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[Disney Interactive down $54 million in Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/disney-interactive-down-54-million-in-q2/#comments By the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year, Disney Interactive was once again the media conglomerate's only unprofitable sector, reporting a $54 million operating income (read: pre-tax) loss for the three month period ending March 31, 2013. This is, however, a 22 percent year-over-year improvement when compared to Q2 2012's reported operating income loss of $70 million.

Disney contributes the loss to "growth at our Japan mobile business from a licensing agreement that started in February 2012 and lower acquisition accounting expense at our social games business." No mention is made of Junction Point Studios, which Disney closed in January after lackluster sales of Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, or of the company's forthcoming game/toy platform Disney Infinity.

JoystiqDisney Interactive down $54 million in Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDisneydisney-infinityDisney-InteractiveEpic-Mickey-2financialsjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Q2Q2-2013vitawii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/#commentsEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars
Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company, which obtained the Star Wars franchise as part of its $4.05 billion acquisition of LucasFilm last year, have signed a multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish Star Wars games.


"While we don't have any details to share today on specific titles, our development teams are already brimming with design ideas," said EA Labels President Frank Gibeau. "The EA Studios that will develop these games are some of the most innovative and popular creative teams in the world, and include DICE and Visceral, in addition to the BioWare team, which is already developing for the Star Wars franchise."

The financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed. EA will develop and publish new Star Wars games for the "core gaming audience" across all interactive platforms and "most popular game genres." Disney will retain certain rights to mobile, social, tablet and online games.

JoystiqEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveeaelectronic-artsLucasArtslucasfilmstar-warsMon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney brings out Lasseter for Disney Infinity teaser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/disney-brings-out-lasseter-for-disney-infinity-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/disney-brings-out-lasseter-for-disney-infinity-teaser/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/disney-brings-out-lasseter-for-disney-infinity-teaser/#comments


Disney is all-in on Disney Infinity. To help make this abundantly clear, here's Pixar's Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter and Avalanche Software (not to be confused with Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios) CEO John Blackburn talking about 'Toy Box.' Infinity is currently scheduled to release in August.

Gallery: Disney Infinity (Toy Box)

JoystiqDisney brings out Lasseter for Disney Infinity teaser originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisney-infinityDisney-Interactivemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wii-uxboxFri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Infinity shows off 'Toy Box' gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/disney-infinity-shows-off-toy-box-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/disney-infinity-shows-off-toy-box-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/disney-infinity-shows-off-toy-box-gameplay/#comments

The struggling Disney Interactive division's non-mobile hopes and dreams are all-in on Disney Infinity. Here's the company showing off gameplay of the game's Toy Box mode. Disney recently delayed Disney Infinity by two months to "capitalize on the critical fall retail season."

JoystiqDisney Infinity shows off 'Toy Box' gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydisney-infinityDisney-Interactivemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3xboxThu, 11 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's Planes adapted into Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS games this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/disneys-planes-adapted-into-wii-u-wii-3ds-and-ds-games-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/disneys-planes-adapted-into-wii-u-wii-3ds-and-ds-games-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/disneys-planes-adapted-into-wii-u-wii-3ds-and-ds-games-this/#comments Disney PlanesAll of the recent news about Disney Interactive has been related to layoffs, studio closures, and in general, disappointment. Or Disney Infinity, which has appeared to be the exclusive focus of the division all year.

But Disney Interactive has a second game in the works. A game based on Disney's Planes, the Disney-produced, formerly straight-to-DVD spinoff of Cars, will be released on Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS on August 6, three days before the movie is released.

"The game will expand beyond the storyline of the Disney's Planes film," Nintendo reveals, "offering players the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of flight as one of the popular characters from the film."

Continue reading Disney's Planes adapted into Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS games this August

JoystiqDisney's Planes adapted into Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS games this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisney-interactivedisney-planesdsnintendoplaneswiiwii-uWed, 10 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Closure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/closure-for-spector-junction-point-had-a-good-eight-year-run/#comments In an interview with GI.biz, Warren Spector says he has no regrets in the decision to sell his Junction Point studio to Disney in 2007. "Being part of Disney had its ups and downs - what doesn't? - but the last seven years gave me the very best experiences of my professional Life. Seriously. The very, very best. The opposite is true, too, but let's not go there. I want to remember only the good times."

As for the studio's eventual closure and uneven commercial success, Spector had this to say: "I don't really understand it, but it is what it is. Junction Point had a good eight year run. We built a great team. We worked on a bunch of cool stuff, even if a lot of it didn't see the light of day (Sleeping Giants... Ninja Gold... some other stuff I can't talk about). And we shipped two triple-A titles which, Metacritic notwithstanding, sold better than any games I've ever worked on and about which I received more - and more heartfelt - fan mail than I've ever received. I'm good with all that."

Spector founded Junction Point Studios in 2005. It's best known for producing two Epic Mickey games, the most recent release selling 529,000 copies in the US according to NDP data released in late-January 2013. On the same day the aforementioned sales figures were revealed, Disney shuttered the studio.

JoystiqClosure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointmicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawarren-spectorwiiwii-uxboxFri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla unveils browser-based Unreal Engine 3 using JavaScript]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/#comments
Firefox producer Mozilla teamed up with Epic Games to bring Unreal Engine 3 to the web, without the need for plugins such as Flash. Mozilla and Epic took only four days to port Epic's engine to the web by using JavaScript code. The results, as demonstrated by this video unveiled at GDC, certainly look impressive.

Mozilla engineer director Vladimir Vukicevic told TechCrunch his company's intentions to make the web viable for high-performance games. Mozilla also said it's "opening up the path to web-based games on mobile," revealing it's working with partners that include Disney, EA, and Cut the Rope creator Zeptolab who are using the same JavaScript tech to "bring performance optimizations to their top-rated games."

Mozilla's intentions aside, while Unreal Engine 4 may be all shiny new and around the corner, its predecessor is showing it still has the ability to learn new tricks.

JoystiqMozilla unveils browser-based Unreal Engine 3 using JavaScript originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddisney-interactiveeaepic-gamesfirefoxiosipadiphonemacmobilemozillapcunreal-engine-3zeptolabFri, 29 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 finds the power of Vita this year [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/epic-mickey-2-finds-the-power-of-vita-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/epic-mickey-2-finds-the-power-of-vita-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/epic-mickey-2-finds-the-power-of-vita-this-year/#comments Epic Mickey 2 coming to VitaDisney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two hasn't performed as well as Disney might have wanted from such a gigantic effort. The PlayStation Vita port announced by Disney's Twitter feed for UK movie news should help at least a little. And probably at most a little.

There's no firm date, though the port is due "later this year," Disney says. This is the first handheld version of Epic Mickey 2; the game launched in November alongside a separate 3DS game, Power of Illusion.

Update: A PlayStation Blog post confirms the port, at least for the UK. The Vita version will include touchscreen painting, tilt controls for racing, and online co-op.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 finds the power of Vita this year [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2playstationplaystation-vitavitaMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Infinity pushed back to Aug. 18 NA, Aug. 20 overseas, Aug. 23 UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/disney-infinity-pushed-back-to-august-18-in-na-august-20-overse/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/disney-infinity-pushed-back-to-august-18-in-na-august-20-overse/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/disney-infinity-pushed-back-to-august-18-in-na-august-20-overse/#comments Disney Infinity signs on in North America on August 18, with the international release in most regions set for August 20. Speaking to the New York Times, Disney Interactive co-president John Pleasants said the multiplatform game's two month delay from an initial June window was one of "opportunity" rather than necessity.

"We could deliver in June if we wanted to," Pleasants told the New York Times. "Will a two-month timing change help us? Sure, of course. It gives us a little more time to add bells and whistles and make sure it really sings and pops."

When approached, Disney Interactive provided us with the folllowing statement from Pleasants: "We have moved the launch date for Disney Infinity to August 18 to capitalize on the critical fall retail season."

A Disney Interactive spokesperson also told Joystiq the UK release date is August 23.

Disney Infinity, which incorporates physical Disney toy figures and spans many of the company's high profile properties, looks a powerful competitor to Activision's Skylanders series. While the New York Times reports Pleasants "downplayed comparisons" between the two franchises, he did say of Skylanders Swap Force's fall release that "it's good to be first and really lean into the most important selling season of the year."

JoystiqDisney Infinity pushed back to Aug. 18 NA, Aug. 20 overseas, Aug. 23 UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsavalanche-softwaredisney-infinitydisney-interactivemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3release-datewiiwii-uxboxThu, 14 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/disney-interactive-was-disneys-least-profitable-branch-in-q1-20/#comments Despite revenues of $291 million during the three month period ending December 29, 2012, Disney Interactive's remaining $9 million in operating revenue (read: pre-tax profit) made it the entertainment giant's least profitable division during the first quarter of the fiscal 2013.

Still, this was a marked increase over Disney Interactive's Q1 2012 performance, where it posted a loss of $28 million. Being back in black is even more impressive when you consider Interactive's reported an operating loss of $42 million just last August, making it Disney's only unprofitable sector at the time.

Disney attributes this year's growth to improved performance in its social gaming businesses in the Japanese market, where a new licensing agreement has increased the amount of Disney-branded hardware and software.

Of course, Disney's financial report made no mention of Junction Point or its sordid fate, but that's to be expected since the studio's closure technically happened during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We may gain some new insight into that situation during the next round of quarterlies, but for now, all we've got to go on is Mickey's increasing popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun.

JoystiqDisney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveearnings-reportfinancialsfiscal-2013junction-pointQ1-2013quarterlyreportWed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two life-to-date sales 529K in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-mickey-2-sales-at-529-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-mickey-2-sales-at-529-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-mickey-2-sales-at-529-in-us/#comments

Disney's multiplatform Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two sold 529,000 units over November and December of 2012 in the United States, according to new data provided by the NPD group. Joystiq was also informed that sales of Epic Mickey 2, plus Nintendo 3DS title Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion, across North America reached 695,000 units over the same period. An unconfirmed report previously pegged Epic Mickey 2's sales at 270,000 copies.

Disney Epic Mickey developer Junction Point Studios was closed today, with the House of Mouse noting it was due to an ongoing effort to address fast-evolving gaming platforms and the marketplace.

Junction Point was the last studio standing of Disney's previous attempt to break into the triple-A "core" market, with many studios lost along the way, including the critically acclaimed Pure and Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios. Disney has readjusted its sights and is now developing Disney Infinity.

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two life-to-date sales 529K in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactivedsepic-mickey-2junction-pointjunction-point-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendonpdplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxTue, 29 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco picks up Disney's 'Phineas and Ferb' license, games due in August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/majesco-picks-up-disneys-phineas-and-ferb-license-games-due/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/majesco-picks-up-disneys-phineas-and-ferb-license-games-due/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/majesco-picks-up-disneys-phineas-and-ferb-license-games-due/#comments Phineas and FerbWhile Disney Interactive puts its time and resources into Disney Infinity, it's leaving development of a game based on another of its licenses to Majesco. The publisher will be responsible for the development of a series of new games based on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb, including a multiplatform console/handheld/mobile game coming in August.

Licensed Disney kids' games used to be the domain of THQ, but that ended when THQ refocused on "core" games last year. Now it would appear Majesco is picking up where THQ left off.

Continue reading Majesco picks up Disney's 'Phineas and Ferb' license, games due in August

JoystiqMajesco picks up Disney's 'Phineas and Ferb' license, games due in August originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disney-interactivemajescophineas-and-ferbTue, 08 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Disney Infinity is a sandbox game for consoles, iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/rumor-disney-infinity-is-a-sandbox-game-for-consoles-ios-and-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/rumor-disney-infinity-is-a-sandbox-game-for-consoles-ios-and-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/rumor-disney-infinity-is-a-sandbox-game-for-consoles-ios-and-a/#comments Next month, Disney Infinity will be revealed to the press at an event in Los Angeles. Aside from a lenticular invitation, there's nothing else concrete on Disney Infinity right now.

According to a Polygon source, what we're going to see is an open-world sandbox game with characters from Disney and Pixar. It mixes elements of Minecraft, such as building, with Just Cause's open-world gameplay - if you played Toy Story 3: The Video Game, it sounds reminiscent of that game's Toy Box mode. In fact, "Toy Box" is a codename for a project that sounds an awful lot like these rumors about Disney Infinity.

Disney Infinity is rumored to be on multiple platforms, including current consoles, iOS and Android devices, with development duties falling squarely on Utah-based Avalanche Software, the same developer responsible for Toy Story 3: The Game. According to Polygon's report, the mobile versions of Disney Infinity lacked the building aspects seen in the console versions. It also suggests that Disney considers the game as a "platform" to be expanded with more characters and scenarios as time goes by.

JoystiqRumor: Disney Infinity is a sandbox game for consoles, iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-infinitydisney-interactiveiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendopixarplaystationps3toy-storytoy-story-3-the-video-gamewii-uxboxThu, 20 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive revealing 'Disney Infinity' next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/disney-interactive-revealing-disney-infinity-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/disney-interactive-revealing-disney-infinity-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/disney-interactive-revealing-disney-infinity-next-month/#comments Disney Interactive revealing 'Disney Infinity' next monthDisney Interactive will unveil a new "gaming initative" called Disney Infinity on Jan. 15, according to an invitation received today by Joystiq. Disney Interactive co-president John Pleasants and Disney/Pixar CCO John Lasseter will speak at the event, suggesting that Disney Infinity is a Big Deal.

The lenticular card also suggests a big deal.

An interview with Disney CEO Robert Iger in October revealed plans for something called "Toy Box," which would have Disney and Pixar characters interacting in games across multiple platforms. It's possible that Disney has renamed that project "Infinity." We'll find out in January.

JoystiqDisney Interactive revealing 'Disney Infinity' next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-infinitydisney-interactiveTue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 trailer shows another messy way to enter magical worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/epic-mickey-2-trailer-shows-another-messy-way-to-enter-magical-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/epic-mickey-2-trailer-shows-another-messy-way-to-enter-magical-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/epic-mickey-2-trailer-shows-another-messy-way-to-enter-magical-w/#comments

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two teaches players about Disney history, friendship and how fun it is to throw paint around your parent's house. Remember kids, popular fantasy teaches us to enter magic worlds by crawling in a wardrobe, following large strangers, or throwing paint everywhere.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 trailer shows another messy way to enter magical worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxThu, 15 Nov 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/11/disneys-mobile-social-push-improves-its-bottom-line/#comments Disney's focus on the mobile space improves its bottom lineDisney Interactive, the arm of Walt's empire that handles video games, saw an operating loss of $216 million for the fiscal year 2012, which ended on September 29. Loss for the quarter came to $76 million, an improvement of $18 million from Q4 2011.

Revenue for the year decreased 14 percent from 2011's $982 million, bringing 2012 to $845 million - the $216 million loss, however, improved from 2011's $308 million. Disney attributed the loss improvement to a focus on social games and decreased production of console games:

"Improved segment operating results for the year reflected an increase at our social games business.... The reduction in console games product development reflected an ongoing shift from console game releases to mobile and social game releases."

In 2011, Disney Interactive shut down all core studios except for Junction Point, the house responsible for the Epic Mickey series. Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion on October 30, and the deal included LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, the Star Wars games and effects studios. During the acquisition, Disney said it was likely to develop social and mobile games in the Star Wars universe, leaving console games to licensed third parties.

JoystiqDisney's mobile, social push improves its bottom line originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddisneyDisney-Interactivefy-2012iosipadiphoneLucasArtslucasfilmmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxSun, 11 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey 2 demo available on XBLM, PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/disney-epic-mickey-2-demo-available-on-xblm-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/disney-epic-mickey-2-demo-available-on-xblm-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/disney-epic-mickey-2-demo-available-on-xblm-psn/#comments Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is available now for a test drive on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The demo has players taking control of Mickey, experiencing some early levels of the game, along with some Oswald co-op abilities.

The game will be available November 18 on all major platforms, including Wii U. The same date goes for the 3DS game, Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion.

Gallery: Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (Wii U)

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey 2 demo available on XBLM, PSN

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey 2 demo available on XBLM, PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodisneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2microsoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 06 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 dev diary illustrates the power of characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-illustrates-the-power-of-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-illustrates-the-power-of-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-illustrates-the-power-of-characters/#comments
Oswald isn't just a lucky rabbit in Epic Mickey 2 - he owns one of the best inventions we've ever seen, a remote control that turns foe into friend. If only we had that back in middle school! We could've avoided so many swirlies.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 dev diary illustrates the power of characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointjunction-point-studiosmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 17 Aug 2012 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Interactive is only division running at a loss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/disney-interactive-is-only-division-running-at-a-loss/#comments
The Walt Disney Company saw the largest earnings in the company's history for the quarter ending June 30, which is all sunshine and lollipops until you get down to the interactive (games) division. A year after gutting nearly all its core projects - and shuttering all core studios except Epic Mickey studio Junction Point (under the protection of Warren Spector) - the interactive division is the only part of the conglomerate operating at a loss.

Sales during the quarter were down 22 percent from the same period last year to $196 million, with an operating loss of $42 million, which is better than the $86 million loss last year. The improvement is thanks to social games. The company is still in an "ongoing shift from console games to social and other interactive platforms."

There is one exception to that: Junction Point's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, which will be available this November. Hopefully, sales of the sequel will let the House of Mouse continue to show leniency toward Junction Point.

JoystiqDisney Interactive is only division running at a loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2fy-2012junction-pointjunction-point-studiosq3Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2 dev diary expounds on storytelling in a Disney universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-expounds-on-storytelling-in-a-disney-uni/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-expounds-on-storytelling-in-a-disney-uni/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/epic-mickey-2-dev-diary-expounds-on-storytelling-in-a-disney-uni/#comments Epic Mickey 2 dev diary expounds upon storytelling in a Disney universe
Marv Wolfman - a Marvel and DC comics alumni and not to be confused with an actual wolf man - is working with developer Junction Point Studios as a writing consultant on its upcoming adventure through forgotten nostalgia, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two.

From the dev diary above, everyone at the studio seems pretty jazzed about the partnership, which is understandable considering that Wolfman was responsible for creating iconic characters like Black Cat, Blade, Starfire, Cyborg, and Tim Drake. He also helped launch the Crisis on Infinite Earths comic series, which any comic fan will tell you was a pretty big deal.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two is coming to the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii in November.

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2 dev diary expounds on storytelling in a Disney universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmarv-wolfmanmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 24 Jul 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 3DS and the power of creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/epic-mickey-3ds-and-the-power-of-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/epic-mickey-3ds-and-the-power-of-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/epic-mickey-3ds-and-the-power-of-creation/#comments Epic Mickey Power of IllusionWhile Epic Mickey 2 continues to mine Disney film history for its subject matter, Dreamrift Entertainment's Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion aims squarely at video game nostalgia, bringing back the Castle of Illusion from the classic Sega Genesis game, along with its villain, Mizrabel. It refreshes the vintage setting (and its attendant slow-paced platforming) with new designs and new touchscreen tricks.

The Castle of Illusion has fallen into Epic Mickey's "Wasteland," Dreamrift creative director Peter Ong explained to me during a meeting at E3. "Mickey's quest actually takes place in the Castle of Illusion in this game, but at the same time it's situated in Wasteland, so you'll see characters familiar to Epic Mickey and Wasteland such as Oswald being involved in Mickey's quest," Ong said.

Continue reading Epic Mickey 3DS and the power of creation

JoystiqEpic Mickey 3DS and the power of creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisney-epic-mickey-the-power-of-illusiondisney-interactivedreamrifte3-2012nintendoTue, 19 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Wreck-It Ralph tie-in game Fix-It Felix Jr. right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/play-wreck-it-ralph-tie-in-game-fix-it-felix-jr-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/play-wreck-it-ralph-tie-in-game-fix-it-felix-jr-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/play-wreck-it-ralph-tie-in-game-fix-it-felix-jr-right-now/#comments WreckIt Ralph game FixIt Felix Jr available nowThere's a tie-in game for Disney's video game-inspired flick, Wreck-It Ralph. We expected as much, but we didn't expect it to be so good. It's called Fix-it Felix Jr., wherein you play as the titular Felix Jr., neighborhood window repair man and pie stealer. Felix just can't leave a tasty pie cooling on a sill alone, you see.

Felix scales the building, repairing the windows that Ralph destroys. People in the apartment high-rise leave pies to cool and Felix grabs them as he ascends the massive tower for extra points, until he eventually gets hit in the head with a brick and you lose the game. Thankfully that last part looks less horrific than it sounds.

JoystiqPlay Wreck-It Ralph tie-in game Fix-It Felix Jr. right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactivefix-it-felix-jrflashmacmoviepcwreck-it-ralphTue, 12 Jun 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/01/ensemble-voice-cast-returns-for-kingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-di/#comments Despite the diminutive size of the 3DS cartridge, Square Enix managed to find space to pack in voice overs for all the established Kingdom Hearts voice actors. Many of the big guns are returning to reprise their roles in Kingdom Hearts 3D: Drop Distance, including Leonard Nimoy, Haley Joel Osment, David Gallagher, Hayden Panetierre, Jesse McCartney and Quinton Flynn.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance launches on July 31.

Gallery: Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (5/31/12)

Continue reading Ensemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

JoystiqEnsemble voice cast returns for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneyDisney-Interactivekingdom-hearts-3dkingdom-hearts-3d-dream-drop-distancenintendoSquare-EnixFri, 01 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion returns to the Castle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-returns-to-the-castle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-returns-to-the-castle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-returns-to-the-castle/#comments ImageDisney has officially announced Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for 3DS, for those of us without Nintendo Power subscriptions. It allows you to draw objects "that magically transform into classic Disney-style 2D illustrations," which then become 3D on the 3DS's top screen.

Dreamrift's 3DS sidescroller pays tribute to the Genesis game Castle of Illusion, portraying a future in which that game's title environment has been transported into Epic Mickey's "Wasteland." The witch Mizrabel attempts to drain the cartoon essence from popular Toons to pull herself out.

This plot point seems to be a convenient excuse to bring in more Disney characters, as the screenshots are absolutely crawling with them. Power of Illusion will be out this fall alongside Epic Mickey 2.

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion (3DS)

Continue reading Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion returns to the Castle

JoystiqEpic Mickey: Power of Illusion returns to the Castle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisney-epic-mickey-the-power-of-illusionDisney-InteractivedreamriftnintendoWed, 04 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/report-epic-mickey-2-making-a-splash-on-pc-and-mac/#comments In addition to debuts on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and a 3DS spinoff, Epic Mickey: The Power of Two is apparently taking a steamboat ride to the PC and Mac. During a London preview event, Junction Point representatives told GameSpy that PC and Mac versions were planned.

We were able to check out the upcoming sequel at a recent Disney event -- all of our coverage can be seen through this handy link. We suggest you check out the prototype Wii controllers because oh man they are so adorable!

We've contacted Disney to confirm the PC and Mac ports. Stay tuned.

JoystiqReport: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointjunction-point-studiosmacpcFri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion confirmed for 3DS by Nintendo Power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/disney-epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-confirmed-for-3ds-by-ninte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/disney-epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-confirmed-for-3ds-by-ninte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/disney-epic-mickey-power-of-illusion-confirmed-for-3ds-by-ninte/#commentsDuring all the Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two pre-announcement kerfuffle this week, we caught wind of a supposed 3DS version that, until now, has gone unmentioned by Disney Interactive. While we've still yet to receive an official announcement, Disney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion has appeared on the cover of the April issue of Nintendo Power, which is close enough for us.

Dreamrift, the studio formed by Henry Hatsworth alumni that brought us Monster Tale, is listed as Power of Illusion's developer in an online preview of the cover story. The article also lists the game's release window as Fall 2012, indicating a concurrent launch with The Power of Two. Nothing else is currently known, but we're hoping Power of Illusion gets some adorable accessories like its console cousin.

JoystiqDisney Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion confirmed for 3DS by Nintendo Power originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDisney-InteractiveDreamriftEpic-Mickey-2epic-mickey-power-of-illusionhenry-hatsworthmonster-talenintendopower-of-illusionSat, 24 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Look at these adorable Epic Mickey 2 Wii controller prototypes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/look-at-these-adorable-epic-mickey-2-wii-controller-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/look-at-these-adorable-epic-mickey-2-wii-controller-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/look-at-these-adorable-epic-mickey-2-wii-controller-prototypes/#comments You may not get HD graphics if you stick with the Wii for Epic Mickey 2, but you will have the opportunity to experience a more tactile verisimilitude. During a preview event for the sequel, Junction Point showed off prototypes for two new Nunchuk controllers based on in-game items.

The first is an updated version of PDP's "Paintbrush Chuk" accessory, designed to mimic Mickey's paintbrush. The new version has the Epic Mickey 2 logo and a glowing blue paint blob at the end of the brush. The second, and inexplicably more desirable of the two, is a Nunchuk based on Oswald's remote device, silver and boxy. It's like a literal "Wii Remote" (except, of course, it's a Nunchuk attached to an existing Wii Remote).

Being that these were both prototypes, and the game hadn't even technically been officially announced yet, there weren't any details to be had about pricing or availability. We'll keep you updated, because these silly controllers are fun.

Gallery: Epic Mickey 2 controllers (Wii)

JoystiqLook at these adorable Epic Mickey 2 Wii controller prototypes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerdisney-interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosnintendowiiwiimoteFri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-twos-debut-trailer-is-all-about-tog/#comments
Wait, there's a second Epic Mickey game? It's got colors! And a second dude (Oswald)! And ... did we mention colors? Go grab a friend and watch this together.

Continue reading Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness

JoystiqEpic Mickey 2: The Power of Two's debut trailer is all about togetherness originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-point-studiosmicrosoftmovenintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/see-epic-mickey-2-in-motion-and-in-warren-spectors-words/#comments
In the foreground of this video, you see Warren Spector talking about Oswald's role in Epic Mickey 2, and his enthusiasm for musicals; in the background, you can see footage of the new game for the first time. The two elements cooperate, just like Mickey and Oswald.

JoystiqSee Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Disney-Interactiveepic-mickey-2junction-pointmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3warren-spectorwiixboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/rumor-epic-mickey-2-coming-to-3ds-along-with-classic-2d-game/#comments Some kind of "presentation" of Epic Mickey 2 will occur next week, according to a tweet from France's Nintendo Magazine. Being a Nintendo magazine, the publication specifically highlights a 3DS version called "Power of Illusion" - a name that recalls classic Mickey games like World of Illusion and Castle of Illusion. The tweet also points to a "classic" 2D game that will be shown during next week's event, but stops short of providing any actual details.

A sequel to 2010's Epic Mickey has been rumored for some time, to the extent that box art for the game has even been bandied about by a marketing survey. Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the development house behind Epic Mickey, was hit by layoffs last January after the Wii-exclusive title launched, likely due to massive losses in Disney's interactive (read: games) department.

Update: Disney Interactive declined to comment, saying it had "no information to share at this time."

JoystiqRumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosepic-mickey-2europe-leaks-everythingfrancejunction-pointjunction-point-studiosnintendopower-of-illusionTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/former-bungie-president-alex-seropian-leaves-disney-interactiv/#comments Alex Seropian -- who helped found developer Bungie in the 1990s -- has left Disney Interactive, where he was head of game development. After helping create the Halo franchise at Bungie, Seropian started his own studio, Wideload Games, which was then acquired by Disney when it hired Seropian in 2009 as a creative-development lead.

Disney has confirmed Seropian's departure and said he will be replaced by former Blizzard vice president Bill Roper, Game Informer reports. In 2003 Roper left Blizzard and founded Flagship Studios, which busted in 2008, and he was picked up by Cryptic Studios. In 2011, Roper left Cryptic to join Disney Interactive as vice president of the Marvel Franchise, which recently announced Marvel: Avengers Alliance coming to Facebook in Q1 this year.

JoystiqFormer Bungie president, Alex Seropian, leaves Disney Interactive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-Seropianbill-roperBlizzardBungiedisneyDisney-InteractiveHalomicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3WideloadwiixboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Avalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/avalanche-software-lays-off-15-20-as-disney-continues-cuts/#comments Utah-based Avalanche Software, developer of the much-praised Toy Story 3 game adaptation -- and not to be confused with Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios -- let go of 15-20 employees as of September 1. Publisher and parent company Disney Interactive confirmed the layoffs to Gamasutra in a statement: "Avalanche Software has completed a restructuring that resulted in the reduction of a small number of positions."

Avalanche Software is the latest studio of Disney's affected in a months-long culling process at the Mouse House's game publishing arm, which has so far seen the closure of Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studios, and the cancelation of a Pirates of the Caribbean game.

An unnamed employee affected by the layoffs guessed the current headcount to be around 170 (the company's LinkedIn profile indicates anywhere from 51 to 200 people are employed by the studio), making this month's staff reduction approximately 8 to 11 percent of staff. It's unclear what Avalanche is working on next, and whether this is the end of Disney's bout of "restructuring."

JoystiqAvalanche Software lays off 15 - 20 as Disney continues cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalancheavalanche-softwaredisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studioslayoffsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Toy-Story-3wiixboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Split/Second, Pure developer Black Rock Studio closes today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/split-second-pure-developer-black-rock-studio-closes-today/#comments Black Rock Studio's former studio director, Nick Baynes, tweeted earlier today, marking the last sunset for the developer of Split/Second and Pure. Disney made the decision to close the talented studio in July, after the house of mouse rejected Black Rock's final pitch, a freemium DOTA-style RTS named Champions Alliance (which Disney never intended to green-light, sources claim).

At least two studios have emerged from the ashes of Black Rock: ShortRound and RoundCube Entertainment. If both studios delivers the type of quality we saw from Black Rock, we wish them a long, healthy existence.

JoystiqSplit/Second, Pure developer Black Rock Studio closes today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosDisneyDisney-Interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3Split-SecondxboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/report-disney-wants-to-buy-utv-ignition-for-454m/#comments The Walt Disney Company is allegedly working to fully acquire UTV, parent company of Ignition Entertainment, for $454 million. Develop reports that Disney, which already owns 50.4 percent of UTV, is seeking to fully acquire the company for its Bollywood films and TV shows -- and not for its games. If the deal does happen, Ignition's fate would be in the hands of Disney.

Ignition has been troubled for quite some time, altering its business strategy last year and ceasing to develop core games internally. Disney's strategy, on the other hand, has seen the shuttering of its core game studios like Black Rock and Propaganda, and a heavy emphasis on the social space. Disney's acquisition of UTV may have nothing to do with games on the surface, but it'll likely impact Ignition in a dramatic way.

JoystiqReport: Disney wants to buy UTV/Ignition for $454M originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbusinessDisneyDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-studiosel-shaddaiEl-Shaddai-Ascension-of-the-Metatronignition-entertainmentUTVUTV-Ignitionutv-ignition-gamesWed, 27 Jul 2011 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Cryptic CCO Bill Roper joins Disney Interactive Media Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/22/ex-cryptic-cco-bill-roper-joins-disney-interactive-media-group/#comments Bill Roper's cultivated an impressive resume during his tenure with the gaming industry, including executive positions with Blizzard North, Flagship Studios and Cryptic Studios. He left the latter developer -- his last place of employment -- last August, and today revealed his new home: The Disney Interactive Media Group, where he'll work as the vice president of the Marvel franchise.

Disney General Manager of Games Alex Seropian said, "With 17 years of experience in the worldwide gaming industry, we are confident that Bill has the creative vision necessary to help guide the next wave of development and product for DIMG's Marvel Games." We too are confident in Roper's abilities. And, considering his legacy, we can't wait to see how much dope loot he can squeeze into the next Spider-Man title.

JoystiqEx-Cryptic CCO Bill Roper joins Disney Interactive Media Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblizzardblizzard-northcryptic-studiosdisneyDisney-Interactivedisney-interactive-media-groupflagship-studiosmarvelFri, 22 Jul 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Black Rock never had a chance with Disney, employees say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/rumor-black-rock-never-had-a-chance-with-disney-employees-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/rumor-black-rock-never-had-a-chance-with-disney-employees-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/rumor-black-rock-never-had-a-chance-with-disney-employees-say/#comments
Some former Black Rock Studio employees claim the developer never stood a chance of surviving Disney Interactive's new direction. Last week, Disney announced that it's looking to shut down UK-based Black Rock Studio, developer of Split/Second, after the studio's current project was declined by Disney brass.

"Really, [Disney] were just paying lip-service to us with this talk of the pitch," one anonymous source told Develop. "Anything we suggested wasn't going to be accepted."

The employees claim that Disney had planned to shut down the studio at the start of the year, and that it wasn't in Black Rock's power to change its fate. Given the specificity of UK laws, the timing of the studio layoffs does imply Black Rock's demise was etched in stone and being orchestrated by the House of Mouse all the way back in January.

JoystiqRumor: Black Rock never had a chance with Disney, employees say originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosDisney-Interactivemicrosoftplaystationps3Split-SecondxboxMon, 04 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/report-black-rocks-final-game-was-a-freemium-dota-style-rts/#comments "Champions Alliance" was allegedly the title of the last project the soon-to-be shuttered Black Rock Studios was working on, according to a Eurogamer report. The game was allegedly a DOTA-style RTS, starring teenagers flung into an alternate dimension (okay ...). The project was said to be quite far along, with pre-production wrapping and a free-to-play business model set in place before Disney made its decision to close the dev house.

"The game was intended to be released quite quickly, in beta anyway, in about six months or so," an anonymous source tells Eurogamer. "The idea was that you had to do PVP and PVE to gain XP to somehow escape." According to the source, "Disney seemed unable to work out what to do with the studio and didn't trust us to do anything other than racing, really."

Since Disney is prepared to close the studio now, we wouldn't be surprised if footage of the unannounced project starts popping up in the near future.

JoystiqReport: Black Rock's final game was a freemium DOTA-style RTS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rockblack-rock-studioschampions-alliancedisneydisney-interactivedisney-interactive-studiosfree-to-playmacpcreportrtsFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney moves to close Split/Second developer Black Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/disney-moves-to-close-split-second-developer-black-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/disney-moves-to-close-split-second-developer-black-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/disney-moves-to-close-split-second-developer-black-rock/#comments Black Rock Studio, developer of Split/Second and Pure, will soon be blasted out of existence by the House of Mouse. In a statement provided to Eurogamer, Disney confirmed that none of the current projects at the studio were given the greenlight, and that employees had been told of an impending "consultation process" -- a 90-day phase under UK law warning of potential closure.

It's a sad end for a developer that deserved better. Pure and Split/Second were both critically acclaimed racing games that had a rough time finding an audience. Layoffs began at the studio several months back and a few of the top brass have already formed new outfits. Black Rock Studio's General Manager Tony Beckwith tells Joystiq he can't "comment at the moment" on the situation.

JoystiqDisney moves to close Split/Second developer Black Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black-Rockblack-rock-studioblack-rock-studiosclosureDisney-Interactivelayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3Split-SecondxboxFri, 01 Jul 2011 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/nintendo-mass-announces-wii-ds-game-launch-dates/#comments Clearly, Nintendo wants the back half of your year to have a strong financial plan. In two lengthy lists we spotted on the company's press site, everything from Kirby Wii to Pro Jumper! Chimaki's Hot Spring Tour Guilty Gear Tangent was given a more clear release date, with Kirby arriving some time in fall and the latter mystifying DSiWare shopgoers on June 23.

If one game starring a puffy pink monster just wasn't enough, how about one for your DS on September 19? 'Cause that's exactly when Kirby Mass Attack is launching. A whole mess of other release date/windows/seasons are categorized for your fiduciary planning needs, just beyond the break.

Continue reading Nintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates

JoystiqNintendo mass announces Wii, DS game launch dates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-playactivisionactivision-publishingaksys-gamesatlusd3-publisherd3publisherdisneydisney-interactivedsdsiwareeaelectronic-artskirby-wiinintendonintendo-eadrelease-daterelease-datessegatelegamesthqubisoftwb-interactivewbiewiiwiiwareSun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST