Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Dead Space 3 images leak, feature 'other dude']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dead-space-3-images-leak-feature-other-dude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dead-space-3-images-leak-feature-other-dude/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/dead-space-3-images-leak-feature-other-dude/#comments ImageDead Space 3's imminently expected official announcement has received its latest harbinger in the form of a set of screenshots making their way through the internet. The screens hint at co-op gameplay for the latest installment in the blue-spine tingling thriller series.

Playing into the authenticity of the screens is that they appear to feature Earthgov Sergeant John Carver, recently introduced in the "Dead Space Graphic Novel Short."

EA's E3 press conference is scheduled for 1PM Pacific on Monday, June 4. Don't be surprised if necromorphs are featured prominently at some point during the presentation.

Gallery: Dead Space 3 (5/31/12 leak)


[Thanks to everyone who sent these]

JoystiqDead Space 3 images leak, feature 'other dude' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-3EAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 31 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/#comments ImageCrysis 2 is back on Steam after being yanked in June because "an agreement with another download service" violated Steam's terms of service. The new, improved Crysis 2 is subtitled the "Maximum Edition" and it includes all the content in the limited edition, plus the Retaliation and Decimation DLC packs, all for $40.

Those who snagged Crysis 2 on Steam before it was pulled can get Maximum Edition for half off through June 12 at 10 a.m. PST. EA's other pulled or unreleased titles on Steam - namely Mass Effect 3 and Battlefield 3 - are still absent.

The new version, by including all the DLC, sidesteps the restrictions that kept the game off in the first place.

[Thanks, Steven!]

JoystiqCrysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2Crytekdigital-distributionEAElectronic-ArtspcSTEAMWed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/mass-effect-3-rebellion-pack-dlc-live-on-xbox-360-ps3-and-pc/#comments
Xbox 360 owners will find the Rebellion DLC pack available for download in Mass Effect 3 right now. The Rebellion pack is free to those who have activated their Online Pass and adds a new objective type, two new maps, and three new playable characters to the multiplayer side of BioWare's latest RPG.

PC and PS3 owners will have to wait for Rebellion. Chris Priestly, BioWare's community guy, says that it'll be available on those platforms "soon." We'll be sure to update as soon as BioWare reveals new details.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 'Rebellion Pack' DLC live on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredlceakinectmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3rebellionrebellion-packxboxTue, 29 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/report-need-for-speed-most-wanted-listed-on-e3-booth-schedul/#comments ImageThat mysterious Need for Speed game mentioned during EA's fiscal 2012 investors call may become slightly less ethereal during E3, as TwitchTV's booth schedule lists "Need for Speed: Most Wanted" as one of the games it'll be showcasing, according to IGN.

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it should: The original Need for Speed: Most Wanted (above) was released on nearly every system in existence way back in the ancient caveman days of 2005. It's possible that this may be the Criterion-developed Need for Speed game the rumor mill was churning over a couple weeks ago, but that's just rampant speculation on our part.

It's also possible that TwitchTV could merely be showing off the Game Boy Advance port of the original or something, we're going to go ahead and assume that isn't the case since we don't live in a Far Side cartoon.

Update: We have also received the schedule in question and can confirm that Need for Speed: Most Wanted is indeed among TwitchTV's on-site programming for E3, along with "TBA" titles from Ubisoft, Capcom and Warner Bros.

JoystiqReport: 'Need for Speed: Most Wanted' listed on E3 booth schedule [Update: Yup!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-GamesE3-2012EAelectronic-artsneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-most-wantedtwitchtvSat, 26 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/mass-effect-3-kicks-off-operation-shieldwall-this-weekend/#comments ImageAlliance operatives, word has come down from command - we've got a new directive for this weekend's Mass Effect 3 combat initiatives. Operation Shieldwall commences this Friday at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, but due to our failure with last week's Operation Silencer, expect to encounter more enemy Banshees out there.

The goal for Operation Shieldwall is to promote a total of 50,000 operatives across the Alliance for a Victory pack; promote three characters yourself and you'll be awarded a Commendation pack. Operation Shieldwall concludes on Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Earth Time.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 kicks off 'Operation Shieldwall' this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamass-effect-3microsoftn7-bounty-weekendoperation-shieldwallpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 24 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/#comments Mass Effect: Infiltrator - developed by the same team responsible for the mobile version of Dead Space - is now available for download in the Google Play store for $6.99.

In Mass Effect: Infiltrator, players take on the role of Cerberus defector Randall Ezno as he attempts to flee from a Cerberus base with intel for the Alliance. Progress in Mass Effect: Infiltrator affects your Galactic Readiness level in Mass Effect 3. And if you've been meaning to go back to the portable game, the latest update (version 1.0.3) added a new character and mission.

JoystiqMass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-gamesgoogle-playmass-effect-3mass-effect-infiltratormobileWed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/hackett-edi-confirmed-for-mass-effect-3-extended-cut-dlc/#comments
On top of providing "further clarity" to Mass Effect 3's ending, some more details regarding the upcoming "Extended Cut" DLC have come out. "Extended Cut" will include cameos from both Admiral Hackett, who is played by Lance Henricksen, and EDI, voiced by Tricia Helfer.

"I just did another session with them. They were saying there's a little bit of a problem with the abruptness of the ending," Hendriksen told G4 during a press junket for a new animated series called Tron: Uprising that he's involved in. "So we did a whole series of things to add to the end of the game, to live up to the quality they've been doing." Helfer, also part of the show, confirmed EDI would make an appearance.

JoystiqHackett, EDI confirmed for Mass Effect 3 'Extended Cut' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiral-hackettbiowaredlceaediextended-cutlance-henricksenmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3tricia-helfertron-uprisingxboxFri, 18 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/#comments ImageEA's request to dismiss a class action lawsuit from former NCAA athletes has been denied, meaning the trial will movie forward and EA stands to lose more than $1 billion if found at fault.

The former NCAA athletes claim EA conspired with the NCAA and the CLC to have players sign away their likenesses and names to be used in video games without compensation. The players allege that in order to participate in NCAA sports they were required to sign a form allowing EA their likenesses in games, even after their college sports careers ended.

The federal judge previously dismissed other claims in the lawsuit, but denied EA's attempt to have an antitrust claim thrown out.

EA is facing more than a few lawsuits at the moment, but it did recently settle a two-year-old lawsuit with Activision, with as-yet undisclosed concessions from either side.

JoystiqFormer NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletesclccollegedsEAElectronic-Artslawsuitlegalmadden-nfl-12microsoftncaanintendoplaystationps3pspsonysuewiixboxFri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/report-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit-devs-working-on-vita-title/#comments ImageUK studio Criterion Games is apparently prepping a project for release on the PlayStation Vita. Superannuation spotted a job listing for a software engineer that at one point reportedly listed "optimising and tuning the game resource system for the PS Vita" as part of the position's overview. The listing was seemingly altered since, as it now reads, "Optimizing and tuning the game resource system for other platforms."

Aside from the bite-sized Burnout Crash launched on XBLA last year, Criterion Games has been rather quiet for the past couple years. The team's last console release was the fantastic Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in 2010, and many expect that the next Need for Speed entry will be handled once again by Criterion. We've yet to hear a peep from the studio in 2012, but E3 isn't too far away.

We contacted Criterion's parent company, EA, for comment.

JoystiqReport: Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit devs working on Vita title originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion-gameseaelectronic-artsplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA and Activision settle in Call of Duty lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/ea-and-activision-settle-in-call-of-duty-lawsuit/#comments ImageEA and Activision have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that began two years ago, pertaining to the departure of Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella. EA had been accused of secretly recruiting the pair while they were still at Activision.

No details about the settlement are currently available, but both companies said today that they will file a settlement agreement in Los Angeles' California state court.

Former Infinity Ward developers Jason West and Vince Zampella sued Activision in 2010 after being fired, claiming damages of $36 million from unpaid royalties associated with Modern Warfare 2, which launched in 2009. After leaving Activision, the pair began their own studio, Respawn Entertainment, and inked a publishing deal with EA. Since then, West and Zampella's claim rose to $1 billion and Activision countersued with EA as a defendant.

Activision recently paid out $42 million to the Infinity Ward Employee Group, though not as a settlement; IWEG said it would pursue litigation and is still scheduled for trial May 29.

The settlement news comes the same day as a report on Activision's "dirt"-digging tactics has surfaced, stating that Activision launched an information-gathering IT spree on West and Zampella just before the launch of Modern Warfare 2, intended to see them both fired. Activision called it "Project Icebreaker."

No joke.

In Project Icebreaker, Activision's George Rose asked the IT department to access West and Zampella's email, voicemail and computer without anyone's knowledge, a court filing given to Giantbomb by West and Zampella's attorneys shows. The orders reportedly came from Activision CEO Bobby Kotick. Activision attempted to use third-party security specialists and threw around the idea of staging a fake fumagation to get into West and Zampella's offices, the report says.

But now the case is settled -- any verdict on the level of sanity of gaming companies is, however, still out.

JoystiqEA and Activision settle in Call of Duty lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionEAElectronic-ArtsInfinity-WardlawsuitmicrosoftModern-Warfare-2pcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Respawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/respawn-entertainments-big-reveal-wont-be-at-e3/#comments Respawn Entertainment employees will attend this year's E3, but no, the studio won't be showing any new project at the big show. "Some of us will be present at E3, but we won't be showing anything or doing any press related to the game," Respawn community manager Abbie Heppe told Joystiq.

Thus far, little information exists on Respawn's first project. Aside from a single, extremely blurry screen and news that it's an EA Partners title, Respawn has kept the game out of the public eye. But with a team comprising many ex-Infinty Ward folks - the same folks who helped launch Call of Duty into the world of sports playoff trailer debuts - it's hard to imagine Respawn working on anything small.

Respawn wouldn't tell us whether the mystery project will be revealed this year, nor if the studio would attend the various gaming events scattered across the next several months. We're hoping for a surprise reveal during Tokyo Game Show, just to mess with the Japanese market.

JoystiqRespawn Entertainment's big reveal won't be at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbie-heppee3-2012eaea-partnerselectronic-artsrespawnRespawn-EntertainmentWed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/crysis-3-screens-both-new-and-new/#comments ImageYou see that dude above, straight chillin'? Yeah, you've seen him before - like, a few weeks ago, when the image leaked alongside several other Crysis 3 screens. Well here he is again, but this time he's got a whole bunch more totally official screens, straight from EA. Thrilling!

Continue reading Crysis 3 screens both new and 'new'

JoystiqCrysis 3 screens both new and 'new' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept-artcrysis-3crytekeaea-partnerselectronic-artsgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/#comments ImageWith Rhode Island politicians and 38 Studios silent on the precarious financial condition of the developer, the potential cost of the doomsday scenario to taxpayers has come to light. WPRI reports that if 38 Studios can't pay the bonds it received from the state, taxpayers will actually be responsible for paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

The math works a little something this this: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation borrowed $75 million from private investors for 38 Studios, at interest rates between 6 - 7.75 percent, with the expectation that 38 Studios would pay it back with the sale of games.

For the record, 38 Studios has only launched one product, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which it only had due to its acquisition of developer Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games was already working on an RPG prior to the sale, but altered it to fit the Amalur world after the purchase.

If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders.

Game industry sources tell Joystiq that if 38 Studios does collapse, despite this specific deal having been widely criticized from the start, it could have wider repercussions for the industry trying to obtain tax breaks in other states. The silence out of Providence right now is deafening.

JoystiqIf 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingEAElectronic-Artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-ea-to-reveal-cod-elite-like-service-for-battlefield-3-at/#comments Electronic Arts is prepping its own subscription-based companion service for its flagship military-centric first person shooter, according to a "very reliable source" belonging to Battlefieldo. The service (dubbed Battlefield[TM] Premium) would be to Battlefield 3 what Activision's Call of Duty Elite program is to Modern Warfare 3, granting access to "a number of content drops with unique in-game items not available anywhere else," so sayeth the allegedly leaked press release.

"First out is the one-of-a-kind Premium knife and black dog tag," the missive continues, "plus a set of soldier camos, weapon camos, dog tags and Assignments that will make sure you stand out and get more personalization options." Should this all pan out, Battlefield Premium will be officially announced during E3, specifically on June 4. We've reached out to EA for comment and will update if/when we hear back.

JoystiqRumor: EA to reveal COD Elite-like service for Battlefield 3 at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-3Battlefield-Premiumcall-of-duty-elitecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxMon, 14 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/ea-lack-of-official-battlefield-3-servers-due-to-rentals/#comments ImageBattlefield 3 players recently noticed that all of DICE's official servers for the game appeared to be unavailable, and they wondered: What's up with that? What's up with that, EA says, is that the game was too popular. DICE runs a number of official servers, but those servers can also be rented by players, and if too many players rent official servers, they can appear to be unavailable. But EA and DICE say they want what's best for players, so DICE will keep an eye on the policy, and "will reserve a percentage of servers for players who prefer to connect through DICE-hosted servers."

The publisher hopes that will answer player concerns. And if not ... free XP? Starting tomorrow through Sunday, Battlefield 3 is hosting another double XP weekend for all ranked servers and matches, with players earning twice as much experience as usual. This special weekend isn't a direct response to the server concerns, but hey, free points are free points.

JoystiqEA: lack of official Battlefield 3 servers due to rentals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dedicated-serverdiceeapcprivatepublicrentalserver-rentalsserversFri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mass-effect-3-weekend-operation-silencer-retroactive-commend/#comments ImageAt ease, soldiers. The brass is remarkably proud of each and every one of you for making Operation Exorcist such a rousing success, but unfortunately the completion of that mission doesn't directly translate to the end of our war against the Reapers, Cerberus and the Geth. Starting tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern Earth Time, Operation Silencer will require the full force of the Systems Alliance Military as we work towards our collective goal of exterminating three million banshees.

Now granted, that's two million more baddies than you were responsible for during Operation Exorcist, but now that PlayStation Division has been allowed into combat, we think you can handle the difference. Each individual squad will receive a Commendation Pack for every successful extraction from a Gold-level encounter, until Operation Silencer ends at 8 a.m Eastern Earth Time on Monday morning. Successful completion of the Alliance's universal goal results, as usual, in Victory Packs for all.

Speaking of PlayStation Division and Commendation Packs, we've got some good news for you prune-fingered dish washers: Now that KP duty is over and you're out in the field, HQ has dispatched Commendation Packs to compensate for the gear you couldn't earn during Operations Goliath and Raptor. Check the shop to redeem yours and get in shape before heading into the field this weekend.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 weekend: 'Operation Silencer', retroactive Commendation Packs granted to PS3 owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAElectronic-Artseventmass-effect-3ME3microsoftOperation-Silencerpcplaystationps3xboxXP-weekendFri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: EA planning SimCity Social for Facebook [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/rumor-ea-planning-simcity-social-for-facebook/#comments ImageDomain registrations suggest that EA is planning to follow up its hit Facebook game The Sims Social with a Facebook-based SimCity. Last September, the publisher registered (or re-registered) "SimCitySocial.com," "SimCity-Social.com," and "SimCityFacebook.com," which, put together, provide evidence of a Facebook game called "SimCity Social."

Additionally, as SimsVIP reports, you can spot a Playfish SimCity Social URL ... if you load up http://apps.facebook.com/simcitysocial/ in Google Cache, stop the page before it redirects to Facebook, and view source. It's a lot of crazy steps to take in order to see some shaky, uncertain evidence, but it works.

Even if this game turns out to be real, there's no telling when EA will launch it. Outernauts will likely be EA's big Facebook launch this summer, and the publisher has been sitting on these URLs for months. Perhaps it'll be released next year alongside the other new SimCity.

[Thanks, Victor!]

Update: We came across this URL for a currently inactive "SimCity" app. The source, including the broken image on the front page, links back to Playfish. EA officially declined to comment to Joystiq.

JoystiqRumor: EA planning SimCity Social for Facebook [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookpcsimcitysimcity-socialWed, 09 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Outernauts is new Facebook game from Insomniac and EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/outernauts-facebook-insomniac-and-ea/#comments
Insomniac Games (Ratchet and Clank, Resistance series) and Electronic Arts have teamed up on Outernauts, an adventure role-playing Facebook game. Outernauts are sent out into the galaxy to capture and train "exotic alien beasts" and unlock the secrets of the ancients while fighting in asynchronous battles.

"As we have demonstrated for nearly twenty years in the console games space, we're confident we can help evolve the definition of a game experience on Facebook," said Insomniac prez Ted Price. "With Outernauts, we are delivering a deep story with real RPG strategy, coupled with Insomniac's signature sense of humor."

The game popped up across galactic radar relays this past February following copyright registrations, and could be seen in stars after the creation of Insomniac Click. Outernauts will launch this summer and is currently in closed beta.

Gallery: Outernauts

JoystiqOuternauts is new Facebook game from Insomniac and EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFacebookInsomniacmacOuternautspcWed, 09 May 2012 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Need for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/need-for-speed-and-dead-space-titles-coming-in-eas-fy-2013/#comments ImageEA has new Dead Space and Need for Speed titles in the works for the coming year, ending March 31, 2013, it announced during a financial call today. "Need for Speed" is listed on EA's financial results slideshow scheduled for Q3 of FY 2013, which places it around October 2012. EA mentioned Dead Space among its coming "blockbuster" titles for the year.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2 and Dead Space 3 were listed in April by South African retailer BT Games.

JoystiqNeed for Speed and Dead Space titles coming by March 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-3EAElectronic-ArtsmobileNeed-for-SpeedpcMon, 07 May 2012 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[EA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-2012-financials-q4-revenue-and-income-up-year-over-year-201/#comments Publishing giant Electronic Arts has issued its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2012 and fiscal 2012 as a whole and, wouldn't you know it, a year with a new Mass Effect game results in revenue totals that are much higher than years without Mass Effect games.

Looking at just the fourth quarter of 2012, EA's total net revenue stacked up at $1.36 billion, a 24 percent increase over the $1.09 billion reported at the end of this same period last year. Net revenue generated from digital sales nearly doubled year-over-year, $419 million in Q4 2012 as opposed to $211 million in Q4 2011 - a 98 percent increase.

Packaged goods still made up the majority of the publisher's revenue, however, at $949 million, up from $879 in Q4 2011. Net income for the period was also up year-over-year, $400 million for the period ending on March 31, 2012 as compared with $151 million for the same period in 2011. Naturally, EA contributes its successful fourth quarter to the release of Mass Effect 3 and the continued popularity of FIFA 12.

Fiscal 2012 as a whole presents a slightly different story. While net revenue was up 15 percent year-over-year ($4.14 billion in fiscal 2012 vs. $3.58 billion in fiscal 2011), net income fell 263 percent, from $276 million in fiscal 2011 to just $76 million in fiscal 2012.

Looking forward to fiscal 2013, EA expects an approximate net revenue of $4.07 billion, $950 million of which it expects to earn during the first fiscal quarter of 2013, which ends on June 30, 2012.

JoystiqEA 2012 financials: Q4 revenue and income up year-over-year, 2012 revenue up, income down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFifa-12financialsFiscal-2012fiscal-2013Mass-EffectMass-Effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3Q1-2013Q4-2012xboxMon, 07 May 2012 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[EA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-has-11-million-strong-on-origin-made-150-million-in-ten-mon/#comments ImageEA's Origin service has a registered 11 million members and has generated $150 million in non-GAAP revenue during the fiscal year from March 31, 2011 to April 1 this year, EA reports.

EA's Nucleus, its cross-platform community network, now has 220 million members, EA says.

EA recently allowed all 11 million members to provide feedback on Origin, its digital distribution service.

JoystiqEA has 11 million strong on Origin, made $150 million in ten months originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAea-nucleusea-originElectronic-Artsfy-2012nucleusoriginpcMon, 07 May 2012 16:48:00 EST<![CDATA[EA spending $80 million on next-gen development over next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-80-million-next-gen-development/#comments ImageAccording to EA's results for fiscal 2012, the period from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012, it's been a good year. The publisher saw growth across many sectors, but perhaps most surprising was talk of investing $80 million in development of games for "Gen4 console systems" over the next 12 months, EA's fiscal 2013.

It speaks to not only when we could potentially get our hands on some new hardware, but is potentially indicative of how much cash a major publisher will need in order to produce games for the next generation of AAA blockbusters. $80 million for one "Samaritan" seems like par for the course, right? That's how much we imagine it'll cost to produce one game in Superfuture 2013.

JoystiqEA spending $80 million on next-gen development over next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfiscal-2013fiscal-year-2012FY-2012FY-2013investmentnext-generationMon, 07 May 2012 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[EA planning upcoming layoffs, 'completed by September 30, 2012']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/ea-planning-upcoming-layoffs-completed-by-september-30-2012/#comments EA today confirmed plans to enact a "restructuring" among its employees, resulting in an unnamed number of layoffs companywide. The restructuring is part of EA CEO John Riccitiello's move toward digital - an initiative that aims to alter the composition of EA's staff from one in eight engineers to one in two.

The California-based publisher will incur a variety of expenses related to its upcoming plans, to the tune of "approximately $40 million in total costs." Ouch! Making things more painful is the fact that $23 million of that total is planned for "severance and other employee-related costs" - a number that'll be (conveniently) reflected in next year's financials.

As recently as a few weeks ago, EA outright denied reports of upcoming layoffs. Those reports put the number at 5 to 10 percent of EA's workforce, or approximately 500 to 1,000 employees. EA corporate rep Jeff Brown told Joystiq that the restructuring "impacts a relatively small number of EA's 9,000 employees." He added, "Most importantly, EA is hiring and we expect to finish the year with more employees, not fewer."

Update: During EA's financial call this afternoon, the company got more specific on restructuring numbers. Regardless of layoffs, EA expects to grow its current headcount of approximately 9,200 employees to 9,700 by the end of fiscal 2013 (ending March 31, 2013).

JoystiqEA planning upcoming layoffs, 'completed by September 30, 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjeff-brownlayoffssecsecurities-and-exchange-commissionMon, 07 May 2012 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Crysis 3 concept art is pretty, of course]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/this-crysis-3-concept-art-is-pretty-of-course/#comments ImageSaying that anything related to a Crysis game "looks good" is a bit like saying the Sun is somewhat hot, or that the Joystiq staff is somewhat attractive - true, obviously, but a bit of an understatement.

This latest batch of concept artwork for Crysis 3 proves once again that, even without a trillion dollar gaming rig and DirectX 30, the artistic vision behind the Crisis franchise is just as beautiful and intense as the finished products are. The swampy, aged, almost Venetian feel Crysis 3's dystopian New York City exudes is so damn pretty, we almost wish the apocalypse would hurry up and get here.

Gallery: Crysis 3 (Concept Art)

JoystiqThis Crysis 3 concept art is pretty, of course originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytek-frankfurtEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 06 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/swtor-is-on-sale-happy-star-wars-day/#comments ImageEA has put Star Wars: The Old Republic on sale for Star Wars Day, which is today, May the fourth (as in, "be with you" -- geddit?). Bioware's massively multiplayer Jedi simulator has been discounted from from $59.99 to $34.44 for the standard edition, or $44.44 for the digital deluxe edition, which includes some in-game digital goodies.

The sale lasts until Sunday, May 6. If you need it longer than that, you should have had more midichlorians, people.

JoystiqSWTOR is on sale, happy Star Wars Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeammorpgold-republicpcsaleStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicFri, 04 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/#comments US game publishing giant Electronic Arts isn't being purchased by South Korean social game company Nexon anytime soon, but the two companies are in talks. Not talks about an acquisition, mind you, but regarding Asian distribution of EA's FIFA Online series. Those two things are what we might call, "totally different," but Bloomberg's unnamed sources apparently didn't see a huge difference between the two when they informed the publication last week that Nexon was seeking a purchase of EA.

Bloomberg's backtracking on that report - which pretty much everyone called very unlikely at the time - is saying now that "three people with knowledge of the matter" tell the publication a deal is being brokered between Nexon and EA for distribution of the online-based soccer title in Asia. Specifically, EA could employ Nexon's "online servers and developers in Asia" to help bring FIFA Online to the continent. An announcement of the partnership is expected "as early as June," which, you know, would line up pretty well with E3 2012.

JoystiqNexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeaea-sportsea-sports-fifa-onlineea-sports-fifa-online-2electronic-artsfifa-onlinefifa-online-2nexonFri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 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[EA: Rock Band iOS cancellation prompt made in error, more info soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/rock-band-ios-not-canceled/#comments ImageElectronic Arts has informed Joystiq that Rock Band for iOS will remain active for mobile rock stars. There was a panic at the disco yesterday after users of the app received a prompt telling them it would "no longer be playable" after May 31.

"Rock Band for iOS will remain live - the in-app message users received yesterday was sent in error," a representative for EA told us. "We apologize for the confusion this caused. We're working to clarify the issue that caused the error and will share additional information as soon as possible."

And the band played on.

JoystiqEA: Rock Band iOS cancellation prompt made in error, more info soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiosiphonemobileRock-BandThu, 03 May 2012 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/#comments ImageThe EA Indie Bundle (yes, we assure you, it is barely-100-percent-mostly-ish possible for EA to have an indie bundle) is live on Steam, offering 70 percent off a package of six titles from four indie developers, or half off each individual game.

Included in the sale is Warp, Shank, Shank 2, DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue and Gatling Gears. The DeathSpank titles are $7.50 individually and are available on PC and Mac through Steamplay, while the rest of EA's indies cost $5 and are PC only.

Indie Game Magazine first spotted the bundle in the super-secret Steam registry files this morning. The sale is now officially on, set to disappear from Steam in one week on May 9.

JoystiqEA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueEAElectronic-ArtsGatling-GearsHothead-GamesIndieindie-bundleklei-entertainmentmacpcsaleshankshank-2STEAMtrapdoor-incVanguard-GameswarpWed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tell EA how you really feel about Origin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/tell-ea-how-you-really-feel-about-origin/#comments ImageEA is seeking your input on things its digital distribution service, Origin, is doing right and wrong. The company has a post up now asking customers what their favorite Origin feature is and what features that they'd like to see in the future. Think of it as an internet-based focus group.

The company will also host a Q&A session with Origin Creative Director Robert Kissinger and Product Manager Mike Lewis next Tuesday, May 8 at 10 a.m. The company will post more information about how to RSVP for the event at a later date.

Our first Origin recommendation: providing a time zone to go with that 10 a.m. meeting.

Update: The answer is 10 a.m. Pacific. Thanks, EA!

[Image credit: AMC's Mad Men]

JoystiqTell EA how you really feel about Origin originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsoriginpcWed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band iOS unplugged May 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/rock-band-ios-unplugged-may-31/#comments ImageElectronic Arts' Rock Band for iOS "will no longer be playable" after May 31. RockBandAide took note of a prompt in the app, which informs owners that the band is breaking up at the end of the month. At this time, there is no indication that a similar fate is in store for the more recent Rock Band Reloaded app.

Harmonix communications guru John Drake tweeted out that the developer was not the publisher of the title and is "working to better understand what's up ASAP."

Electronic Arts has yet to comment on the situation.

JoystiqRock Band iOS unplugged May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiosiphonemobileRock-BandWed, 02 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Glassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/glassbox-sets-simcity-ablaze-in-latest-trailer/#comments
In reality, fire is a mysterious force that takes what it pleases and threatens to devour us whole in our sleep. Within the confines of a video game, however, the flaming beast can be controlled.

Continue reading Glassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer

JoystiqGlassbox sets SimCity ablaze in latest trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisfireglassboxpcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 02 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon's Lair swings onto XBLA May 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/dragons-lair-swings-onto-xbla-may-18/#comments ImageCome May 18, the Xbox 360 will join historical icons like the Sega CD and Philips CD-i as one of the many proud platforms to receive a port of Advanced Microcomputer Systems' classically animated laserdisc fable, Dragon's Lair.

If you count the horrible Game Boy version and various other non-digital-media pseudo-ports from the 80s, the XBLA rerelease will be port number 67 for Dragon's Lair, although its Kinect capabilities make it distinct from its predecessors in that Dragon's Lair is the first XBLA title to support both regular controllers and Microsoft's all-seeing eye. The port also features a "full watch" mode for people too lazy to use either control method, as well as those who enjoy buying ancient animated feature films with MS Points.

JoystiqDragon's Lair swings onto XBLA May 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-lairEAElectronic-ArtskinectmicrosoftXBLAxboxSat, 28 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA files trademark for 'SimOcean']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/ea-files-trademark-for-simocean/#comments ImageWhile that Atlantis management sim starring Aquaman - you know, our dream game - isn't likely to be made anytime soon, it seems EA is already laying claim to Sim-themed titles beyond 2013's "SimCity." A new trademark for something called SimOcean was filed earlier this week.

The filing was made in Europe and spotted by Siliconera, and beyond that we don't know much else. Maxis produced a slew of Sim offshoots over the years, including SimHealth, SimTower, SimFarm and many more. We'll have to add SimOcean to that list if it ever becomes more than a trademark.

JoystiqEA files trademark for 'SimOcean' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artseuropeglassboxglassbox-enginesimoceantrademarkSat, 28 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/gog-com-offering-ea-games-half-off-syndicate-nox-more/#comments ImageGOG.com is having a big sale this weekend until Monday on "EA Guns and Spells." Everything's half off down to $2.99, including the first Syndicate, Magic Carpet, hack-and-slasher Nox, Lands of Lore 1 and 2, and two Crusader games, No Regret and No Remorse.

JoystiqGOG.com offering EA games half off: Syndicate, Nox, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eagamesgog.commagic-carpetnoxpcsalessyndicateSat, 28 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 added to Mass Effect 3 multiplayer weekends, now and forever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/ps3-added-to-mass-effect-3-multiplayer-weekends-now-and-forever/#comments Good news, PlayStation Division! Your sector has been relieved of KP duty and is now authorized to join Xbox Squadron and the PC Armada in battle during this weekend's "Operation Exorcist" initiative, as well as all future weekend-based N7 field operations.

Now, I'm not gonna lie, there's a good chance a whole hell of a lot of you will die while trying to take down 1,000,000 Cerberus Phantoms over the next three days, but remember that those deaths mean something, and that you're helping to save the entire damn galaxy. Well, unless you forget to set "Upload Gameplay Feedback" to "On." If that's not enabled, your deaths are totally meaningless.

JoystiqPS3 added to Mass Effect 3 multiplayer weekends, now and forever originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareEAevent-weekendmass-effect-3operation-exorcistplaystationps3XP-WeekendFri, 27 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon bids for EA takeover, everyone says it's very unlikely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nexon-bids-for-ea-takeover-everyone-says-its-very-unlikely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nexon-bids-for-ea-takeover-everyone-says-its-very-unlikely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/nexon-bids-for-ea-takeover-everyone-says-its-very-unlikely/#comments ImageYou know Nexon, right? The South Korean MMO company that made Maple Story and ... uh ... Everplanet ... and stuff? Anyway, Nexon is a pretty big deal on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Such a big deal, in fact, that it's looking at buying out some of its rivals, apparently including EA. MK Business News (a South Korean newspaper) reports that Nexon's Japanese headquarters spoke with EA about a potential acquisition recently.

What came of those talks, however, is unclear. For its part, EA isn't offering any news. "We don't comment on rumors and speculation," is all reps told us, which you'll notice isn't a denial of said talks taking place.

But could such a deal even take place? Experts don't seem to think so. "My takeaway is that this deal cannot happen," Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter told GI International. "There are few, if any synergies, and no reason to believe that Nexon could run EA's assets more efficiently. Nexon shareholders would own a completely different company than what they bought in the December IPO," he added, referring to Nexon's late 2011 public stock offering.

So for now, while the talk of an EA takeover is always scintillating to discuss, it's very likely not happening (at least via Nexon) anytime soon.

JoystiqNexon bids for EA takeover, everyone says it's very unlikely originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyouteaelectronic-artsmichael-pachternexontakeoverwedbush-securitiesThu, 26 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA['Operation Exorcist' is this weekend's Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/operation-exorcist-is-this-weekends-mass-effect-3-multiplayer/#comments ImageListen up soldiers, the System Alliance Military has a special mission for you this weekend. Top brass is aiming to eradicate 1,000,000 Cerberus Phantoms from the face of the galaxy between 6 p.m. Pacific on Friday, April 27 and 5 a.m. Pacific on Monday, April 30. While attempting to surmount this incredible feat, your unit will also be tasked with surviving until extraction from any map set to Gold Difficulty.

Upon successful completion of your squad's personal mission, each of you will be awarded a Commendation Pack for your service to your galaxy. Should the Alliance's overall goal be reached, every member of the System Alliance Military will be granted a Victory Pack. Now suit up, we've got a long weekend ahead of us.

Oh, except for you, PS3 Division. We still need you guys on KP duty, so this mission only applies to Xbox Squadron and the PC Armada.

Joystiq'Operation Exorcist' is this weekend's Mass Effect 3 multiplayer event originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaevent-weekendmass-effect-3microsoftoperation-exorcistpcxboxxp-weekendWed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Head down to the swamps of New York City with Crysis 3's first gameplay trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/head-down-to-the-swamps-of-new-york-city-with-crysis-3s-first-g/#comments Image
Crysis 3's naturalization of New York City's concrete jungle takes full shape in the first gameplay trailer, released this morning by EA. That compound bow makes plenty of appearances, but don't think Crytek has forgotten about all those other toys Crysis fans have come to expect.

JoystiqHead down to the swamps of New York City with Crysis 3's first gameplay trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3crytekeaelectronic-artsmicrosoftnew-york-citypcplaystationps3xboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST