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[Sony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/sony-to-begin-manufacturing-playstation-3-units-in-brazil/#commentsSony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil Sony has announced plans to build PlayStation 3 systems locally in Brazil. The consoles will be manufactured in Manaus by Sony Brasil Ltda., with the 250 GB version costing 1,099 Reals.

Major upcoming games The Last of Us and Grand Theft Auto 5 are getting localized releases in Brazilian Portuguese as well. A PlayStation 3 bundle featuring God of War: Ascension will hit stores in the region as part of the "Viva Em Estado Play" ("Living in a State of Play") marketing program in South America.

Sony says it's committed to investing in the local gaming development industry in Brazil, and Sony President Andrew House claims the manufacturing setup will "infuse the Brazilian economy with approximately $300 million over the next 12 months." As one more gesture of goodwill, the first ten consoles manufactured in Brazil will be given away to local gamers.

Continue reading Sony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil

JoystiqSony to begin manufacturing PlayStation 3 units in Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brasilbrazilbusinessconsolesforca-brazilgrand-theft-auto-5industrylocalizationlocalizingmanufacturingmoneyplaystationportugeseps3sonythe-last-of-usTue, 07 May 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam now accepts Brazilian national currency via Boleto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/steam-now-accepts-brazilian-national-currency-via-boleto/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/steam-now-accepts-brazilian-national-currency-via-boleto/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/steam-now-accepts-brazilian-national-currency-via-boleto/#comments Valve adds Brazilian payment options to SteamSteam users in Brazil can now pay with the national currency of reais, with Boleto. Boleto is a payment service regulated by the Brazilian Federation of Banks. To purchase games on Steam with reais, Brazilian users will select "Boleto" as their payment and receive a voucher via email, which they must then take to the bank to fund the transaction. Games will remain in pending until this process is complete.

Steam plans to add more payment methods in Brazil, including "deposits, account transfers, PagSeguro and local credit cards."

This move harkens back to when Steam added Russian rubles; soon after activating that currency, Valve and Xsolla established cash kiosks in Russia, where users can add cash directly to their Steam accounts.

JoystiqSteam now accepts Brazilian national currency via Boleto originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boletoBrazilmacpcreaisrealsteamvalveTue, 06 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar devs check out the black market in Sao Paulo for Max Payne 3 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/rockstar-devs-check-out-the-black-market-in-sao-paulo-for-max-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/rockstar-devs-check-out-the-black-market-in-sao-paulo-for-max-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/rockstar-devs-check-out-the-black-market-in-sao-paulo-for-max-pa/#comments
Max Payne 3 is set in the slums and high-rolling cities of São Paulo, Brazil. To truly get a feel for the land and its society, Rockstar developers and researchers traveled to the heart of the city to study its law-enforcement branches, its extensive weapons collection and to track down local casting, the Rockstar newswire reads. São Paulo has become infamous for its favelas, gang violence and illegal trafficking, perhaps because it's all set against such a lush, photogenic landscape.

It appears the Rockstar team watched a few documentaries that take advantage of Brazil's dark beauty, as it's able to name-drop such titles as Favela Rising and Bus 174. So, we're sure the devs were completely prepared for the reality of São Paulo's slums.

Update: As many of you pointed out, Favela Rising and Bus 174 are both set in Rio de Janiero, and Brazil is home to many non-violent, wonderful people and places. Rockstar is setting a scene that scare-based media and PBS has been harping on for years, probably because shooting people in an innocent, beautiful environment just doesn't feel right to the developers. Or they wanted a free trip to Brazil.

JoystiqRockstar devs check out the black market in Sao Paulo for Max Payne 3 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilfavelaMax-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationps3RockStarRockstar-Gamessao-pauloxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest speculation about Sony's The Last of Us blames ants for everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/latest-speculation-about-sonys-the-last-of-us-blames-ants-for-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/latest-speculation-about-sonys-the-last-of-us-blames-ants-for-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/latest-speculation-about-sonys-the-last-of-us-blames-ants-for-e/#comments
Oh, this is fun. We don't care if we're playing right into Sony's marketing plan by speculating on the nature of its virally campaigned title, The Last of Us -- we love a good puzzle. And ants. And lethal, cadaver-loving fungus. There has been a lot of speculation about The Last of Us' origin and plot since Sony's limited reveal last week, but it has consistently seemed clear that the game involves bullet ants, apocalyptic chaos and the Cordyceps fungus.

PlayStation Lifestyle has rummaged through the clues online and put together a slightly clearer picture of the game: The Last of Us' YouTube account was created in July 2006 (yes, more than five years ago and before the PS3 was a thing), and in the same month it released a research and development presentation about group-animal movements on the PS3. The research leader is involved heavily in stigmergy, a concept of swarm behavior, which is connected to bullet ants.

Yes, it all comes back to the ants. At the end of Sony's promo video (above), we can hear a series of clicking -- which is how bullet ants communicate with each other -- and then a high-pitched, inhuman scream -- which is how bullet ants call entire swarms to one area. The scream can be heard meters away, even by humans, PlayStation Lifestyle writes. In The Last of Us, Texas and New Mexico are infected, and bullet ants live just south of there, in Brazil's Atlantic Forest.

For more information on bullet ants than you ever thought you'd want, check out PlayStation Lifestyle's research synthesis, and tune in tonight to our liveblog coverage of the VGAs for what we expect will be an official announcement.

JoystiqLatest speculation about Sony's The Last of Us blames ants for everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseBrazilbullet-antsCordycepsfungusplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-last-of-usvitaSat, 10 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation launches digital store in Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/playstation-launches-digital-store-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/playstation-launches-digital-store-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/playstation-launches-digital-store-in-brazil/#comments Sony has launched its second digital PlayStation Store in Latin America, in beautiful Brazil. Following Mexico, Brazil now has access to 200 items of first- and third-party digital content, including Assassin's Creed II and the demo for LittleBigPlanet2. Sony is also extending the Welcome Back program to Brazil, offering two PS3 and two PSP titles to everyone affected by the hacking blackout, through August 21. Sony also established a PlayStation Blog and PlayStation Website for its users in Brazil.

JoystiqPlayStation launches digital store in Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilplaystationPlayStation-Storeps3SONYSat, 23 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Skype logo on slide in Brazilian PlayStation Vita presentation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-skype-logo-on-slide-in-brazilian-playstation-vita-presen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-skype-logo-on-slide-in-brazilian-playstation-vita-presen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/report-skype-logo-on-slide-in-brazilian-playstation-vita-presen/#comments The Brazilian site GameGeneration noticed a familiar logo on stage during a PlayStation Vita presentation at a Sony "Key Account Meeting" in São Paulo. Along with PSN, Wi-Fi, and DLNA, the Skype logo sits unassumingly to the side of the PlayStation Vita, suggesting that Skype will be available on the Vita as it was on the PSP.

Why would there be any doubt that a PSP feature would carry forward? Well, for one thing, between the PSP version and now, Skype was purchased by Sony's competitor Microsoft; for another, the PSP Go proved that we can't expect any feature to carry forward from one Sony handheld to another, not even playing PSP games.

When it acquired Skype, Microsoft said it planned to continue supporting versions on non-Microsoft platforms, so it's not impossible that it would continue supporting Sony handhelds. Right now, this is unconfirmed, as neither Microsoft or Sony offered comment when queried by Joystiq.

JoystiqReport: Skype logo on slide in Brazilian PlayStation Vita presentation originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilplaystationplaystation-vitapspskypesonyvitaFri, 17 Jun 2011 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Kinect Me,' 'Crimson Alliance' among new Microsoft games rated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/kinect-me-crimson-alliance-among-new-microsoft-games-rated/#comments A trio of game ratings appeared on the Australian Classification website today, perhaps spoiling some of the titles Microsoft will announce just around the corner at E3. New entries for "Crimson Alliance," "Fusion: Genesis" and "Kinect Me" all list Microsoft as publisher and run the gamut from Mature-rated to PG to G. Only the Crimson Alliance page notes a developer, Certain Affinity, which is corroborated by the game's Brazilian classification. Likewise a rating for Fusion: Genesis has also shown up in Brazil, where both titles are listed for Xbox Live Arcade.

Kinect Me remains the most mysterious of the mystery titles and could perhaps feature some connection to the kinect.me promotional site (pictured above) that's been live since last summer. A source tells Siliconera to expect an E3 announcement of "Kinect Fun Lab," which the site surmises could be a working title for Kinect Me -- both names are at least sufficiently generic-sounding to be one and the same game.

Additionally, Brazil has classified two more Xbox Live Arcade titles, Fruit Ninja Kinect and Hole in the Wall (from Ludia), supporting previous ratings of the pair of pending releases.

Joystiq'Kinect Me,' 'Crimson Alliance' among new Microsoft games rated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabrazilcertain-affinityclassificationcrimson-alliancedejusfruit-ninja-kinectfusion-genesishalfbrick-studioshole-in-the-wallkinectkinect-fun-labkinect-meludiamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosratingsxblaxboxFri, 20 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft confirms closure of Brazil studios within the calendar year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ubisoft-confirms-closure-of-brazil-studios-within-the-calendar-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ubisoft-confirms-closure-of-brazil-studios-within-the-calendar-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ubisoft-confirms-closure-of-brazil-studios-within-the-calendar-y/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft has confirmed to Joystiq that "development activities in its Brazilian studios will ramp down by the end of this year." The publisher states that due to the current market conditions, it can't "achieve the goals initially set for the studios." There is no set date when the Brazil shops will close, but it will be before the end of the calendar year.

There are currently 25 people working between the two studios in Brazil, who are "finishing DS and PSP projects which they will see to completion." The company could not confirm the official number of layoffs, as "some" team members may take positions at other Ubi studios.

The Brazil studios had worked on the casual Imagine series, which doesn't currently fit in with the company's focus on major franchises -- a priority for the major, new (subsidized) Toronto studio.

Ubisoft plans to continue its business presence in Brazil and is "currently evaluating opportunities." Overall, the publisher states that its "production headcount" should remain stable this year.

JoystiqUbisoft confirms closure of Brazil studios within the calendar year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilBusinessdsImaginenintendoplaystationpspsonyUbisoftwiiThu, 30 Sep 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft reviewing its Brazilian operations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ubisoft-reviewing-its-brazilian-operations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ubisoft-reviewing-its-brazilian-operations/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/ubisoft-reviewing-its-brazilian-operations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft's future in Brazil is unclear. Following a report by Canal dos Games that the publisher was shutting down all operations in the country, Ubisoft was forced to comment, telling UOL Jogos it was reviewing its plans for the region.

Ubisoft opened up its first studio in Brazil back in 2008. The company followed that up by acquiring Southlogic Studios, which has diligently worked on the Imagine series for the past couple years. We've contacted Ubisoft to find out if its casual-focused developers in the region will have to Imagine unemployment.

JoystiqUbisoft reviewing its Brazilian operations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazilImagineSouthlogic-StudiosUbisoftWed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA estimates 'over 9.78 million' pirated game downloads in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/esa-estimates-over-9-78-million-pirated-game-downloads-in-dece/#comments
[Joriel Jiminez]
So, okay, seriously, there are a lot of people out there stealing games. Like, lots. "Over 9.78 million" in just December of 2009, more specifically, according to a recent study conducted by the International Intellectual Property Alliance and the Entertainment Software Association. Scouring "the most popular peer-to-peer platforms" for a group of 200 titles, the study found that the worst offenders (by country) were Spain (12.5 percent), France (7.5 percent), Brazil (6 percent) and China (5.7 percent) -- the ESA also points out that these stats "demonstrate a strong correlation between countries that lack sufficient protections for technological protection measures and countries where online piracy levels for entertainment software are high."

Worse yet, the figures are repeatedly noted as being an under-representation of actual piracy numbers. "While they account for illegal downloads that occur over select P2P platforms, they do not account for the downloads that occur from 'cyberlockers' and 'one-click' hosting sites, which continue to account for high volumes of infringing downloads," the ESA echoes. The IIPA has since submitted the findings to the United States Trade Representative who could potentially impose sanctions on certain countries based on the recommendations.

JoystiqESA estimates 'over 9.78 million' pirated game downloads in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilchinadigital-distributionesafranceiipainternational-intellectual-property-alliancepeer-to-peerpiracyspainthe-esaunited-states-trade-representativeFri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/05/brazilian-senator-hopes-to-ban-sale-of-violent-games/#comments
[Rondonia Digital]
Though Brazil is no stranger to banning video games, a recently proposed bill from Senator Valdir Raupp certainly seems pretty drastic. Raupp's bill, which was recently passed by the Education Commission of the Senate, and will now go to vote in the Committee on Constitution and Justice, seeks to "curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage [of] the video games that affect the customs [and] traditions of the people, their worship, creeds, religions and symbols."

According to Brazilian news site UOL, if the bill passes, folks caught violating the law could be subject to one to three years imprisonment. That's quite a bit of jail time to serve for just importing a copy of Grand Theft Auto IV, dont'cha think?

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBrazilian senator hopes to ban sale of 'offensive' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbillbrazillawmaturepoliticssenateviolenceSat, 05 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/#comments We don't live in Brazil, but from what we hear, it's not one of the most gamer-friendly places out there. Piracy runs rampant and whenever any kind of controversial game releases, citizens usually find their government won't let 'em play it. But, hey, things are kinda looking up!

Reader Renato wrote in to us saying the PS2 has finally officially released in Brazil and that consumers can get it from the Sony Style store now ... for the low, low price of 799 BRL (about 461 USD). That's right, Brazilians no longer need secure safe passage for emigrating consoles or pay ridiculous sums of money to third-party distributors and can instead pay ridiculous sums of money directly to Sony for a locally-supported PS2! Isn't that awesome?

[Thanks, Renato]
Congratulations to Serge808 on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. All beta codes have been awarded. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

JoystiqSony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilimportimportspiracyplaystationplaystation-2ps2sonyThu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeebo releases in zee Brazilian market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/zeebo-releases-in-zee-brazilian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/zeebo-releases-in-zee-brazilian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/zeebo-releases-in-zee-brazilian-market/#comments
UOL Tecnologia reports that Tectoy's Zeebo, the 3G console first revealed at GDC earlier this year, is now available in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For those that lost the Zeebo in the OnLive shuffle, the console's main thrust is its free connection to a 3G network, which allows it constant access to its library of download-only titles. The other major selling point is its price, which rests at R$499 (~US$299), while games can be had for only R$7-30 ($3-13). Three titles are bundled with the system: FIFA 2009, Need For Speed Carbon and Brain Training. The system also comes with free credits to download Prey Evil, Quake, and Quake II.

See the Zeebo in action (and in Portuguese) after the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Zeebo releases in zee Brazilian market

JoystiqZeebo releases in zee Brazilian market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braziltectoyzeeboTue, 26 May 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Brazil is a 'haven' for video game piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/report-brazil-is-a-haven-for-video-game-piracy/#comments
The Escapist's Pedro Franco recently wrote up an interesting article about Brazil's recent transformation into a "pirated goods heaven," particularly for illicitly acquired video games. According to Franco, Brazil was once a thriving market for games, until the mid-1990s brought about outrageously high taxes on gaming software (45 percent of the price of PC titles consisted of taxes), diminished per capita income and the transition from cartridge to disc-based games. Now, it's estimated that 94 percent of Brazil's gaming market is composed of pirated merchandise.

Check out Franco's full article to find out the social and industrial implications of a nation that finds gaming piracy permissible. (Spoiler alert: It leads to bad things.)

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqReport: Brazil is a 'haven' for video game piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babypiratesbrazilescapistillegalpiracypiratesreportWed, 13 May 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft snatches up Brazilian studio Southlogic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/ubisoft-snatches-up-brazilian-studio-southlogic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/ubisoft-snatches-up-brazilian-studio-southlogic/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/ubisoft-snatches-up-brazilian-studio-southlogic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ubisoft continues to unfurl its ambitious expansion plans in South America with the acquisition of Southlogic Studios, an independent developer based in Brazil. According to Edge Online, the studio and its 20-strong staff will be integrated into Ubisoft's Sao Paulo studio, which was opened in 2008 and became responsible for the third appearance of the word "studio" in this article. Fourth if you count that last one.

Of course, all this information serves only to stall the real query in the minds of Southlogic fans: Will Imagine: Wedding Designer get a sequel? Well, we just don't know. Keep hope alive!

JoystiqUbisoft snatches up Brazilian studio Southlogic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcquisitionBrazilDSImagine-Wedding-DesignerUbisoftUbisoft-Sao-PauloTue, 20 Jan 2009 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft opening new studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-opening-new-studio-in-sao-paulo-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-opening-new-studio-in-sao-paulo-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/ubisoft-opening-new-studio-in-sao-paulo-brazil/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ubisoft announced today that it'll open a new studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil. According to GameDaily, this addition means the publisher now has studios on five continents (what, no Antarctica studio?). This follows the recently announced opening of a new campus in Casablanca, Morocco.

The publisher hopes to get the studio rolling in July with about 20 developers and grow it tenfold over the next four years into a 200-member team. Ubisoft notes the new location will begin by working with other studios on "family-oriented titles" for consoles and handhelds.

JoystiqUbisoft opening new studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilubisoftTue, 24 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Konami VP mentions Castlevania Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rumor-konami-vp-mentions-castlevania-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rumor-konami-vp-mentions-castlevania-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/rumor-konami-vp-mentions-castlevania-wii/#commentsFiled under:


This is a pretty weird rumor, but perhaps the same could be said of all rumors. Apparently, Konami USA's Shinji Hirano made a reference to new Castlevania games on the Wii and DS during a press conference Tuesday in Sao Paulo. The weird part is that the event in question, according to Arena Turbo, was a launch for Grand Theft Auto IV and Iron Man. Is GTA IV even out in Brazil? Xbox.com says it isn't. And why would a Konami executive even be there making statements? So sketchy. Of course we can't find any reference to this event anywhere but this post and this GameTV post.

But we've heard Wii 'Vania rumors before, and this extremely dubious one doesn't make the game any less likely. Maybe it'll get sorted out next week, as Hirano reportedly said.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqRumor: Konami VP mentions Castlevania Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionbrazilcastlevaniakonamiFri, 09 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bully ban means no virtual wedgies in Brazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/bully-ban-means-no-virtual-wedgies-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/bully-ban-means-no-virtual-wedgies-in-brazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/bully-ban-means-no-virtual-wedgies-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under:

Brazil seems to be having a lot of censorship issues lately, but in terms of video games, Bully is the most recent victim.

According to an Associated Press article, Judge Flavio Rabello recently ordered that Rockstar's controversial game be banned from the country. This means that Brazilian stores (both brick and mortar and online) cannot sell the software, nor can the title be imported, distributed, or promoted.

So, why Bully over other violent games? State prosecutor Alcindo Bastos commented, "The aggravating factor is that everything in the game takes place inside a school. That is not acceptable." Yet, Bully isn't first game to be prohibited in the Latin American country; earlier this year, Counter-Strike and Everquest were banned as well.

It's a shame when governments don't take the time to understand something before following a knee-jerk reaction. Perhaps bullying is a touchy subject, since the issue involves children committing violence against other children, but pretending it doesn't exist by banning media that portrays it won't solve any problems.

Gallery: Bully



[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqBully ban means no virtual wedgies in Brazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcindo-bastosbanbrazilbullycensorshipflavio-rabellolatin-americarockstarscholarship-editionsouth-americaFri, 11 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazil bans Bully]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/brazil-bans-bully/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/brazil-bans-bully/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/brazil-bans-bully/#commentsFiled under: ,

No sooner does Rockstar finally succeed in getting Manhunt 2 unbanned in the UK than another Rockstar game gets banned in another country. This time around it's Bully: Scholarship Edition that's been banned by a Brazilian judge, as the AP is reporting.

According to the report, the ban prevents the game from "being imported, distributed, sold or promoted on Web sites and stores" in the country. Brazilian distributors and retailers will have thirty days to comply with the ban, which came in response to a request from a Brazilian youth center. "The aggravating factor is that everything in the game takes place inside a school" said prosecutor Alcindo Bastas. "That is not acceptable."

A Take-Two spokesman said the decision "will not have a material impact on the sales of this popular title." We're relatively sure this is not the last we'll hear from the publisher about this matter.

JoystiqBrazil bans Bully originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbrazilbullycontroversyjudgelegalWiiXbox-360Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo turns to U.S. government to fight piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/nintendo-turns-to-u-s-government-to-fight-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/nintendo-turns-to-u-s-government-to-fight-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/nintendo-turns-to-u-s-government-to-fight-piracy/#commentsFiled under:

Having established that the United States is not rife with pirates, Nintendo has made a request to the U.S. government to assist in the fight against piracy of Nintendo products. The company has asked the U.S. Trade Representative to convey messages to other governments with rampant piracy issues, encouraging them to tighten their laws.

Nintendo is asking, specifically, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, Brazil, and Paraguay's governments to be more aggressive against software pirates. Nintendo is asking China to prosecute the large-scale producers of pirated materials, while Korean "service providers" on whose networks software is traded are the target of the censure in that country. Nintendo's complaints against the Latin American governments are much more interesting, as they call for an end to violence against anti-piracy law enforcement officials in Mexico, a crackdown on corruption in Paraguay, and the reduction of high tariffs on retail games in Brazil.

Jodi Daugherty, Nintendo's senior director of anti-piracy, said "The unprecedented momentum enjoyed by Nintendo DS and Wii makes Nintendo an attractive target for counterfeiters." Nintendo estimates the lost sales caused by piracy to be around $975 million worldwide.

JoystiqNintendo turns to U.S. government to fight piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilchinakoreamexicoparaguaypiracyThu, 14 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brazil ban on Counter-Strike, EverQuest goes into effect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/brazil-ban-on-counter-strike-everquest-goes-into-effect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A ban on the sale of Counter-Strike and EverQuest in Brazil has gone into effect. According to AFP, the ban was ordered by federal court in October 2007 but is just now being imposed. Said judge Carlos Alberto Simoes, the titles encouraged "the subversion of public order, were an attack against the democratic state and the law and against public security." (Just so you're clear: EverQuest is an attack on democracy, but censorship isn't.)

Of course, the ban is just on the sale of the two games. Each title is about nine years old, with their latest respective sequels (EverQuest 2 and CS: Source) released in 2004 - not exactly the most timely censorship. By that timeframe, World of Warcraft has about five years left before Brazil drops the banhammer. Let's hope Blizzard can get out Wrath of the Lich King before 2014.

[Via CVG; thanks, Vitor]

JoystiqBrazil ban on Counter-Strike, EverQuest goes into effect originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcounter-strikeeverquestPCTue, 22 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 launches in Brrrrrrrazil]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/xbox-360-launches-in-brrrrrrrazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/xbox-360-launches-in-brrrrrrrazil/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/xbox-360-launches-in-brrrrrrrazil/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Xbox 360 had a launch party in Brazil last week, and announced that they will be selling the system there beginning December 1st. Marcelo Vega of Xbox Today was at the shindig and snapped some pix that he was kind enough to share with us. Brazilian girls playing the 360? Sign us up, please.

Vega said the crowd erupted in cheers when they announced that Gears of War would be available at launch (hey, we would too), and were extremely excited to see such an official Xbox presence instead of the numerous pirate consoles. According to the Babelfish translation, the event was "hosted in a house of events in the unglued quarter of São Paulo." Nice!

Check out more pix after the jump. Viva Brazil!

[Thanks, Marcelo!]

Continue reading Xbox 360 launches in Brrrrrrrazil

JoystiqXbox 360 launches in Brrrrrrrazil originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrazillaunchMicrosoftXboxXbox-360Wed, 15 Nov 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Viva Brasilia! 360 in Brazil next month [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/viva-brasilia-360-in-brazil-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/viva-brasilia-360-in-brazil-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/viva-brasilia-360-in-brazil-next-month/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft announced its plans to launch the Xbox 360 in Brazil yesterday. Microsoft's launch will mark the first time that any company has officially introduced a console in Brazil. Until now, gamers were forced to import/pirate their gaming goodness. The Brazilian 360 bundle will be available on December 1st and will include a Premium 360, a media remote, Kameo, Perfect Dark Zero, and Project Gotham Racing 3. The price for the bundle will be R$2999 (US$1400!). The price seems exorbitant, especially considering 360s are already unofficially selling for half as much. Games will run R$169 (US$79). According to our tipster, many titles will be available (in Portuguese) this year -- including Gears of War. Xbox Live should launch shortly after launch.

Speaking of the launch, David Cervantes, Director of Microsoft's Latin America games and entertainment division, said, "We have learned in Mexico and Colombia that when we come ahead of our competitors, our market share can double just by being the first. If we get a critical mass, it's very difficult for us [to] lose our lead."

Microsoft's continued policy of launching in as many territories as possible -- they launched in India last month -- may have a profound effect on how the next generation pans out. With more international money to be made, the 360 will only become more attractive to developers. Also, this gives foreign developers a reason to develop games for their own territories as well. With games coming mostly from Japan, America, and western Europe for decades, it will be interesting to see how many more international players join the 360 development scene. Would any of our Brazilian readers care to comment?

[Via Joystiq. Thanks, Lobato]

Update: Brazil will be recieving PGR3, not PGR4. Unless they have a form of time travel of which I am not aware.

JoystiqViva Brasilia! 360 in Brazil next month [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360 launch360Launchbrazilxbox 360 launchXbox360LaunchFri, 10 Nov 2006 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii to tango with Latin America in December, price is high]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/wii-to-tango-with-latin-america-in-december-price-is-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/wii-to-tango-with-latin-america-in-december-price-is-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/wii-to-tango-with-latin-america-in-december-price-is-high/#commentsFiled under: , ,

São Paulo, BrazilDuring a recent games convention in São Paulo, Brazil (pictured), a representative of Lamatel (Nintendo's Latin American distributor) announced that Wii will be released in Brazil during the first week of December to the tune of 1,400-1,500 Brazilian reais (roughly $640-$690). Ouch! That smarts more than a hot Brazilian wax! Not that we ... I mean ... it was just a team bonding experience ... it's not like ... oh, never mind.

But seriously, at that rate, who's buying? Just import. Of course, you may want to add some games to that overseas order. So far, only Twilight Princess is confirmed for launch in Brazil.

[Link in Portuguese; Google translation; via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWii to tango with Latin America in December, price is high originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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