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[Sims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/sims-3-producers-guide-you-through-island-paradise-dlc/#comments
EA recently provided us with a producer walkthrough video for The Sims 3 Island Paradise DLC, an upcoming expansion pack for the game. The DLC takes players to the Isle Paradiso where, as seen in the video, they can cruise on houseboats from port to port.

Players will also get to build their own resort on the island when the expansion launches June 28. Before that, however, The Sims 3 Dragon Valley world will open on May 30.

Gallery: The Sims 3 - Island Paradise (5/16/13)

JoystiqSims 3 producers guide you through Island Paradise DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtspcThe-Sims-3Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 14 not coming to Wii U due to poor FIFA 13 sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/#comments With this morning's revelation that EA does not have any Wii U games in development comes the outright confirmation that FIFA 14 will not be appearing on the system as well.

"Although FIFA 13 on Wii U featured our award-winning HD gameplay and innovative new ways to play, the commercial results were disappointing," an EA representative told Joystiq. "We have decided not to develop FIFA 14 on Wii U. We have a strong partnership with Nintendo and will continue to evaluate opportunities for developing FIFA for Nintendo fans in the future."

The game was initially announced for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, so while Wii U was never in the picture for the game, it still marks a noticeable absence for a series that launches on every major platform each year. It's not the only EA Sports title to avoid the system, as EA confirmed earlier this month that the Madden series will not see a release in 2013 on Wii U either.

JoystiqFIFA 14 not coming to Wii U due to poor FIFA 13 sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-CanadaEA-Sportsfifa-13fifa-14fifa-soccer-14nintendosaleswii-uFri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-product-manager-kevin-flynn-defects-joins-call-of-duty-team/#comments Kevin Flynn, who's worked for the last two years as a senior product manager for EA's UK arm, has left to join Activision's UK side as a senior brand manager on Call of Duty. Flynn's previous efforts for EA include launching Battlefield 3 and its subsequent Premium DLC campaigns in the region.

Flynn enlisted with the Call of Duty squad this month, which we imagine must be the busiest time to sign on for an Activision paycheck. With Call of Duty: Ghosts launching on November 5 and next week's next-generation engine reveal during the Xbox event on May 21, we just hope Mr. Flynn is finding adequate time for his lunch break every day. A hungry worker is not a happy worker!

JoystiqEA product manager Kevin Flynn defects, joins Call of Duty team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefieldbattlefield-3call-of-duty-ghostseaelectronic-artskevin-flynnmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 17 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/#comments Since Madden NFL 25 skipped 12 years is named to commemorate the series' 25th anniversary, it shouldn't be surprising that EA Sports recently unveiled a special Anniversary Edition. What is a little surprising are the contents of the special edition, which includes a free one-year subscription for DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket service, allowing fans to watch every out-of-market NFL game throughout the season.

EA Sports tells us that the subscription is limited to the NFL Sunday Ticket computer, tablet and mobile service. Additionally, those who are able to receive DirecTV service in their area can get $10 off per month for the service, which starts at $225, as well as a free subscription to the higher-tier NFL Sunday Ticket MAX.

The Anniversary Edition of Madden 25 is exclusive to Amazon, and limited to 50,000 copies on each of the game's platforms, Xbox 360 and PS3 (100,000 copies total). It will also include complimentary Madden Ultimate Team card packs every week of the NFL's 17-week regular season. Madden 25's Anniversary Edition is available to pre-order now on Amazon for $99.99.

JoystiqLimited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-editioneaea-sportsea-tiburonfootballmaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftnflnfl-sunday-ticketplaystationpreorderps3special-editionsubscriptionxboxFri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[EA has no Wii U games in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-has-no-wii-u-games-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-has-no-wii-u-games-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/ea-has-no-wii-u-games-in-development/#commentsEA No Wii U games in development Mega publisher Electronic Arts has no games currently in development for Nintendo's Wii U. EA recently confirmed the detail to Kotaku, following mounting evidence the publisher was no longer planning to make games for the struggling console.

It was previously revealed that some of EA's biggest franchises would not make their way to the Wii U this year, including Madden NFL or Battlefield 4. The final sign of something being terribly wrong would have been EA's top-selling FIFA franchise ditching out. That's a certainty now.

JoystiqEA has no Wii U games in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsnintendowii-uFri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former NYT digital head joins EA's board as Gregory Maffei leaves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/former-nyt-digital-head-joins-eas-board-as-gregory-maffei-leave/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/former-nyt-digital-head-joins-eas-board-as-gregory-maffei-leave/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/former-nyt-digital-head-joins-eas-board-as-gregory-maffei-leave/#commentsEA reorganization Former NYT digital head now on board Following last week's "restructuring," Electronic Arts has announced a new addition to its board of directors. Denise F. Warren has been appointed to both the board and EA's Audit Committee. Warren is the Vice President of the Digital Products and Services group at the New York Times, where she previously oversaw operations on NYTimes.com and the Times' other digital properties.

Warren will be stepping in as director Gregory Maffei steps out, passing on re-election at the stockholders meeting to be held on July 31. Maffei is the president and CEO of Liberty Media, the distributor that owns cable channels Discovery Channel, USA, Starz and more. Maffei has been on the EA board for 10 years, but is resigning to work with his own company.

Continue reading Former NYT digital head joins EA's board as Gregory Maffei leaves

JoystiqFormer NYT digital head joins EA's board as Gregory Maffei leaves originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boardboard-membersboard-of-directorsceodenise-f-warreneaelectronic-artsgregory-maffeiliberty-medianew-york-timespresidentThu, 16 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/simcity-amusement-park-pack-rides-in-may-28/#comments

SimCity's "Amusement Park Pack," which leaked like oil out of a tea cup ride a tad early, has been confirmed to arrive in two weeks by developer Maxis.
"Some of you may have seen thrilling new SimCity content that arrived too early at the gate. It's coming May 28th. We think you'll be amused," the official SimCity Facebook page now notes.

The pack will allow mayors to lay out the park how they wish, featuring several different rides and customizable entrances. The park will also generate cash by bringing in shoppers, tourists and boosting the local commercial economy. No price was listed for the expansion.

JoystiqSimCity 'Amusement Park Pack' rides in May 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 16 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/crysis-3-multiplayer-dlc-emerges-via-achievements-listing/#comments A new achievements listing suggests Crysis 3 is suiting up for multiplayer DLC. Posted on the typically reliable Xbox 360 Achievements, the listing indicates a 250G pack featuring four maps called Creek, Crossing, Ascent, and Coastline, and two modes called Frenzy and Team Possession. The mention of a flag points to Team Possession being a CTF variant.

The DLC apparently also has a new weapon: the boat oar. We mainly wanted to mention it because the associated achievement is called 'Totally Oarsome.'

EA hasn't announced any upcoming DLC for Crysis 3, although developer Crytek previously indicated it had "big plans" for post-launch content. We've reached out to EA for more info.

JoystiqCrysis 3 multiplayer DLC emerges via achievements listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscrytekDLCEAmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawngate site points to new EA MOBA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/dawngate-site-points-to-new-ea-moba/#commentsDawngate site points to new EA MOBA A website for a new fantasy MOBA called Dawngate launched this morning, listing EA and a company called Waystone Games as involved. As spotted by online sleuth superannuation, the site apparently launched early. Links to Twitch. Twitter, and YouTube lead to accounts either inactive or private.

"Dawngate is a new MOBA," the page reads, "Built from the ground up to look and feel familiar while offering a whole new way to experience MOBA gameplay. Dawngate empowers you to forge the champions you love for the roles you want in a competitive arena, shaped by ever-evolving, community-driven content and story."

Superannuation suggests Dawngate is the MOBA seemingly outed by Visceral Games job listings late last year, and that Visceral's free-to-play group has been renamed Waystone Games. Apart from the little that's on the site, there's no other info on the studio.

Earlier this year, it was speculated Visceral had undergone massive restructuring following below-target sales of Dead Space 3, claims which EA strenuously denied. EA recently announced 900 layoffs across its total workforce as part of organizational restructuring.

The Dawngate website has a page that allows users to register for a chance to take part in an upcoming beta. As far as we could see, signing up requires an Origin account.

We've reached out to EA for comment.

JoystiqDawngate site points to new EA MOBA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawngateEApcvisceral-gameswaystone-gamesThu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA puts an end to its Online Pass program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward."

The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.

JoystiqEA puts an end to its Online Pass program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-online-passea-sportsmicrosoftnintendoonline-passpcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[EA opening DICE Los Angeles studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-opening-dice-los-angeles-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-opening-dice-los-angeles-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-opening-dice-los-angeles-studio/#commentsEA opening DICE Los Angeles studio EA is bringing a new DICE studio to Los Angeles, and it's expected to be a key part in the creation of new Star Wars games. As the Wall Street Journal reports, DICE LA hopes to take advantage of the area's "extreme talent pool," a pool Activision is already knee-deep in via Infinity Ward and Treyarch, both based in California. DICE LA plans to employ 60 members by the end of 2013, and is keen to bring the very best to the studio.

"There is an extreme talent pool over [there] that we want to be a part of," DICE General Manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson told WSJ. "It's no secret our main competitor is there."

Troedsson didn't reveal just how much the company is investing in the new studio. The news comes after what's been an eventful month for EA. The company announced 900 layoffs due to restructuring, estimated to be 10 percent of its then workforce. However, EA is clearly looking to build big on the platform of exclusive rights to Star Wars games.

[Image Source: @Battlefield]

JoystiqEA opening DICE Los Angeles studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICEdice-laEAstar-warsWed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/ea-developing-frostbite-go-mobile-game-engine-for-ios-and-androi/#commentsEA has a mobile version of Frostbite EA has published a website for its Frostbite graphical engine, and text on the website mentions the existence of a project called Frostbite Go, which EA describes as "a mobile division empowering EA game developers with Frostbite's proven excellent workflows and features to bring true Frostbite experiences to all major mobile platforms." In other words, the company is putting together the technology to run Frostbite on platforms such as iOS and Android.

The blurb doesn't say which version of Frostbite the mobile engine will be based on, but given that Frostbite 3 is the new hotness around EA, it's a fair guess that the company is adapting the latest and greatest for Frostbite Go. We're supposed to see Frostbite 3 games arrive later on this year (with Battlefield 4 being the first of these), so odds are that any Frostbite Go-created products should hit the market at that same time.

JoystiqEA developing Frostbite Go mobile game engine for iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattlefield-4developmenteaenginefrostbitefrostbite-3frostbite-gogamegamesiosipadiphonemobileTue, 14 May 2013 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Khaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/khaleesi-sims-3-dragon-valley-is-available-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/khaleesi-sims-3-dragon-valley-is-available-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/khaleesi-sims-3-dragon-valley-is-available-may-30/#comments

It is known that The Sims 3 Dragon Valley will hatch on May 30. The digitally distributed expansion will add a new location, architecture and dragons to the franchise. Not big dragons, but baby dragons. "Pet dragons," according to EA. A DRAGON IS NOT A SLAVE!

Say what you will about all these expansions, but it's pretty clear now that by the time The Sims 4 launches in the first quarter of next year, The Sims 3 will conclude with an amazing collection of colorful expansions - and hopefully be sold in an incredibly discounted bundle. Sim hipster werewolves playing in the snow with their pet dragon while on college break? Sure!

Continue reading Khaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30

JoystiqKhaleesi, Sims 3 Dragon Valley is available May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 May 2013 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-valleyeaelectronic-artspcThe-Sims-3the-sims-3-dragon-valleySat, 11 May 2013 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Command & Conquer hoping to 'wash the stain of C&C 4 away']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/command-and-conquer-hoping-to-wash-the-stain-of-candc-4-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/command-and-conquer-hoping-to-wash-the-stain-of-candc-4-away/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/command-and-conquer-hoping-to-wash-the-stain-of-candc-4-away/#comments

Electronic Arts and developer Victory Games really, really want you to know that the upcoming, free-to-play Command & Conquer is a legit game. To get back to the roots of what made C&C the franchise it was, the new game is doing its best to make us forget the last ... five years.

Continue reading Command & Conquer hoping to 'wash the stain of C&C 4 away'

JoystiqCommand & Conquer hoping to 'wash the stain of C&C 4 away' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>command-and-conquer-2013command-and-conquer-generals-2eaelectronic-artsvictory-gamesFri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/ea-executives-andrew-wilson-stephen-bene-unload-stocks/#comments Two of Electronic Arts' top-level executives have collectively unloaded a total of 57,085 stocks, following a general increase in EA's stock value after this week's Star Wars exclusivity announcement. According to SEC forms filed yesterday, EA Sports executive vice president Andrew Wilson has sold his entire stake in the company: 32,085 shares at $21.42 a pop, for a grand total of $687,260.70.

EA senior vice president and General Counsel Stephen Bene followed suit, today exercising an option to buy 25,000 shares from EA at $16.06 per share for $401,500 in total, well below the current market value. Bene then sold those shares for $22.40 each, making $560,000. After subtracting the amount originally spent when the option to buy the shares was exercised, Bene made a net profit of $158,500. Unlike Wilson, Bene is still in possession of 6,700 shares of EA, according to SEC documents.

JoystiqEA executives Andrew Wilson, Stephen Bene unload stocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAndrew-WilsonEAelectronic-artsfinancemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Stephen-Benestocksvitawii-uxboxFri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 servers see DDOS attack, EA says no user data breached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-3-servers-see-ddos-attack-no-user-data-breached/#commentsBattlefield 3 suffering ongoing DDOS attack, EA working on it The Battlefield 3 servers have been under a DDOS attack for the past several days, aimed at interfering with network communication and preventing access to multiplayer, EA says. The barrage has not breached any user data and EA is working to stop the attack, the publisher adds.

"The current Battlefield 3 outages are a result of activity that appears to be aimed at overwhelming our back-end infrastructure. We are working on a variety of solutions to address this problem and are focused on resolution as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and support," EA writes. "We are incredibly disappointed by these activities and the impact they are having on all of our ability to enjoy BF3, thank you for your patience as we work to resolve these issues."

EA held rolling restarts of the Battlefield 3 servers to apply updates, and any new information will be posted on BattleLog.

[Thanks, Josh!]

JoystiqBattlefield 3 servers see DDOS attack, EA says no user data breached originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3ddosEAnetworkoutagepcWed, 08 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA lays off 900 employees in 'organizational restructuring']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-lays-off-900-employees-in-organizational-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-lays-off-900-employees-in-organizational-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-lays-off-900-employees-in-organizational-restructuring/#commentsEA lays off approximately 900 employees during organizational restructuring During a conference call discussing its year-end financials yesterday, Electronic Arts revealed that it laid off approximately 900 employees worldwide as part of an "organizational restructuring" initiative.

Emphasizing that its business was in a period of transition due to the coming launch of next-generation consoles, EA CFO Blake Jorgensen announced company-wide plans to "reduce [its] overall headcount by approximately 10 percent," in an attempt to reduce costs. EA employed an estimated 9,000 workers across its studios, according to its last official employee count in March of 2012.

The latest round of layoffs cost EA $16 million in severance payments.

Over the last year, EA announced layoffs in its Los Angeles and Montreal offices, was vague about closures at EA Mobile and shuttered its PopCap Dublin studio. Last month, EA's Origin was restructured, and is now part of the Frank Gibeau-headed EA Labels group.

Electronic Arts has developed a pattern to its layoff practices over the last few years. In May of last year, restructuring-related layoffs cut EA's workforce by an estimated 5 to 10 percent, while around 800 EA employees lost their jobs between 2010 and 2011.

JoystiqEA lays off 900 employees in 'organizational restructuring' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artslayoffsWed, 08 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA kills licensing deals with gun makers, keeps those guns in games [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-kills-licensing-deals-with-gun-makers-keeps-those-guns-in-ga/#commentsEA keeping guns in games but drops licensing Behind the scenes, EA is dropping licensing ties to real-life gun manufacturers, but on-screen it still intends to use branded guns in its games. Most recently, EA has worked with gun manufacturers such as McMillan Group International and gun magazine maker Magpul to promote Medal of Honor: Warfighter, but now those deals are off - even though EA still plans to use name-brand guns in its shooters.

"We're telling a story and we have a point of view," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau tells Reuters. "A book doesn't pay for saying the word 'Colt,' for example."

EA spokesman Jeff Brown says branded weapons lend games "enhanced authenticity," which is why EA wants to keep them in its games. However, all official agreements between EA and gun companies are now severed. "The action games we will release this year will not include licensed images of weapons," Brown says.

Following December's mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the NRA and a handful of politicians and pundits blamed video games for encouraging gun violence. One week after the shooting, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said video games represented "a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people."

Brown says that the NRA's comments have nothing to do with its decision: "The response from our audience was pretty clear: They feel the comments from the NRA were a simple attempt to change the subject."

EA is currently involved in a lawsuit with Bell Helicopter, who argues that use of its helicopters in the Battlefield games goes beyond fair use and infringes on Bell's trademark. A jury trial is set for June to decide the issue, which could easily apply to EA's new gun-licensing theory.

Update: Jeff Brown tells Ars Technica that EA has never paid a licensing fee to a gun manufacturer, nor has it been paid to use specific branded guns in its games. EA will simply continue this practice in the future.

"No other EA game or service has used licensed gun images in a game," Brown says.

EA did work with McMillan and Magpul for that Medal of Honor: Warfighter campaign, a charity benefiting veterans that encouraged gun makers featured in the game to donate. Those that did were featured on a Warfighter sub-page as "authentic brands" in the game. All of the money went straight to the charity, Brown says.

JoystiqEA kills licensing deals with gun makers, keeps those guns in games [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artsgun-violenceGunslicenselicensingmedal-of-honor-warfightermicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 May 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 13-20 domains registered by EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-13-20-domains-registered-by-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-13-20-domains-registered-by-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-13-20-domains-registered-by-ea/#commentsBattlefield 1320 domains registered by EA Electronic Arts - using a known third-party service - registered the dot-com domains for Battlefield's 13-20. Fusible took note of the registrations, going on to mention that EA owns most of the Battlefield domains between one and 20 now. Battlefield 4 is expected to launch later this year.

Although the initial instinct may be to call this long-term planning a little overdone, it's not so crazy if Battlefield takes the annualized approach á la an EA Sports title. Battlefield '14 through Battlefield '20 doesn't sound so crazy now.

Update: Rock, Paper, Shotgun has picked up Battlefield21.com in the starry-eyed hopes of cashing in. It's a gold rush, folks. Don't get left behind!

JoystiqBattlefield 13-20 domains registered by EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-4diceeaElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 May 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports and FIFA extend exclusive license until 2022]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/#commentsImage You know that couple where everything is just public displays of affection and love notes? That's Electronic Arts and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The two companies announced this morning they'll continue going steady until December 31, 2022.

Under the agreement, EA retains the exclusive rights to FIFA-branded games, including the exclusive rights to the official FIFA World Cup game. In the executive understatement of the week, EA Sports EVP Andrew Wilson said, "EA Sports released the first FIFA-branded soccer game in 1993, and 20 years later our partnership with FIFA continues to be very strong."

FIFA 13 sold 14.5 million units through March, EA announced yesterday as part of its year-end financial results. That's up 30 percent from FIFA 12's sales the prior year. The franchise is doing so well that maybe folks in the States will start calling it football soon. We joke, Madden, we still love you too, baby.

JoystiqEA Sports and FIFA extend exclusive license until 2022 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifafifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 4 sees a duo of new screenshots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-4-sees-a-duo-of-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-4-sees-a-duo-of-new-screenshots/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/battlefield-4-sees-a-duo-of-new-screenshots/#commentsmini Two new Battlefield 4 screens Here we have two new Battlefield 4 screenshots. Once you cross-multiply and divide for no reason, it's almost as if we have four Battlefield 2 screenshots, or eight Battlefield screenshots, or even one giant Battlefield 8 image. But math isn't really our strong suit.

Gallery: Battlefield 4 (5/7/13)

JoystiqBattlefield 4 sees a duo of new screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-4EAmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 May 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Frostbite engine tests yield 'not too promising' results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wii-u-frostbite-engine-tests-yield-not-too-promising-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wii-u-frostbite-engine-tests-yield-not-too-promising-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/wii-u-frostbite-engine-tests-yield-not-too-promising-results/#commentsWii U Frostbite engine tests yield 'not too promising' results EA DICE technical director Johan Andersson revealed that the developer's Frostbite 3 engine, which powers Battlefield 4 and the next entries in the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises, does not run on Nintendo's Wii U.

Responding to fan questions on Twitter, Andersson explained that DICE's Wii U experiments with Frostbite 2 had "not too promising" results, leading to the company abandoning efforts to get Frostbite 3 up and running on Nintendo's latest console.

During the Game Developers Conference in March, Epic Games' Mark Rein noted that Unreal Engine 4 does not currently run on the Wii U. Rein later clarified, explaining that licensed developers could potentially port Unreal Engine 4-powered games to the Wii U, at their discretion.

JoystiqWii U Frostbite engine tests yield 'not too promising' results originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diceeafrostbitefrostbite-2frostbite-3nintendowii-uTue, 07 May 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/#comments Electronic Arts has confirmed to Joystiq that neither Tiger Woods PGA Tour, nor its take on the UFC rights it acquired last June, will be released in fiscal year '14 (concluding March 31, 2014). Although this doesn't necessarily confirm there will be no Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 as has been rumored - due to the awkward timing of the game's standard release in late March - it does confirm the game won't come out in its usual spot during the last week of March, which it has done for three years.

Speaking during today's investor call, EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau explicitly mentioned 11 games the company plans to launch before next March, none of which were UFC or Tiger. When asked for clarification, a representative for EA told us the games would not release in the fiscal year, though they are "still in development."

JoystiqEA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfy-2014tiger-woodsufcTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/no-star-wars-games-in-fy-2014-ea-says/#comments EA won't launch a Star Wars game during its 2014 fiscal year - April 2013 to March 2014 - EA said during an investor call today. Yesterday EA announced it had signed an exclusive, multi-year deal with Disney to develop and publish games in the Star Wars universe.

EA released its FY 2013 results today, complete with expectations for 2014 that put net revenue at $3.50 billion. This is based on the launch of 11 games and 15 mobile titles, EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said. In FY 2013, EA saw a net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012.

Gibeau called out the next Battlefield, FIFA, Madden, NBA Live and Need for Speed games as next-gen titles. It's notable that NBA Live is on the schedule at all, considering that series' rocky launch history.

"In fiscal 14, we will release 11 major titles across consoles, and on the PC. This includes our core sports titles," EA Labels President Frank Gibeau said, before listing the following franchises and games:

Continue reading No Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says

JoystiqNo Star Wars games in FY 2014, EA says originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androideaElectronic-Artsfinancialsfy-2014iosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Star-Warsvitawii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Gibeau: NBA Live coming in fiscal 2014 [Update: Planned for next-gen systems]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/gibeau-nba-live-coming-in-fiscal-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/gibeau-nba-live-coming-in-fiscal-2014/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/gibeau-nba-live-coming-in-fiscal-2014/#comments EA will launch a game in the NBA Live series in the 2014 fiscal year (April 2013 through March 2014), President of EA Labels Frank Gibeau said during EA's fiscal 2013 year-end investor call. Gibeau listed NBA Live among the publisher's core sports titles as one of 11 games the publisher is planning for the fiscal year. The standard launch window for NBA games is in October.

EA canceled NBA Live 13 in September 2012 after opting to "sit out the full year and stay focused on making next year's game great." The series has had a lengthy history of not seeing publication, starting with NBA Elite 11 being canceled in November 2010.

Update: Gibeau listed NBA Live as one of the games that EA has planned for next-generation consoles. He also noted that the publisher has a "brand new engine from EA Sports," that will be seen at E3 in June.

JoystiqGibeau: NBA Live coming in fiscal 2014 [Update: Planned for next-gen systems] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafiscal-2014Frank-Gibeaunba-elite-11nba-livenba-live-13Tue, 07 May 2013 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA revenues over $1B in fiscal Q4, down from last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-revenues-over-1b-in-fiscal-q4-down-from-last-year/#comments Following a weak third quarter in its fiscal 2013 calendar, EA has reported strong digital sales in the home stretch but an overall decline in revenue. The three months leading to March 31, 2013, generated $1.209 billion for EA, compared to last year's final quarter revenue of $1.368 billion.

Digital sales in particular showed a 22 percent increase in cash flow to the tune of $108 million, over $88 million during the same period as last year. In the financial report, EA claimed it was the top global publisher on the iOS App store for the entirety of its fiscal 2013.

As for full fiscal year performance, EA reported net revenue of $3.797 billion, down from $4.143 billion in 2012. FIFA 13 sold 14.5 million copies for EA, a 30 percent increase over last year's game, and Battlefield 3's Premium subscription service generated $120 million. SimCity has sold 1.6 million copies, with half of those sales coming via online purchases.

JoystiqEA revenues over $1B in fiscal Q4, down from last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafinancialsfiscal-2013q4-2013salesTue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 sells 14.5 million in 2013, digital revenue up from FIFA 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/fifa-13-sells-14-5-million-in-2013-digital-revenue-up-from-fifa/#commentsFIFA 13 sells 145 million through 2013, net revenue up from FIFA 12 FIFA 13 sold through 14.5 million units in fiscal year 2013, up 30 percent compared with FIFA 12 sales from the prior year. Net revenue from digital sales hit $200 million in adjusted, non-GAAP terms, an increase of 94 percent compared with FIFA 12 year-over-year. The entire FIFA franchise generated $350 million in digital net revenue in FY 2013, including sales from FIFA Online and FIFA World Class Soccer.

By Q3 2013, which ended on December 31, 2012, FIFA 13 clocked a total of 12 million sales.

JoystiqFIFA 13 sells 14.5 million in 2013, digital revenue up from FIFA 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAfifa-13financialsfy-2013microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxTue, 07 May 2013 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 Premium reached 3.5 million subscribers, generated $120 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/battlefield-3-premium-reached-3-5-million-subscribers-generated/#comments Battlefield 3's Premium service has garnered over 3.5 million subscriptions to date, according to EA's fiscal fourth quarter 2013 financial results. Additionally, the service has earned over $120 million for EA.

This compares to the financial results reported by EA for the last quarter, in which the Battlefield 3 Premium service generated $108 million and had 2.9 million subscribers.

JoystiqBattlefield 3 Premium reached 3.5 million subscribers, generated $120 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3DICEEAearningsElectronic-Artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 May 2013 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity sales reach 1.6 million, 50% of sales online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-sales-reach-1-6-million-50-sales-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-sales-reach-1-6-million-50-sales-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-sales-reach-1-6-million-50-sales-online/#comments Electronic Arts announced as part of its year-end financials that SimCity has sold 1.6 million units since its launch in March.

The company noted that 50 percent of sales were "digital downloads." Since the city-builder is only available through EA's Origin digital distribution network, we deduce that to mean 800k sales through there.

The company previously mentioned the game had sold 1.1 million copies in two weeks despite the title's launch complications, which are still being worked out.

Gallery: SimCIty (02/19/2013)

JoystiqSimCity sales reach 1.6 million, 50% of sales online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-Artspcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 07 May 2013 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Fuse demo sparks up XBLM, PSN today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psa-fuse-demo-sparks-up-xblm-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psa-fuse-demo-sparks-up-xblm-psn-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/psa-fuse-demo-sparks-up-xblm-psn-today/#comments
The demo of Insomniac's Fuse, formerly Insomniac's Overstrike, melds with the Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network today. It's already available on XBLM (all 1.45GB of it), while PSN gets it later today.

The demo lets you play a portion of the four-player shooter's campaign either offline with AI partners, or online. If you go online you can play solo with the option to invite friends, or with friends able to join you at any time. You can also play co-op via matchmaking.

JoystiqPSA: Fuse demo sparks up XBLM, PSN today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoEAfuseinsomniacmicrosoftoverstrikeplaystationps3PSNXBLMxboxTue, 07 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/simcity-3-0-update-out-this-week-attempts-to-fix-traffic-again/#comments SimCity will receive the 3.0 update this week, which will hopefully go down smoother than 2.0 released in late April. The 3.0 update (listed after the break) tweaks traffic routing, phantom air pollution, stuck school buses and university students crossing roads. Apparently SimCity grammar schools didn't implement the "buddy system" as a road-crossing teaching tool.

The SimCity update is another piece on the pyre of good news EA blasted out yesterday in preparation for today's financial call, where the company is expected to deliver bad news (harsh enough to make a CEO stand down). Yesterday's news included a Plants vs. Zombies 2 release window, the announcement of The Sims 4 and EA's Star Wars exclusivity.

Continue reading SimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again

JoystiqSimCity 3.0 update out this week, attempts to fix traffic again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alice: Otherlands is seriously considering Kickstarter, plans a video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/alice-otherlands-is-seriously-considering-kickstarter-plans-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/alice-otherlands-is-seriously-considering-kickstarter-plans-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/alice-otherlands-is-seriously-considering-kickstarter-plans-a/#commentsAlice Otherlands is getting serious about this Kickstarter idea American McGee's Spicy Horse development studio is getting serious about this Kickstarter idea for the third Alice installment, Alice: Otherlands. A Facebook page started in April contains multiple mentions of Kickstarter, potential rewards and teases about "hush-hush" negotiations with EA.

Spicy Horse is now working on a Kickstarter video for Alice: Otherlands and it wants an existing Alice cosplayer to star in it. The shoot is scheduled for June in Shanghai, China, Spicy Horse's home base.

"This contest does not mean the 'Otherlands' project will definitely happen - we're still working on deal-making, which could stall or fall through altogether," Spicy Horse cautions at the end of its announcement. For now, check out some of the early art for Alice: Otherlands and keep those Vorpal Blades crossed.

Alice: Otherlands features Alice in London, where she invades the minds of passersby and plays around in thousands of diverse, mental Wonderlands, McGee told us during GDC. He envisioned it not as a AAA game, but as an online, cooperative, cross-platform experience between tablets and browsers - but that was before EA had a say.

JoystiqAlice: Otherlands is seriously considering Kickstarter, plans a video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alicealice-otherlandsamerican-mcgeeEAElectronic-Artskickstarterspicy-horseMon, 06 May 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL 14 cover vote goes to the sweet sixteen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/#commentsNHL 14 cover vote goes to the next round EA Sports has announced the final sixteen players that have advanced to the next round of voting for NHL 14's cover. Each of the remaining players are lumped into a bracket format, competing head-to-head until the final match-up is decided and revealed during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

According to EA, more than 12 million votes have been cast in the competition's first two rounds, "with daily vote totals up nearly 70% over the NHL 13 Cover Vote Campaign."

Fans signed into their EA account can vote an unlimited number of times during this round until May 12 at 11:59pm ET. Votes can be doubled on Thursdays on Twitter and Instagram by using specific hashtags for each of the remaining players.

NHL 14 launches in North America on September 10, 2013, and worldwide on September 13. My expert recommendations can be found in the image above.

JoystiqNHL 14 cover vote goes to the sweet sixteen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cover-VoteEAEA-SportsHockeymicrosoftNHLnhl-14playstationps3Vote-for-a-Maple-Leafs-PlayerxboxMon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: The Sims 4 is a 'single-player offline experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-the-sims-4-is-a-single-player-offline-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-the-sims-4-is-a-single-player-offline-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-the-sims-4-is-a-single-player-offline-experience/#comments
EA The Sims 4 is a 'singleplayer offline experience'
An announcement for The Sims 4 confirms the game will include a single-player component playable offline. With SimCity's tumultuous launch fresh on the brain, the news of offline gameplay is undoubtedly welcomed by fans.

Not much else is said about the upcoming sequel in the press release, other than a promise of "new and intuitive tools" with which players can connect with their Sims. There will also be some kind of sharing functionality.

The Sims 4 was announced earlier today and is currently in development at The Sims Studio at EA's Redwood City headquarters. The Sims 4 will launch on PC and Mac in 2014.

Continue reading EA: The Sims 4 is a 'single-player offline experience'

JoystiqEA: The Sims 4 is a 'single-player offline experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamacofflinepcthe-sims-4the-sims-studioMon, 06 May 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/ea-disney-exclusive-rights-star-wars/#commentsEA obtains exclusive rights to Star Wars
Electronic Arts and the Walt Disney Company, which obtained the Star Wars franchise as part of its $4.05 billion acquisition of LucasFilm last year, have signed a multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to develop and publish Star Wars games.


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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyDisney-Interactiveeaelectronic-artsLucasArtslucasfilmstar-warsMon, 06 May 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies 2 sprouts this July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/#comments
Plants vs Zombies 2 sprouts this July
Plants vs. Zombies 2 will finally launch in July, according to PopCap Games.

"Yay! I can finally say it! PvZ 2: It's About Time is coming in July!" PvZ Community Marketing Manager Stephanie Bayer announced on Twitter this morning.

PopCap Games announced the sequel last year with a "first half of 2013" release window, so we guess this counts as a mini delay. Hey, PvZ zombies are the slow kind.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies 2 sprouts this July originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmobilepcplants-vs-zombies-2PopCapPopCap-GamesMon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-sims-4-announced-for-2014-on-pc-mac/#commentsThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac Maxis announced The Sims 4 this morning, coming to PC and Mac in 2014. More details are due later today, EA said.

"The Sims franchise is fueled by the passion and creativity of its millions of fans around the world," reads EA's announcement. "Their continued devotion to the franchise ignites the fire of creativity of the team at The Sims Studio, driving them to continually improve and innovate on one of the world's most successful simulation game that has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide."

[Image source: @CurtisParadis]

JoystiqThe Sims 4 announced for 2014 on PC, Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAmacmaxispcrelease-datethe-sims-4Mon, 06 May 2013 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 25 trailer shows a few new moves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/#comments
A recent blog from EA Tiburon provided more specific examples of how Madden 25's combo moves for ball-carriers would operate. The latest trailer for the game shows off some of the noted moves, such as stutter steps, back jukes and the runner's newfound ability to recover from stumbling.

JoystiqMadden 25 trailer shows a few new moves originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ball-carriercombo-movesdoug-martineaEA-Sportsea-tiburonMaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftplaystationprecision-modifierps3run-freetrailertrey-wingoxboxSat, 04 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Collision Physics takes the ice in NHL 14 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/#comments
EA Canada recently detailed NHL 14's Collision Physics in a developer diary video and blog. New to the hockey game this year are left stick hits, where the speed and momentum of skaters can cause big hits without the use of the right joystick. Right stick hitting controls are still accessible in the game.

The Collision Physics system, which borrows from the FIFA series' Player Impact Engine, introduces more ragdoll reactions to players suffering hits, including the goalie. EA Canada says NHL 14 will also see less hip check spamming and more incidental contact due to the game demanding better player positioning. Likewise, the developer says the system will make better use of a player's individual attributes for keeping their balance and delivering hits on opponents.

JoystiqCollision Physics takes the ice in NHL 14 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collision-physicsdeveloper-diaryEAEA-CanadaEA-Sportsmicrosoftnhlnhl-14physics-engineplaystationps3trailerxboxSat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG lines up 'Classic EA Convoy,' 28 games at 60 percent off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/gog-lines-up-classic-ea-convoy-28-games-at-60-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/gog-lines-up-classic-ea-convoy-28-games-at-60-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/gog-lines-up-classic-ea-convoy-28-games-at-60-percent-off/#comments
If you've decided 2013 just isn't your thing, and you'd rather be playing games of yore for the entire rest of the year, then GOG.com has you covered for no more than $68.52. That's how much the online retailer is selling a collective of 28 discounted EA classics, with the likes of the Ultima, Wing Commander, Populous and Dungeon Keeper series all at 60 percent off.

Of course, you don't have to be disillusioned with the calendar year to take advantage of these deals, nor do you have to buy the whole lot. Each individual game is priced $2.39, and they include Sim City 2000 Special Edition, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri, and Bullfrog's brilliant medical sim Theme Hospital - you still can't beat a Bullfrog intro video.

The offer ends at 9PM PT on Monday, May 6 (midnight ET).

JoystiqGOG lines up 'Classic EA Convoy,' 28 games at 60 percent off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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