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[Gears of War: Judgment gets 'Lost Relics' multiplayer DLC next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-lost-relics-multiplayer-dlc-next-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-lost-relics-multiplayer-dlc-next-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-lost-relics-multiplayer-dlc-next-m/#commentsGears of War Judgment gets 'Lost Relic' multiplayer DLC next month Epic lays down Gears of War: Judgment with new multiplayer DLC in June. The 'Lost Relics' pack a new gametype and four further maps, including the return of 'Checkout' from Gears of War 3. Also bundled in are new armor and weapon skins.

The gametype is called Breakthrough. It features one team trying to get a flag from A to B, and another trying to stop them. The attacking team has a limited pool of lives, while the defensive team has unlimited resources. Sounds like the attacking team's has their work cut out.

You can peruse layouts of the four maps - that's Checkout, Lost City, Museum, and Ward (for OverRun) - in the gallery just below these words. More details are due in the coming weeks. Finally, in case you missed it, Judgment received a free OverRun map earlier this week.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (Lost Relics maps)

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment gets 'Lost Relics' multiplayer DLC next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxFri, 17 May 2013 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/gears-of-war-judgment-gets-free-overrun-map-may-15/#commentsGears of War Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15 Through another partnership with Maxim, Gears of War: Judgment will offer a free OverRun-compatible map to all players next week, May 15, called Dreadnought. This new map is set on a derelict ship, used by the COG at the outset of the war to transport captured Berserkers.

This is the second free piece of DLC sponsored by Maxim. The first free map, Haven, arrived on April 2, when Execution mode was introduced to Gears of War: Judgment.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment gets free OverRun map May 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdreadnoughtepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmaximmicrosoftoverrunxboxFri, 10 May 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, Microsoft going 'heavily' on free-to-play next-gen, says Epic VP Rein]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-microsoft-going-heavily-on-free-to-play-next-gen-says-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-microsoft-going-heavily-on-free-to-play-next-gen-says-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/sony-microsoft-going-heavily-on-free-to-play-next-gen-says-e/#comments Sony and Microsoft are telling developers they're "going heavily" on free-to-play and in-app purchasing models with their next-gen consoles, according to Epic Games VP Mark Rein. Speaking in a roundtable discussion at the UK's Game Horizon conference, Rein said both companies will take on the kinds of financial models seen on mobile devices.

"The next-gen consoles are going to be fully embracing the free-to-play and these IAP-type business models," Rein told the audience, "So in case you don't know that I'm putting that out there. Sony and Microsoft are both going heavily in that area."

Roundtable chair Matt Martin of GamesIndustry International said that's what both platform holders are saying, but that "we still need to see some kind of evidence."

Rein replied, "Well, I'm telling you. I'm telling you what they're telling developers."

Continue reading Sony, Microsoft going 'heavily' on free-to-play next-gen, says Epic VP Rein

JoystiqSony, Microsoft going 'heavily' on free-to-play next-gen, says Epic VP Rein originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesfree-to-playgame-horizon-2013mark-reinmicrosoftnext-xboxps4shuhei-yoshidasonyThu, 09 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 3-powered Epic Citadel now playable in browsers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/unreal-engine-3-powered-epic-citadel-now-playable-in-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/unreal-engine-3-powered-epic-citadel-now-playable-in-browsers/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/unreal-engine-3-powered-epic-citadel-now-playable-in-browsers/#commentsUnreal Engine 3powered Epic Citadel now playable in browsers Epic Games has released an HTML5 version of its Unreal Engine tech demo Epic Citadel. Currently, the project is optimized for Firefox Nightly version 23 or above, so make sure your browser is up to spec before you check it out.

Collaborating with an engineering team at Mozilla, Epic developed a web-capable port of Unreal Engine 3 in just four days. A combination of the JavaScript subset asm.js and Emscripten drove the port's creation, and the result should be playable in any standards-based browser that implements HTML5, WebGL and JavaScript.

While Epic Citadel currently crashes in Chrome, Google's developers are looking into a fix. Internet Explorer does not support current versions of WebGL. Epic Citadel launched as a free download for iOS devices back in 2010, paving the way for Chair's release of the hit Unreal-powered action game Infinity Blade later that year.

Continue reading Unreal Engine 3-powered Epic Citadel now playable in browsers

JoystiqUnreal Engine 3-powered Epic Citadel now playable in browsers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserEpic-CitadelEpic-Gameshtml5macpcThu, 02 May 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment 'Call to Arms' map pack available April 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/gears-of-war-judgment-call-to-arms-map-pack-available-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/gears-of-war-judgment-call-to-arms-map-pack-available-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/gears-of-war-judgment-call-to-arms-map-pack-available-april-2/#comments Gears of War Judgment 'Call to Arms' map pack available April 23The next Gears of War: Judgment map pack, entitled "Call to Arms," will launch on April 23.

The pack includes three new maps, a new multiplayer mode called "Master of Arms," and six armor and gun skins.

The pack will cost $12.50 (1000 Microsoft Points) on its own, but is included in the $20 (1600 MSP) season pass. The pass will also cover one more similarly sized pack.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment - Call of Arms Map Pack

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment 'Call to Arms' map pack available April 23

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment 'Call to Arms' map pack available April 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-to-armsepicepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxFri, 19 Apr 2013 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 not designed to work on Wii U [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/unreal-engine-4-not-designed-to-work-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/unreal-engine-4-not-designed-to-work-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/unreal-engine-4-not-designed-to-work-on-wii-u/#comments Unreal Engine 4 not designed to work on Wii UEpic Games' Unreal Engine 4 won't support the Wii U, Epic VP Mark Rein said during GDC. During a theater presentation of the Infiltrator demo, Rein laughed and said "no" when asked if UE4 would run on Wii U.

"Our goal for Unreal Engine 4 console-wise is next-gen consoles," he explained to Kotaku. "That's really what our energies are focused on. If you want to make a Wii U game, we have Unreal Engine 3, and it's powering some of the best games on the Wii U already."

Battlefield series executive producer Patrick Bach told Eurogamer this week that not only is Battlefield 4 not coming to Wii U, the new Frostbite 3 engine on which it runs is also not designed for Wii U. "We right now don't have support for the Wii U in the Frostbite engine," he said. "The reason for that is it takes development time."

Update: Rein spoke with Engadget and clarified his comment from the presentation, noting that it's totally possible to run Unreal Engine 4 games on Wii U. "You heard the stupid gaffe yesterday about the Wii U," he said. "If someone wants to take Unreal Engine 4 and ship a game on Wii U, they can! If they wanna ship an Unreal Engine 4 game on Xbox 360, they could make it happen."

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 not designed to work on Wii U [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAepic-gamesfrostbitefrostbite-3gdc-2013mark-reinnintendounreal-engineunreal-engine-4wii-uSat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS4 'Elemental' demo of Unreal Engine 4 gets an extension]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/ps4-elemental-demo-of-unreal-engine-4-gets-an-extension/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/ps4-elemental-demo-of-unreal-engine-4-gets-an-extension/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/ps4-elemental-demo-of-unreal-engine-4-gets-an-extension/#comments
In addition to the new 'Infiltrator' video, Epic Games brought to GDC an extended version of the PS4 'Elemental' demo highlighting its Unreal Engine 4 engine, the demo first shown at the console's reveal event. You can now see two more minutes of Epic's next-gen engine running in real-time on Sony's next-gen console.

JoystiqPS4 'Elemental' demo of Unreal Engine 4 gets an extension originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgdc-2013playstationps4sonyunreal-engine-4Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla unveils browser-based Unreal Engine 3 using JavaScript]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mozilla-unveils-browser-based-unreal-engine-3-using-javascript/#comments
Firefox producer Mozilla teamed up with Epic Games to bring Unreal Engine 3 to the web, without the need for plugins such as Flash. Mozilla and Epic took only four days to port Epic's engine to the web by using JavaScript code. The results, as demonstrated by this video unveiled at GDC, certainly look impressive.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddisney-interactiveeaepic-gamesfirefoxiosipadiphonemacmobilemozillapcunreal-engine-3zeptolabFri, 29 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Unreal Engine 4 'Infiltrator' video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/unreal-engine-4-infiltrator-video-tech-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/unreal-engine-4-infiltrator-video-tech-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/unreal-engine-4-infiltrator-video-tech-details/#comments
Here's the Unreal Engine 4 "Infiltrator" video, which was shown off as a demo this week at GDC, displaying the power of Epic's latest tech. The company jumped through different filters to show the demo was being rendered in real-time. Yes, it will run so many major titles for next-gen systems. Now, enjoy.

JoystiqUnreal Engine 4 'Infiltrator' video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamespcps4ue4unreal-engine-4Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gears-of-war-judgment-passes-tomb-raider-in-this-weeks-uk-char/#comments It's no surprise to see new release Gears of War: Judgment slam Tomb Raider off the peak of this week's UK charts. That said, the fourth Gears game's launch sales fall way behind that of its predecessor, at least in the queen's realm. Judgment shifts just a quarter of what Gears of War 3 did in its launch week, albeit in half the time; Gears 3 released in the UK on a Tuesday, Judgment on a Friday.

Two other new releases also breach the top ten, with The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct winning out against Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate. The Terminal Reality first-person shooter proves its brand traction by taking third, not quite beating Tomb Raider to second.

Meanwhile, MH3U, releasing on both 3DS and Wii U, comes in seventh. Two of last week's new releases, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 and God of War: Ascension, place ahead of it, as does the ever-present FIFA 13. Just beneath MH3U is SimCity, with the city builder keeping its foundations firmly planted in the top ten by notching eighth place in its third week.

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment passes Tomb Raider in this week's UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklyepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftnintendopcpeople-can-flyplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tencent sunk $330 million into Epic Games, owns nearly half of studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/tencent-sunk-330-million-into-epic-games-owns-nearly-half-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/tencent-sunk-330-million-into-epic-games-owns-nearly-half-of-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/tencent-sunk-330-million-into-epic-games-owns-nearly-half-of-s/#comments Back in June, Chinese company Tencent Holdings purchased a minority stake in Epic Games, but it turns out that stake is substantial. Tencent snatched up 48.4% of Epic Games shares last year - that comes to around $330 million invested - and even has the right to nominate individuals to Epic Games' board of directors.

"Since the Group has the right to nominate directors to the board of Epic Games, Epic Games is accounted for as an associate of the Group." This is all laid out in Tencent Holdings' 2012 financial report, available as a pdf document through the source link below. Epic Games was the second US gaming investment from the Chinese outfit following its acquisition of Riot Games in 2011.

Following Tencent's purchase of Epic shares, Epic Games announced it had founded a new studio in Baltimore, saving some Big Huge Games folks from the collapse of 38 Studios to work on Infinity Blade: Dungeons - only for Epic to eventually shutter the studio in February of this year.

JoystiqTencent sunk $330 million into Epic Games, owns nearly half of studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesinfinity-blade-dungeonstencent-holdingsThu, 21 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment trailer opens up a few prizeboxes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-trailer-opens-up-a-few-prizeboxes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-trailer-opens-up-a-few-prizeboxes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-trailer-opens-up-a-few-prizeboxes/#comments
Gears of War: Judgment launches tomorrow and as become the norm, a variety of pre-order items and other unlockables are on offer - both in-game and through this summary video.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment trailer opens up a few prizeboxes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentitemsmicrosoftpeople-can-flypre-orderskinsunlockablesxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Gears of War - Judgment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/metareview-gears-of-war-judgment/#comments Today is Judgment Day for Gears of War - or at least it's the day when reviews of the series' latest entry start popping up online. Once you've read our findings on how People Can Fly fared with Gears, check out some other evaluations and what they had to say.
  • Destructoid (90/100): "OverRun alone is worthy of praise, but there's just so much stuff going on in this package, there's something for all followers of the series. A few of Judgment's experiments may not be as fondly received as others, but overall it's hard to complain about a game that tries so much, and succeeds in almost all its endeavors...This is Gears of War back, unquestionably, on the winning path."
  • EGM (80/100): "While the emphasis on fast-paced replayability and a more intimate, nuanced narrative do wonders for Judgment's single-player campaign, the game is ultimately held back by its surprisingly meager multiplayer offering."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "Even with the pall of over-familiarity lingering over it, Gears of War: Judgment is a timely reminder that ruthless focus on gameplay, generosity towards players and good old-fashioned design craft can still pay dividends at a time when big-budget action games are at risk of fragmenting into splinters of mindless busywork. Sometimes, being a bloody good shooter is all that's required."
  • Giant Bomb (60/100): "There's just enough exposition there to keep things moving and just enough of a gameplay tweak to make you wish they had made these changes two games ago. It's a fun but feature-light shooter for people who already enjoy the basic style of Gears of War. Nothing more, nothing less."

JoystiqMetareview: Gears of War - Judgment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmetareviewmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment review: Horde mentality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/gears-of-war-judgment-review/#comments There is a parable at the heart of Gears of War: Judgment, a tale of many people affecting the one. Though the words "Horde mode" are not to be found on its main menu, it is this revelatory multiplayer invention of Gears of War 2 that makes Gears of War: Judgment such a success.

The guiding principles and universal value of its simple proposition - you and your pals fight back against ever-encroaching waves of enemies - have been so bluntly interwoven into the campaign and multiplayer components of Gears of War: Judgment that it's impossible to miss. Horde mode helped put the Gears of War series on the map and, while the mode itself is technically absent from Gears of War: Judgment, the entire game is a learned execution of its logic.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (3/7/13)

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment review: Horde mentality

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment review: Horde mentality originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment's weighty squad desires your company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/gears-of-war-judgments-weighty-squad-desires-your-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/gears-of-war-judgments-weighty-squad-desires-your-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/gears-of-war-judgments-weighty-squad-desires-your-company/#comments
This is the brand-new Kilo squad in the very-nearly-here Gears of War: Judgment. Well, half brand-new. Joining Baird and the Cole Train are the seasoned Sofia Hendrick and youthful Garron Paduk - hey, did you know their roles were originally reversed? You do now.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment's weighty squad desires your company originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftxboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer-unleashes-the-epic-reaper/#comments Gears of War Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper'Each week, one randomly-chosen member of the Gears of War: Judgment community will wear a special multiplayer skin called the Epic Reaper - yet the ghoul is more than just a skin. The Epic Reaper has "special abilities and physics" that will make him (her? it?) "not very easy to kill," this Epic blog post notes.

In addition to the skin and whatever these special properties are, selected Reapers will get custom dog tags - everyone who kills a Reaper will unlock a special medal and weapon skin. Epic employees will also have the skin in multiplayer after launch on March 19, so if you can take one of them down, you'll get the medal and skin.

The only thing Epic Games is willing to share about the process of choosing Epic Reapers is that it will be "based on their contributions to the community." If you want to nominate someone to be chosen, you can do it on Twitter just like every other contest nowadays.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment multiplayer unleashes the 'Epic Reaper' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesepic-reapergears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmultiplayerxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Epic prez Mike Capps leaves advisory role [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/former-epic-prez-mike-capps-leaves-advisory-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/former-epic-prez-mike-capps-leaves-advisory-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/former-epic-prez-mike-capps-leaves-advisory-role/#comments Former Epic Games president Mike Capps announced this evening he is no longer affiliated with the developer. Capps announced late last year that he would no longer be president at the privately held company, but would stay on in an advisory role.

"So what's next for me? Games have been so good to me, and I'm delighted to have the time to give back. I'm a member of several game industry boards, and I'm proud to serve as an advocate for our art in Washington," wrote Capps on Facebook this evening. "I'm considering seats on a few company and advisory boards, as well as options for teaching at one of the world-class universities in the North Carolina Triangle area. And mostly, I'm focused on being a new dad in a few short weeks."

Capps' second "retirement" gives us a good opportunity to repeat all the uncomfortable events of recent memory. Let's see, there's the minority purchase of Epic by Chinese company Tencent. The exits of design director Cliff Bleszinski, director of production Rod Fergusson and leads of People Can Fly. Then there's the terribly awkward situation of Impossible Games, established out of the Big Huge Games remains, which Epic shut down last month. Epic Games' next game is Gears of War: Judgment... judgment... judgment.

Update: Epic has provided an official statement: "When Mike Capps retired last year, he stayed on the board in an advisory role. As we've been mapping out the future for the new Epic Games, we decided it was best to get a fresh start with the new management. We thank Mike for his years of service at Epic and we wish him well in retirement and fatherhood."

JoystiqFormer Epic prez Mike Capps leaves advisory role [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesmike-cappsFri, 08 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The bow craze continues in Gears of War: Judgment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/bows-are-popular-even-in-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/bows-are-popular-even-in-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/bows-are-popular-even-in-gears-of-war-judgment/#comments

Since several of 2012's games were delayed into 2013, "the year of the bow" carries on with Tomb Raider, Crysis 3 ... and here we have Gears of War: Judgment with a fancy crossbow. (And let's not forget the wind-up fun of the original Torque Bow.)

Continue reading The bow craze continues in Gears of War: Judgment

JoystiqThe bow craze continues in Gears of War: Judgment originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicEpic-Gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxWed, 06 Mar 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment's scribes recount the narrative process]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-scribes-recount-the-narrative-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-scribes-recount-the-narrative-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-scribes-recount-the-narrative-process/#comments During a preview event last week, I asked Rob Auten and author Tom Bissell, the writers and one pair of "many parents" for Gears of War: Judgment, about the gig and how they were going to instill some drama into a franchise whose calling card is killing underground-dwelling monster men.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (3/4/13)

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment's scribes recount the narrative process

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment's scribes recount the narrative process originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospeople-can-flyrob-autentom-bissellxboxMon, 04 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment's multiplayer comfort food]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-multiplayer-comfort-food/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-multiplayer-comfort-food/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-multiplayer-comfort-food/#comments I am an unabashed Gears of War multiplayer fanatic.

I was immediately hooked by Gears of War and its intoxicating blend of third-person cover-based shooting. I struggled through the muddled mess that was Gears of War 2's launch, yet kept playing regardless. Gears of War 3 made up for a lot of missteps with the most solid multiplayer offering yet, and found in me a stalwart soldier for over a year.

So when Epic Games announced not only a new control scheme in Gears of War: Judgment, but a smattering of new modes and changes, I was a bit worried - as I'm sure some of you were and perhaps still are. Taking off the press cap and putting on the fan hat, I found my few hours in Gears of War: Judgment's multiplayer suite a reassuring slice of grandma's apple pie - a comfort food not entirely as I remember it, but still as rich and full of empty calories as I could hope.

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment's multiplayer comfort food

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment's multiplayer comfort food originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospeople-can-flyxboxMon, 04 Mar 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment's 'Aftermath' builds a bridge to Gears 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-aftermath-builds-a-bridge-to-gears-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-aftermath-builds-a-bridge-to-gears-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/gears-of-war-judgments-aftermath-builds-a-bridge-to-gears-3/#comments
Gears of War: Judgment will have a special unlockable mini-campaign taking place during the events of Gears of War 3, called Aftermath. The Aftermath campaign is an epilogue to Judgment's main story, centering on Baird, Cole and Clayton Carmine's mission to track down reinforcements before the COG invade Azura during Gears of War 3.

Senior producer at Epic Games, Alan Van Slyke, says the choice to include Aftermath is two-fold. "Aftermath is two things. One, for the Gears 3 fans who wanted more traditional Gears 3 content, it's there to satisfy them," he said. "Two, I think it gives us a chance to bookend the trilogy, so we have Cole and Baird leaving to go get reinforcements at the end of Gears 3 and we're able to build upon that. So it gives Judgment this nice additional content to be able to bookend the trilogy with something that happened right after Emergence Day prior to Gears 1, and also plays off of the traditional Gears 3 content."

Aftermath will be unlocked after players compete the main campaign in Gears of War: Judgment.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment's 'Aftermath' builds a bridge to Gears 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermathepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospeople-can-flyxboxMon, 04 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment offers up 'VIP Season Pass' for $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/gears-of-war-judgment-offers-up-vip-season-pass-for-20/#comments Epic Games is following in the footsteps of Gears of War 3, offering up a season pass for proposed multiplayer maps and other content in Gears of War: Judgment.

The VIP Season Pass, available for 1600 Microsoft Points ($20) when Gears of War: Judgment launches, will include six multiplayer maps, two game modes and "nine exclusive unlocks," including a permanent double XP modifier, five weapon skins and four armor skins. VIPs also get early access to add-on multiplayer maps.

The Gears of War 3 Season Pass totaled $30 and covered four different DLC installments, running the gamut from multiplayer maps to singleplayer DLC campaigns. While the VIP pass for Gears of War: Judgment is cheaper, the reduced price seems to come at the cost of singleplayer DLC.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment offers up 'VIP Season Pass' for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerseason-passvip-season-passxboxTue, 26 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment registers the Markza for murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/gears-of-war-judgment-registers-the-markza-for-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/gears-of-war-judgment-registers-the-markza-for-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/gears-of-war-judgment-registers-the-markza-for-murder/#comments
The newest gun in the COG arsenal is the Markza, a semi-automatic mid-range rifle that we like to imagine was named after a mid-'90s rapper who spits rhymes with an over-the-top italian accent.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment registers the Markza for murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmarkzamicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosxboxMon, 25 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Citadel runs faster, maps bumpier in Clovertrail+ demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/epic-citadel-runs-faster-maps-bumpier-in-clovertrail-demo/#comments

Epic Games hasn't abandoned Epic Citadel for Android phones, today demonstrating the engine running on Intel's new dual-core Atom Processor Z2580 chip, part of a series codenamed Clovertrail+.

In the above demo video, Epic Citadel tops out at 61 frames per second. The demo shows off Epic Citadel's ability to handle realistic reflections, bump mapping and all manner of aerial camera zooms on a mobile device. Intel showed off the Clovertrail+ chips running Epic Citadel at the Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona.

JoystiqEpic Citadel runs faster, maps bumpier in Clovertrail+ demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidCloverTrail+Epic-CitadelEpic-GamesIntelmobileMon, 25 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This is Unreal Engine 4 running on PlayStation 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/this-is-unreal-engine-4-running-on-playstation-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/this-is-unreal-engine-4-running-on-playstation-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/this-is-unreal-engine-4-running-on-playstation-4/#comments
Epic's Unreal Engine 4 was shown off during Sony's PlayStation 2013 event today, where the PlayStation 4 was formally announced. Above you can see demo footage of the "Elemental" demo, while below you can comb through a gallery of some still.

Epic's Seattle arm has been toiling away on Unreal Engine 4 since the studio's formation late last year. In October, Square Enix confirmed it was the first company to publicly license Unreal Engine 4.

Gallery: Unreal Engine 4 (Elemental - PS4)

JoystiqThis is Unreal Engine 4 running on PlayStation 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesplaystationplaystation-2013playstation-4ps3ps4unreal-engine-4Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Baird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/baird-cracks-wise-about-gears-of-war-judgment-multiplayer/#comments
Gears of War: Judgment shakes up the Gears formula on the multiplayer side, adding a host of new weapons and tweaking established ones. For example, grenades now stick to enemies when tossed. The video above showcases some of the content found in the upcoming prequel, including OverRun and Domination, a capture-point game type where two teams battle to control three different rings in the environment.

Narrated by Baird, the video gives us a look at the new prize box system, which yields XP bonuses, characters and weapon skins after each multiplayer match based on performance. As you get more ribbons in a multiplayer match, you improve your odds when it comes to opening the prize box.

The last big change is the multi-storied maps. In Gears of War: Judgment, maps aren't as flat as they've been in the past, and players will need to keep an eye out for other players dropping in and, in the case of the video above, firing off a boomshot in their faces.

Continue reading Baird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer

JoystiqBaird cracks wise about Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiosmultiplayerpeople-can-flyxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment leaks online, Microsoft warns of account bans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/gears-of-war-judgment-leaks-online-microsoft-warns-of-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/gears-of-war-judgment-leaks-online-microsoft-warns-of-account/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/gears-of-war-judgment-leaks-online-microsoft-warns-of-account/#comments Gears of War: Judgment has reportedly leaked to torrent sites on the web a full month before the game's March 19 release date. "We are aware of isolated cases in which 'Gears of War: Judgment' content has been propped on the Web and are working closely with our security teams and law enforcement to address the situation immediately," a Microsoft spokesperson told Joystiq.

It's unclear just how finished the pirated version of the game is. According to Eurogamer, the copy of the game leaked is "apparently complete."

"Consumers should be aware that piracy is illegal and we take vigorous action against illegal activity related to our products and services. Playing pirated copies of games, such as 'Gears of War: Judgment,' is a violation of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and will result in enforcement action, such as account and console bans," Microsoft added.

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment leaks online, Microsoft warns of account bans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpicEpic-Gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-judgmentleakmicrosoftxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War art director: 'It's tough to justify' a female lead character]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/gears-of-war-art-director-its-tough-to-justify-a-female-lead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/gears-of-war-art-director-its-tough-to-justify-a-female-lead/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/gears-of-war-art-director-its-tough-to-justify-a-female-lead/#comments Gears of War art director 'It's tough to justify' a female lead characterIn a macho, Power Thirst-inspired market, it's difficult to sell a game with a female protagonist, Epic Games art director Chris Perna tells OXM.

"If you look at what sells, it's tough to justify something like that," Perna says.

Epic's Gears of War series features supporting female characters that Perna describes as "butch," rather than a stereotypical portrayal of feminine beauty in an action game.

"You see the implants and the blonde hair and pants and you roll your eyes - it's almost like the game geek's idealization of what a woman should be. I think because we didn't go that route we have more believability." Perna continues, "They're still feminine. Anya in Gears 3 comes across as being very feminine, and I think it works."

Perna says player feedback supports his theory, in the form of female players dressing up as Gears of War characters at conventions and shows.

"They feel empowered," he says. "They put on that armor and they walk around with these massive weapons and I think they get a kick out of it - I get a kick out of seeing it. From what we've heard, when they play the game they feel empowered and they feel good. Some of the feedback I've heard from women that I talk to is that if we'd made these women more feminine and more stereotypical it wouldn't have been so nice."

JoystiqGears of War art director: 'It's tough to justify' a female lead character originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Gamesfemalegears-of-warladiesmicrosoftwomenxboxMon, 18 Feb 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Gears of War: Judgment at Walmart, get Gears 2 or 3 for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/pre-order-gears-of-war-judgment-at-walmart-get-gears-2-or-3-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/pre-order-gears-of-war-judgment-at-walmart-get-gears-2-or-3-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/pre-order-gears-of-war-judgment-at-walmart-get-gears-2-or-3-fo/#comments Those who purchase Gears of War: Judgment will score a copy of the original Gears of War gratis, this much we know; however, Walmart is further sweetening the deal for those who pre-order through the retailer by offering Gears of War 2 or Gears of War 3 free as well.

If you're on the fence, a public demo of the new OverRun mode will be made available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers on March 19, but that just so happens to also be the launch date for Gears of War: Judgment - so that won't be much help for your decision. If you want to score the additional two free games and included Classic Hammerburst skin from Walmart, you're going to have to pre-order before then.

JoystiqPre-order Gears of War: Judgment at Walmart, get Gears 2 or 3 for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-2gears-of-war-3gears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftmicrosoft-studiospeople-can-flywalmartxboxMon, 11 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic closes Impossible Studios, Infinity Blade: Dungeons now 'on hold']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/epic-closes-impossible-studios-infinity-blade-dungeons-now-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/epic-closes-impossible-studios-infinity-blade-dungeons-now-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/epic-closes-impossible-studios-infinity-blade-dungeons-now-on/#comments Epic Baltimore now Impossible Studios, working on Infinity Blade DungeonsEpic Games is shutting down Infinity Blade: Dungeons developer Impossible Studios, after creating the studio eight months ago.

"It was a bold initiative and the Impossible folks made a gallant effort, but ultimately it wasn't working out for Epic," said Epic founder Tim Sweeney. "This means that Infinity Blade: Dungeons is now on hold as we figure out the future of the project."

Impossible Studios was formed from the ashes of Big Huge Games. Employees will be provided three months severance and will have the option to form a new company with the Impossible Studios name and the Impossibear logo.

JoystiqEpic closes Impossible Studios, Infinity Blade: Dungeons now 'on hold' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesimpossible-studiosinfinity-blade-dungeonsFri, 08 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Epic Citadel' tech demo now on Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-citadel-tech-demo-now-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-citadel-tech-demo-now-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/epic-citadel-tech-demo-now-on-android/#comments Epic Games' 'Epic Citadel' tech demo now on AndroidAndroid users still can't partake in the acclaimed slashing hijinks of Epic Games' mobile showpiece Infinity Blade or its sequel, but they can walk around its medieval setting and watch things, like, render and stuff, now that Epic Citadel is available for free on Google Play and the Amazon Appstore.

Originally released on iOS way back in the stone ages (read: September 2010), Epic Citadel serves as both Unreal Engine 3 tech demo and phone hardware benchmarking tool, allowing Android users to not only see how pretty UE3's rivers are, but also how well their devices handle rendering them. Our Galaxy Nexus, for instance, ranked in at the "High Performance" level, churning out an average of 43.9 FPS at 1196 x 720. During testing, framerates peaked just below 60 FPS and momentarily bottomed out around 18 FPS.

As with the iOS release, there isn't a tremendous amount to actually do in Epic Citadel, aside from looking at fluttery banners and lens flares, and its on-screen twinstick controls are only recommended for those who enjoy being 100 percent out of control of their movement. Still, it's very pretty.

Gallery: Epic Citadel (Android)

Continue reading 'Epic Citadel' tech demo now on Android

Joystiq'Epic Citadel' tech demo now on Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon-appstoreandroidbenchmarkbenchmarkingEpic-CitadelEpic-GamesGoogle-Playmobiletech-demoTue, 29 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Gears of War: Judgment' OverRun demo publicly available March 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/gears-of-war-judgment-overrun-demo-march-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/gears-of-war-judgment-overrun-demo-march-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/gears-of-war-judgment-overrun-demo-march-19/#comments A few more Gears of War Judgment preorder perksGears of War: Judgment will showcase its new OverRun mode in a public demo beginning March 19. COGs who pre-order the prequel from GameStop will gain access to the demo on March 15. Those who previously pre-ordered at GameStop will also be grandfathered in.

A nice bonus of playing the demo is that multiplayer XP earned will transfer over to the final game for those who purchase Judgment in the first week after launch.

If you enjoy Gears on any level, you'll definitely want to try out OverRun when it's publicly available. The class-based team was a standout feature of Judgment when we played it.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (12/12/12)

Continue reading 'Gears of War: Judgment' OverRun demo publicly available March 19

Joystiq'Gears of War: Judgment' OverRun demo publicly available March 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxMon, 28 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 1 included in Gears of War: Judgment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gears-of-war-1-included-in-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gears-of-war-1-included-in-gears-of-war-judgment/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gears-of-war-1-included-in-gears-of-war-judgment/#comments
Tokens for the original Gears of War will be included in early copies of Gears of War: Judgement. Initial launch copies of Judgment will include a Games on Demand Xbox Live code in all regions except Germany (the first two games are still banned there).

According to Epic, over half of Gears of War 3 players never played the original game. The original Gears is a 6.3GB download valued at $20. Gears of War: Judgment will launch on March 19.

Continue reading Gears of War 1 included in Gears of War: Judgment

JoystiqGears of War 1 included in Gears of War: Judgment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxTue, 22 Jan 2013 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[A few more Gears of War: Judgment pre-order perks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/a-few-more-gears-of-war-judgment-pre-order-perks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/a-few-more-gears-of-war-judgment-pre-order-perks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/a-few-more-gears-of-war-judgment-pre-order-perks/#comments A few more Gears of War Judgment preorder perksGears of War: Judgment has a slew of retailer-specific pre-order bonuses for players around the world, covering the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands. In the US, those who order from the Microsoft Store get the Classic Hammerburst weapon and Gears of War comic heroine Alex Brand as a playable character. In the UK, order from Shop To and get the same goodies.

Order from EB Games in Canada to grab the Hammerburst, Alex Brand skin and the "Young Marcus" skin, which allows players to be Marcus Fenix as he appeared six weeks after the end of the Pendulum Wars. Australians can pre-order the Special Edition from EB Games to get the game, a steelbook case and the Alex Brand and Anya Stroud skin unlocks. Players in the Netherlands who order from Game Mania get the Hammerburst, Alex Brand and Young Marcus skins.

As noted previously, pre-orders from Amazon get the Hammerburst and the "Young Dom" multiplayer skin.

JoystiqA few more Gears of War: Judgment pre-order perks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusEpicEpic-Gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpre-orderxboxWed, 09 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's online store covers you in Gears, Fornite and Infinity Blade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/epics-online-store-covers-you-in-gears-fornite-and-infinity-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/epics-online-store-covers-you-in-gears-fornite-and-infinity-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/epics-online-store-covers-you-in-gears-fornite-and-infinity-bl/#comments Epic Games online store saves you from tattooing Gears logos onto yourselfIf you were worried by the permanence of a "Crimson Omen" tattoo on your chest, you may wish to consider the less drastic measures to support of just getting a shirt with Gears of War: Judgment on it.

Epic Games' online store has products covering Infinity Blade, Gears of War, Fortnite and the Unreal Engine - just wait a few seconds for the colors and logo to fully load before you walk out the door.

JoystiqEpic's online store covers you in Gears, Fornite and Infinity Blade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidepic-gamesfortnitegears-of-war-judgmentinfinity-bladeiosipadiphonemacmerchmerchandisemicrosoftmobilepcxboxSat, 29 Dec 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War Judgment 'Car No. 13' Lancer replica at GameStop (plus: Judgment footage)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/gears-of-war-judgment-car-no-13-lancer-replica-at-gamestop-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/gears-of-war-judgment-car-no-13-lancer-replica-at-gamestop-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/gears-of-war-judgment-car-no-13-lancer-replica-at-gamestop-p/#comments
If you're keen on getting a replica of a fictional weapon - but don't feel like making it out of Legos - GameStop is offering a less laborious option. The "Car No. 13" Lancer, yellow with checkered taxi cab accents, is now visible on the pre-order page at GameStop. The replica is being sold for $99.99 and wil go on sale through GameStop in February.

We've also got four new gameplay videos from Gears of War Judgment. Above, you'll see some campaign in the Mansion level, followed by campaign footage from the Museum level just past the break, followed by two multiplayer videos.

[Thanks, Tony.]

Continue reading Gears of War Judgment 'Car No. 13' Lancer replica at GameStop (plus: Judgment footage)

JoystiqGears of War Judgment 'Car No. 13' Lancer replica at GameStop (plus: Judgment footage) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car-no-13epic-gamesgamestopgears-of-war-judgmentlancermicrosoftNECApeople-can-flyxboxSat, 15 Dec 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski left Epic for 'a fresh start,' considering new IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/bleszinski-left-epic-for-a-fresh-start-considering-new-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/bleszinski-left-epic-for-a-fresh-start-considering-new-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/bleszinski-left-epic-for-a-fresh-start-considering-new-ip/#comments "I don't really want just the whole chainsaw gun to be my legacy." Former Epic employee Cliff Bleszinski's opening line during G4's X-Play program is the gist of why he left Epic Games, a company he started working for when he was 17.

"It's time for a fresh start. I'll start a new studio maybe at some point. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when and with who," Blezsinski says. Though he sounds anxious to get back to making video games, Bleszinski doesn't seem to have any immediate plans. "Moving forward I would hope to work on something new and fresh and kinda redefine my legacy."

It should come as no surprise that Bleszinski is working on something - famous game designer has idea for video game. When asked who his favorite Transformers character is, Bleszinski says Bluestreak, but notes later his name was changed to Silverstreak, "which is the codename of a new IP I'm gestating on slowly."

JoystiqBleszinski left Epic for 'a fresh start,' considering new IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliff-bleszinskicodename-silverstreakepic-gamesmicrosoftsilver-streaksilverstreakxboxFri, 14 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic clarifies lack of 'Down But Not Out' in Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer modes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/epic-clarifies-lack-of-down-but-not-out-in-gears-of-war-judgm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/epic-clarifies-lack-of-down-but-not-out-in-gears-of-war-judgm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/epic-clarifies-lack-of-down-but-not-out-in-gears-of-war-judgm/#comments Gears of War Judgment grinds out new controls, keeps score for prizesGears of War: Judgment still includes the series standard "Down But Not Out" (DBNO) mechanic in some modes, Epic Games clarified today. The Gears of War community forums went into a downward spiral after Gears Senior Producer Chris Wynn tweeted, "DBNO is not in any of the [multiplayer] modes." We knew this to be inaccurate as of last week, when we played Judgment's enjoyable OverRun multiplayer mode, so we contacted the studio for clarification.

"DBNO (Down, But Not Out) is featured in the Gears of War: Judgment campaign. As for competitive and co-op multiplayer, a DBNO-like feature exists in OverRun, wherein the Medic class has the ability to revive teammates who are downed with our new stim grenade. The difference is they are stationary and are not crawling around. Grenadiers on the Locust side can go DBNO and then be revived by another Grenadier or a Kantus," Epic informed Joystiq. "And for obvious reasons, our new Free-For-All mode doesn't feature any sort of DBNO. We have more modes to announce in the future, so we can only comment on the modes we've announced so far."

The fact that the company won't comment on modes it hasn't officially announced yet is what is complicating this issue. During our visit last week, the company wouldn't acknowledge Horde mode was part of Judgment either. Gears fans will have to take a "wait and see" approach to what's actually going on, since Epic doesn't want to deviate from the marketing plan.

JoystiqEpic clarifies lack of 'Down But Not Out' in Gears of War: Judgment multiplayer modes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicEpic-Gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftxboxFri, 14 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment's new hotness: OverRun mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgments-new-hotness-overrun-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgments-new-hotness-overrun-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgments-new-hotness-overrun-mode/#comments Gears of War Judgment's new hotness OverrunI do enjoy a nice surprise and Gears of War: Judgment's 'OverRun' mode was the highlight of my recent visit to Epic Games. The mode combines Gears of War 3's team-defense Horde mode and team-offense Beast mode, with a dash of Battlefield's objective-destroying Rush variant, to create another compelling team experience within the Gears universe.

Although Epic still isn't talking about the changes to the cooperative defense-focused Horde mode for Judgment, OverRun feels more like an evolution of Beast mode. Here's the basics: two class-based teams of five, one side COG and the other Locust, face off with the COGs defending and the locust destroying a sequence of objectives. The team with the most points after playing both roles wins.

The maps for OverRun are custom made for the mode, with each objective in the chain becoming more difficult for the Locust to destroy. I played the Junkyard map for about two hours and, much like Horde, you're going to need to play this mode with a group of friends. Without proper communication, it will be nearly impossible to win against a team that's using basic coordination.

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment's new hotness: OverRun mode

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment's new hotness: OverRun mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftoverrunpeople-can-flyxboxWed, 12 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War: Judgment grinds out new controls, keeps score for unlocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgment-grinds-out-new-controls-keeps-score-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgment-grinds-out-new-controls-keeps-score-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/gears-of-war-judgment-grinds-out-new-controls-keeps-score-for/#comments Gears of War Judgment grinds out new controls, keeps score for prizesGears of War: Judgment comes from a good "'F' it, what we wanna do?" place. With Epic having concluded the core Gears of War trilogy last year (and this console generation concluding next), People Can Fly's Judgment embraces its Bravo team status of having something to prove, playing with franchise formulas, but staying true to the franchise's established rules.

Despite being a prequel to the events of the trilogy, Judgment works off the Gears 3 playbook of stronger storytelling and gender recognition. The levels of bro-tosity are tolerable with the soldiers of Kilo Squad, Judgment's protagonists. Kilo is lead by series favorites Baird and Cole, who are joined by a former UIR (enemy of the COG during the Pendulum Wars) major Garron Paduk and the book smart, but not yet battle hardened, Sofia Hendrick.

Judgment's story opens with the members of Kilo Squad brought in chains to a military tribunal of one, led by Colonel Ezra Loomis. Kilo must testify to and defend their actions that are played out through the game. Loomis is sleazy to the point of being a caricature, an old Pendulum Wars vet injected into a new type of war. With the game taking place a mere 30 days after Emergence Day, the implication is that Kilo Squad did something super bad to convene a trial as the planet Sera is overrun.

Gallery: Gears of War: Judgment (12/12/12)

Continue reading Gears of War: Judgment grinds out new controls, keeps score for unlocks

JoystiqGears of War: Judgment grinds out new controls, keeps score for unlocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicEpic-Gamesgears-of-war-judgmentmicrosoftpeople-can-flyxboxWed, 12 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST