Joystiq

GameFly opens Kansas City distribution center

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST

GameFly has opened a distribution center in Kansas City, Missouri, which we believe qualifies as the by-mail game rental services' first location in "the middle." This is the company's sixth distribution center, with other locations in (most recently) Seattle, Austin (not "the middle," but TEXAS!), Tampa, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.

GameFly recently went through a restructuring, laying off approximately 15 percent of its staff. GameFly members can check the distribution center servicing them by looking at the address on their return mailer.

[Thanks, Reggie]

GameFly opens Kansas City distribution center originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly PC sale: cheap Mass Effect Trilogy, Hitman Absolution, more

David Hinkle — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:55:00 EST

GameFly is running a special on select Windows PC downloads, offering up Hitman: Absolution for $12.49, Max Payne 3 for $14.99, Deus Ex: Human Revolution for $4.99, Mass Effect Trilogy for $24.99, Anno 2070 for $17.49 and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City for $12.49.

Late last year, GameFly introduced its standalone PC client, a digital storefront to purchase and rent PC games for subscribers and non-subscribers alike. Subscribers gain access to the Unlimited PC Play section, where they can persistently sample from hundreds of PC games.

GameFly PC sale: cheap Mass Effect Trilogy, Hitman Absolution, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly

Mike Schramm — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST

Despite only arriving on store shelves a month ago, Dead Space 3's price has been dismembered down to just $31.99, thanks to GameFly. Currently marked down to $39.99 on the retailer's site, using the coupon code "GFDMAR20" - which earns you 20% off PC titles - will slice off an additional $8 off at checkout.

Because this is a digital PC version, remember that you'll need an EA Origin account and your PC will need to be connected to the Internet as you play. Still, there's no cheaper way to get into the game our reviewer called "an exciting, shocking and mammoth adventure through the ghostly, unvarnished segments of space."

Dead Space 3 price sliced to $32 on PC from GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly restructuring causes layoffs

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST

By-mail and PC on-demand video game rental service GameFly went through a round of layoffs today as part of a restructuring plan. GameFly CEO Dave Hodess expressed the business is aligning itself better to existing console and digital games markets.

"We studied our business and determined that we could operate with a smaller team while continuing to provide the same high level of service to our customers," said Hodess in a prepared statement provided to Joystiq. "Aside from a greater focus in our software development efforts, we're not making any significant changes in our console subscription or digital download businesses. GameFly remains profitable with a strong balance sheet."

The company did not mention the extent of the layoffs, but sources tell us it was 35 employees in total, with another mentioning it was a third of the Los Angeles-based company's staff. Much like GameStop's used games business, a digitally distributed future of one-time-use watermarked games isn't likely to be kind to the by-mail rental service. The fact that GameFly also owns Direct2Drive (now GF Digital) may soften the blow.

Update: "The layoffs represented approximately 15 percent of [GameFly] staff," a spokesperson for the company informs Joystiq.

GameFly restructuring causes layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly deals: Tomb Raider PC for $36, Civ 5 for $6, 20% off PC downloads

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST

Not unlike an ancient conqueror, GameFly has slashed and burned the price of its Civilization V PC download. Usually $30, the game can now be had for a mere $7.49. The deal expires at midnight PT on February 14, a day when you should probably pay attention to your significant other and not global diplomacy.

But wait, there's more! Using another GameFly deal, you can actually knock the price down to only six bucks. All you have to do is use the coupon code GFDFEB20, which takes an additional 20 percent off the price of PC downloads. Of course, if you're not in the mood for Civilization, you could always apply it to a different PC download, say, a pre-order of Tomb Raider. Already discounted to $45, the coupon drops it down to $36.

GameFly deals: Tomb Raider PC for $36, Civ 5 for $6, 20% off PC downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Court rules Netflix receives unfair advantage in GameFly postal dispute

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST

The US Court of Appeals ruled today that Netflix does receive an unfair advantage from the U.S. Postal Service in how it handles DVDs shipped through the system. Reuters reports the court is leaving it up to the Postal Regulatory Commission to create an equitable solution.

Netflix receives preferential treatment and specially designated containers due to the volume of mail it sends through the system. Judge David Sentelle noted, "Rather obviously, this is not without cost to the postal service. Nonetheless, the service provides it to Netflix free of charge."

The latest ruling is a continuation of the multi-year dispute by GameFly, which claims it's had to make adjustments that cost millions because the postal service won't give the game rental service the same treatment.

Update: GameFly has sent us an official statement regarding today's ruling. Posted in full after break.

Continue reading Court rules Netflix receives unfair advantage in GameFly postal dispute

Court rules Netflix receives unfair advantage in GameFly postal dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Writer Rumble is first title from GameFly Games, available now on iOS

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST

Writer Rumble, a word fighting game featuring literary titans beating the thesaurus out of each other, is available now of iOS at $0.99. The game is the first from GameFly Games, the publishing arm of the multifaceted game service.

Sean Spector, GameFly co-founder and SVP of business development and content said, "Mobile gaming is an ever growing part of the gaming experience, and publishing high quality games is an important part of our digital strategy at GameFly."

Android users will be able to partake in the Writer Rumble in "early 2013." Downloadable content packs are also planned for the game over 2013. We imagine Chaucer will tell "The Whoopass Tale".

Continue reading Writer Rumble is first title from GameFly Games, available now on iOS

Writer Rumble is first title from GameFly Games, available now on iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly offers 20% off Black Friday discounted digital PC titles this weekend

Mike Schramm — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST

GameFly has posted its sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday on digital PC games, and there are quite a few healthy discounts in there, on big PC titles from this year and last. And even beyond the prices on the website, you can use the code NOV20OFF for an extra 20 percent off these already discounted titles. We've got deals on deals here, people!

You can look through the whole list of prices on GamerDeals, but the standouts are probably XCOM: Enemy Unknown for just $37.49, Dishonored for $29.99, Torchlight 2 for just $14.99, and Spec Ops: The Line and The Darkness 2 for $7.49 each.

Only on Black Friday, you can grab Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning also for $7.49, and Hotline Miami is that same price on Saturday. And on Friday and Monday only, Need for Speed: Most Wanted is $24.99. All those prices are before the code discount, too, so if you need to stock up on PC titles, GameFly seems like one of the best ways to do so.

GameFly offers 20% off Black Friday discounted digital PC titles this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly PC client officially launches today

David Hinkle — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST

GameFly's digital PC client is now out of open beta and launches today. Available to all, not just GameFly subscribers, the GameFly PC client is a storefront for over 1,500 Windows and Mac titles, all available for purchase and rental.

GameFly members can enjoy Unlimited PC Play, which allows them to play any of hundreds of downloadable games available through the GameFly PC client for as long as they desire. And to celebrate the final version of the GameFly PC client's launch today, 2K Games is giving everyone who downloads the thing a free copy of BioShock, a deal we're sure Andrew Ryan himself wouldn't dare scoff at.

GameFly PC client officially launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

David Hinkle — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST

Reverge Labs' debut fighter Skullgirls is coming to major digital distribution channels later this year. The Windows PC port will be available on Steam, Origin, GameFly, GamersGate and GameStop PC Downloads.

The PC version will ship with several updates built in - updates that will eventually be patched into the console versions. These include "in-game movelists, additional tutorials, retuned single player AI, enhanced leaderboards, in-game name display for online matches, and additional multi-player regions."

Continue reading Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

GameFly now has a "Game of the Day" section in its free mobile app, which partners with some of the largest publishers in on-the-go (and on-the-potty) gaming. Curated by GameFly, the section will feature iOS titles -- some new and others "missed by the masses" -- for free or at discounted prices. Games mentioned include Gameloft's The Oregon Trail, and Siege Hero from Armor Games.

The "Game of the Day" section is available now in the updated GameFly app. To access the "Game of the Day" section, tap on the "more" tab at the bottom of the screen and you'll find "GOTD" staring back at you. Going to the "games" tab will just get you lost in a maze of menus for hours.

Continue reading GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games

GameFly adds 'Game of the Day' to mobile app, features free and discounted iOS games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

GameFly and publisher 2K Games have expanded their partnership for the rental services' "Unlimited PC Play," adding several titles that have high-profile sequels or expansions launching this year. BioShock, Civilization 4 and X-Com: Enforcer are available now for free to members.

"With our upcoming releases of BioShock Infinite, Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings and XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the horizon, we're taking this opportunity to introduce or re-introduce fans to these beloved franchises," said 2K Games marketing senior VP Sarah Anderson.

Here's a chance for GameFly members with PCs to check out some of the best PC games available... along with X-Com: Enforcer.

GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly looking to 'help good games get made' via mobile publishing

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST

GameFly, which stopped being a mere rental portal ages ago, is expanding once again into mobile publishing. On the most recent edition of the company's Weekend Confirmed podcast, GameFly editorial director Garnett Lee said, "We're going to be doing some pub-funding."

Lee mentions he wants to "help good games get made" and requested iOS and Android developers get in touch.

GameFly tells us it has no further comment on the project at this time.

GameFly looking to 'help good games get made' via mobile publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Xenoblade Chronicles available on GameFly

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST

Xenoblade Chronicles is available for rent on Gamefly, a reader informs Joystiq. We checked and, sure enough, it's there. "But it's supposed to be exclusive to the Nintendo Store and GameStop!" you say. To that ... well, we don't really have a snappy retort because we're just as flummoxed as everyone else. Whatever the cause, it seems being able to rent the game has created an exception.

Regardless, if you don't feel like paying a premium to try out the excellent RPG, and you happen to have a GameFly account, give it a rent. As of this writing, Xenoblade Chronicles is listed as "available now."

[Thanks, Matthew!]

Xenoblade Chronicles available on GameFly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Retailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Konami's attempt at a Silent Hill hat-trick for the month of March may have fallen short just before the buzzer: Silent Hill: Book of Memories has had its release date changed from March 27 to May 31, according to Amazon and Gamefly.

As you'll recall, Book of Memories was originally slated to be released in February, relatively alongside the Vita's North American debut. It was then delayed until March, as was the Silent Hill HD Collection, in an effort to extract the highest amount of retail synergy possible from Silent Hill: Downpour's release.

We've reached out Konami for confirmation; in the meantime, those of you who absolutely must be terrified on the go should load your MP3 player with the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack.

Joystiq, its parent companies and their affiliates are not responsible for panic attacks, mental breakdowns or other disruptive/embarrassing public episodes caused by listening to the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack in public.

[Thanks, Adam!]

Retailers: Silent Hill: Book of Memories delayed until May 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!]

David Hinkle — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST

To become a ninja, one must learn -- the deadly arts of war, for example. Or how to wear those weird socks. Stuff like that.

You can't be any geek off the street, and so Tecmo-Koei has decided to lock the online multiplayer of Ninja Gaiden 3 behind an online pass. So says a listing on Gamefly warning potential renters of Ninja Gaiden 3, anyway. Update: It's confirmed! Ninja Gaiden 3 will have an online pass, a Tecmo Koei representative has confirmed with Joystiq.

~~We've sent our silent inquisitors to Tecmo Koei to secure confirmation on the matter. We'll let you know what we hear back.~~

[Thanks, Josh!]

Ninja Gaiden 3 to require online pass [Update: Confirmed!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Retailers: Inversion delayed until March

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Inversion has had an official launch date of February 7, 2012, for over a year now, but retail listings are shifting to note otherwise. Both GameFly, which lists launch info based on publisher data, and GameStop now present a release date of March 27.

Originally announced back in 2009, Inversion was supposed to hit shelves sometime in 2010, back when Namco was still trying out new IP. We've contacted Namco Bandai for official confirmation of the delay.

Gallery: Inversion (Gamescom 2011)

Retailers: Inversion delayed until March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly's most requested games of 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

GameFly's annual list of "top requested" games of 2011 has The Batman perched atop the multiplatform and Xbox 360 charts with Arkham City. A certain Mr. Nathan Drake led the PlayStation 3 requests with Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, while Wii wakers primarily requested the presence of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

According to information supplied by the popular game rental outlet, Dead Island and Rage were the only original intellectual properties for the year to enjoy spots on the console top ten. We've posted Gamefly's multiplatform, console and Nintendo handheld top ten lists after the break.

Continue reading GameFly's most requested games of 2011

GameFly's most requested games of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gamefly discounts used games in end-of-year sale

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:15:00 EST

Finish your holiday shopping already? Well, if you've got some spare coin and are looking to treat yourself for getting your shopping done early for once, you may be interested in Gamefly's end of year sale. It's a pretty big sale, guys.

Gamefly's used titles on Xbox 360, DS, 3DS, Wii and PS3 have been discounted through January 3, and any purchase from Gamefly also qualifies for free shipping throughout the duration of the sale. Sheer quantity alone of what's on offer is impressive -- highlights include cheap copies of Mortal Kombat, L.A. Noire, Kirby's Epic Yarn and many, many more.

Or we guess you could just pocket your remaining cash. You've already bought all your gifts, so sit back and relax -- unless you forgot the batteries, in which case we imagine you're running out of the house now to ... yeah, you've already left. Okay then.

Gamefly discounts used games in end-of-year sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST

GameFly announced this morning that its PC client has entered public beta, with the highlight of the app being the Unlimited PC Play library for GameFly members.

The Unlimited Play section is a nice bonus for members. While there's a lot of dreck to sift through, there's good stuff like Prince of Persia, Assassin's Creed and World of Goo ... oh, wait, that's World of Zoo. Our bad.

"We are thrilled to finally be able to open up the beta so anyone interested in video games can start using the client, and we are hard at work expanding our catalog of PC titles for our users to play for free in the Unlimited PC Play section," said Sean Spector, GameFly co-founder and SVP of Business Development and Content.

The client will also allow the company to begin selling PC games at GameFly.com (and through its iOS and Android Apps) with over 1,500 Windows and Mac games for sale. The company didn't buy that Direct2Drive infrastructure for nothin'.

Continue reading GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use

GameFly PC client enters public beta, Direct2Drive acquisition put to use originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!]

David Hinkle — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST

Just about every retailer on the planet agrees: the future is a lot closer than you may think! And here we were waiting for 30 Helens to agree this whole time ...

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is apparently slated for launch on March 6, according to listings on Gamefly, Amazon, Target, GameStop, Wal-Mart and Best Buy. While we'd never consider a retailer listing as fact (most of the time they're placeholders), the proliferation of identical is pretty compelling. And as of right now, all we really know is it'll launch at least after the planned January 2012 beta.

~~We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment and will let you know what we hear back.~~ Update: We were able to confirm the launch date with Ubisoft. Look for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on March 6, 2012!

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly expresses confidence as Netflix muscles in

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST

GameFly is putting on a strong face as it prepares for its greatest competitor to the game rental space to date: Netflix. Well, the behemoth's disc distribution division is called Qwikster now -- a change that's taking folks some time to wrap their brains around -- but the fact remains: Netflix's distribution network is an efficient beast. It is a key aspect GameFly has struggled with over the years.

"GameFly has expanded steadily over the past nine years by focusing exclusively on video gamers. We are the only retailer offering games physically and digitally for both rental and purchase," GameFly responded in a statement when asked about Qwikster. "Gamers can try before they buy, choosing from new releases and classic titles that span the last decade. GameFly has more than 8000 games for 10 console and handheld systems to choose from, and over 1500 Windows/Mac games are available for download."

GameFly is preparing for the digitally distributed future with acquisitions like Direct2Drive, which will allow the company to add "Unlimited PC Play" for free to its service offerings this holiday.

"GameFly is the leading video game rental service, and we have continued to grow even as Blockbuster and Redbox increased their investment in console games."

Qwikster has yet to show how serious it is about the game space, nor has it given an idea about the price for its games 'n' flix service -- wait, that's probably not the best term to use.

GameFly expresses confidence as Netflix muscles in originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly to add 'Unlimited PC Play' this holiday

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST

GameFly will launch a new digital client this holiday, the biggest benefit of which will be a new "Unlimited PC Play" service. It will allow subscribers to download and play any offered PC/Mac games, presenting a natural evolution of the service since it acquired IGN's Direct2Drive platform several months back.

"We're talking to all publishers about participating. Several have been signed, but we're not announcing at this time," GameFly co-founder Sean Spector told Joystiq. "In the 'Unlimited PC Play' portion for GameFly subscribers, we expect to have over a hundred titles available for the beta launch, but we'll be adding to the list constantly and should have hundreds at the time of our holiday launch."

Asked if the company would offer a PC-only GameFly subscription, similar to those found with movie rental streaming services, Spector said, "We currently have no plans to offer a digital only subscription, as we believe the real value to gamers and our members is our unique combination of console and digital PC game offerings."

Spector tells us that, like the company's mobile apps, the client-based application should update regularly and customers will have access to whatever games they download as long as they maintain a subscription.

GameFly will launch the closed beta for the client on September 8 at a Los Angeles event, where attendees will receive a beta code for themselves and a friend. GameFly subscribers not in the LA area can still sign up by heading over to the beta section of the site.

GameFly to add 'Unlimited PC Play' this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official

Steven Wong — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:45:00 EST

Today, game rental service GameFly confirmed last week's rumor that it will acquire the digital game retailer Direct2Drive from IGN. The acquisition of Direct2Drive will add more than 3,000 PC and Mac games to GameFly's existing library of console titles. While terms of the deal are not disclosed in the announcement, IGN will gain a minority equity stake in GameFly but have no direct role in its operations or governance.

"Only GameFly can offer a complete library of physical and digital games for the PC, Mac and consoles in one place." David Hodess, CEO of GameFly gloats. Although Direct2Drive currently offers a small handful of downloadable game rentals, no plans for including PC and Mac rentals through GameFly are discussed in the announcement; however, Joystiq confirmed with David Hodess that the option is being explored. "We know that consumers are interested in PC/Mac rentals and intend to investigate this opportunity thoroughly," Hodess told us. He also confirmed that Direct2Drive promotions like IGN membership discounts and the refer-a-friend program will continue after the acquisition is complete.

Continue reading GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official

GameFly acquisition of Direct2Drive official originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: IGN selling Direct2Drive to Gamefly

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:30:00 EST

IGN's Direct2Drive is allegedly being sold to GameFly, MCV reports. An official announcement is expected next week. Direct2Drive does offer a limited selection of game rentals, which fits in directly with GameFly's business model. Sources, while unable to confirm the sale, do tell us that IGN has been looking to unload D2D for some time.

This would be the second major announcement out of News Corp's IGN in under a month. The company announced in early May it was merging with UGO, and reports indicated that the company would spin off from News Corp.

IGN and GameFly told Joystiq in perfect harmony that neither company will "comment on rumors or speculation."

Rumor: IGN selling Direct2Drive to Gamefly originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly wins in United States Postal Service dispute

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST

GameFly's two-year dispute with the United States Postal Service concluded with the Postal Regulatory Commission agreeing that preferential treatment was given to by-mail movie services like Netflix and Blockbuster.

Gamespot reports that the PRC plans to remedy the issue by having the USPS establish two parallel rate categories for roundtrip DVD mail. This should prevent GameFly from incurring a fee for avoiding automated sorting machines -- which have a higher probability of breaking the contents being shipped.

Contacted for comment, GameFly told Joystiq: "Overall, we are pleased that the PRC found that the basis of our complaint was legitimate. We need to read through and consider the entire document before we would be in a position to elaborate."

[Thanks, Steven]

GameFly wins in United States Postal Service dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Prince of Persia Trilogy HD listed by GameFly for March

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST

Rental service GameFly has a listing for Prince of Persia Trilogy HD with a March 22, 2011 release date. The game was previously announced as being disc-based only for Europe, Middle East and African territories. All three games were released in North America via digital distribution on the PlayStation Network.

We've contacted Ubisoft for comment, but the publisher has yet to respond. GameFly tells us it hasn't changed its listing policy, which means it will "simply post information as it is supplied to [GameFly] by the publishers."

Prince of Persia Trilogy HD listed by GameFly for March originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

Online rental service GameFly has named its "most requested" games of 2010. The rankings are based on each member's GameQ, which is "a personal wish list of games available for rent." Given the inconsistent availability of titles offered through the service, sometimes "wish list" is right.

Continue reading GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010

GameFly reveals the 'most requested' games of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly's year-end sale deals up used games on the cheap

Mike Schramm — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST

GameFly has begun its annual year-end sale and some of the prices on used games are just insane. We can tell you right now that you'll probably want to pick up Splinter Cell: Conviction on Xbox 360 for $9.99, Wet on PS3 for a buck more or MadWorld on the Wii for just $8.99 if you haven't played any of those yet. Unfortunately, some of the games on the list are already sold out but, if you hunt through it, there are bargains to find.

With prices this low, we worry that the kids of GameFly employees will have to go without Christmas presents this year -- just so we can finally play The Saboteur for under 12 bucks.

GameFly's year-end sale deals up used games on the cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST

Today was the day we were supposed to finally, maybe play Gran Turismo 5 -- not even Walmart, it seems, can get over the latest delay. A search for the game today on the retailer's site turned up an "In Stock" result (pictured above); though clicking through to the product prompted only a pre-order option.

While there remains no definitive release date for the comically-delayed sim racer, a Sony representative reiterated in a statement to Joystiq today that the publisher is "still aiming for this holiday" to launch GT5. Sony has backed up this target window by recently updating retailers, which passed the information along to their customers. Specifically, Amazon has notified GT5 pre-orderers of a "new delivery estimate based on the new release date" -- that date being December 31, 2010. (A full copy of one such email is posted after the break.)

Although there are exceptions (first-party Nintendo games tend to be released on Sundays), almost all video games are released on Tuesdays -- just like today -- in the U.S. And though Amazon appears to be acting on a date provided by the publisher, Sony confirmed December 31 is just a placeholder. "As far as the Amazon date goes," a Sony representative told us, "retailers have arbitrary dates that get listed to coincide with any given title's launch window if we haven't provided a specific date. So it's completely driven from their side [...] A placeholder if you will." Similarly, GameStop and Target now list January 1, 2011 placeholder release dates for GT5 (whereas GameFly is sticking with "TBD," for now).

Technically, you can get away with extending the holiday season into early January, and by all accounts, GT5 is still on track to meet this rather dubious date range. According to retailer expectations, however, no gamer -- big or small -- is going to be unwrapping Gran Turismo 5 from under the Christmas tree, or from any other location their loved ones might stack their presents this holiday. Unless, of course, Sony can pull off a last-minute miracle.

Continue reading Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release

Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST

You either need to hide or break out your pocketbooks, friends -- GameFly's throwing another gigantic Under $20 sale on hundreds of its used games, many of which have free shipping. Check out a partial list of some of the encheapened games and their reduced prices posted below.

Continue reading GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20

GameFly selling Final Fantasy XIII, Splinter Cell: Conviction, more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST

GameFly is currently running a decidedly insane sale on used copies of a handful of 2010 blockbusters until this Friday, September 17. If you've got $20 to spare, you can grab Darksiders, God of War 3, Alpha Protocol, Mass Effect 2 or Dante's Inferno -- all with free shipping to boot.

Continue reading GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20

GameFly selling God of War 3, Mass Effect 2 and more for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST

GameFly has a decent sale on used games going on right now. The frugal folks at Slickdeals.net have found a few of the juicier deals, including Yakuza 3 for $22, God of War 3 for $20, BioShock 2 for $14 and more. Check out more highlights after the break and let us know if you find any good deals.

Continue reading GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap

GameFly used game sale: Yakuza 3, GoW 3, BioShock 2, more for cheap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Gamefly listings suggest Centipede and Star Raiders remakes

JC Fletcher — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[Star Raiders Tribute Page]

It would appear that Haunted House marked the beginning of a new series of revamped Atari classics. Siliconera spotted GameFly listings for PS3 and Xbox 360 games called "Star Raiders" and "Centipede."

Centipede, of course, is one of the most well-known early arcade games, featuring a trackball-controlled avatar firing lasers at on-screen centipedes and mushrooms. Star Raiders isn't as well known. It's a first-person, Star Trek-style space exploration and combat simulator released on various Atari computers -- as well as on Atari 2600, where it used the "Video Touch Pad" controller.

The fact that these are on Gamefly suggests that they're retail releases -- since Gamefly doesn't rent downloadable games.

Gamefly listings suggest Centipede and Star Raiders remakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rock of the Dead shambling onto PS3 and Xbox 360, according to retail listings

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:00:00 EST

Both GameFly and Amazon have added PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Epicenter's Rock of the Dead to their databases. For the uninitiated, Rock of the Dead is essentially a clone of Typing of the Dead, with guitars instead of keyboards. You'll have to strum your way through a zombie horde, in an adventure that promises the same "cheesy/campy" humor found in Sega's original arcade game.

Considering the HD consoles are no strangers to guitar controllers, it makes sense that publisher UFO Interactive would want to target every viable platform. With Dr. Horrible's Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day taking starring roles, Rock of the Dead's sheer nerd power definitely has our interest piqued.

[Via superannuation]

Rock of the Dead shambling onto PS3 and Xbox 360, according to retail listings originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly releases GameCenter app for Android

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

Good news, Android users, GameFly's GameCenter app is no longer just for your jerk iPhone-owning friends. That's right, GameFly has released an Android version of the app, putting the rental service at your mobile fingertips.

The app allows users to manage their rental queues, check out trailers and browse game news. Finally, you can watch GameFly inexplicably ship the game at the bottom of your list on the go! GameCenter is available now on the Android Market.

GameFly releases GameCenter app for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Blockbuster details new Games By Mail rental system

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST

Yesterday, we heard about beleaguered rental chain Blockbuster's attempt to yoink some of the video game rental market back from the hands of GameFly by implementing a new "Games By Mail" rental service. Today, we received more details: For an extra $7.99 plus tax on top of their standard monthly fees, Blockbuster Online subscribers will be able to rent one game at a time, which counts towards the total number of discs they're allowed to have out under their subscription plan. Fortunately, if you don't check out any games during the one-month billing period, you're not charged the extra eight bucks.

For more details on the service -- which Blockbuster is currently testing in Cleveland, Ohio "with plans to expand this nationwide before the end of the year" -- check out the company's FAQ page.

Blockbuster details new Games By Mail rental system originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Blockbuster weighs games-by-mail, Netflix dismisses it

Justin McElroy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST

According to an email The Consumerist says one of its readers received, struggling entertainment rental store Blockbuster is considering adding games to its media-by-mail service (think GameFly). According to the email, customers would "be able to choose from over 3,000 different games, including many popular new releases."

When asked if Netflix would consider a similar move, a company spokesperson seemed unenthusiastic, saying "Movies are perennial. A great movie from 1972 is still a great movie but who wants to play Madden '95?" Sounds like somebody knows on which side their proverbial bread is buttered.

Blockbuster weighs games-by-mail, Netflix dismisses it originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GameFly GameCenter update: manage your GameQ

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

When the GameFly GameCenter mobile app launched last October, its creators promised to eventually bring its functionality into parity with the main site's user interface. Thanks to a recent update through the App Store, that future has been realized. GameCenter has been tweaked to allow GameFly subscribers to add titles to (or remove titles from) their GameQs while out and about.

A handful of additional UI changes have also been made to streamline the game-renting process. You can check out the app for free using the download link below.

GameFly GameCenter (free)

GameFly GameCenter update: manage your GameQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments