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[Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/#comments Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Bluray February 26THQ may have had its last stand, but the Company of Heroes movie is apparently still a go, as we've gotten word that it's still coming to DVD and Blu-ray on February 26. The full-length film, based on Relic Entertainment's critically acclaimed real-time strategy series (now owned by Sega), stars Tom Sizemore, Vinnie Jones, and Neal McDonough. It follows a band of soldiers trying to stop Nazi Germany from creating an atomic weapon during the Battle of the Bulge.

Will it be any good? We don't know yet. But if you want to honor the old THQ brotherhood (and get a nice taste of the setting before Company of Heroes 2 comes out), you can grab a copy of by the end of the month.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycompany-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-2dvdmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationps3releaserelicrelic-entertainmentsegathqtom-sizemorevinnie-jonesxboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/#comments Update: A letter from THQ CEO Brian Farrell and president Jason Rubin to their employees appears to corroborate the below information, as well as provide further details regarding the results of the auction.

Sega may be the proud new owner of Relic Entertainment, based on initial signs coming out of this week's THQ asset auction. Relic developer Kyle Berndt has tweeted that he is now a Sega employee, indicating that the company may have been purchased by Sega during the auction proceedings.

No official announcements have been made regarding the fates of THQ's various studios and their respective intellectual property, but we're keeping our collective ears to the ground as more news continues to trickle down.

JoystiqReport: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionCompany-of-HeroesrelicRelic-EntertainmentSEGATHQWarhammer-40KWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes movie trailer traps soldiers behind enemy lines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/company-of-heroes-movie-trailer-traps-soldiers-behind-enemy-line/#comments
The last time THQ got involved in the movie business, things didn't turn out so well for the associated game. But we have faith all will be good in the adaptation of real-time strategy series Company of Heroes. This first trailer has it all: Nazis, explosions and Tom Sizemore squinting at stuff.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes movie trailer traps soldiers behind enemy lines originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-2neal-mcdonoughpcreal-time-strategythqtom-sizemorevinnie-jonesworld-war-2ww2Wed, 05 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Summer Sale, Day 6: Black Ops, Spec Ops, Limbo (and other stuff too!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/steam-summer-sale-day-6-black-ops-spec-ops-limbo-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/steam-summer-sale-day-6-black-ops-spec-ops-limbo-and-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/steam-summer-sale-day-6-black-ops-spec-ops-limbo-and-other/#comments Steam Summer Sale, Day 6 Black Ops, Spec Ops, Limbo and other stuff too!Another day passed, and your bank account is that much lighter, but Valve's annual Steam Summer Sale is back with a whole mess of new discounts. For instance, that copy of Train Simulator 2012 you've been holding out on? It's seeing a massive 90 percent discount, and will cost you just $3.49 if you snap it up soon.

Or how about that Wargame: European Escalation game you've had your eye on, eh? That's ... oh who're we kidding? You want Grand Theft Auto IV for your PC and you want it for like $5. Done. The same could be said for RTS classic Company of Heroes (just $2.50!) and recently released third-person shooter Spec Ops: The Line ($33.50). Head on over to the Steam Store for the full listings of sales, which expire tomorrow afternoon.

JoystiqSteam Summer Sale, Day 6: Black Ops, Spec Ops, Limbo (and other stuff too!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroesgrand-theft-auto-ivmacpcsaleSpec-Ops-the-Linesteamsteam-summer-salesteam-summer-sale-2012train-simulator-2012valvevalve-softwarewargame-european-escalationTue, 17 Jul 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Entering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/#comments ImageIf seeing Soviet forces engage the Germans in the PC-exclusive Company of Heroes 2 taught me anything, it's that the war would have be lost if I was at the helm of the world's defense.

At a pre-E3 event in Los Angeles last week, Vancouver-based developer Relic Entertainment revealed the newest entry in its strategy series. Company of Heroes was a landmark title for the developer, solidifying its presence in the genre with one of the best RTS games ever released, followed by standalone expansions. I sunk hours pushing Jerries back from the brink of world destruction in the original Company of Heroes and its expansions, but the newest game seems unrelenting.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (5/22/12)

Continue reading Entering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2

JoystiqEntering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-Heroescompany-of-heroes-2e3-2012pcRelic-EntertainmentTue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/#comments This weekend, following the official announcement of the sequel, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off on Steam. The original game, which helped breathe new life into a tired genre and setting, is a mere $2. Two bucks! Two smackers! Dos dollars!

Got a little buffer in the budget to spend more? Well, the Opposing Fronts expansion can be bundled with the original game for $6, with the Tales of Valor expansion added for a total of $10. The deal lasts until May 14 and you don't want to miss out on these 1940s prices for video games. Don't think about that previous line too long.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes worth every penny at $2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroespcRelicRelic-EntertainmentSteamTHQSat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes franchise 80% off on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/company-of-heroes-franchise-80-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/company-of-heroes-franchise-80-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/company-of-heroes-franchise-80-off-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off this weekend on Steam. When Relic developed the original game those many years ago, the WWII setting and RTS scene were both feeling tired, but Company of Heroes delivered a fresh take on the aging genre and delivered a graphically gorgeous experience that still holds up. You can own the intense, immense campaign now for $2.

If you're willing to spend more than a gallon of gas for tens of hours of refined RTS entertainment, the original game is bundled with expansion Opposing Fronts for $6, and with the Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor expansions for $10. If you have any interest in the RTS genre -- even if the WWII setting is a bit of a turn off -- don't miss out on Company of Heroes for $2.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes franchise 80% off on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroespcRelicRelic-EntertainmentSTEAMFri, 23 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ puts PC games on sale, including Metro 2033, Darksiders, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/thq-puts-pc-games-on-sale-including-metro-2033-darksiders-mor/#comments The official THQ online store (which has the new logo that's look like it's asking, "THQ?") is sporting some spiffy sales this weekend, offering some pretty great games for just a few bucks. The highlight of the sale is probably Metro 2033, which for the PC is only $10. But you can also find Company of Heroes: Gold Edition for only $7.50, the underrated (I said it) Darksiders for $10, and Red Faction: Guerilla and Titan Quest: Gold Edition for only $5 a piece.

They're not all winners (hey there, World of Zoo), but if you need to catch up on some PC titles, THQ (?) has you covered.

JoystiqTHQ puts PC games on sale, including Metro 2033, Darksiders, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroesdarksidersmetro-2033pcred-faction-guerrillasalethqtitan-questSat, 05 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/company-of-heroes-online-trailer-shows-how-to-serve-the-fatherla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/company-of-heroes-online-trailer-shows-how-to-serve-the-fatherla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/company-of-heroes-online-trailer-shows-how-to-serve-the-fatherla/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, playing as the Taliban might be taboo now, but give it about 60 years. The latest trailer for the free-to-play Company of Heroes Online (currently in open beta) slyly promotes the Nazis' Terror Division, showing that time heals all wounds when it comes to video game enemies.

Continue reading Company of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland

JoystiqCompany of Heroes Online trailer shows how to serve the Fatherland originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-onlinefree-to-playpcrelicrelic-entertainmentrtsthqFri, 10 Sep 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes CD keys to unlock unspecified bonuses in Company of Heroes Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/company-of-heroes-cd-keys-to-unlock-unspecified-bonuses-in-compa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/company-of-heroes-cd-keys-to-unlock-unspecified-bonuses-in-compa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/company-of-heroes-cd-keys-to-unlock-unspecified-bonuses-in-compa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The free-to-play Company of Heroes Online won't fully replace that disc copy of Company of Heroes you have, as there's still at least one important piece of content for which you'll need the disc -- even if that piece of content is a Company of Heroes Online extra.

"We are urging people to hang onto their CD keys," producer Greg Wilson told PC Gamer. "We don't have the details yet, but we really appreciate our current retail CoH fanbase, we love them and we recognise that they helped us get where we are today with this franchise. We want to make sure they feel appreciated, so there will be something special for people who are retail owners. News of that will come." So if you were going to shatter your disc in rage about the freemium followup, keep the CD key. Just in case.

As for people who haven't yet discovered Company of Heroes, and who play other free-to-play stuff on Facebook, Wilson hopes that some of the millions of players participating in social games will "get tired of that fast food style of gameplay, and they'll want to graduate to something a bit more - whether that's a triple-A PC title or something in between."

Gallery: Company of Heroes Online

JoystiqCompany of Heroes CD keys to unlock unspecified bonuses in Company of Heroes Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-Heroescompany-of-heroes-onlineFree-to-PlayGreg-WilsonpcRelic-EntertainmentrtsTHQFri, 23 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impulse drops prices for the Fourth of July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/impulse-drops-prices-for-the-fourth-of-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/impulse-drops-prices-for-the-fourth-of-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/impulse-drops-prices-for-the-fourth-of-july/#comments Not to be outdone by Steam and its dangerously generous sale this week (you do own Torchlight by now, right?), Impluse is running its own 4th of July sale, with 68 different downloadable PC games given prices set to move, some even better than Steam. If you want some quality RTS action, the Company of Heroes pack is a great deal at $29.99, Command and Conquer 4 is $24.99 and the Sins of a Solar Empire expansions are $5 off.

Not quite as much variety as the Steam sale, but what's there is well-priced. PC gamers, you have no excuse to bother with any of the "going outside" or fireworks this July 4th weekend -- not when there are all these great cheap games to play!

JoystiqImpulse drops prices for the Fourth of July originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-4company-of-heroesfourth-of-julyholidayimpulsepcsaletorchlightFri, 02 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/company-of-heroes-online-reports-to-north-america-for-duty-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/company-of-heroes-online-reports-to-north-america-for-duty-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/03/company-of-heroes-online-reports-to-north-america-for-duty-this/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Company of Heroes Online
click to drop into our gallery

Relic's freemium real-time strategy game, Company of Heroes Online, will launch in North America this Fall, THQ has announced. The adaptation of PC exclusive Company of Heroes was previously announced for South Korea and is currently in beta in the Chinese market.

Company of Heroes Online features a persistent online world and, while being free to play, offers player customization through micro transactions. If you're unfamiliar with the franchise, you might want to check out an earlier version of the acclaimed WWII strategy title on Steam. Find the trailer after the break.

Gallery: Company of Heroes Online


Continue reading Company of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall

JoystiqCompany of Heroes Online reports to North America for duty this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroesCompany-of-Heroes-Onlinefree-to-playfreemiumRelicRelic-EntertainmentrtsShandaThu, 03 Jun 2010 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend Steam deal: Company of Heroes 75% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/weekend-steam-deal-company-of-heroes-75-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/weekend-steam-deal-company-of-heroes-75-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/weekend-steam-deal-company-of-heroes-75-off/#comments Valve has announced that this weekend will see Company of Heroes receive a steep discount on Steam. The original game as well as the Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor expansions will be available for 75 percent off the usual price.

All three, usually packaged for $49.99, will be available for a paltry $12.99. For those out there looking for a real-time strategy fix, it looks like your weekend is booked.

JoystiqWeekend Steam deal: Company of Heroes 75% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-tales-of-valordealsrelicRelic-EntertainmentRTSsteamTHQThu, 21 Jan 2010 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Smoking Gun teases original IP with preview of 'X' graphic novel, ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/#comments
It's been two years since Relic staffers John Johnson and Drew Dunlop (producer and lead programmer on Company of Heroes, respectively) left the company to set up their own, Smoking Gun Interactive. As we reported back in May, the studio has teamed with cyberpunk trailblazer and author Douglas Rushkoff to create an array of multimedia products based on its yet-to-be-revealed premiere franchise. This week, we get a look at what they've been up to with the first of four sneak previews of X, a graphic novel launching next year that lays the foundation for Smoking Gun's new IP.

Hidden within the preview (on page 13, actually) is a link to a tie-in ARG that borrows the opening of the classic text adventure, Zork. This Easter egg is actually pretty appropriate, given that Rushkoff coined the term "viral media." We've gotten as far as "decoding" the Declaration of Independence, which, at least in the conspiracy-filled universe of X, contains warnings of aliens among us and a coming global tyranny. (As opposed to more modern government documents, which warn of a steep fine for filing your taxes late.)

JoystiqSmoking Gun teases original IP with preview of 'X' graphic novel, ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argcompany-of-heroesdouglas-rushkoffgraphic-novelsmoking-gun-interactivexWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine lists favorite games again, changes mind on a few]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/ken-levine-lists-favorite-games-again-changes-mind-on-a-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/ken-levine-lists-favorite-games-again-changes-mind-on-a-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/ken-levine-lists-favorite-games-again-changes-mind-on-a-few/#comments
Ken Levine plays video games. Shocking, we know! Speaking with IndustryGamers, Levine, who is currently working on a super-secret project, listed his ten favorite games. Occupying the top five spots in descending order are: World of Warcraft, Civilization, Beyond Good & Evil, Ultima Underworld and Company of Heroes.

Back in 2007, Levine produced a similar list for MSNBC. His top five have apparently shifted in the last two years, though, as Heroes of Might and Magic 2 and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past have fallen even beyond the BioShock developer's top ten. How hast these games forsaken thee, Ken? What hast they done for thou to banish them from thy heart likest so?

JoystiqKen Levine lists favorite games again, changes mind on a few originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-bostonbeyond-good-and-evilcivilizationcompany-of-heroesfav-5irrational-bostonirrational-gamesken-levineultima-underworldworld-or-warcraftwowWed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ and WindySoft sending Company of Heroes Online to South Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/#comments Yesterday, THQ and Shanda announced their intentions to bring upcoming free-to-play Company of Heroes Online to South Korea via publishing partner WindySoft. Like Relic's PC-only classic Company of Heroes, COHO is an RTS game set during the Second World War, but the additions of a persistent world and expanded player customization (read: microtransactions) aim to set the online iteration apart.

Currently, no release date is set nor have plans been announced to bring the game to the West. Between Shanda's other free-to-play MMO, King of Fighters World, Namco's Katamari Online, and now this, we're starting to feel like Asia's the rich kid down the block getting all the games we could never afford. Can we come over and play, Asia? Please?

JoystiqTHQ and WindySoft sending Company of Heroes Online to South Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusinesscompany-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-onlinedigital-distributionkatamari-onlineking-of-fighters-worldmicrotransactionsmmopcrelicshandathqwindysoftwwiiWed, 09 Sep 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam weekend deal: 25% off THQ pack (includes Dawn of War II)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/steam-weekend-deal-25-off-thq-pack-includes-dawn-of-war-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/steam-weekend-deal-25-off-thq-pack-includes-dawn-of-war-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/28/steam-weekend-deal-25-off-thq-pack-includes-dawn-of-war-ii/#comments
This weekend's Steam deal focuses on titles from THQ, as the ginormous bundle that is the THQ Collector Pack has been discounted 25%. The bundle (which now features Dawn of War II) is packed to the gills with content -- so much so that a simple paragraph alone can't describe the plethora of titles available, forcing us to utilize the bullet-point method. Here's what you'll get:
  • Dawn of War II
  • Company of Heroes
  • Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
  • Frontlines: Fuel of War
  • Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (yes, that Juiced 2)
  • S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
  • Titan Quest
  • Titan Quest - Immortal Throne
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade
  • Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Gold Edition
  • Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War - Soulstorm
  • Full Spectrum Warrior*
  • Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers*
The bundle will set you back $75.

*Not available in Germany

JoystiqSteam weekend deal: 25% off THQ pack (includes Dawn of War II) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroesdawn-of-war-2dealdealsfrontlinesfrontlines-fuel-of-warjuiced-2-hot-import-nightsopposing-frontssteamthqvalveFri, 28 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smoking Gun, Cyberia author Rushkoff partner for games, books]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/smoking-gun-cyberia-author-rushkoff-partner-for-games-books/#comments Smoking Gun, an independent studio formed in 2007 by Relic Entertainment vets, has landed a new deal with tech evangelist Douglas Rushkoff, with the award-winning author set to pen the story for an as-yet-unannounced property. Details remain light, though Rushkoff notes his narrative will be used in multiple games as well as related books.

If that's not enough to interest you, consider that Rushkoff, whose works include cyber culture novel Cyberia and the DC comic series Testament, is set to lend words to an entire range of titles "across a range of media formats that can feed off one another and exist concurrently." Honestly, we're just as confused as you are, but once the headache stops and the Advil kicks in we'll reach out to Smoking Gun for more.

JoystiqSmoking Gun, Cyberia author Rushkoff partner for games, books originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authorcompany-of-heroescyberiadouglas-rushkoffrelicrelic-entertainmentsmoking-gunThu, 28 May 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ reveals 'Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor' expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/thq-reveals-company-of-heroes-tales-of-valor-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/thq-reveals-company-of-heroes-tales-of-valor-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/thq-reveals-company-of-heroes-tales-of-valor-expansion/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the midst of THQ's pink-slip-a-palooza, the publisher has announced Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, a standalone expansion to its excellent RTS series (don't let the normally tired WWII setting turn you off). Tales of Valor will stay in-house at Relic Entertainment and the game will feature three campaigns, new multiplayer modes and a feature called "direct-fire."

Considering the intensity and length of campaigns Relic squeezed into Company of Heroes and its first expansion, Opposing Fronts, another expansion by that team is more than welcome. The game is expected to invade retail stores in spring of 2009. No price has been announced at this time, but Amazon lists it on pre-order for $30. We've clicked our engineers to make listening posts and hope to gather more intelligence soon.

JoystiqTHQ reveals 'Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor' expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-tales-of-valorPCrelictales-of-valorthqMon, 03 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ chooses GamersGate for PC digital distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/thq-chooses-gamersgate-for-pc-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/thq-chooses-gamersgate-for-pc-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/thq-chooses-gamersgate-for-pc-digital-distribution/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the world of video game digital distribution, it's easy to think that all roads lead to Steam, but that's not necessarily the case as THQ has reminded us of an alternative in GamersGate, noting that it has inked a deal with the service to offer a selection of its PC titles for online purchase and download. The games will be available worldwide, save for those poor souls in Australia and New Zealand, who have been turned away like orphans to a soup kitchen.

According to GamersGate, the company will initially offer Company of Heroes and Supreme Commander, as well as their recent expansions. While neither title has popped up on the GamersGate website yet, a quick check did reveal S.T.A.L.K.E.R. available for the bargain basement price of $19.99. Other THQ offerings planned to be added eventually include Full Spectrum Warrior and Juiced 2, as well as next month's Frontlines: Fuels of War. It's encouraging to see competition in the digital space, and assuming this and similar deals feature exclusivity clauses, it will be curious to see if we are on the verge of a hard fought digital distribution battle royal. 40 Quatloos on the newcomer!

JoystiqTHQ chooses GamersGate for PC digital distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCompany-of-Heroesfrontlines-fuel-of-warfull-spectrum-warriorgamers-gatePCRelic-EntertainmentRTSsupreme-commanderthqWed, 16 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes producer creates new studio, working on mystery game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/company-of-heroes-producer-creates-new-studio-working-on-myster/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/company-of-heroes-producer-creates-new-studio-working-on-myster/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/30/company-of-heroes-producer-creates-new-studio-working-on-myster/#commentsFiled under: ,

A rather cryptic press release was sent out today hinting at a new development studio led by the producer of the "most critically acclaimed real-time strategy game of all time". According to Gamerankings, that title goes to Company of Heroes, and the producer is John Johnson. The website Exoriare.com was listed in the release (a quick whois search reveals Johnson owns the domain), inviting everyone to "confirm the first clue and break the puzzle".

Pick apart the password to gain access to the map shown above. We're assuming the "activation threshhold" shown at the bottom of the screen, 12211, is a hit counter and not the date January 22, 2011. Once the number is met, one of two things will happen: candy will rain from the sky, or a few more clues about the studio will be revealed. Sounds like a win-win situation.

[Via Firing Squad]

JoystiqCompany of Heroes producer creates new studio, working on mystery game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argCompany-of-HeroesPCRelic-EntertainmentRTSTHQWed, 30 May 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ profits up, gamers have cause to celebrate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/thq-profits-up-gamers-have-cause-to-celebrate/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/thq-profits-up-gamers-have-cause-to-celebrate/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/thq-profits-up-gamers-have-cause-to-celebrate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ has recently released their second quarter results, and shareholders should be happy. THQ's quarterly sales have increased by more than 50% from $142.7 million to $240.2 million. The improvement in net income is something to celebrate as well; THQ pulled a $12.6 million profit this quarter compared to a $1.4 million loss last year. While this is nice for anyone holding THQ shares, what does this mean for gamers?

THQ has specifically named Company of Heroes, Metacritic average of 94% and Saint's Row, Metacritic average of 81%, as the key reasons for the boost in income. Gamers should rejoice when a gaming company posts gains in profits on the backs of original software, as opposed to licensed title shovelware. Posting profits on original titles could push further development of new titles.

Do you think THQ's profit boost on fresh ideas will convince other game companies to try the same? Or will THQ's success go ignored, continuing the long standing practice of selling formulaic games for quick profits? THQ did show strong sales with Cars, so until licensed games stop selling, publishers will still place their money in the safe investment.

[Update 1: Big math mistake fixed]

JoystiqTHQ profits up, gamers have cause to celebrate originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroesPCRelic-EntertainmentRTSsaints-rowTHQXbox-360Mon, 06 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST