Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EA 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[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[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[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[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[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[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[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[Report: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 isn't happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/#comments Tiger Woods PGA Tour is going to sit the next round out, according to sources speaking to Kotaku. The site has been informed by folks with knowledge of the series that Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 - which was to be outsourced - isn't happening in the wake of EA CEO John Riccitiello's departure. An in-house team will work for the next two years to make Tiger Woods 16 and take advantage of next generation systems.

EA responded: "We don't comment on speculation about our franchises. We have nothing to announce today about future games on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 is now available on PS3 and Xbox 360."

An EA Sports representative also tells us the company will be delivering patches this week to fix known issues with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14.

The Tiger Woods brand has hit a rough patch these past few years. EA reaffirmed its relationship with Woods in 2010 despite the golfer's penchant for putting around. Later that same year EA did note it'd like to see the golfer winning to make their relationship worthwhile. But, here's the hard truth: As much as EA may want to move on from Tiger, um, name another golfer...

JoystiqReport: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 isn't happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsgolfmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3tiger-woodstiger-woods-pga-tour-14tiger-woods-pga-tour-15wii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA admits to more layoffs, still won't give specifics [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-layoffs-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-layoffs-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-layoffs-april-25/#comments Update: According to an internal memo sent to EA staff and obtained by Kotaku, the publisher's latest restructuring plan includes moving EA's Origin business under the organization of Frank Gibeau's Labels group and placed EA Sports head Andrew Wilson in charge of the Origin Network.

The memo says "the workforce reductions which we communicated in the last two weeks represent the majority of our planned personnel actions."

Original Story: Following more rumored layoffs and the reported closure of EA Partners, Electronic Arts has posted the following statement regarding the constant drip of employees being let go across divisions.

"In recent weeks, EA has aligned all elements of its organizational structure behind priorities in new technologies and mobile. This has led to some difficult decisions to reduce the workforce in some locations. We are extremely grateful for the contributions made by each of our employees - those that are leaving EA will be missed by their colleagues and friends," reads a company statement posted this afternoon.

"These are hard but essential changes as we focus on delivering great games and showing players around the world why to spend their time with us."

The extent of the EA layoffs and restructuring should come into full view when the company announces its fiscal year results on May 7.

JoystiqEA admits to more layoffs, still won't give specifics [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnersElectronic-ArtslayoffsThu, 25 Apr 2013 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA layoffs at EA Mobile India, Playfish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/report-ea-layoffs-at-ea-mobile-india-playfish/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/report-ea-layoffs-at-ea-mobile-india-playfish/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/report-ea-layoffs-at-ea-mobile-india-playfish/#comments EA retiring Playfish Facebook gamesThe Electronic Arts layoff waves continue, with cuts reported at EA Hyderabad (India) and Playfish.

MCV India reports 50 employees were let go at the India mobile studio. As has been standard ops for EA during these layoff rounds, the company acknowledged there were cuts, but wouldn't discuss specifics.

Develop reports there have also been layoffs at social games developer Playfish, which isn't surprising since Playfish appears to have no games in production or to support following Monday's sunset announcements. EA bought Playfish for $300 million in 2009 (entering a "strategic" five year deal with Facebook in 2010). Again, there is no official count of how many employees have been let go.

Based on rough estimates following last week's layoffs, including the latest information and sources speaking under condition of anonymity, it appears EA has let go of over 300 employees (full-time and contract) this past week.

If you're a member of an affected team at EA, please don't hesitate to reach out.

JoystiqReport: EA layoffs at EA Mobile India, Playfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-Hyderabadea-indiaelectronic-artsindialayoffsmobilepcplayfishWed, 17 Apr 2013 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Layoffs hit EA, company 'not disclosing specific teams impacted']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-layoffs/#comments Following up with EA about the closure of EA Mobile Montreal, we've received the following statement from the company.

"EA is sharpening its focus to provide games for new platforms and mobile. In some cases, this involves reducing team sizes as we evolve into a more efficient organization," the company told Joystiq. "These are difficult decisions to let go of good people who have made important contributions to EA, and whenever possible we retrain or relocate employees to new roles. Streamlining our operations will help ensure EA is bringing the best next-generation games to players around the world."

We continue to work on finding out the extent of today's impact, but we believe we have a better grip on today's layoffs at EA Mobile Montreal. Our understanding is that 60 to 70 permanent employees were let go, along with over 100 people working under EA's contract system. These are mostly quality assurance testers. We're told by one source, "If you walk through the office all you see is a bunch of already cleared out desks, and people cleaning out their desks."

These layoffs and closures were expected in the wake of former CEO John Riccitiello's resignation last month. In his departure letter to the company, Riccitiello wrote, "My decision to leave EA is really all about my accountability for the shortcomings in our financial results this year. It currently looks like we will come in at the low end of, or slightly below, the financial guidance we issued to the Street, and we have fallen short of the internal operating plan we set one year ago. And for that, I am 100 percent accountable."

If you're a member of an affected team, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'll continue to work on this story and update as new information comes in.

Update: Brazilian site UOL Jogos reports EA Mobile Brazil will shut down by week's end. A separate source informs us 30-40 people worked at the studio, providing localization and support.

UOL Jogos also has unconfirmed reports that BioWare Social and a studio in London were also closed.

Update #2: More jobs are reportedly being cut at EA's customer service center in Galway, Ireland. The European customer service expansion into Ireland was announced in September 2012, and was expected to create 300 jobs.

JoystiqLayoffs hit EA, company 'not disclosing specific teams impacted' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobile-montrealEA-MontrealElectronic-ArtslayoffsThu, 11 Apr 2013 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Cast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/sims-3-island-paradise-june-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/sims-3-island-paradise-june-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/sims-3-island-paradise-june-28/#comments

Here's a message we pulled out of a bottle: The Sims 3 Island Paradise expansion will be available June 28. The message also contained a USB stick with the above trailer and below screenshots. Convenient.

Island Paradise will let Sims show some skin as they enjoy leisurely activities and live on houseboats. Man, houseboats sound like the best idea in the world, except for the whole, you know, sinking thing. There are also speedboats and jet skis, along with scuba and snorkelling exploration. Pre-orders receive the "Island Survival Pack." No word yet if it includes the ability to cry over a lost relationship with an artistic volleyball.

Gallery: The Sims 3 Island Paradise

Continue reading Cast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28

JoystiqCast away to Sims 3 Island Paradise on June 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtspcThe-Sims-3Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeschuk: EA 'gives you enough rope to hang yourself,' in a good way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/zeschuk-ea-gives-you-enough-rope-to-hang-yourself-in-a-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/zeschuk-ea-gives-you-enough-rope-to-hang-yourself-in-a-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/zeschuk-ea-gives-you-enough-rope-to-hang-yourself-in-a-good/#comments Zeschuk EA 'gives you enough rope to hang yourself'BioWare co-founder Greg Zeschuk is done with the gaming industry, at least from a development standpoint and at least for now, he told Games Industry after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award with fellow doctor Ray Muzyka at GDC.

"I really don't see myself making a brand-new game developer," Zeschuk said. "I also don't really see myself working for anyone else, at least in the traditional sense. But I can imagine myself, for example, being on a board, consulting ... In building a business and making a game company, it is a kind of been there, done that feeling. When you've checked off all the boxes, why do it again? I don't really imagine a full-time gig in the business appealing to me - I just don't see it."

Zeschuk said he's proud of the creative legacy he cultivated at BioWare, and cites one specific regret of his time there: not making Jade Empire an Xbox 360 launch title. That "would have been massive," Zeschuk said.

EA acquired BioWare in 2007 prior to the launch of Mass Effect, and Zeschuk said he's still happy with that move. The BioWare team never had to conform to EA's standards of microtransactions or forced multiplayer, though it did have to keep the bottom line in mind, he said.

"The best analogy I use, in a positive way, is EA gives you enough rope to hang yourself. It was really interesting because we really made all the choices we wanted to make ourselves; these are all things we wanted to try ... That was the biggest revelation, that rope that EA gives you; they don't second-guess you, they don't say you shouldn't do that. We had complete creative control over a lot of it; some fans didn't like some of it and some of it was experimental, quite frankly."

JoystiqZeschuk: EA 'gives you enough rope to hang yourself,' in a good way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredr-greg-zeschukEAElectronic-Artsgreg-zeschukmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 10 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Cheetah Speed returns, Mac version in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/simcity-cheetah-speed-returns-mac-version-in-june/#comments After several "non-critical" SimCity features were disabled over a month ago to improve server stability, one of the most significant is finally back online. SimCity players can now enable Cheetah Speed once again, invigorating their tiny Sims to work harder and faster than ever. Maxis is also working on "Update 2.0," though no date was offered regarding its expected release.

In other virtual city planning news, the Mac version of SimCity will be released on June 11. The Mac release will be available exclusively via Origin, with no plans for a retail version. As a nice bonus, those who own the PC version will automatically have access to the Mac version. Likewise, Mac players will be able to download the PC version at no extra cost. Cross-platform play between each version will be supported.

JoystiqSimCity Cheetah Speed returns, Mac version in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA responds to 'Worst Company in America' poll: 'We can do better. We will do better.' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/worst-company-in-america-poll-has-ea-respond-we-can-do-bette/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/worst-company-in-america-poll-has-ea-respond-we-can-do-bette/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/worst-company-in-america-poll-has-ea-respond-we-can-do-bette/#comments Electronic Arts' Chief Operating Officer Peter Moore has responded to the company's commanding wins (losses?) in The Consumerist's "Worst Company in America" online poll to say EA will do better, while standing strong on a couple issues it refuses to take heat over.

"Let me cut to the chase: it appears EA is going to 'win.' Like the Yankees, Lakers and Manchester United, EA is one of those organizations that is defined by both a legacy of success, and a legion of critics," wrote Moore in an official post on the EA site. "Are we really the 'Worst Company in America?' I'll be the first to admit that we've made plenty of mistakes."

He continued, "These include server shut downs too early, games that didn't meet expectations, missteps on new pricing models and most recently, severely fumbling the launch of SimCity. We owe gamers better performance than this."

Continue reading EA responds to 'Worst Company in America' poll: 'We can do better. We will do better.' [update]

JoystiqEA responds to 'Worst Company in America' poll: 'We can do better. We will do better.' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artspeter-mooreWorst-Company-in-AmericaFri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interim EA CEO Larry Probst earning $1.03 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/interim-ea-ceo-larry-probst-earning-1-03-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/interim-ea-ceo-larry-probst-earning-1-03-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/interim-ea-ceo-larry-probst-earning-1-03-million/#comments EA investor documents reveal Larry Probst is to receive a $1.03 million salary while acting as CEO in the wake of John Riccitiello's resignation last month. An additional bonus will be considered at the end of his term as interim CEO.

Probst has experience as CEO, having held the position at EA from 1991 until 2007, after which he was succeeded by John Riccitiello. March 30 was Riccitiello's last day at Electronic Arts and the publisher has already initiated a hunt for his successor, of which the company is considering both internal and external candidates.

[image credit]

JoystiqInterim EA CEO Larry Probst earning $1.03 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsinterim-ceojohn-riccitiellolarry-probstTue, 02 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: How the Concessions Stand in Battlefield 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/editorial-how-the-concessions-stand-in-battlefield-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/editorial-how-the-concessions-stand-in-battlefield-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/editorial-how-the-concessions-stand-in-battlefield-4/#comments Editorial How the Concessions Stand in Battlefield 4EA seized an entire movie theater in San Francisco in the midst of GDC 2013 to demonstrate nearly 20 minutes of Battlefield 4, which is also a video game. The venue was large and loud enough to encapsulate the shooter's cinematic aspirations, and flaunt every extravagant detail manifested in the weapons, soldiers, lighting and urban environments - right down to the cracking, withered paint on a door. Battlefield 4 belonged on every inch of that big screen.

And that's fine. I enjoy shooters, I adore movies, and I think there's a valid convergence to be found between the two. It's rarely a shortcut for superior storytelling, but the medium is malleable and fit for many authors. Some strive for realism, others seek expression in the abstract, and some guys prefer to make a crazy game about shipping soup to other planets.

None of those, however, have claimed responsibility for a "new era of interactive entertainment." That would be Battlefield 4, according to EA Games Vice President Patrick Söderlund. "Revealing the game to you all today is a big deal for us," he said in epilogue to the game's exquisitely rendered destruction. "It signals a new era of Battlefield and, frankly, a new era of interactive entertainment."

Gallery: Battlefield 4 (Fishing in Baku)

Continue reading Editorial: How the Concessions Stand in Battlefield 4

JoystiqEditorial: How the Concessions Stand in Battlefield 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield 4battlefield-4battlefield4diceeaelectronic-artsgdc-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 4 confirmed to launch this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/battlefield-4-confirmed-to-launch-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/battlefield-4-confirmed-to-launch-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/battlefield-4-confirmed-to-launch-this-fall/#comments

Battlefield 4 was officially announced this evening, coming in the fall to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. The game runs on Frostbite 3. It's been a weird road since Battlefield 4's unceremonious reveal in July 2012, where it was part of a pre-order bonus for Medal of Honor: Warfighter. Two EA military franchises enter, one survives a year later.

Pre-orders from any retailer receive the Premium expansion pack, while Origin pre-orders get the Digital Deluxe version that includes the game, the Premium expansion, access to the multiplayer beta and some bonus in-game items. Check out the first official in-game footage above.

JoystiqBattlefield 4 confirmed to launch this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-4diceeaelectronic-artspcps4Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 3 Awakened DLC review: Event horizon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dead-space-3-awakened-dlc-review/#comments Note: This review concerns events that happen after the ending of Dead Space 3. As such, it discusses elements that may spoil the story for those who haven't finished it. You have been warned.

Dead Space 3's "Awakened" DLC was pitched as a couple of different things. It was to serve as an epilogue to the game, presumably providing some clarity on the more nebulous plot points. It also promised to return players to the sort of horror that was more pronounced in the first two Dead Space games, a horror born of claustrophobia and psychosis.

Awakened delivers on these two points to a certain extent, but much more so on the former.

Gallery: Dead Space 3 'Awakened' DLC (03/07/2013)

Continue reading Dead Space 3 Awakened DLC review: Event horizon

JoystiqDead Space 3 Awakened DLC review: Event horizon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-3dlceaelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3visceralvisceral-gamesxboxFri, 22 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL.com celebrates the 20th anniversary of NHL '94]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/nhl-com-celebrates-the-20th-anniversary-of-nhl-94/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/nhl-com-celebrates-the-20th-anniversary-of-nhl-94/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/nhl-com-celebrates-the-20th-anniversary-of-nhl-94/#comments NHLcom celebrates the 20th anniversary of NHL '94I'm Canadian, so bear with me for a moment.

EA's NHL '94 was an important landmark for the sport of hockey as the first game in the still-ongoing franchise to include authentic team names, logos and rosters. Twenty years later, it's still remembered as one of the best games of the generation by sports aficionados. Celebrating the game that helped form new fans and enhanced the experiences of existing ones, NHL.com has written a piece that deals with its legacy and how it has helped evolve the status of the sport and its players.

In it, former Chicago Blackhawks superstar Jeremy Roenick reveals that people, to this day, still mention his virtual representation's dominance on the ice. "Whatever the case may be, I would say one out of three people I meet mention '94 Sega," Roenick says.

The article continues with a look at how its highest-ranked players achieved cult status outside of the real-world sport. It's an interesting read for fans of the series, gamers that survived the 16-bit era, and sports fans looking to see how meaningful their favorite pastime can be in the digital era.

If you're American, substitute all mentions of hockey with football for maximum effectiveness. Or tennis, if that's your thing.

JoystiqNHL.com celebrates the 20th anniversary of NHL '94 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsHockeyWed, 20 Mar 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3's 'Citadel' DLC demonstrates the franchise's messy, wonderful soul]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mass-effect-3s-citadel-dlc-demonstrates-the-franchises-messy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mass-effect-3s-citadel-dlc-demonstrates-the-franchises-messy/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mass-effect-3s-citadel-dlc-demonstrates-the-franchises-messy/#comments This is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.

Mass Effect 3's 'Citadel' DLC demonstrates the franchise's messy, wonderful soul
One of the reasons that the Mass Effect series has been one of the most-discussed franchises of the generation is because the games are many different things to many different people. They're science-fiction epics. They're cover-based shooters. They're dating sims. They're long-term serialized stories. They're slowly wandering through cities in space, engaging in long conversations. They're tough battles against overwhelming odds.

The core divide is between the self-serious saga of Shepard versus the Reapers that the franchise attempts to convey, and the entertaining - if slightly goofy - glorious mess that some perceive it to be. The final story-based expansion for the series, the recently-released 'Citadel' add-on, demonstrates how big that divide can be and then it bridges the gap.

Gallery: Mass Effect 3 - Citadel

Continue reading Mass Effect 3's 'Citadel' DLC demonstrates the franchise's messy, wonderful soul

JoystiqMass Effect 3's 'Citadel' DLC demonstrates the franchise's messy, wonderful soul originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDLCDownloadable-ContentEAElectronic-Artsmass-effect-3microsoftOpinionpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Origin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/origin-exploit-uses-hyperlinks-to-run-malicious-code-remotely/#comments Origin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotelySecurity research firm ReVuln has discovered a fairly simple way (in theory, at least) for unscrupulous folks and their hacking machines to execute malicious code on your computer, by way of EA's Origin platform.

The exploit takes advantage of Origin's uniform resource identifier -- the protocol through which hyperlinks and shortcuts launch Origin itself and execute commands. Typically, a URI is clicked on by the user, either in the form of a link in a web browser or as a shortcut on a desktop, at which point the URI launches Origin and tells it what game to load, and how.

As it happens, certain Origin-exclusive games are vulnerable to having their execution commands subverted by precisely formatted URIs. As seen in the graph above, this can be used by bad dudes to piggyback instructions onto the URI, which can instruct Origin to load and run malicious software, rather than Crysis 3.

Avoiding this exploit is thankfully simple, however: Open Origin first, and launch games from there. The exploitative instructions are contained within the URI hyperlink -- take that out of the equation, and you should be fine.

"Our team is constantly investigating hypotheticals like this one as we continually update our security infrastructure," an EA representative told us. Uniform resource identifiers aren't unique to Origin, of course, and are widely used in everything from iTunes to Steam, the latter of which has an extremely similar vulnerability [PDF] that was discovered by ReVuln last year.

JoystiqOrigin exploit uses hyperlinks to run malicious code remotely originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysis-3EAElectronic-ArtsexploithackhackingmacOriginpcphishingspoofingURITue, 19 Mar 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/eas-origin-player-appreciation-sale-on-now/#comments EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on nowElectronic Arts' Origin service began a "player appreciation sale" today, with over 200 titles up to 70 percent off for a week. The sale includes digitally distributed games for PC and Mac, as well as physical goods for consoles, PC and Mac.

Coincidentally, this also reduces the value of EA's apology to SimCity purchasers. For example, the $40 Origin copy of Battlefield 3 is now $12, while the $60 copy of Dead Space 3 is reduced to $30. Simply stated: If you're gonna offer a pound of flesh for your sins, don't make it 8 oz. in the same breath.

Awkward timing aside, cheaper games are a good deal, so take a browse. The sale concludes on March 26 at 10AM Pacific.

[Image: Willee Cole via Shutterstock]

Continue reading EA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now

JoystiqEA's Origin 'Player Appreciation Sale' on now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmacmicrosoftnintendooriginpcplaystationps3wii-uxboxTue, 19 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA CEO John Riccitiello resigns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-ceo-john-riccitiello-resigns/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-ceo-john-riccitiello-resigns/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-ceo-john-riccitiello-resigns/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2010/02/johnriccitiello_530x300.jpgElectronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has submitted his resignation to EA's board of directors. His final day will be March 30, the close of the company's fiscal year.

"The Board will immediately initiate a search and both internal and external candidates will be considered for the CEO position," wrote EA board chairman Larry Probst in a public statement.

"Our business is built on more than a dozen powerful, globally recognized brands," Probst continued. "We are clear leaders in the fastest growing category in games - mobile - and we are positioned to lead on the next generation of consoles. Most importantly we have deep reserves of talent - new faces and industry veterans who form the core of EA's leadership."

Riccitiello's departure letter noted that while the company has made progress in quality and digital products, its financial performance is tracking below set expectations.

The company's public image isn't tracking very well either. We're still in the midst of the SimCity debacle, but that's only the latest in a string of high-profile failures that required great spin by the publisher. The expensive MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic went free-to-play after not catching on, while management issues have caused the company to miss an NBA title three years running. There are too many cases of "a hit missing."

Oh, also, if you're a Vegas bookie, put the Joystiq crew down for $10 on Chief Operating Officer Peter Moore as the heir apparent. Then again, there's always the chance of a Don Mattrick return.

Continue reading EA CEO John Riccitiello resigns

JoystiqEA CEO John Riccitiello resigns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsJohn-riccitielloMon, 18 Mar 2013 16:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: SimCity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-simcity/#comments Well, it's been two weeks since the calamitous launch of the SimCity reboot and the game currently has a Metacritic score lower than the abysmal Resident Evil 6. A small blessing for developer Maxis? SimCity dodges being the highest profile stinker of this still burgeoning year thanks to the dishonor of the utterly broken Aliens: Colonial Marines.
  • GameTrailers (80/100): "Aside from some issues with its online requirements, bugs, and restrictions on city size, it's still a satisfying and addicting simulator that will grant dozens of hours of entertainment with one well-designed city alone."
  • GiantBomb (60/100): "And while I expect many will fall head-over-heels in love with this SimCity's cooperative design, at its best, the game feels more like a really thoughtfully designed multiplayer mode for a larger, single-player capable game that, sadly, doesn't exist."
  • Gamespot (50/100): "The bugs will probably be fixed, the wrinkles smoothed, and the online problems sorted out. What hurts most, though, is that it didn't have to be this way. SimCity's makers looked to MMOGs for ideas on how to bring players together, but didn't absorb the lessons MMOG developers learned long ago on how to implement practical online play."
  • Eurogamer (40/100): "There was a time, perhaps eight or nine hours in, when I wondered why SimCity was so easy. Nobody ever complained about the air pollution, while using my depot to sell my recycling netted me endless profits. I kept playing because, back then, I kept having fun, I kept trying new things and I kept convincing myself that I was a good Mayor. Now I know that it was never really down to me."
  • Destructoid (40/100): "I wanted to like this game, I really did. At first I started to enjoy it, but soon all I found was frustration. I can't recommend this game to anyone, and I don't want to play it anymore myself because I am afraid of seeing all my efforts lost due to server issues."

JoystiqMetareview: SimCity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmaxisMetareviewmetareviewspcsimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/ea-offers-choice-of-mass-effect-3-simcity-4-more-for-simcity-p/#comments EA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity playersAs part of its efforts to re-endear customers to the new SimCity, EA is handing out one free Origin game to all players, from a choice of Battlefield 3, Bejeweled 3, Dead Space 3, Mass Effect 3, Medal of Honor Warfighter, Need for Speed Most Wanted, Plants vs. Zombies and SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition. To be eligible for a free game, players must register their copies of SimCity before March 25 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, and must claim a free game before March 30 at 11:59 PDT.

Underage players will automatically receive a copy of Bejeweled 3 and SimCity 4.

Many players worldwide were unable to connect to Maxis servers following SimCity's launch in early March, locking the game completely since it requires an always-on connection. In the weeks after its release, EA and Maxis dropped "non-critical" features from the game and added servers to allow players to connect, and are now in the process of re-adding these lost features. This fiasco frustrated many players, as did the game itself.

JoystiqEA offers choice of Mass Effect 3, SimCity 4, more for SimCity players originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsfreeMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis: SimCity's internet requirement not a 'clandestine' DRM strategy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/maxis-simcitys-internet-requirement-not-a-clandestine-drm-st/#comments Following claims yesterday that SimCity had been modified to run offline in a limited capacity, Maxis/EA general manager Lucy Bradshaw has since updated EA's official blog with a bulleted reiteration of Maxis' always-on design philosophy for the game.

In the missive, Bradshaw dismisses claims that SimCity's internet connectivity requirements are in reality "a clandestine strategy to control players" while listing a few of the ways in which server connectivity is essential to the design of the game, though she does not directly address whether the game can be played completely offline in its current form.

"So, could we have built a subset offline mode? Yes," Bradshaw added. "But we rejected that idea because it didn't fit with our vision. We did not focus on the 'single city in isolation' that we have delivered in past SimCities. We recognize that there are fans - people who love the original SimCity - who want that."

JoystiqMaxis: SimCity's internet requirement not a 'clandestine' DRM strategy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>always-onlinedigital-rights-managementdrmEAElectronic-ArtsLucy-BradshawMaxispcsimcity-2013simcity-5Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: SimCity modded to disable disconnection timer, open debug mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/rumor-simcity-modded-to-disable-disconnection-timer-open-debug/#comments
Reddit user AzzerUK claims to have enabled SimCity's debug mode and to have disabled its disconnection timer, both of which imply that there is more to the game's inner workings than EA and Maxis originally stated.

Currently, a user that loses their connection to the server during gameplay will be logged out of the game after 20 minutes. This is supposedly because the client must sync simulation data back to the server on a regular basis, in order to ease the computational load on the user's machine and to ensure the simulation as a whole runs smoothly.

Though not demonstrated in the video above, AzzerUK claims to have disabled that disconnection timer, and that playing an offline city for extended periods of time resulted in no issues with the simulation itself. Since SimCity does not support local saves in any way, it is not possible for AzzerUK to actually save anything that happens in his offline city, but the important thing is that the simulation reportedly did not come to a screeching halt after being unable to sync with the server.

The modder/hacker also claims to have enabled SimCity's debug mode, which allows for cities to be edited beyond their typically imposed borders. Though clipping and texture mapping issues are easily visible in the above clip, the traditionally impossible highways created at least appear to function properly. This supposes that, at least theoretically, the game is capable of supporting city sizes that are larger than what is currently available.

JoystiqRumor: SimCity modded to disable disconnection timer, open debug mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-sizedebugEAElectronic-ArtshackhackedMaxismodmoddedofflinepcsimcity-2013simcity-5Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST