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[Battlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/#commentsBattlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One Battlefield 4 has announced via its Facebook page that the game will launch on October 29 of this year. In addition to versions on the PC, Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation 4, the team has also confirmed the game will be coming to Microsoft's newly announced Xbox One console. The Xbox One doesn't have a confirmed launch date just yet, so it's possible that version will arrive later.

Additionally, EA's announced Battlefield 4's first expansion pack, called China Rising. The pack will contain four extra maps, along with extra vehicles and weapons. It will be available at launch, and come free with any pre-order of the game.

And speaking of confirmed Xbox One titles, Bungie has also made it clear that Destiny is due out on Xbox One as well. Stay tuned for more confirmations on next-gen titles for Microsoft's new console.

JoystiqBattlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbattlefield-4bungiechina-risingconsolesdestinydicedlceaexpansionfacebookmicrosoftnext-genpacpackreleasexboxxbox-onexbox-revealTue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/#comments Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie, if given controlEven though Neill Blomkamp already put five months of work into the stalled Halo film project, he's not bitter. In fact, he's still down to work on the film - that is, if he's in control.

"I still really love the world and the universe and the mythology of Halo. If I was given control, I would really like to do that film," Blomkamp told IGN. "But that's the problem. When something pre-exists, there's this idea of my own interpretation versus 150 other people involved with the film's interpretation of the same intellectual property. Then the entire filmgoing audience has their interpretation. You can really live up to or fail in their eyes. That part isn't appealing to me, but the original pieces are appealing."

Blomkamp went on record back in 2009 to say that he wouldn't do the Halo film, even if it was offered to him. Blomkamp drew attention for his trio of Halo 3 short films, eventually all collected in Halo 3: Landfall. The Halo movie was officially postponed in late 2006 after Fox and Universal both pulled out of the project.

JoystiqNeill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-3microsoftNeill-BlomkampxboxWed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3: ODST 'Campaign Edition' drops on Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/halo-3-odst-campaign-edition-drops-on-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/halo-3-odst-campaign-edition-drops-on-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/halo-3-odst-campaign-edition-drops-on-games-on-demand/#comments A stripped-down version of Bungie's Halo 3: ODST is now available on Games on Demand for $15.

Halo 3: ODST "Campaign Edition" includes both the campaign and the co-op Firefight mode, the latter of which is a survival variant where four players take on waves of attacking Covenant enemies.

When Halo 3: ODST first launched in 2009, it included the Halo 3 multiplayer component with additional maps exclusive to the ODST package. If you find yourself desperate for Halo 3 multiplayer, you can buy it through Xbox Live for $20 now.

JoystiqHalo 3: ODST 'Campaign Edition' drops on Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefirefightfirefight-modegames-on-demandhalo-3Halo-3-ODSThalo-3-odst-campaign-editionmicrosoftxboxTue, 09 Apr 2013 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny GDC 2013 'character development' video lands online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/destiny-character-development-gdc-2013-video-lands-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/destiny-character-development-gdc-2013-video-lands-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/destiny-character-development-gdc-2013-video-lands-online/#comments
During Bungie's GDC panel Brave New World: New Bungie IP, a teaser video full of character development renders highlighting Destiny's races played for attendees. Thankfully, GDC attendance is no longer a requirement.

Outside of a look at the three player classes, some of the other aliens of our solar system conjured up by Bungie are on display: the zombie-like Hive, multi-armed Fallen, metallic Vex and bulky Cabal are all here. There's also some preliminary animation work to check out.

Gallery: Destiny (GDC 2013)

JoystiqDestiny GDC 2013 'character development' video lands online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedestinygdc-2013microsoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 28 Mar 2013 22:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie not concerned about Destiny's always-on connection requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/bungie-not-concerned-about-destinys-always-on-connection/#comments Bungie not concerned about Destiny's alwayson connection
In a new Mail Sack blog post, developer Bungie has responded to concerns about its always-on requirement for Destiny, the studio's upcoming multi-platform shooter. The developer says it's not worried about a SimCity-style server outage for Destiny when "the massive onslaught of players" arrive on launch day because it's dealt with high-demand in the past.

"This isn't our first rodeo," the post reads. "Bungie is no stranger to anxious mobs of players who rush home after a midnight launch and put our best-laid plans to the test." Bungie says it plans to "focus on some less frightening but equally important challenges" for now, worrying about release day problems at a later time.

Elsewhere in the Sack, there's also a question about whether or not the alien races will be playable in the game, and Bungie mysteriously teases that it's "barely scratched the surface on the character and customization options." When graphic designer John Stvan is asked to tell a tale about playing the game, he says he once "loaded a build, shot a gun, killed a dude." Sounds riveting!

JoystiqBungie not concerned about Destiny's always-on connection requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyissuesjohn-stvanmail-sackmicrosoftpcplaystationproblemsps3serverserver-outagesxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie files trademark apps for Glimmer, Fallen, Hive, Cabal, Vex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/bungie-files-trademark-apps-for-glimmer-fallen-hive-cabal-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/bungie-files-trademark-apps-for-glimmer-fallen-hive-cabal-ve/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/bungie-files-trademark-apps-for-glimmer-fallen-hive-cabal-ve/#comments Bungie files trademark apps for Glimmer, Fallen, Hive, Cabal, VexBungie is on the hunt for intellectual property, filing trademark applications for five ideas: Glimmer, Fallen, Hive, Cabal and Vex. Filed on March 11 and spotted by Gamespot, each word seeks protection for a range of products, including video games, novels (graphic and classic), Halloween costumes, clothing, action figures, television and movies.

Bungie, of course, is working on Destiny, a persistent-world console shooter with RPG elements. Destiny will come to the PlayStation 4 alongside the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, sometime not in 2013.

JoystiqBungie files trademark apps for Glimmer, Fallen, Hive, Cabal, Vex originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungiecabaldestinyfallenglimmerHivemicrosoftplaystationps3TrademarkUSPTOvexxboxSun, 17 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/halo-games-tumble-in-opening-day-of-xbox-lives-ultimate-sale/#comments Microsoft's week-long Ultimate Game Sale for Games on Demand content makes its opening pitch today, and first up to the plate is Master Chief of the Halo Space Marines. We'll let you be the judge of whether or not the green giant knocks it out of the park with today's offers.

Three games slide down from $29.99 to $9.99 in the form of Halo 3, Halo: Reach, and real-time strategy black sheep Halo Wars. It's not quite as big a discount for the Chief's most recent adventure; Halo 4 shifts its price to $39.99 for a 33 percent discount.

Update: A number of other games are also on sale, including Grid, Call of Juarez, BioShock, and Tomb Raider: Legend. It's not wholly clear, but the wording suggests these particular games are staying discounted through to the end of the Ultimate Game Sale on March 5.
  • Dirt 2 - $4.99
  • Grid - $4.99
  • Dark Messiah of Might and Magic: Elements - $2.99
  • Rayman Raving Rabbids - $2.99
  • Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas - $4.99
  • Kane and Lynch: Dead Men - $4.99
  • Call of Juarez - $4.99
  • Tomb Raider: Legend - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - $4.99
  • Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 - $4.99
  • Virtua Fighter 5 - $4.99
  • BioShock - $4.99
  • El Shaddai - $2.99
  • The Darkness - $4.99

JoystiqHalo games tumble in opening day of Xbox Live's Ultimate sale [update: and more] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiegames-on-demandhalo-3halo-4halo-reachhalo-warsmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's 'Destiny' coming to the PlayStation 4 alongside PS3 version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/destiny-announced-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/destiny-announced-for-ps4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/destiny-announced-for-ps4/#comments Activision Publishing's Eric Hirshberg took the stage during today's PlayStation 2013 event to announce that the Bungie-developed Destiny will make its way to the PlayStation 4.

Bungie president Harold Ryan said that Destiny "is being developed for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, with both versions available at Destiny's launch." Ryan also added that PlayStation gamers will enjoy exclusive content; however, he did not specify if the bonus included both current- and next-gen consoles.

An early version of Activision and Bungie's contract detailed an intricate release plan, which noted Microsoft platforms would see Destiny release as a timed-exclusive.

JoystiqBungie's 'Destiny' coming to the PlayStation 4 alongside PS3 version originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionannouncementBungiedestinyplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps3ps4Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/activision-dont-expect-destiny-in-2013/#comments Destiny news postDespite being available for pre-order at major retailers, Bungie's recently revealed Destiny isn't going to launch in this calendar year. An Activision Blizzard press release sent out today noted: "Activision has not included [Destiny's] launch in its 2013 outlook and there should be no speculation or expectation of a different result."

Oh, and in case there's any confusion about calendar '13 versus fiscal year, Activision Blizzard is one of the few companies that has its fiscal year synched with the planet's trip around the sun.

The 2010 contract between Activision and Bungie regarding Destiny tentatively scheduled four retail games for the fall of 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. There are also four "comet releases" planned for the years between, which are speculated to be substantial add-ons to the prior year's offerings.

Continue reading Activision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013

JoystiqActivision: Don't expect 'Destiny' in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardbungiedestinymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Stiq Figures, February 4 - 10: Pathways into Darkness edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/stiq-figures-february-4-10-pathways-into-darkness-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/stiq-figures-february-4-10-pathways-into-darkness-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/stiq-figures-february-4-10-pathways-into-darkness-edition/#comments Welcome to Stiq Figures, where the sales data is after the break and the posts don't matter. Every week, we take a look at, uh, something - meanwhile, the previous week's Japanese hardware sales figures are posted after the jump, and a discussion of said figures takes place in our comments. It may not be conventional, but it's a time-honored Joystiq tradition.

What with all the hullabaloo today over Bungie's persistent online multiplayer FPS Destiny finally being revealed and everything, we though it'd be worth taking a look at the developer's original FPS: Pathways into Darkness.

Originally released in 1993 for Mac OS, Pathways into Darkness tasks the player, a United States Special Forces operative, with the detonation of a nuclear bomb inside of an ancient pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula, in order to stun and bury a terrible god sleeping beneath the structure. These orders, of course, come from the President, who was warned of the god's impending awakening by an alien representative of the Jjaro, who would later become part of the Marathon mythology.

As goofy as it sounds, Pathways into Darkness remains a legitimately creepy gaming experience in our opinion. What's more, the game's odd blend of FPS exploration and adventure game inventory management and puzzle solving make it a unique standout from games of the period, many of which lacked Pathways' narrative sophistication.

Continue reading Stiq Figures, February 4 - 10: Pathways into Darkness edition

JoystiqStiq Figures, February 4 - 10: Pathways into Darkness edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiejapaneseharwaresalespathways-into-darknessstiqfiguresSun, 17 Feb 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Recapping Bungie's 'Destiny' reveal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/recapping-bungies-destiny-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/recapping-bungies-destiny-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/recapping-bungies-destiny-reveal/#comments
After a day of Bungie-related content, we present you with an easy-to-use recap of today's Destiny reveal. As an added bonus, we've developed a lengthy video feature - as seen above - with associate editor David Hinkle and myself discussing the reveal and answering as many questions as we could. If you prefer to watch your previews, Joystiq has you covered.

JoystiqRecapping Bungie's 'Destiny' reveal originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny: What we know now vs details in the Activision-Bungie contract]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-what-we-know-now-vs-details-in-the-activision-bungie-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-what-we-know-now-vs-details-in-the-activision-bungie-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-what-we-know-now-vs-details-in-the-activision-bungie-con/#comments Examining the 'Destiny' contract between Bungie and ActivisionAs part of the litigation between Activision and former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, the publishing giant was forced to reveal terms of its publishing agreement with Bungie to launch its new franchise, Destiny.

While it's possible the contract has since been altered from its original signing date of April 16, 2010 - considering elements such as the industry's further knowledge of the next generation of consoles - we wonder how closely it resembles what Bungie and Activision have finally revealed to the public.

Using information received during our recent meeting at Bungie's Washington headquarters, we compare what we now know about Destiny and what the 2010 contract promises.

Continue reading Destiny: What we know now vs details in the Activision-Bungie contract

JoystiqDestiny: What we know now vs details in the Activision-Bungie contract originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieContractdestinyLegalmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny in the stars: Exploring Bungie's 10-year plan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-in-the-stars-exploring-bungies-10-year-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-in-the-stars-exploring-bungies-10-year-plan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/destiny-in-the-stars-exploring-bungies-10-year-plan/#comments The expansive frontier and promises of Bungie's 'Destiny'Within the hollowed-out remains of a former bowling alley and movie theater, the creators of the Halo franchise huddle en masse at their headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, working on a new project. Inked to a decade-long agreement with publishing giant Activision - and dodging rumors and leaked documents for nearly two years - Bungie has finally revealed Destiny.

A first-person console shooter set within a persistent world, Destiny takes place in a future-vision of our own solar system: A great peace beamed across the system, after civilization spanned the galaxy.

"But it didn't last," a teaser trailer featuring concept art revealed.

Hit by an unknown force that nearly wipes out all of humanity, Earth's survivors take salvation under a mysterious orb that hovers over a part of the planet. This orb, referred to as "The Traveler," is roof to the final safe haven for humans. But as time passes and humanity begins to lift itself out of extinction, they learn they are not alone.

"Strange, deadly creatures have occupied our old worlds. And they're pressing hard against the city, probing for a weakness, trying to stamp us out for good." As a Guardian of Earth's last city, players will be able to wield some of The Traveler's power and set out to rid the galaxy of aggressors.

"If you can find a way to save the city, to reclaim all that we have lost, you will become legend. If you fail, the last light of civilization will go out."

Gallery: Destiny (Concept Art: 02/17/2013)

Continue reading Destiny in the stars: Exploring Bungie's 10-year plan

JoystiqDestiny in the stars: Exploring Bungie's 10-year plan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Feb 2013 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie reveals 'Destiny': An always-on, persistent-world adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/bungie-reveals-destiny-an-always-on-persistent-world-adventu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/bungie-reveals-destiny-an-always-on-persistent-world-adventu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/17/bungie-reveals-destiny-an-always-on-persistent-world-adventu/#comments
After nearly two years of rumors and leaks, the Halo franchise architects at Bungie have finally lifted the veil on their next project: Destiny.

Part of a 10-year publishing deal with Activision, Destiny is a persistent-world console shooter where players create and customize their identities and gear in order to venture across a future vision of our own solar system on quests to gather loot and defeat evil.

"If you fail, the last light of civilization will go out," a teaser trailer featuring concept art at the reveal event promised. The world of Destiny doesn't rely on a single hero for salvation, but a community of Guardians, all exploring the galaxy in an effort to save the system and craft their unique legends.

Bungie has made significant investments in the game's multiplayer component to emphasize cooperative play. Single-player purists will be able to quest as a Guardian throughout the galaxy; however, in order to "realize the vision of the game," Destiny will require a constant internet connection on all platforms regardless of play style.

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg says that maintaining the vision of Bungie's shooter is key to the always-on requirement, adding "that's the only reason for that restriction." As for player investment to enter the world of Destiny, Hirshberg says that there are "absolutely no plans to charge a subscription fee."

Continue reading Bungie reveals 'Destiny': An always-on, persistent-world adventure

JoystiqBungie reveals 'Destiny': An always-on, persistent-world adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 17 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's Destiny pre-order posters arrive at GameStop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/bungies-destiny-pre-order-posters-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/bungies-destiny-pre-order-posters-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/bungies-destiny-pre-order-posters-arrive-at-gamestop/#comments Bungie's Destiny preorder posters arrive at GameStopPre-order bonuses for Bungie's upcoming mega first-person shooter, Destiny, are arriving at GameStop stores today. The double-sided posters will be available beginning Monday, according to our GameStop source. We've placed shots of the poster after the break.

Destiny, according to documentation provided with the posters, lets you create your own character and earn unique and customizable weapons, gear and vehicles in an always-connected universe. The game is described as an FPS with cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, combined with public and social activities.

Bungie is expected to reveal Destiny on Sunday.

[Thanks, OG]

Continue reading Bungie's Destiny pre-order posters arrive at GameStop

JoystiqBungie's Destiny pre-order posters arrive at GameStop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyFri, 15 Feb 2013 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer support extended]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-support-extended/#comments Good news for dual-wielding, sword-rushing Lockout fans, Halo 2's online multiplayer on PC has received an extension. Previously, Halo Waypoint had announced that Halo 2's PC multiplayer servers would join the Forerunners on February 15. Not so anymore, according to 343 Industries designer David Ellis, who revealed the extension on Twitter, noting that servers will now stay online until June 2013 "while we investigate further support options."

In other words, not only do the few remaining Halo 2 players get another four months of online multiplayer, but 343 is apparently looking into ways to extend it even further. Now everyone calm down and get back to Team Slayer on Turf (BR starts, duh).

JoystiqPSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer support extended originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-2pcWed, 13 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny ARG begins: 'Distributed, synchronous effort required']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/destiny-arg-begins-distributed-synchronous-effort-required/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/destiny-arg-begins-distributed-synchronous-effort-required/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/destiny-arg-begins-distributed-synchronous-effort-required/#comments Destiny ARG begins 'Distributed, synchronous effort required'A Bungie release wouldn't really be the same without an alternate reality game to get pattern-obsessed conspiracy nerds/internet detectives (read: us) all worked up and obsessive, and thus Destiny's own ARG has officially sprung into life. Destiny, in case you're just joining the party, is Bungie's new original IP of which we know very little, beyond the fact that some leaked concept art places the game on a ruined future-Earth orbited by a massive, spherical alien ship.

Perhaps more obvious in its implementation than some of Bungie's previous ARG efforts, the new jam requires the user to "begin by aligning the day's pattern to the light," which is to say, arrange a pattern of eight diamonds into the correct configuration, thus granting access to the site in full.

Once inside, the user is presented with some delightfully cryptic information: A small section of a larger geometric pattern/glyph on the left, an abstract matrix of dots on the right, and at the bottom of the page, a message. "Your node will remain active for 5 minutes, but may be reactivated as necessary. Distributed, synchronous effort required."

Depending on the number of active users viewing the site at any given time, the image on the left will either be more or less obscured/legible. Likewise, the dot matrix on the right will be populated with more or fewer dots, based on current traffic. Once a sufficient number of users are online, a screenshot the dot matrix can be analyzed for information in Photoshop or similar. Yesterday's matrix, for instance, revealed a file extension that, once placed onto the end of the site's URL, rewarded studious sleuths with a large image and passage.

Games such as this typically evolve as time goes on, so the complexity of the puzzles and the amount of technical skill required to solve them is likely to increase on a daily basis. There's also no indication of what happens after the seventh day, but we're eager to help find out. And, by "help," we mean "read forum threads and get excited when smart people solve things for us."

JoystiqDestiny ARG begins: 'Distributed, synchronous effort required' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalternate-reality-gameARGbungiedestinyTue, 12 Feb 2013 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's gift to a child who could use cheering up, in pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/bungies-gift-to-a-child-who-could-use-cheering-up-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/bungies-gift-to-a-child-who-could-use-cheering-up-in-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/bungies-gift-to-a-child-who-could-use-cheering-up-in-pictures/#comments Bungie's heartwarming gift to a child that could use cheering upReddit user fiscal_ reached out on the forums two weeks ago, asking if anyone had contact info for Bungie, the original team behind the Halo series. His young son was a huge Halo fan, but more importantly he was recovering from an intense liver transplant surgery, and fiscal_ wanted to cheer him up with something from his favorite franchise. Bungie delivered.

Bungie sent over a full-size replica of Carter's helmet from Halo: Reach for fiscal_'s son to keep, along with a t-shirt and a card signed by Bungie staff wishing him well. "My family can't thank Bungie enough," fiscal_ wrote. "I know that they have had a huge impact on how well my son has been recovering after his surgery."

This album of pictures tells the whole, heartwarming story.

JoystiqBungie's gift to a child who could use cheering up, in pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHalo-ReachheartwarminghospitalmicrosoftsurgeryxboxSun, 20 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/psa-halo-2-pc-multiplayer-servers-going-offline-feb-15/#comments PSA Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb 15Online multiplayer matches in the PC version of Halo 2 are about to get a lot lonelier than they already are, as Bungie will be pulling the plug on Friday, February 15. Matches over LAN will still be possible of course, but as far as playing through Bungie's servers, that's all she wrote.

"We've been monitoring the population for months," the announcement reads, "and it's been peaking consistently at approximately 20 players or less." So! If you're one of the 20 people left in the whole of existence that are still playing Halo 2, allow us to officially welcome you back to society. You'll be pleased to know that several other Halo games have been released in your absence.

JoystiqPSA: Halo 2 PC multiplayer servers going offline Feb. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieHalo-2microsoftmultiplayerofflinepcPSAserversshut-downSat, 19 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie discussing 'Destiny' at GDC 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/bungie-discussing-destiny-at-gdc-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/bungie-discussing-destiny-at-gdc-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/bungie-discussing-destiny-at-gdc-2013/#comments Bungie and Activision's new IP, Destiny, will be the subject of a session during this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Dubbed a "Brave New World: New Bungie IP," the talk will cover the studio's approach in putting together Destiny's original setting, "a place where the next ten years of great Bungie adventures will unfold."

The Destiny leaks last year suggested a "fun and accessible" multi-platform project, set in the future and featuring a large-scale war between man and alien (bearing a strong resemblance, in other words, to Halo). Having been teased with Destiny and its iconography for months now, we expect some insight into just how Bungie's new universe is shaping up.

The Game Developers Conference runs from March 25 until March 29. The time and date of Bungie's panel has yet to be announced.

JoystiqBungie discussing 'Destiny' at GDC 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinygdcgdc-13gdc-2013halomicrosoftpanelpcplaystationps3revealxboxWed, 16 Jan 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's Destiny was teased way back in Halo 3: ODST]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/bungies-destiny-was-teased-way-back-in-halo-3-odst/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/bungies-destiny-was-teased-way-back-in-halo-3-odst/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/bungies-destiny-was-teased-way-back-in-halo-3-odst/#comments Bungie's Destiny was teased way back in Halo 3 ODSTBungie's Destiny has existed in one form or another since at least 2009, a new discovery in Halo 3: ODST indicates. The above image shows a poster found in ODST, which portrays a planet within close proximity to a large white sphere, with the message "DESTINY AWAITS" scrawled above. The similarities between this image and the recently leaked Destiny concept art is undeniable, especially the title screen-esque image obtained by IGN.

Former Bungie employee and Halo series level designer Vic Deleon has confirmed the connection, exclaiming that the secret had "FINALLY BEEN FOUND!" on Twitter. In light of these events, we've decided to dig even further into the annals of Halo lore by running the entirety of Halo: The Fall of Reach through an anagram construction algorithm and seeing what we come up with. Should that prove fruitless, we'll start decompiling the code for Pathways into Darkness.

JoystiqBungie's Destiny was teased way back in Halo 3: ODST originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiecluedestinyHalo-3-ODSThiddenhintsecretteaseFri, 30 Nov 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie confirms leak of story info, concept art for Destiny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/bungie-confirms-leak-of-story-info-concept-art-for-destiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/bungie-confirms-leak-of-story-info-concept-art-for-destiny/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/bungie-confirms-leak-of-story-info-concept-art-for-destiny/#comments Bungie reveals story info, concept art for DestinyAn IGN reader has provided the site with a bundle of Destiny art and story materials that it says were compiled by an ad agency. Destiny is the long-rumored secret project that will serve as Bungie's followup to the Halo series. The art shows an Earth in a future "littered with the ruins of man's Golden Age," according to the materials, with a huge alien ship sitting above the planet. There are also shots of various soldiers and war vehicles, along with a more final logo similar to the one we've seen before.

And now Bungie has added to the collection with its own official piece of concept art above. On the official Bungie blog, the company vaguely confirms the leaks, saying, "Go ahead. Take a peek. It's alright. We weren't quite ready, but we will be soon, and we can't wait to finally show you what we've really been up to."

The leaked documents describe Destiny as "fun and accessible to all," and say the property's goal is "to create a universe as deep, tangible and relatable as that of the Star Wars franchise." That leaked contract between Bungie and publisher Activision about the project suggests that this title will involve four games, as many DLC releases, and stretch across the next console generation, so it's possible that this art reveals the very first step in what might be a long journey forward.

JoystiqBungie confirms leak of story info, concept art for Destiny originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyearthfutureleakmicrosoftpcpicturesplaystationps3screenshotsuniversexboxTue, 27 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Demonware with Bungie on 'Destiny,' report of hands-on playtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/rumor-demonware-with-bungie-on-destiny-report-of-hands-on-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/rumor-demonware-with-bungie-on-destiny-report-of-hands-on-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/rumor-demonware-with-bungie-on-destiny-report-of-hands-on-pl/#comments Rumor Info leaks on Bungie's 'Destiny'"Destiny," the unofficial, unannounced project from Bungie, looks to be getting help from online software manager Demonware. Demonware, a subsidiary of Activision, lists Bungie as a partner and has offices in Vancouver with two open positions that correlate to an Activision job posting - but that's not all.

A senior Demonware employee recently participated in Bungie Day and wrote a blog post (since removed) about his hands-on time with Destiny itself, Superannuation found. The employee described a meeting in a theater to discuss "game story, factions, art, engineering, tool chain, graphics, audio, player investment mechanisms, player progression, UI, and web and mobile apps." And then he played Destiny.

"The game was up and down a lot, playing in a team of 3 we did manage to experience entering a zone to find other players already taking on the bad guys, it's cooperative so we helped out (mostly [name removed], I just died) before both groups went their separate ways," the employee wrote. "Which is a pretty cool experience, making you feel you are part of a much larger populated world.

"At the end of the day I was excited about the game, I like the feel of being in a large world with different destinations and the interactions along the way. It actually brought back a sense of exploration I recall from playing [Elite] many years ago, although there was no opportunity to shoot aliens in the face in Elite. I'm not fully sold on the appeal of being able to change the colour of a weapon, but I guess it works in China, and customization and individual identity is a big theme for the game."

The employee boiled down general comments from other attendees to, "It's still quite like Halo," and, "There is a lot of work to be done."

JoystiqRumor: Demonware with Bungie on 'Destiny,' report of hands-on playtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieDemonWaredestinymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 06 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble founder: Bungie was 'never up' for Halo Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ensemble-founder-bungie-was-never-up-for-halo-wars/#comments Bungie wasn't keen on the idea of Halo Wars, Ensemble Studios founder Tony Goodman has told GamesIndustry.biz. Goodman noted that the game that became Halo Wars originally had nothing to do with Halo at all, but Microsoft felt that a strategy game would have a better chance of succeeding on its console with the Halo branding. The shift put the game "back about a year in development, and I think it never quite turned out the same," he said. Microsoft had assumed, according to Goodman, that the studio could simply "paint over" what it had already created with Halo characters, vehicles and environments.

Furthermore, Goodman added that the entire project never sat well with Bungie, the studio that created Halo in the first place. "Another problem was that Bungie was never up for it," he said, recalling that the studio considered Halo Wars a "whoring out" of its franchise.

Halo Wars became the last game that Ensemble Studios would ever produce, with the developer's former staff offering different accounts as to why it went under. The game went on to break a million in sales, and the staff went on to form several new studios, including Goodman's Robot Entertainment, which took stewardship of Halo Wars and went on to create both Hero Academy and Orcs Must Die. Goodman recently left Robot to form new mobile studio PeopleFun.

JoystiqEnsemble founder: Bungie was 'never up' for Halo Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieensemble-studiosHalo-Warsmicrosofttony-goodmanxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Paul McCartney writing music for Bungie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/sir-paul-mccartney-writing-music-for-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/sir-paul-mccartney-writing-music-for-bungie/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/07/sir-paul-mccartney-writing-music-for-bungie/#comments Sir Paul McCartney writing music for BungieRemember back in January, when all our troubles seemed so far away Sir Paul McCartney announced that he was composing music for some kind of video game? Well, either the knight's composing schedule is very busy, or the unnamed recipient of his work is actually Bungie.

"I'm really excited to be working on writing music with @bungie, the studio that made Halo," reads a tweet from McCartney's verified Twitter account. The attached image (above) most likely shows McCartney and resident Bungie composer Martin O'Donnell discussing the number of zeroes that will be added to the end of McCartney's paycheck.

We've reached out to Bungie for more information about what project(s) McCartney is lending his talents to.

JoystiqSir Paul McCartney writing music for Bungie originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiepaul-mccartneySat, 07 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/10/halo-mastermind-takes-his-sci-fi-shooter-chops-to-mobile-gaming/#comments Industrial Toys' first title is a scifi shooter to blow away mobile controls, community featuresAlex Seropian, Bungie co-founder and creator of the Halo franchise, has a new studio focused on creating mobile, hardcore games, and his first title is going to be -- wait for it -- a sci-fi shooter.

As a hardcore game, Industrial Toys' sci-fi shooter utilizes Unreal Engine and will exist in a world similar in size to the Elder Scrolls or World of Warcraft universes, Seropian said. As a web-based title, it may have some similarities to Team Fortress 2, president Tim Harris suggested after we asked about any online multiplayer capabilities:

"It's interesting you bring up TF2," Harris said, laughing.

That's where the familiarity from Industrial Toys ends: Seropian and Harris, the latter formerly of Seven Lights, are looking to innovate the touchscreen-control space in a major way, while adding community features integrated on a level other mobile games can't, well, touch.

Continue reading Halo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys

JoystiqHalo mastermind takes his sci-fi shooter chops to mobile gaming with Industrial Toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-SeropianandroidBungiebungie-studiose3-2012Haloindustrial-toysiosipadiphonemobilesci-fishootertim-harrisSun, 10 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Marathon trilogy now available on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/full-marathon-trilogy-now-available-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/full-marathon-trilogy-now-available-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/full-marathon-trilogy-now-available-on-ios/#comments ImageThe original Marathon has been free ever since it debuted on iOS, leading the way for Marathon 2: Durandal to launch last December, also as a free app. Now the final game in the Marathon trilogy, Marathon Infinity, is available on iOS.

Marathon Infinity also debuts on iOS as a free universal app for both iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch devices. Marathon Infinity is a lot like the other two Marathon games on iOS: you get the full original game, but if you want higher-resolution graphics you can pony up two bucks.

JoystiqFull Marathon trilogy now available on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedaniel-blezekiosipadiphonemarathon-infinitymobileSat, 02 Jun 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie reveals its non-plan for E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/bungie-reveals-its-non-plan-for-e3/#comments Bungie revealed its plan for E3 2012 in a community Q&A blog post on Friday. Or rather, its lack of plans for the annual trade show, as the company will not be there in any official capacity this year.

When asked about presenting their latest project at E3, the development team said they "never started one, and we're not going to be at E3 in any official capacity this year. Some of us will be there, lurking from booth to booth, but don't expect any announcements."

Word of Bungie's ongoing project, code-named "Destiny," leaked earlier this week in documents related to the court battle between Activision and former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella.

JoystiqBungie reveals its non-plan for E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungiedestinye3-2012Sat, 26 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision/Bungie contract reveals four-game plan code-named 'Destiny', potential for new Marathon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/activision-bungie-contract-reveals-four-game-plan-code-named-de/#comments As a side effect of Activision's ongoing court battle with former Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, details of the company's deal with Bungie have been made public in documents posted by the LA Times.

According to the documents, Bungie has agreed to create four "sci-fantasy, action shooter games" in a project code-named "Destiny" (for which Bungie filed trademarks last year). The first will be an Xbox exclusive (360 with the option for its successor) in fall 2013 (versions for other systems would follow one year later) with followup games on Xbox successor, PS3 successor, and PC in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Four DLC expansions, code-named "Comet," are included in the deal, due fall 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

In the contract, Activision reserves the right to take over the "Destiny" property if Bungie fails to meet its requirements; however, it stipulates that it will not begin more "Destiny" projects until Bungie has completed its work.

The contract also gives Bungie the freedom to put five percent of its staff to work on a prototype for a new game referred to as "Marathon," with the team size allowed to grow after certain operating income. There are also rules governing how much of the company's staff can work on Bungie.Net, Halo Reach DLC and other projects.

That takes care of the next eight years or so of video game news. Who wants tacos?

JoystiqActivision/Bungie contract reveals four-game plan code-named 'Destiny', potential for new Marathon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymarathonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 21 May 2012 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/halo-stats-blown-out-by-bungie-as-studio-moves-on/#comments Bungie is out of the Halo stat-tracking biz, but says "so long and thanks for all the fish" with one last nuke of information. Since 2004, over 20.8 billion Halo matchmaking games have been played, with Halo 3 supplying a majority at 11.5 billion, at around 221 million games averaged monthly.

The studio gathered all the data up in a mega infographic, covering stats of the great battles between humanity and The Covenant, and Red vs. Blue. At the end of Bungie's oversight of the online war, the body count exceeded 136 billion, with over 43 billion assists.

Having moved on from Halo, Bungie is currently in a 10-year contract with Activision to produce ... something.

JoystiqHalo stats blown out by Bungie as studio moves on originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHaloHalo-2Halo-3Halo-3-ODSTHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo co-creator Alex Seropian founds Industrial Toys, focused on mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/halo-co-creator-alex-seropian-founds-industrial-toys-focused-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/halo-co-creator-alex-seropian-founds-industrial-toys-focused-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/halo-co-creator-alex-seropian-founds-industrial-toys-focused-on/#comments Halo co-creator and Bungie co-founder Alex Seropian has embarked on yet another new venture. After founding Wideload Games almost ten years ago and then joining Disney Interactive as head of game development for a few years, Seropian has now started up a company named Industrial Toys. Along with "some kickass art talent from ex-Marvel and DC guys," as president Tim Harris (formerly of Seven Lights) puts it, Seropian and the rest of the company plan to make hardcore games for mobile platforms. "We're going deep on story and community and all sorts of nerdy goodness," says Harris.

While we have a while yet to wait on actual game products, the company has already jumped onto Twitter in a big way. It's also posting updates on Facebook, sharing some pictures of the HQ under construction in Los Angeles (those are network wires hanging from the ceiling). It all sounds exciting, and Seropian and friends certainly have pedigree enough to make something really interesting.

JoystiqHalo co-creator Alex Seropian founds Industrial Toys, focused on mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-seropianbungieindustrial-toyslos-angelesmobileofficestartuptim-harrisThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/#comments Alex Seropian -- who helped found developer Bungie in the 1990s -- has left Disney Interactive, where he was head of game development. After helping create the Halo franchise at Bungie, Seropian started his own studio, Wideload Games, which was then acquired by Disney when it hired Seropian in 2009 as a creative-development lead.

Disney has confirmed Seropian's departure and said he will be replaced by former Blizzard vice president Bill Roper, Game Informer reports. In 2003 Roper left Blizzard and founded Flagship Studios, which busted in 2008, and he was picked up by Cryptic Studios. In 2011, Roper left Cryptic to join Disney Interactive as vice president of the Marvel Franchise, which recently announced Marvel: Avengers Alliance coming to Facebook in Q1 this year.

JoystiqFormer Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianbill-roperBlizzardBungiedisneyDisney-InteractiveHalomicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3WideloadwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie opposes SOPA, mostly because it 'sucks']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/bungie-opposes-sopa-mostly-because-it-sucks/#comments Everyone at Bungie thinks SOPA "sucks," according to a new post on its News board. Bungie, formerly of the Halo franchise, joins a growing list of developers and companies opposing SOPA, and urges its audience to take action against the bill.

"Bungie is opposed to any legislation that curtails free speech, stifles innovation, and prevents the open sharing of information on the Internet," Bungie's position reads. "SOPA fits that bill. If it passes, it will hurt our community, the gaming community at large, and it could very well cripple the kind of games we love to create and play.

"Just like online piracy, that would be downright criminal."

JoystiqBungie opposes SOPA, mostly because it 'sucks' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungieiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationps3sopaxboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: Halo Reach-themed Xbox 360, Halo Anniversary, and Turtle Beach PX5 headset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/12-days-of-joyswag-halo-reach-themed-xbox-360-halo-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/12-days-of-joyswag-halo-reach-themed-xbox-360-halo-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/12-days-of-joyswag-halo-reach-themed-xbox-360-halo-anniversary/#comments Another year, another 12 days of holiday giveaways! Between now and Christmas Day, we're doing the one thing that makes us feel truly alive: giving. Specifically, we're giving you fine folks some of the swag we've managed to collect in our cluttered home offices. And the good will and merriment doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for even more chances to win!

With just a few days left before Christmas, it's time to break out the big, Spartan-sized guns. We've got a 250GB Halo Reach-themed Xbox 360 S but since Halo Reach is sooo 2010, we're complementing it with a copy of this year's Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. And if you want to take Anniversary online so you can relive the magic of the Magnum pistol, we're including Turtle Beach's top-of-the-line PX5 wireless headset. To give you a better chance of getting in on this haul, we're leaving entry open for three days; head past the break to learn how to enter.

Gallery: Halo: Reach Limited Edition Xbox 360 Bundle

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: Halo Reach-themed Xbox 360, Halo Anniversary, and Turtle Beach PX5 headset

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: Halo Reach-themed Xbox 360, Halo Anniversary, and Turtle Beach PX5 headset originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2011343-studiosbungiehalo-combat-evolved-anniversarymicrosoftxboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's Marathon 2: Durandal heads to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/bungies-marathon-2-durandal-heads-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/bungies-marathon-2-durandal-heads-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/bungies-marathon-2-durandal-heads-to-ios/#comments Talk to your children about rampancy today. Months after the release of the original Marathon on the iPad, Touch Arcade reports that Marathon 2: Durandal has been approved by Apple and will be launch for iOS on Thursday (i.e. tomorrow). Marathon 2 includes many features not found in the original, namely that it's a universal app, meaning it's playable across all iOS devices this time around, not just the iPad.

Furthermore, it supports Game Center, offers the same HD textures found in the Xbox Live Arcade version and features support for Joypad, and app that turns your iPod or iPhone into a game controller for the iPad.

As with the original Marathon release, Marathon 2 itself will be free, with optional extras like high resolution textures (presumably the HD textures mentioned above) and a cheat mode available for in-app purchase. Additionally, all of these new features will reportedly be added to the original Marathon via an update later this week, hopefully meaning it will no longer be confined solely to the iPad.

JoystiqBungie's Marathon 2: Durandal heads to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieiosipadiphoneMarathonMarathon-Durandalmobilerelease-dateWed, 14 Dec 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marathon trilogy now free through open-source project [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/marathon-trilogy-now-free-through-open-source-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/marathon-trilogy-now-free-through-open-source-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/marathon-trilogy-now-free-through-open-source-project/#comments In what we can only assume to be a charitable act made in the spirit of the holidays, the Aleph One engine, which powers Marathon 2: Durandal, Marathon Infinity and a fan remake of the original Marathon, is now available to download (alongside the aforementioned games) for free. The distribution of the engine -- assumedly approved by Bungie, who just shared it through the studio's Twitter account -- is made possible thanks to its GNU General Public License.

All three games are available for PC, Mac and Linux -- as well as the iPad, thanks to an open-source project completed this past summer -- so there's really no reason for you not to check them out. Unless, of course, you can only find satisfaction through thoroughly illegal piracy. We can role-play, if that makes it any easier. "No! Don't download all those games for free! That's illegal, you bad, bad buccaneer."

Update: As many of you have pointed out, this project has been around for some time -- today just marks the arrival of version 1.0. We apologize for being so very, very late to the party.

JoystiqMarathon trilogy now free through open-source project [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiefreegnulinuxmacMarathonMarathon-Durandalopen-sourcepcThu, 01 Dec 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/deja-review-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/deja-review-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/deja-review-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary/#commentsWe're of the firm opinion that your time is too precious, too valuable to be spent reading a full review for a game that was already reviewed many, many years ago. What's the point of applying a score to a game that's old enough to be enrolled in the sixth grade? That's why we invented Deja Review: A quick look at the new features and relative agelessness of remade, revived and re-released games.
He needs a weapon.
You never forget your first. Way back in 2001, halfway through my first year of college, my parents unexpectedly bought me an Xbox for Christmas. My first game was Dead or Alive 3, but the one I'll always remember was something called Halo: Combat Evolved. I'd never heard of it before, but the editors of my gaming magazine of choice -- EGM, as I recall -- gave it not one or two or three, but four 10 out of 10s.

I picked up a copy and the rest, as they say, is history. I played through the campaign alone, and again with friends, and again with my brother, and again with my then future in-laws. I played multiplayer at the only LAN party I've ever attended and I got slaughtered, falling countless times to the effortless pistol precision of friends-of-friends who were actually geekier than I was. But it didn't matter, because Halo was a blast.

Ten years later, it still is.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (Campaign)

Continue reading Deja Review: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

JoystiqDeja Review: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiedeja-reviewhalo-combat-evolved-anniversarykinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxMon, 14 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Bungie Aerospace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/whats-in-a-name-bungie-aerospace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/whats-in-a-name-bungie-aerospace/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/whats-in-a-name-bungie-aerospace/#comments Bernard Yee is the Aerospace Portfolio Manager for Bungie, tasked with helping the newly independent studio expand into digitally distributed frontiers. He's previously worked on everything from EverQuest at Sony Online Entertainment to Rock Band at Harmonix.

The name came about a couple ways: There are a bunch of real space industry fans at Bungie; like when the shuttle launch happened, a bunch of people from the studio went down to Florida to watch it. So there's a bunch of aerospace engineering fans at the studio and I think the name came about partially from that.

There's an expression in Latin, and I forget what it is in Latin, but it's "to boldly go into the stars" [Ed: "per audacia ad astra"] and I think that saying sort of personified Bungie's feeling of being independent again. We could be cross-platform, we weren't tied to any specific console device anymore, we're getting to do something new with a big IP. And as specifically applied to Bungie Aerospace, the idea that there were a whole host of platforms like iOS and Android and PC/Steam and to a similar degree XBLA and PSN; that there were different game experiences being developed there.

It's almost like the mammals underfoot the dinosaurs, something interesting was happening. Bungie is a very technically capable studio and we clearly see the trajectory of these hardware devices. We understand the things that make Bungie a great game studio on console were going to be increasingly relevant in this space, with iOS devices. But it wasn't 100% transferable, right? The lessons we learned on console will be useful on the mobile platform but they're going to be different game experiences. Maybe the game sessions are 20 minutes instead of two hours. I think I remember reading that Torchlight's average game session was about 20 or 30 minutes. I would guess that Halo or Call of Duty's average is much longer.

The idea is that we want to understand this platform because it's relevant to us as game creators and there's a lot to learn. We wanted to do this as a way to grow Bungie's expertise and reach into other areas. That's where the Aerospace name came from.

Bungie Aerospace recently released its first title, Crimson: Steam Pirates, from developer Harebrained Schemes. It's available for iPad from the iOS App Store.

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's in a Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Bungie Aerospace originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbernie-yeebungiebungie-aerospacecrimson-steam-piratesiosipadiphonemobilewhats-in-a-nameWed, 19 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Crimson: Steam Pirates was made in 12 weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/crimson-steam-pirates-was-made-in-12-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/crimson-steam-pirates-was-made-in-12-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/crimson-steam-pirates-was-made-in-12-weeks/#comments Believe it or not, Bungie's latest didn't take that long to develop -- oh, you read the headline? Well, aren't you perceptive! Yes, Crimson: Steam Pirates (not to be confused with The Crimson Permanent Assurance) only took 12 weeks to create, believe it or not.

It's the subject of a Gamasutra postmortem by developer Harebrained Schemes' Aljernon Bolden, who worked in the trenches over those dozen weeks to create what is one of the top free iPad apps. His diatribe recounts the last month (it launched on September 1, remember?) and how a team of seven people was able to meet deadline. Did you know the game uses animations originally created as flipbook animations in Flash? Just one of the many interesting tidbits to be discovered!

Do yourself a favor and give it a read. It's not only a great read to learn how a first-time developer was able to come up with high-impact, low-cost solutions to achieve its goal, it's also fascinating stuff for budding developers -- and in this App store world we're living in, that should be at least 75 percent of you.

Gallery: Crimson: Steam Pirates

JoystiqCrimson: Steam Pirates was made in 12 weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-aerospacebungie-aerospace-corporationcrimson-steam-piratesharebrained-schemesiosipadmobileSat, 01 Oct 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/halo-anniversary-gets-headlong-remake-reach-title-update-drops/#comments If you spent any considerable amount of time with Halo 2, then you've likely stomped around the Headlong map in your billion-dollar boots, helping to fertilize its soil with a few dead bodies. A new and improved version of that large-scale map, dubbed Breakneck, will ship with Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, 343 Industries announced today.

Some graphical tweaks have been made, but you may notice some layout differences as well. That teleporter on the Blue base's balcony has been replaced with a man-cannon and some panels have been added up there for better cover when moving from building to building. Red side's had an extension added to the Engineering Hallway and lost a chunk of the ceiling in the Office.

343 also sent word on the next big title update for Halo: Reach, due on September 21. Initially, the title update won't change anything for you, but come October 4 a special beta playlist will become active with 4-on-4 Objective and Slayer game modes. Here is where 343 will monitor games so that it can continue to shape Reach.

Feel free to hop into our gallery below to check out shots of the new and improved Headlong Breakneck. You'll get a chance to see it in person when Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary launches on November 15.

Gallery: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (Breakneck map)

JoystiqHalo Anniversary gets Headlong remake; Reach title update drops Sept. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbreakneckbungiehalo-2halo-combat-evolved-anniversaryhalo-reachheadlongmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST