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[Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/#comments Toys R Us has decided that all peripherals must go, and in order to clear the shelves as quickly as possible, a ridiculous number of DJ Hero, Tony Hawk, and Guitar Hero bundles for all systems have been marked down to $9.99. If you've just got too darn much free space in your living room, make the jump for the full list of store-only mega-deals. We recommend getting a swift move on, however; even with these franchises functionally dead, we don't expect this stuff to hang around for long.

[Thanks, Teeftwo!]

Continue reading Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks

JoystiqPeripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-herodj-hero-2dj-hero-renegade-editionGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-3Guitar-Hero-3-Legends-Of-Rockguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockguitar-hero-world-tourmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3tony-hawk-ridetony-hawk-shredtoys-r-ustoysruswiixboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bobby Kotick talks Guitar and DJ Hero, the fall and the coming rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/#comments Bobby Kotick earned more than $4.4 billion through Activision Blizzard last year, which means his business success is obvious -- but so are his failures. In an interview with Forbes, Kotick described the downfall of the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises with the kind of detail that can only come from lying awake every night for four years straight, obsessing over what went wrong.
"So we bought the company, and after a few iterations of the game it became one of the most successful games of all time," Kotick said. "And then we didn't really take the time that we usually take to understand audience behavior.... But we created this critically acclaimed, highly rated game -- and these are the hardest failures, when you put your heart and soul into it and you deliver an extraordinarily well received game, and nobody shows up to buy it. So that's what happened with DJ Hero. At the same time we were so excited about going down this new direction with DJ Hero, I think we abandoned a bit of the innovation that was required in the Guitar Hero franchise.

"And so it was the double whammy of DJ Hero was unsuccessful, and then Guitar Hero became unsuccessful because it didn't have any nourishment and care."
Kotick said ending the music-game franchises was a smart move, but that doesn't mean they'll be gone forever. "So we're going to take the products out of the market, and we're not going to tell anybody what we're doing for awhile, but we're going to stop selling Guitar Hero altogether," Kotick said. "And then we're going to go back to the studios and we're going to use new studios and reinvent Guitar Hero. And so that's what we're doing with it now."

Kotick promised Activision Blizzard listens to its consumers and will use fan input to innovate Guitar and DJ Hero. That Kotick plans to resurrect the series must mean some fans, somewhere, are inputting something other than "Kill it, Kotick."

JoystiqBobby Kotick talks Guitar and DJ Hero, the fall and the coming rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardbobby-kotickDJ-HeroGuitar-Heromicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxSat, 23 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former DJ Hero devs aim to rock the mobile space with 8linQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/former-dj-hero-devs-aim-to-rock-the-mobile-space-with-8linq/#comments Is "8linQ" a new form of L337ese spelling out "blink?" Inquiring minds want to know!

Joking aside, 8linQ is actually a new mobile studio, a joint venture between three groups: Music in Colour, Reactify and Metropolis Group. The former, Music in Colour, is a music production company comprised of ex-Freestyle Games developers, who you may know from those DJ Hero games. 8linQ will aim on bringing music and rhythm games to the mobile space starting on July 20 with Say What?! for iOS, The Guardian reports. No, we will not repeat ourselves, we're not falling for it, guys!

Say What?! is a tap-based rhythm game with licensed tracks from Sony, where players have to look for and identify icons associated with lyrics in the particular song they're playing. For example, when they see the word "I" in a lyric and an icon of an actual eye comes flying by, they'll tap that for points. As the player progresses in difficulty, the clues and correct icons become much more vague.

Say What?! will be a free download when it launches next week, bundled with four licensed tracks -- eventually, other tracks will be added as micro-transaction downloads.

[Image credit: The Guardian]

JoystiqFormer DJ Hero devs aim to rock the mobile space with 8linQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8linqdj-herofreestyle-gamesiosipadiphonemobilemusicmusic-in-colourrhythmsay-whatsonyFri, 15 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/#comments When Eric Hirshberg stepped into the role of CEO of Activision Publishing last July, the company had just begun an ugly, public battle with the founders of Infinity Ward, having fired the creators of the company's Call of Duty cash cow just four months prior. Frequently villainized in the press, the appointment of Hirshberg seemed to indicate that Activision was eager to turn its brand identity around. Hirshberg cut his teeth as CEO and chief creative officer of marketing firm Deutsch LA making ad campaigns for brands like PlayStation -- you may not recognize that name, but if you've seen a Kevin Butler commercial, you know his work. And as Activision Publishing narrows its focus and energies into a few key brands, notably the aforementioned Call of Duty, tasking a marketing man with running a game publisher starts to make a lot of sense.

Last month I had the opportunity to speak with Hirshberg in his office at Activision headquarters in Santa Monica. It was less than a week after a massive leak upended the company's carefully prepared marketing plan for the latest in the blockbuster Modern Warfare series and, for Hirshberg, it was a chance to connect with that audience. "We woke up with a marketing crisis," Hirshberg told me, "and wanted to go to bed with a marketing win." Throughout our conversation, Hirshberg mentioned the need to be transparent with consumers, so I challenged him to explain some of the company's more controversial decisions since he's been CEO: the cancellation of True Crime; the closure of Bizarre Studios; and the very public retreat from the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero games.

Continue reading Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency

JoystiqActivision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardActivision-Publishingbizarre-creationsdj-herodj-hero-2eric-hirshbergguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocktrue-crimeTrue-Crime-Hong-KongWed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Fate of DJ Hero dev FreeStyleGames still undecided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fate-of-dj-hero-dev-freestylegames-still-undecided/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fate-of-dj-hero-dev-freestylegames-still-undecided/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/fate-of-dj-hero-dev-freestylegames-still-undecided/#comments If you've had your fingers crossed that FreeStyleGames would make it through Activision's culling of around 500 jobs unscathed -- well, keep those digits twisted. The DJ Hero developer's creative director Jamie Jackson and commercial director Chris Lee announced this morning in a joint statement, "We continue positive discussions with Activision around possible routes for FreeStyleGames," adding, "We have not reached an agreement as of today, however we are in continued dialogue and hope to have more news soon."

The statement didn't include any other hints about how these dialogues are going, but did mention, "Messages from the industry and gamers alike have been warmly received and we are incredibly grateful for the support." Here's another for the pile: DJ Hero games are awesome, and we sincerely hope you get to keep making them.

JoystiqFate of DJ Hero dev FreeStyleGames still undecided originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroDJ-Hero-2freestylegamesguitar-hero-riplayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/#comments There's been some considerable debate on these here internets about the status of the Guitar Hero franchise. Thanks to "continued declines in the music genre," Activision yesterday announced that it plans to not only "discontinue development on its Guitar Hero game for 2011" (read: cancel it) but also to "disband Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero business unit." But what about the DJ Hero franchise, and the promising DJ Hero 3D, you ask? "We will release no new music or skateboarding games," CFO Thomas Tippl said of this calendar year. It certainly appears the franchise is dead, but some insist it's simply taking a year off. They'll keep making DLC, right?

Right?

"We will release the previously announced DLC track and mix packs for February, but - unfortunately," a FAQ answer on the official DJ Hero website states, "we will not be able to release new DLC packs beyond what we already have." The question specifically asked, "Are you still going to make new DLC for Guitar/DJ Hero?" Of course, existing DLC will remain available (for now) and existing games will remain available at retail (for now).

Perhaps most telling is that one FAQ question and answer was duplicated twice, at the beginning and end, bookending the official response with a rather ominous message. "Does this mean you're no longer making Guitar (and/or DJ) Hero games?," it asks ... twice. "Over the past two years, we have seen rapid declines in the music genre, and unfortunately, based on current demand, we simply cannot continue to profitably make these games given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs."

As a means of punctuation, that sounds awfully definitive.

JoystiqGuitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2DLCFreestyle-GamesGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftNeversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/#comments The grim fates of True Crime and whatever installment of the Guitar Hero series that was in development are known -- but what about Activision's other perennial franchises? A few (equally grim) details surfaced during Activision's investor's call today, during which COO Thomas Tippl explained, "We will release no new music or skateboarding games" during the current calendar year.

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg added some more insight into the company's shift away from the music genre, explaining that even though DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock were well-received, "demand for peripheral-based music games declined at a dramatic pace." He continued, "Given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs associated with this genre, we simply cannot make these games profitably based on current economics and demand." However, Activision will continue to support its existing music games with DLC.

We're still left with a lot of questions, though (and we're working on the answers). For instance, what does this mean for the 3DS-bound DJ Hero 3D? What about the Tony Hawk series at large? Activision's frequently spoken about its staying power -- and if no Hawk title drops in 2011, it would be the first calendar year in the franchise's history without a new entry since 1999.

JoystiqActivision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herodj-hero-2dj-hero-3ddramadsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3skateboardingtony-hawktony-hawk-shredwiixboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/report-activision-axing-guitar-hero-and-true-crime-freestyle-g/#comments Despite a recent cover story in EGM, United Front's True Crime: Hong Kong won't make it to retail. Activision's latest earnings report confirms the game's cancellation, as well as the end of the Guitar Hero franchise.

"Due to continued declines in the music genre, the company will disband Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero business unit and discontinue development on its Guitar Hero game for 2011," Activision said in its financial statement. The statement goes on to confirm the cancellation of True Crime. "The company also will stop development on True Crime: Hong Kong. These decisions are based on the desire to focus on the greatest opportunities that the company currently has to create the world's best interactive entertainment experiences."

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg went into a bit more detail on today's investor call:
"Despite a remarkable 92 rating on DJ Hero 2, a widely well-regarded Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, as well as a 90-plus rated release from our most direct competitor [Rock Band 3], demand for peripheral-based music games declined at a dramatic pace. Given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs associated with this genre, we simply cannot make these games profitably based on current economics and demand. Instead, what we'll do is focus our time and energies on marketing and supporting our strong catalog of titles and downloadable content, especially to new consumers as the installed base for hardware continues to grow."
Hirshberg continued, saying that True Crime's development, "was't going to lead to a title at or near the top of the competitive open-world genre." To put things more directly, Hirshberg added, "To be blunt, it just wasn't going to be good enough."

If that weren't enough bad news, Eurogamer also reports that DJ Hero developer Freestyle Games has suffered "severe layoffs," though it's unclear whether the rhythm series has been affected by the alleged redundancies. We'll update this post as we learn more.

[Update: An earlier version of this post was based solely on Eurogamer's report, which has since been partially confirmed by Activision.]

[Update 2: United Front Games has commented on the cancellation of True Crime]

Continue reading Activision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update]

JoystiqActivision axing Guitar Hero and True Crime; Freestyle Games reportedly hit with layoffs [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncanceledcancellationdj-herofreestyle-gamesguitar-heroguitar-hero-riplayoffsmicrosoftneversoftpcplaystationps3True-CrimeTrue-Crime-Hong-Kongunited-frontunited-front-gamesxboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Ruth's 8-bit DJ Hero remake removed thanks to Universal Music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/eric-ruths-8-bit-dj-hero-remake-removed-thanks-to-universal-mus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/eric-ruths-8-bit-dj-hero-remake-removed-thanks-to-universal-mus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/eric-ruths-8-bit-dj-hero-remake-removed-thanks-to-universal-mus/#comments Here's the absolute dumbest thing you'll read this week: Eric Ruth's totally rad 8-bit de-make of DJ Hero has been removed from his official site following the issuing of a Cease and Desist letter from Universal Music Publishing Group. You can read the somewhat entertaining, genuinely frustrating exchange between Ruth and the Universal representative over on PikiGeek. Hey, man, we totally see where Universal is coming from. We were just about to buy the theme to Ghostbusters on iTunes, but we changed our mind at the last minute -- because we heard half of a mashed-up 8-bit version of the song on a freeware PC game.

Eric Ruth contacted us with his comment on the ordeal, explaining that even though he's disappointed, "Between mirroring, uploading, fttps, and torrents, I know that Pixel Force: DJ Hero will live on through the vast reaches of the internet long after Mr Grannis and Universal Music go to bed at night." The legal hurdle didn't seem to break his developmental stride, either -- he added that his next project, Pixel Force: Halo, is well underway, with a trailer planned for later this month and a tentative release window of January 2011. Now, let's just hope this one doesn't have any illicit Ray Parker, Jr. covers.

JoystiqEric Ruth's 8-bit DJ Hero remake removed thanks to Universal Music originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cease-and-desistDJ-Heroeric-rutheric-ruth-gamespcpixel-force-dj-heropixel-force-halouniversal-music-groupTue, 07 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixel Force DJ Hero now a beautiful 8-bit reality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/pixel-force-dj-hero-now-a-beautiful-8-bit-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/pixel-force-dj-hero-now-a-beautiful-8-bit-reality/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/pixel-force-dj-hero-now-a-beautiful-8-bit-reality/#commentsEric Ruth Games' Pixel Force DJ Hero is no longer just an idle YouTube distraction, something to load up in the background so you can listen to chiptune Joan Jett/Queen mashups while you write Joystiq posts (or whatever it is you do while listening to chiptune mashups). You can now actually download and play the NES-style rhythm game "demake" for yourself!

Even better news: Ruth also released a new video, featuring an awesome chip mashup of the Ghostbusters theme and Huey Lewis & The News' "I Want a New Drug." So you have something to listen to a few dozen times if you have some more posts to write (or, again, whatever your job may be) before checking out the actual game.

Continue reading Pixel Force DJ Hero now a beautiful 8-bit reality

JoystiqPixel Force DJ Hero now a beautiful 8-bit reality originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionchiptunesdemakedj-heroeric-rutheric-ruth-gamespcpixel-force-dj-heroTue, 30 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dj-hero-2-dlc-packs-coming-in-nov-plus-original-dlc-compatibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dj-hero-2-dlc-packs-coming-in-nov-plus-original-dlc-compatibil/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dj-hero-2-dlc-packs-coming-in-nov-plus-original-dlc-compatibil/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After being curiously absent from the on-disc soundtrack, Jay-Z, one-half of the original DJ Hero promotional duo, returns for a guest verse in the first DJ Hero 2 DLC pack. Available November 2, the Hit Makers Mix Pack bundles three mixes for $8, including a Rihanna's "Umbrella" / Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" mashup. Two weeks later, the Electro Hits Mix Pack will be released, packing decidedly more oomph-oomph. Complete details of both packs are posted after the break.

Additionally, a free compatibility update will be released in November to enable support for existing DJ Hero DLC in DJ Hero 2. Activision has not specified if this update will reformat the original DLC to feature new gameplay elements. (The gameplay differential between the first and second games could be a contributing factor in the apparent lack of a soundtrack importing option from DJ Hero 1 to 2 -- that and the race just to complete the DJ Hero 2 content in seven months, not to mention possible music licensing limitations.)

DJ Hero 2 will be released next Tuesday, October 19 for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii.

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 DLC packs coming in Nov., plus original DLC compatibility update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisioncompatibilityDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2DLCElectro-Hits-Mix-PackFreeStyleGamesHit-Makers-Mix-Packmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 13 Oct 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/dj-hero-2-bundles-include-free-dj-hero-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kenny Rogers is fond of reminding us "you've got to count your dub-plates before you touch the turntables, because if you run out of big tunes, it means your sound is done." The catch, of course, is that if there's no stopping your party, there's really no way to tell how many is enough. That said, we're pretty sure European purchasers of DJ Hero 2 are going to be in a better position to follow The Gambler's advice when they collect the free copy of DJ Hero, that Activision has announced will be included in their purchase of the Party or Turntable bundle (while supplies last).

In total, the deal will net buyers 170 mixes, which we'd assume are enough big tunes. Again though, and we can't stress this enough, there is no way of knowing.

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 bundles include free DJ Hero in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroDJ-Hero-2microsoftplaystationps3RhythmxboxWed, 06 Oct 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero discounted to $40 for Amazon Deal of the Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dj-hero-discounted-to-40-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dj-hero-discounted-to-40-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/dj-hero-discounted-to-40-for-amazon-deal-of-the-day/#comments Ladies and gentlemen, do you believe in second chances? Amazon's offering those who missed out on the recent Toys R' Us markdown a chance to pick up DJ Hero for the discounted price of $40 for the current Deal of the Day promotion. Not quite as hot as a $20 price tag, but a sweet deal nonetheless.

Continue reading DJ Hero discounted to $40 for Amazon Deal of the Day

JoystiqDJ Hero discounted to $40 for Amazon Deal of the Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DJ-Heromicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxSat, 28 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FreeStyleGames talks about the highs and lows behind DJ Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/freestylegames-talks-about-the-highs-and-lows-behind-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/freestylegames-talks-about-the-highs-and-lows-behind-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/28/freestylegames-talks-about-the-highs-and-lows-behind-dj-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a recent interview with Develop, FreeStyleGames creative director Jamie Jackson recounted the emotional rollercoaster ride the studio went through from the announcement to the release of their ambitious mixmastering sim, DJ Hero. Well, using that metaphor, said rollercoaster would be awfully boring -- everything leading up to the game's release only served to bring the studio down. Jackson explained, "when the first news of the game came out, and everyone slagged it off, the whole studio was depressed, because we'd given our life to it." (Yeah, sorry about that.)

Jackson explained that morale was low in the following months -- that is, until the universally positive reviews started pouring in. "Everyone else's opinion on the game had just turned during the release," Jackson said. "When the review scores came in that just changed the mood of the studio dramatically." We're sure the 1.2 million sales over the following eight months didn't hurt either.

JoystiqFreeStyleGames talks about the highs and lows behind DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-Herofreestylegamesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxSat, 28 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/dj-hero-and-band-hero-50-off-at-toys-r-us/#comments Some of you lucky jerks might be living near a Toys R Us that didn't immediately sell out of Band Hero and DJ Hero earlier today -- a side-effect of a two-day, $50 discount on the two titles. Not excited? Here, we'll help you out with a little equation: DJ Hero = $70 - $50 = $20 = TOTALLY INSANE.

Continue reading DJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us

JoystiqDJ Hero and Band Hero $50 off at Toys R Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionband-heroDJ-Herofreestylegamesmicrosoftneversoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 25 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy sale discounts Bayonetta, DJ Hero and Xbox 360 bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/best-buy-sale-discounts-bayonetta-dj-hero-and-xbox-360-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/best-buy-sale-discounts-bayonetta-dj-hero-and-xbox-360-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/best-buy-sale-discounts-bayonetta-dj-hero-and-xbox-360-bundles/#comments Frugal shoppers should take note of a massive Best Buy sale going on right now. It would seem everything must go, as Best Buy is not only discounting Platinum Games' excellent Bayonetta down to $20 on both the PS3 and Xbox 360, but also slashing prices across the board on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and DS games.

If hardware is more you thing, Best Buy has the Final Fantasy XIII and Splinter Cell: Conviction Xbox 360 bundles for $299.99 a piece, with a $50 gift card. Our strong-wristed readers will likely be interested in the DJ Hero bundle, which comes with one turntable controller -- it's only $40 right now.

Wait, what's that sound? It's as if millions of piggy banks cried out in terror, only to be silenced. I fear something -- oh, right.

JoystiqBest Buy sale discounts Bayonetta, DJ Hero and Xbox 360 bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bayonettabest-buydj-herodsfinal-fantasy-xiiimicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3splinter-cell-convictionwiixboxMon, 16 Aug 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/eric-ruths-latest-nes-de-make-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/eric-ruths-latest-nes-de-make-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/eric-ruths-latest-nes-de-make-dj-hero/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Retro gaming enthusiast and part-time mad genius Eric Ruth recently pulled the dust cover off of his latest 8-bit de-make of a current-gen title. This time, it's FreeStyleGames' vinyl-scratching sim DJ Hero. "But how," you may ask, "how does he get DJ Hero, a game with its own, highly complex peripheral, to work using the eight-buttoned NES controller?" In response, we simply laugh. You obviously don't know how Eric Ruth rolls.

Check out a video demo of the game posted after the jump, and join us in furiously wondering what an 8-bit Peter Gabriel/Kenny Loggins mash-up sounds like.

Continue reading Eric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero

JoystiqEric Ruth's latest NES de-make: DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitactivisionDJ-Heroeric-ruthfreestylegamesnesFri, 06 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero and other Activision peripheral bundles discounted at Kmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/dj-hero-and-other-activision-peripheral-bundles-discounted-at-km/#commentsKmart continues to prove how serious it is about awesome game deals, with temporary price drops on some of Activision's big-box games. If you've been waiting for the right time to buy DJ Hero, we can now confidently tell you exactly when that right time is: August 8 through 14, when Kmart will be selling it for $40 on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii.

In addition, you'll be able to get the Guitar Hero 5 guitar bundle on the same three systems for $50, the full Band Hero bundle for $80, and, for whatever reason, Tony Hawk Ride for $40. These deals will be available both in-store and online, so you don't have to live anywhere near a Kmart to take advantage.

JoystiqDJ Hero and other Activision peripheral bundles discounted at Kmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBand-HeroDJ-HeroGuitar-Hero-5KmartmicrosoftMusicnintendoplaystationps3SkateboardingTony-Hawk-RidewiixboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero Renegade edition $65 on Amazon for Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/dj-hero-renegade-edition-65-on-amazon-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/dj-hero-renegade-edition-65-on-amazon-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/dj-hero-renegade-edition-65-on-amazon-for-xbox-360/#comments You may think you're the master disc jockey supreme, what with your basic edition of DJ Hero -- or, as we like to call it, the baby edition for babies -- but it's really high time you upgrade to Renegade. Thanks to a deal on Amazon, you can now do so at the significantly reduced price of $64.90.

Continue reading DJ Hero Renegade edition $65 on Amazon for Xbox 360

JoystiqDJ Hero Renegade edition $65 on Amazon for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-HerofreestylegamesmicrosoftxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's Amrich: DJ Hero sales now up to 1.2 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/activisions-amrich-dj-hero-sales-now-up-to-1-2-million-units/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision's DJ Hero may not have had the strong start the company would have hoped for, but it's apparently gained significant momentum since its October launch. In an editorial piece defending the performance of Bizarre's recent racer, Blur, Activision social media guy Dan Amrich talked up DJ Hero's longterm success -- which has now yielded sales of 1.2 million units.

As you might recall, it was also the best-selling IP of 2009 by revenue. Amrich posited that DJ Hero needed "time for its audience to find it, a price break, and positive word from both friends and reviews to circulate" before it could really pick up steam. With DJ Hero 2 just around the corner, we're anxious to see how Activision will apply what it's learned from the first game.

JoystiqActivision's Amrich: DJ Hero sales now up to 1.2 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDan-AmrichDJ-Herofreestyle-gamesmusicrhythmThu, 08 Jul 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Bag a nice pre-order bonus with DJ Hero 2 at Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bag-a-nice-pre-order-bonus-with-dj-hero-2-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bag-a-nice-pre-order-bonus-with-dj-hero-2-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/bag-a-nice-pre-order-bonus-with-dj-hero-2-at-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Copies of the DJ Hero 2 turntable bundle or "Party Bundle" from Gamestop will include the Puma turntable bag seen above. As far as pre-order bonuses go, this is basically a win-win for Activision, Gamestop, and you (probably Puma as well).

Continue reading Bag a nice pre-order bonus with DJ Hero 2 at Gamestop

JoystiqBag a nice pre-order bonus with DJ Hero 2 at Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2FreeStyleGamesGamestopmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpre-orderpre-order-bonusps3wiixboxFri, 02 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/guitar-hero-pop-pack-dj-hero-party-mix-dlc-available-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lady Gaga! Wait -- it's a trap dude! Can't you see? Today's Guitar Hero "Pop 1 Track Pack" is actually the Beast in disguise, casting a Top 40 enchantment. Never forget: the Demigod of Rock still awaits, imprisoned in stone, his most awesome axe lost in the void. We must unite, man -- transform! Become Warriors of Rock.

And we must appeal to our DJ Hero kinsmen -- we need their street cred in tact. They, too, are scratching and clawing to keep it real, as the urge to go Gaga grows ever stronger today. Are you with us? Resist the bestial cry to "Just Dance."

No, don't do it -- don't you dare click past the break for this week's Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC details.

Continue reading Guitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today

JoystiqGuitar Hero Pop Pack, DJ Hero Party Mix DLC available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDance-Party-Mix-PackDJ-HeroDLCGH5Guitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-5Lady-GagamicrosoftnintendoplaystationPop-1-Track-Packps3wiixboxTue, 29 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: The 3DS lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-the-3ds-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-the-3ds-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-the-3ds-lineup/#commentsOf all the demos Nintendo showed for the 3DS, most were non-interactive video displays with "Please enjoy the 3D video" on the bottom screen. This group includes Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Dead or Alive, Resident Evil, and more. But a few were games. I played most of the games available at Nintendo's E3 booth -- find brief impressions of each below.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle (3DS)

Continue reading Preview: The 3DS lineup

JoystiqPreview: The 3DS lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSDJ-Herodse3-2010Face-AcenintendoProfessor-Layton-and-the-Mask-of-MiracleProfessor-Layton-and-the-Miracle-MaskXeviousWed, 16 Jun 2010 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 out this fall, free DJ Hero DLC out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/dj-hero-2-out-this-fall-free-dj-hero-dlc-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/dj-hero-2-out-this-fall-free-dj-hero-dlc-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/dj-hero-2-out-this-fall-free-dj-hero-dlc-out-today/#commentsActivision has just formally announced DJ Hero 2, the sequel to what the NPD identified as the best-selling new IP of 2009 in revenue (thanks to its high price). DJ Hero 2 features the ability to play using two turntables and a microphone, a functionality that almost guarantees the inclusion of Beck's "Where It's At." That's two points in its favor!

New multiplayer modes include "DJ Battles" with songs mixed specifically for that purpose, and the adoption of Guitar Hero 5's brilliant "Party Play" feature, which allows players to jump in and out at any time, even mid-song. To encourage use of these new features (and to encourage purchases from DJ Hero non-owners) the game will be available in a "Party Bundle" with two turntables and a microphone packed in.

DJ Hero 2 will be out this fall, but you can experience a bit of it today, if you have the original. In celebration of the announcement, a mix featuring Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" and Deadmau5's "Ghosts 'n' Stuff" will be available for free on Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN.

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 out this fall, free DJ Hero DLC out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2DLCFreeStyleGamesMicrosoftMusicNintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero Renegade Edition half off or more at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/dj-hero-renegade-edition-half-off-or-more-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/dj-hero-renegade-edition-half-off-or-more-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/dj-hero-renegade-edition-half-off-or-more-at-amazon/#comments Amazon has the DJ Hero "Renegade Edition" at a deep discount for the moment. The set, regularly priced at $200, has had its price scratched and dropped like a beat to something slightly more reasonable. The bundle is available on all the major consoles at various discounts:
The Wii Renegade Edition is even cheaper than the regular version! The sale has no specified end date, but don't dawdle if you're interested. Of course, if this discount doesn't sell the units, they'll probably be offered when DJ Hero 2 launches in gumball machines for a quarter -- like, a really giant gumball machines.

[Via GamerDeals]

Gallery: DJ Hero Renegade Edition

dj-hero---box-art-(generic)dj-hero-renegade-edition---box-artdj-hero-renegade-edition---casedj-hero-renegade-edition---standdj-hero-renegade-edition---turntable

JoystiqDJ Hero Renegade Edition half off or more at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-herodj-hero-renegade-editionMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 14 May 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 6, another DJ Hero coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/guitar-hero-6-another-dj-hero-coming-this-fall/#comments Activision has confirmed on an earnings call today that Guitar Hero 6 will be on store shelves sometime this fall, with a new DJ Hero game coming soon after. The music game market is a changing place, admitted CEO Bobby Kotick -- it will "continue to compress," with fewer titles and brands finding success. Activision has "moved from the sell-through of higher-priced peripherals," and its new plan is for "improved economics on a higher percentage of software sales."

Kotick said that Guitar Hero "remains the leader in the category with more than 44 million games sold to date," and that both releases this year would be followed with "a full lineup of exciting downloadable content."

JoystiqGuitar Hero 6, another DJ Hero coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbobby-kotickdj-heroguitar-hero-6marketMicrosoftmusicmusic-gamesneversoftNintendored-octaneWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero getting challenging track pack next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/dj-hero-getting-challenging-track-pack-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/dj-hero-getting-challenging-track-pack-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/dj-hero-getting-challenging-track-pack-next-week/#comments Wanna know the most stylish, funkiest manner in which a person can simultaneously dislocate both of their wrists? We wager it's by playing the three mixes which will be added to DJ Hero on April 29 as part of the "Domination Pack." The three punishing tunes included in the DLC are:
  • Darude's "Sandstorm" mixed with Josh Wink's "Higher State of Consciousness"
  • Wolfgang Gartner's "Wolfgang's Fifth Symphony" (Beat Juggle)
  • Danny Byrd's "Red Mist VIP" (Beat Juggle)
A video of the Wolfgang track is posted after the jump. Just watching it makes our brains, hands and fingers hurt.

Update: The Domination Mix Pack will be available for $8 via Xbox Live Marketplace (640) and PSN; mixes not sold separately. Additionally, each individual mix will be available for download on Wii for $3; not available as a pack.

[Thanks DirtyBeefz!]

Continue reading DJ Hero getting challenging track pack next week

JoystiqDJ Hero getting challenging track pack next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-herodlcdomination-packMicrosoftmusicNintendoWiiXbox-360Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Shadow says he's a DJ Hero 2 DJ, too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/dj-shadow-says-hes-a-dj-hero-2-dj-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/dj-shadow-says-hes-a-dj-hero-2-dj-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/dj-shadow-says-hes-a-dj-hero-2-dj-too/#comments Anyone that invested in last year's mix-master sim, DJ Hero, is already familiar with DJ Shadow. Not only did he provide some of the game's freshest cuts, he was featured as a playable character. With creepy glowing eyes. And a hood. And a hat, which we found to be a tad redundant.

In a recent interview with Radio One, Mr. Shadow commented on his work on DJ Hero, saying, "It was interesting, I'm actually working on the next one as well. But yeah, it was a trip." That's the second artist to confirm his contributions to the follow-up, which is schedueld for release later this year. Activision has still to name the sequel and provide any official list of mixers. May we suggest you get some DJ Tanner in the house?

[Via VG247]

JoystiqDJ Shadow says he's a DJ Hero 2 DJ, too originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondjdj-herodj-hero-2dj-shadowfreestylegamesMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero price scratched down to $50 at Toys 'R Us]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/dj-hero-price-scratched-down-to-50-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/dj-hero-price-scratched-down-to-50-at-toys-r-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/11/dj-hero-price-scratched-down-to-50-at-toys-r-us/#comments If you skipped out on last year's crossfading, record-scratching simulator DJ Hero due to its once-outlandish price, you're running out of excuses to not pick it up. Toys 'R Us recently knocked the price of the 360, Wii and PS3 (but puzzlingly, not the PS2) versions of the game down to a scant $49.99 -- a significant decrease from its launch price of $120.

Still wondering whether the game's worth your hard-earned Grantpaper? That's a decision you have to make on your own -- though, wait! Dizzee Rascal is here to help! Oh, and so's Chuck Brown! And look, it's Daft Punk! How nice of them to aid you with your soul-searching.

JoystiqDJ Hero price scratched down to $50 at Toys 'R Us originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herofreestylegamesMicrosoftmusicNintendoprice-cutrhythmsaletoys-r-usWiiXbox-360Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Standalone DJ Hero turntables w/ poster now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/standalone-dj-hero-turntables-w-poster-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/standalone-dj-hero-turntables-w-poster-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/standalone-dj-hero-turntables-w-poster-now-available/#comments DJ Hero turntable controllers are now available in standalone versions to scratch on all major consoles... wait, that sounds wrong. The peripheral is currently listed on retailer Amazon for $60, which is $20 off the Wii game bundle, and $40 off the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. The second peripheral can be used for several different modes the game supports.

The first 100,000 standalone units also include a Shepard Fairey poster (pictured), featuring the game's cast of DJs. If you're a hardcore fan of the turntable series, chances are you've already picked up a second controller by now and traded the extra copy into Gamestop. For the rest of us, with DJ Hero 2 somewhere out there, we'd be more apt to wait and see if there's an updated controller with the sequel.

JoystiqStandalone DJ Hero turntables w/ poster now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herodj-hero-controllerfreestylegamesMicrosoftNintendoPeripheralperipheralsWiiXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Eminem & Jay-Z all mixed up in new DJ Hero DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/eminem-and-jay-z-all-mixed-up-in-new-dj-hero-dlc/#comments
Scr-scr-scratched through all of DJ Hero's tracks? Activision has announced a new DLC mix pack featuring Renegade Edition headliners Eminem and Jay-Z. The collection is scheduled to drop on Xbox Live, PSN and Wii this month and includes:
  • "Shake That" by Eminem mixed with "Show Me What You Got" by Jay-Z
  • "Without Me" by Eminem mixed with "Encore" by Jay-Z
  • "Can I Get A..." by Jay-Z mixed with "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
The new tracks will be available on March 18 on Xbox Live for 640 ($8) and March 25 on PSN for $7.99. The tracks will not be sold separately for Xbox 360 or PS3. Each track, however, will be available for the Wii version on March 25 as a downloadable single for 300 Wii Points ($3); $9 for all three.

JoystiqEminem & Jay-Z all mixed up in new DJ Hero DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herodlceminemjay-z-MicrosoftNintendopsnrelease-dateWiixblmXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 10 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision severely cutting music game releases in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-severely-cutting-music-game-releases-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-severely-cutting-music-game-releases-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-severely-cutting-music-game-releases-in-2010/#commentsActivision plans to cut down on the number of Hero games in 2010. According to Activision Publishing CEO Mike Griffith in a conference call, the company expects the music game business to decline further as "the casual consumer proves less robust" and people are saturated enough with instrument controllers that they start buying only new discs.

"Fewer SKUs will service a broader audience," Griffith said. "In 2009 we released 25 music SKUs, and in 2010 we plan to release less than 10." The cuts will come in the form of PS2 versions and Band Hero bundles (leaving only standalone discs for that game), as the company focuses on Guitar Hero and DJ Hero releases in the "back half of the year."

That 25 SKU number, by the way, is a pretty conservative estimate. We added up just each console version of Guitar Hero Metallica, Guitar Hero Smash Hits, Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero Van Halen, Guitar Hero On Tour Modern Hits, DJ Hero, and Band Hero -- not counting various instrument bundles or special editions, and not counting cell phone versions -- and came up with 26. If you were to add things like the Renegade Edition of DJ Hero and add standalone disc releases to instrument bundles, that number would go up significantly.

JoystiqActivision severely cutting music game releases in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionband-herodj-heroGuitar-HeroMicrosoftmike-griffithmusic-gamesNintendoWiiXbox-360Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/activision-reports-113-million-in-profits-for-2009/#comments Today Activision Blizzard reported the financial results of its December quarter and the entire 2009 calendar year. For the year, Activision recorded a net income of $113 million, a modest turnaround from the $107 million in net losses for the company in 2008. Led by sales of Modern Warfare 2, all signs -- at least, this one -- pointed to an outstanding Q4 for the publisher. However, figures released today indicate that Activision actually posted a $286 million net loss during the period.

"Despite these challenging times, in 2010 we remain focused on expanding operating margins by growing our high-margin digital/online revenues, directing our resources to the largest and most profitable opportunities and realizing operational efficiencies globally," CEO Bobby Kotick said. "In calendar year 2010, we expect our net earnings and operating margin growth will be driven by our product slate that includes Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II and the World of Warcraft expansion pack, Cataclysm, as well as a diversified lineup based on Activision Publishing's best-selling franchises including Call of Duty, Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk, together with other well-known titles such as True Crime, Spider-Man and Bakugan."

While few details were give about Activision's pending slate of sequels, spinoffs and possible reboots, Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing, did share a few words about the next True Crime game. "We'll be releasing a game in the $4 billion action genre, based on our True Crime franchise," Griffith said. "The game blends intense Hollywood-style driving with martial arts combat and shootouts to deliver an Asian cinema-inspired action thriller. This is a big open-world action game that looks especially strong." Griffith also confirmed that a new 007 game is still in the works for 2010.

Additionally, Activision noted that two new IPs are in development for its 2010 lineup and assured that additional DLC will continue to be released for Guitar Hero 5 (and presumably Band Hero), as well as for DJ Hero. The next installments in both music game franchises, Guitar Hero and DJ Hero, are due in "the back half of the year," according Griffith. Activision also announced that it has ceased developing new Guitar Hero games for the PlayStation 2 platform. Aw, shucks.

JoystiqActivision reports $113m in profits for 2009; 2010 game plan is predictable originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbakuganblizzardbobby-kotickcall-of-dutycataclysmdj-herodj-hero-2DSfinancialfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2009guitar-heroincomeMicrosoftNintendoprofitsq4salesspider-manstarcraft-2tony-hawktrue-crimeWiiwowXbox-360Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: DJ Hero best-selling new IP of '09, by revenue only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/npd-dj-hero-best-selling-new-ip-of-2009-by-revenue-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/npd-dj-hero-best-selling-new-ip-of-2009-by-revenue-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/npd-dj-hero-best-selling-new-ip-of-2009-by-revenue-only/#comments Activision has announced that DJ Hero was "the #1 new intellectual property by revenue in the U.S. and Europe for calendar 2009, according to the NPD Group." Lest you sped through that proclamation, take note of the two key words: "by revenue" -- in other words, the total amount of money spent by consumers. Considering DJ Hero debuted at $120 for the standard turntable bundle and $200 for the Renegade Edition, it's no wonder that it managed to bring in the most money (though not necessarily the most profit, and certainly not the most units sold for a new franchise).

NPD representative Anita Frazier clarified for Joystiq the performance of last year's new IPs in terms of actual unit sales. As you might have guessed, DJ Hero wasn't quite #1 in that category, but managed a respectable 789,000 units in U.S. sales. Still, it was soundly outsold by other new IPs, including Borderlands and Dragon Age: Origins, which sold 1.11 million and 1.14 million units, respectively. Besting them all, however, was EA Sports Active, which amassed 1.2 million units sold.

And get this, if we consider new IPs that launched before 2009, then Wii Play and Wii Fit were technically the best-selling new IPs in 2009 in terms of unit sales and revenue, according to the NPD.

Finally, we should point out -- as did Frazier -- that NPD data only covers the U.S., despite Activision's claim that the group provided European sales data regarding DJ Hero.

JoystiqNPD: DJ Hero best-selling new IP of '09, by revenue only originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlandsdj-herodragon-age-originsEAEA-SportsEA-Sports-ActiveEA-VancoverElectronic-ArtsElectronic-Arts-VancouverExerciseFitnessMicrosoftNintendonpdsalesWiiXbox-360Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: Activision 'sticking with' DJ Hero franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/kotick-activision-sticking-with-dj-hero-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/kotick-activision-sticking-with-dj-hero-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/kotick-activision-sticking-with-dj-hero-franchise/#commentsWe know that Activision is planning a second DJ Hero game -- thanks to David Guetta and word that Activision is looking for some new talent. Now we've heard confirmation of the game from the same source that semi-officially revealed the first game: Activision CEO Bobby Kotick.

Kotick justified the development of a sequel to the less-than-hit music game in an interview with Game Informer. "I think DJ Hero is a really innovative product," he said. "I can't wait for you to see next year's. That's the thing; we're sticking with it. We'll stick with it and get it right. But it's going to be less games, better games. That's our strategy."

That's right -- somehow, Kotick managed to use an annual DJ Hero sequel as proof of a "less games, better games" strategy. We suppose it is noteworthy that Activision's only doing one DJ Hero this year, given that 2009 saw six Guitar Hero games.

JoystiqKotick: Activision 'sticking with' DJ Hero franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbobby-kotickdj-heroFreestyle-GamesMicrosoftmusicNintendoWiiXbox-360Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision scouting for future DJ Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/activision-scouting-for-future-dj-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/activision-scouting-for-future-dj-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/activision-scouting-for-future-dj-heroes/#comments
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Dear Activision's Bobby Kotick,

So, I heard through the DJ grapevine that you're looking for new talent for the next DJ Hero game. I'd like to submit my own name into the running: That is to say, the name of Willups "Mellow Jam" Dupree. See, the corporate bigwigs who designed the last game said they tried to incorporate every type of disc-jockeying around. Tell me, then -- how did they manage to completely overlook my area of expertise, and arguably the type of DJ that people are most commonly exposed to: Wedding Entertainers?

Sure, we don't do -- what do the kids call them? -- mash-ups. Still, it's just as hard to play the right songs in the right order. You think you can just play "YMCA," then hit 'em with an "Electric Slide," then tie the whole thing together with an "(I've Had) The Time of My Life?" That's bush league, man. With Mellow Jam's experienced hand on the rudder, you'd know to never chase an interactive dance song with another interactive dance song -- especially not before busting out the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.

Give me a ring if you don't want to miss out on this important facet of the DJ lifestyle. Or if anyone you know is getting married soon.

-- Willups "Mellow Jam" Dupree

JoystiqActivision scouting for future DJ Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondjdj-herodj-hero-2freestylegamesMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the turntables of DJ Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/behind-the-turntables-of-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/behind-the-turntables-of-dj-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/behind-the-turntables-of-dj-hero/#comments There's a temptation to lump DJ Hero in with Guitar Hero, but as the name would suggest, that's only half right. Develop recently spoke with Dan Neil at FreeStyleGames and he detailed some of the unique challenges and considerations that creating a song for the game involved.

Sure, the team liked that they could tweak songs on the fly to suit their needs (a luxury not afforded to Guitar Hero, which must slavishly adhere to master recordings), but that also meant that artists were a little more hesitant to sign away their babies for some turntable jockey to play around with. As word got around though, Neil said, stars like the Black Eye Peas started to pile on.

How's that for a cautionary tale about success, huh? The bigger you get, the more likely you are to attract the attention of the Black Eyed Peas.

JoystiqBehind the turntables of DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondan-neildj-herofreestylegamesMicrosoftpost-mortemXbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2009/#comments DJ Hero
What started out as tepid fascination in DJ Hero quickly turned into a deep, passionate love. I initially thought it was just another rhythm game knock-off with an obtuse peripheral and a too-high price point. However, as my turntabling improved, my fondness for the game multiplied. Based on the game's lackluster sales, I'm guessing most people shared my outright hesitance -- but once you invest a bit of time and patience into DJ Hero, I guarantee you'll get hooked. (And that soundtrack! Oh, man, that soundtrack.)

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2009

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2009dissidia-final-fantasydj-herodungeons-and-dragons-fourth-editionfat-princessflowerhouse-of-the-dead-overkilli-am-t-painMicrosoftNintendopokemon-platinumpsnred-faction-guerrillaresident-evil-5scribblenautsWiiXbox-360Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Guetta references work on DJ Hero 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/dj-guetta-references-work-on-dj-hero-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/dj-guetta-references-work-on-dj-hero-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/31/dj-guetta-references-work-on-dj-hero-2/#comments Back in September, we heard the initial reports claiming Activision and FreeStyleGames had already begun work on the sequel to DJ Hero. These reports were corroborated by a recent article by Kelowna.com, in which DJ David Guetta, a contributor to the soundtrack of the first mixmaster simulator, mentioned that he'd been working on "the No. 2 version" of the game. We're assuming he's talking about a sequel, and not about the tone of graphite that's so popular amongst pencil manufacturers.

It only makes sense that a second game using the costly, rotating peripheral would be in the works. What would really be shocking is some kind of lid-unscrewing sim. Or a Lazy Suzan puzzle game!

[Via Destructoid]

JoystiqDJ Guetta references work on DJ Hero 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-david-guettadj-guettadj-herodj-hero-2freestylegamesMicrosoftNintendoplayable-charactersWiiXbox-360Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Savings on Wii, Spirit Tracks, music games at Target next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/savings-on-wii-spirit-tracks-music-games-at-target-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/savings-on-wii-spirit-tracks-music-games-at-target-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/savings-on-wii-spirit-tracks-music-games-at-target-next-week/#commentsTarget's circular for the week of December 13 includes some near-Black Friday discounts on brand new items. With a promotional price of $24.99, Target has the best deal yet on the just-released The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (along with other recent DS releases like Style Savvy and Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days).

While you're buying a $25 game, you can also impulse-buy a Wii, which includes a bonus $30 gift card, or a DSi with a $10 gift card. Or a copy of Tony Hawk: Ride for $88 (not the only time we'll see discounts on this one, we're guessing).

JoystiqSavings on Wii, Spirit Tracks, music games at Target next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountsdj-heroMicrosoftNintendorock-band-2saletargetthe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trackstony-hawk-rideWiiXbox-360Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:15:00 EST