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[Battlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/battlefield-4-launching-on-october-29-both-it-and-destiny-comin/#commentsBattlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One Battlefield 4 has announced via its Facebook page that the game will launch on October 29 of this year. In addition to versions on the PC, Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation 4, the team has also confirmed the game will be coming to Microsoft's newly announced Xbox One console. The Xbox One doesn't have a confirmed launch date just yet, so it's possible that version will arrive later.

Additionally, EA's announced Battlefield 4's first expansion pack, called China Rising. The pack will contain four extra maps, along with extra vehicles and weapons. It will be available at launch, and come free with any pre-order of the game.

And speaking of confirmed Xbox One titles, Bungie has also made it clear that Destiny is due out on Xbox One as well. Stay tuned for more confirmations on next-gen titles for Microsoft's new console.

JoystiqBattlefield 4 launching on October 29, both it and Destiny coming to Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbattlefield-4bungiechina-risingconsolesdestinydicedlceaexpansionfacebookmicrosoftnext-genpacpackreleasexboxxbox-onexbox-revealTue, 21 May 2013 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies Adventures ventures to Facebook May 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-ventures-to-facebook-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-ventures-to-facebook-may-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-ventures-to-facebook-may-20/#commentsPlants vs Zombies Adventures ventures to Facebook May 20 Plants vs. Zombies Adventures, the "extra awesome PvZ experience" that is not Plants vs. Zombies 2, will go live on Facebook starting May 20. If that's not soon enough for you, developer PopCap is also granting early access to the game. Today at 3pm Pacific, the company will post a link on the PvZ Adventures Facebook page, giving early access to the first 500 to clickers.

Meanwhile, Plants vs. Zombies 2: It's About Time launches in July.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies Adventures ventures to Facebook May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmacpcplants-vs-zombies-adventurespopcapFri, 10 May 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/ea-retiring-playfish-facebook-games/#comments EA retiring Playfish Facebook gamesSimCity Social, The Sims Social, and Pet Society are going offline on June 14, EA announced this morning. The three Playfish Facebook games are being retired after player counts and activity fell off, EA said. Today's news means all of Playfish's Facebook games, according to the EA subsidiary's website, have either shut down or are scheduled to - with the exception of Madden Social 13, which an EA press release notes as developed by EA Tiburon.

EA bought Playfish for $300 million in 2009 before signing a "strategic" five year deal with Facebook in 2010. However, a number of executives have since left the EA brand, including co-founders Sebastian de Halleux, Sam Lababidi, and Kristian Stregerstale.

The announcement follows EA layoffs last week, with over 160 employees let go from EA Mobile Montreal. In addition, there are reports of closures of a studio in London, where Playfish is based, along with closures at EA Mobile Brazil and BioWare Social. We also have information of support staff being let go in London and then there's a question about the extent of the EA Galway support center layoffs.

We've reached out to EA for comment.

Update: An EA spokesperson informs Joystiq the company "won't be commenting on the status of Playfish."

Continue reading EA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update]

JoystiqEA retiring Playfish Facebook games [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookmaxispcplayfishMon, 15 Apr 2013 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Friends flying home 'soon' to iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/angry-birds-friends-flying-home-soon-to-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/angry-birds-friends-flying-home-soon-to-ios-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/angry-birds-friends-flying-home-soon-to-ios-android/#comments Angry Birds Friends flying home 'soon' to iOS, AndroidFacebook app Angry Birds Friends is coming back to where it all started with an imminent iOS and Android release. Angry Birds Friends is the flustered, feathered experience you've come to know and love/hate/become numb to, but with a dollop of Facebook integration on top; you can invite Facebook friends to play, gift each other power-ups, take part in weekly tournaments, and so on.

The mobile version is based around these features too, although creator Rovio didn't say how exactly the port is different from the Facebook app. The Finnish studio did say we can expect the iOS and Android migration "soon."

JoystiqAngry Birds Friends flying home 'soon' to iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-friendsfacebookiosipadiphonemobilerovioThu, 04 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Plants vs. Zombies Adventures' sprouting on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-sprouting-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-sprouting-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/plants-vs-zombies-adventures-sprouting-on-facebook/#comments 'Plants vs Zombies Adventures' sprouting on FacebookPlants vs. Zombies Adventures is not the announced sequel to Popcap's lawn-defense game - that's still in process. Instead, it's an "extra awesome PvZ experience fans can enjoy on Facebook," the developer tweeted.

The Facebook page for the unreleased game says Adventures includes "endless waves of new characters, strategies, territories, and community challenges." Interested parties will have the chance to find out exactly how Plants vs. Zombies has been adapted for the Facebook ecosystem soon: "liking" the page offers a chance to get in on a beta.

Joystiq'Plants vs. Zombies Adventures' sprouting on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookpcplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-adventurespopcapTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's website removes Facebook login requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/zyngas-website-removes-facebook-login-requirement/#comments Zynga's website no longer requires a Facebook loginZynga has redesigned its website, no longer requiring gamers to log into the site using the Facebook credentials.

Once upon a time, Facebook and Zynga were the best of pals, with Zynga's titles driving engagement on the big blue social network and Facebook providing a steady stream of new users to play Zynga's offerings. Last year, however, Facebook and Zynga decided to start parting ways, and that's led us to this current situation, where Zynga is pushing its platform beyond the walls of the Facebook system.

Not completely outside, however: Zynga players can still log into Facebook on Zynga.com if they like, and as you can see on the site, the Facebook logo and login box are still prominently displayed. But players are no longer forced to use that process to partake in Zynga's library of games.

JoystiqZynga's website removes Facebook login requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designengagementfacebookfbloginpcsocial-gamingsocial-networkuserswebsitezyngaThu, 21 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Draw Something 2 is coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/draw-something-2-is-coming-soon/#comments Draw Something 2 is coming
No, that's not a threat; it's a fact. Just about a year after Zynga bought developer OMGPOP, CEO Dan Porter has confirmed on Twitter that a sequel to Draw Something is coming soon. Porter says the new version of the game will feature "new ways to draw and connect," and TV host Ryan Seacrest has been posting screenshots that reveal new paint swatches and a number of other additions and upgrades. Don't worry: There's also a price-tag button right on the top bar, so the app will undoubtedly feature lots of in-app purchase options.

The original Draw Something (which was released on mobile platforms and Facebook) saw its daily users drop quickly after the Zynga acquisition, but OMGPOP recently announced the game has seen over 100 million downloads and 11 billion drawings in the year since release.

JoystiqDraw Something 2 is coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dan-porterdraw-somethingdraw-something-2facebookgamingiosiphonemobileomgpoppcsocialzyngaTue, 19 Mar 2013 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Social shares your viewing habits with Facebook friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/netflix-social-shares-your-viewing-habits-with-facebook-friends/#comments

Starting today, the Netflix apps on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PCs and mobile devices in the US have a Facebook sharing option, allowing users to see what programs their friends watch and send out their own recommendations in kind.

Facebook sharing isn't automatically enabled, but those interested can activate it in the social settings panel under "Your Account." If you want to keep up that hardcore image, it's possible to hide specific shows - Say Yes to the Dress, maybe - from appearing in your friends' Netflix queues. Check out how Facebook-enabled Netflix works in the above demo video.

JoystiqNetflix Social shares your viewing habits with Facebook friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmicrosoftmobileNetflixnetflix-socialnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitawii-uxboxWed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega polls fans about Western release of Hatsune Miku Project Diva F]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/sega-polls-fans-about-western-release-of-hatsune-miku-project-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/sega-polls-fans-about-western-release-of-hatsune-miku-project-di/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/sega-polls-fans-about-western-release-of-hatsune-miku-project-di/#comments Sega Hatsune Miku facebookAt E3, Sega showed off Hatsune Miku Project Diva F in its booth, tricking me into thinking it was being localized, when instead it was there just because. It felt like a cruel tease.

Sega is now teasing fans more directly, asking them to "like & share" on Facebook to register their interest in a western release of the PS3 version of the music game, which stars the implausibly popular mascot character of musical voice synthesis software.

As of writing, 3,969 people have "liked" it on Facebook, although many of them, in the way of all Internet fanbases, used their comments to ask for other games. While the fate of this game is in question, you can interact with the character via the Japanese Domino's Pizza app, which is inexplicably Miku-themed, and inexplicably available in the US.

JoystiqSega polls fans about Western release of Hatsune Miku Project Diva F originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookhatsune-mikuhatsune-miku-project-diva-fplaystationps3segaThu, 07 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris goes freemium on iOS and Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tetris-goes-freemium-on-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tetris-goes-freemium-on-ios-and-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tetris-goes-freemium-on-ios-and-android/#comments Tetris goes freemium on iOS and AndroidTetris is timeless, but EA has still found a way to update the classic game for the 21st century: microtransactions. Tetris Blitz for iOS and Android is built around a two-minute Tetris round, in which players attempt to earn as many points as possible.

To help earn those points, you'll be able to buy power-ups, with new ones released weekly. New "Drag and Place" controls add another control option to the existing swipe-based scheme. And to further highlight that this is a 2013 game, players will also be able to compete on Facebook. It'll be released this spring on iOS, Google Play, and the Amazon Appstore.

Continue reading Tetris goes freemium on iOS and Android

JoystiqTetris goes freemium on iOS and Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookiosiphonemobiletetristetris-blitzWed, 13 Feb 2013 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Worms now on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/worms-now-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/worms-now-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/worms-now-on-facebook/#comments Worms now on FacebookLike SimCity before it, Worms has joined the ranks of other long, storied PC franchises that have been unable to resist the siren song of Facebook's business model. Replete with all the trappings of the platform (coins, experience stars, "Share" buttons, etc), Worms on Facebook allows for battle between two friends on their choice of two different islands using 19 weapons from the series' past.

Individual Worms can be customized with 40 different hats, and players can create their own islands for their worms to hang out on between warfare, as well as for their friends to visit when they're feeling social. As is the way with these things, there are also tasks to be completed, daily rewards to reap and an immeasurable amount of work and productivity to be distracted from.

Continue reading Worms now on Facebook

JoystiqWorms now on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FacebookmacpcTeam17WormsThu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga closing three games including CityVille 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/zynga-closing-three-games-including-cityville-2/#comments Zynga closing three games including CityVille 2, says FarmVille 2 is doing greatIn a conference call yesterday, Zynga revealed plans to close three titles: The Friend Game, Party Place, and CityVille 2. The closure of CityVille 2 especially stands out since the game launched a few short months ago and lead designer Brian Reynolds announced he was leaving the social game giant in January.

In the company's 2012 financial statement, Zynga posted a loss of $209.4 million.

On a positive note, Zynga said FarmVille 2 is exceeding expectations by 100% last quarter and generating $100 million in gross bookings since launch.

Zynga admitted to analysts that FarmVille 2 may have cannibalized some of CityVille 2's attention, having launched a month before CityVille's sequel. The company said that in the future it will make sure to have fewer titles in general, and leave more space between planned game launches. Zynga is also excited about upcoming mobile and "midcore" titles (defined as "hardcore" games that can be played for only a few minutes at a time), and CEO Mark Pincus says 2013 will be a "pivotal year" for Zynga, with a goal to "make it easier and better to play across mobile and social."

JoystiqZynga closing three games including CityVille 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-reynoldscityvillecityville-2earningsfacebookfarmvillefarmville-2onlineparty-placepcsocialthe-friend-gamezyngaWed, 06 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Offensive Combat ships out on Facebook today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/offensive-combat-ships-out-on-facebook-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/offensive-combat-ships-out-on-facebook-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/offensive-combat-ships-out-on-facebook-today/#comments Offensive Combat marches to FacebookWhile the year-end avalanche of video game deals (looking at you, Steam) may have conditioned you to believe you need to pay money in order to play games, this is not entirely true - there is a wealth of free-to-play games out there. One such game is Offensive Combat, a team-based FPS from ex-Activision folks, available on Facebook today.

Formed in late 2011, developer U4iA Games gave us our first look at its first game Offensive Combat back in May. After a "limited test" over the holidays on Facebook, Offensive Combat enlisted over 500,000 players. Clans and tournament play are currently unsupported, though U4iA hopes to implement both soon.

Continue reading Offensive Combat ships out on Facebook today

JoystiqOffensive Combat ships out on Facebook today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookmacoffensive-combatpcu4iau4ia-gamesFri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming Dead or Alive 5 patch adds direct video uploads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/upcoming-dead-or-alive-5-patch-adds-direct-video-uploads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/upcoming-dead-or-alive-5-patch-adds-direct-video-uploads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/upcoming-dead-or-alive-5-patch-adds-direct-video-uploads/#comments
Dead or Alive 5 will soon allow direct uploads of your match replays to YouTube (on PS3) and Facebook (on both PS3 and Xbox 360.) The functionality is part of the "Ver. 1.03" update, which is being prepared for an unspecified time. The company revealed this feature on its Twitter account, where it also talked about other patch changes, like the ability to search for matches by connection quality, and "throwdowns" added to ranked matches.

The above footage is a test of the direct upload. Troublingly, it's in 360p. "And did you catch some of the little tweaks to the fighting game itself?" Team Ninja teased, revealing the existence of other gameplay-oriented changes that longtime players might be able to spot.

JoystiqUpcoming Dead or Alive 5 patch adds direct video uploads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5facebookmicrosoftplaystationps3replayxboxyoutubeMon, 31 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/angry-birds-star-wars-force-pushes-its-way-onto-facebook/#comments Angry Birds Star Wars on Facebook todayAngry Birds Star Wars is on Facebook, bringing everyone one step closer to the dark side. The Facebook version allows players to compare scores and compete against their friends, and will have five new levels each week to keep the flinging fresh.

Angry Birds Star Wars has three power-ups just for the Facebook version, the Blaster Droid, Saber Sling and Thermal Detonator. It also includes the Clone Bird ability, which duplicates a bird of the player's choice. Keep in mind that Angry Birds Star Wars on mobile is fun, satisfying and clever, for the most part, and that surprised us just as much as it did you.

Continue reading Angry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook

JoystiqAngry Birds Star Wars force pushes its way onto Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsangry-birds-star-warsfacebookmacpcRovioTue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GameSpy: Multiplayer server shutdown result of failure to pay by devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/gamespy-multiplayer-server-shutdown-result-of-failure-to-pay-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/gamespy-multiplayer-server-shutdown-result-of-failure-to-pay-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/gamespy-multiplayer-server-shutdown-result-of-failure-to-pay-by/#comments GameSpy Multiplayer server shutdown was result of failure to pay by devs, denies raising feesGameSpy has responded to the issue earlier this week of its owners Glu Mobile shutting down various multiplayer servers for older PC games like Neverwinter Nights and Sniper Elite. First up, GameSpy itself has put together a large blog post on its own site, making clear that GameSpy, the editorial outlet owned by IGN, is different from GameSpy Technologies, the multiplayer middleware provider owned by Glu Mobile. It's GameSpy Technologies that closed the servers down, not the GameSpy outlet.

GameSpy Technologies has also responded to the issue on its Facebook page, and says that the server shutdowns are a result of the game developers choosing not to pay their service fees, and that "in some cases this lapsing ranges back as much as four years." GameSpy Technologies tells players that it "cannot be expected to provide a service free of charge," and that's why these servers went down. The company also says it was the developers' responsibility to inform players of the impending shutdowns, and "it is regrettable that these publishers chose not to inform their users of the impending discontinuation of support."

Now, developer Rebellion said that GameSpy had changed its rates to be "far in excess of how much we were paying previously," but GameSpy Technologies reportedly told GameSpy (the editorial outlet) that server fees haven't changed in eight years and there were no increases made or even plans to do so. Someone, in other words, is mistaken. Joystiq has followed up with both parties, and we'll update this post if we hear more.

JoystiqGameSpy: Multiplayer server shutdown result of failure to pay by devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookgamespygamespy-technologieslapsepaymentpcrebeillionresponseservershutdownshutdownssniper-eliteFri, 14 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/xcom-memorial-wall-on-facebook-dedicated-to-fallen-soldiers-fri/#comments XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook ensures they're gone, not forgottenXCOM: Enemy Unknown is a brutal lesson in life, love and the fragility of human flesh. Your squad members will die, dozens of them, while you are forced to watch in omniscient yet helpless real-time. Each game has its own graveyard, though if you want to share your losses with the world, there's an app for that.

The XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook hosts all of the fallen soldiers added by mournful players. Add yours by simply clicking that big button on the top and filling out the appropriate assets. Turns out Facebook can be used for some pretty cool (and heart-wrenching) things, after all.

Continue reading XCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends

JoystiqXCOM Memorial Wall on Facebook dedicated to fallen soldiers, friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfacebookmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxxcom-enemy-unknownxcom-memorial-wallMon, 10 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman Facebook promo killed; must have had 'small tits']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/hitman-facebook-promo-killed-must-have-had-small-tits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/hitman-facebook-promo-killed-must-have-had-small-tits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/hitman-facebook-promo-killed-must-have-had-small-tits/#comments Hitman promo promotes Facebook bullyingIf you logged online early enough today, you could have sent death threats to your friends on Facebook, courtesy of Square Enix and Agent 47 with the "Hire Hitman" app. Not only were these death threats, but they were full-on hits, with the targeted Facebook friend going through a process that flashed pictures from their profiles in front of their eyes before they were killed. To top it off, the hits were identified by awkwardly specific reasons such as "her ginger hair, her muffin top, her hairy legs," or "her small tits."

Yes, this was a real thing you could do this morning. Square Enix since removed the app, not long after launching it and just after Rock, Paper, Shotgun wrote about it. We can't imagine why, though Square sent over a statement that cleared it up nicely:

"Earlier today we launched an app based around Hitman: Absolution that allowed you to place virtual hits on your Facebook friends. Those hits would only be viewable by the recipient and could only be sent to people who were confirmed friends. We were wide of the mark with the app and following feedback from the community we decided the best thing to do was remove it completely and quickly. This we've now done. We're sorry for any offence caused by this."

This attempt at crude viral marketing is reminiscent of other hackneyed ads, such as Resident Evil 6's human butcher, Resident Evil 5's real-world severed-limb hunt, the brass knuckles EA sent us and quickly requested back for Godfather 2, or The Walking Dead FPS' necklace of human ears. Rockstar similarly caved under pressure with Bully in the UK, changing the name to Canis Canem Edit after a maelstrom of hyperbolic public attention labeled the game a "Columbine simulator."

If you want to experience the Hire Hitman app - too bad, because it's gone. Take This Lollipop, however, is still live on Facebook and uses the same premise, though it doesn't allow users to engage in name-calling, bigotry, death threats or misogyny.

Continue reading Hitman Facebook promo killed; must have had 'small tits'

JoystiqHitman Facebook promo killed; must have had 'small tits' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookhire-hitmanhitman-5hitman-absolutionkillmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Square-Enixviral-marketingxboxTue, 04 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/facebook-and-zynga-agree-to-new-terms-create-potential-for-offi/#comments Facebook and Zynga have worked out a new set of terms in their partnership, enabling both parties to make and promote their own games. Before the alteration, Zynga was required to use Facebook's monetization platform, and Facebook couldn't create its own titles to compete with Zynga's. The latest agreement undoes both stipulations and opens up both sides for more independence.

At this time, neither side has announced that it wants to change the way things work, so Zynga will likely still use Facebook's payments system, and Facebook hasn't announced plans to make any official games. A spokesperson for Facebook reiterated that "we will continue to work with Zynga, just as we do with developers of all sizes." It's not a break-up, in other words, but they are free to see other people.

JoystiqFacebook and Zynga agree to new terms, create potential for official Facebook games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementbreakupcontractfacebookfarmvillegameslegalmobilemonetizationnewspcreuterssocialzyngaThu, 29 Nov 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon Commander canceled, dev Loot Drop lays off team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/ghost-recon-commander-canceled-dev-loot-drop-lays-off-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/ghost-recon-commander-canceled-dev-loot-drop-lays-off-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/ghost-recon-commander-canceled-dev-loot-drop-lays-off-team/#comments This month has been a tough one for Loot Drop, the developer behind Ubisoft Facebook game Ghost Recon Commander. Loot Drop co-founder (and newlywed) Brenda Brathwaite had her "Old-School RPG" Kickstarter canceled, and the developer's biggest game, Ghost Recon Commander, will no longer continue.

Loot Drop posted the news on Facebook, also confirming that layoffs had hit as part of the cancelation. "As a result, we laid off a team of awesome developers. Coders, artists, amazing assistant designer, and awesome QA guy." We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment and will update accordingly.

JoystiqGhost Recon Commander canceled, dev Loot Drop lays off team originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookghost-recon-commanderlayoffsloot-dropmacpcubisoftTue, 30 Oct 2012 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox unfollows Twitter and unfriends Facebook, apps 'retired' from dash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/xbox-unfollows-twitter-and-unfriends-facebook-apps-retired-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/xbox-unfollows-twitter-and-unfriends-facebook-apps-retired-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/xbox-unfollows-twitter-and-unfriends-facebook-apps-retired-from/#comments Xbox unfollows Twitter & unfriends Facebook, apps 'retired' from dashThe Fall 2012 Update currently rolling out removes Twitter and Facebook from the Xbox dashboard, and Microsoft have confirmed the apps are officially being 'retired.' Speaking to IGN, Microsoft said it's "retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps," although the company didn't comment regards whether or not they may ever return. Microsoft is recommending Xbox users instead access Twitter and Facebook via Internet Explorer 9, which is included in the Fall Update.

It was three Fall Updates ago when Twitter and Facebook arrived on Xbox 360. Yes, nearly three years ago when everyone logged in on that first day to tweet or post a status update from their consoles, then immediately reverted to however they tweeted or updated their statuses before. Ah, memories.

JoystiqXbox unfollows Twitter and unfriends Facebook, apps 'retired' from dash originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboarddashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2012facebookmicrosofttwitterxboxFri, 19 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man survey asks fans to choose look of new game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pac-man-survey-asks-users-to-choose-look-of-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pac-man-survey-asks-users-to-choose-look-of-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/pac-man-survey-asks-users-to-choose-look-of-new-game/#comments PacMan survey asks users to choose look of new gameNamco Bandai is asking fans to vote on the look of a new Pac-Man game. In a short survey on the Pac-Man Facebook page, users can vote for one of the above visual styles. The next question asks respondents which platform they play casual games on, while the third asks whether or not they're between the ages of 13 and 40. The final question queries whether they are male or female.

It's not a massive leap to suggest Namco is working on a new Pac-Man game aimed at a casual audience. The real question is how it will look. Most of the options are familiar, not surprising given the franchise's numerous guises through its history. We quite like the look of 'D', though. The faded colors along with the ghosts' sharp eyes and crooked mouths make it surprisingly macabre.

JoystiqPac-Man survey asks fans to choose look of new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebooknamco-bandaipac-mansurveyTue, 02 Oct 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/#comments FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cowclicker but not too muchFarmVille. Just the name likely conjures up some vivid thoughts and opinions in the minds of gamers everywhere. As the flagship casual social game for both Facebook and Zynga, FarmVille can't help but be a lightning rod for debates about gaming's audiences, game design, and the role that video games can and do play in our daily lives. Time labeled the game one of the "fifty worst inventions" of all time, but that hasn't stopped over 80 million people from logging on and doing some cow and crop clicking.

And now Zynga (which itself has attracted plenty of controversy recently) is going to try and recreate the game's success with a brand new version called, simply, FarmVille 2. Director of Design Wright Bagwell showed Joystiq what the future of FarmVille's crops and farm animals looks like, how the game will reach out (but not too far) toward a more hardcore audience, and how Zynga plans to take the world's most popular and oft-hated casual and social game and make it even more casual and social.

Gallery: FarmVille 2 (9/5/2012)

Continue reading FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)

JoystiqFarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualclickingcow-clickingfacebookfarmvillefarmville-2gamesmobilepcsocialzyngaWed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/#comments Howard Lincoln's amazing facebook page and its many treasuresBefore the Famicom became the Nintendo Entertainment system, Nintendo of America had plans to launch it as the "Advanced Video System," a totally different looking device with weird, weird peripherals. And before Howard Phillips was the bow-tied foil to Nester in Nintendo Power comics, he was a real Nintendo executive trying to sell the "AVS" to retailers.

"Gamemaster Howard" posted a vintage brochure on Facebook, full of hypothetical, prototyped AVS designs that never made it to market. Some of this stuff is on display in the Nintendo World Store, but now you can see it as Nintendo wanted it to be seen back in early 1985, complete with pompous ad copy and absurd peripherals - and the weird wireless controller with the square D-pad. "Glad we punted on both the design (not as comfortable or as precise as the D-pad) and the IR (inconsistent performance) for the NES controllers (best controller ever designed?)," Phillips noted in a Facebook comment.

Phillips also posted an ad for an unreleased NES peripheral from 1987 - a knitting machine that interfaced with the system for its designs. "Mr. A (Arakawa) [Nintendo of America president at the time] asked me with just 30 minutes notice to give Toys R Us Chairman Charles Lazarus a live demo," Phillips said. "Likely one of my least genuinely enthusiastic demos." See that gloriously Nintendo-centric ad after the break.

Continue reading The NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was)

JoystiqThe NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-video-systemfacebookhoward-phillipsnesnintendo-entertainment-systemnintendo-knitting-machinenow-youre-knitting-with-powerThu, 30 Aug 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack ditching Facebook credits for Tokens system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/you-dont-know-jack-ditching-facebook-credits-for-tokens-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/you-dont-know-jack-ditching-facebook-credits-for-tokens-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/26/you-dont-know-jack-ditching-facebook-credits-for-tokens-system/#comments You Don't Know Jack ditching Facebook credits for Tokens systemWe reported on You Don't Know Jack coming to Facebook, so it's only fair that we follow-up as the game sheds parts of its entrenchment in the service. You Don't Know Jack is ditching Facebook credits for "Tokens," which will "simplify things and allow you to earn your way to more free games," Jellyvision writes.

Tokens give Jellyvision more freedom while keeping much of the existing credits framework in place: "You'll use Tokens to play games, get Performance Enhancers and collect other stuff we'll be releasing in the near future, like hidden commercials, new lifelines and other stuff." That "other stuff" includes the ability to offer discounted games, something that Jellyvision can't do with Facebook credits.

Players with games stashed up will see an even transfer once the Tokens switch takes place, whenever that may be.

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack ditching Facebook credits for Tokens system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfacebook-creditsjellyvisionmobilepctokensyou-dont-know-jackSun, 26 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band World social app coming to Rock Band 3, Rock Band Blitz this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/rock-band-world-social-app-coming-to-rock-band-3-rock-band-blit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/rock-band-world-social-app-coming-to-rock-band-3-rock-band-blit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/rock-band-world-social-app-coming-to-rock-band-3-rock-band-blit/#comments
Just in case there weren't enough ways to bug your friends online, Harmonix revealed "Rock Band World" this morning, a new social app for Facebook. The app integrates with both Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz, allowing players to challenge their friends, compare scores, shop for music, and accomplish social goals. Accomplishing said goals can earn players in-game coins for Rock Band Blitz, which can then be used to purchase power-ups.

The app is now available on Facebook. Rock Band Blitz arrives on PSN August 28 and on XBLA August 29.

Continue reading Rock Band World social app coming to Rock Band 3, Rock Band Blitz this month

JoystiqRock Band World social app coming to Rock Band 3, Rock Band Blitz this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookharmonixharmonix-music-systemsmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnrock-band-blitzrock-band-worldxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 24 Aug 2012 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead or Alive 5 to feature Facebook integration, online training mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/dead-or-alive-5-to-feature-facebook-integration-online-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/dead-or-alive-5-to-feature-facebook-integration-online-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/dead-or-alive-5-to-feature-facebook-integration-online-training/#comments Dead or Alive 5 to feature Facebook integration, online training mode
Posting to social media sites about watching beautiful women beat the tar out of each other may not be the best idea, unless you're doing so via Dead or Alive 5's newly announced Facebook integration.

The feature's implementation hasn't been explicitly demonstrated as of yet, but it will somehow allow players to "rock bragging rights by posting titles and sharing fighting records with friends on Facebook," according to a press release from Tecmo Koei. A network-enabled training mode, dubbed "Online Dojo," was also announced, though the mode's specific features were not specified beyond the fact that it is a training mode that will work online.

Meanwhile, Lisa and Helena were revealed as returning playable fighters, as if there were any doubt, and their match footage can be seen above.

Continue reading Dead or Alive 5 to feature Facebook integration, online training mode

JoystiqDead or Alive 5 to feature Facebook integration, online training mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-or-alive-5facebookmicrosoftonlineplaystationps3Team-NinjaTecmoTecmo-Koeitraining-modexboxThu, 23 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA['AMC The Walking Dead Social Game' seeking brains in open beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/amc-the-walking-dead-social-game-seeking-brains-in-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/amc-the-walking-dead-social-game-seeking-brains-in-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/amc-the-walking-dead-social-game-seeking-brains-in-open-beta/#comments 'AMC The Walking Dead Social Game' seeking brains in open betaAMC The Walking Dead Social Game, a Facebook game set in AMC's Walking Dead television universe, which isn't to be confused with Telltale's Walking Dead universe or Image Comics' Walking Dead universe, has entered open beta.

The game (playable here) features all the prerequisite expendable resources of a Facebook game, requiring the player to spend energy to move, attack, heal themselves, etc. Weapons can either be purchased with in-game currency or with in-game currency purchased with real-world dollars, also just like you'd expect.

Some of the zombies out and about in the world have pictures of your Facebook friends floating above them, and upon death will prompt you with the option to post an automated invite on said friend's wall. Now that we think about it, Facebook games and a zombie pandemic actually have a lot in common -- first it happens to someone you know, then someone you love, and then, when all hope is lost, it happens to you.

Joystiq'AMC The Walking Dead Social Game' seeking brains in open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMCamc-the-walking-dead-social-gameeyes-wide-gamesfacebookmacpcRockYouthe-walking-deadthe-walking-dead-social-gameFri, 10 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/#comments Amazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game
Amazon's evolving from a digital marketplace into a content creator as well, today announcing its first game development studio - "Amazon Game Studios" - with the launch of its first game, "Living Classics." The company's starting somewhat unremarkably with a hidden object game (which it's dubbing a "moving object game"), and it's ready for you to play on Facebook right now. There's also a trailer for the game above.

Per the announcement, the studio is also hiring. And hey, despite our reluctance to play casual games, it's hard to get upset at someone hiring game devs.

JoystiqAmazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-game-studioscasualfacebookliving-classicsmacpcMon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga COO Schappert no longer in charge of games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/zynga-coo-schappert-no-longer-in-charge-of-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/zynga-coo-schappert-no-longer-in-charge-of-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/zynga-coo-schappert-no-longer-in-charge-of-games/#comments Schappert out at ZyngaFormer Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Live and former Electronic Arts COO John Schappert is now the former guy in charge of games at Zynga. Schappert, who holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Zynga, was stripped of his role overseeing game development, but is still with the company.

"We can confirm that in order to unify our company around a multiplatform approach, we reorganized our teams in July to integrate web and mobile groups," a Zynga spokesperson told the WSJ. "Our players expect their favorite games on every platform and we want to unlock everyone in the company to continue moving quickly against the multi platform opportunity."

Now is not a good time for Zynga between lowered financial forecasts, awkwardly desperate business propositions and, as of this week, an insider trading lawsuit. The company's stock has dropped 70 percent from its initial price of $10 in just the last eight months.

JoystiqZynga COO Schappert no longer in charge of games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookJohn-SchappertmobilepczyngaWed, 01 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Social has over 10 million monthly active users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/simcity-social-has-over-10-million-monthly-active-users/#comments If you're sick of Facebook notifications from your friends asking you to play SimCity Social, you're far from the only one. During today's financial earnings report, EA revealed that SimCity Social is quite the hit, with over 10 million monthly active users. SimCity Social launched on Facebook at the end of June.

JoystiqSimCity Social has over 10 million monthly active users originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookmacpcsimcitysimcity-socialTue, 31 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/eas-battlefield-3-ad-campaign-on-facebook-shows-440-percent-ret/#comments EA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investmentA major part of Facebook's business, in addition to keeping an accurate and exceedingly detailed log of the horrible web of lies you spin during your daily social activities, is as an advertising platform. As it turns out, advertising on Facebook can be pretty helpful, at least if the product you're shilling is something globally recognized like Battlefield 3.

"Electronic Arts recently spent $2.75 million promoting Battlefield 3 on Facebook," said Facebook COO Sheryl K. Sandberg during the company's first investor call since going public. "They attributed $12.1 million of their sales to these ads, translating to a 4.4x return on their Facebook marketing spend." Sandberg didn't elaborate on how EA extrapolated that figure.

An independent study performed on 60 different Facebook advertising campaigns showed that 70 percent of campaigns analyzed saw a 300 percent return on investment at minimum, according to Sandberg, while 49 percent of campaigns enjoyed 500 percent returns. It's difficult to determine how well that figure scales up, considering its small sample size, but we're sure that the simple act of typing "500 percent returns" has caused several dozen advertising executives to salivate uncontrollably.

JoystiqEA's Battlefield 3 ad campaign on Facebook shows 440 percent return on investment originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbattlefield-3DICEEAElectronic-ArtsFacebookmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Sheryl-K-SandbergxboxFri, 27 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insomniac and EA's Outernauts begin Facebook exploration today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/insomniac-and-eas-outernauts-begin-facebook-exploration-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/insomniac-and-eas-outernauts-begin-facebook-exploration-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/insomniac-and-eas-outernauts-begin-facebook-exploration-today/#comments ImageOuternauts, the adventure RPG from developer Insomniac (Ratchet and Clank, Resistance series) and publisher EA, launched today on the solar system's most used social networking site. The game sounds like Facebook Pokémon, as players "capture and train exotic alien beasts for battle."

"By bringing the breadth and elements of console gaming to a social game, we hope to give our fans - both old and new - a unique gaming experience on Facebook," said Insomniac founder Ted Price.

Go ahead and try out the game now while your teacher or boss is distracted.

JoystiqInsomniac and EA's Outernauts begin Facebook exploration today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsfacebookInsomniacinsomniac-gamesmacouternautspcted-priceTue, 24 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Social gets a rowdy trailer, goes after Zynga's 'Villes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/simcity-social-gets-a-rowdy-trailer-goes-after-zyngas-villes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/simcity-social-gets-a-rowdy-trailer-goes-after-zyngas-villes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/simcity-social-gets-a-rowdy-trailer-goes-after-zyngas-villes/#comments mini SimCity Social trailer promises more city, less 'ville

Here's a trailer for EA's new Facebook title SimCity Social, and we must say: It's pretty bizarre. Not least because it targets competitor Zynga's "Ville" titles directly, but monster truck rallies? Bleeped-out swearing? We wonder what the Facebook audience will think of this.

JoystiqSimCity Social gets a rowdy trailer, goes after Zynga's 'Villes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafacebookpcsimcity-socialsocialtrailervideoWed, 27 Jun 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SimCity Social, a Facebook game you may actually care about, launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/simcity-social-a-facebook-game-you-may-actually-care-about-lau/#comments In writing this post informing you that SimCity Social is now live (in "open beta") on Facebook, I may or may not have played SimCity Social for 25 minutes without realizing it. And then I discovered full screen mode, which makes it look even more like SimCity.

What I'm trying to tell you is that the game is live. And that I want to go play more of it. Because it's SimCity. You should probably check it out too, right here.

Perhaps you'd like to know more before proceeding? We've got that covered too!

JoystiqSimCity Social, a Facebook game you may actually care about, launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxiselectronic-artsfacebookmacmaxispcplayfishq3-2012release-datesimcity-socialMon, 25 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miiverse cares not for your Twitter and Facebook accounts, won't work with either]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/miiverse-cares-not-for-your-twitter-and-facebook-accounts-wont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/miiverse-cares-not-for-your-twitter-and-facebook-accounts-wont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/21/miiverse-cares-not-for-your-twitter-and-facebook-accounts-wont/#comments Miiverse announced for Wii UMiiverse may be Nintendo's latest baby step toward embracing the modernity of social media, but that doesn't mean it's actually going to integrate with modern social media. GamesIndustry reports Nintendo has confirmed its Miiverse won't play nice with Facebook nor Twitter. The long-term plan is to allow Miiverse access sometime after the Wii U launch from devices such as 3DS, smartphones and PCs.

"On the Wii U we do have additional reasons for connecting, we talked about things like the video chat system, nothing revolutionary but it's going to be convenient, it's going to be easy," said Nintendo of Europe's Laurent Fischer. "The community will be the Wii U owners, who will have this common interest for video games and our expectation about that is it's going to be a way to enhance the idea of sharing information on the video game."

Remember that Miiverse is also on a potential 30-minute communications delay due to family friendly moderation. At least we know Nintendo is doing its best to keep another console generation of children safe from the big, bad internet.

JoystiqMiiverse cares not for your Twitter and Facebook accounts, won't work with either originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FacebookMiiVersenintendoTwitterwii-uThu, 21 Jun 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age Legends no longer online, but playable offline for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dragon-age-legends-no-longer-online-but-playable-offline-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dragon-age-legends-no-longer-online-but-playable-offline-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/dragon-age-legends-no-longer-online-but-playable-offline-for-fr/#comments Dragon Age Legends no longer online, now available offline for freeDragon Age Legends, as fans will tell you, was one of the more popular Facebook games EA has ever put together -- at least before its untimely death earlier this week. Such is the fate of a freemium promotional game for a much larger console and PC series.

But while most online games simply shut down and go gently into that good night, Dragon Age Legends is doing no such thing. As promised, the dev team has re-released the game as a single-player title, available as a free download right now. You won't be able to invite friends (or buy any microtransaction-based items), but you will be able to play the title offline and forever, regardless of EA's server status.

The game runs on Adobe Air, so you'll need to download and install that if you haven't yet. And while previous characters and accounts have been locked online for now, the team is working on a way to archive them offline, so they can be used in the single-player game as well. This could set a very nice precedent for popular Facebook titles, that would otherwise face oncoming oblivion thanks to server death.

JoystiqDragon Age Legends no longer online, but playable offline for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredownloaddragon-agedragon-age-legendseafacebookfreeofflineonlinepcserversWed, 20 Jun 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Send giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/send-giant-birds-to-poop-on-your-friends-in-simcity-social/#comments Send giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social
We've taken two major points away from the SimCity Social producer diary above. First off, the game is looking an awful lot like SimCity 2000, which is a good thing in our book. Secondly, SimCity Social makes it possible to send a squadron of massive birds, flying in formation, to take major dumps all over your friends' cities.

We're going to spend literally one hundred percent of our time making that happen once the game launches on Facebook, which is said to happen sometime in the coming weeks.

JoystiqSend giant birds to poop on your friends in SimCity Social originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsFacebookmacMaxispcPlayfishsimcity-2000simcity-socialSat, 16 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/you-dont-know-jack-is-live-on-facebook-as-garish-and-fun-as-ev/#comments ImageOur editor-in-chief just told everyone on staff, "You don't know jack," which at first we chalked up to another moment of him flaunting his immense gaming and grammatical intelligence while we all cower in terrified inadequacy. Turns out he wanted us to write a post, but now we don't know who this Jack guy is or why he's so newsworthy.

Whatever - in unrelated news, You Don't Know Jack is now available for anyone to play on Facebook and holy snack cakes, we just figured out what our EIC wanted us to write about. Now who's dumb, huh?

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack is live on Facebook, as garish and fun as ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookjellyvisionmacmobilepcTHQyou-dont-know-jackTue, 29 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/you-dont-know-jack-and-cookie-masterson-want-to-be-your-new-fac/#comments ImageWe don't know about you, but You Don't Know Jack's charismatic host Cookie Masterson sure seems like a swell fellow; the kind of guy who takes to Facebook only to post photos of cats doing silly things, and potentially show his friends pictures of his newly shaven dome. We say this because we now have a new way to interact with Mr. Masterson through - you guessed it - You Don't Know Jack, now on Facebook.

The game is currently in closed beta, but I signed up to be a beta tester and was already in before this post was finished. Also, yup, I did play a round right quick, and it was totally awesome. In so many words, it's You Don't Know Jack, but played asychronously against Facebook friends. Rounds are shorter, and there's some microtransaction stuff in there, but it's pretty much the same game you've been playing (and loving) for 20 years.

Regardless, it's free and seemingly unobtrusive in regards to your Facebook account, which sounds like a big winner to us.

JoystiqYou Don't Know Jack and Cookie Masterson want to be your new Facebook friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cookie-mastersonfacebookfree-to-playjellyvisionmacmicrotransactionspcyou-dont-know-jackWed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST