sell fan-designed Mass Effect hoodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclotheshoodiesmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 28 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/#comments ImageAlliance operatives, word has come down from command - we've got a new directive for this weekend's Mass Effect 3 combat initiatives. Operation Shieldwall commences this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, but due to our failure with last week's Operation Silencer, expect to encounter more enemy Banshees out there.

The goal for Operation Shieldwall is to promote a total of 50,000 operatives across the Alliance for a Victory pack; promote three characters yourself and you'll be awarded a Commendation pack. Operation Shieldwall concludes on Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Earth Time.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3microsoftn7-bounty-weekendoperation-shieldwallpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/#comments Mass Effect: Infiltrator - developed by the same team responsible for the mobile version of Dead Space - is now available for download in the Google Play store for $6.99.

In Mass Effect: Infiltrator, players take on the role of Cerberus defector Randall Ezno as he attempts to flee from a Cerberus base with intel for the Alliance. Progress in Mass Effect: Infiltrator affects your Galactic Readiness level in Mass Effect 3. And if you've been meaning to go back to the portable game, the latest update (version 1.0.3) added a new character and mission.

JoystiqMass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-gamesgoogle-playmass-effect-3mass-effect-infiltratormobileWed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/#comments
On top of providing "further clarity" to Mass Effect 3's ending, some more details regarding the upcoming "Extended Cut" DLC have come out. "Extended Cut" will include cameos from both Admiral Hackett, who is played by Lance Henricksen, and EDI, voiced by Tricia Helfer.

"I just did another session with them. They were saying there's a little bit of a problem with the abruptness of the ending," Hendriksen told G4 during a press junket for a new animated series called Tron: Uprising that he's involved in. "So we did a whole series of things to add to the end of the game, to live up to the quality they've been doing." Helfer, also part of the show, confirmed EDI would make an appearance.

JoystiqHackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiral-hackettbiowaredlceaediextended-cutlance-henricksenmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3tricia-helfertron-uprisingxboxFri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/#comments ImageAt ease, soldiers. The brass is remarkably proud of each and every one of you for making Operation Exorcist such a rousing success, but unfortunately the completion of that mission doesn't directly translate to the end of our war against the Reapers, Cerberus and the Geth. Starting tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, Operation Silencer will require the full force of the Systems Alliance Military as we work towards our collective goal of exterminating three million banshees.

Now granted, that's two million more baddies than you were responsible for during Operation Exorcist, but now that PlayStation Division has been allowed into combat, we think you can handle the difference. Each individual squad will receive a Commendation Pack for every successful extraction from a Gold-level encounter, until Operation Silencer ends at 8 a.m Eastern Earth Time on Monday morning. Successful completion of the Alliance's universal goal results, as usual, in Victory Packs for all.

Speaking of PlayStation Division and Commendation Packs, we've got some good news for you prune-fingered dish washers: Now that KP duty is over and you're out in the field, HQ has dispatched Commendation Packs to compensate for the gear you couldn't earn during Operations Goliath and Raptor. Check the shop to redeem yours and get in shape before heading into the field this weekend.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artseventmass-effect-3ME3microsoftOperation-Silencerpcplaystationps3xboxXP-weekendFri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/#comments ImageEA has put Star Wars: The Old Republic on sale for Star Wars Day, which is today, May the fourth (as in, "be with you" -- geddit?). Bioware's massively multiplayer Jedi simulator has been discounted from from $59.99 to $34.44 for the standard edition, or $44.44 for the digital deluxe edition, which includes some in-game digital goodies.

The sale lasts until Sunday, May 6. If you need it longer than that, you should have had more midichlorians, people.

JoystiqSWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeammorpgold-republicpcsaleStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 added to Mass Effect 3 multiplayer weekends, now and forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/#comments Good news, PlayStation Division! Your sector has been relieved of KP duty and is now authorized to join Xbox Squadron and the PC Armada in battle during this weekend's "Operation Exorcist" initiative, as well as all future weekend-based N7 field operations.

Now, I'm not gonna lie, there's a good chance a whole hell of a lot of you will die while trying to take down 1,000,000 Cerberus Phantoms over the next three days, but remember that those deaths mean something, and that you're helping to save the entire damn galaxy. Well, unless you forget to set "Upload Gameplay Feedback" to "On." If that's not enabled, your deaths are totally meaningless.

JoystiqPS3 added to Mass Effect 3 multiplayer weekends, now and forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAevent-weekendmass-effect-3operation-exorcistplaystationps3XP-WeekendFri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Operation Exorcist' is this weekend's Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/#comments ImageListen up soldiers, the System Alliance Military has a special mission for you this weekend. Top brass is aiming to eradicate 1,000,000 Cerberus Phantoms from the face of the galaxy between 6 p.m. Pacific on Friday, April 27 and 5 a.m. Pacific on Monday, April 30. While attempting to surmount this incredible feat, your unit will also be tasked with surviving until extraction from any map set to Gold Difficulty.

Upon successful completion of your squad's personal mission, each of you will be awarded a Commendation Pack for your service to your galaxy. Should the Alliance's overall goal be reached, every member of the System Alliance Military will be granted a Victory Pack. Now suit up, we've got a long weekend ahead of us.

Oh, except for you, PS3 Division. We still need you guys on KP duty, so this mission only applies to Xbox Squadron and the PC Armada.

Joystiq'Operation Exorcist' is this weekend's Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaevent-weekendmass-effect-3microsoftoperation-exorcistpcxboxxp-weekendWed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare: SWTOR subscriber numbers have remained steady]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/bioware-swtor-subscriber-numbers-have-remained-steady/#comments ImageBioWare claims subscriptions for the pricey Star Wars: The Old Republic haven't dropped, merely that concurrent users at peak times have declined. Speaking to PC Gamer, BioWare lead writer Daniel Erickson noted the change in player behavior and that server mergers are coming, but not a priority.

The response comes following a report by Cowen and Company analyst Doug Creutz, who believes SWTOR subscribers peaked at 1.7 million in February, and estimates the population will be around 1.25 million by March of 2013 in the game's current state.

"Nothing is off the table when it comes to making sure our communities are strong and active on each server," Erickson told PC Gamer.

Nothing? Hmm, let's talk about that subscription fee then...

JoystiqBioWare: SWTOR subscriber numbers have remained steady originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarepcStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicTue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/#comments
I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences - especially in the gaming medium - left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed - they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaider were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge - something we hope to continue at future PAXes - and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

JoystiqIrrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinchris-avellonedavid-gaiderdavid-gaiterirrationalirrational-gamesken-levineobisidianobsidian-entertainmentpax-eastpax-east-2012plot-vs-playplot-vs-play-2012plot-vs-play-the-duality-of-modern-game-designMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony working to bring Mass Effect 3 multiplayer events to PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/sony-working-to-bring-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-events-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/sony-working-to-bring-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-events-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/sony-working-to-bring-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-events-to-ps3/#comments Previously exclusive to the Xbox 360 and PC, BioWare's weekend promotions for Mass Effect 3 multiplayer could be coming to PS3. Sony, EA and BioWare are currently working toward a resolution.

"We are currently working together with EA and BioWare on an implementation to bring Mass Effect 3 multiplayer weekends to PS3," a Sony spokesperson told Shacknews. When the free Resurgence Pack DLC launched last week, BioWare held a weekend promotion, but said arrangements to bring it to PS3 had not been completed with Sony. It sounds like that may change soon enough, though exactly how the PS3 will make up for its lost promotions isn't known.

JoystiqSony working to bring Mass Effect 3 multiplayer events to PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3multiplayerplaystationps3psnsonyweekend-eventsThu, 19 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare vets' Banner Saga Kickstarter a massive success, one day left to support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/bioware-vets-kickstarter-project-is-a-massive-success-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/bioware-vets-kickstarter-project-is-a-massive-success-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/bioware-vets-kickstarter-project-is-a-massive-success-one-day/#comments Image
"This Kickstarter has renewed my faith in humanity," Stoic Games' John Watson said in the upstart game company's latest video update, addressing the successful funding of Stoic's project, "The Banner Saga." His company just raised well over its original goal, and he's understandably elated. Stoic Games is comprised of three self-described game industry vets (their latest digs were BioWare's Austin studio), though the studio is hiring a few more positions in light of its recent Kickstarter success.

The project, which aimed to raise $100K, now has over $620K banked with another 32 hours to go (as of this writing). All that extra money means that the Stoic Games trio can give The Banner Saga a fully orchestrated soundtrack composed by Journey songsmith Austin Wintory.

As one last push, Stoic is offering Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network ports of the game should the team reach $650K. If the Kickstarter reaches $700K, Stoic promises to include a feature it had to cut from the game: player-run, upgradeable cities. Are you way into being a virtual mayor? Now is the time to donate, then!

Wondering what you're getting into? The project's pitch video is available just below the break.

Continue reading BioWare vets' Banner Saga Kickstarter a massive success, one day left to support

JoystiqBioWare vets' Banner Saga Kickstarter a massive success, one day left to support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-thomasarnie-jorgensenaustin-wintorybiowarebioware-austinjohn-watsonkickstartermicrosoftpcplaystationps3stoicstoic-gamesthe-banner-sagaxboxThu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Resurgence Pack' DLC strategies documented]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-strategies-documented/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-strategies-documented/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-strategies-documented/#comments
With the release of Mass Effect 3's Resurgence Pack DLC, and this weekend's subsequent Operation Resurgence multiplayer mission, BioWare has deployed this strategy video showing you how to use your new companions.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Resurgence Pack' DLC strategies documented originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3microsoftoperation-resurgencepcresurgence-packxboxFri, 13 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 sales in US hit 1.3 million during launch month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-sales-in-us-hit-1-3-million-during-launch-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-sales-in-us-hit-1-3-million-during-launch-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/mass-effect-3-sales-in-us-hit-1-3-million-during-launch-month/#comments Total Mass Effect 3 sales for its launch month of March were 1.3 million units across Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, the NPD informed Joystiq. The number covers purely new physical retail sales, so no digitally distributed product on PC or PS3 is tallied.

Although the NPD doesn't publicly share sales breakdowns by platform, Microsoft executive Aaron Greenberg did share that Xbox 360 sales for the space opera were 943K units for the month.

Mass Effect 2 had over a half-million sales on Xbox 360 during its debut month, with another quarter million the following month. We've contacted Electronic Arts for further clarification on Mass Effect 3 sales data.

Update: "We think the monthly NPD reports are a very poor indicator of the industry's performance given the proportion of digital sales - including digital downloads via Origin, DLC, mobile and social games and much more - that are not captured in their reports," John Reseburg of EA's corporate communications told Joystiq. "Taking these reports as an accurate snapshot of the industry today is a dangerous assumption."

JoystiqMass Effect 3 sales in US hit 1.3 million during launch month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-montrealEAea-biowareElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftNPDpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 13 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/retake-mass-effect-3-donations-remained-largely-with-childs-p/#comments ImageWhen thousands of people took to a Facebook group rallying Mass Effect 3 players to "demand a better ending," their efforts were represented by a "donation protest." The protest raised just over $80,000 in donations to Penny Arcade's "Child's Play" charity, and arguably contributed to BioWare's decision to respond with an upcoming addition to Mass Effect 3: "Extended Cut."

Regardless of the group's success, Penny Arcade co-founder Jerry "Tycho" Holkins halted the fundraiser. "Child's Play cannot be a tool to draw attention to a cause. Child's Play must be the Cause," Holkins said of hypothetical future efforts. He also cited Child's Play project manager Jamie Dillion as "buried under mail" from donors who didn't clearly understand exactly what they were giving money to.

"Apparently some of the people giving to the cause seemed to think that they were paying for a new ending to Mass Effect. She's been asked what the goal is, and how much they need to raise in order to get the ending produced," Holkins wrote. "We've also been contacted by PayPal due to a high number of people asking for their donations back. This is in addition to readers who simply couldn't understand how this was connected to Child's Play's mission. We were dealing with a lot of very confused people, more every day, and that told us we had a problem."

That doesn't mean, however, that all of those folks were demanding refunds. "Essentially, there were a handful of people who requested their donation returned, which we did. The large majority of the funds were not returned and will be distributed to the hospitals as normal. If anyone feels that they would like their donation back, we are happy to do so," Dillion told us in a recent email.

Continue reading 'Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds

Joystiq'Retake Mass Effect 3' donations remained largely with Child's Play, 'a handful' requested refunds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechilds-playdonationsea-biowareelectronic-artsjamie-dillionmass-effect-3microsoftpcpenny-arcadeplaystationps3retake-mass-effectxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Mass Effect 3 face patch causing crashes for some folks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/report-mass-effect-3-face-patch-causing-crashes-for-some-folks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/report-mass-effect-3-face-patch-causing-crashes-for-some-folks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/report-mass-effect-3-face-patch-causing-crashes-for-some-folks/#comments ImageFor those of you excited about dusting off the ol' ME1 Shepard and giving those Reapers what for, know that there may be one more hurdle between you and Mass Effect 3's intergalactic glory. Apparently, the patch that fixed the face import bug has broken things elsewhere - specifically, some players are experiencing crashes when connecting to EA's servers.

Shepards encountering this issue are encouraged to post about it in this BioWare thread, where development is currently farming user data in order to better understand the problem and find a solution. The good news is that the error appears to be periodic rather than consistent, with some affected players able to connect via persistence and willpower. There are also reports that re-patching can resolve the issue, but for heaven's sake please be careful when deleting ME3's system cache from your Xbox's hard drive. Save files are precious, fragile things.

JoystiqReport: Mass Effect 3 face patch causing crashes for some folks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommander-shepardface-patchmass-effect-3ME3microsoftpatchshepardxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Your Shepard rides again, Mass Effect 3 patched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/psa-your-shepard-rides-again-mass-effect-3-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/psa-your-shepard-rides-again-mass-effect-3-patched/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/psa-your-shepard-rides-again-mass-effect-3-patched/#comments ImageAs promised, Mass Effect 3's face import bug has finally been patched. Among other things, the patch fixes a bug that prevented some Shepards from importing properly, specifically those that were previously imported from Mass Effect into Mass Effect 2. While Shepard's choices across the first two games would carry over, face data was lost. No more!

Of course, not everyone made good choices when creating their Shepards, but that's another discussion entirely. Decide for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Gallery of Questionable Shepards

JoystiqPSA: Your Shepard rides again, Mass Effect 3 patched originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareea-biowareelectronic-artsmass-effect-3microsoftpatchpcplaystationps3psnupdatexboxxbox-liveWed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Mass Effect 3 'Resurgence Pack' DLC now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psa-mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psa-mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/psa-mass-effect-3-resurgence-pack-dlc-now-available/#comments As promised, EA has unleashed some free DLC for Mass Effect 3 today. The Resurgence Pack DLC provides more multiplayer tools for lifeforms looking to improve their galactic readiness level. Resurgence includes two new maps in Hydra and Condor, six new operatives including the rat pack of Asari, Batarian, Krogan and Geth seen above, and a slew of new weapons.

The Resurgence Pack is free to all Mass Effect 3 players with a valid online pass code on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. You can download it on your preferred platform right now.

Note: There is a "Resurgence Pack" download on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 320 MS Points. This was uploaded in error, and BioWare is working to remove it. Don't spend money on this!

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (Resurgence Pack)

JoystiqPSA: Mass Effect 3 'Resurgence Pack' DLC now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlckinectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3psaresurgence-packxboxTue, 10 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/#comments ImageWarhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes entered open beta today, available through the Wrath of Heroes website. Wrath of Heroes is a free-to-play PVP title based on BioWare's MMO of the same-ish title, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Wrath of Heroes offers three-sided, six-player arena combat (for a total of 18 players), each battle lasting an "intense" 15 minutes, the press release promises. We're not sure how minutes can be intense, but we assume counting each second in audible caps lock does the trick.

Continue reading Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta

JoystiqWarhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBioWareEAopen-betapcwarhammer-online-wrath-of-heroesTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: The Mass Effect crew plays Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/seen-pax-east-the-mass-effect-crew-plays-rock-band/#comments Image
Who knew Dr. Chakwas was such an accomplished guitarist? Or that Mordin had such a pretty singing voice?

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: The Mass Effect crew plays Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechakwas-forevermass-effect-3microsoftpax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3xboxSun, 08 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 patch coming next week to consoles, PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/mass-effect-3-patch-coming-next-week-to-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/mass-effect-3-patch-coming-next-week-to-consoles-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/mass-effect-3-patch-coming-next-week-to-consoles-pc/#comments Shepard will look like his/her old self next week when BioWare flips the switch on the Mass Effect 3 patch, which is expected to resolve many of the most requested problems with the space opera. No, the ending is not one of them.

The patch will go live on April 9 for PC and April 10 for Xbox 360 and PS3. The big fix for Mass Effect veterans will be to Shepard's facial features coming from Mass Effect 1 and 2, which should now import properly into the trilogy's conclusion. Several game-crashing bugs and online issues have also been addressed.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 patch coming next week to consoles, PC

JoystiqMass Effect 3 patch coming next week to consoles, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Biowaremass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 07 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's 'Resurgence Pack' DLC free on April 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mass-effect-3s-resurgence-pack-dlc-free-on-april-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mass-effect-3s-resurgence-pack-dlc-free-on-april-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/mass-effect-3s-resurgence-pack-dlc-free-on-april-10/#comments Image
Mass Effect 3's first bundle of multiplayer DLC, the "Resurgence Pack," is set to hit on April 10 in North America and April 11 in Europe, for the low price of zero dollars. The pack includes two new maps: Hydra, an abandoned Quarian facility converted by humans into a hydroelectric generator, and Condor, an outpost crucial to the defense of the Turian home planet.

The pack also includes six new characters, a Batarian Soldier and Sentinel, a Geth Engineer and Infiltrator, a Krogan Battlemaster Vanguard and an Asari Justicar Adept, as well as new weapons, all of which can be seen in the trailer above and gallery below.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (Resurgence Pack)

JoystiqMass Effect 3's 'Resurgence Pack' DLC free on April 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCfreemass-effect-3ME3microsoftplaystationps3resurgence-packxboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[EA not bowing to 'political harassment' over LGBT inclusion in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/ea-not-bowing-to-political-harassment-over-lgbt-inclusion-in-g/#comments EA's executives, board of directors and creative leads have been inundated with "several thousand" letters protesting the inclusion of same-sex relationships in BioWare titles, reports GamesIndustry International. In addition to threatening a boycott of EA titles, most of the letters received allege that EA was pressured into including non-heterosexual relationship options in its games by LGBT groups, with the expressed purpose of exposing children to LGBT ideas.

"Every one of EA's games includes ESRB content descriptors so it's hard to believe anyone is surprised by the content. This isn't about protecting children, it's about political harassment," VP of corporate communications Jeff Brown said in a statement to GamesIndustry.

The letter-writing campaign is believed to be the work of the Florida Family Association and the Family Research Council. The Florida Family Association's recent call to arms over Star Wars: The Old Republic claims that LGBT groups are "demanding that the makers of Star Wars video games add LGBT characters for kids to select as their character when playing the games." Meanwhile, the Family Research Council maintains that "the biggest threat to the empire may be homosexual activists."

JoystiqEA not bowing to 'political harassment' over LGBT inclusion in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAFamily-Research-CouncilFlorida-Family-AssociationLGBTmass-effect-3Star-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 05 Apr 2012 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA['No plans' to pull or charge for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC after expiration date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/no-plans-to-pull-or-charge-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/no-plans-to-pull-or-charge-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/no-plans-to-pull-or-charge-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dl/#comments Regardless of the seemingly arbitrary April 12, 2014 expiration date attached to this morning's announcement of Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut, EA told Joystiq it has "no plans to ever pull that content down or charge for it." That goes for "the foreseeable future after the April 12 date." According to a company rep, the expiration addendum was only attached due to EA's internal policy of putting expiration dates "on all 'no additional cost' content."

Announced this morning, Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut aims to assuage fan concerns over the trilogy's finale by adding "additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes" beyond the content already on the game's disc(s). Following Mass Effect 3's early March launch, fans responded with mixed feelings toward its conclusion, some going as far as to raise a chunk of money in a donation protest (the money was later returned).

Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this summer for free (and will remain as such, regardless of required legal notes).

Update: We're currently clarifying with Child's Play regarding the status of the donated funds.

Joystiq'No plans' to pull or charge for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC after expiration date originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlcdownloadable-contenteaea-biowareelectronic-artsextended-cutmass-effect-3mass-effect-3-extended-cutmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC free this summer, offers 'further clarity to the ending']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc-free-this-summer-offers-furth/#comments EA this morning announced Mass Effect 3's "Extended Cut" DLC, which adds to the game's ending and will arrive for free at some point this summer. According to the publisher, the content will add "additional cinematic sequences and epilogue scenes," which will apparently offer fans "further clarity to the ending of Mass Effect 3" and "deeper insights into how their personal journey concludes."

The additional content comes as a response to a group of fans who felt the third game ended in an unsatisfactory manner. That outcry apparently had a serious effect at BioWare internally, as project lead Casey Hudson says the team has, "reprioritized [its] post-launch development efforts to provide the fans who want more closure with even more context and clarity to the ending of the game, in a way that will feel more personalized for each player."

No specific information is given about what said content will be, but we sure hope it means we won't see other DLC packs delayed or scrapped as a result. Studio co-founder Ray Muzyka notes,"With the Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut we think we have struck a good balance in delivering the answers players are looking for while maintaining the team's artistic vision for the end of this story arc."

Extended Cut will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC "this summer." It will remain free for download until April 12, 2014, at which point who knows what'll happen.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC free this summer, offers 'further clarity to the ending' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecasey-hudsondlcdownloadable-contenteaea-biowareelectronic-artsextended-cutmass-effect-3mass-effect-3-extended-cutmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxThu, 05 Apr 2012 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 multiplayer kicks off 'Operation Raptor' this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-kicks-off-operation-raptor-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-kicks-off-operation-raptor-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-kicks-off-operation-raptor-this-week/#comments Xbox 360 and PC Mass Effect 3 players have a new N7 Bounty Weekend event kicking off at 5pm PST on Friday. Operation Raptor will run until Monday at 5am PST, awarding players in the co-op multiplayer mode a Commendation pack for meeting the individual goal of promoting two characters from the multiplayer to the single-player game. The allied goal is for the community to promote 150,000 total characters to the single-player campaign, which will net all players a Victory pack.

The contents of these packs will be revealed next week when eligible players are rewarded the goods for completing the requisite tasks. Additionally, all players will earn an extra 10% XP this weekend. As for PS3, BioWare says it's working with Sony to bring these N7 Bounty Weekend events to the platform and will update accordingly.

One catch: All willing to participate must set the "Upload Gameplay Feedback" option to "on."

JoystiqMass Effect 3 multiplayer kicks off 'Operation Raptor' this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3microsoftn7-bounty-weekendoperation-raptorpcxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/oh-the-places-youll-go-mass-effects-citadel/#commentsOh, The Places You'll Go is a weekly column by Kimberley Wallace where she visits an in-game world, acting as a travel agent. Read as she explores the nooks and crannies of each (probably war torn) landscape. This week, we bring you to The Citadel, recently featured in Mass Effect 3.
The view from space shows the Citadel teeming with life. Each of its five arms is illuminated with a criss-crossing series of lights, almost like a circuit board. These talon-like extensions connect to the Presidium ring, the center of Galactic commerce and politics. They can also change like a chameleon; when closed, the Citadel becomes a fortress, no longer looking like it's the bastion of life, but instead a sleek, clean cylinder into which nothing can enter - or from which no one can escape. Hey, if you're going to find a safe place during the war, this is probably your best bet.

Yes, the Reapers are coming, ready to slay us with their steely tentacles and laser eyes. And in these moments when you feel so small and helpless in the fight to save the galaxy, there's only one thing to do: escape. Let Shepard worry about the Reapers; take a load off and come on down to the Citadel, a marvel of technology, not only full of mysteries, but also the core of civilization.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 (Spring Showcase 2012)

Continue reading Oh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel

JoystiqOh, The Places You'll Go: Mass Effect's Citadel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareMass-Effectmass-effect-3microsoftOh-The-Places-Youll-Gopcplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/amazon-knocks-some-space-bucks-off-mass-effect-and-mass-effect-2/#comments Any good smuggler or bounty hunter knows you have to take every opportunity to save a space buck. With intergalactic tolls and the rising cost of crystal fuel cells, it's important. Also, you need something to do while you're sitting around in hyperdrive all the time, y'know? So retailer Amazon is offering discounts for your downtime -- specifically, savings on Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads for PC.

Both Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 can be downloaded for $5.99 each. The Digital Deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 -- which includes several making-of videos, the game's soundtrack, some in-game items and a download code for more bonus content -- is also on sale for $8.99. Finally, a bundle of both the original Mass Effect and the digital deluxe edition of Mass Effect 2 can be had for $11.99. The sale ends on March 31.

JoystiqAmazon knocks some space bucks off Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 downloads this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbiowaredigital-distributioneamass-effectMass-Effect-2pcMon, 26 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play shuts down fundraiser aimed at changing Mass Effect 3's ending]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/childs-play-shuts-down-fundraiser-to-change-mass-effect-3s-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/childs-play-shuts-down-fundraiser-to-change-mass-effect-3s-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/childs-play-shuts-down-fundraiser-to-change-mass-effect-3s-end/#comments Recently, part of that whole "We're the Internet and we're upset about Mass Effect 3's ending" thing manifested itself in a Child's Play fundraising initiative called "Retake Mass Effect 3." The movement attempted to combine raising money for the charity with convincing BioWare to change the ending of its game.

BioWare was completely unaffiliated with the fundraiser, however, and no amount of money raised would guarantee a new ending -- a fact severely misunderstood by many people that donated. "We were dealing with a lot of very confused people, more every day, and that told us we had a problem," said Penny Arcade's Jerry Holkins in an update on his site. "Apparently some of the people giving to the cause seemed to think that they were paying for a new ending to Mass Effect."

Holkins also said that Child's Play project manager Jamie Dillion was "buried under mail" about the fundraiser from people wanting to know "what the goal is, and how much they need to raise in order to get the ending produced." The charity was also contacted by PayPal, on account of a "high number" of donors requesting refunds. As a result, Child's Play requested that the fundraiser come to an end.

As an organisation, Child's Play has guidelines regulating how money is raised (Child's Play can't be used to sell anything, for instance). Since Retake ME3 technically fell within the boundaries of the charity's existing framework, Holkins has created a new rule to prevent future misunderstandings: "Child's Play cannot be a tool to draw attention to a cause. Child's Play must be the Cause."

JoystiqChild's Play shuts down fundraiser aimed at changing Mass Effect 3's ending originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechilds-playendingJerry-Holkinsmass-effect-3ME3paypalpenny-arcaderetake-mass-effect-3retake-me3Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/mass-effect-3-face-import-bug-will-be-fixed-in-next-patch/#comments Did you encounter an error when trying to import your Commander Shepard into Mass Effect 3? Did you spend hours trying to recreate him or her, only to reach the conclusion that he/she just don't look right? There is hope, friend, as BioWare community coordinator Chris Priestly has revealed that the face import problem will be fixed in the next Mass Effect 3 patch. Unfortunately, the release date for said patch is still up in the air, as it still has to undergo certification at EA, Microsoft and Sony.

The error arises for players who attempt to import faces from Mass Effect 2 that were previously imported from the original Mass Effect -- a sensitive issue given that these players are probably pretty attached to their Shepards by now. Rest assured, we'll be keeping track of the patch's progress. In the meantime, maybe it's finally time to finish that Mass Effect 2 Renegade run you've been putting off.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 face import bug will be fixed in next patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsmass-effectmass-effect-2mass-effect-3microsoftpatchpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/star-wars-the-old-republic-1-2-update-big-enough-for-making-of/#comments

Turns out Star Wars: The Old Republic's 1.2 update wasn't just large enough for a trailer, but for an entire making-of video as well. Watch the BioWare team discuss the importance of family, leaving a legacy and adoption. Or something.

JoystiqStar Wars: The Old Republic 1.2 update big enough for making-of video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredev-diaryLegacyLucasArtsmaking-ofStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicThu, 22 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 player feedback spawns 'content initiatives,' details in April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/mass-effect-3-player-feedback-spawns-content-initiatives-deta/#comments BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka has become the latest company exec to address his constituents' myriad of complaints regarding Mass Effect 3's contentious ending. In addition to reiterating BioWare's company-wide policy on seeking out and consuming constructive criticism, Muzyka also gave a small bit of insight into the developer's plans for said feedback:

"Casey Hudson and the team are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions," he said, "providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey. You'll hear more on this in April." Muzyka stressed that BioWare is actively working to maintain the story's artistic integrity, and that these new "content initiatives" are separate from the company's pre-existing plans to continue the Mass Effect universe's expansion. "Rest assured that your journey in the Mass Effect universe can, and will, continue."

JoystiqMass Effect 3 player feedback spawns 'content initiatives,' details in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareDLCendingmass-effect-3ME3microsoftplaystationps3ray-muzykaxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare done with Dragon Age 2, fully moving on to next phase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/bioware-done-with-dragon-age-2-fully-moving-on-to-next-phase/#comments BioWare's Dragon Age 2 team has officially packed up its tents, put out the fires and left camp, executive producer Mark Darrah announced on the BioWare forums.

"While we will still be keeping an eye out for any issues that might crop up in DAII and supporting the community should any emergencies should [sic] arise, we're moving the entire team's focus to the next phase of Dragon Age's future," Darrah wrote.

The "next phase of Dragon Age's future" could be too vague for some, so creative director Mike Laidlaw clarified in a TL;DR Twitter update: "We're done development on Dragon Age II, and the team has fully moved onto The Next Thing(tm)."

BioWare halted production on Exalted March, an expansion pack for Dragon Age 2, because "other Dragon Age opportunities came up," Darrah tweeted. It's safe to reason that stopping production on DLC probably wouldn't happen for anything less than work on a shiny new title, and with these scraps of evidence and previous unintentional outings, we feel safe to propose that BioWare is now working on Dragon Age 3.

Moving the franchise into the future involves looking at the past, Darrah said. "This past year, we've spent a lot of time both going back to the 'BioWare vault' of games and re-examining them, and looking at some new possibilities that today's industry allows," he wrote. The Dragon Age team may not have to look very far in BioWare's history to find things it should avoid, such as "endings."

JoystiqBioWare done with Dragon Age 2, fully moving on to next phase originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-Age-2dragon-age-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 on sale for $40 at Microsoft Store Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mass-effect-3-on-sale-for-40-at-microsoft-store-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mass-effect-3-on-sale-for-40-at-microsoft-store-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/mass-effect-3-on-sale-for-40-at-microsoft-store-online/#comments If you're still trying to finish the fight against the Reapers, the Microsoft Store is offering a pretty sweet deal on Mass Effect 3 for Xbox 360. While the game is listed there for $59.99, adding it to your shopping cart reveals a much cheaper price: $39.99, complete with free shipping.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 on sale for $40 at Microsoft Store Online

JoystiqMass Effect 3 on sale for $40 at Microsoft Store Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeakinectmass-effect-3microsoftmicrosoft-storexboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-strategy-videos-to-help-you-destroy-ev/#comments

Mass Effect 3's multiplayer has more depth than a panel at the "I'm A Reality TV Star And I Have More Twitter Followers Than You" convention (IARTVSAIHMTFTY Con), or at least that's what we think BioWare developers are trying to get across in the two mulitplayer strategy videos viewable right here.

The above video explains tactics for taking out specific enemies in multiplayer combat, and the one below discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each combat class. Get educated:

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone

JoystiqMass Effect 3 multiplayer strategy videos to help you destroy everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecombatdevsenemiesmass-effect-3microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3strategyxboxSun, 18 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson: 'Your feedback has always mattered' in Mass Effect 3, even now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/hudson-your-feedback-has-always-mattered-in-mass-effect-3-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/hudson-your-feedback-has-always-mattered-in-mass-effect-3-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/hudson-your-feedback-has-always-mattered-in-mass-effect-3-ev/#comments Franchise director Casey Hudson has previously spoken out in brief defense of the Mass Effect 3 endings, but now he's made it official in a written message that explains BioWare's dedication, passion and reverence for the series and the feedback it receives from fans -- all of it. Yes, even the popular "you deserve to be skinned alive, made into jerky and eaten by rabid goats" (paraphrased) feedback.

Hudson avoids spoilers, but suggests finishing the game for yourself and forming your own conclusions before reading his missive:
"For us and for you, Mass Effect 3 had to live up to a lot of expectations, not only for a great gaming experience, but for a resolution to the countless storylines and decisions you've made as a player since the journey began in 2007," Hudson writes. "So we designed Mass Effect 3 to be a series of endings to key plots and storylines, each culminating in scenes that show you the consequences of your actions. You then carry the knowledge of these consequences with you as you complete the final moments of your journey.

"We always intended that the scale of the conflict and the underlying theme of sacrifice would lead to a bittersweet ending -- to do otherwise would betray the agonizing decisions Shepard had to make along the way. Still, we wanted to give players the chance to experience an inspiring and uplifting ending; in a story where you face a hopeless struggle for basic survival, we see the final moments and imagery as offering victory and hope in the context of sacrifice and reflection."

Hudson stresses that the Mass Effect team takes fan feedback seriously and often incorporates it into the games directly, and says it is still listening to that response now. "Throughout the next year, we will support Mass Effect 3 by working on new content. And we'll keep listening, because your insights and constructive feedback will help determine what that content should be. This is not the last you'll hear of Commander Shepard."

JoystiqHudson: 'Your feedback has always mattered' in Mass Effect 3, even now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecasey-hudsonendingsfansfeedbackmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 18 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Mass Effect Team Assault' was a canned multiplayer FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/#comments In 2010, BioWare Montreal was developing a competitive, multiplayer first-person shooter called Mass Effect Team Assault, but it was reshaped into the third-person co-op mode that shipped in Mass Effect 3, according to a Kotaku report based on the iPad app The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect Team Assault saw four months of production before being presented to the Mass Effect hierarchy and transforming into Mass Effect 3's multiplayer skirmish mode.

Joystiq'Mass Effect Team Assault' was a canned multiplayer FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecanceledfpsmass-effect-3Mass-Effect-Team-Assaultmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate teaser site gets a countdown and a soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/#comments
BaldursGate.com just appeared back at the end of February with naught more than a poem and a rumor, and it's lain dormant since then -- until now. Just this evening, a countdown has appeared on the site, along with a tune (more on that in a second), both that seem to be hinting at a big reveal coming up in just about twelve hours from now, at 11am Pacific on Thursday morning.

The music, which is reminiscent of the theme from the legendary singleplayer RPG (and sounds great) is indeed linked to a file on Beamdog.com, which is former BioWare designer Trent Oster's website, and has previously published an enhanced remake of BioWare's MDK2. Considering that the sound file is actually located at "files/overhaul/theme.mp3," it's probably a good bet that the announcement is some sort of Baldur's Gate remake from Oster's studio, Overhaul Games.

For exactly what platforms however (PC, iOS, or even consoles), we'll have to wait until the official word arrives. The good news is that there's not too long to wait. If you hurry, you can listen to the minute-long theme music about 720 more times before the big reveal arrives.

JoystiqBaldur's Gate teaser site gets a countdown and a soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2beamdogbiowareclassiccountdownmdk-2overhaul-gamesremakerumorthemetrent-osterThu, 15 Mar 2012 02:15:00 EST