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[Magic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/magic-pixel-games-formed-by-thq-ea-activision-vets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/magic-pixel-games-formed-by-thq-ea-activision-vets/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/magic-pixel-games-formed-by-thq-ea-activision-vets/#comments Though some companies are characterized as being chock-full of "movers and shakers," we can't think of a company more deserving of the phrase than the newly formed development studio Magic Pixel Games. According to the developer's press release announcement, the team is composed of THQ, Electronic Arts and Activision veterans, including Boom Blox lead engineer Jeff Dixon and senior development director Mark Tsai. The announcement adds that the team possesses an "unparalleled grasp of human motion and physics to create unforgettable motion gaming experiences on console platforms."

What does that mean? Well, it probably means that Magic Pixel's first big title is going to incorporate some kind of motion controller. What else does it mean? It means that everyone knows there knows how to physically move their own bodies, which is a handy skill for any living being. More specific details about their upcoming projects should surface soon -- the press release also promises that Magic Pixel's debut title will launch this holiday season.

Continue reading Magic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets

JoystiqMagic Pixel Games formed by THQ, EA, Activision vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionannouncementBoom-Bloxdevelopereamagic-pixel-gamesmotion-controlthqThu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: A 'small number' of Boom Blox devs let go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/a-small-number-of-boom-blox-devs-let-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/a-small-number-of-boom-blox-devs-let-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/a-small-number-of-boom-blox-devs-let-go/#comments Electronic Arts claims a "small number of employees were impacted" by the publisher's decision to move Boom Blox development from EA Los Angeles to EA Bright Light Studio in Guildford, UK. Kotaku obtained a quote from the publisher, which notes that the move has nothing to do with the company's "restructuring" and is a routine event in a global studio organization to "leverage development strengths."

The history of the Boom Blox franchise at EA has been pretty shaky since the first title was launched. The original game wasn't an explosive hit at the start, but eventually sold half a million copies. The division that was supposed to handle the franchise shut down afterward. Although critically acclaimed, the Boom Blox series just hasn't been a breakout success.

JoystiqEA: A 'small number' of Boom Blox devs let go originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-2boom-blox-bash-partyEAElectronic-ArtsNintendoWiiWed, 03 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA job listing mentions next-gen project for Boom Blox team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/25/ea-job-listing-mentions-next-gen-project-for-boom-blox-team/#comments We've heard sly references and seen mysterious job listings indicating that Xbox 360 and PS3 owners would soon know the joy of tower toppling -- however, we've not seen anything as concrete as a recent help wanted ad from EA's Boom Blox team. According to the listing, "our last two titles were Wii-based, but our next titles will be for the next generation." We assume they actually mean the current generation's high definition consoles. Otherwise, whoa, we just confirmed the PS4.

This job listing, which was initially discovered by internet detective extraordinaire supererogatory, is supported by two other EA job listings he (or she) previously uncovered -- both of which reference Project Natal or the unnamed PlayStation Motion Controller. Unless the studio is changing directions to work on a motion-controlled Mirror's Edge (which would be unimaginably dangerous on Natal), the odds of an upcoming high-def Boom Blox announcement seem pretty good.

JoystiqEA job listing mentions next-gen project for Boom Blox team originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaealaElectronic-Artsjob-listingjobsMicrosoftsteven-spielbergXbox-360Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA could stack Boom Blox on other consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ea-could-stack-boom-blox-on-other-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ea-could-stack-boom-blox-on-other-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/ea-could-stack-boom-blox-on-other-consoles/#commentsAs late as May, a Boom Blox producer said that the series was always intended for the Wii, and other platforms weren't part of the plan (except for mobile, we guess). Now, some at EA are starting to change their stance, potentially laying the groundwork for a multiplatform release.

Harvey Elliott, head of EA's Bright Light studio, told VideoGamer that he "wouldn't rule anything out, never say never." He said that Boom Blox is "about the motion control, it's about throwing a ball or throwing an object," and that right now, he "can't imagine that on other devices at the moment." Despite saying that a multiplatform release wasn't impossible, Elliott is "proud" that it's remained on the Wii so far, saying, "I think it's the right thing. Who knows for the future." So it's more of a "maybe, I guess" kind of thing than "CONFIRMED."

Since the release of the last Boom Blox, two new motion-based interfaces have been introduced, both of which allow players to mimic the motion of throwing an object. Project Natal would actually allow the player to throw a real ball at the TV, if that player is stupid enough to think that's a good idea.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

JoystiqEA could stack Boom Blox on other consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeaElectronic-ArtsNintendoplaystation-motion-controllerproject-natalWiiMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Investors shouldn't put faith in EA 'management's current guidance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/report-investors-shouldnt-put-faith-in-ea-managements-curre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/report-investors-shouldnt-put-faith-in-ea-managements-curre/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/report-investors-shouldnt-put-faith-in-ea-managements-curre/#comments EA hasn't been the money-printing powerhouse it had been in previous years, and Cowen Research group blames the decisions of EA's top brass for that. Cowen Research revealed in its latest report (via GI.biz) that EA could still hit its expected revenue of USD 4.3 billion for the next financial year, but that the company would need to see growth in publishing revenue that outperforms overall industry figures by a considerable amount, despite the tough economic climate of today.

Digital distribution will also play a key role in EA's economic future, as the company has stated recently, and EA hopes to grow its business there by 100 percent over the course of the year. Cowen Research's report again sees this as a possibility for the company, yet points out there is considerable risk involved.

One also has the company's two big Wii games to consider: EA Sports Active and Boom Blox: Bash Party. EA expects each to sell 1.4 million and 350,000, respectively, but Cowen Research's report doesn't put much stock in third-party success on Wii. Cowen Research is hesitant to value third-party numbers where Rock Band and Guitar Hero figures are ignored, as the top five percent of third-party titles on Wii sold an average of 860,000 copies, compared to the more lucrative numbers of 1.2 million on the PS3 and 2.5 million on the Xbox 360. These games only accounted for 31.8 percent of total game sales on Wii, compared to 34.2 per cent on the PS3 and 41.2 per cent on the Xbox 360.

Cowen Research finally points out that a buyout could be in the cards, with the company's share price reaching historical lows.

JoystiqReport: Investors shouldn't put faith in EA 'management's current guidance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycowen-research-groupEAEA-SportsEA-Sports-ActiveEA-VancoverElectronic-ArtsElectronic-Arts-VancouverExerciseFitnessNintendoWiiWed, 27 May 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg presents: Spielberg in: Boom Blox Bash Party trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/spielberg-presents-spielberg-in-boom-blox-bash-party-trailer/#commentsIn the latest trailer for Boom Blox: Bash Party, the man with a plan, Steven Spielberg, gets intimate and offers details on EA's sequel to its beloved Wii puzzler. Marketing jargon is thrown around quite freely, with Spielberg admitting that Bash Party "takes Boom Blox to a new level" and that "all of the good ideas" were saved for the sequel. Yeah, right.

Thankfully, the video doesn't stray into that territory for long, as we eventually get a close look at what we all want to see: multiplayer! If that doesn't look like fun, then we must be dead.

JoystiqSpielberg presents: Spielberg in: Boom Blox Bash Party trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeapuzzlesteven-spielbergThu, 21 May 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox producer leaves EA, joins thatgamecompany]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/boom-blox-producer-leaves-ea-joins-thatgamecompany/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/boom-blox-producer-leaves-ea-joins-thatgamecompany/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/boom-blox-producer-leaves-ea-joins-thatgamecompany/#comments thatgamecompany, the studio behind flOw and Flower, has managed to sweep away former EA developer Robin Hunicke. Hunicke worked as the lead designer behind MySims, and produced the two Wii Boom Blox titles. In a statement to Kotaku, Hunicke explains that she wants "to reach new people, with new experiences, via the medium of games and the language of game design" in her new position. With both flOw and Flower completed, Hunicke says thatgamecompany is "at the forefront of the indie movement."

It's currently unknown what position Hunicke will serve at thatgamecompany or what project she will be working on. The team is still contractually obligated to develop at least one more game for PlayStation Network.

JoystiqBoom Blox producer leaves EA, joins thatgamecompany originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxflowflowerindiemysimsrobin-hunickethatgamecompanyThu, 21 May 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg talks future of gaming, believes in virtual reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/spielberg-talks-future-of-gaming-believes-in-virtual-reality/#commentsWe would never dare think of crossing Steven Spielberg. The man is made of pure magic, and has the power to erase firearms from existence, cause you undeniable fear of the water, and create currency out of toy planes and paper. When he talks, we listen. And recently, he did just that with The Guardian's podcast, Tech Weekly.

Spielberg had some insight as to where the gaming business is headed, with his hopes for the immediate future residing in 3D gaming, much like his colleague James Cameron. Spielberg says the reemergence of 3D in film -- something Hollywood tried and failed at back in the 1950s -- is a prime example of how we'll see the technology make its way into games. Spielberg envisions "3D games developed where with a good pair of glasses we get a real three-dimensional experience in front of an appropriate monitor that is designed just for 3D." Also, he thinks we're not too far off from a future void of console platforms altogether, where we'll soon be playing games directly from our TV sets.

As for the long-term future, Spielberg sees the technology going toward virtual reality, and sees it as the industry's inevitable future. "I really think virtual reality -- which experimentally came and went in the eighties -- is going to be redeveloped, just like 3D is being redeveloped today," he said, further adding, "and that's going to be the new platform for our gaming future."

That's all well and good, Mr. Spielberg, but these virtual reality games better be more enjoyable than that Grid Busters game we played down at the Jersey shore back in the '90s.

JoystiqSpielberg talks future of gaming, believes in virtual reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dboom-bloxeaElectronic-Artssteven-spielbergthe-guardianvirtual-realityWed, 20 May 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Boom Blox always meant for Wii, Bash Party built with game's level creator]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/ea-boom-blox-always-meant-for-wii-bash-party-built-with-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/ea-boom-blox-always-meant-for-wii-bash-party-built-with-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/19/ea-boom-blox-always-meant-for-wii-bash-party-built-with-games/#comments
Some things in this world were just meant for one another. Peanut butter and jelly, America and gladiators, and the Wiimote and Nunchuk are just a few of these things, but now EA producer Amir Rahimi would like to toss Boom Blox and the Wii into this prestigious club.

In speaking with Ars Technica, Rahimi says that "Boom Blox is a Wii game through and through." He says EA always had the Wii in mind and that the team never considered the possibility of bringing it to another console. If it were to make its way onto another platform, Rahimi says EA would have to "significantly reconfigure and redesign the core mechanics, but currently we have no plans to do that."

As for sequel Boom Blox Bash Party, Rahimi noted something interesting. Speaking about the improved level creation, he said that the team built the level editor first this time, and used it to create every level in the game, whereas in the first title, the team built the game and level editor simultaneously. This means that the exact tools available to gamers when the title ships will be those the team used to create Boom Blox Bash Party. How cool is that?

Oh, and if you're worried about all of your Wii's memory (or SD card) being taken up by huge files when downloading custom maps, don't. Rahimi says that each file size will only be in the kilobytes, allowing folks to download plenty of maps quickly and without pain. You'll even be able to sample them in the game before committing them to your memory, so you can try before you don't buy. You know, because it's all free.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqEA: Boom Blox always meant for Wii, Bash Party built with game's level creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amir-rahimiboom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyealevel-editornintendo-wi-fionlineTue, 19 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg: Smartest and dumbest thing I did was sell my company to EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/spielberg-smartest-and-dumbest-thing-i-did-was-sell-company-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/spielberg-smartest-and-dumbest-thing-i-did-was-sell-company-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/spielberg-smartest-and-dumbest-thing-i-did-was-sell-company-to/#comments
Long ago, a young kid with a dream of breaking out of the movie business and into games named Stevie Spielberg showed up in Silicon Valley with just his cockeyed optimism and millions upon millions of dollars. But when times got tough, he made the decision to sell his company, Dreamworks Interactive, to EA, just as it was about to finish Medal of Honor.

Stevie's all grown up now, and says that he now realizes his game company could have stayed afloat based solely on the success of Medal of Honor. He told Reuters the move was the "smartest and dumbest thing [he] ever did."

... Wait, wait. Dumber than AI? Really?

JoystiqSpielberg: Smartest and dumbest thing I did was sell my company to EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partydreamworkseaElectronic-ArtsNintendoWiiThu, 14 May 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-hands-on-boom-blox-bash-party-level-editor/#comments
Boom Blox Bash Party will feature the same level editor that the developers used to make all of the game's 400-plus levels. Anyone can design and share levels online (no Friends Codes attached), but an approval process is in place to prevent submissions with "boobies" spelled out in blox reaching the public. Although, if you prefer to sidestep the Man, you'll be able to share your more "mature" levels with friends ... privately. The community will also be able to rate public levels, à la LittleBigPlanet, so, when you go searching, you won't be randomly selecting ones that suck (spelled out in blox). User-created levels can be preview-played before downloading, too.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Boom Blox Bash Party level editor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyEAElectronic-ArtsNintendosteven-spielbergWiiThu, 14 May 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/gdc09-boom-blox-bash-party-hands-on/#comments
click to enlarge A couple of years back, Steven Spielberg picked up the phone and called EA. After absolutely no time on hold, he told (insert random executive here) all about his idea for a Wii game about throwing blocks at other blocks. Although it had received similar proposals in the past -- mostly from third-graders -- the mega-publisher immediately drafted up a contract and made Steve a bona-fide game designer. That, dear readers, is how the original -- and now classic -- Boom Blox came to be. Well, more or less.

Mr. Spielberg is once again credited on the sequel, Boom Blox Bash Party, though we're pretty sure he didn't have to go to similar extremes to get it made. Anyway, for whatever reason, the dev team decided to build a new level editor -- the same one that's in the game for players to use -- and design all its levels with the thing. Oh, and set it underwater and in outer space, for starters.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

Continue reading GDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on

JoystiqGDC09: Boom Blox Bash Party hands-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeaelectronic-artsgdc-2009Nintendosteven-spielbergWiiMon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox Bash Viewing Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/boom-blox-bash-viewing-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/boom-blox-bash-viewing-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/boom-blox-bash-viewing-party/#commentsEA finally sent out real screens of Boom Blox Bash Party, and they're mostly what you would expect from a Boom Blox game: exotic towers of colored blocks surrounded by cute, blocky characters -- including those robots. Wonderful! The characters can now be grabbed, knocked over and interacted with just like Blox, so there's more of a reason to maliciously toss stuff at them.

These latest screens show off the crazy new environments (like under the sea and in space), as well as the new paintball item! Basically, it looks like it splatters the wall with color. We're sure there will be some reason in-game that you'd want to color the wall rather than knocking it over.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

JoystiqBoom Blox Bash Viewing Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycasualeapuzzleTue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/boom-blox-bash-party-trailer-makes-our-pitching-arm-sore/#comments
We don't regret the radiant, blinding love we developed for Boom Blox the First, though the physical toll it took on our ball chuckin' arm was nigh-unbearable. Therefore, the latest trailer for Boom Blox Bash Party, EA's follow-up to the highly enjoyable tower toppler, has left equally intrigued and terrified. We can't wait to get our hands on the new slingshot ability and gameplay modes shown in the video, but the very real possibility of irreparable dislocation is ever-present in our minds. Check out the trailer after the break as we call our dear pal Roger Clemens for tips on post-game rehabilitation.

Continue reading Boom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore

JoystiqBoom Blox Bash Party trailer makes our pitching arm sore originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeaElectronic-ArtsNintendosteven-spielbergWiiSat, 07 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers date Let's Tap, Boom Blox Bash Party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/retailers-date-lets-tap-boom-blox-bash-party/#commentsFiled under:

GameStop's online store has updated with listings for two newly-announced, and very exciting, Wii games: Boom Blox Bash Party and Let's Tap. According to the retailer, Bash Party will be out on May 19th for $49.99. Let's Tap is dated June 16th, and priced at just $29.99! At those rock bottom prices, we hope Sega can afford to include some cardboard boxes!

Amazon corroborates Let's Tap's date and price, but has no listing for Boom Blox Bash Party yet. But the first game came out in May of last year, suggesting that EA considers it a good month for Boom Blox games.

Source -- Boom Blox Bash Party
Source -- Let's Tap

JoystiqRetailers date Let's Tap, Boom Blox Bash Party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partyeagamestoplets-tappropesegaWed, 04 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cause for celebration: Boom Blox Bash Party won't use Friend Codes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/cause-for-celebration-boom-blox-bash-party-wont-use-friend-cod/#commentsFiled under:


MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo spoke to Amir Rahimi about the new features in the just-announced Boom Blox Bash Party, learning exciting new details that make the sequel sound much more tantalizing than a simple collection of new levels would be.

First off, no friend codes. Players will be able to download and upload new levels, and rate others' work, without being hindered by Nintendo's overblown security measures. Finally, other games are catching up with Blast Works! Totilo suggested that Spielberg should "direct" a level for download, and Rahimi told him to "Consider the request scheduled".

In addition to downloadable levels, Bash Party features a new move: the slingshot. Players will be able to pull the Wiimote back, then release (a button, most likely) and launch items forward. What it won't feature is MotionPlus, because the team didn't get access to the tools soon enough. But it's EA -- just wait a year for the next sequel. Update: Hey, remember that one rumor about a major game that wouldn't use Friend Codes? Ding!

JoystiqCause for celebration: Boom Blox Bash Party won't use Friend Codes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycasualeapuzzlesteven-spielbergThu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA invites Wii owners to a Boom Blox Bash Party this spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/ea-invites-wii-owners-to-a-boom-blox-bash-party-this-spring/#commentsFiled under: ,


EA has revealed the known -- but never officially announced -- sequel to Boom Blox for Wii. According to the press release, EA's Boom Blox Bash Party will be out this spring, featuring 400 new levels and a greater emphasis on multiplayer -- as evidenced by the "Party" in the title. (As well as the "Bash" -- which is a kind of party, we believe.)

"Boom Blox Bash Party is a wild social gaming experience," said Steven Spielberg, who is involved in the new game in whatever nebulous capacity in which he was involved in the first title. "We know families and friends really enjoyed playing the original Boom Blox together, so we designed more explosive multiplayer experiences with Boom Blox Bash Party."

Even more exciting, BBBP now has online integration for its level editor, allowing players to share their destructible Mario sprites with the community at large. EA will offer its own downloadable levels as well.

Gallery: Boom Blox Bash Party

JoystiqEA invites Wii owners to a Boom Blox Bash Party this spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-bash-partycasualeaElectronic-ArtsNintendopuzzlesteven-spielbergWiiThu, 29 Jan 2009 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/best-of-the-rest-kevins-picks-of-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Boom Blox
My Wii gathered so many cobwebs this year that it looked like it was a prop from a creepy old Boris Karloff movie. The phenomenon of Wii Fit had me dust it off and breathed some new life into it for a few days, but before long it was relegated back to its hiding space under the couch. That is until Boom Blox slid smoothly into the disc slot. Two days later, I could barely move my right arm due to my newfound obsession, and I still fire it up on a regular basis just to hurl balls at Jenga towers.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2008

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-Bootybest-of-2008best-of-the-rest-2008Boom-BloxCapcomCertain-AffinityDefense-GridMicrosoftPCPS3WiiXbox-360Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox: Thunder level refuses to go 'boom'?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/boom-blox-thunder-level-refuses-to-go-boom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/boom-blox-thunder-level-refuses-to-go-boom/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/boom-blox-thunder-level-refuses-to-go-boom/#commentsFiled under:

It's pretty awesome that there's still content to be discovered in EA's Boom Blox, which came out in May. Unfortunately, some of the new stuff happens to be apparent game-breaking glitches. Whoops.

Aeropause's Stephen Munn found just such an event in the final level of Tiki Tower Topple, a challenge called "Thunder." He and his friends hucked stuff at the level, to no avail, making sure to destroy seemingly every destructible object in view with bowling balls before turning their attention to the animals standing around (which is a favorite Boom Blox pastime). He thinks the little sliver of gold visible onscreen is another block to knock down, but it's evidently unreachable.

It's kind of surprising to find an unbeatable level after the game has been out so long. Anyone out there experience this glitch? Or have you somehow completed Thunder?

JoystiqBoom Blox: Thunder level refuses to go 'boom'? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaglitchpuzzleMon, 29 Dec 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox under the tree? Use these cheats to unlock everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/boom-blox-under-the-tree-use-these-cheats-to-unlock-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/boom-blox-under-the-tree-use-these-cheats-to-unlock-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/boom-blox-under-the-tree-use-these-cheats-to-unlock-everything/#commentsFiled under:


Are you expecting Boom Blox this year? Well, kids, we've got a special treat for you. After the break, you'll find some cheats for unlocking various things in the game. If you're the kind of gamer who doesn't savor the satisfaction of unlocking things for yourself, then feel free to indulge with these cheats.

Continue reading Boom Blox under the tree? Use these cheats to unlock everything

JoystiqBoom Blox under the tree? Use these cheats to unlock everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeapuzzlestephen-spielbergWed, 24 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spike 2008 VGAs name Boom Blox best Wii game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-2008-vgas-name-boom-blox-best-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-2008-vgas-name-boom-blox-best-wii-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/spike-2008-vgas-name-boom-blox-best-wii-game/#commentsFiled under:


There were plenty of stellar Wii games to release this year, but, as far as the last night's Spike VGAs goes, you should look to Boom Blox as this year's best Wii game. The game certainly deserves the recognition (and sales figures), but we're not sure we'd go and say it is the Wii game of the year. What about Brawl? What about World of Goo? Oh, and how about that little game No More Heroes?

So, you agree, or would you name something else as your Wii game of the year?

JoystiqSpike 2008 VGAs name Boom Blox best Wii game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeaspikespike-vga-2008vgaMon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spielberg drums in Rock Band, doesn't like cutscenes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/spielberg-drums-in-rock-band-doesnt-like-cutscenes/#commentsFiled under:


Now that the dust has settled on Boom Blox, Yahoo got a few minutes with creator (and, we're told, film director) Steven Spielberg to discuss his take on the industry. What's that? You want a few of our favorite facts, nuggetized for simple consumption? Fair enough.
  • The Spielberg family is a Rock Band family, and Steven's the drummer.
  • He's not such a fan of cutscenes, especially ones you can't skip.
  • Spielberg's first game experience was playing Pong with Richard Dreyfus on the set of Jaws, as it is for most of us.
There're your bullet points, you jackals. No go read the rest of the piece.

JoystiqSpielberg drums in Rock Band, doesn't like cutscenes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxsteven-spielbergWiiTue, 09 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA shuts down Blueprint, Boom Blox sequel carries on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/report-ea-shuts-down-blueprint-boom-blox-sequel-carries-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/report-ea-shuts-down-blueprint-boom-blox-sequel-carries-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/report-ea-shuts-down-blueprint-boom-blox-sequel-carries-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

boom blox
Was it a project? A division? A windowless room in the basement of EA HQ? Whatever "Blueprint" was, it is no more. All corporate employees of EA Blueprint were lost in the recent layoffs, transferred, or simply quit, reports Variety. The somewhat mysterious experiment, known as Blueprint, was established in mid-2007 as an effort to support a development process populated by individuals and small, independent teams working together virtually. Blueprint was best known for striking a deal with Armature, the studio founded by several former Metroid Prime developers, and for managing EA's trio of Spielberg games, of which Bloom Blox was the first.

As it turns out, a sequel to Boom Blox is currently underway, spearheaded by original developer EALA. The project is being shaped by many hands, though, co-created from various locations around the world. "Everybody is integrated, regardless of whether they're in the same physical location," an ex-Blueprint employee told Variety. "It's truly the spirit of what Blueprint was going to be."

JoystiqReport: EA shuts down Blueprint, Boom Blox sequel carries on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-2eaea-blueprintealaElectronic-ArtsWed, 19 Nov 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Variety spills Boom Blox 2 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/variety-spills-boom-blox-2-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/variety-spills-boom-blox-2-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/variety-spills-boom-blox-2-development/#commentsFiled under:

A sequel? From Electronic Arts? No way.

In an otherwise pretty sad story about the closure of EA's shadowy, innovative Blueprint division, Variety mentioned that one of the titles being developed in the style of Blueprint (development distributed around the world, coordinated online) is a sequel to their wonderful puzzle-action game, Boom Blox. It's been mentioned before, but this is the first direct acknowledgement of work being done on a followup.

Even though the Blueprint project is no more, the idea of collaboration between remote studios continues to be embodied in the ongoing work being done on the sequel. ""Everybody is integrated, regardless of whether they're in the same physical location," a former Blueprint staffer told Variety. "It's truly the spirit of what Blueprint was going to be."

The EA corporate philosophy stuff is neat, but to focus on what's important: yes, more Blox will be Boomed in the indeterminate future.


[Via Nintendo Everything]

JoystiqVariety spills Boom Blox 2 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxboom-blox-2eaea-lapuzzleWed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox-inspired puzzler coming to Japanese WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/boom-blox-inspired-puzzler-coming-to-japanese-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/boom-blox-inspired-puzzler-coming-to-japanese-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/boom-blox-inspired-puzzler-coming-to-japanese-wiiware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click for more screens

Seriously, doesn't it look a lot like Boom Blox? From what we've gathered on the game, it plays just like Boom Blox. Titled Bomb Tapper, the puzzle game is being developed by Alpha Unit and will go for 500 Wii Points, releasing to Japan on November 11th.

What's the premise? Well, you detonate certain blocks that destroy those around it, with the goal being to clear the entire screen of blocks. If you're looking for more, be sure to check out the official site for the game right here.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqBoom Blox-inspired puzzler coming to Japanese WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-unitbomb-tapperboom-bloxfamitsujapanpuzzleWed, 22 Oct 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nerf N-Strike features Boom Blox-inspired game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/nerf-n-strike-features-boom-blox-inspired-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/nerf-n-strike-features-boom-blox-inspired-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/15/nerf-n-strike-features-boom-blox-inspired-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


IGN has the first look at Nerf N-Strike, EA's Wii game that comes with a hybrid Zapper/Nerf dart gun. It's going to be marketed as a hybrid as well, apparently, being sold in both the Nerf and video game sections of retailers. We gawked at the awesome gun a few months back when it was first revealed, but this is the first info about the actual game.

As expected, N-Strike is a shooting game in which you use Nerf weapons in-game -- against Nerf-susceptible robots, as seen in the above screen. The guns apparently behave like real Nerf guns, which means that the projectiles move much more slowly than actual bullets.

The game also contains multiplayer modes, one of which sounds quite similar to a current EA favorite. In Blox, players shoot one dart at a time into a structure of cubes until one uncovers a target block. It's a shooting-game take on Boom Blox, and it sounds like a pretty clever tie-in to the other game.

JoystiqNerf N-Strike features Boom Blox-inspired game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeanerfnerf-n-strikeshootingzapperFri, 15 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Omegathon 2008 lineup includes Peggle, Boom Blox, Rock Band, Jenga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/omegathon-2008-lineup-includes-peggle-boom-blox-rock-band-jen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/omegathon-2008-lineup-includes-peggle-boom-blox-rock-band-jen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/omegathon-2008-lineup-includes-peggle-boom-blox-rock-band-jen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 2008 Penny Arcade Expo Omegathon V lineup has been revealed and it feels surprisingly casual. There's no Doom or Quake title like we've seen in every previous Omegathon. Also new: starting the first round with a non-board game (Jenga has been pushed to round 5). Here's the list:
  • Round 1: Peggle
  • Round 2: Boom Blox
  • Round 3: Pictionary
  • Round 4: Rock Band (Our guess is Rock Band 2)
  • Round 5: Jenga
  • Final Round: *** TOP SECRET ***
The 20 Omeganauts have already been chosen (congratulations to any Joystiq readers who made the cut!); first prize this year is a trip for two to the Tokyo Game Show with all expenses paid and $5,000 in "walking around money."

While last year's Omegathon skipped the previous tradition of using a classic retro title (Pong, Combat, Tengen Tetris), every year has featured an id Software shooter. With Rage, Doom 4 and the new Wolfenstein looking unlikely, we're trying to think of another potential, unreleased FPS that could top last year's surprise Halo 3 inclusion. If Tycho and Gabe are looking to make our heads explode, maybe they can get Duke Nukem Forever. We won't find out until minutes before the final round on Sunday, August 31 at 4:30 PM PT.

In the meantime, check out the list of past Omegathon lineups, and feel free to make your own and play along at home.

Continue reading Omegathon 2008 lineup includes Peggle, Boom Blox, Rock Band, Jenga

JoystiqOmegathon 2008 lineup includes Peggle, Boom Blox, Rock Band, Jenga originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxduke-nukem-foreverjengaomegathopaxpax-2008pegglepenny-arcadepenny-arcade-expopictionaryrock-bandrock-band-2Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox may explode on a 360 near you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/boom-blox-may-explode-on-a-360-near-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/boom-blox-may-explode-on-a-360-near-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/boom-blox-may-explode-on-a-360-near-you/#commentsFiled under:

Here's an interesting rumor. EA (and Steven Spielberg's) critically acclaimed Boom Blox that's exclusive to the Nintendo Wii may be headed to other platforms in the near future. How do we know? Well, Mr. EA president John Riccitiello directly hinted to MTV Multiplayer that Boom Blox will be going multi-platform. "Frankly, its [Boom Blox] original design was all about the control of the [Wii] wand. But there are other ways to implement that" Riccitiello said, mentioning that "I expect you'll see it on other platforms in time."

Maybe one day we'll be able to build and destroy our very own Valhalla creation on the 360. The possibilities are endless ...

JoystiqBoom Blox may explode on a 360 near you originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaWed, 06 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox sales stack up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/boom-blox-sales-stack-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/boom-blox-sales-stack-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/30/boom-blox-sales-stack-up/#commentsFiled under:


After the first month of Boom Blox's release, sales of EA's original, excellent built-for-Wii game didn't look too hot. Apparently, sales have come along quite nicely since then, according to statements made in a conference call last night.

EA CFO Eric Brown told investors that Boom Blox had sold 450,000 units since launch. Since Brown didn't specify the region in which those sales took place, it's probably worldwide. While 450,000 worldwide is not exactly a blockbuster (though Boom Blox kind of can't help but be a blockbuster), it's certainly a much happier number than the 60,000 quoted earlier. And that's the thing about this kind of "expanded audience" game that Nintendo likes so much: even if it doesn't sell a million in the first month, it'll sell steadily for a long time.

The question on our minds: which region is Boom Blox selling best in? Has Japan taken to it since its release this month?

JoystiqBoom Blox sales stack up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeapuzzlesalesWed, 30 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Boom Blox not a bomb after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/boom-blox-not-a-bomb-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We're not entirely clear on how all this cultural bomb terminology works. Last month, after we'd heard that Boom Blox had toppled with 60,000 in North American sales, we were more than willing to wittily label the game as "a bomb." However, EA's post-earnings conference call has now revealed that Boom Blox has sold 450,000 units since launch (no region specified). Since it's no longer a bomb, do we imply that EA and Steven Spielberg's collaboration -- considered by many reviewers to be the bomb -- has been defused? That doesn't sound like a good thing.

JoystiqEA: Boom Blox not a bomb after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxEAElectronic-ArtsSteven-SpielbergWiiTue, 29 Jul 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3's Valhalla gets Boom Bloxed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/halo-3s-valhalla-gets-boom-bloxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/halo-3s-valhalla-gets-boom-bloxed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/halo-3s-valhalla-gets-boom-bloxed/#commentsFiled under:


Come one, come all and witness the creation and destruction of Halo 3's multiplayer map Valhalla in real-time, utilizing the building block awesomeness that is Bloom Blox (a Steven Spielberg Wii game don'tcha know).

Watch as Boom Valhalla creator EazyB2189 gives a tour of his Blox creation then attacks it with bowling balls of destruction all set to the comical tune of random Boom Blox sound effects. We know the ancient Forerunners would not approve of the mindless destruction, but for a bored fanboy who is attempting to make it through another Wednesday, the mindless Valhalla destruction is much needed entertainment.

[Via HBO]

JoystiqHalo 3's Valhalla gets Boom Bloxed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-Industriesboom-bloxbungiebungie-studioseaFPShalohalo-3Microsoft-Game-StudiosvalhallaWed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA gearing up for more Blox-type games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ea-gearing-up-for-more-blox-type-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ea-gearing-up-for-more-blox-type-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/ea-gearing-up-for-more-blox-type-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to new job postings from EA Los Angeles, the Boom Blox team is looking to beef up its roster of artists and designers. The text in the job listing suggests that, if not a sequel, a new game in the vein of Boom Blox is on the way.

The listings seek designers and producers to "bring accessible, quick-to-the-fun games for all ages to the Nintendo Wii!" and specifically recommends experience with physics-based gameplay. At the very least, it's good to know that, despite non-awesome sales of Boom Blox, the EA LA team is still working on casual-style games about knocking stuff over instead of being transferred into Madden-type stuff.

There's no job listing, unfortunately, for "well-known figurehead from film industry."


[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqEA gearing up for more Blox-type games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeaea-los-angelesjob-listingFri, 11 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Counting Rupees: Bust Blox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/counting-rupees-bust-blox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/counting-rupees-bust-blox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/counting-rupees-bust-blox/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming:
Boom Blox seemed to have everything going for it. EA, one of the biggest and most successful developers and publishers, was creating it. The massively famous and successful director Steven Spielberg was directly involved with both the concept and the design of the game on an ongoing basis, and his name was featured on the cover art. Its simple and intuitive family-oriented concept seemed like a perfect match for the wildly popular Wii, where simple and intuitive family-oriented games thrived. And in the end, it debuted to relatively good reviews (and even a few outstanding ones) which should have ensured at least a positive word of mouth.


Apparently, there were not enough word-spreading mouths to begin with, as it only sold 60k copies in its debut month (which includes almost all of May, since it launched May 6th). Despite what EA's CEO said, this was probably not what EA had hoped for with a game it had collaborated on with the most profitable director in the world. So, what happened?

Continue reading Counting Rupees: Bust Blox

JoystiqCounting Rupees: Bust Blox originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxCounting-RupeesEAElectronic-ArtsMarketingWiiThu, 19 Jun 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA on Boom Blox's hardly booming sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ea-on-boom-bloxs-hardly-booming-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ea-on-boom-bloxs-hardly-booming-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ea-on-boom-bloxs-hardly-booming-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

EA's John Riccitiello? Nothing fazes him. The man's as cool as a cucumber. Case in point: last week, GameDaily reported that EA's Boom Blox, a game that has received universal praise from critics, has sold just 60,000 units in North America since its launch in early May -- a figure that equates to 0.6% of Wii owners. "Ouch" doesn't begin to cover it.

Yet whereas such paltry figures would have had seen most CEOs teetering on the windowsill of their eleventh story offices, Riccitiello remains confident that Boom Blox is a slow-burner. Speaking during a session with investors, the EA bigwig argued that casual games have a "much flatter, much longer [sales] curve" compared to core titles, which can see "20 to 30 per cent" of their lifetime sales take place during the first week.

"Right now, Boom Blox has met our expectations internally based on the model that was put forward," announced Riccitiello. "Can it do several hundred thousand or a million or more units? Sure, it just has to keep selling."

We just hope you're right, John, if only because Boom Blox desperately deserves to do well.

JoystiqEA on Boom Blox's hardly booming sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeajohn-riccitiellopuzzleTue, 17 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox sales: EA content, analysts less upbeat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/boom-blox-sales-ea-content-analysts-less-upbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/boom-blox-sales-ea-content-analysts-less-upbeat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/boom-blox-sales-ea-content-analysts-less-upbeat/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we thought sales of Steven Spielberg's Boom Blox was less than stellar (in all fairness, it did sell about twice that of Zack and Wiki in its first month), Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitello said the game has met internal expectations. Speaking at a William Blair Investor Conference today, he said "It's continued to sell well. It did break into the top 10 for the Wii, and the advertising is doing exactly what [our] team expected to: drive sales."

MTV Multiplayer spoke with a few analysts who were decidedly less impressed with the sales so far. Pacific Crest Securities, who initially predicted 250,000 in unit sales, said, "It appears that success on the Wii will remain difficult to achieve." Michael Pachter, who wasn't too hopeful in the first place, wondered if it was a marketing problem on EA's part.

Joystiq's official in-house analysts all agree that the game would have sold a minimum 3 bajillion more copies had it kept head tracking. Maybe it's going multi-platform, after all. Riccitello also said the game could sell several hundred thousands, and given Zack and Wiki's continued sales, he may have a point.

JoystiqBoom Blox sales: EA content, analysts less upbeat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeaelectronic-artsJohn-riccitiellomichael-pachterWiiTue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boom Blox a bust at retail, sells only 60k units ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/boom-blox-a-bust-at-retail-sells-only-60k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/boom-blox-a-bust-at-retail-sells-only-60k-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/boom-blox-a-bust-at-retail-sells-only-60k-units/#commentsFiled under: ,


While the myth of third-party Wii software languishing on store shelves has been handily disproven by repeat NPD all-stars like Guitar Hero III (#8 this month), Mario and Sonic: Olympic Games, and even Carnival Games, the ugly truth is that those are the only third-party Wii games to break the 1 million unit milestone, according to NPD.

Why do we share such harsh statistics with you, dear reader? Because NPD just confirmed with our buddies at GameDaily that the well-received Boom Blox, an EA title with Steven Spielberg's name prominently places on the box, and the sixth highest-rated third-party Wii title on Metacritic, managed to sell only 60K units in its first month of sales. The title ranked 25 in the list of top sellers in May, and only managed to come in at number 9 in the list of top Wii sellers for the month. GameDaily did the math and determined that, using a North American install base of 10.2 million Wii units, Boom Blox's tie ratio was a barely noticeable 0.6%.

After the Zak and Wiki calamity of ought-seven, we're again afraid there's just no room for good third-party titles (even family friendly and marketable ones like Boom Blox) on Nintendo's console. In this case, where did EA go wrong (besides taking out head tracking)?

Gallery: Boom Blox

JoystiqBoom Blox a bust at retail, sells only 60k units originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boom-BloxEAElectronic-ArtsNPDWiiMon, 16 Jun 2008 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's Sunday bargain bin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/wiis-sunday-bargain-bin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/wiis-sunday-bargain-bin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/wiis-sunday-bargain-bin/#commentsFiled under:

We love Sundays, as there are always new game sales to look forward to. Luckily, this week there are some sweet deals on a few Wii titles. Scouring through the ad listings at Cheap Ass Gamer, the ones we found of interest include:
  • Okami for $29.99 at Best Buy
  • Boom Blox with a free $10 gift card at Circuit City and Target
  • Speed Racer for $29.99 at Target
Keep in mind that while Circuit City offers its deals online, Best Buy and Target's are brick and mortar only. Also, Target deals vary by region, so the ones above may or may not apply to stores near you.

[Via CAG]

Read: Best Buy ad with Okami for $29.99
Read: Boom Blox with free $10 gift card at Circuit City

JoystiqWii's Sunday bargain bin originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyboom-bloxcapcomcircuit-citydealdealseaelectronic-artsokamiready-at-dawnsidhespeed-racertargetwarner-brosSun, 18 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii continue to fly the flag for the Wii in Europe, with the former appearing in every European top ten this week. Mario & Sonic also put in a characteristically strong performance, while Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (ninth in the UK) and Mario Party 8 (tenth in Holland) seem to be enjoying a second burst of shelf life after their release last year.

But heck, you can tell all that simply by inspecting the charts after the post break. What you probably won't remember is that Boom Blox launched in Europe this week, yet never threatened any of Europe's top tens/twenties/forties; looks like this Spielbergian gem has been given the same frosty reception by consumers that it experienced in the U.S. Weaksauce (as my American colleagues might say)! It's sadly ironic, really -- EA's best game for donkey's years, and it's not even charted.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europeboom-bloxdenmarkeuropegermanyirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kartnetherlandspalpro-evolution-soccerraymanspainsuper-mario-galaxyswedenukwii-fitwii-playSat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Exploding blocks edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/wrup-exploding-blocks-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/wrup-exploding-blocks-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/wrup-exploding-blocks-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Looking over this week's releases, we're fairly certain we know what most of you looking for a new experience to enjoy will be playing. Boom Blox does look very intriguing, so we're right there with you. Will it be everything it's cracked up to be? Well, those of you with the game already may feel free to let us know what you think! The rest of you who aren't going to be playing Boom Blox, tell us what you're playing!

JoystiqWRUP: Exploding blocks edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxeapuzzleFri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab some real-life Boom Blox with the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/grab-some-real-life-boom-blox-with-the-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


... if you're in France. Despite much frantic hunting on the internets, we've only been able to locate this neat little piece of Boom Blox merchandise at a French outlet, where it's being given away to those who purchase the game early (Boom Blox launches across Europe tomorrow).

Although it lacks a ball to knock your blocks down with once you've finished building, assembling this puzzle is probably the perfect way to pass the time while your family plays on Boom Blox and you stubbornly refuse to admit that you might have been wrong. Bah. Oh, one word of advice, though: handle with care.

JoystiqGrab some real-life Boom Blox with the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boom-bloxcasualeafamilyfrancepartypre-orderpreorderpuzzlespielbergsteven-spielbergThu, 08 May 2008 13:30:00 EST