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[Rock Band Weekly: Chicago]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/rock-band-weekly-chicago/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/rock-band-weekly-chicago/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/rock-band-weekly-chicago/#comments Rock Band Weekly ChicagoChicago, one of the most successful rock bands ever, adds three tracks to the Rock Band music store next week. From Chicago albums 2, 4, and 10 come "Make Me Smile," "Feelin' Stronger Every Day," and "If You Leave Me Now."

All the tracks will also earn double coins for Rock Band Blitz player.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Chicago

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Chicago originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagoharmonixmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rock-band-weeklywiixboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Vita meetups begin next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/#comments We don't want you to miss your date with the PlayStation Vita, after it's gone to all the trouble of prettying up, polishing its screen and ... all right, this is getting creepy quick. We'll cut to the chase: the Vita "Social Club" events begin next Tuesday, January 17 in Chicago, Miami and NYC.

Continue reading PSA: Vita meetups begin next week

JoystiqPSA: Vita meetups begin next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantabostonchicagomiaminycplaystationplaystation-vitapsavitavita-hill-social-clubThu, 12 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman: Absolution goes on a tour of the Chicago Public Library, shoots it up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/hitman-absolution-goes-on-a-tour-of-the-chicago-public-library/#comments
In Hitman: Absolution, while Agent 47 is getting his Dewey Decimal on, a fleet of cops charge into Chicago's main library to take him out. But 47 isn't having it, as you might imagine. Find out how he gives the pigs the slip in this thorough gameplay walkthrough.

JoystiqHitman: Absolution goes on a tour of the Chicago Public Library, shoots it up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago-public-librarygameplayhitman-5hitman-absolutionio-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxMon, 10 Oct 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Wiebe publicly attempting to best his own Donkey Kong high score]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/steve-wiebe-publicly-attempting-to-best-his-own-donkey-kong-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/steve-wiebe-publicly-attempting-to-best-his-own-donkey-kong-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/steve-wiebe-publicly-attempting-to-best-his-own-donkey-kong-high/#comments After much back and forth earlier this year, currently, Steve Wiebe is sitting comfortably atop Twin Galaxies' worldwide leaderboard in Donkey Kong. But that's not enough for Chicago's Logan Hardware. The soon to be re-opened hardware store has hired Wiebe to not just teach a Donkey Kong class, but also to spend nearly five hours attempting to best his own high score on January 15.

The public is free to attend the attempt, whereas the class costs $12 -- if you're looking to snap a pic with Wiebe or to have him sign your ultra limited edition laserdisc copy of King of Kong, ponying up the $12 is probably your best option. If that weren't enough, Logan's throwing in a free t-shirt and the chance to ask Wiebe what he really thinks of Billy Mitchell's hot sauce brand. And, surely, the answer to that last question is priceless.

JoystiqSteve Wiebe publicly attempting to best his own Donkey Kong high score originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadebilly-mitchellchicagodonkey-konghigh-scorelogan-hardwaresteve-wiebetwin-galaxiesworld-recordWed, 29 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario-themed tifo display heats up Chicago Fire soccer game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/mario-themed-tifo-display-heats-up-chicago-fire-soccer-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/mario-themed-tifo-display-heats-up-chicago-fire-soccer-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/mario-themed-tifo-display-heats-up-chicago-fire-soccer-game/#comments Last Saturday, the Chicago Fire played a fairly disheartening game against the Seattle Sounders at home, though the proceedings were brightened significantly by a delightful, Mario-themed tifo display. We're not sure what Mario has to do with the two clubs, but -- oh, wait! Fireballs! Of course.

Continue reading Mario-themed tifo display heats up Chicago Fire soccer game

JoystiqMario-themed tifo display heats up Chicago Fire soccer game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagomarionintendosoccersportsSuper-Mario-Bros-NEStifowiiTue, 28 Sep 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windy City Rumble: Highlights from the Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Chicago Fight Club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/highlights-from-the-marvel-vs-capcom-3-chicago-fight-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/highlights-from-the-marvel-vs-capcom-3-chicago-fight-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/highlights-from-the-marvel-vs-capcom-3-chicago-fight-club/#comments The wristband pictured above isn't just a charming, retro-stylized fashion accessory -- it was our ticket into one of the most exclusive events held in Chicago last evening: The Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fight Club. We didn't see a lot of you guys there (tsk, tsk), so we've gathered up our favorite photos taken during the proceedings and placed them in the gallery below. Basically, we'd like to be your wristband into the event. And, since it took place last night, we guess we'd like to be your time machine, too.

We tried as best we could to capture the feel of the event in photos -- like the excitement of the frequent, close matches where fortunes were reversed in the final seconds of a bout; or the surreality of seeing people cover themselves in fake shiners and busted lips. There was also general confusion around a decapitated Servbot head, which, we're almost certain, we never saw anybody wear during the evening. Was it some kind of warning? We may never know.

Gallery: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 ("Fight Club Chicago")

JoystiqWindy City Rumble: Highlights from the Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Chicago Fight Club originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomchicagomarvelMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 23 Sep 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fight Club uppercutting Chicago next Wednesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fight-club-uppercutting-chicago-next-wednesd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fight-club-uppercutting-chicago-next-wednesd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/marvel-vs-capcom-3-fight-club-uppercutting-chicago-next-wednesd/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Us mid-westerners have it pretty rough when it comes to having video game events stop by our neck of the woods. Fortunately, Capcom has chosen to end this pattern of neglect, announcing today that a Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fight Club event will be held in Chicago next Wednesday.

Continue reading Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Fight Club uppercutting Chicago next Wednesday

JoystiqMarvel vs. Capcom 3 Fight Club uppercutting Chicago next Wednesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomchicagoeventfight-clubMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 17 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA sues Chicago Transit Authority over advertising discrimination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/esa-sues-chicago-transit-authority-over-advertising-discriminati/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/esa-sues-chicago-transit-authority-over-advertising-discriminati/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/esa-sues-chicago-transit-authority-over-advertising-discriminati/#comments
The Entertainment Software Association is suing the Chicago Transit Authority for unfairly targeting video games and banning advertisements of Mature- or AO-rated titles. ESA CEO Mike Gallagher states that video games are under the same First Amendment protections as other entertainment mediums. The double-edged sword here is that either the CTA can ban R-rated and TV-MA advertisements to make the rule fair across the board, or the ESA will likely win given past history.

The anti-video game ad ordinance (CTA Ordinance 008-147) was enacted in January of this year, which prohibits advertisement and marketing that "identifies a video or computer game rated "Mature 17+" (M) or "Adults Only 18+" (AO)." We're following up with the ESA for more details and will update if we receive any more information.

Update: We've uploaded the full complaint here. (Warning: PDF link)

[Image]

JoystiqESA sues Chicago Transit Authority over advertising discrimination originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago-transit-authorityesaWed, 22 Jul 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway execs get the boot, entire Chicago dev team acquired by WB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/midway-execs-get-the-boot-entire-chicago-dev-team-acquired-by-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/midway-execs-get-the-boot-entire-chicago-dev-team-acquired-by-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/midway-execs-get-the-boot-entire-chicago-dev-team-acquired-by-w/#comments
After recently giving its San Diego and Newcastle studios the required 60 day warning that their offices are to be closed, Midway announced yesterday that its corporate headquarters in Chicago is shutting down. According to a recent US Securities and Exchange Commission filing by Midway, the closing affects all 60 employees currently working at the offices -- including CEO Matt Booty -- representing "approximately 20% of the company's global workforce."

Interestingly, though Warner Bros. purchased a $33 million-sized chunk of the company last month, the report states that WB paid out more to the tune of $49 million "including the assumption of certain liabilities" -- presumably some of the debt owed to creditor. A Midway rep told the Chicago Tribune that, while the executive offices have been closed and everyone let go, all 100 employees at the company's Chicago development studio have been offered jobs by WB. Oh, right, we almost forgot -- yes, the Midway San Diego offices (and its TNA wrestling license) are still up for sale -- at least for another 45 days or so.

Source 1 - Kotaku
Source 2 - Chicago Tribune
Source 3 - US Securities and Exchange Commission
[Image]

JoystiqMidway execs get the boot, entire Chicago dev team acquired by WB originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschicagocorporatelayoffsmatt-bootymidwayFri, 17 Jul 2009 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two sues Chicago Transit for pulling GTA IV ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/take-two-sues-chicago-transit-for-pulling-gta-iv-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/take-two-sues-chicago-transit-for-pulling-gta-iv-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/06/take-two-sues-chicago-transit-for-pulling-gta-iv-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,


Take-Two has sued the Chicago Transit Authority for violating its free speech and contractual rights after the authority pulled ads for Grand Theft Auto IV on the transit system without explanation. Reuters reports that Take-Two accuses the CTA of violating the contract for the $300,000 ad campaign that involved running GTA IV ads around the transit system for six weeks between April and June.

The suit seeks an order for the CTA to run the ads, as well as at least $300,000 in damages. Reuters states the GTA IV posters were removed following a FOX news report on the ads. Now, we're not lawyers (although we do have one writing for us), so we can't say if the CTA violated a basic contract, but Chicago residents should let us know if they see the ads back up and snap a photo.

[Thanks to all who sent this in.]

JoystiqTake-Two sues Chicago Transit for pulling GTA IV ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago-transit-authorityctagrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgta-ivgtaivtake-twotaketwoTue, 06 May 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago transit bans GTA IV ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/chicago-transit-bans-gta-iv-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/chicago-transit-bans-gta-iv-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/chicago-transit-bans-gta-iv-ads/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Using Chicago's street violence as a springboard, the city's FOX affiliate aired a piece about Grand Theft Auto IV ads on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Thanks to the report, all the GTA IV advertising will now be removed.

As GamePolitics points out, the ads do not depict any scenes of violence and it's currently unknown what the CTA's policy is on advertising R-rated movies; the CTA also stopped an ad campaign back in 2004 for GTA: San Andreas. Boston, Denver and Portland, Oregon, have had similar issues with GTA ads on its public transportation system. Ironically, the FOX affiliate promotes alcohol on its website (picture after the break). Wonder how many people died of alcohol related incidents in Chicago this weekend?

[Via GamePolitics]

Continue reading Chicago transit bans GTA IV ads

JoystiqChicago transit bans GTA IV ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagogrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautograndtheftautoivgtagta-ivgta4gtaivPS3Xbox-360Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[(Tecmo) Super Bowl XLI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/tecmo-super-bowl-xli/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/tecmo-super-bowl-xli/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/tecmo-super-bowl-xli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BBPS has produced an amusing mockery of this coming Sunday's big game -- you know, Super Bowl XLI. No doubt the obligatory 'Madden prediction' is on its way, but for now, let Tecmo Super Bowl tell the tale: 28-24, Bears over Colts. Jim Harbaugh FTW!

Joystiq(Tecmo) Super Bowl XLI originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BearsChicagoColtsIndianapolisNESSuper BowlSuper Bowl XLISuperBowlSuperBowlXliTecmo Super BowlTecmoSuperBowlWed, 31 Jan 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a free PSP game at Lollapalooza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/get-a-free-psp-game-at-lollapalooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/get-a-free-psp-game-at-lollapalooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/05/get-a-free-psp-game-at-lollapalooza/#commentsFiled under:

All the cool kids are hanging out at Lollapalooza, happening today & tomorrow in Chicago's Grant Park. 130 bands will be performing during the ticketed event, which costs $65 per day. If you happen to be going, make sure you bring your PSP, because you'll score a game out of it:

The first 50 people each day to show their personal PSP system to the staff at the PlayStation tent will receive one (1) PSP game from the PSP Greatest Hits Collections (a.r.v. $19.99).

If any of our readers are attending the show, feel free to drop us some photos in our tips section. You'll be internet-famous.

JoystiqGet a free PSP game at Lollapalooza originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagofreegreatest hitsGreatestHitslollapaloozaSat, 05 Aug 2006 00:11:00 EST<![CDATA["Forget those other guys, I want a Wii" says journalist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/forget-those-other-guys-i-want-a-wii-says-journalist/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/forget-those-other-guys-i-want-a-wii-says-journalist/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/forget-those-other-guys-i-want-a-wii-says-journalist/#commentsFiled under:

Journalists are tough. I mean, us gaming journalists are about average when it comes to the ability to take an ass, no matter the size, and kick it, but journalists in far off lands covering atrocities or who-shot-who down at the local laundromat are in a class all their own. That's why when they talk about the Wii, we listen.

"To tell the truth, I'm looking forward to the Wii more than the PS 3. Why Wii? Because it has built-in interactivity. It comes with a remote-control wand that will read your physical motions. If you're playing some baseball games, for instance, you'll be able to swing the wand, and the game will read your swing."

As a writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Doug Elfman (not to be confused with Danny Elfman) has won many awards and is also a well-respected TV critic at the Chicago Sun-Times. That list of credentials pretty much guarantees him chicks clout with us and helps strengthen an already rock-hard stance of support for Nintendo's console here at Wii Fanboy.

Serious human beings are looking forward to it, so it must be good!

[Via Codename Revolution]

Joystiq"Forget those other guys, I want a Wii" says journalist originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagonewspapernintendorichmondsun-timeswiiThu, 27 Jul 2006 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video Games Live seats in Indy up for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/16/video-games-live-seats-in-indy-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Video Games Live at Gen Con IndyTickets are now on sale for the two Video Games Live shows planned in conjunction with Gen Con Indy Friday & Saturday, August 11-12.

After a stop in Philly earlier this month, the VGL tour is moving on to Houston July 14th, Chicago August 5th, and then Indianapolis the weekend after that. More on reserving seats for the Hilbert Circle Theatre can be found on the official announcement page (via the pic to the right or the Read link below).

Judging by the reviews of the Philly show so far, Video Games Live sounds like it could be a lot of fun. If they keep providing public access to Guitar Hero II, they may have sold this blogger on going already. We hope Midwestern gamers not attending the Chicago show can make a pitstop in Indy to keep Tommy's show on the road. So, yeah ... rock on.

See also:

JoystiqVideo Games Live seats in Indy up for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attendattendingChicagoconcertgame musicGameMusicGen ConGen Con IndyGenConGenConIndyGuitar HeroGuitar Hero IIGuitarHeroGuitarHeroIiHoustonIllinoisINIndianaIndianapolisIndyMidwestMidwesternmusicPhiladelphiaPhillyrockshowTexasticketticketsTommytourVGLvgmvideo game musicVideo Games Livevideo-game musicVideo-gameMusicVideoGameMusicVideoGamesLiveFri, 16 Jun 2006 00:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago signing for Uematsu, Aki, & Roth tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/26/chicago-signing-for-uematsu-aki-and-roth-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Angela Aki, Arnie Roth, and Nobuo Uematsu in an entirely Photoshopped group shotAre you in Chicago tonight for the big PLAY! concert tomorrow, but weren't willing to shell out $125 for the VIP meet-and-greet at the event? Well, you might be in luck (even if you're not attending), as a few famous folks from the concert will be on hand to sign autographs in Chicago proper for free tonight.

From 7 to 9 PM (presumably Central time) at the Tower Records store on 2301 N. Clark St., Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, bilingual songstress Angela Aki (who wrote and sang the theme song for FFXII), and Principal Conductor and Music Director of PLAY! Arnie Roth will be signing autographs to promote the world-tour premiere of 'PLAY! A Video Game Symphony' and the CD for More Friends - Music from FINAL FANTASY.

While this blogger is sadly occupied with prior engagements tonight, gamers in the area are more than welcome to mob that Tower Records and cause the store's employees much consternation and bewilderment. If you don't have any imported CDs to sign, however, don't fret: the store's web site claims to have "some awesome Japanese imports available for you to purchase and have autographed at the event." Not only that, Angela Aki will be performing live as well. Score! Anybody wanna tell us how this evening turns out when it's all sung and done?

[Via The Daily Northwestern; image culled from Angela Aki's blog, Nobuo Uematsu's Squenix profile, and Arnie Roth's 2005 interview with IGN]

See also:

JoystiqChicago signing for Uematsu, Aki, & Roth tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 May 2006 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$1252301 N. Clark St.2301N.ClarkSt.AkiAngela AkiAngelaAkiArnie RothArnieRothattendattendingautographautographsbilingualCDCDsChicagocomposerconcertconductordirectoreventFFFF 12FF XIIFf12FfXiiFinal FantasyFinal Fantasy 12Final Fantasy XIIFinalFantasyFinalFantasy12FinalFantasyXiifreeimportimportedJapanJapaneselivemaestromeet and greetmeet-and-greetMeetAndGreetMore FriendsMoreFriendsMusic DirectorMusic from Final FantasyMusicDirectorMusicFromFinalFantasyNobuoNobuo UematsuNobuoUematsuperformperformingPLAY!PLAY! A Video Game SymphonyPlay!AVideoGameSymphonypremierePrincipal ConductorPrincipalConductorpromotepromotingpromotionPS2RothsangsignsigningsingsongsongstressSquare-Enixsungsymphonythemetheme songThemeSongtourTowerTower RecordsTowerRecordsUematsuVIPworld tourworld-tourWorldTourFri, 26 May 2006 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ Superstar Challenge in Chicago tonight [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/30/thq-superstar-challenge-in-chicago-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/30/thq-superstar-challenge-in-chicago-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/30/thq-superstar-challenge-in-chicago-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WrestleMania 22 advert on the official WWE page for the event
WrestleMania 22 may still be 3 days away, but that isn't stopping WWE Superstars from taking to the virtual squared circle tonight in Chicago.

The fourth annual THQ Superstar Challenge will begin in less than an hour at 6 PM at the House of Blues. It'll be SmackDown vs. RAW on SmackDown vs. RAW with reigning Challenge champ Shelton Benjamin defending his gamer title in a 16-player bracket-style tournament.

If it's too late to snag $20 tickets to the opening WrestleMania weekend event, perhaps you can hang around until tomorrow, when THQ will "announce the next addition to the WWE video game family." Would a next-gen announcement be too much to hope for before E3? And will the Undertaker continue his undefeated WrestleMania streak? Answers to your manly soap opera questions will be coming at ya this weekend.

[Update: It turns out that the new game's already been confirmed--WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 will hit the PS2, PSP, PS3, and even (a non-Sony system for once on) the Xbox 360. 10 "next-gen" screens of the game to hit later this year are also available via the Update link. Thanks, Master X 24!]

See also:

JoystiqTHQ Superstar Challenge in Chicago tonight [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementChicagoHouse of BluesHouseOfBluesPS2Shelton BenjaminSheltonBenjaminSmackdown vs. RAWSmackdownVs.Rawsoap operaSoapOperasquared circleSquaredCircleSuperstar ChallengeSuperstarChallengeSuperstarsTHQticketstournamentundefeatedUndertakerweekendWrestleManiaWWEThu, 30 Mar 2006 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[8bit musicians announce world tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/8bit-musicians-announce-world-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Former cellmates Nullsleep and Bitshifter have announced plans to embark on a world tour, blasting their blend of bleeps, bloops, and blizzasts from Boston to Brussels and back again.

If you're not an 8-bit believer yet, nothing will win you over except trying it out for yourself. To that end, here are links (1, 2, 3, 4) to some MP3s these torturers of Gameboys, Famicoms and other old-school video game consoles have kindly provided for downloading.

If you like what you hear, check the tour page and maybe even drop a few dollars in the donation bucket to help make it happen.

Joystiq8bit musicians announce world tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8bit peoplesamsterdambit popbitshifterbleep popBleepPopbostonbrusselschicagochiptunesconcertfamicomgameboygoteborghengelokyotolondonlos angeleslow-bit musicmalmomontrealmusicnew yorknintendonullsleeposakaphiladelphiaportlandrotterdamsan franciscostockholmtokyotorontoviennaWed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic and Chrono composers to join PLAY! in Chicago]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/13/sonic-and-chrono-composers-to-join-play-in-chicago/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/13/sonic-and-chrono-composers-to-join-play-in-chicago/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/13/sonic-and-chrono-composers-to-join-play-in-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sonic and Crono side by sideIt appears that PLAY! A Video Game Symphony will be hosting yet another guest from Japan as well as another musical exclusive.

Yasunori Mitsuda, main composer on Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross, and a number of other epic Japanese RPGs, will be attending the opening PLAY! concert in Chicago on May 27th. An "exclusive suite" of his music from the two Chrono games will be featured in every PLAY! concert worldwide.

Mitsuda will join his compatriot Yuzo Koshiro, whose "special suite" of arranged music from the Sonic the Hedgehog series "will be heard live for the first time at the world-premiere." They will engage in a meet and greet with fans--who fork over the $125 needed for VIP tickets--along with Jeremy Soule (The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind), Marty O'Donnell (Halo), and Jason Hayes (World of Warcraft).

[Via 1UP]

Continue reading Sonic and Chrono composers to join PLAY! in Chicago

JoystiqSonic and Chrono composers to join PLAY! in Chicago originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChicagoChrono CrossChrono TriggerChronoCrossChronoTriggerPLAY! A Video Game SymphonyPlay!AVideoGameSymphonyworld-premiereYasunori MitsudaYasunoriMitsudaYuzo KoshiroYuzoKoshiroMon, 13 Mar 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game On exhibit back on at Chicago museum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/05/game-on-exhibit-back-on-at-chicago-museum/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/05/game-on-exhibit-back-on-at-chicago-museum/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/05/game-on-exhibit-back-on-at-chicago-museum/#commentsFiled under: ,


Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is extending the "Game On: the History, Culture, and Future of Video Games" exhibit from February 3rd until April 30th. Containing over 100 games, including classic arcade titles and vintage game consoles, to current Xbox hits, the newly dubbed Game On 2.0 adds even more games to the show (but why play Star Wars Battlefront II in a museum when there's a class Donkey Kong cabinet?). To entice you further, they're also raffling off a PSP every day through February 28.

Chicago has their gaming culture down: when Game On closes-for the second time-it's only another month before the debut of PLAY!, the much-anticipated gaming concert. What's the trick Chicago?

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqGame On exhibit back on at Chicago museum originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Feb 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChicagoGame OnGameOnMuseum of Science and IndustryMuseumOfScienceAndIndustrySun, 05 Feb 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago library to trial video game lending]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/07/chicago-library-to-trial-video-game-lending/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/07/chicago-library-to-trial-video-game-lending/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/07/chicago-library-to-trial-video-game-lending/#commentsFiled under:

A public library in the Park Ridge area of Chicago has revealed that it will soon be trialling a video game lending service, representing similar schemes taking place across the world. Starting with a collection 50 games purchased with a requested $3,000 worth of funding, the pilot program will last two year during which time "circulation and patron comments will be measured".

The library is hoping to focus on "high demand" games for PlayStation and Xbox systems in order to draw in a younger demographic. We certainly can't think of a strategy more effective at increasing the number of younger visitors than lending games for free. To deter older gamers that may get word of this scheme, they'll be limiting the collection to "games that are rated E for all ages or T for teens" although there's no strict age limit for lending the games.

So how do you get your local library to start lending games ? Simple, just ask. According to a librarian working at the library, "kids throughout Park Ridge kept coming up to me and asking why we didn't have video games for circulation." We feel very cynical for suggesting it, but we wouldn't be surprised to find that a large percentage of those kids were bribed by gaming moms, dads and older siblings. We'll hold off from judging them, because there aren't many things we wouldn't do for free games!

[Via digg]

JoystiqChicago library to trial video game lending originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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