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[EA mobile: People like free-to-play, detractors a 'vocal minority']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ea-mobile-people-like-free-to-play-detractors-a-vocal-minorit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ea-mobile-people-like-free-to-play-detractors-a-vocal-minorit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ea-mobile-people-like-free-to-play-detractors-a-vocal-minorit/#comments EA mobile People like freetoplay, detractors a 'vocal minority'Most players like the free-to-play model, according to Nick Earl, senior vice president of EA's mobile and social All Play label. Those that disapprove of free-to-play, like those who recently decried EA's use of microtransactions in Real Racing 3, are a "vocal minority," Earl told GamesIndustry.biz. "Ultimately the numbers would show that they and others all support the freemium model better."

Detractors were "annoyed" by the lack of a one price "all-you-can-eat" model, he said, "But at the end of the day, they're going to pay to eat, if that's their choice. And they're happy doing it." Enough players are happy enough, evidently, that none of this year's EA All Play titles will opt for the traditional single price model.

Earl's statements mirror similar sentiments shared by EA CFO Blake Jorgensen earlier this year. Jorgensen noted that players are "enjoying and embracing" the microtransaction model, and that all future EA mobile games will feature in-game purchases of some kind.

JoystiqEA mobile: People like free-to-play, detractors a 'vocal minority' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaea-all-playea-mobileiosipadiphonemobilereal-racing-3Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Life and Monopoly are EA's first games on Samsung Smart TVs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/game-of-life-and-monopoly-are-eas-first-games-on-samsung-smart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/game-of-life-and-monopoly-are-eas-first-games-on-samsung-smart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/game-of-life-and-monopoly-are-eas-first-games-on-samsung-smart/#comments Game of Life and Monopoly are EA's first games on Samsung Smart TVsThanks to EA and Samsung, its now possible to play board games with your family while simultaneously negating the purpose of board games - which is to spend meaningful time with the people that you care about away from the noise and radiation of the all-engulfing boob tube.

Samsung Smart TV owners have access to virtual versions of both Monopoly and The Game of LIFE via their television's Samsung Apps marketplace. Each game costs $10 and features exactly what you'd expect from each: Buying/selling/trading property in Monopoly, becoming a teen widower in LIFE, etc. Players that also own Samsung smartphones (specifically the S1, S2 and S3) can download a free companion app that turns their phone into a motion controller for throwing dice and spinning wheels.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to announce that "Playing The Game of LIFE while staring at a giant, expensive television" wins Joystiq's Unintentional Irony of the Year Award.

JoystiqGame of Life and Monopoly are EA's first games on Samsung Smart TVs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamesboardgamesEAea-mobileElectronic-ArtsmonopolySamsungsamsung-smart-tvthe-game-of-lifeWed, 07 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Riccitiello on social games: 'Consumers won't pay for crap']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/eas-riccitiello-on-social-games-consumers-wont-pay-for-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/eas-riccitiello-on-social-games-consumers-wont-pay-for-crap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/20/eas-riccitiello-on-social-games-consumers-wont-pay-for-crap/#comments The decline of social games has been "overhyped," Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello said at Friday's App Conference in San Jose, California, AllThingsD reported. "Companies that are now suffering will have another day," Riccitiello said.

The CEO noted that viral marketing-style messages in social games that spam friends lists with requests don't make for "great gaming," and that "consumers won't pay for crap." Riccitiello had similar comments in May, when he said that "consumers want to be entertained, they don't want to be data managed."

JoystiqEA's Riccitiello on social games: 'Consumers won't pay for crap' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-conferenceEAea-mobileJohn-riccitiellosocialsocial-gamessocial-gamingSat, 20 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Rock Band iOS apps to be delisted on July 31 [update: EA explains]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-rock-band-ios-apps-to-be-delisted-on-july-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-rock-band-ios-apps-to-be-delisted-on-july-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/psa-rock-band-ios-apps-to-be-delisted-on-july-31/#comments If you've considered picking up one of the Rock Band iOS games, now would be the time to do it. Come July 31, all Rock Band iOS apps, including Rock Band, Rock Band Reloaded and Rock Band Reloaded for iPad, will be delisted from the App Store. After this date, the games will be gone and users will no longer be able to purchase any DLC.

Earlier this year, Rock Band app users received a message saying that the app would be pulled on May 31. At the time, EA stated that the message had been "sent in error." There doesn't appear to be a mistake this time around, as the iTunes pages for each app confirm the delisting. The original error, apparently, was that the message was sent two months early.

Update: EA has posted a Q&A regarding the delisting, stating that "EA's licensing agreement with Harmonix is ending and as a result, EA is discontinuing downloads of Rock Band iOS and Rock Band Reloaded iOS on the App Store after July 31. "

JoystiqPSA: Rock Band iOS apps to be delisted on July 31 [update: EA explains] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileharmonixiosipadiphonemobilerock-bandrock-band-reloadedTue, 24 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello hip to EA's social failings: 'I'd say we're a distant number two']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/riccitiello-hip-to-eas-social-failings-id-say-were-a-distan/#comments EA's embattled CEO John Riccitiello isn't above admitting his mistakes, nor is he above admitting those of his company. That honesty was in full swing during an episode of NPR's Morning Edition today where he spoke to EA's social business. "We would like to be number one in every possible area, in every geography. That's a grand ambition. We're not there yet," Riccitiello said.

But then he got much, much more honest. "When it comes to Facebook, while we're number two, I'd say we're a distant number two. I mean, the other guys have lapped us three times," he said, referencing major social player Zynga. Riccitiello said EA is in the entertainment business, while his competition in social is in the data business, which he's had a hard time cracking. But he may not have to, according to his predictions.

"They're not really in the entertainment business. I think that will eventually die. Consumers want to be entertained, they don't want to be data managed," he said. Rather than model EA's future social business on that of the data-driven giants, Riccitiello hired up EA's first chief technology officer, Rajat Taneja, and is trying to get ahead of the Zyngas of the world before they take their next steps.

He told the Morning Edition that EA is planning to "apply techniques like machine learning and neural nets, to figure out what will happen next so that we can tailor the game and experiences to delight our customers." Wait ... what? In reality, this means using data for predictive modeling, which can help figure out what you'll like before you, er, like it.

Also in the report: Riccitiello wouldn't confirm or deny his company's plans to axe approximately 1,000 jobs in the near future, but he did say the company's internal statistics will see a shift from one of every eight employees being an engineer to one in two. Sounds like a bad time to be a concept artist at EA.

[Thanks, Curtis.]

JoystiqRiccitiello hip to EA's social failings: 'I'd say we're a distant number two' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileelectronic-artsjohn-riccitiellorajat-tanejasocialsocial-gamingzyngaFri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Aftershock won't return to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/battlefield-3-aftershock-wont-return-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/battlefield-3-aftershock-wont-return-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/battlefield-3-aftershock-wont-return-to-ios/#comments The iOS spinoff Battlefield 3: Aftershock was abruptly removed from the App Store last month, when EA decided to "re-evaluate" the app following complaints about its quality. It has since been re-evaluated to death.

An EA spokesperson told Vox Games that the game will not be returning to the App Store. "In the interest of bringing consumers only the highest level of quality mobile entertainment," EA said, "EA Mobile has decided to suspend development and support of Battlefield 3: Aftershock and refocus its resources on other titles."

The servers will remain active through March 31, for those of you who want to enjoy the game as long as possible. Of course, the relatively small number of people enjoying Aftershock is the whole issue.

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftershock won't return to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3-aftershockea-mobileelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemobileThu, 01 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/battlefield-3-aftershock-pulled-from-app-store/#comments Battlefield 3: Aftershock is MIA from the iOS App Store due to a lack of quality. IGN got a hold of a communique from EA, in which the publisher stated it is committed to delivering quality mobile entertainment and, therefore, decided to remove the game.

An EA spokesperson said the company is "currently re-evaluating the app" in response to the consumer feedback. Sounds like the 2.5 star rated app, which suffered complaints about its controls and multiplayer, may not return to the app arena any time soon.

Gallery: Battlefield 3: Aftershock

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftershock pulled from App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3-aftershockEAEA-MobileElectronic-ArtsiosipadiphonemobileThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons 'Tapped Out' in free-to-play iOS game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/the-simpsons-tapped-out-in-free-to-play-ios-game/#comments The Simpsons are going to your phone! Again! Cnet reports that EA is planning to release a free-to-play Simpsons game called The Simpsons: Tapped Out. The free iOS game focuses on rebuilding Springfield after Homer blows it up. Unlockable characters (voiced by the show's actors) will give you quests as you work on your version of the city.

Of course, your progress will be limited every day, unless you purchase virtual currency, in the denomination of "donuts." You'll also be able to find them in town.

Tapped Out is due on iOS in the next few weeks. An Android version will follow a few months later.

JoystiqThe Simpsons 'Tapped Out' in free-to-play iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidea-mobileelectronic-artsiosiphonemobilethe-simpsonsthe-simpsons-tapped-outTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare looking for 'logical extensions' to its brands for mobile development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-looking-for-logical-extensions-to-its-brands-for-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-looking-for-logical-extensions-to-its-brands-for-mobil/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/bioware-looking-for-logical-extensions-to-its-brands-for-mobil/#comments "We did that iOS Mass Effect Galaxy thing really early. We said, 'We should just try this and see what happens.' And we learned something from it," BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk told me in a recent interview, when asked about the company's unknown mobile plans. It seems that Zeschuk, and in turn, BioWare, is more interested in using mobile and other burgeoning platforms as testing grounds rather than a focus.

"What we do a lot is we'll actually explore a platform and kinda play around with it," Zeschuk added. While he said that mobile, comprising both Android and iOS, is "definitely something we're looking at," he also noted that just one person of BioWare's hundreds of employees has been assigned to focus primarily on mobile development. That person is said to be in charge of identifying "logical extensions to what we do," but Zeschuk is quick to point out his company "haven't announced too much" in that space.

He also pointed out that another branch of BioWare's parent company, EA Interactive/Mobile, could be of particular use in the case of BioWare properties on mobile devices. "That's one of the biggest benefits of being at EA. We have EA Interactive, who does tons and tons of mobile stuff," Zeschuk said. "We're always looking around. We're always sort of sharing ideas and figuring out what we're gonna do."

Presumably we'll hear more whenever BioWare figures out what exactly that is, or at least whenever the company decides to announce as much. For now, we'll be wantonly hoping for a PopCap crossover, post-acquisition. We can dream, right?

JoystiqBioWare looking for 'logical extensions' to its brands for mobile development originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-interactiveea-mobileelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemass-effect-galaxymobileMon, 02 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3: Aftershock sets its sights on iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/battlefield-3-aftershock-sets-its-sights-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/battlefield-3-aftershock-sets-its-sights-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/battlefield-3-aftershock-sets-its-sights-on-ios/#comments Part of me wonders why EA even bothered showing off Battlefield 3: Aftershock at a recent event in San Francisco, a planned universal app for iOS devices. It's in a pre-alpha state, with just three different maps and placeholder graphics, and some very rough gameplay on offer during my time with it.

But the potential places Battlefield 3: Aftershock could go have me genuinely excited for what might be.

Gallery: Battlefield 3: Aftershock

Continue reading Battlefield 3: Aftershock sets its sights on iOS

JoystiqBattlefield 3: Aftershock sets its sights on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3-aftershockeaea-mobileiosipadiphonemobileTue, 06 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3, NFS: The Run for $30; many others discounted in Origin Cyber Monday sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/battlefield-3-nfs-the-run-for-30-many-others-discounted-in-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/battlefield-3-nfs-the-run-for-30-many-others-discounted-in-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/battlefield-3-nfs-the-run-for-30-many-others-discounted-in-o/#comments Origin may be the new kid on the block, but that doesn't mean it was born yesterday. EA clearly realizes that its digital-only game service needs to compete with the other digital retailers, as evidenced by its overtly aggressive pricing on today's Cyber Monday sales: Battlefield 3 for $30, as well as Need for Speed: The Run, not to mention package savings that rival Steam's.

Beyond the games available for PC, a variety of the publisher's iOS slash mobile titles are also getting deep cuts, all of which end around midnight tonight. If you were waiting patiently for a heavily discounted copy of Risk for your iPad, now is the time!

JoystiqBattlefield 3, NFS: The Run for $30; many others discounted in Origin Cyber Monday sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-3cyber-mondaycyber-monday-2011eaea-mobileea-originelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobileneed-for-speed-the-runoriginpcMon, 28 Nov 2011 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free version of Tetris now available for Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/#comments Are you sick of your wordsmith cousin Dwight constantly pulling out triple scores in Scrabble Free with nonsense like "Qi?" Do you also have a hardline stance against paying for Android games? EA wants to hook you up, announcing today that a free version of Tetris is launching on the Android Marketplace (the non-free version is $2.99).

Fear not, anti-microtransactionite, as the game is free due to ads, not because you'll be charged $1 for the ability to use straight pieces. And hey, Dwight won't be able to laugh in your face anymore, so there's that ... unless he's also a Tetris master. Blast!

JoystiqPSA: Free version of Tetris now available for Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketplaceeaea-mobileelectronic-artspsapublic-service-announcementtetrisMon, 29 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Mouse is Firemint's latest iOS joint, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/spy-mouse-is-firemints-latest-ios-joint-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/spy-mouse-is-firemints-latest-ios-joint-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/spy-mouse-is-firemints-latest-ios-joint-available-now/#comments We don't take very kindly to pesky rodents sneaking around our places of residence, and we like the concept of said rodents spying on us even less. Still, we can get down with some Firemint-developed iOS games and tell you about the studio's latest title: Spy Mouse, wherein a sneaky vermin codenamed "Agent Squeak" can navigate 72 different themed levels while avoiding enemies, grabbing cheese, and employing a variety of power-ups.

Considering that Spy Mouse is from the folks who created Flight Control, it's not a huge surprise that it looks like a twist on that game's control scheme and central concept, albeit with many fewer paths to address. Firemint head Rob Murray claims that, after two years working on the new game, it's "Firemint's best game yet." It's available now for $0.99.

Gallery: Spy Mouse (iOS)

JoystiqSpy Mouse is Firemint's latest iOS joint, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileelectronic-artsfiremintiosiphoneipod-touchmobileq3-2011release-datespy-mouseThu, 25 Aug 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space lands on BlackBerry PlayBook and Android ... well, Xperia Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/dead-space-lands-on-blackberry-playbook-and-android-well-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/dead-space-lands-on-blackberry-playbook-and-android-well-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/dead-space-lands-on-blackberry-playbook-and-android-well-xp/#comments In this chart of non-iPad tablets compared to "obscure" video game consoles, the BlackBerry PlayBook is somewhere between the Philips CDi and the Atari Jaguar. That is to say, the PlayBook hasn't set the world, or really much of anything, on fire. Google's Android OS, on the other hand, is increasingly taking over the mobile space (albeit not the tablet space, where all Android tablets combined are somewhere between the 3DO and the Virtual Boy).

While gaming on Android is still something of a challenge, thanks to a fragmented install base, unique platforms, and multiple stores, that hasn't stopped EA from giving it the ol' college effort. So Xperia Play owners can go to EA's own Flexion Android Store to download EA Mobile and IronMonkey Studios' excellent Dead Space mobile game -- easy! We weren't able to confirm that ourselves, not owning an Xperia Play, so we've put a word into EA for confirmation.

But EA didn't stop there - it's also ported Dead Space to the PlayBook. Premiering today for the same $9.99 price as its far more popular iPad-based twin, the PlayBook audience is getting one of mobile gaming's most successful "core" games. And yes, it's a small audience (smaller than the Xperia Play?) but if EA plans to continue its mobile dominance, it helps to be everywhere.

[Thanks, Gerry]

JoystiqDead Space lands on BlackBerry PlayBook and Android ... well, Xperia Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry-app-worldBlackBerry-Playbookdead-spacedead-space-blackberryeaea-mobileelectronic-artsironmonkey-studiosmobileplaybookRIMFri, 19 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/anomaly-warzone-earth-preview-tower-offense/#comments Anomaly: Warzone Earth launched back in April for the PC (feel free to give the demo a download, if you're so inclined). But it's coming to iPad in four to six weeks, and at last week's EA Summer Showcase day I got a chance to see how the transition was going.

It's no surprise that tower defense games really lend themselves to being played on a touch-screen interface. Poking and prodding to move troops around and interact with the game world make those games a cinch to play. As I learned from my time with Anomaly: Warzone Earth, the same is true for tower offense games as well.

Gallery: Anomaly: Warzone Earth (PC/iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Anomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad)

JoystiqAnomaly: Warzone Earth preview (iPad) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anomaly-warzone-earthchillingoeaea-mobileiosipadiphonemobileTue, 12 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ea-celebrates-independence-day-with-a-massive-sale/#comments Rather than watching your grandma mouth along the words to Lee Greenwood's timeless Americana classic "God Bless the USA" one more time this Independence Day, wouldn't you rather giver her a run for the money in one of the many Hasbro Family Game Night games? EA's offering just such a possibility, putting nine of its Hasbro titles on XBL up for sale at 50 percent off, and offering a swath of deals on other platforms on July 4th.

Perhaps you were looking to freedom-ize the necromorphs of Dead Space on iPad during your independence celebration? That's also on sale for .99 cents, alongside a handful of other iOS titles. And if you're more of the PC type, everything from Mass Effect 2 ($12) to Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit ($18) is marked down on Origin.

Continue reading EA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale

JoystiqEA celebrates Independence Day with a massive sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julyeaea-mobileelectronic-artsfacebookhasbroindependence-dayioskindlemacMass-Effect-2microsoftmobileoriginpcplayfishpogopogo.comsaletiger-woods-onlinexboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hop to these EA game deals on iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/hop-to-these-ea-game-deals-on-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/hop-to-these-ea-game-deals-on-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/hop-to-these-ea-game-deals-on-ios-and-android/#comments EA is apparently making an annual affair out of its massive mobile games sale, dubbing the event "The Bitten Bunny" and dropping prices of iOS and Android games across the board. Nearly 30 games, including big names like Dead Space and NBA Jam, are marked down to 99 cents for iOS.

Eight Android games are also dropped by 50 percent (or more), so if you've been waiting to grab Worms for Android, now is the time (and $2 is the price). A full list of sale items is available for each platform right here.

The sale goes through Easter Sunday, after which the Easter Bunny will hop back into his hiding spot for another year. It'll be the least money you've paid for Tetris this year -- so what if it's the dozenth time you've bought it?

[Thanks, Vallanthaz]

JoystiqHop to these EA game deals on iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidDead-Spaceeaea-mobileelectronic-artsiosmobileFri, 22 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Max & the Magic Marker draws new life on iPhone, iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/max-and-the-magic-marker-draws-new-life-on-iphone-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/max-and-the-magic-marker-draws-new-life-on-iphone-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/max-and-the-magic-marker-draws-new-life-on-iphone-ipad/#comments Max & the Magic Marker sales probably dried up on WiiWare long ago, but, with the help of EA Mobile, Demark-based indie Press Play has uncapped its puzzle-platformer for use on iOS devices. Both an iPhone and iPad version are now available on the App Store.

Continue reading Max & the Magic Marker draws new life on iPhone, iPad

JoystiqMax & the Magic Marker draws new life on iPhone, iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileiosipadiphonemax-and-the-magic-markermobilepress-playFri, 25 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boggle is free for iOS devices today on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/boggle-is-free-for-ios-devices-today-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/boggle-is-free-for-ios-devices-today-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/boggle-is-free-for-ios-devices-today-on-app-store/#comments There's nothing mind-boggling about it: Boggle for iOS devices is free today, as part of EA Mobile's weeklong dollar deals promotion -- except this one's F-R-E-E. It's a no-brainer, really.

Continue reading Boggle is free for iOS devices today on App Store

JoystiqBoggle is free for iOS devices today on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoggleEAEA-MobileElectronic-ArtsHasbroiOSmobileThu, 24 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Another EA Mobile $0.99 iOS sale - Bad Company 2, Need for Speed, plenty more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/another-ea-mobile-0-99-ios-sale-bad-company-2-need-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/another-ea-mobile-0-99-ios-sale-bad-company-2-need-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/another-ea-mobile-0-99-ios-sale-bad-company-2-need-for-speed/#comments EA Mobile is dropping the price on over two dozen iOS titles to just $0.99 for "48 hours only!" If the heart-themed banner we've reproduced above is any indication, this is intended to be a Valentine's Day sale ... though V-Day isn't until next Monday.

Continue reading Another EA Mobile $0.99 iOS sale - Bad Company 2, Need for Speed, plenty more

JoystiqAnother EA Mobile $0.99 iOS sale - Bad Company 2, Need for Speed, plenty more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>App-StoreEA-MobileiOSiPadiPhonemobileTue, 08 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/cut-the-rope-ensnares-over-6-million-people-free-v-day-update-c/#comments Beyond making such prestigious lists as Joystiq's 2010 App Store Buyer's Guide, ZeptoLab's adorable iOS puzzler, Cut the Rope, is now sitting atop another notable app store ranking: Apps that have sold over six million copies. Publisher Chillingo announced the game's sales achievement this morning, alongside news of a free 25-level update coming in time for Valentine's Day.

"This 1.2 update is our gift to you this Valentine's Day for being the greatest fans out there," ZeptoLab CTO Efim Voinov said in the release. The game's $0.99 price tag will remain unchanged by the additional levels going forward. We've dropped a clip from the update just below the break, so don't say we never get you nothin'!

Continue reading Cut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming

JoystiqCut the Rope ensnares over 6 million people, free V-Day update coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chillingocut-the-ropeeaea-mobileefim-voinovelectronic-artsfreeiosiphonemobilesalesupdatezeptolabTue, 08 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Mobile releases new Android titles, on sale for $1.99 or less]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ea-mobile-releases-new-android-titles-on-sale-for-1-99-or-less/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ea-mobile-releases-new-android-titles-on-sale-for-1-99-or-less/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ea-mobile-releases-new-android-titles-on-sale-for-1-99-or-less/#comments EA Mobile has announced that it's bringing a new lineup of games to the Android OS. The first available titles include The Sims 3, Monopoly, Tetris, FIFA 10, Need for Speed Shift and The Game of Life. All Android games are on sale right now. Monopoly and the Game of Life are $1.99, while all other titles are only $0.99.

More good news for Android users: More games are on the way, with Worms and Bejeweled 2 headlining upcoming releases.

Continue reading EA Mobile releases new Android titles, on sale for $1.99 or less

JoystiqEA Mobile releases new Android titles, on sale for $1.99 or less originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaea-mobilemobileFri, 24 Dec 2010 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space iPhone preview: Small-scale scares]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/dead-space-iphone-preview-small-scale-scares/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/dead-space-iphone-preview-small-scale-scares/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/dead-space-iphone-preview-small-scale-scares/#comments EA hopes to tie together the events of the first Dead Space game with those of Dead Space 2, the sequel set to launch in January, and it's looking to accomplish this with ... well, yes, with the poorly received downloadable Dead Space: Ignition. But also with another Dead Space game! Instead of an animated motion comic with minigames, Dead Space on the iPhone is a 3D game with all of the gusto and flair of its console brethren. This thing looks and plays fantastically -- at least, I thought so after a brief demo at a recent downtown San Francisco event.

Continue reading Dead Space iPhone preview: Small-scale scares

JoystiqDead Space iPhone preview: Small-scale scares originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-Spaceea-mobilemobileWed, 22 Dec 2010 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-monopoly-and-snood-on-ipad/#comments EA has passed word that three of its games are now ready for the iPad: Monopoly, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit and Snood can all be downloaded from the App Store right now.

These three games have been optimized for the iPad with near high-def graphics and interface tweaks made specifically for the platform. Both Monopoly and Hot Pursuit will set you back $9.99, while Snood is a bit more modestly priced at $4.99.

Gallery: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (iPad)

JoystiqNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit, Monopoly and Snood on iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobilemobilemonopolyNeed-for-SpeedNeed-for-Speed-Hot-PursuitsnoodSat, 11 Dec 2010 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Reloaded now available on iOS devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-reloaded-now-available-on-ios-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-reloaded-now-available-on-ios-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/rock-band-reloaded-now-available-on-ios-devices/#comments Building on 2009's initial offering, Rock Band Reloaded ($4.99 on iPhone/iPod Touch; $9.99 on iPad) adds a new expert mode and full vocal support in the sequel. Just promise us you won't be that guy on the bus, okay?

The iPad version of the game supports split-screen multiplayer, along with several different ways to present the action on screen -- lefties can reorient gameplay (but not flip frets) and there's even a full-screen drum kit to fool around with. For the full list of launch tracks, as well as free and premium tracks accessible through the App store and the game itself, click past the break.

Gallery: Rock Band Reloaded (iPad)

Continue reading Rock Band Reloaded now available on iOS devices

JoystiqRock Band Reloaded now available on iOS devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobilemobilerock-bandrock-band-reloadedThu, 02 Dec 2010 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[EA launches Halloween sale of $1 iPhone games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-launches-halloween-sale-of-1-iphone-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-launches-halloween-sale-of-1-iphone-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/30/ea-launches-halloween-sale-of-1-iphone-games/#comments Like all good Halloween festivities, EA's weekend sale on a number of iPhone titles, including Wolfenstein RPG, R-Type and Scrabble, features a few tricks and a few treats. Go bobbing for the complete list after the jump.

Continue reading EA launches Halloween sale of $1 iPhone games

JoystiqEA launches Halloween sale of $1 iPhone games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobilehalloween-2010iosipadiphonemobileSat, 30 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA lets Reckless Racing loose on iPhone and iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-lets-reckless-racing-loose-on-iphone-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-lets-reckless-racing-loose-on-iphone-and-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/ea-lets-reckless-racing-loose-on-iphone-and-ipad/#commentsIt's time to get Reckless with your iPhone! No, wait, don't do that, these things are expensive. It's actually time to get Reckless Racing for your iPhone. Yes, that's much safer.

Pixelbite's top-down rally racing game features multiple driving styles, and three game modes: "Dirt Rally," a time trial mode, and "Delivery," a sort of relay in which you pick up items on special tracks and drop them elsewhere. It's meant to evoke "classic" top-down racers, but without that free-spinning wheel we used to love to play with as we walked by the Super Off-Road machine in the arcade. Reckless Racing is on the App Store now for both iPhone and iPad.

Gallery: Reckless Racing (iPhone/iPad)

JoystiqEA lets Reckless Racing loose on iPhone and iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-mobileelectronic-artsipadiphonemobilepixelbiteracingreckless-racingrelease-dateThu, 21 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA Elite 11 still coming this month ... to iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/nba-elite-11-still-coming-this-month-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/nba-elite-11-still-coming-this-month-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/nba-elite-11-still-coming-this-month-to-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA might have stopped the presses of NBA Elite 11 console discs, but the iPhone version is still on track for release this month, according to EA Mobile. The division announced its fall lineup today, with FIFA 11 and EA Sports MMA rounding out the sports titles for iPhone (and iPod Touch) in October. Additionally, Heroes Lore, a popular mobile RPG in Korea (we're told), will be released this month in the App Store.

An iPhone version of Battlefield Bad Company 2, "based on the best-selling console game," leads EA Mobile's November charge, which includes High Caliber Hunting, a Retina Display-enhanced critter capper, featuring a multitude of brand-name firearms and gear. For iPad? There's SimCity Deluxe.

And for poor Android this fall? Just ... the Game of Life.

Continue reading NBA Elite 11 still coming this month ... to iPhone

JoystiqNBA Elite 11 still coming this month ... to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-bad-company-2eaea-mobileea-sports-mmafifa-11game-of-lifeheroes-lorehigh-caliber-huntingipadiphoneipod-touchmobileNBA-Elite-11release-datesimcity-deluxeThu, 07 Oct 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yahtzee HD now on iPad, please don't scream 'yahtzee!' in public]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/yahtzee-hd-now-on-ipad-please-dont-scream-yahtzee-in-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/yahtzee-hd-now-on-ipad-please-dont-scream-yahtzee-in-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/yahtzee-hd-now-on-ipad-please-dont-scream-yahtzee-in-public/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yahtzee on iPad
When's the last time you saw another person? A real human being? You see, we're stuck here. Inside the internet. And short of Facebook profile pics and, well, some questionable adult sites (is foot crushing really a thing?) we haven't seen anyone in years. That's why it's so great to see EA bringing another Hasbro classic to yet another digital platform, with its release of Yahtzee HD for iPad. It's just like Yahtzee for real life, except made entirely of ones and zeroes.

Miss the tactile feeling of rolling dice out of a plastic cup? Travis Boatman, Vice President of Worldwide Studios for EA Mobile, says that "rolling the dice across the iPad's expansive screen is addicting." Cursed with an army of digi-friends and no meat-based friends, like we are? Use Facebook Connect "to issue friendly challenges and post high scores." All yours for the asking price of $5.

Gallery: Yahtzee (iPad)

JoystiqYahtzee HD now on iPad, please don't scream 'yahtzee!' in public originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-MobileHasbromobileYahtzeeFri, 10 Sep 2010 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Risk now waging war on the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/risk-now-waging-war-on-the-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There aren't many options out there for the modern-day Napoleon on the go. When your skills revolve around conquering and dominating everything around you, there just aren't many ways to apply your practice while you're commuting to work or standing in line at the coffee shop, waiting for your half-caf double mocha frap. But now that EA has released Risk: The Official Game on the iPhone and iPod Touch, hopefully you can get some relief.

Risk: The Official Game is currently available on the App store for $4.99. The iPhone version features multiplayer -- take on up to six players by sharing one handheld or take on up to four through WiFi or Bluetooth -- and a more simple, streamlined UI and less cartoony presentation than the recent Xbox Live Arcade release, Risk: Factions.

Gallery: Risk (iPhone)

JoystiqRisk now waging war on the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameeaea-mobileelectronic-artshasbromobileriskrisk-the-official-gameFri, 23 Jul 2010 02:05:00 EST<![CDATA[This looks like R-Type of iPhone shmup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/this-looks-like-r-type-of-iphone-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/this-looks-like-r-type-of-iphone-shmup/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/this-looks-like-r-type-of-iphone-shmup/#comments It was last November when we first heard that DotEmu was at work porting Irem's classic 1987 arcade shmup R-Type to iPhone. Yesterday, EA Mobile made it official: it'll be publishing the game on the App Store "this summer," but couldn't get more specific due to the unpredictable nature of Apple's app approval process.

We had a chance to get our hands on the game at EA yesterday and we've got to say, the port has turned out great, with three control schemes (touch to move and shoot, tilt to move / touch to shoot or an overlaid d-pad and buttons) plus options such as autofire and the ability to switch between full-screen and the original coin-op aspect ratio. Cleverly, DotEmu has created separate on-screen buttons for charged shots and launching the "Force" pod away from the player's R9 fighter.

Check out the screens below and we'll let you know when the game hits Apple's virtual store shelves.

Gallery: R-Type (iPhone)

JoystiqThis looks like R-Type of iPhone shmup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DotEmuEAEA-MobileElectroniciphoneIremmobileR-TypeThu, 22 Jul 2010 05:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Become a block in the Human Tetris Project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/#commentsThe Tetris Company and EA Mobile have launched an application to allow you to achieve a goal you didn't even know you had: transformation into a component of a Tetrimino, the basic building block of the Tetris landscape. It's also a new kind of social networking in which gathering enough of your friends together causes them all to disappear.

The new Facebook app, the Human Tetris Project, allows you to submit an image, which is then cropped into a square and used to make a Tetris piece that will appear randomly in games played by other Human Tetris Project players worldwide. You needed a new excuse to put pictures up on Facebook, right? Photo submission is open today, with the game itself available Friday.

JoystiqBecome a block in the Human Tetris Project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileElectronic-Artsfacebookhuman-tetris-projectpuzzletetristhe-human-tetris-projectThu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Deluxe erecting pyramids on iPhone this Summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/simcity-deluxe-erecting-pyramids-on-iphone-this-summer/#comments If you're anything like us, you've been looking at your iPhone's old, boring, regular version of SimCity, anxiously anticipating a deluxe update with "improved UI" and "4 distinct season" (ooh, and they're "linked to seasonal disasters!"). Thankfully EA has announced just such an update in SimCity Deluxe, heading to the App Store this summer.

As you can see above (and more thoroughly below in the gallery), the game will come with a variety of cultures throughout history and their respective accoutrements (pyramids, for instance). No price has been set, but we'd wager it won't be too far off from the $2.99 asking price for the original game -- and hey, under $10 for pyramids? We're okay with that.

Gallery: Sim City Deluxe (iPhone)

JoystiqSimCity Deluxe erecting pyramids on iPhone this Summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtsiPodq3-2010release-datesimcitysimcity-deluxeThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: Surviving High School creator talks clever, profitable microtransactions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/surviving-high-school-creator-talks-microtransactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/surviving-high-school-creator-talks-microtransactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/surviving-high-school-creator-talks-microtransactions/#comments In early 2009, Centerscore co-founder Oliver Miao was assigned an extremely daunting task. His studio had recently been acquired by EA Mobile, and his higher-ups had requested an iPhone version of the studio's successful teen-dating sim series, Surviving High School. The difficulty didn't come in developing the title, but rather, in monetizing it.

During his GDC panel titled "Surviving the iPhone: EA's Original Game Bet," Miao recounted the different business models Centerscore proposed to EA Mobile for SHS. The initial idea was to sell the game for 99 cents, and then hand out additional weekly "episodes" for free. While this would help build the brand, EA Mobile didn't anticipate enough return on the investment. It was denied, and Centerscore was sent back to the drawing board.

The second idea was to offer the current episode of the game for free, but charge 99 cents for bundled episodes from previous weeks. This idea was also shot down, and Centerscore's project was threatened with cancellation. Finally, the two parties came up with a solution that's proven to be fairly lucrative: give the current episode for free, charge for previous episodes, and offer the next episode in advance for an additional 99 cents -- quite an innovative business model.

Of course, Centerscore could have easily raked in the cash by simply charging $500 for one of its first mobile titles, Garfield Bowling. We can't think of a price we wouldn't pay for that gem.

JoystiqGDC: Surviving High School creator talks clever, profitable microtransactions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebusiness-modelsbusiness-strategycenterscoreeaea-mobileElectronic-Artsgdcgdc-2010iPodmicrotransactionssurviving-high-schoolThu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Hasbro games sold eight million units at retail in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/ea-hasbro-games-sold-eight-million-units-at-retail-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/ea-hasbro-games-sold-eight-million-units-at-retail-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/ea-hasbro-games-sold-eight-million-units-at-retail-in-2009/#comments Not since The Bushwhackers have we seen such an excellent pairing of two entities. EA and Hasbro's partnership has paid off in dividends, as a recent press release boasts that eight million copies of Hasbro titles have been sold in the US alone at retail last year. The eight million figure applies only to retail releases, not digitally distributed titles across consoles and mobile -- which admittedly have also been successful.

The release has some other interesting tidbits, like how the combined efforts of the two have seen 20 different Hasbro brands released on 18 major digital platforms. EA attributes the success of these games to three things: the rise in popularity of family-friendly video games; a demand for games targeting girls; and the popularity of Hasbro's well-known toys and games.

Any way you slice it, we're glad it's been such a fruitful venture for both companies, because we'll soon get to play Risk on our Xbox 360. It's only about a billion years too late, but hey, we'll take it! And we'll also take Asia - you'll never stop us now!

JoystiqEA Hasbro games sold eight million units at retail in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleboard-gamesDSeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtshasbroHasbro-Family-Game-Nighthasbro-family-game-night-2iPodMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creatures creeps onto iPhone and iPod Touch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/spore-creatures-creeps-onto-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#comments
Remember Spore? EA would like you to, this time by means of a seriously retooled version of the Nintendo DS release, Spore Creatures, for iPhone / iPod touch. Announced during GDC 2009, the game hit Apple's iTunes App Store today as a top-down affair costing $6.99.

Like almost every game released under the Spore banner, we suspect that the creature creator is its strongest element. We can't imagine the actual game -- which has players adding new parts to their creatures in order to tilt-control them past obstacles -- will really have legs, so to speak. But hey, we could be wrong ... or you could just wait for the lite version to find out for free.

Spore Creatures ($6.99): Spore Creatures

Gallery: Spore Creatures (iPhone/iPod Touch)


JoystiqSpore Creatures creeps onto iPhone and iPod Touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleeaea-mobileElectronic-ArtsiPodSporespore-creaturesMon, 25 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[App store, and games, coming to ... Kindle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/app-store-and-games-coming-to-kindle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/app-store-and-games-coming-to-kindle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/app-store-and-games-coming-to-kindle/#commentsNow you'll be able to buy games for your book! Amazon just announced its Kindle Development Kit, which will allow companies (and individuals!) to create "active content" for Amazon's e-reader device. The examples given in the press release include an interactive Zagat guide, and ... games!

According to the announcement, mobile publisher Sonic Boom will release "word games and puzzles" for the device -- which seems like a natural fit. But EA Mobile is also on board with the Kindle, which opens the door to its eventual metamorphosis into a game platform. A game platform with a black-and-white screen, sure, but also a very popular platform whose entire audience is comfortable downloading digital content.

A beta for the development kit will begin next month, with applications launching in the Kindle Store "later this year."

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqApp store, and games, coming to ... Kindle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonapp-storeea-mobilekindleThu, 21 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA bringing Battleship, Connect 4, Monopoly to iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/ea-bringing-battleship-connect-4-monopoly-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/ea-bringing-battleship-connect-4-monopoly-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/ea-bringing-battleship-connect-4-monopoly-to-iphone/#comments EA is getting good mileage out of this Hasbro deal. The latest platform to be assaulted with family-friendly adaptations of classic board games is the iPhone and iPod Touch, with Battleship, Connect 4 and Monopoly Classic en route from EA Mobile. There's no word on prices or release date as of right now, but we'll be sure to pass that news along once it's available.

In the meanwhile, feel free to head into the gallery below to check out screens from each title. If you're reading Joystiq on an iPhone, you can totally pretend you're playing the games!

Gallery: Connect 4 (iPhone)


Gallery: Battleship (iPhone)


Gallery: Monopoly (iPhone)

JoystiqEA bringing Battleship, Connect 4, Monopoly to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebattleshipboard-gamesconnect-4eaea-mobileElectronic-ArtshasbroHasbro-Family-Game-NightiPodmonopolymonopoly-classicFri, 30 Oct 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN: 'Rock Band is coming to the iPhone']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ign-rock-band-is-coming-to-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ign-rock-band-is-coming-to-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/ign-rock-band-is-coming-to-the-iphone/#comments While @EAmobile is twittering that "some big news from the EA Mobile camp being announced tomorrow morning" - leaving us in a would-be lurch for the next twelve hours or so - the insiders at IGN have spoiled the surprise. "Rock Band is coming to the iPhone," IGN Wireless declares. No equivocation there! Their promise to share "details, screens, gameplay impressions and more" tomorrow morning leads us to believe that they've already seen the game; unfortunately, they "can't say too much beyond the conformation [sic] of the game." No date, no price, no screens, nuthin'.

But: Rock Band is coming to the iPhone. For everything else, you'll have to wait until tomorrow morning.

JoystiqIGN: 'Rock Band is coming to the iPhone' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleEAEA-MobileElectronic-ArtsHarmonixiPodMTV-GamesRock-BandRock-Band-iPhoneWed, 07 Oct 2009 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Spell the day away with Boggle on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/spell-the-day-away-with-boggle-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/spell-the-day-away-with-boggle-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/spell-the-day-away-with-boggle-on-iphone/#comments EA Mobile certainly hopes your fascination with crafting words from letter-filled grids on your iPhone hasn't waned -- the developer recently released a port of Hasbro's Boggle onto the App Store. Though it lacks Word Scramble's robust multiplayer system (and free-ness), it does possess one feature that justifies its $2.99 price tag: Achievements. Lots of achievements. Seriously, wordsmithing hasn't been this rewarding since you won those tickets to Dollywood in your fourth grade spelling bee.

We take it back. This is way more rewarding than that.

Boggle ($2.99, EA Mobile): Word Scramble by Zynga

JoystiqSpell the day away with Boggle on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp-storeAppleboard-gamesboggleEAea-mobileElectronic-ArtshasbroHasbro-Family-Game-NightiphoneiPodipod-touchspellingwordword-scrambleMon, 31 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST