Joystiq

Deus Ex Facebook page: Human Defiance is a game, reveal tomorrow

Sinan Kubba — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:20:00 EST

The official Deus Ex Facebook page announced a "world's first look" at Deus Ex: Human Defiance tomorrow, disclosing in the comments the property is in fact a game, and not a movie. Square Enix trademarked the name last month, but registered web domains by CBS Films pointed towards the Deus Ex film currently in production.

Of course, this should be tempered by tomorrow being none other than April Fools' Day, although a false alarm for what sounds like a follow-up to Deus Ex: Human Revolution would be quite the stunt to pull. Either way, tomorrow just got a little more interesting.

Deus Ex Facebook page: Human Defiance is a game, reveal tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cell: emergence version 1.1 reacts massively on XBLIG, PC

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST

If you're going to play something on Xbox Live Indie Games that doesn't involve mining, it might as well be an organic, massively reactive, cellular strategy game from the principal writer of the original Deus Ex, Sheldon Pacotti. Cell: emergence takes place in the body of a sick child, where players inhabit a nanobot fighting the smart germs of futuristic biowarfare. It's beautiful, for a battlefield.

Cell: emergence 1.1 drops on XBLIG today and is out for PC via Desura, both on sale for $1 through February 4. Version 1.1 addresses the weak tutorial and steep difficulty curve by throwing in visual tutorial screens.

"The difficulty curve remains steep, but for most players it should now be challenging rather than mystifying," Pacotti says. He also wants to see Cell: emergence break out on Steam, and today began a campaign to get it approved through Greenlight.

If you're interested but not sold, check out the free demo on Indie DB.

Continue reading Cell: emergence version 1.1 reacts massively on XBLIG, PC

Cell: emergence version 1.1 reacts massively on XBLIG, PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CD Projekt Red's 'Cyberpunk' inspired by System Shock, Blade Runner [Update]

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST

The Witcher series developer CD Projekt Red is deriving its latest game, Cyberpunk, from the pen-and-paper game of the same name - but that's not where all of its direction is coming from. Cyberpunk draws inspiration from William Gibson novels, Blade Runner, the Ghost in the Shell anime and manga, System Shock and "the first part of Deus Ex," community manager Marcin Momot says.

Cyberpunk will remain faithful to its source material, traversing the world but focusing on a specific venue pivotal to the franchise, Night City. Cyberpunk will have an "open, living world" with more customization options than players had with Geralt in The Witcher games. Players will be able to change their stats, equipment, implants and more.

The role system comes straight from the pen-and-paper Cyberpunk, and "as opposed to the regular fantasy set-up with mages, warriors and archers, we're going for something different," Momot says. "In Cyberpunk, each character role will offer a set of special skills that will impact your stats in many different ways."

Update: Yes, what was first written in the interview as "Shellshock" was supposed to be "System Shock," and CD Projekt Red has altered the text to reflect this. If you don't believe it really said "Shellshock," ctrl+f the comments in the source. We were just as confused as you.

CD Projekt Red's 'Cyberpunk' inspired by System Shock, Blade Runner [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Overheard@Comic-con: A nerd walks into a video game store...

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:55:00 EST

As the man behind titles such as System Shock, Thief and Deus Ex, it's no surprise Warren Spector has a slightly warped sense of humor. For example, when naming Deus Ex, Spector thought it would be funny to pick a title that some people would be hesitant to pronounce, and he still thinks it's funny, even though that name ultimately cost Eidos sales. Spector knows exactly why:

"People don't want to go into their game store and ask for the 'Do Sex' game," Spector said, still chuckling.

Overheard@Comic-con: A nerd walks into a video game store... originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex film rights picked up by CBS

David Hinkle — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:20:00 EST

CBS Films has picked up the rights to Square Enix's Deus Ex franchise, and plans on producing a movie based on the latest game in the series, Deux Ex: Human Revolution. Developer Eidos Montreal will have a stake in the film, Variety reports, with CBS Films working "closely" with Eidos Montreal on adapting the game for the big screen.

"No one knows Human Revolution like the team that created it, and we look forward to working with them from day one to make a film adaptation worthy of the 'Deus Ex' name," CBS Films co-president Terry Press said. Adrian Askarieh will act as one of the producers, a name you may recognize if you're still waiting for that sequel to Hitman.

Deus Ex film rights picked up by CBS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Deus Ex writer Sheldon Pacotti on massive reactions in Cell: emergence

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Sheldon Pacotti, principal writer for the original Deus Ex and its sequel, Invisible War, leads a quietly explosive life. He teaches game writing at the University of Texas, is a software architect at a business design, marketing and consulting firm called frog (capitalization is apparently out this year), and he recently founded New Life Interactive, which this year released Cell: emergence.

Cell is a tricky beast to peg down, fusing voxel-based, strategic gameplay with mechanics that appear to be AI-driven, but are in fact "cellular automata," or the direct result of each player's organic style -- and all of this taking place inside the body of a sick child.

This all may sound vague or convoluted (or both), so we'll let Pacotti fill in the remaining details on Cell and his influence on Deus Ex: Human Revolution -- though we can't promise you'll understand his terms any better, we do believe you'll feel intellectually enlightened regardless:

Continue reading Ex-Deus Ex writer Sheldon Pacotti on massive reactions in Cell: emergence

Ex-Deus Ex writer Sheldon Pacotti on massive reactions in Cell: emergence originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

Square Enix has joined the ever-growing list of publishers to bring its classic titles to GOG.com. The first two Square-Enix titles to hit the service are Hitman: Codename 47 and Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition (2000 being the year in question). You can pick up either for $5.99 and $9.99 respectively.

GOG promises more Square Enix games to come. We'd expect most of those to come from Square's library of Eidos titles (Thief, anyone?), though the PC ports of Final Fantasy VII and VIII are a slim possibility. Slim.

Square Enix joins Good Old Games with Deus Ex and Hitman originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex commentary compilation shows the 'net split on boss fights

Mike Schramm — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST

It looks like our own reviewer wasn't alone in thinking the boss fights in Deus Ex: Human Revolution stood out like a sore thumb from the rest of the subtler gameplay. Nukezilla has compiled clips of commentary about the game from around the web so far, and the opinion is almost universal: The title's boss fights are unnecessary and badly designed.

We say almost, in this case, because the main voice of dissent belongs to Ars Technica's Ben Kuchera, who argues that the game is simply pointing out that sometimes, violence really is necessary. Yes, most of the game lets you move along without combat, but the boss fights, in all of their stupid fury, are meant to show that in a game loaded with choices, sometimes you just don't have one.

Seeing as the game just came out, y'know, today, most of us haven't been able to form our own opinions just yet. But Nukezilla's compilation at least raises a good question, and that's if the boss fights in Deus Ex: Human Revolution really belong there, or if they're there just because boss fights are what video games do.

Deus Ex commentary compilation shows the 'net split on boss fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex Human Revolution review: Life as spectre, post-Spector

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

You are a persistently bemused buffoon. Most games won't convey that opinion so indelicately, instead hiding it between the lines of text that ceaselessly tell you where to go, what to do and exactly how to do it. Deus Ex: Human Revolution isn't exempt from the clumsy tutorial crowd, but once it gets through the jarring video pop-ups, it quickly stops treating you like an imbecilic waypoint-marker addict. This game thinks you're an adult and expects you to handle your shit.

While the Mass Effect series sheds its stats and inventories in favor of forging an intelligent, emotionally driven shooter, Deus Ex: Human Revolution examines and embraces the structure of Ion Storm's 11-year-old classic, Deus Ex: Didn't Have a Subtitle. Environments don't exist to funnel you through perfectly scripted events -- they're complicated, multi-tiered stacks of obvious and hidden pathways. And Adam Jensen, a stoic security manager who returns from dramatic near-death as a grumpy cyborg, can warp himself biologically to accommodate those routes. There is perhaps no greater proof that this is a role-playing game, however, than the ability to conclude just about every conversation by punching your quest giver into an unconscious rag doll.

Gallery: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (8/22/11)

Continue reading Deus Ex Human Revolution review: Life as spectre, post-Spector

Deus Ex Human Revolution review: Life as spectre, post-Spector originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex HD texture update enables more humane resolution, in time for Human Revolution

Christopher Grant — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST

With the release of Deus Ex: Human Revolution just two weeks away, it's a perfect time to remind our younger readers that while it may be developer Eidos Montreal's debut project, it's not the first game in the series. That distinction belongs to 2000's Deus Ex, developed by Ion Storm Austin under the watchful eye(s) of Warren Spector (think: Epic Mickey) and Harvey Smith (think: the newly unveiled Dishonored). If you've never played it, Deus Ex: New Vision may not make that process easier, but it will make it more palatable.

New Vision is a mod four years in the making, which updates Deus Ex's aging visuals (they weren't much to look at in 2000!) "with around 75% of the world textures remastered at high definition." We've got some screens in the gallery below, and a year-old video of the beta above. If you're interested, grab the mod from Mod DB at the Source link below.

Gallery: Deus Ex: New Vision (mod)

Deus Ex HD texture update enables more humane resolution, in time for Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to OnLive, free MicroConsole and original Deus Ex with pre-order

Mike Schramm — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:30:00 EST

OnLive has announced that the service will be offering the upcoming Deus Ex: Human Revolution as a streaming title day-and-date with the retail release, and users who pre-order the game will get all kinds of goodies. First, ponying up cash in advance for any flavor of the game will net a free copy of the original Deus Ex: Game of the Year for play via the service.

Secondly, pre-ordering the Augmented Edition of the game (for $53.99 rather than the standard $44.99, and packing its own goodies) will get you an OnLive game system to play it on, free of charge. If you already have a MicroConsole, you can choose a free game. That's not a bad deal at all, especially if you were considering getting Human Revolution in the first place.

The free game deal has to be redeemed by next Wednesday, May 25, but according to the fine print, the console deal is valid right up until Deus Ex: Human Revolution's release on August 23.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution coming to OnLive, free MicroConsole and original Deus Ex with pre-order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive adding Deus Ex, other Square Enix titles to flat-rate service

Randy Nelson — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST

Holding to its vow of regularly arriving content, OnLive has announced that several Square Enix titles are being added to its flate-rate PlayPack plan. The cloud gaming service says that games in the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex, Hitman, Thief and Mini Ninja franchises will launch "in the next few weeks."

The PlayPack lineup already features a handful of Square Enix titles, including Tomb Raider: Underworld, while the main pay-per-game service has the likes of Kane & Lynch 2, Just Cause 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is slated to hit OnLive once it arrives in stores later this year.

Continue reading OnLive adding Deus Ex, other Square Enix titles to flat-rate service

OnLive adding Deus Ex, other Square Enix titles to flat-rate service originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer is five minutes of 'wow'

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:20:00 EST

The latest trailer for Deus Ex: Human Revolution may be five minutes of pure cinematic CGI, but we'll take something like this over that worthless Batman: Arkham City trailer anytime. It may not be in-game footage, but it is gorgeous.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer is five minutes of 'wow'

Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer is five minutes of 'wow' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST

It seems the Games for Windows Marketplace is trying its darndest to establish itself as the premiere source of awesome games that cost less than a 20 oz. bottle of soda. For example, today, you can pick up Warren Spector's epic FPSRPG Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition for just 99 American cents.

Continue reading Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows

Deus Ex: Game of the Year just 99 cents today on Games For Windows originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution 'Augmented Edition' and pre-order packs revealed

JC Fletcher — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:20:00 EST

Square Enix has announced pre-order bonuses and an "Augmented Edition" for Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The Augmented Edition is "augmented" with a 40-page artbook; a bonus DVD with trailers, trailer storyboards, a making-of featurette, and the soundtrack; a motion comic; and, of course, a fancy box to hold it all. It will be released at a $69.99 price point for Xbox 360 and PS3, and $59.99 for PC.

The two pre-order bonus packs each contain a selection of new in-game weapons, all with impressive-sounding names. The GameStop-exclusive "Explosive Mission Pack" comes with a mission featuring "a special cameo appearance of original Deus Ex character," along with the Linebacker G-87 Grenade Launcher and the M-28 Utility Remote-Detonated Explosive Device (yes, "UR-DED"), while the "Tactical Enhancement Pack" offered at unspecified "participating retailers" includes the Longsword Whisperhead Suppressed Extreme Range Sniper Rifle and the Huntsman Silverback Double-Barrel Shotgun. Both include "extra credits for augmentations and upgrades."

Gallery: Deus Ex: Human Revolution Augmented Edition

Gallery: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (box art)

Continue reading Deus Ex: Human Revolution 'Augmented Edition' and pre-order packs revealed

Deus Ex: Human Revolution 'Augmented Edition' and pre-order packs revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Square Enix Europe may be working on an official Deus Ex sequel, but that didn't stop Warren Spector -- one of the creators of the original game -- from pitching a "spiritual successor" to his new employer, Disney. According to Develop, Spector delivered a presentation for a new "futuristic sci-fi game," one that he believed Disney wouldn't be interested in.

Spector walked out of that meeting with a new game deal, but not on the project he expected. "We have a concept for Mickey, we want to show you our idea," the designer recalls the execs telling him during that meeting. "And they gave me this pitch." That pitch ended up being Epic Mickey, an unexpected (but certainly not unwelcome) departure from Spector's earlier, more mature works.

With Spector's Junction Point studio nearing the end of Epic Mickey's development, we can't help but wonder if the team will move on to the pitched (but seemingly ignored) sci-fi idea. Spector doesn't offer an answer, but there's clearly some interest from the Disney higher-ups. "Disney now owns the IP to it," Spector said. "So who knows?"

Warren Spector pitched Deus Ex 'spiritual successor' to Disney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Deus Ex: Human Revolution screens look great, very gold

Mike Schramm — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

Hey -- new Deus Ex: Human Revolution screenshots! Don't look yet, though. Let's guess what's in them based on what the Art Director said about the game at E3.

Lots of black and gold!
Heavy Blade Runner influence!
Someone is probably wearing sunglasses!
And robots! (Or at least a robot-style arm)

Look at that, we were exactly right. Not that these look bad -- mind you. Aside from this concept piece, they're all in-engine and they all look very impressive (and that's a nice security camera interface, too). But when Jonathan Jacques-Belletête said he wanted the game to have a distinct style, he wasn't kidding around.

Gallery: Deus Ex: Human Revolution (08/05/10)

New Deus Ex: Human Revolution screens look great, very gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploring a 'Cyber Renaissance' in Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Mike Schramm — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:00:00 EST

When Art Director Jonathan Jacques-Belletête sat down to design the overarching look of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, he had two big criteria for his designs to meet. First, he wanted to choose "illustration over simulation" -- rather than creating something exactly real, he wanted to make a game that had a definite style. And second, he adhered to the theory that "design distinction creates desire" -- if a game (he used Bioshock and Team Fortress 2 as examples) has a distinct art style, it will already start to stand out in players' imaginations.

And so, from all of the various genres and settings for the third Deus Ex game, Belletête and the team landed on the phrase "Cyber Renaissance" to describe the look they chose. In a pre-E3 presentation this week, Belletête talked about "Cyber Renaissance," and how it defined the art and architecture of Square Enix's Deus Ex title.

Continue reading Exploring a 'Cyber Renaissance' in Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Exploring a 'Cyber Renaissance' in Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get both Deus Ex games for $5 on Steam

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST

Deus Ex: Human Revolution may be a long ways off, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the first two games in the series right now. In fact, if you've never dabbled in the series before, now is the perfect time, as Steam has both Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition and its sequel Deus Ex: Invisible War on sale. Normally $9.99 each, both games have been lowered to a ridiculously low $2.50. According to Joystiq sister site Big Download, the sale is on until Thursday, so get your cheap cyber-action while it's hot.

Get both Deus Ex games for $5 on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer makes the rounds

Christopher Grant — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:16:00 EST

And just like that, hours after its debut at the Game Developers Choice Awards, we've got the Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer for you to enjoy after the break. There's not a lot to see so, instead, let's talk about what we hear. Is that Christian Bale or just a Batman soundalike?

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer makes the rounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:50:00 EST

During the Game Developers Conference, Eidos Montreal Art director Jonathan Jacques-Belletete revealed that Deus Ex 3 has been officially renamed Deus Ex: Human Revolution. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Square-Enix actually trademarked it last month. The title accurately reflects the game's story, which takes place before the events of the original Deus Ex. According to Jacques-Belletete, the world in Human Revolution is on the cusp of a "transhuman revolution," the beginning on mankind's first real foray into cybernetics. As such, the Eidos Montreal team came up with a very unique visual style for the game, taking the common aesthetics of cyberpunk and blending them with those of the European Renaissance -- think Shakespeare meets Blade Runner.

If it sounds like a weird mix, it is. It was no easy task for the development team either, with Jacques-Belletete noting that it took well over a year to finally strike the right balance. But employing the talents of well-known artists Jim Murray and Thierry "Barontieri" Doizon, they managed to come up with an aesthetic that really works. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures of the concept art and pre-rendered characters we saw, so you'll have to take our word for it.

As for the game itself, there aren't many new details. The development team, which started as only a handful of people in 2007, has ballooned to over 130. Human Revolution runs on a proprietary engine and is played from a first-person perspective, though it pops into third-person for certain attacks and taking cover. Only a tiny sliver of actual gameplay was shown during the panel, including a few environments and a conversation between two characters. The environments in particular were impressive, especially the apartment of the main character, Adam Jensen.

Further details, like the release date and planned platforms, remain under wraps for the time being. One thing, however, is certain: We're definitely ready to see more.

Impressions: Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex 3 PC exclusivity rumored, doubted, dismissed

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST

An Eidos Montreal community spokesperson has put a dent in rumors of Deus Ex 3 being developed exclusively for PC. "Only the PC version has been announced so far," he wrote on the official Eidos forums, diplomatically addressing a story that originated from a (now corrected) article on Bit-Tech. "I dunno where that website is getting its info from!"

We dunno if these comments preclude an exclusivity announcement in the future but, as John Walker notes on Rock Paper Shotgun, the situation isn't a conspiracy so much as "a matter of crossed wires." The Deus Ex franchise is certainly no stranger to consoles and, considered from a commercial viewpoint, it seems likely that Eidos and Square Enix would want to share their collaborative efforts with as wide an audience as possible.

Deus Ex 3 PC exclusivity rumored, doubted, dismissed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix doing CG cinematics for Deus Ex 3, interested in Thief 4

David Hinkle — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST

"Deus Ex 3 is going to be the first project which will be a concrete product of joint effort between Square Enix and Eidos," said Stephane D'Astous, general manager of Eidos Montreal. Not to be confused with that other first collaboration between the two, the devs in Tokyo will take care of any CGI cutscenes in the upcoming threequel, while D'Astrous confirmed to Edge that the duty of putting together enticing trailers and the game's intro cinematic will also fall on the CGI-smiths at Square Enix.

D'Astrous says Square Enix was excited to contribute, also expressing interest in Thfourteeneff. It should provide a nice change of scenery for Square Enix, though we're sure it'll find a spot to squeeze in a silver-haired, effeminate hero or three.

Square Enix doing CG cinematics for Deus Ex 3, interested in Thief 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector talks initial Disney pitches, hints at spiritual successor to Deus Ex

Xav de Matos — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

During a London event to showcase Disney Epic Mickey, developer Warren Spector revealed that his initial pitches to Disney were for two very different titles; hinting one -- in many ways -- may have been a spiritual successor to Deus Ex. The other title, according to The Cut Scene blog, was a "big fantasy" story the developer and his wife unsuccessfully pitched to DC Comics.

Prior to the announcement of a new game in the series, Spector said he had previously attempted to acquire the Deus Ex license from publisher Eidos, but was unsuccessful. Since then, Spector's Junction Point Studios has been acquired by Disney Interactive, revealed his latest title and hinted at more from the Epic universe.

While Spector says there are still stories in the Deus Ex universe he would like to tell, the upcoming prequel, Deus Ex 3 -- helmed by developer Eidos Montreal -- will be the first title in the franchise without the original creator's watchful eye. "That story is not done for me," Spector said. "Deus Ex was very much a game of the millennium." Sadly -- with another team on the project -- it appears Spector's dream of continuing the Deus Ex conspiracy personally have indeed come to an end, for the time being.

[Via GamePro]

Spector talks initial Disney pitches, hints at spiritual successor to Deus Ex originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector envisions two more Disney Epic Mickey games

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST

In the ongoing media blitz that Disney Epic Mickey (yes, it's really still named that) has been receiving over the past few weeks, the game's creative head Warren Spector has been decidedly candid. First, he spoke about the difference between the game's concept art and in-game graphics, then he discussed its roots on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and just this week, in a talk with 1UP, he confirmed his hope that the game would spawn two more adventures.

One hitch - those games have yet to be approved by his new overlords at Disney. "In my head, I've got two more planned ... those games have not approved and who knows if we'll ever see them," he said. "I had three games planned for Deus Ex and you see where that got me." As far as other titles that Spector's Junction Point Studios were working on before being acquired over two years ago, Spector confirmed that Disney has officially dropped the lot of them. Wait, even Ninja Gold?! Yes, even Ninja Gold.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Warren Spector envisions two more Disney Epic Mickey games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bleszinski sees RPGs as key to the shooter's future

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

Look, we know, alright? Cliff "Not CliffyB" Bleszinski has a lot to say, and as such, he ends up in the headlines a bit more than anyone could expect. But how can we resist when he says such interesting stuff, like what he said during a recent interview with Develop. He dropped some pretty serious hints about the future of shooters -- and in turn, his own franchise, Gears of War. "I had a conversation with Harvey Smith - one of the lead designers on Deus Ex - and said to him the future of shooters is RPGs," the Cliffster said during the interview. "He said he completely agreed."

So, Deus Ex of War with RPG elements confirmed? Not quite. Bleszinski made sure to mention immediately afterward, "One could wean that from the comments I made earlier about the future of shooters is RPGs and see where things are going with us. It depends on where things go." Here's hoping "things go" right back to work on the game and less of the gum flapping!

(Just joshin' ya, Cliffy. We still love you.)

Bleszinski sees RPGs as key to the shooter's future originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST

In Mumbai for the Golden Cursor Animation Awards, recently appointed Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone sat down with the folks at GamingIndians and spilled a full bag of beans. Unsurprisingly, he says the Square Enix acquisition was "a great deal in many ways" and that the various Eidos development studios would remain largely independent. "It's great news for the brand and for the people," he says.

And also, apparently, great for sequels, as Livingstone confirms work on the next Hitman game, a sequel to Kane & Lynch currently targeted for a September release date and -- big shock! -- a re-imagining of Lara Croft and the Tomb Raider series. "The next Tomb Raider, I think, will surprise a lot of people and reinvigorate the franchise," Livingstone notes, stressing the relevance of game characters in mainstream media these days. Incidentally, he more than intimates that Eidos Montreal is working on Thief 4, though now we know that to be a fact -- the "worst kept secret in the industry," in fact.

Livingstone: Kane & Lynch 2 aimed for Sept., more Hitman, Tomb Raider en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eidos stays independent following Square Enix acquisition

Jason Dobson — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST

Despite having all of its hit points gobbled up by Square Enix, Eidos still expects to remain autonomous of its new parent company, saying in a press release that Eidos will continue to function as "an independent operation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary" of the role-playing giant. To drive this home, Phil Rogers will stay on as the CEO at Eidos, where he will report directly to Square Enix boss Yoichi Wada, who calls the union an "international marriage." Aww, we forgot to bring a gift.

Eidos was finally acquired by the Japanese company last week for £84 million. However, despite our suggestions to the contrary, the British pub will still answer to the name Eidos instead of adopting something a bit more creative.

Eidos stays independent following Square Enix acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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85 million Final Fantasy games sold, global takeover imminent

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:42:00 EST

Hot on the heels of yesterday's official acquisition of "the house that Lara built" (Eidos, folks), Square Enix has released a load of numbers on its biggest IPs -- including some that it just acquired yesterday. Unsurprisingly, the Final Fantasy series flies high above its brethren (in a fancy airship, of course) with over 85 million units moved over the series' lifetime. We imagine after the company releases its flurry of FFXIII titles, that number will jump considerably.

Among other details in the release is Dragon Quest's lifetime sales, reaching nearly 50 million units, and the Tomb Raider series showing up with 30 million units sold in the past 13 years. Also of note is Kane & Lynch: Dead Men selling nearly two million shameful, shameful copies. Can we expect the layoffs to stop for now?

[Via Edge]

Source (warning: PDF)

85 million Final Fantasy games sold, global takeover imminent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court approves Square Enix buyout of Eidos

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:29:00 EST

We're really beginning to understand why more corporate buyouts don't happen. It was reported yesterday that a court has approved the Square Enix purchase of Eidos -- the third and (hopefully) final approval the Japanese publishing house needs before officially acquiring UK-based Eidos. According to Gamasutra, Eidos' board of directors confirmed the transfer of the company's titles Tomb Raider and Deus Ex (among others), while the court has acknowledged its delisting in the company's native country, effective as of last night.

And so it seems all there is left to do now is make silly combinations of the companies' names, as per the image above. Squeidos? Square Enixos? Kane & Enix: Dead Square? Alright, we're reaching a bit much with that last one ... we'll admit it.

Court approves Square Enix buyout of Eidos originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector wants games to cost less

David Hinkle — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST

Warren Spector, the man behind Deus Ex, thinks that games cost a little too much. In competing with other forms of media on the market, he says that video games have too high a price for admission, and that these prices only act as a barrier for drawing new customers in.

Of course, there are plenty of things to consider even beyond that. With publishers enjoying profits (they aren't in this to make friends), and the game industry reporting record numbers last year, there are valid points of argument all over the place. Plus, there's this horrible economy to consider, which Spector thinks could aid in bringing prices down. We will say this, however: We like saving money. It helps us purchase more games.

Warren Spector wants games to cost less originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix explains why it wants Eidos

Justin McElroy — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST

Like a middle-aged woman who spends half of Feb. 15 explaining to her mother why a new toilet brush and a night of darts is as much a Valentine's Day as she can expect from Lyle, Square Enix has gone on the record with the precise reasons it has an interest in buying struggling publisher Eidos. In addition to the dev houses included in the deal, the company has its eye on Hitman, Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Kane & Lynch.

Meanwhile, and surprising no one, 20-percent Eidos shareholder Warner Bros.* says it's putting its support behind the deal and honestly, it's kind of hard to blame it.

*Did you know Time Warner is our parent company? Well, now you do.

Source -- Warner backs Square Enix's bid for Eidos
Source -- Square Enix Cites "Major" Eidos Franchises

Square Enix explains why it wants Eidos originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Czech website reveals new Deus Ex 3 details

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

New details about Deus Ex 3 have been revealed in a preview article written on the Czech website Hratelne.cz. According to translations found on the Eidos forums, the game will feature protagonist Adam Jensen and is set in a world where cybernetics companies hold more sway than world governments. Those who can afford them purchase cybernetic implants to gain an edge in society, which breeds unrest among the poorer, non-augmented populace.

One new feature mentioned is squad AI for groups of enemies. Such squads will have an identifiable leader guiding them and will adjust to player actions, such as changing weapons. Take out the leader and a squad's tactical abilities are reduced. Boss battles will evidently also be affected by players' previous actions, though no specifics are given as to how that works. The article also notes that the dialogue system depends on a player's ability to read facial expressions and body language, the proper judgment of which will help to reveal the best response.

The game will visit five major locations, including Shanghai, Detroit and Montreal, all winding towards the formation of UNATCO, the organization served by the original Deus Ex's protagonist, JC Denton (Deus Ex 3 is a prequel, remember?). Hit the source links for more details. Hopefully, we'll start to see additional details hitting the web soon.

[Via DigitalBattle.com]

Source -- Eidos Forums
Source -- Hratelne.cz (Czech)

Czech website reveals new Deus Ex 3 details originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Deus Ex's Spector working on 'epic' Mickey Mouse project

Randy Nelson — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Action, Casual

When it comes to designing games, Warren Spector isn't known for doing a Mickey Mouse job. But the iconic Disney character may very well be the star of his Junction Point Studios' current project, confirmed in July as a "collaboration with folks from Disney Feature Animation and Pixar."

According to a post on Gamasutra, "concept art and information" the site has gotten its eyes on reveal a title codenamed Epic Mickey, which is described as having "a distinctly shadowed, steampunk vibe." The game is likely the same project Spector and company have been working on since at least June 2007, and which the Deus Ex designer has said would elicit claims by hardcore gamers that he'd "sold out." In backing up its report, the site references an EGM rumor from March that suggests Junction Point's project will allow Disney to go up against "a certain pesky plumber" with "the mouse himself."

If true, Spector wouldn't be the first legendary designer to work with Walt Disney's most famous creation; God of War creator David Jaffe co-designed 1994's Mickey Mania for Sony Imagesoft.

Rumor: Deus Ex's Spector working on 'epic' Mickey Mouse project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PC Zone: Deus Ex 3 confirmed as prequel, blessed by original creators

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: PC

As anticipated, PC Zone has headlined its 200th issue with a Deus Ex 3 preview, reports its online counterpart, CVG. The second sequel to the "Best PC Game of All Time" (according to a 2007 poll conducted by -- who else? -- PC Zone) will be a prequel set in 2027 and apparently has received the blessings of the original designers, Warren Spector and Harvey Smith, along with consultative help from the original writer, Sheldon Pacotti. Still, we should remind you that Deus Ex 3 is being developed by a largely untested team, in Eidos Montreal, and the studio has made some, um, changes:

Combat won't be influenced by stats, just your FPS skills (or is that "skillz"?)
Instead, stats will affect "a vast array of fully upgradeable and customizable weapons" (there will be more than one type of ammo); experience points can be attributed to weapons or augmentations
20 augmentations are promised; examples: "bungee jump tentacles" that fire from your back and anchor into walls (useful when jumping off buildings / faking your death); the ability to punch through walls ... and grab enemies on the other side!
Stealth will be implemented into a new cover system
Damage will be recovered by auto-healing (think: most FPSs these days -- even ones without so-called "augmentations")

The complete 10-page preview hits UK newsstands on October 9th. Scans are hitting the internet right about ... now!

PC Zone: Deus Ex 3 confirmed as prequel, blessed by original creators originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameTap Thursday: Cradle of Rome's Astro Fury

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mac, PC, Online

GameTap's big news this week was that Fallout would be showing up sometime in the near future, but that future isn't now. This week's new additions for gold members are a pretty standard puzzle game and shoot 'em up; however, freeloaders should take full advantage of Deus Ex joining GameTap's gratis lineup.

Astro Fury (Windows) - Arcade style top-down shoot 'em up with vibrant colors.
Cradle of Rome (Windows) - A puzzle game.

Due to an overzealous spam filter or something, we didn't receive the updated list of free titles for the service this upcoming week, and therefore can't place the list after the break. For now, feel free to browse through the free section of GameTap's site and we'll add our list as soon as we get it.

Update: This week's free games list can now be found after the break.

Continue reading GameTap Thursday: Cradle of Rome's Astro Fury

GameTap Thursday: Cradle of Rome's Astro Fury originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector talks retirement, Deus Ex 3, selling out

Scott Jon Siegel — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Adventure, Business

He's got at least three more games under his belt, and yet Warren Spector is already planning his exit strategy, according to a recent interview with Eurogamer. The 52-year-old game designer believes that he will work on a maximum of five more games during his career, "more likely probably three given how long they take."

In the interview, Spector also discusses Deux Ex 3, which will be the first of the series which Spector will have no input on. Although he has not been in direct contact with developer Eidos Montreal, Spector expresses concern over the Deus Ex franchise, claiming it to be "delicate" and hoping that the third title might in some way correct some of the mistakes made in Deus Ex: Invisible War.

Though no details are given about Spector's newest project -- which is being developed for Junction Studios owner Disney -- Spector does state that the hardcore gaming community will undoubtedly lash out in response to the eventual announcement, and he anticipates claims that he has sold out. According to Spector, it will be "glorious. Just glorious."

Warren Spector talks retirement, Deus Ex 3, selling out originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tomb Raider engine to power Deus Ex 3

Ross Miller — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:51:00 EST

Filed under: First Person Shooters, RPGs

Adding itself to the rather small list of next-gen titles not using Epic's Unreal Engine, Eidos Montreal studio head Stephane D'Astous has confirmed to Develop that Deus Ex 3 will use fellow Eidos developer Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider engine to render its presumably post-apocalyptic environments. Said D'Astous, "We chose the Crystal engine because we plan to help develop this engine more and then share it back with the rest of the company, the other Eidos studios."

The other in-house engine D'Astous considered was IO Interactive, who are responsible for the Hitman franchise and Kane & Lynch, the title currently vying for "Most Controversial Game of the Year" award. The original Deus Ex was designed by Warren Spector and Harvey Smith; although Spector is busy at Disney, perhaps the now out-of-work Smith can find a way to contribute to the new game (or, as Ludwig would put it, repent for Invisible War).

Tomb Raider engine to power Deus Ex 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Deus Ex 3 gets the green light

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: First Person Shooters, RPGs

Though plans for a return to the world of Deus Ex were revealed back in May, Gamasutra brings further confirmation that gamers will frolic through post-apocalyptic sci-punk landscapes once more. Perhaps frolic isn't the best word ("Behave like a professional, JC!"). According to general manager Stéphane D'Astous, Deus Ex 3 has passed proof of concept and will be the inaugural project for the recently established Eidos Montreal studio. "This game was very highly rated at its release in 2000," said D'Astous, "and we have this great huge mandate to do the third one, and everybody is very excited."

We sincerely hope the team also plays great huge disappointment, Deus Ex: Invisible War, and brings the series into the current generation with aplomb. No specific platforms have been announced yet, but the studio intends to churn out "only major AAA games, using only next-gen technology." As it's adopting a 24-month development cycle for its initial titles, don't expect more about the game until next year at the earliest. In the meantime, try to guess how many of the game's fictional technologies will be explained away with nanobots. It's always nanobots.

Deus Ex 3 gets the green light originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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