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[Nordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/#comments Nordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequelsNordic Games picked up most of the IPs in THQ's back catalog auction, dishing out $4.9 million for Darksiders, Red Faction, MX vs ATV, Titan Quest and a slew of unannounced games from THQ's long list of for-sale properties. Nordic was a surprise to some, especially next to Gearbox, which picked up the Homeworld franchise, and 505 Games, which snagged Drawn to Life and its sequel. But Nordic isn't new.

"We've been in conversation with THQ since January," Nordic CEO Lars Wingefors told Game Informer. "We signed all the NDAs in January."

Wingefors has been in the gaming industry for 20 years, he said, and has handled "a lot" of THQ products during that time. In November 2011, Nordic acquired publisher JoWood, in charge of Painkiller and Torchlight, and also ended up with Canadian publisher Dreamcatcher, spawning Nordic's publishing focus.

Nordic took part in the first THQ auction as well, which sold off properties such as Saints Row and some development studios for upwards of $20 million. That sale was too rich for Wingefors: "Saints Row went for $22 million and Koch bought that development studio with that burn rate on a daily basis. Even though I do have financial resources, I don't have those kind of resources."

Wingefors didn't want a studio. Nordic is a "middle man" looking for the right team to make some new sequels; there's already been plenty of interest in Darksiders, he said.

"We have to be very honest," Wingefors said. "I am a business man within the games industry. We are not the creative, talented developer that brings out new versions in house. I understand the potential of the IPs. I respect the original creators and the creative people who are able to create sequels. In the past 24 hours, we have been contacted and there have been a few discussions (but I can't confirm names)."

Nordic took home more than 50 former THQ games, but has yet to release the full list.

"As we still have some open points with regards to a couple of titles we will not publish a comprehensive list at this stage," a Nordic Games representative told Joystiq yesterday. "However, once everything is fixed and the ink is dry - around mid-May - we will go out with a comprehensive list of titles which we have acquired in the process."

Nordic will hold talks this summer with different developers, during E3 especially. Don't expect any sequels too soon, though.

"You won't see a new Darksiders this year," Wingefors said. "I don't believe in bringing out a shitty sequel."

JoystiqNordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequels originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsauctionDarksidersmacmicrosoftmobilemx-vs-atvnintendonordic-gamespcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Red-FactionTHQthq-bankruptcytitan-questvitawii-uxboxTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/#comments THQ auction results Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction 505 Games is Drawn to Life
The THQ back catalog auction results are in, with Nordic Games riding away with the intellectual property (IP) rights to Darksiders, Red Faction and MX vs. ATV for $4.9 million. The company picked up nearly all the assets in the auction, including Titan Quest, Supreme Commander, Frontlines, Stuntman, Juiced, Full Spectrum Warrior, Destroy All Humans and much more.

"First and foremost we are very happy about this deal which also turns over a new leaf for the entire Nordic Games Group. In the long term, we either want to cooperate with the original creators or best possible developers in order to work on sequels or additional content for these titles," said Nordic Games CEO Lars Wingefors. "A very important point for us is not to dash into several self-financed multi-million dollar projects right away, but rather to continue our in-depth analysis of all titles and carefully selecting different financing models for developing new instalments of acquired IPs."

The other reveal is 505 Games grabbed the rights to Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300K.

The news follows this afternoon's unexpected acquisition of the Homeworld franchise by Gearbox Software. We now know the price tag for Gearbox to re-release the original games on digital distribution networks and take a swing at its own spin on the real-time strategy franchise was $1.35 million.

We've listed the winning bids in greater detail after the break.

Continue reading THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life

JoystiqTHQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesDarksidersdarksiders-2Destroy-All-HumansHomeworldmicrosoftnordic-gamesnordic-games-licensing-abpcplaystationps3red-factionSupreme-Commanderthqthq-bankruptcyxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/#comments Crytek USA Corp. CEO David Adams revealed his company will bid on the Darksiders IP when it's auctioned next month. Posting on Twitter, Adams said the property "belongs at home with its creators," referring to himself and the other 35 ex-Vigil employees at the recently-formed Crytek USA studio. Darksiders creator Vigil was shuttered by now defunct publisher THQ.

Ryan Stefanelli, Crytek USA principal designer and Vigil co-founder, furthered Adams' comments. Talking to Destructoid, Stefanelli said, "When the Darksiders IP goes up for auction, Crytek will be bidding for it. Not much more to say since the rest is left up to courts and legal shenanigans, but we're all excited at the prospect."

The IP, which comprises the two Darksiders games, goes up for sale on April 1 in THQ's back catalog auction, with bidding ending on April 15. Other properties in the impending auction include Homeworld and Red Faction.

JoystiqCrytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-usadarksidersdarksiders-2thqvigil-gamesFri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/#comments Darksiders 1 & 2 and Red Faction: Guerrilla & Armageddon comprise the second batch of weekly offerings from Humble Indie Bundle, with all four PC games currently on offer at ridicucheap prices. Pay up $1 and you'll pick up Darksiders and RF: Armageddon, with the soundtracks to both included along with the 'Path to War' DLC for Armageddon.

However, if you're willing to pony up more than the average paying price, you'll also get Darksiders 2 (plus soundtrack) and RF: Guerrilla. At the time of writing, the pair can be yours for around the very, very silly $7.50 mark.

Meanwhile on Android, there's another Humble Bundle for the platform called the Mobile Bundle. Featuring in the latest charitable collection are Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, and Bladeslinger. As ever you can pay what you want, but an average-cough up (around $5.50 at the mo) lets you unlock the secrets of The Room, and generally shoot up stuff in Metal Slug 3. The soundtracks to all, except Contre Jour, are also included.

JoystiqHumble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcharitydarksidersdarksiders-2humble-android-bundlehumble-android-bundle-6humble-bundle-weeklyhumble-indie-bundlemobilepcRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-GuerrillaTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/#comments THQ has announced that it will be auctioning off the intellectual property rights for a large portion of its back catalogue, including Darksiders, Red Faction and Homeworld. The full list of properties up for sale, broken into six lots and posted in full after the break, also includes games like Destroy All Humans! and numerous licensed products.

Once interested bidders have gone through the proper channels, initial bids must be submitted by April 1, 2013, with final bids due on April 15. Once all bids have been submitted, THQ will talk the situation over with the various entities it owes money to and will then designate a primary and back-up bid for each lot. Once all that has been completed, the sales will be presented to the court for final approval, expected to take place in May.

Continue reading Darksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction

JoystiqDarksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbankruptcyDarksidersDestroy-All-HumansHomeworldRed-FactionTHQTue, 26 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/#comments Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbyeVigil Games Lead Combat Designer Ben Cureton and the rest of the Vigil staff cleaned out the office today, after Vigil was left untouched at THQ's auction. Vigil was shuttered, and as per THQ's letter to employees, everyone working there was laid off. In a post on NeoGAF, Cureton compared the scene in the office to a silent warzone.

"The walls look bare," he wrote. "It's quiet. The seats are empty."

Vigil Games, the studio behind Darksiders 2, was working on something called Crawler, a project we first heard about in THQ's December bankruptcy filing. After two months working on Crawler, Cureton was convinced that it would blow people's minds.

"I knew, without a shadow of the doubt, that the project we were working on (Codenamed: Crawler) was going to blow people away. In fact, it did blow people away. We did, in two months, what many companies haven't done in a year. The pride of knowing that no one was doing anything like us was so satisfying, it kept us coming to work and giving 100 percent every single day, even through the dark times."

Today was one of those dark times. Cureton was taken aback when he didn't find Vigil's name on the list of purchased properties.

"Maybe you can imagine what it feels like when you read the list of who bought what only to discover your name is not on the list," he said. "Why? Did we do something wrong? Were we not good enough? Were we not worth 'anything?' Imagine that."

In the end, Cureton thanked fans of the Darksiders series and promised to continue making games, having already worked in the industry 20 years.

"In closing, I can only say thank you to the fans of Vigil games," Cureton said. "Your support means more than you can imagine. Your feedback (both positive and negative) gave us long-lasting insight that we will all take with us, wherever we may go. You are the reason we made Darksiders 1 and 2... and you are the reason we will continue to make games.

"And with that... my seat is empty."

JoystiqVigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureDarksidersdarksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3shut-downshutteredTHQvigil-gameswii-uxboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders giving free flaming pony rides on PS Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/darksiders-giving-free-flaming-pony-rides-on-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/darksiders-giving-free-flaming-pony-rides-on-ps-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/darksiders-giving-free-flaming-pony-rides-on-ps-plus/#comments Darksiders gives free rides on PS PlusDarksiders will be gratis for PlayStation Plus members following tomorrow's PSN update. Star Drone will also shave $2 for members, 50 percent off the regular price.

While we're talking about PS Plus goodies, now's a good time to remind that Mega Man 9 and 10 were made available last week. If you're a PlayStation Plus member, it's probably worth checking out the Instant Game Collection for other pieces of candy.

JoystiqDarksiders giving free flaming pony rides on PS Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warplaystationps3psnMon, 14 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders, Saints Row, Alice PC download bundles cheap on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/11/darksiders-saints-row-alice-pc-download-bundles-cheap-on-amazo/#comments If you've been meaning to check out the Darksiders franchise, you couldn't pick a better time. For one thing, THQ could use the money. For another, it's really not that much money today. For the next two days, the PC download version of the "Franchise Pack" containing both Darksiders games, a Season Pass, and a ton of DLC, is just $13.19 on Amazon. The Saints Row: The Third "Full Package" with the game and DLC is just $12.49.

In non-THQ download deals, the Alice: Madness Returns Complete Collection, with both Alice games, is $11.99. In all three cases, these bundles are cheaper than buying the individual games! So even if you only want one Darksiders game, you should go ahead and buy the full set.

JoystiqDarksiders, Saints Row, Alice PC download bundles cheap on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-madness-returnsamazondarksidersdarksiders-2pcsaints-row-the-thirdFri, 11 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale continues with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/steam-holiday-sale-continues-with-dishonored-future-soldier-da/#comments Steam Holiday Sale continue with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and moreValve's unceasing quest for the bottom of your bank account continues today with six new daily deals, as part of its ongoing annual Steam Holiday Sale promotion.

Today's stable of temptations include Dishonored for $30, Darksiders and Darksiders 2 (plus a wealth of DLC) for $13.59, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier for $15 (or as part of a massive $68 Tom Clancy's franchise pack), all three FEAR games (plus DLC) for $13.71, as well as SimCity 4 and Psychonauts for less than five bucks each.

As always, various Flash Sales will come and go throughout the day, so remember to check the store periodically. Alternatively, add games you're interested in to your wishlist, and Valve will email you if they happen to go on sale.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale continues with Dishonored, Future Soldier, Darksiders franchise and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Darksidersdarksiders-2DishonoredDLCFearFEAR-2fear-3ghost-recon-future-soldiermacpcpsychonautssimcity-4Steamsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012ValveFri, 21 Dec 2012 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Everything Darksiders for $13.19 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/everything-darksiders-for-13-19-on-amazon/#comments No, "Everything Darksiders" isn't the name of a new apocalypse-themed cookbook from THQ, although that would be pretty sweet. What we're saying, if you'd listen for five minutes, is that Darksiders, Darksiders 2 and 11 pieces of Darksiders 2 DLC can all be purchased from Amazon as a Darksiders Franchise Pack for $13.19.

There is a catch of course, which is that the pack is A) download only and 2) PC only, so anyone without Windows and some phat pipes is in for a struggle. For everyone else though, this sale could at least facilitate an ironic way to ride out Friday's end of the world.

JoystiqEverything Darksiders for $13.19 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amazondarksidersdarksiders-2DLCpcsaleTHQVigil-GamesThu, 20 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 creative director Joe Madureira leaves Vigil Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/darksiders-2-creative-director-joe-madureira-leaves-vigil-games/#comments Vigil Games founder and creative director Joe Madureira has left the company. The news comes via a tweet, in which Madureira bids farewell to Vigil, thanks publisher THQ and refers to the Darksiders franchise as a "career highlight." In a message on his Facebook fan page, Madureira notes, "I could not be more proud of what we achieved, or the awesome people who helped build up this studio." He adds that Vigil is "in very good hands, so expect only awesomeness down the road."

Madureira plans to reveal "the Next Big Thing" soon. In the meantime, the well-known artist is focusing on his other job, namely "banging out a bunch of comics."

Vigil's most recent game, Darksiders 2, topped the NPD sales chart for August, selling 247,000 copies. Only time will tell what Madureira's departure means for Vigil - and possibly for publisher THQ, which has a lot riding on the success of Darksiders 2.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 creative director Joe Madureira leaves Vigil Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdarksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3thqvigil-gameswii-uxboxMon, 22 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/amazon-is-your-cheap-thq-download-headquarters-next-week/#comments Starting this Sunday, you'll be able to download a startlingly large number of THQ games from Amazon for prices that are equally startling in their affordability. The Deal of the Week will offer Saints Row 3 for $25, Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II Retribution Complete Pack for $20, and an assortment of $5 games including Darksiders, STALKER, and Company of Heroes. In addition, tons of DLC is discounted. Find the full list after the break.

This could be a good time to see what Warhammer 40K games are all about before the eventual arrival of the formerly MMO Dark Millennium.

Continue reading Amazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week

JoystiqAmazon is your cheap THQ download headquarters next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondarksiderspcsaints-row-the-thirdthqwarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: NFL Blitz, TNT Racers and Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/psn-tuesday-nfl-blitz-tnt-racers-and-darksiders/#comments As we inch closer to the biggest commercial showcase NFL game of the year, fans of pigskin ovals can whet their appetites for the big day with NFL Blitz, which brings nostalgic arcade goodness to PSN. Last year's cartoonish, over-the-top XBLA racer TNT Racers also makes its PlayStation debut today, just 11 months after the port was originally announced for the first quarter of 2011.

Speaking of games from a long time ago, Darksiders is now available as well, as are DLC packs for Resistance 3 and Apples to Apples. If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, this month's free swag includes the complete Back to the Future series as well as the first three Syphon Filter games. Hit the source link for a complete list of everything happening this week.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: NFL Blitz, TNT Racers and Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apples-to-applesback-to-the-futuredarksidersmovenfl-blitzplaystationps3PSN-Tuesdayresistance-3Syphon-Filtertnt-racersTue, 03 Jan 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/5-metro-2033-kicks-off-thq-week-on-steam/#comments Angry gas mask man commands you to buy. As part of THQ Week, Steam has thrown a very hefty discount on one of 2010's hidden gems, Metro 2033. The post-apocalyptic Russian shooter is currently on sale for $5, as in five bucks, as in less than a greasy, unhealthy combo meal.

Steam is also offering the THQ Hit Collection for $50, half the usual price. The Hit Collection includes favorites like Darksiders, Red Faction: Guerrilla, Saints Row 2 and ... others like Homefront and Red Faction: Armageddon. Finally, the whole THQ catalog (minus Saints Row: The Third and Space Marine) is 33 percent off this week, with more discounts coming in the days ahead.

Finally, in other Steam news, Ninjabee's Ancients of Ooga is today's daily deal, available for $5.

Joystiq$5 Metro 2033 kicks off THQ week on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancients-of-oogadarksidershomefrontMetro-2033pcRed-Faction-Guerrillasaints-row-2steamthqthq-weekMon, 10 Oct 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/study-positive-correlation-between-piracy-and-game-review-score/#comments Pirates may be dirty, pillaging fiends, but they have high standards, according to a study from Copenhagen Business School and University of Waterloo. The study tracked 173 new games on BitTorrent over a three-month release period, finding 127 of these were downloaded by 12.7 million unique peers, and that a torrent's popularity was directly correlated to its review scores. The 10 most-downloaded games comprised over 5.3 million downloads, or 42 percent of the 127 pirated games.

Fallout: New Vegas had the most downloads (962,793) and an average review score of 83.7, followed by Darksiders (656,296) with a review score of 82.7. Tron: Evolution had the lowest score of the top 10 at 59.5, yet came in fifth place (496,349). StarCraft 2 had the highest review score at 89.5 and landed in seventh place (420,138). Review scores can't trump a title's notoriety, reputation or core fanbase, but researchers found "Metacritic Scores explain 10% of the variance in the unique peers per game on BitTorrent." In other words, the only vessel that these pirates are sailing on is a statistically positive relationship.

JoystiqStudy: Positive correlation between piracy and game review scores originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarFallout-New-Vegaspcpiracy-researchPiratesStarcraft-2Tron-EvolutionSat, 06 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOTA's new Darksiders, Darkstalkers and Okamiden toys go to Comic-Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/sotas-new-darksiders-darkstalkers-and-okamiden-toys-go-to-comi/#comments Toymaker SOTA has announced that it's prepping a trio of exclusive, licensed video game-based items for this year's San Diego Comic-Con International, which runs July 21-24. The biggie (and by that we mean nearly a foot tall) is a statue ($160) of Morrigan and Lilith from the gothic fighter Darkstalkers, which depicts the two as they "fall, together, in a loose embrace, unaware of how much longer they have together" and "freezes in time a moment that Morrigan and Lilith wish to last forever." SOTA's words, not ours.

Smaller and fluffier, a keychain-sized Okamiden plush will be included as part of a "San Diego Comic-Con Impulse Pak" ($40) that features three of SOTA's non-game-related Bobble Budds. Finally, there's our favorite of the bunch: Darksiders' War astride his horse, Ruin, in an LED-lit statue (above, $250) that looks as hot as the flames erupting from the Apocalypse rider's steed.

All three items will be available at the show and through SOTA's online store. You can view more pictures and details at the source link.

JoystiqSOTA's new Darksiders, Darkstalkers and Okamiden toys go to Comic-Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcomic-con-2011DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-WarDarkstalkersokamiokamidensan-diego-comic-con-2011sota-toystoysFri, 08 Jul 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/#comments OnLive is celebrating "Indie-pendence" Day with a massive sale on -- you guessed it -- a random selection of mainstream blockbusters and popular underground games.

The sale includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, Darksiders, Just Cause 2, a pre-order deal on Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and of course an inundation of hit indie titles such as Braid, The Maw, Osmos and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. OnLive's "Indie-pendence" Day Sale runs through the completely unrelated day of July 4, so hurry and check out your options after the jump before this thing vanishes like smoke after a firework.

Update: OnLive is sending all PlayPack subscribers a free game of their choice this Tuesday, and as long as you sign up for the monthly unlimited-gaming service before midnight Pacific on July 4, you can snag a free game too. Thanks, Silent Killer01!

Continue reading OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale

JoystiqOnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentBatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBraidDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Wardeus-ex-human-revolutionfireworksIndiependence-Day-SaleJust-Cause-2OnLivepcThe-MawSun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bone up on Darksiders 2 with this trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/bone-up-on-darksiders-2-with-this-trailer/#comments War -- what is he good for? Absolutely nothing in Darksiders 2, because Death is the one handling all the fighting. Game Informer got hold of the first trailer, featuring the new, bony protagonist jumping, swinging his scythe around, and delivering vague threats.

And, in case you needed further confirmation of this unbelievable fact after yesterday's reveal, the video clearly shows that ... his pants are made of bone.

JoystiqBone up on Darksiders 2 with this trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bone-pantsdarksidersdarksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/become-a-space-wolf-with-warhammer-40k-space-marines-pre-order/#comments Though it's possible you've been offered the opportunity to dress like a space wolf at some other point today, we were quite excited to be extended such a chance by the newly announced pre-order bonuses for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. Folks pre-ordering the forthcoming third-person space shooter at GameStop will get the hilariously named armor, as well as the "black templar chapter armor." A variety of other bonuses are available from several other retailers, detailed below the break.

Additionally, a "limited run" of the collector's edition seen above will be offered at retailers, going for $79.99 on PC and $89.99 on 360/PS3. Beyond the faux "Purity Seal" and artbook, Space Marine's collector's edition comes bundled in a box (shaped like an old book!) with the soundtrack, a pack of "character information cards" and the game itself.

Additionally, among the other ways you can currently get Darksiders for free, PC pre-orders at most retailers -- except THQ's own store, it seems -- will snag a copy of that alongside Space Marine.

Continue reading Become a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses

JoystiqBecome a space wolf with Warhammer 40K: Space Marine's pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydarksidersdev-diarygamestopmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3relicrelic-entertainmentsteamthqwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxFri, 27 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive's Space Marine pre-order includes free MicroConsole and Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/onlives-space-marine-pre-order-includes-free-microconsole-and-d/#comments Yet again, OnLive and THQ have hooked up to give you a free MicroConsole. And, as avowed free stuff enthusiasts, we greet the mental image of a mighty mountain of MicroConsoles approvingly.

The latest offer is for Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. If you pre-order the "Full PlayPass" of the streaming game between now and August 22, you'll get a free MicroConsole -- or, if (as is becoming ever more likely) you already have one, you can choose a free game instead (by pre-ordering by May 31). You'll also get $5 off the regular $50 price, and a free copy of Darksiders.

We're sure any OnLive execs you meet would also personally hug you, though that bonus isn't explicitly documented.

JoystiqOnLive's Space Marine pre-order includes free MicroConsole and Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersonliveonlive-microconsolepcpre-orderthqwarhammer-40k-space-marineWed, 25 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders is 75% off on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/darksiders-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Got $10.00 and a few hours to kill? We can hardly think of a better thing to do than picking up Darksiders on Steam, which is on sale for the aforementioned 10 bucks until 10am PT on Monday, March 21. Seriously, think about it. Is there anything else that will give you so much bang for little?

Yeah, thought so -- though if you know how good a time Darksiders is, you may have already played it (or read this site, we guess), in which case we'd suggest you tell a friend. What kind of monster would keep that kind of knowledge to themself?

JoystiqDarksiders is 75% off on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warpcsteamthqvalvevigil-gamesThu, 17 Mar 2011 23:30:00 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[Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/#comments
 Super Mario Galaxy 2
This is my personal favorite game of 2010 for many reasons, all of which you can read in the review I wrote back in May. In a nutshell: It's the best Mario game ever -- in my opinion, but I've been told I'm not alone -- and can pretty much claim the title of best-ever platformer while it's at it. The experience is magical, the design is masterful and if there were one game I could be stranded on a desert island with ... well, this is it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010Darksidersepic-mickeygod-of-war-3halo-reachmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitsuper-mario-galaxy-2VanquishSun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-alexanders-picks-of-2010/#comments Dance Central
This is how the dancing genre should be done. Harmonix brought it on and stepped it up with Dance Central, a full-body follow-the-choreography game that showed off Microsoft's Kinect tech and ended up being the device's killer app at launch. Authoritative, yet fun, Dance Central felt like the first step in a franchise that could potentially have an amazing future.

Dance Central 2 is a given and I can't wait to see what it delivers. Harmonix has shown us with Rock Band that it can rapidly build upon a core foundation. Chained dance routines? Online dance battles? Customizable routines? It's probably all on the table... and I would dance on that table using a stripper pole for all of it. But, my gawd, I would give anything for the option to remove or exchange freestyle sections for more moves.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Alexander's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100best-of-the-restbest-of-the-rest-2010Civilization-5dance-centralDarksidersJust-Cause-2microsoftpcplaystationps3pspsonyvalkyria-chronicles-2xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/best-of-the-rest-mikes-picks-of-2010/#comments Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
Ninja Theory put a heck of a game together here, with some incredible art direction and animation, level design, and the best adventurous duo since Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher. The world traversed by Monkey and Trip is colorfully portrayed and brilliantly built, the gameplay is perfectly formulated to support the characters and the story, and while I admit the game's early levels outdo the somewhat abrupt ending, this was the best original IP I played in 2010.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Mike's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010darksidersenslaved-odyssey-to-the-westfinal-fantasy-xiiilord-of-ultimamicrosoftmobileneed-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcplaystationpocket-frogsps3puzzle-agentpuzzle-quest-2world-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxThu, 30 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 will star new character, take place alongside events of first game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/darksiders-2-will-star-new-character-take-place-alongside-event/#comments
Cue that one sad song ...

During his keynote speech at the IGDA Leadership Forum, THQ wunderkind Danny Bilson revealed some info on Darksiders 2, the sequel to Joe Mad's inspired take on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Instead of taking up the mantle of War again, the sequel will offer a new playable character -- one of the other three horsemen of the apocalypse, perhaps?

"When we do the Darksiders sequel, it'll be a different character and take place simultaneously to the other story," Bilson said. "There's only one apocalypse -- I couldn't very well have four different apocalypses, one for each rider. It has some new mechanics and some very robust features that differentiate it a lot and grow it from the first game because you have to build on the first one, you can't repeat it. I think that's very important in franchise-building."

It tied into the rest of the keynote, which revolved around Bilson and THQ's take on sequels and how to approach them when trying to create franchises. Look for our full write-up of Bilson's candid keynote speech soon.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 will star new character, take place alongside events of first game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondarksidersdarksiders-2igdaigda-leadership-forumigda-leadership-forum-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxMon, 08 Nov 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/retailers-offer-free-games-with-darksiders-pc-pre-order/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Though you may lack the alchemical expertise to do so under normal circumstances, folks who are planning on picking up the PC version of Darksiders when it comes out this Thursday can turn their one-game purchase into a two-game purchase. (Ooh! Aah!) This opportunity comes from a handful of digital retailers, who are offering complimentary THQ games along with pre-orders for the apocalyptic action-adventure title.

These retailers include Steam, which gives pre-orderers a digital copy of Titan Quest Gold Edition; Direct2Drive, which is handing out Red Faction: Guerrilla and Gametap, which is offering a free copy of Company of Heroes with each pre-order. Sure beats the Hell out of a keychain or scented sticker set, doesn't it?

Continue reading Retailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order

JoystiqRetailers offer free games with Darksiders PC pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warpcpre-orderthqvigil-gamesTue, 21 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/gamefly-selling-god-of-war-3-mass-effect-2-and-more-for-under/#comments GameFly is currently running a decidedly insane sale on used copies of a handful of 2010 blockbusters until this Friday, September 17. If you've got $20 to spare, you can grab Darksiders, God of War 3, Alpha Protocol, Mass Effect 2 or Dante's Inferno -- all with free shipping to boot.

Continue reading GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

JoystiqGameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocoldantes-infernodarksidersgameflygod-of-war-3mass-effect-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ merchandises the Hell out of Darksiders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/thq-merchandises-the-hell-out-of-darksiders/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, you might have liked Darksiders well enough, but we know what you really wanted from the game: your very own War to lead his own tiny Apocalypse into your living room. THQ is obliging this desire with a line of Darksiders merchandise produced in collaboration with partners in the publishing and toy industries.

Udon Entertainment is producing an Art of Darksiders book featuring "a comprehensive collection of concept art from the game, including original artwork from creative director and comic book legend, Joe Madureira." And SOTA Toys will release a 14" doll action figure statue of War and his horse Ruin. SOTA says that this is just the first item in an eventual Darksiders line.

Both of these items will debut at Comic-Con, which takes place from July 22-25. Preorders for the statue will open on SOTA's site at the same time.

JoystiqTHQ merchandises the Hell out of Darksiders originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Warmerchandisemicrosoftpcplaystationps3SOTA-ToysTHQUdon-EntertainmentVigil-GamesxboxThu, 24 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ puts Devil's Third in 2012, announces UFC Trainer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/thq-puts-devils-third-in-2012-announces-ufc-trainer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we were furiously running from appointment to appointment somewhere inside the LA Convention Center last week, THQ was busy holding an investor call -- and subsequently detailing a densely packed game release future. While we already heard from the publisher back in February that Darksiders and Saint's Row sequels would be arriving sometime in fiscal 2012 (between March 2011 and April 2012), it seems that Valhalla Games' debut effort Devil's Third will join the fold (as evidenced by the above image).

Also of note, "UFC Trainer" was detailed in the financial call as a Kinect/Move/Wii exercise/training title set for release in Jan 2011 (as reported by GameSpot). It's aiming to contend with the likes of EA Sports Active and Wii Fit, albeit with a tougher slant. "We want this thing tuned to perfection without lag. And I'm not going to ship it until it's the coolest fighting thing in the world," THQ exec Danny Bilson said of UFC Trainer, explaining its absence from E3. He also reconfirmed that a sequel to Darksiders has been "greenlit" and is currently in production, though said nothing of the Devil's Third release window specifically (presumably for fear of being sliced to bits by Valhalla's ninjas).

JoystiqTHQ puts Devil's Third in 2012, announces UFC Trainer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-BilsonDarksidersDarksiders-2devils-thirdmicrosoftplaystationps3q1-2012release-dateSaints-RowSaints-Row-3THQUFC-TrainerxboxTue, 22 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/final-fantasy-xiii-bayonetta-modern-warfare-2-more-for-30-ea/#commentsKmart isn't a name we turn to often for game deals, but the retailer has made a pretty strong case for our continued attention, with a bunch of limited-time deals that are, frankly, a little ridiculous. How about paying for just the good half of Final Fantasy XIII? At $30, that's essentially what Kmart is offering.

Time-release RPGs not for you? How about Bayonetta, Metro 2033, or Modern Warfare 2 for $30 each? Even Nier's been marked down to $44.99, though that game is ridiculous on its own merits. These deals are only available through May 10, and can be found both online and in-store. See the full list of weekly discounts after the break.

[Via Slickdeals]

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII, Bayonetta, Modern Warfare 2, more for $30 each at Kmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-vs-predatorbayonettadarksidersdealsdiscountkmartmetro-2033Microsoftmodern-warfare-2nierPlatinum GamesPlatinumGamesSegaXbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/free-red-faction-games-are-in-the-mail-from-darksiders-promo/#commentsIf you took advantage of the offer for a free copy of Red Faction: Guerrilla via the "mystery code" inside new copies of Darksiders -- and if, for some reason, you've been avoiding your mailbox -- now is the time to face the rush of junk mail once again. You might have a free game waiting for you!

We've begun hearing from tipsters whose freebie Red Factions have arrived. The timing couldn't be better for THQ: having just announced the PC release of Darksiders yesterday, the arrival of the promo discs gives us cause to bring up the game again in posts like this one! We see what you did there, THQ.

[Thanks Ben!]

JoystiqPSA: Free Red Faction games are in the mail from Darksiders promo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpromotionpsared-faction-guerillathqXbox-360Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders PC release announced, arrives in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/darksiders-pc-release-announced-arrives-in-june/#comments THQ and Vigil announced today that Darksiders is bringing its apocalyptic brand of action adventure to the PC. The game will hit the platform this summer, with THQ offering only a June release window. It's being optimized for the PC, with Vigil's David Adams promising "key features such as user-defined resolutions, interface and both keyboard and game pad control sets."

Darksiders released earlier this year on Xbox 360 and PS3. It received decent reviews -- from both Joystiq and the industry at large -- and it enjoyed healthy sales, something THQ was quite keen to announce. No doubt THQ hopes to see some of that success repeated on the PC.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqDarksiders PC release announced, arrives in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersq2-2010release-datethqvigil-gamesTue, 30 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's Bilson: Research and focus testing will 'usually destroy' creativity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/thqs-bilson-research-and-focus-testing-will-usually-destroy/#comments During an interview at the 2010 Game Developers Conference, THQ executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson told Joystiq that market research creates "bland" titles, citing it is not a process his group is willing to utilize for future development. "We don't do research to find out what people want to play. If you need to do that kind of research you must not be playing games yourself," Bilson said, noting that research and overusing focus tests can "misguide creative forces."

According to Bilson, his core group at THQ is ruled by creating "excellent" titles. Put simply, Bilson says he will not ship a game if it's not "really good" -- noting that doing otherwise will make it impossible for him to "sleep at night." As an example of this process, Bilson noted his decision to push Darksiders from a 2009 release into the early-2010 calendar in order to ensure the game was of high quality. (Darksiders currently holds an average Metacritic rating of 83.)

"Inspiration comes from one place and research and focus testing will usually destroy it. It will usually create 'bland' and create something for everyone and really nothing for anyone," he said, praising the idea that publishers should not ship a game until it's ready. "If my teams make really good games, in the long run, that's what people relate to. They're not buying advertising, they're not buying Wall Street nonsense. They're buying what's on that disc."

JoystiqTHQ's Bilson: Research and focus testing will 'usually destroy' creativity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsondarksidersfocus-testinggdc-2010market-researchMicrosoftthqXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/#comments Unlike the less than wonderful relations some developers are currently having with their publishing partners, Vigil Games' general manager David Adams says things between his studio and THQ couldn't have been better during the development of Darksiders. "We were pretty lucky, just because our publisher had this weird, insane faith in us that I don't necessarily think any other publisher would have had ... our take was that if we just did really cool stuff, people would see that -- they'd want to jump on the bandwagon and support us, and THQ did," Adams tells GamesIndustry.biz in a recent interview.

Adams adds that his studio is constantly "trying to be more efficient, do stuff quicker, using less money," so that certainly can't hurt how THQ feels about Vigil, especially given the last year of "restructuring" the publisher underwent to become financially solvent once again. "THQ went through a lot of pain and restructuring -- they took a lot of bullets so we could continue to make our game, and that's a good indication of their faith in us, and their drive to make great-quality products." We'd like to point out that, in this situation, we're all winners because THQ has seemingly become a competitive publisher again, due to producing quality products that we get to play -- and hey, tons of people don't lose their jobs.

JoystiqDarksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdavid-adamsdevelopmentlayoffsMicrosoftthqvigilvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/psn-thursday-god-of-war-leads-a-long-night-of-downloading/#commentsDemos for God of War III and Darksiders are up this week. Grandia's on PS One Classics. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is half-price. There's Valkyria Chronicles and Uncharted 2 DLC. Echoshift is up on PSP. Basically, if you don't find something for you this week on the PlayStation Network, you probably don't own a PlayStation console.

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

Continue reading PSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading

JoystiqPSN Thursday: God of War 3 demo leads a long night of downloading originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdemostracionDLC-HD10Vechoshiftgod-of-war-3PSN-Storepsn-thursdaysuper-street-fighter-ii-turbo-hd-remixuncharted-2-among-thievesvalkyria-chroniclesThu, 25 Feb 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Hefty Darksiders demo out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/reminder-hefty-darksiders-demo-out-today/#comments A quick note for all the apocalyptic adventure-seekers out there: The promised Darksiders demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. As previously announced, this is no ordinary demo, either. No, this sucker contains the game's first dungeon in its entirety, a chunk of gameplay that should take approximately 90 minutes to complete for the "average player." It's not often that publishers give away that much game for free, so be sure to give it a go.

Oh, and don't forget to post your completion time here in the comments. We're curious to see how close to the mark THQ's estimate is.

Shortcut: Download the Darksiders demo to your Xbox 360 [Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqReminder: Hefty Darksiders demo out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdemothqvigil-gamesxblmThu, 25 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for February 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/european-psn-releases-for-february-25/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's new content for both PS platforms in the latest PSN Euro update, ranging from an unimaginably beefy demo for Darksiders, W!Games' strategy title Greed Corp, the The Secret Armory of General Knoxx expansion for Borderlands, the totally free third installment of Blue Toad Murder Files and a PSP demo for The Eye Of Judgment Legends. Check out the full list of releases after the jump!

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

Continue reading European PSN releases for February 25

JoystiqEuropean PSN releases for February 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-toad-murder-filesborderlandsdarksidersGreed-CorpPSNpsn-thursdayStrategyValcon-GamesWGamesXBLAThu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders' free Red Faction promo open to anyone who bought it new, no code required]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/18/darksiders-free-red-faction-promo-open-to-those-without-codes-b/#comments Got yourself a copy of Darksiders but, for whatever reason (admit it, you lost it), don't have the slip of paper it came with containing the "mystery code" redeemable for a free copy of Red Faction Guerrilla and digital art book? Seems you're not out of luck -- unless you bought it second-hand (or "pre-played," if you will).

Vigil has announced via its official Darksiders blog that those without codes, but who purchased the game new can still get the free RFG and disc full o' artwork. It's a little more work than simply clicking a link and typing in a code, but, hey, free is free. Those who want in on the promotion must fill out a form, provide "your original purchase receipt of a NEW copy of Darksiders," the barcode from the cover insert and, like everything else, pay shipping and "handling" (we never quite got what that is, exactly).

You have until March 7 to get in on the promotion, whatever your situation may be.

[Thanks, NBA Kirkland]

JoystiqDarksiders' free Red Faction promo open to anyone who bought it new, no code required originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersMicrosoftpromoRed-Faction-Guerrillathqvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Extensive' 90-min Darksiders demo on XBL, PSN Feb. 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/extensive-90-min-darksiders-demo-on-xbl-psn-feb-25/#comments
If a batch of positive reviews has yet to sway you towards picking up Darksiders, THQ and developer Vigil Games are hoping to change that by means of a demo planned to hit Xbox Live and PlayStation Network on February 25. Not just any demo, mind you, but one its publisher claims will "take approximately 90 minutes to complete for the average player." That claim is backed up by the fact that it will include the entire first dungeon -- which is home to two bosses -- from the retail release.

Vigil general manager David Adams explains in the demo's announcement that the dev "really wanted to give gamers a true idea of the variety of gameplay that the game offers," adding, "rather than just making a standard 20-minute demo version of the first few levels, we decided to give away this massive level and reveal the true essence of the game."

Here's what we want you to do. Bookmark this post, then, once the demo hits, come back here and leave a comment letting us know how long it took you to complete. Nothing official-like, but it'll be fun to put THQ's estimate to the test. Just remember -- it said "for the average player." We know you're all well above average.

Joystiq'Extensive' 90-min Darksiders demo on XBL, PSN Feb. 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DarksidersdemoMicrosoftpsnPSN-Storethqvigil-gamesxblxblmXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST