Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/mass-effect-1-and-2-modern-warfare-2-for-pc-cheap-today-on-amaz/#comments Do you want to play Mass Effect 1 or 2, or Modern Warfare 2, but don't have them yet? Or -- a more likely scenario -- do you want to play them, but don't feel like getting them off the shelf and putting the discs into a console? Such effort. Such drudgery.

Amazon has the PC download versions of these games on sale today for $5 each. The Deal of the Day also includes the Digital Deluxe Edition of Mass Effect 2 for $7.49, or Dungeon Defenders for $2.99. And you don't have to get up at all, unless you don't have your credit card handy.

JoystiqMass Effect 1 and 2, Modern Warfare 2 for PC cheap today on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazoncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dellmass-effectmass-effect-2pcFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: The Sly Collection, De Blob 2, Modern Warfare 2, Voltron]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/psn-tuesday-the-sly-collection-de-blob-2-modern-warfare-2-vo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/psn-tuesday-the-sly-collection-de-blob-2-modern-warfare-2-vo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/psn-tuesday-the-sly-collection-de-blob-2-modern-warfare-2-vo/#comments The Sly Collection arrives on PSN this week, available either in individual $9.99 downloads or as a three-game bundle for $29.99. Other full retail games available for download on PS3 this week include Modern Warfare 2 and De Blob 2. Tak 2: Staff of Dreams has been added to the PS2 Classics series, and Darkstalkers arrives as a PSOne Classic.

In new-for-PSN content, you can indulge your movie fandom with Scene It? Movie Night, or your TV fandom with Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: The Sly Collection, De Blob 2, Modern Warfare 2, Voltron originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2darkstalkersde-blob-2playstationps3psnpsn-tuesdaytak-2-staff-of-dreamsthe-sly-collectionTue, 29 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward on MW2's convoluted story, and how plot is addressed in MW3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/infinity-wards-bowling-on-mw2s-convoluted-story-and-how-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/infinity-wards-bowling-on-mw2s-convoluted-story-and-how-plot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/infinity-wards-bowling-on-mw2s-convoluted-story-and-how-plot/#comments At a Modern Warfare 3 preview event this morning 50 floors above Central Park, Infinity Ward creative strategist Robert Bowling spoke with me about a variety of IW-related topics. Ranging from MW2's controversial "No Russian" level, to the importance of the Modern Warfare series' running plot threads in the eyes of both IW devs and gamers alike, Bowling took a proud and optimistic stance on the franchise's less-than-clear "Task Force 141" storyline.

"For the single-player campaign, especially for Modern Warfare 3 more than ever -- this is the payoff for the investment that people have put in since Call of Duty 4," Bowling began. Though he explained that IW has been "learning new ways to tell stories and learning new ways to deliver experiences" across the development of all three games, it's his belief that MW3 "is the payoff to all those lessons learned."

Speaking briefly to the flawed, often convoluted plot of Modern Warfare 2, Bowling admitted, "Every game we put out, we sit back and we look at 'What can we do better? What areas can we focus on to bump the experience up?' And story was one of those coming out of MW2." To him, as MW3 is the focal point for the series thus far -- especially in terms of plot -- the goal is to tell "one hell of a story." Specifically, "we want it to build up on the key themes that we started in MW2, but really polish that storytelling ability."

For me, that aim played out immediately in the single-player hands-off demo I was given. Less than five minutes in, two separate keys were required to launch missiles from a hijacked Russian submarine -- and two separate individuals turned those keys, more or less directly mocking the massively unbelievable nuke launch moment with Captain Price from Modern Warfare 2.

Continue reading Infinity Ward on MW2's convoluted story, and how plot is addressed in MW3

JoystiqInfinity Ward on MW2's convoluted story, and how plot is addressed in MW3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-2modern-warfare-3no-russianpcplaystationps3robert-bowlingxboxFri, 15 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailers say PS3 trade-ins doubling due to PSN outage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/report-uk-retailers-say-ps3-trade-ins-doubling-due-to-psn-outag/#comments We're approaching the one-month anniversary of the PlayStation Network's deactivation due to that pesky security breach, and according to a report from Edge the downtime's starting to have an effect at UK games retailers. The report cites a number of anonymous game shop clerks, all of whom paint a fairly similar picture of the response to the outage: PlayStation 3 trade-ins have doubled in their respective stores in the past few weeks, with most shoppers exchanging their consoles for Xbox 360s or cash.

That may sound like a fairly inflammatory report, but the reasoning is sound: Almost all the retailers say these shoppers are hardcore FPS players, and are acquiring Xbox 360s to get back in their Call of Duty: Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 routines. Furthermore, all of the retailers report an increased trade-in rate for the PS3 version of Black Ops. Trading in your gaming console sounds like a pretty drastic way to keep playing a game you love -- then again, we're no strangers to the siren call of the Killstreak.

JoystiqReport: UK retailers say PS3 trade-ins doubling due to PSN outage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2microsoftplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011retailtrade-inukxboxThu, 12 May 2011 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 'First Strike' DLC sold 1.4M units in first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/black-ops-first-strike-dlc-sold-1-4m-units-in-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/black-ops-first-strike-dlc-sold-1-4m-units-in-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/black-ops-first-strike-dlc-sold-1-4m-units-in-first-24-hours/#comments During an investors call today, Activision announced that 1.4 million copies of Call of Duty: Black Ops' "First Strike" map pack were sold "in the first 24 hours" of its February 1 debut on Xbox Live. At $15 a pop, that's $21 million in gross revenue in a single day -- on a single platform!

Notably, Activision Publishing's Eric Hirshberg pointed out that those sales were a "20 percent increase over Modern Warfare 2's 'Stimulus Package DLC'" launch. He added that First Strike, which was also released on PSN and PC in March, "continues to outsell the Stimulus Pack by more than 20 percent."

But hey, let's give our old friend the Stimulus Pack a break -- after all, the poor thing had to suffer the full rage of the internet when it became the very first Call of Duty DLC priced at $15! First Strike had it easy.

JoystiqBlack Ops 'First Strike' DLC sold 1.4M units in first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Duty-Black-Opscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlceric-hirshbergfirst-strikemicrosoftsalesstimulus-packagetreyarchxboxxbox-liveMon, 09 May 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 hackers make Modern Warfare 2 'unplayable,' Infinity Ward cannot patch a fix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/ps3-hackers-make-modern-warfare-2-unplayable-infinity-ward-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/ps3-hackers-make-modern-warfare-2-unplayable-infinity-ward-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/ps3-hackers-make-modern-warfare-2-unplayable-infinity-ward-ca/#comments "It's in total shambles and unplayable." That's how one Joystiq reader describes Modern Warfare 2 on PSN. With PS3 system security in disarray, hackers and cheaters have run rampant on Infinity Ward's Call of Duty games. Players unwittingly placed into a hacked server can meet the unfortunate consequence of losing all their stats and, unfortunately, it doesn't appear a fix is in sight.

"Games rely on the security of the encryption on the platforms they're played on," Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling explained on the game's official forums. "Unless the security exploit itself is resolved on the platform ... updates to the game through patches will not resolve this problem," he admits, adding, "at this time, we do not have the ability to restore or adjust individual stats."

Although Bowling adds that "we are looking at every option available to us to help any user affected," it appears the situation is quite dire, especially when one considers the workarounds Bowling suggests. You can submit a PSN grief report, play exclusively with friends via private matches, or play Black Ops, which does "not rely solely on platform security" -- something Infinity Ward promises to learn from in future games.

[Thanks, Jordan!]

JoystiqPS3 hackers make Modern Warfare 2 'unplayable,' Infinity Ward cannot patch a fix originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2hackinfinity-wardjailbreakModern-Warfare-2playstationps3psnrobert-bowlingMon, 17 Jan 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Story 3 regains UK's top spot from StarCraft 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/toy-story-3-regains-uks-top-spot-from-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/toy-story-3-regains-uks-top-spot-from-starcraft-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/toy-story-3-regains-uks-top-spot-from-starcraft-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

StarCraft 2 took a slide down the charts this week to fourth, as Toy Story 3 regained the top spot on the UK All Formats chart. There also appears to have been some promotion (the demo, perhaps?) in the region last week for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 because it surged up the charts from eighth to second. According to Chart-Track, Activision-Blizzard's Modern Warfare sequel could potentially overtake Dr Kawashima (aka Brain Age) as the UK's "biggest unit seller" next week.

Dance on Broadway, Ubisoft's pseudo-sequel to Just Dance (holding just fine at #6), knows that life is a cabaret and moves up another spot to third. The other chart-topping stalwart, Red Dead Redemption, drops to fifth -- its lowest position since launch. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Gallery: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (Pre-E3 2010)

Continue reading Toy Story 3 regains UK's top spot from StarCraft 2

JoystiqToy Story 3 regains UK's top spot from StarCraft 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2Chart-TrackDance-on-Broadwaymacmicrosoftmodern-warfare-2nintendopcplaystationps3starcraft-2Toy-Story-3UKwiixboxMon, 09 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 halftime report on bestselling US console games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/2010-halftime-report-on-bestselling-us-console-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/2010-halftime-report-on-bestselling-us-console-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/2010-halftime-report-on-bestselling-us-console-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

NPD has revealed the bestselling games for consoles from January through June of 2010. IGN notes that Nintendo dominates sales by individual platform, with six of the top ten titles created for its hardware; and five of them developed by the money-printing publisher itself. In combined platform sales, runaway hit Red Dead Redemption rides high.

2010 Top Five Combined Platform Sales from January-June:

1. Red Dead Redemption (PS3, Xbox 360)
2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
4. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)
5. Wii Fit Plus (Wii)

Check out the top ten individual platform sales leaders after the break.

Continue reading 2010 halftime report on bestselling US console games

Joystiq2010 halftime report on bestselling US console games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2microsoftNew-Super-Mario-Bros-Wiinintendonpdplaystationpokemon-soul-silverps3red-dead-redemptionsalessoftwarewiixboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earn double XP in Modern Warfare 2 this Memorial Day weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/earn-double-xp-in-modern-warfare-2-this-memorial-day-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/earn-double-xp-in-modern-warfare-2-this-memorial-day-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/25/earn-double-xp-in-modern-warfare-2-this-memorial-day-weekend/#comments Wait, you're telling us that you still haven't hit 10th Prestige? Is this some sort of joke? Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been out for like, a hundred years. Whatever the reason for your pathetic, amateurish ranking, you can give yourself a boost by playing during this three-day Memorial Day weekend, when Infinity Ward will be offering double experience across all of the game's cornucopia of platforms.

There, now you have no excuse. Unless you're having, like, a cookout or pool party during the extended weekend. Or if you're going to a baseball game. Or if you're going to the beach ... Those are all pretty great excuses, we suppose.

JoystiqEarn double XP in Modern Warfare 2 this Memorial Day weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2double-xp-weekendinfinity-wardmemorial-daymodern-warfare-2psnxbox-liveTue, 25 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 Resurgence Map Pack detailed [Update: Now with screens!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-map-pack-detailed-by-bowling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-map-pack-detailed-by-bowling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-map-pack-detailed-by-bowling/#comments
Click image to amuse yourself with some new screens

Xbox Live's Major Nelson had Infinity Ward "creative strategist" Robert Bowling on his podcast recently to talk about the upcoming Resurgence Map Pack for Modern Warfare 2. Set to release on June 3 on Xbox Live, the pack will be priced at 1200 ($15) -- the same as its predecessor, the Stimulus Pack. Resurgence will feature maps old and new, including two Call of Duty 4 maps and three new locations:
  • Vacant -- the wide open Russian office complex from CoD4
  • Strike -- the urban town surrounded by hotels from CoD4
  • Carnival -- an abandoned carnival area with a Ferris wheel, fun house and other attractions
  • Trailer Park -- full of "super tight corridors" and featuring a pool ("Mobile Estates," Bowling calls it)
  • Fuel -- a "sniper haven" based in and around an oil refinery
Bowling says that the new maps will be tied to specific playlists, just like the Stimulus maps. With the Resurgence collection, however, it's possible that all of the maps will be available in every playlist, as long as "demand is high." And, as with the previous pack, the new maps will be exclusive to Xbox 360 for a short time before coming to PC and PS3.

Update: We've got images of all five maps, which you can check out in the gallery below or by clicking the image in the post. Enjoy!

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Resurgence Pack)

StrikeFuelTrailer ParkVacantCarnival

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 Resurgence Map Pack detailed [Update: Now with screens!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcexclusivityinfinity-wardmap-packMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2pricingresurgenceresurgence-map-packresurgence-packrobert-bowlingXbox-360Fri, 14 May 2010 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Resurgence Pack' adding five more maps on June 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-pack-adding-five-more-maps-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-pack-adding-five-more-maps-on-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/modern-warfare-2-resurgence-pack-adding-five-more-maps-on-june/#comments In what might be the briefest press release we've ever received from a major publisher announcing a new chunk of DLC for an über-successful game, Activision revealed that another set of five multiplayer maps for Modern Warfare 2 will drop on Xbox Live on June 3. We know two things about said maps so far: They're coming in a set called the "Resurgence Pack," and their release will be heralded by two double XP weekends on May 28 and June 4.

Now, that's what we know. What we assume is that the pack will feature a mix of new maps and renovated versions of Call of Duty 4 maps -- perhaps a bit more of the latter, given the title of the bundle. What we also assume is that the "Resurgence Pack" will carry the $15 price tag of the "Stimulus Package" (it worked well enough before). We'll contact people in the know to see if we can squeeze out any firmer details.

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Resurgence Pack' adding five more maps on June 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcfpsinfinity-wardmapsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-2multiplayerrelease-dateresurgence-packXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#comments 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa held its top spot on the UK all-formats chart for a second week in a row. Meanwhile, like a good showgirl, Wii-exclusive Just Dance worked its way back into second, pushing Super Street Fighter IV down the stairs -- all the way to sixth.

Modern Warfare 2 got back into the fight this week and reached third place, thanks to "energetic promotions centered around the special edition versions," according to Chart-Track. The release of the "Stimulus Package" maps on other platforms probably didn't hurt, either. Wii Fit Plus and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 round out the top five. The complete UK top 10 can be found after the break.

Source - FIFA World Cup Scores 2nd Week at No1 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading FIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts

JoystiqFIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-FIFA-World-Cup2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackEA-SportsFIFAfifa-world-cup-2010-south-africajust-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendosuper-street-fighter-ivukWiiXbox-360Mon, 10 May 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/psn-tuesday-mw2s-stimulus-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/psn-tuesday-mw2s-stimulus-package/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/psn-tuesday-mw2s-stimulus-package/#comments Welcome to PSN Tuesday. It's time for the Modern Warfare 2 troopers on PlayStation 3 to get their hands on the multi-million selling Stimulus Package. It's available now.

...

Wow, you're still here reading? Okay, um, cool! PSP owners can grab Fat Princess: Fistful of Cake or What Did I Do To Deserve This My Lord! 2. Check out the full update after the break.


Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

BailoutCrashOvergrownSalvageStorm

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: MW2's Stimulus Package originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fat-princess-fistful-of-cakefinger-connectionmodern-warfare-2one-two-boat-racingPSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklyramen-heavensneeziesstimulus-packagewhat-did-i-do-to-deserve-this-my-lordwhat-did-I-do-to-deserve-this-my-lord-2Tue, 04 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC assaults PSN tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/psa-modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-assaults-psn-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/psa-modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-assaults-psn-tomorr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/psa-modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-assaults-psn-tomorr/#comments Looking to bolster your map count in Modern Warfare 2? Tomorrow, the Stimulus Package DLC deploys on PSN for $14.99, bringing with it five additional maps -- three brand-new; two return from Modern Warfare. For a quick rundown of the locales straight outta Robert "fourzerotwo" Bowling's mouth, check out his post on the PlayStation Blog.

If you haven't managed to scrounge up enough change from under the couch cushions, don't fret: Infinity Ward is also turning on double the XP this week. So, even if you can't afford a stimulus package of new maps, you can at least whet your appetite for delicious experience points.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

BailoutCrashOvergrownSalvageStorm

JoystiqPSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC assaults PSN tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2double-xpdouble-xp-weekendinfinity-wardmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2psnstimulus-packageMon, 03 May 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Infinity Ward Employee Group' lawsuit documents: see them here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/infinity-ward-employee-group-lawsuit-documents-see-them-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/infinity-ward-employee-group-lawsuit-documents-see-them-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/infinity-ward-employee-group-lawsuit-documents-see-them-here/#comments Yesterday's news that a third lawsuit had originated from the ongoing Infinity Ward / Activision breakup wasn't exactly a shocker, and a handful of revealing tidbits have surfaced from the depths of the legalese. We retrieved a copy of the latest lawsuit's full complaint document (found below in the gallery) and spent the evening scouring it for details on yesterday's allegations.

For instance, approximately 21 of the 38 members of the "Infinity Ward Employee Group" have already left IW, with the remaining 17 still employed at the studio (or being "held hostage," as their complaint document puts it). All 38 group members are seeking anywhere from 10.8% ($98 million) to 13.6% ($123 million) of the $900 million in profit the suit claims Activision has earned on Modern Warfare 2 sales since it debuted last November -- a percentage claimed to have been worked out previously between said IW employees and Activision, under the "Bonus Pool Agreement" (the "BPA" is said to be "based on incomes earned from MW2," though nothing more specific is spelled out). Furthermore, the group is seeking "bonus/royalty/profit participation" from MW2's "sister games," which includes not just Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - Reflex, but also Modern Warfare 3, "if MW3 is ultimately delivered and marketed."

Additionally, the suit alleges that, on March 26 of this year, Activision "made a partial payment of Infinity Ward's Fourth Quarter of 2009 Bonus Payment" (an undisclosed amount). When asked by employees "how much payments would have been had Activision not fired West and Zampella," representatives said they "would have received approximately 2.5 times the amount they were paid." This stands in stark contrast to claims made recently that IW employees who stay with the studio would receive larger bonuses.

Gallery: Infinity Ward Employee Group v. Activision (complaint)

Joystiq'Infinity Ward Employee Group' lawsuit documents: see them here originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-reflexinfinity-wardinfinity-ward-employee-grouplawsuitmodern-warfare-2modern-warfare-3Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA['Infinity Ward Employee Group' sues Activision for $150 to $625 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/infinity-ward-employee-group-sues-activision-for-75-to-125-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/infinity-ward-employee-group-sues-activision-for-75-to-125-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/infinity-ward-employee-group-sues-activision-for-75-to-125-m/#comments Rather than the usual news of Infinity Ward staffers leaving the company, occasionally jumping on board ex-IW founders Vince Zampella and Jason West's new development team at Respawn Entertainment, today we have word that a group of current and former IW employees are suing Activision for breach of contract. G4 got its hands on a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by 38 plaintiffs -- a band of folks named the "Infinity Ward Employee Group" -- seeking "to recover between $75 million and $125 million, if not more, in compensatory damages." The group is also asking for another $75 to $500 million in "punitive damages."

Allegedly, the employees of IW have received $28 million in bonuses, and are claiming to be owed another $54 million from just 2009. The rest of the treasure chest is sought for a gaggle of other reasons, ranging from "lost value on restricted stock units that Activision promised would vest" to MW2's "sister games," which seems to include the still-unannounced Modern Warfare 3.

In fact, the group's lawyer Bruce Isaacs contends that, in holding the remaining employees based on claims of larger royalties, Activision has breached those employees' contracts. "Activision has withheld most of the money to force many of my people to stay, some against their will, so that they would finish the delivery of Modern Warfare 3. That is not what they wanted to do, many of them. My clients are entitled to their money. Activision has no right to withhold their money -- our money." The suit's legalese also claims as much, even going as far as to accuse the publisher of holding "[IW] employees hostage so that Activision could reap the benefit of the completion of Modern Warfare 3." Yikes!

Update: Activision has responded to the lawsuit with this statement: "Activision believes the action is without merit. Activision retains the discretion to determine the amount and the schedule of bonus payments for MW2 and has acted consistent with its rights and the law at all times. We look forward to getting judicial confirmation that our position is right."

Joystiq'Infinity Ward Employee Group' sues Activision for $150 to $625 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbruce-isaacscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2infinity-wardinfinity-ward-employee-groupmodern-warfare-2modern-warfare-3Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2's Stimulus Package hitting Steam May 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/modern-warfare-2s-stimulus-package-hitting-steam-may-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/modern-warfare-2s-stimulus-package-hitting-steam-may-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/modern-warfare-2s-stimulus-package-hitting-steam-may-4/#comments We know PC gamers probably got their hackles up when Modern Warfare 2's first batch of new content, the "Stimulus Package," was given a release date on the PS3, but not their platform of choice. Don't fret, folks -- the game's Steam listing has been updated, and now includes a May 4 release date for the new content. As a reward for your patience, Steam will even knock $1.50 off the price of the maps for pre-orderers. See? Good things do come to those who wait.

[Thanks Daniel!]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2's Stimulus Package hitting Steam May 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcinfinity-wardmapsmodern-warfare-2release-datesteamstimulus-packageSat, 24 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: EA, DICE and Respawn will impact future Call of Duty sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/pachter-ea-dice-and-respawn-will-impact-future-call-of-duty-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/pachter-ea-dice-and-respawn-will-impact-future-call-of-duty-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/pachter-ea-dice-and-respawn-will-impact-future-call-of-duty-sa/#comments Do you imagine that every morning, when Michael Pachter wakes up, he dons a black robe, a pointy hat, drops a bunch of stuff into a bubbling cauldron and just predicts? Yeah, we do too. What a life, right?

His latest portent involves Respawn Entertainment, the new shop of former Infinity Ward-ers Jason West and Vince Zampella, and it goes a little something like this: the Call of Duty franchise will see lowered sales, thanks to more competition in what we like to call 'the near-superhuman military dudes blowing junk up' market.

"I think that it is likely that future games will sell fewer units in the past, primarily due to increased competition from Respawn, DICE and EA games that will likely be in the same or similar genres," Pachter said. He also anticipates that many gamers will recognize that West and Zampella are off the franchise, but that "the majority of consumers will either not know or will not care enough to shun future games." The lack of Infinity Ward's branding certainly didn't stop World at War from moving a bajillion units.

JoystiqPachter: EA, DICE and Respawn will impact future Call of Duty sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2diceeaea-partnersElectronic-Artsinfinity-wardmichael-achtermodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2respawnRespawn-Entertainmentwedbush-morganThu, 22 Apr 2010 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward holdouts to receive extra helping of bonuses, says Activision's Amrich]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/infinity-ward-holdouts-to-receive-extra-helping-of-bonuses-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/infinity-ward-holdouts-to-receive-extra-helping-of-bonuses-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/infinity-ward-holdouts-to-receive-extra-helping-of-bonuses-says/#comments Activision's newly hired community man Dan Amrich took to a Facebook forum recently to spell out the bonus situation for the remaining employees at troubled Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward. Develop spotted Amrich's information-laden responses, which echo and expand on claims made by Activision in its suit against former IW heads Vince Zampella and Jason West (we've clipped the pieces of the lawsuit pertaining to the bonuses and dropped them after the break for you).

Specifically, Amrich says that employees who have left IW will not be receiving a cut of West and Zampella's now forfeited bonuses -- bonuses for Modern Warfare 2 were never paid, apparently. "Vince and Jason had very large bonuses; those bonuses are being redistributed to everybody else, to the people who did not allegedly attempt to steal company secrets," Amrich explains. "Activision is not pocketing that bonus money; it's still going to the people who work at IW. But you have to work at IW to get it, see? I don't want to see talented people screwed out of a paycheck any more than you do."

Continue reading Infinity Ward holdouts to receive extra helping of bonuses, says Activision's Amrich

JoystiqInfinity Ward holdouts to receive extra helping of bonuses, says Activision's Amrich originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbonsuesbusinesscall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dan-amrichinfinity-wardjason-westmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2moneyvince-zampellaThu, 22 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guinness: Modern Warfare 2 had biggest entertainment launch ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/guinness-modern-warfare-2-had-biggest-entertainment-launch-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/guinness-modern-warfare-2-had-biggest-entertainment-launch-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/guinness-modern-warfare-2-had-biggest-entertainment-launch-ever/#comments There's been some dispute as to whether Modern Warfare 2 had the biggest first-day sales presence in the entire entertainment industry. Sure, its $401 million launch day revenue topped literally every other piece of entertainment media ever released, but in terms of units sold, it was surpassed by the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book and ticket sales for The Dark Knight.

However, in an attempt to clear up any obscurity, the Guinness Book of World Records proclaimed that the game had the "Most Successful Entertainment Launch of All-Time." Though we shudder to think that we live in a world where success is measured in the amount of money earned, and not the number of lives a book, movie or game touches, we suppose congratulations are in order. So, congratulations, Modern Warfare 2! Guinness says you did it.

JoystiqGuinness: Modern Warfare 2 had biggest entertainment launch ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2day-oneguinnessguinness-world-recordsinfinity-wardlaunchMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2salessuccessXbox-360Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst ponders impact of MW2 'Stimulus Package' pricing and success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/analyst-ponders-impact-of-mw2-stimulus-package-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/analyst-ponders-impact-of-mw2-stimulus-package-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/analyst-ponders-impact-of-mw2-stimulus-package-success/#comments On IndustryGamers, EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich examines the economic impact of Modern Warfare 2's "Stimulus Package" on consumers, business and the future of DLC. He notes that "as an economist" he's glad a publisher tested the boundaries of DLC pricing, as millions of consumers (around 25 percent of MW2 owners) proved willing to drop $15 on the map pack. He points out that "if consumers deem it unfair for companies to overcharge their products, it is similarly unfair for businesses to unknowingly under-price their products."

However, Divnich wonders about the long-term implications of continued high-priced MW2 DLC, should Activision go that route. He suggests that consumers could leave the Call of Duty "circle" for games like Battlefield: Bad Company 2, where the cost for new content over time appears to be lower. He also posits that "consumers could avoid the next iteration of the Call of Duty franchise, since again, cost of dedicated ownership is now much higher." Divnich explains that the current "situation" between Infinity Ward and Activision may cloud core consumer purchases of future DLC and the franchise, as well, compared to if everything had remained -- on the surface, at least -- hunky-dory.

JoystiqAnalyst ponders impact of MW2 'Stimulus Package' pricing and success originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlceedarjesse-divnichmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageWed, 21 Apr 2010 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision raises Q1 fiscal outlook thanks to WoW, MW2 map pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/activision-raises-q1-fiscal-outlook-thanks-to-wow-mw2-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/activision-raises-q1-fiscal-outlook-thanks-to-wow-mw2-map-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/activision-raises-q1-fiscal-outlook-thanks-to-wow-mw2-map-pack/#comments Activision Blizzard raised its March quarter sales outlook today, expecting approximately $1.1 billion in revenues. CEO Bobby Kotick noted that the company is doing well due to continued demand for World of Warcraft (naturally) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. He also stated that the company benefitted from the "record breaking launch" of the Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus" map pack, which he claimed was originally expected to debut in the June quarter.

Kotick remains cautiously optimistic about the next couple of quarters due to the economy and because "the majority" of Activision Blizzard titles aren't expected to launch until autumn. The company plans to announce the financial details of its better-than-expected March quarter on May 6.

JoystiqActivision raises Q1 fiscal outlook thanks to WoW, MW2 map pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardbobby-kotickbusinesscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcfinancialMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageworld-of-warcraftXbox-360Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision countersuit against Zampella and West seeks money back, alleges multiple acts of insubordination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/activision-countersuit-against-zampella-and-west-seeks-money-bac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/activision-countersuit-against-zampella-and-west-seeks-money-bac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/activision-countersuit-against-zampella-and-west-seeks-money-bac/#comments Beyond the details we heard in the LA Times report from earlier today, Joystiq has obtained the entire 23 page complaint this afternoon (filed against former Infinity Ward co-heads Jason West and Vince Zampella by Activision), which details the publisher's claims about the duo's insubordination during employment. The claims detailed therein range from refusing to meet with Activision executives, to "engaging in a campaign to portray Activision and its management in a negative light to IW employees in an effort to solicit those employees," to slowing pre-production of Modern Warfare 3 as leverage in ongoing discussions with Activision. The suit even says that West and Zampella "refused to sign standard exit documents representing that they had returned all Activision property, including computer code, and would honor the confidentiality obligations that they have to Activision."

Further, Activision claims that "on numerous occasions and during critical final stages of game development," West and Zampella threatened to stop production on last year's Modern Warfare 2 "in a bad faith effort to gain further leverage in their contractual relations with Activision." And during all this, the publisher claims that the studio heads were engaging in secret conversations "with Activision's direct competitor" (presumably Electronic Arts, though an EA representative refused to confirm that earlier today).

As a result of these alleged actions, Activision's complaint seeks to "recapture certain equity from West and Zampella, and to recover, as a measure of damages, all compensation and benefits in addition to equity received by them during the period of their disloyalty." In English, that means that Activision is seeking an undisclosed fortune from the defendants, left up to the court to determine, but consisting of money the two earned during their amorphous "period of disloyalty." And there's a ton more in the complaint that we couldn't fit into this measly post, so we'd strongly suggest clicking through its 23 pages in the gallery below. We'll gather up some of the most notable bits and share them after the break.

Gallery: Activision vs. Jason West / Vince Zampella complaint

Continue reading Activision countersuit against Zampella and West seeks money back, alleges multiple acts of insubordination

JoystiqActivision countersuit against Zampella and West seeks money back, alleges multiple acts of insubordination originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2court-documentseaElectronic-Artsinfinity-wardjason-westlawsuitmodern-warfare-2modern-warfare-3vince-zampellaFri, 09 Apr 2010 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC coming to PS3 May 4, worldwide on May 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mw2-stimulus-package-dlc-coming-to-ps3-may-4-on-pc-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mw2-stimulus-package-dlc-coming-to-ps3-may-4-on-pc-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mw2-stimulus-package-dlc-coming-to-ps3-may-4-on-pc-may-5/#comments If you're a regular reader, you probably already know why we use the word "exclusive" in quotes so often. But if you're not, you might not know that it's because of situations like this, where the Xbox 360 "exclusive" Modern Warfare 2 DLC (a five map pack titled "Stimulus Package") is suddenly announced as heading to PlayStation 3 and PC. In fairness, as detailed by Microsoft to Eurogamer back in January, we already knew this particular exclusivity deal had a built-in expiration date.

What we didn't know, however, was an official release date for the PS3 and PC versions. Infinity Ward community man Robert Bowling revealed the May 4 US release date for PSN via Twitter, also detailing a May 5 release date worldwide for PS3s and May 4 for PCs worldwide. Though he doesn't specify, we have to imagine that pricing will remain in line with the content's $15 tag on XBLM. We've followed up with Bowling for clarity's sake and will let you know the solid pricing details as soon as we hear back.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

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JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC coming to PS3 May 4, worldwide on May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2digital-distributiondlcinfinity-wardmodern-warfare-2playstation-networkpsnq2-2010release-daterobert-bowlingstimulus-packagetwitterThu, 08 Apr 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: MW2 online multiplayer goes free on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-mw2-online-multiplayer-goes-free-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-mw2-online-multiplayer-goes-free-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/psa-mw2-online-multiplayer-goes-free-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Starting tomorrow, the six of you left out there with a Steam account who haven't played Modern Warfare 2 online in some form will get a free three-day pass to Murdertown (read: online multiplayer). Valve announced today that, "beginning this Thursday, April 8," the online multiplayer section of the game will become free-to-play, presumably ending sometime on Sunday evening (no time is specified for start and end, but we've followed up with Valve for a solid schedule).

The announcement also notes that "There is no obligation to participate," though we imagine some totally boring editor somewhere cut off the original ending, which read "unless you're into having fun. Then it's an obligation."

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

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JoystiqPSA: MW2 online multiplayer goes free on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2freeinfinity-wardmodern-warfare-2multiplayeronlinepsasteamvalveWed, 07 Apr 2010 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' sells over 2.5M units in a week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-sells-over-2-5m-units-in-a-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-sells-over-2-5m-units-in-a-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-sells-over-2-5m-units-in-a-w/#comments Activision announced today that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 "Stimulus Package" set a new Xbox Live record -- clearly, mapathy had set in. According to Microsoft's figures, the DLC pack was downloaded over one million times in 24 hours, surpassing 2.5 million units within a week. All at $15 a pop.

To recap: 2.5 million of you are totally okay with a $15 map pack so, if this happens again, we aren't going to be there to kiss the boo-boo if it's suddenly $20. Just so we're on the same page.

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

BailoutCrashOvergrownSalvageStorm

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' sells over 2.5M units in a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcinfinity-wardmapathyMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 07 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/modern-warfare-2-advertising-keeps-it-juvenile/#commentsWe thought Activision had learned its lesson about manufactured controversy in the Modern Warfare 2 ad campaign after Infinity Ward's "Grenade Spam" video. Unfortunately, it would appear that the lesson learned was that manufactured controversy is awesome. So here's a YouTube-only ad (after the break; via Game Informer) featuring an older gentleman talking with disgust about what sounds like sexual behavior -- but what's actually Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer.

A shortened, milder version is currently appearing on broadcast television.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 advertising keeps it juvenile originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadsadvertisingCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fpsinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Xbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK charts: Just Cause 2 just defied by Just Dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/just-cause-2-just-defied-by-just-dance-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/just-cause-2-just-defied-by-just-dance-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/just-cause-2-just-defied-by-just-dance-on-uk-charts/#comments Apparently the word "just" resonates deeply with UK buyers, as Just Dance and Just Cause 2 take the top spots on the UK all-formats sales chart, respectively. Just Dance sales rose 56 percent over the Easter holiday, hopping the rhythm title back to the top spot, which it previously held during the second and third weeks of 2010. The international success of Just Dance is absolutely fascinating and we're curious to see its impact on E3 this year. Clones must be in the cards.

Just Cause 2 sales glided down 21 percent after riding the top of the charts last week. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 held its ground at third, while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Pokémon SoulSilver rounded out the top five. You'll find the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Just Dance Just Beats Just Cause [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading UK charts: Just Cause 2 just defied by Just Dance

JoystiqUK charts: Just Cause 2 just defied by Just Dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackjust-cause-2just-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2NintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Infinity Ward loses two development leads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-infinity-ward-loses-two-development-leads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-infinity-ward-loses-two-development-leads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/rumor-infinity-ward-loses-two-development-leads/#comments According to an unnamed source "close to the studio" who spoke with Kotaku, lead designer Todd Alderman and lead software engineer Francesco ("Frank") Gigliotti recently resigned from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 development house Infinity Ward. Alderman's LinkedIn profile (seen after the break) corroborates that April was apparently his last month of employment with the studio, though Gigliotti's LinkedIn account appears to be unavailable at this point in time (Kotaku has an alleged screengrab of Gigliotti's profile that appears to legitimize the claim).

This report comes just weeks after studio co-heads Vince Zampella and Jason West vacated their positions at Infinity Ward, filed a lawsuit against Activision, and headed for the Creative Artists Agency in Hollywood. We've asked Activision and Infinity Ward for an official response and will let you know if we hear anything back.

Continue reading Rumor: Infinity Ward loses two development leads

JoystiqRumor: Infinity Ward loses two development leads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2employmentfrancesco-gigliottiinfinity-wardjason-westlinkedinmodern-warfare-2rumortodd-aldermanvince-zampellaTue, 06 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Ant Farm talks successes of Modern Warfare 2 marketing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-ant-farm-talks-successes-of-modern-warfare-2-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-ant-farm-talks-successes-of-modern-warfare-2-marketing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-ant-farm-talks-successes-of-modern-warfare-2-marketing/#comments While we might argue that Infinity Ward's 2009 follow up to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, likely earned the lion's share of its sales through Infinity Ward's history of making quality games, building a strong and loyal fanbase, and, well, the very fact that it was a sequel to an insanely high-selling game, the marketing team behind MW2 would likely disagree. Speaking at this week's MI6 Conference (and picked up by VentureBeat), contract marketing team The Ant Farm discussed some of the reasons that the sequel's advertising campaign worked so well -- and helped the title sell millions more copies than it would have without.

"With us, it became a challenge of basically breaking it down to 'how do we engage the core first?'," explained Ant Farm executive creative director Rob Troy. "By the time you see the invasion on US soil, which was a secret for a long time, you definitely wanna go out there and kick some ass." For him, the marketing campaign was about slowly doling out aspects of the story while keeping fans in the dark about specifics, and resulted in a resounding success. We have to imagine landing commercial premieres during major sporting events likely helped out the sales as well, not to mention those MW2-branded energy drinks. Also, hey, blowing up castles is always a good way to advertise your product -- let's not kid ourselves, folks.

We've embedded the whole conversation for your viewing pleasure after the break.

Continue reading The Ant Farm talks successes of Modern Warfare 2 marketing

JoystiqThe Ant Farm talks successes of Modern Warfare 2 marketing originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadvertisingcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2infinity-wardmarketingmi6mi6-2010mi6-conferenceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2rob-troythe-ant-farmXbox-360Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Ward: Modern Warfare 2 glitches affected 'one percent' of players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/infinity-ward-modern-warfare-2-glitches-affected-one-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/infinity-ward-modern-warfare-2-glitches-affected-one-percent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/infinity-ward-modern-warfare-2-glitches-affected-one-percent/#comments CVG had a chat with Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling recently, and surprise surprise, the guy is really good at towing the company line (he'd better be, especially when he's getting confronted with Modern Warfare 2 questions even during random PAX panels about Twitter). He easily fended off questions about whether or not the Stimulus Package's two older maps are worth the $15, the ensuing competition from Battlefield: Bad Company 2 and the supposed backlash from hardcore players, saying that MW2's popularity proves the company has done everything right so far.

Bowling was especially dismissive of the glitches that plagued what seemed to be most of the game's players, saying that only "like one per cent of our user base" of 25 million players "experienced those types of things and even participate in those types of things." Could have fooled us -- from our perspective, the frustration over the game's widespread cheating seemed significant. But Bowling persisted throughout the interview. According to him, Modern Warfare 2 is doing just fine, thanks.

JoystiqInfinity Ward: Modern Warfare 2 glitches affected 'one percent' of players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2cheatingfour-zero-twoglitchglitchesinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2robert-bowlingstimulus-packageXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' is live on XBLM, title update coming soon [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-is-live-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-is-live-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-is-live-on-xblm/#comments Your crippling case of "mapathy" can finally be treated, dear Modern Warfare 2 player. Just a few minutes ago, the "Stimulus Package" DLC bundle, which includes three new multiplayer maps and two tarted-up arenas from Call of Duty 4, went live on Xbox 360. At $15, it's a pretty pricey prescription for your blues, but it might just be the only option you've got. Curse you, pharmaceutical empire!

Unfortunately, it seems the launch of the new maps was botched -- we've received a number of tips claiming the maps aren't loading in-game. Major Nelson recently Tweeted that the game needs a title update in order to incorporate the new content, which he says is coming soon. We'll let you know when everything's in working order.

Update: The Major just confirmed that the title update is live, and should be available worldwide in "a few minutes."

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

BailoutCrashOvergrownSalvageStorm

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqPSA: Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' is live on XBLM, title update coming soon [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageupdatexblmXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 30 Mar 2010 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC in stills]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-in-stills/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-in-stills/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/25/modern-warfare-2-stimulus-package-dlc-in-stills/#comments
Click to see the heavy rain more clearly
 Coming March 30 to cure you of that nagging case of Mapathy are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's new (well, mostly) multiplayer maps: Bailout, Crash, Overgrown, Salvage and Storm. Sounding like X-Men monikers, the five DLC levels (two of which, Crash and Overgrown, hail from the original Modern Warfare) that make up the MW2 "Stimulus Package" are going to set you back 1200 ($15). Check out the first screens of them below and Get Stimulated[TM]!

Gallery: Modern Warfare 2 (Stimulus Package)

BailoutCrashOvergrownSalvageStorm

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 'Stimulus Package' DLC in stills originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionactivision-blizzardCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dlcinfinity-wardmapsMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2stimulus-packageXBLMXbox-360Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 double XP weekend starts Apr. 2 on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/modern-warfare-2-double-xp-weekend-starts-apr-2-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/modern-warfare-2-double-xp-weekend-starts-apr-2-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/modern-warfare-2-double-xp-weekend-starts-apr-2-on-xbox-live/#comments Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling has announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will host its first worldwide double XP weekend from April 2 until April 5 on Xbox Live, just a few days after the "Stimulus Package" maps are set to arrive.

Unfortunately, in conveying this to Joystiq readers -- many of whom are statistically likely to be interested in the news -- we've expanded a perfectly concise tweet into a pompous, self-referential article and unfairly reduced the internet's available supply of letters and punctuation.

we r rly sry try 2 do bttr in futr

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 double XP weekend starts Apr. 2 on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2double-xpfpsinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2robert-bowlingXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 19 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM listing reveals 5 maps, 2 CoD4 remakes in MW2 'Stimulus Package' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/xblm-listing-reveals-5-maps-2-cod4-remakes-in-mw2-stimulus-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/xblm-listing-reveals-5-maps-2-cod4-remakes-in-mw2-stimulus-pac/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/13/xblm-listing-reveals-5-maps-2-cod4-remakes-in-mw2-stimulus-pac/#comments We may have to wait until March 30 for Modern Warfare 2's first DLC, the "Stimulus Package," but thanks to an Xbox Live Marketplace listing for the map pack, we aren't in the dark anymore as to its contents. The blurb reveals the pack will contain "5 additional action-packed maps," including three all new ones ("Bailout, Storm, and Salvage"), as well as two remakes from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare ("Crash" and "Overgrown").

"Bailout" is said to be "a multi-layered apartment complex," while "Storm" is described as "an open industrial park littered with heavy machinery," and "Salvage" is "a snowy junkyard fortified by stacked debris and crushed cars." Presumably, if you're reading about the details of unreleased a MW2 map pack, you already knew that "Crash" is a "war-torn urban environment" and "Overgrown" is set in a large dry creek. No pricing is set, unfortunately, though you can ogle the XBLM listing for now if it makes you feel any better (though we wouldn't suggest it).

[Update: Clarified Stimulus Package DLC date of release.]

[Thanks CL4P-TP!]

JoystiqXBLM listing reveals 5 maps, 2 CoD4 remakes in MW2 'Stimulus Package' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-4-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2cod4crashdlcmapathymapsMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2overgrownsalvagestimulus-packagestormxblmXbox-360xbox-live-marketplaceSat, 13 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Infinity Ward employees not leaving due to unpaid royalties, morale 'extremely low']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/rumor-infinity-ward-employees-not-leaving-due-to-unpaid-royalti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/rumor-infinity-ward-employees-not-leaving-due-to-unpaid-royalti/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/rumor-infinity-ward-employees-not-leaving-due-to-unpaid-royalti/#comments According to a report on Kotaku, a "source" has told the site that the remaining Infinity Ward developers still working for Activision in the wake of the recent leadership shakeup are holding out on leaving the company for now due to royalties owed by the publisher. As claimed by ex-Infinity Ward heads Vince Zampella and Jason West in their recent complaint against Activision (with regards to themselves, that is), the publisher is allegedly holding out on promised royalties owed to the entire company. The tipster says that, rather than a traditional salary-based reward system at IW, the studio pays "regular or even low salaries" and offers "ridiculous royalties" to the whole staff.

Furthermore, the piece alleges that Activision "continues to delay royalties to other employees in order to keep them at the company" (though it's not clear whether that means other Activision-owned studios as well), and that morale at IW is supposedly "extremely low." We've asked Activision for comment on the claims and will update you if we hear more.

Update: Activision responded by saying, "Activision doesn't comment on industry rumor or speculation." Not exactly a definitive "no," but not a confirmation by any means either. We'll keep you updated as we hear more.

JoystiqRumor: Infinity Ward employees not leaving due to unpaid royalties, morale 'extremely low' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2developmentinfinity-wardjason-westlawsuitlegalmodern-warfare-2royaltiesrumorvince-zampellaFri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's John Schappert comments on Activision & Infinity Ward situation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-john-schappert-comments-on-activision-infinity-ward-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-john-schappert-comments-on-activision-infinity-ward-situation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-john-schappert-comments-on-activision-infinity-ward-situation/#comments EA's John Schappert spoke on the sticky situation regarding Activision and Infinity Ward at GDC today, and rather than put a spin on what he said, we'll let the man speak for himself:

"I'm sure there's two sides to that story, I'm certainly not passing judgement," Schappert said. "On the human side, they're two great guys. I'm disappointed on a couple of fronts. I'm disappointed because I think Jason and Vince, on the human side, are two great guys. I know them personally, and they've done great things. And I think they're two of the best creative leaders in our space, and to think that they're going to be spending their future dealing with litigation and lawyers rather than crafting the next great experience."

"I don't think that's good for them," Schappert continued. "I don't think that's good for our industry. I think that's disappointing. I hope that they find a way to make games and focus on that during this period."

"I think the other disappointing thing is that, rivalries aside, Modern Warfare 2 is a great game," Schappert concluded. "It's the biggest launch our industry has seen, it's a great franchise. I'm putting my consumer industry fan-hat on to think that there could be some challenges -- what's the future of that franchise? I don't know what's going to pan out. I feel bad for Jason and Vince and the franchise itself because they're great leaders and it's a great franchise for our industry."

JoystiqEA's John Schappert comments on Activision & Infinity Ward situation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2EAElectronic-ArtsGDC-2010Infinity-WardJason-WestJohn-SchappertLawsuitModern-Warfare-2Vince-ZampellaWed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[First Modern Warfare 2 map pack coming to Xbox Live on March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/first-modern-warfare-2-map-pack-coming-to-xbox-live-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/first-modern-warfare-2-map-pack-coming-to-xbox-live-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/first-modern-warfare-2-map-pack-coming-to-xbox-live-on-march-30/#comments Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling has pointed us toward a new self-help website filled with good news: new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 mutliplayer maps are coming to Xbox Live on March 30. While the powers that be at Activision might have ousted the creators of the game, they haven't affected the delivery of eagerly awaited new maps.

People afflicted with "mapathy," your cure is on the way. PS3 players ... well, you'll have to suffer a bit longer. Have you spoken to your FAMAS-ist about a prescription?

[Thanks Legion!]

JoystiqFirst Modern Warfare 2 map pack coming to Xbox Live on March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2DLCgdc-2010Infinity-WardmapathyMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2release-datestimulus-packageXbox-360Xbox-LiveTue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision/Infinity Ward court documents detail ex-studio heads' many, many complaints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/activision-infinity-ward-court-documents-detail-ex-studio-heads/#comments
[bloomsberries]

Beyond a statement released by ex-Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella's lawyer yesterday detailing the lawsuit the two are filing against Activision, we've seen little in the way of back history on the various events that lead us to the debacle we're seeing this week. This morning, though, Joystiq obtained the entire 16-page court document (gallery-ized below for you) that details, among many other things, the ex-employees' complaints about Activision in the wake of their untimely departure.

The initial claim of unpaid royalties is represented in the documents, even going as far as to claim that the publisher fired West and Zampella just weeks before having to pay out said royalties. "Activision fired them in hope that by doing so, it could avoid paying them what they had rightfully earned, and to seize control of the Infinity Ward studio, to which Activision had previously granted creative control over all Modern Warfare branded games," the document reads. In the history lesson portion of the complaint, it's revealed that Activision allegedly purchased the studio for just $5 million originally (in two different chunks), and the Call of Duty franchise (including Treyarch-developed titles) has earned over $3 billion since 2003.

Finally, the complaint claims that, before Infinity Ward agreed to develop Modern Warfare 2, the then-studio heads "were not eager to extend their employment" as Activision had apparently begun demanding a more constant development pace at the studio. "Despite assurances by Activision that West and Zampella would have complete freedom to run Infinity Ward as an independent studio, Activision had begun to intrude upon Infinity Ward's ability to create quality games. For example, Activision forced Infinity Ward's employees to continue producing the games at a breakneck pace under aggressive schedules, and West and Zampella were concerned that Activision was emphasizing quantity over quality."

Regardless of the veracity of these allegations, it would certainly appear that the gloves have come all the way off. We'll have a more thorough breakdown of the entire document later today, but for now you can see it in its entirety below.

Gallery: Activision/Infinity Ward lawsuit documents

JoystiqActivision/Infinity Ward court documents detail ex-studio heads' many, many complaints originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2court-documentsgame-developmentinfinity-wardjason-westlawsuitMicrosoftNintendovince-zampellaWiiXbox-360Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision ousts Infinity Ward studio heads [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rumor-activision-ousts-infinity-ward-higher-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rumor-activision-ousts-infinity-ward-higher-ups/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/rumor-activision-ousts-infinity-ward-higher-ups/#comments G4's The Feed, which has been in communication with a source at Infinity Ward, reports that organizational changes may be in effect at the FPS developer's offices. The source claims that a "bunch of 'bouncer-types' just showed up outside of the Infinity Ward offices unannounced. When approached by employees, the non-uniformed 'bouncers' were unwilling to disclose why they were there." In addition, The Feed notes that Infinity Ward's studio heads, Vince Zampella and Jason West, were not seen by fellow staff members after a meeting with Activision on Monday morning. A desk guard at Infinity Ward's offices was unable to confirm any of the events to Joystiq, and calls to community manager Robert Bowling went unanswered at the time of writing.

Apparently, on Monday Activision filed a Form 10-K with the SEC, which is basically an overview of the company's financial condition, and includes any information that could possibly affect that condition. This filing states, "In November 2009, the Company released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a game developed by one of the Company's wholly-owned studios, Infinity Ward. As noted above, Modern Warfare 2 was the best selling console title in the U.S. and Europe in 2009. Consistent with past practice, the Company intends to release a Call of Duty game in 2010 developed by another wholly-owned studio. The Company is concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward. This matter is expected to involve the departure of key personnel and litigation. At present, the Company does not expect this matter to have a material impact on the Company."

Co-studio head Jason West has reportedly changed both his Facebook status and LinkedIn page to indicate that he is no longer employed. As soon as we get more news, we'll pass it along.

Update: Activision has confirmed the departures of Vince Zampella and Jason West. Read here for more details.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqActivision ousts Infinity Ward studio heads [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-DutyCall-of-Duty-Modern-Warfare-2Infinity-WardJason-WestjobsModern-WarfareModern-Warfare-2Vince-ZampellaTue, 02 Mar 2010 03:35:00 EST