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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Take Two chairman clarifies statement on GTA IV release date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/take-two-chairman-clarifies-statement-on-gta-iv-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/take-two-chairman-clarifies-statement-on-gta-iv-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/11/take-two-chairman-clarifies-statement-on-gta-iv-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When Take-Two Interactive Chairman Strauss Zelnick spoke to a group of investors on Tuesday, his comments were vague enough to make us wonder if Grand Theft Auto IV would miss its target launch window of February to April, 2008.

However, Zelnick recently spoke with GameSpot to take a more concrete stand on the matter. He said that the company is sticking with the February to April target, and that a firm release date within that three month period will be set when Take-Two knows the game will be ready. While this doesn't set our mind completely at ease, it's nice to see them give us any sweet morsels of certainty in their ocean of ambiguous announcements.

JoystiqTake Two chairman clarifies statement on GTA IV release date originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayGrand Theft AutoGrand Theft Auto 4Grand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvGTA IVGtaIvPS3RockstarTake-TwoXbox-360Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[American PSN releases for June 28th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/american-psn-releases-for-june-28th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/american-psn-releases-for-june-28th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/american-psn-releases-for-june-28th/#commentsFiled under:


After a pretty killer week for boxed game releases, the PSN is also doing its part to beef up the PlayStation argument. This week we have a game, a demo, a major trailer and some other accompanying fancies. No PS1 games, though. They've all been funneled into the Japanese PSN store. Not that we mind. We've got more than enough to keep us busy. Super Stardust HD is one of those games that popped up a couple of weeks ago yelling "I'm going to be amazing. Buy me." The full release list is as follows.
Great stuff. Keep it coming, Sony!

JoystiqAmerican PSN releases for June 28th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dynasty Warriors GundamDynastyWarriorsGundamGrand Theft AutoGrand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIvGTAGTA IVGtaIvsuper stardust hdSuperStardustHdThu, 28 Jun 2007 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[New GTA IV trailer wants to mug you and slap your children]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/new-gta-iv-trailer-wants-to-mug-you-and-your-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/new-gta-iv-trailer-wants-to-mug-you-and-your-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/new-gta-iv-trailer-wants-to-mug-you-and-your-children/#commentsFiled under:

As promised, Rockstar has just released a new trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV and it's bringing down the internet as we speak. This one features a ton of gameplay and new scenery, and honestly makes the game look a lot more interesting than the previous trailer and screenshots.

As you can see, the trailer is embedded right above so check it out and let us know what you think. Does it tickle your sandbox crime fancy? Or does it leave you cold and uninterested like a body in a morgue?

JoystiqNew GTA IV trailer wants to mug you and slap your children originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutoGTA IVGtaIvrockstarThu, 28 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-drug ad implicates games' influence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/anti-drug-ad-implicates-games-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/anti-drug-ad-implicates-games-influence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/anti-drug-ad-implicates-games-influence/#commentsFiled under:

Injury. Obesity. Becoming a murderer. These are just some of the risks we as gamers knowingly take on in deference to the hobby we love. But now there's a new risk. Apparently, playing video games can also turn us into drug addicts.

A new TV ad from the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign features a mom talking to a virtual convict in a fictional crime simulator. The ne'er-do-well warns mom that her son and his friends think he's cool because all he does is "deal drugs ... smoke weed and cause trouble." Sounds like fun to us, but the virtual thug, in a moment of supreme self-awareness and social consciousness, tells mom that "in real life, drugs are nothing but trouble." How does the mom thank him for this information? By turning off the game, ignoring his pleas for a reprieve-granting reset.

Like most anti-drug ads, the main message here is that parents should talk to their kids about drugs, which is something we can all get behind. But really, do the people behind this ad seriously think that kids are going to start experimenting with drugs just because they saw a video game character do it? We know kids can be easily suggestible, but give them some credit. They're not idiots. Check out the video after the break.

[Via FileFront]

Continue reading Anti-drug ad implicates games' influence

JoystiqAnti-drug ad implicates games' influence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictanti-drugcrimedrugsgrand theft autoGrandTheftAutoGTATue, 26 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV news from a Turkish Xbox mag?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/gta-iv-news-from-a-turkish-xbox-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/gta-iv-news-from-a-turkish-xbox-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/20/gta-iv-news-from-a-turkish-xbox-mag/#commentsFiled under:


We got some potential tantalizing tidbits of Grand Theft Auto IV from a Turkish Xbox magazine. Since this is posted in the Team Xbox forum, we're going to classify this as rumors until further confirmation. That being said, some of the stuff has been alluded to before, so it's not out of the question. Simple stuff like slight vibrations for your strides when running, or a lack of a HUD, with visual cues ingame instead sound reasonable. Getting something more than a lousy t-shirt for completing the game 100% is almost a given. Liberty City will be larger than Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas combined has been heard before. Some RPG elements from San Andreas will be included, expanded upon as well as removed, for example the love interests, working out and eating have been cut, but skill development is still in. For more details, and potential features, click the "Read" link.

[Thanks, Jeff]

JoystiqGTA IV news from a Turkish Xbox mag? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G T AG T A 4G T A IVGrand Theft AutoGrand Theft Auto 4Grand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvGTAGTA4GTAIvWed, 20 Jun 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two not explaining GTA $50 million exclusive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/take-two-not-explaining-gta-50-million-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/take-two-not-explaining-gta-50-million-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/take-two-not-explaining-gta-50-million-exclusive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two refuses to comment any further on Chief Financial Officer Laine Goldstein's "oopsie" that Microsoft may have paid $50 million for GTA IV's episodic content. Goldstein said during a conference call last week that they had been paid $25 million for the episodic content to be released next March and another $25 million for their next fiscal year. GI.biz, along with almost every other news outlet, contacted Take-Two for clarification and got nothing but the wall of voicemail and receptionists who just can't find someone to comment at the moment.

Some questions remained previously about if the GTA IV episodic content was "exclusive" (the same way Haze is a timed exclusive) or if the Xbox 360 episodes were actually exclusive exclusives (that word really gets so muddy in this industry). Take-Two confirmed late last week that the episodes are actually only for Xbox 360. And at a price of $50 million dollars, if that's how much the episodes actually were, you better believe that the word exclusive means exactly that in this case. There is also the belief that the $50 million is an advance to Take-Two on what Microsoft believes their portion will be off of Xbox Marketplace sales. Although, $50 million dollars for two episodes is still a large sum of money ... an oddly large sum.

JoystiqTake-Two not explaining GTA $50 million exclusive originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50 millionepisodesgrand theft autogtaPS3taketwoXbox-360Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Take Two got $50M for GTAIV episodic content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-got-50m-for-gtaiv-episodic-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-got-50m-for-gtaiv-episodic-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/take-two-got-50m-for-gtaiv-episodic-content/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A telling exchange during last week's Take Two earnings conference call may have revealed a sizable price tag for the Xbox 360's exclusive rights to Grand Theft Auto IV downloadable content. During the call, Pacific Crest Securities Analyst Evan Wilson inquired about a $25 million "deferred revenue chunk associated with the episodic content on Xbox 360." Take Two CFO Lainie Goldstein responded that the money was for "the first episodic content package that's supposed to go out ... in March of '08" and that another $25 million was being deferred for the second content pack, to be released later in fiscal '08.

Many news outlets are reporting that this revenue came from Microsoft to secure exclusive rights to these content packs, but this is not explicitly confirmed in the conference call or any other sources we could find. Take Two spokesperson Meg Maise would not comment on the matter, telling Joystiq the financial arrangements for the downloadable content were confidential.

Still, it seems highly likely that the money came from Microsoft. Deferred revenue is often used to account for money paid before a product is delivered, and Take Two deferring Microsoft's payment for downloadable content would be a prototypical example of the practice. It's hard to imagine where else Take Two would derive such sizable revenue before the product was released.

So was this a good move for Microsoft? Downloadable content is definitely a selling points for the Xbox 360 version of the game, but $50 million is a lot of money to pay just to get some additional content. If you're prepared to throw your money around, why not go all the way and secure the entire franchise as a system exclusive?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqTake Two got $50M for GTAIV episodic content originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentDLCdownloadablegrand theft autoGrandTheftAutoGTAGTA4GTAIVMicrosoftPS3Take TwoTakeTwoXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter: Halo 3 could cause GTA IV delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/pachter-halo-3-could-cause-gta-iv-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/pachter-halo-3-could-cause-gta-iv-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/01/pachter-halo-3-could-cause-gta-iv-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, in his latest assessment of Take Two, said that the publisher might delay Grand Theft Auto IV so as to move it farther away from Halo 3's September 25 launch. Currently, GTAIV is expected October 16, just three weeks after Master Chief moves in.

"We believe that a two-week delay would provide a reasonable gap between the launch of Halo 3 and the launch of GTA IV, and would actually help sales of both games," he said.

Indeed, the thought of having to shell out $120 to $220 (that's $90 for GTA special edition and $130 for the Halo's legendary set) in a short amount of time does make us want to hold off on one of the titles until our wallets are happier. But will two weeks make all the difference?

Pachter suggests another reason for a delay that has more to do with business strategy. If Take Two delays GTA IV two weeks, that will put it in their 2008 fiscal year. Though that would most assuredly hurt the publisher's FY 2007 prospects, Pachter said that it's possible they will just "throw in the towel" for the year and give themselves a strong start for FY 2008.

One devious suggestion that we hope doesn't happen: Pachter suggested Take Two keep the special edition on October 16 while moving the "normal SKU" back a few weeks. Good for business, but bad for the impatient gamer. Remember, this is just one analyst's opinion, and Take Two is still officially committed to the October 16 release dates.

JoystiqPachter: Halo 3 could cause GTA IV delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-StudiosFPSgrand theft autogrand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIvgtagtaivhalohalo 3Halo-3Halo3MicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosPS3take twoTakeTwoXbox-360Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto finally reaches Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-finally-reaches-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-finally-reaches-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-finally-reaches-japan/#commentsFiled under:


It's not uncommon for Americans to wait for Japanese games and systems. Heck, we still don't have any localized version of Bleach: Heat the Soul. Nor do we have other system colors, or that GPS accessory .... need we go on?

Well, looks like Japan can finally understand the pains of localization delays. Nearly two years since its original release, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is heading to Japan. The revolutionary handheld title will receive Japan's most restrictive rating of Z and will be on Japanese store shelves on 7/26.

With such a long lead-time for the title, one has to question: how much longer will the Japanese have to wait for Vice City Stories?

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto finally reaches Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtajapanliberty city storiesLibertyCityStoriesFri, 25 May 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto IV images galore!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-iv-images-galore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-iv-images-galore/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/25/grand-theft-auto-iv-images-galore/#commentsFiled under:


Rockstar has rolled out a handful of new Grand Theft Auto IV images and we've incorporated them into a new gallery, along with previously released content as well. The shots all show off a very impressive level of detail, from foliage in the trees to reflective surfaces on automobiles. We also get some close looks at GTAIV's protagonist, Niko Bellic (seen above behind the wheel of a likely stolen ride). Check out our extensive new gallery below and tell us what you think.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto IV images galore! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autogrand theft auto 4grand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvgta 4gta ivGta4GtaIvrockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamestake twotake two interactivetake-twotake-two interactiveTake-twoInteractiveTakeTwoTakeTwoInteractiveFri, 25 May 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV's handy upgrade in graphics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/gta-ivs-handy-upgrade-in-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/gta-ivs-handy-upgrade-in-graphics/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/gta-ivs-handy-upgrade-in-graphics/#commentsFiled under: , ,



To understand the upgrades in the Grand Theft Auto series' graphics just look at the hands. Like a palm reader, Games Radar just examined the hands of GTA's anti-heros to observe how the series has evolved over time. From GTA 3's "The Stump" to GTA IV's "The Real Hand." Nikko (if that is the real main character) apparently "grasps objects in an entirely realistic fashion." We're sure to get a better idea of what GTA IV actually holds when we hopefully see the first gameplay footage in the near future.

JoystiqGTA IV's handy upgrade in graphics originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autogtahandsliberty cityPS3Xbox-360Tue, 15 May 2007 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[No new GTA games in the works for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/no-new-gta-games-in-the-works-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/no-new-gta-games-in-the-works-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/13/no-new-gta-games-in-the-works-for-psp/#commentsFiled under:


San Andreas Stories? We never knew thee ... and we may never. GTA4.net has information supposedly from the Australian OPM. In their Grand Theft Auto IV preview, they reveal that work on San Andreas Stories is not happening. In fact, there's no plans to develop a PSP GTA title at all. "When asked about a San Andreas Stories for the PSP, he replies saying that they don't have any plans for that at the moment, suggesting that they likely haven't started at all on another GTA PSP title."

We're a little saddened by this revelation, if only because we'd love to see San Andreas squeezed onto the portable. It seems that crime-loving gamers will have to look towards Driver 76 to get their fix.

[Via DCEmu]

JoystiqNo new GTA games in the works for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtaopmsan andreassan andreas storiesSanAndreasSanAndreasStoriesSun, 13 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New GTAIV details emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/new-gtaiv-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/new-gtaiv-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/new-gtaiv-details-emerge/#commentsFiled under:


The UK Official Xbox Magazine had a chance to sit down with Rockstar North to talk shop about Grand Theft Auto IV, which is evidently 66% complete. Details on the benefit on basing Liberty City off of modern day New York City, the size of Liberty City in comparison to other cities in the GTAIII series, as well as some landmarks are given. In terms of gameplay, the camera's functionality, the targeting system, and improvements on the hand to hand combat are all touched on. Not only that, but boats will be making a "fun" return to the series. Click the "Read" link to get the full scoop, with scans to come shortly, and note that October can't come soon enough.

[Via Achievement Junkie. Thanks, Jonah Falcon]

JoystiqNew GTAIV details emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G T A 4G T A IVGrand Theft AutoGrand Theft Auto 4Grand Theft Auto IVGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvGTA4GTAIvRockstarRockstar NorthRockstarNorthFri, 11 May 2007 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar: 360 hindering GTAIV development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rockstar-360-hindering-gtaiv-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rockstar-360-hindering-gtaiv-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/rockstar-360-hindering-gtaiv-development/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to the Official Playstation Magazine, Rockstar's creative vice president, Dan Houser, noted that the Xbox 360's lack of a guaranteed hard drive poses a challenge for the development of Grand Theft Auto IV. When asked directly about the issue, Houser agreed that the hard drive issue presented limitations. It should be noted, however, that Houser elaborated that both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 have their share of challenges. As Houser put it, "both have their own particular pleasures and pains." What exactly these pleasures and pains are is anyone's guess.

For what it's worth, the version of Grand Theft Auto IV being shown to the press is running on an Xbox 360. Do with that what you will.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqRockstar: 360 hindering GTAIV development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k games2kGamesgrand theft autogrand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIvgtagta ivGtaIvrockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamestake twotake two interactivetake-twotake-two interactiveTake-twoInteractiveTakeTwoTakeTwoInteractiveWed, 02 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: San Andreas Stories - the fan trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/gta-san-andreas-stories-the-fan-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/gta-san-andreas-stories-the-fan-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/01/gta-san-andreas-stories-the-fan-trailers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Digg!

Rockstar's made Liberty City Stories. They've made Vice City Stories. So, San Andreas Stories is inevitable, right? Well, that's what one GTA fan's thinking. He's created a series of fake trailers for a potential San Andreas Stories, and we have to admit, these teasers have us salivating.

JoystiqGTA: San Andreas Stories - the fan trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtasan andreassan andreas storiesSanAndreasSanAndreasStoriesTue, 01 May 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Flying is still in GTAIV (just not in planes)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/flying-is-still-in-gtaiv-just-not-in-planes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/flying-is-still-in-gtaiv-just-not-in-planes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/flying-is-still-in-gtaiv-just-not-in-planes/#commentsFiled under:


Among the details revealed about GTAIV a couple weeks back was this little tidbit: "No planes." Many readers were understandably miffed, as flying is one of the more entertaining things to do in Grand Theft Auto. Fear not, fanboys, for we have discovered that flight has not been removed from the series. Game Informer's Andrew Reiner recently spilled the beans whilst speaking to GTANet. According to Reiner, the city is really too small for a plane to make sense, but other craft -- like helicopters -- will definitely make it into the game. That, obviously, is the big news, but Reiner revealed a few other details as well. The camera has been adjusted while driving, making the game feel more like Midnight Club according to Reiner. Also, Reiner was very impressed by the game's visuals (no pop up or loading screens), and notes that retail will look even better than what he saw. He also hints that characters from previous games may make an appearance.

Hit the "read" link for the full interview.

[Via IGN. Thanks, Rodney]

JoystiqFlying is still in GTAIV (just not in planes) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k games2kGamesgrand theft autogrand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIvgtaivrockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamesTue, 24 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Staten Island slighted by GTAIV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/staten-island-slighted-by-gtaiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/staten-island-slighted-by-gtaiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/staten-island-slighted-by-gtaiv/#commentsFiled under:

Many will recall yesterday's big Grand Theft Auto IV news including plenty of new details about the game. One of those details is causing a bit of a stir in Staten Island. It was revealed yesterday that only four of New York's five boroughs would be represented in GTAIV, with Staten Island being left out. It seems that Staten Island (or at least one of its newspapers) is miffed at its exclusion from the game. As John Annese writes in the Staten Island Advance "When did Staten Island get run off the road as a borough of New York City?" A gamer at a local gaming center stated, "If you're gonna base a game on the five boroughs and you leave out one of the boroughs, it's kind of unsettling" (he added that he would still probably buy the game though).

Of course, not everyone is displeased with the news. Linda Baran, the president of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce noted, "That's something I appreciate being left out of." A mother at the gaming center shared similar sentiments, noting that GTA is "not a great game" and that her son wasn't allowed to play it.

Naturally, as game journalists, we're disappointed that so many people remain unaware that games have grown up over the years. Still, the response is expected at this point. Considering the flack companies have been getting lately for basing their games on real world locations, it's interesting to see things turned the other way around.

[Via Game Stooge]

JoystiqStaten Island slighted by GTAIV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autogrand theft auto 4grand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAuto4GrandTheftAutoIvgtagta 4gta ivGta4GtaIvrockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamesstaten islandStatenIslandThu, 12 Apr 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTAIV multiplayer announcement to come in the future?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gtaiv-multiplayer-announcement-to-come-in-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gtaiv-multiplayer-announcement-to-come-in-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gtaiv-multiplayer-announcement-to-come-in-the-future/#commentsFiled under: ,

The May issue of Game Informer had a nice hands-on with Grand Theft Auto IV on the 360, so naturally as soon as readers got their hands on the magazine, the information spread like wildfire. Apparently scans of the magazine were at some point here, but we couldn't get to them. Here's the information that's been leaked thus far:

  • Main character: Niko Bellic, either a Croatian or Serbian (our vote is on Serbian).
  • A multiplayer announcement will be made at some point in the future.
  • You can use a mobile phone to call contacts (think of what this could mean in multiplayer)
  • No planes! The game takes place in one city.
  • You will have more choice than in previous games, although you'll still be taking orders from someone.
  • Multiple branches in the story lead to a more open experience and different outcomes
  • The story structure is supposedly "quite different" from the other titles.

That's it for now. We'll keep searching for more leaks and information.

JoystiqGTAIV multiplayer announcement to come in the future? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoGTA IVGtaIvMicrosoftPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3RockstarSonyXBox 360Xbox360Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA IV scans hit the internet (and run)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gta-iv-scans-hit-the-internet-and-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gta-iv-scans-hit-the-internet-and-run/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/gta-iv-scans-hit-the-internet-and-run/#commentsFiled under:


Our buddies at Xboxygen nabbed over a dozen scans of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTAIV to the kids) from the latest Game Informer. The screens give a nice idea of the level of detail in the game, as touched upon by the recently released trailer. The shot above in particular is a great example of how alive the game seems to be. In this shot, you can see reflections on the car, realistic shadows, and of course, lots of pedestrians. It's unfortunate that this shot shows off two identical NPCs (the women in white shirts and jeans), but the level of detail is still very impressive. There are also some nice shots of GTAIV's locations, cars, and characters (including some character art). Hit the "read" link to check 'em out. Be sure to head back here and tell us what you think.

JoystiqGTA IV scans hit the internet (and run) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k games2kGamesgrand theft autogrand theft auto ivGrandTheftAutoGrandTheftAutoIvgtagta 4gta ivGta4GtaIvrockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamesWed, 11 Apr 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo HD 1.2, GTA 4 trailer to hit PS Network today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/gran-turismo-hd-1-2-gta-4-trailer-to-hit-ps-network-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/gran-turismo-hd-1-2-gta-4-trailer-to-hit-ps-network-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/gran-turismo-hd-1-2-gta-4-trailer-to-hit-ps-network-today/#commentsFiled under:

Sony has sent word of their new offerings for the US PlayStation Network today. Most importantly for racing fans, Gran Turismo HD Concept will be upgraded for free to version 1.2, which enables force feedback through Logitech steering wheel peripherals. (European gamers have been enjoying GTHD 1.2 since the console's launch in the region.)

The Grand Theft Auto IV trailer is also available for download in high definition, as is the Armored Core 4 demo. Microsoft's Peter Moore, proud that Xbox Live got the GTAIV trailer up before Sony, has added yet another tattoo on his arm to add to his collection of AAA-titled inkings.

All of the content will be available free of charge and should be online sometime today.

[Update: It's the Armored Core 4 demo, not trailer, that is released today. All parties responsible for the error have been thoroughly sacked.]

JoystiqGran Turismo HD 1.2, GTA 4 trailer to hit PS Network today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armored coreArmoredCoregran turismogrand theft autoGrandTheftAutoGranTurismogtaplay station 3playstation networkPlayStation3PlaystationNetworkps networkPS3psnPsNetworkThu, 05 Apr 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson's further Florida Bar issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/jack-thompsons-further-florida-bar-issues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The day of reckoning for Jack Thompson approaches ever so slowly -- looks like somebody needs a luck dragon. Separately from another disciplinary hearing brought by the Florida Bar based on issues of misconduct, Thompson could be in trouble with the Florida Bar again over complaints filed by the judge from last year's Bully suit. The Florida Supreme Court has assigned a Miami judge for trial and if the complaints by the judge are upheld Thompson would face professional sanctions.

The complaints brought by Judge Ronald Friedman were based on Thompson's conduct during the Bully trial. The Bar believes Thompson lashed out against Friedman during the trial making statements with "a reckless disregard as to [their] truth." The Bar points to statements made in the 15-page complaint which include gems from Thompson like, "Here's a tip, Judge, I don't practice law. I save lives from reckless jurists like you." And about the game Bully, Thompson says to Friedman, "You missed the gay sex ... I'm sure the voters are going to love that. Go ahead, Judge. File your bar complaint. Make my day."

It's no secret at this point the Thompson's grip on reality is slipping. It seems the Florida Bar is looking to shut him down before he embarrasses the profession further. There is no word yet how this will affect Thompson's lawsuit to stop Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV from hitting store shelves.

JoystiqJack Thompson's further Florida Bar issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullydisciplinary actionflorida bargrand theft autogtajack thompsonJackThompsonjudgemanhuntPCPS2PS3WiiXboxXbox-360Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mayor Bloomberg defends NYC in wake of GTA trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/mayor-bloomberg-defends-nyc-in-wake-of-gta-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/mayor-bloomberg-defends-nyc-in-wake-of-gta-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/31/mayor-bloomberg-defends-nyc-in-wake-of-gta-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mamma Mia! Here we go again, GTA, does it show how much politicians can't resist ya? GamePolitics points to a New York Daily News piece this morning where politicians are incensed by Liberty City's striking resemblence to New York City. The Daily News had city councilmen, Police Commisssioner Ray Kelly and even Mayor Bloomberg's office commenting that the game has nothing to do with reality. Bloomberg's office even whipped out statistics showing auto thefts have dropped 58 percent since Bloomberg took office, and so far this year New York City's murder rate is down 28 percent. Apparently that will all change once GTA IV hits the streets. Following yesterday's takeover at Take-Two, it doesn't look like protocol on GTA issues is changing, Take-Two refused comment on the story.

Real life mayors getting upset about games taking place in their cities is a pretty recent phenomenon. Las Vegas was upset with Ubisoft over Rainbow Six taking place in the city of sin and Mexican government officials confiscated GRAW 2. For the record, this wouldn't be the first time Liberty City was the setting for GTA. In the latest incarnations Grand Theft Auto III and GTA: Liberty City Stories were also set in pseudo-New York. We don't fault politicians though, sometimes the activists who get these balls rolling are bit late. The groups that helped get GTA ads banned in Boston with GTA: Vice City Stories weren't on the ball or enraged enough when GTA: Liberty City Stories' ads ran a year earlier.

Continue reading Mayor Bloomberg defends NYC in wake of GTA trailer

JoystiqMayor Bloomberg defends NYC in wake of GTA trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergcity councilcontroverygrand theft autoliberty citynew york cityPS3Xbox-360Sat, 31 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Internet gets run over: GTAIV trailer goes live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/internet-gets-run-over-gtaiv-trailer-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/internet-gets-run-over-gtaiv-trailer-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/internet-gets-run-over-gtaiv-trailer-goes-live/#commentsFiled under:

The internet is dying! Why, you ask? The hotly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV trailer has gone live. If the embedded video (above) doesn't seem to work, try downloading this HD torrent. You can also try GameTrailers, but internet gamers haven't been any kinder to that service. If you don't mind low quality, it seems like YouTube has been able to survive the assault so far. Watch, and marvel the next generation of GTA. Are you psyched?!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqInternet gets run over: GTAIV trailer goes live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtagta4gtaivThu, 29 Mar 2007 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[WTF? R*, WRU PS3 GTA4? O! n/m.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-4-PS3-rumorang/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-4-PS3-rumorang/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/rockstar-grand-theft-auto-4-PS3-rumorang/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you sitting down? We've got some big news. We mean REALLY big news. This is huge! This is MASSIVE news! Are you ready?

There's a page missing from Rockstar's support web site.

Isn't that incredible? What? You don't understand why this matters? Well what if we told you the page that's missing was for the PS3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV! That's right! There's a page for the Xbox 360 version but nothing listed for the PS3. Everyone's talking about it. Well, some people are, anyway. Do you realize what this means?

What do you mean, "It could mean anything"? It obviously means that Microsoft is going to buy Take Two and take the exclusive rights to the Grand Theft Auto series away from Sony, thereby ensuring the Xbox 360's dominance over this console cycle!

You're still skeptical? Even with all this unassailable evidence? OK, what if we told you that Microsoft hinted through one of their blogs that tomorrow there would be another announcement on the order of the Xbox 360 Elite confirmation. Now do you believe us? Grand Theft Auto IV is going exclusively to Microsoft! Sony is doomed!

What do you mean it all sounds circumstantial? You really think this is just rumor-mongering and a big to-do over what'll probably end up being nothing? Oh, please. How naive can you be. Don't you know a hot story when it hits you in the face?

What's that? You say you just checked and now there there is a page for the PS3 version? Oh. Well it wasn't there before.

Look, just forget we said anything.

JoystiqWTF? R*, WRU PS3 GTA4? O! n/m. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusivegrand theft autoGrandTheftAutoGTA4microsoftPS3rockstarrumorrumor mongerRumorMongersonyXbox-360Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Take Two mulling sale of company]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-mulling-sale-of-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-mulling-sale-of-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-mulling-sale-of-company/#commentsFiled under:

The financial news from video game mega-publisher Take Two Interactive has run the gamut from bad to horrible over the past month or so. First there was a report from analyst Michael Pachter that suggested selling the company's stock. Then there was a disappointing earnings restatement and a shareholder coup that sought to overthrow CEO Paul Eibler. Now comes word that Take Two is considering selling the company to pacify the group of angry shareholders.

Gamasutra is reporting that the Grand Theft Auto publisher has postponed its annual meeting from March 23 to March 29 to come up with alternative plans to present to the shareholders, which own a combined 46 percent of the company. One of the main alternatives mentioned in the official notice is "a possible sale of the Company." There's no guarantee such a sale will actually take place, but the fact that they're even considering it shows just how bad things are getting at Take Two HQ. Wall street seems to support the idea -- shares of the company were up 5.47 percent to $22 in early-morning trading.

[Via Xbox360Fanboy]

JoystiqTake Two mulling sale of company originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessearningsGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutosalestockholdertake twoTakeTwoMon, 19 Mar 2007 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two up for sale?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-soon-to-be-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-soon-to-be-up-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/take-two-soon-to-be-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under:

Take-Two, publisher of infamously violent games such as Grand Theft Auto 3 and Manhunt, has seen better days. Gamasutra reports that a group of Take-Two shareholders -- who own a combined 46% of the company -- wish to remove the current CEO, Paul Eibeler, and shake up the company's board of directors. Take-Two has postponed it's annual meeting from March 23rd to March 29th in order to review the shareholders' requests and come up with alternative solutions. Currently, the main "alternative" is an outright "sale of the Company."

Take-Two recently posted a loss for 2006 and its future has been questioned for some time. Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities recently downgraded the company's stock and suggested that Take-Two could eventually be bought and sold in pieces, including its 2K Sports line. With the recent shareholder activity, that prediction could be coming true.

Whether or not this could affect the development of GTAIV remains to be seen, though we're curious to see if Take-Two will now shy away from controversial titles, as its financial troubles began with the eruption of the Hot Coffee scandal.

Take-Two stocks have already gone up as a result of the rumored sale.

JoystiqTake-Two up for sale? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogta ivGtaIvtake twotake-twoTakeTwoMon, 19 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/jack-thompson-suing-take-two-2007-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/jack-thompson-suing-take-two-2007-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/jack-thompson-suing-take-two-2007-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sisyphus ain't got nothin' on Jack Thompson. The infamous anti-games lawyer, who former ESA head Doug Lowenstein said should be ignored by the gaming press, is suing Take-Two Interactive to prevent the sale of Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV. Thompson plans to file suit the week of March 19 and he is looking to "prevent the sale of two hyperviolent video games set to be released this year and sold to anyone under 17 years of age." Which reads like two objectives.

In the following paragraph, the clarification is that the games shouldn't be sold to anyone under 17 because both games will be rated "mature." According to the ESRB website, neither game has been rated at this time. Not to mention that even if they are rated M, they shouldn't be sold to anyone under 17 anyway. At this stage we know little to nothing about either game, Grand Theft Auto IV's trailer hasn't even been released yet. For all we know it could be sunshine and lollipops. This lawsuit is a bit premature and could simply be viewed as Thompson trying to get another advanced copy of a Rockstar game. Don't give in Take-Two, we expect him to wait for the game just like everyone else. Thompson says he is going forward with the lawsuit because he "still has his testicles, both literally and figuratively" despite Take-Two's efforts to have him disbarred.

Get the full Jack Thompson treatment with the release after the break.

Continue reading Jack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 Edition

JoystiqJack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autogta 4jack thompsonJackThompsonmanhunt 2PS3WiiXbox-360Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 07: Why no GTA exclusivity?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-why-no-gta-exclusivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-why-no-gta-exclusivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/gdc-07-why-no-gta-exclusivity/#commentsFiled under:

This is an undeniable truth of the gaming industry: it's all about the games. Sony's multimedia approach to PS3 is certainly novel, but many have felt that Sony has neglected its gamers by abandoning high-profile potentially exclusive games, such as Grand Theft Auto IV and Assassin's Creed.

Phil Harrison put it quite succinctly: "There wouldn't have been an economic sense in keeping GTA as an exclusive." When exclusive deals are made, someone has to pay for the potential difference in install base and sales. Considering how the PS3 install base won't be as large as the Xbox 360's for a while, the economic ramifications of such a deal would've cost Sony quite a pretty penny--and considering how they're losing money on every PS3 sold, it didn't seem too worthwhile.

Sony seems to be taking an approach that's been long-familiar to Nintendo fans. Harrison notes that Sony will have a "greater investment in first party [games] than third." Sony maintains the largest collection of development teams, and certainly it has some truly significant franchises: Ratchet & Clank, God of War, just to name a few.

JoystiqGDC 07: Why no GTA exclusivity? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusiveexclusivesgdc07grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtaphil harrisonPhilHarrisonps3sonyFri, 09 Mar 2007 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most therapeutic video: Simpsons 'GTA Parody']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/todays-most-therapeutic-video-simpsons-gta-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/todays-most-therapeutic-video-simpsons-gta-parody/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/todays-most-therapeutic-video-simpsons-gta-parody/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Maybe if Doctor Melfi tried this with Tony Soprano, he could've worked out his anger issues without that near-death experience. Nothing soothes the angry nerves of the savage beast like a few rounds of a GTA-like game. Of course, you need to be careful you don't carry it over into the real world. Whenever we play GTA for hours (days) and then finally get in a car, it is so tempting not just fly off a ramp and bypass traffic.

No idea what system they're gaming on either ... just check out all the buttons on Bart's controller. It's like the red-headed stepchild of the Dreamcast that never came to fruition and only exists as some ideas doodled on a napkin at a Japanese karaoke bar somewhere.

JoystiqToday's most therapeutic video: Simpsons 'GTA Parody' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationdeath not funnyDoctor MelfiFoxfunnyGrand Theft AutoGTAHBOmafiaPS3The SopranosThe-SimpsonsTony SopranovideoXbox-360Fri, 09 Mar 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The Simpsons presents Death Kill City II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/the-simpsons-presents-death-kill-city-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/the-simpsons-presents-death-kill-city-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/05/the-simpsons-presents-death-kill-city-ii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Maybe the writers of The Simpsons are PSP fanboys like us, angered by the impending release of the PS2 version of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. The once-PSP exclusive is moving to the home console, and The Simpsons takes a shot at it through the parody game Death Kill City II: Death Kill Stories. As Siliconera reports, the goal of the game seems quite fun: "You have destroyed all human life on Earth. Level one complete."

JoystiqThe Simpsons presents Death Kill City II originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death kill citydeath kill storiesDeathKillCityDeathKillStoriesgrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtasiliconerasimpsonsthe simpsonsTheSimpsonsvice city storiesViceCityStoriesMon, 05 Mar 2007 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5 on PSP: Action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/top-5-on-psp-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/top-5-on-psp-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/top-5-on-psp-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

PSP sales have been quite good the last few months and I figured there's probably a lot of new PSP owners that may not be up to speed on what great games the system has to offer. With that in mind, every day this week we'll feature a new genre and list the top 5 games (according to metareviews), so no matter what you're into, you'll have some idea of what games you should own. We start off the week with one of the most popular genres around: Action.

Top 5 Action games on PSP

  1. (tie) Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories/Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops
  2. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
  3. Daxter
  4. Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters
  5. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories

I'm lucky enough to own and have played all of the games in this particular list and trust me, they are all incredible gaming experiences and it's all the more impressive that they're on a portable. I do have to say that I think Ratchet & Clank is better than Daxter and GTA: VCS is better than GTA:LCS, but you really can't go wrong with any of these games. What did you think about these 5 games? What action games aren't on this list that you think every PSP owner should have?

[Data Via Metacritic]

JoystiqTop 5 on PSP: Action originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Mar 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiondaxtergrand theft autoGrandTheftAutometacriticmetareviewsyphon filterSyphonFiltertop 5top 5 actiontop 5 on psp: actiontop 5 psp action gamesTop5Top5ActionTop5OnPsp:ActionTop5PspActionGamesSun, 04 Mar 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/pepsi-taps-into-todays-culture-with-pinball/#commentsFiled under: ,



So let's get this straight. Coca-cola, looking for inspiration for a high-profile ad, apes Grand Theft Auto, a best-selling series that has inspired countless knock-offs and holds incredible relevance in today's pop culture landscape. Pepsi, on the other hand, creates a TV ad based on pinball, a once-popular arcade staple that has declined over the decades to the point where only one company in the world is still making tables. At this rate, we can expect RC Cola to come out with an ad based on bagatelle any day now.

Continue reading Pepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball?

JoystiqPepsi taps into today's culture with ... pinball? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Mar 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adcokeGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutopepsipinballTVSun, 04 Mar 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[A blueprint for game marketing (or: what happened to Psychonauts?)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/a-blueprint-for-game-marketing-or-what-happened-to-psychonauts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Game designer Pierre-Alexandre Garneau ("just call me Pag") has written a piece for Gamasutra that is essentially a Magic 8-ball for determining the success, by means of marketing, of a quality title. The piece, entitled "10 Minute Game Sales Potential Test," presents six questions for determining whether a publisher will be able to successfully market a title.

It's a fascinating read. The words of wisdom one can reap from the piece, if you believe Garneau's analysis, is that original, complex ideas have a steep curve when it comes to profitability. Spore without Will Wright would likely not garner so much attention and anticipation, and we're inclined to agree. As much as one might despise EA for rather annually "rehashing" Madden titles, the company still manages to sell millions of copies of each iteration -- as a business, they are acting as we'd expect.

Also presented in the piece are examples where the test explains the financial success and failure of quality titles (Grand Theft Auto 3 and Psychonauts, respectively). It would be interesting to see how the analysis stacks up to other games both deserving and undeserving of their sales.

See Also: Ad Critic

JoystiqA blueprint for game marketing (or: what happened to Psychonauts?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisinggrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtamarketmarketingpagpsychonautsMon, 12 Feb 2007 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[PS2 Vice City Stories to have exclusive new content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/ps2-vice-city-stories-to-have-exclusive-new-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/ps2-vice-city-stories-to-have-exclusive-new-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/11/ps2-vice-city-stories-to-have-exclusive-new-content/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the DVD industry, this kind of practice is called "double dipping" and it absolutely sucks. It makes people that have purchased the original feel neglected and the real fans are punished because in order to access the new content, you have to repurchase a new copy. While the practice is considered fine when there's some amount of transparency, Rockstar has been handling it all wrong. Don't call a game a PSP-exclusive if it'll head to another system immediately. Don't consider the games equal, when they're not. Shouldn't gamers have a choice to get the best version of GTA possible?

According to GTAPortable.com, the Italian Take-Two website refers to Vice City Stories on PS2 as having better graphics and exclusive, unpublished content. Hopefully, it won't make PSP gamers feel like the $50 they spent on the original went wasted.

JoystiqPS2 Vice City Stories to have exclusive new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtaplaystation 2Playstation2ps2vice city storiesViceCityStoriesSun, 11 Feb 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VCS: Okay, so it's actually coming to PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/vcs-okay-so-its-actually-coming-to-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/vcs-okay-so-its-actually-coming-to-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/vcs-okay-so-its-actually-coming-to-ps2/#commentsFiled under: ,

We told you so. But now it's official. March 6th for North America. March 9th for the UK.

Press release after the cut.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading VCS: Okay, so it's actually coming to PS2

JoystiqVCS: Okay, so it's actually coming to PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtaplaystation 2Playstation2ps2vice cityvice city storiesViceCityViceCityStoriesWed, 07 Feb 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown creator's ego intact after Halo 3 boost]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/crackdown-creators-ego-intact-after-halo-3-boost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/crackdown-creators-ego-intact-after-halo-3-boost/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/crackdown-creators-ego-intact-after-halo-3-boost/#comments
Buy the Halo 3 beta and receive a free copy of Crackdown! That was the joke that hurtled across the chattering landscape of the internet, as soon as it was revealed that Microsoft's supercop-in-a-sandbox game would ride the coattails of a ruthlessly marching Halo 3. But that's okay, according to Crackdown creator, David Jones. "It's really scary to think you could make a really great game that nobody has ever heard about," he notes in an insightful interview with Stephen Totilo of MTV News.

The main problem, Jones states, is that Crackdown simply doesn't look good in screenshots. Perhaps a "snapshot" makes for a better word, as he feels that the game's qualities are conveyed far better when it's in motion -- the seamless world, the explosive physics and the player character's constant evolution. Since it takes a while for Crackdown's protagonist to build up his attributes and start leaping over buildings, the game can't be readily grasped in the first five minutes or indeed, in a snapshot. As Totilo aptly puts it, it's a "gradual sell."

The Real Time Worlds developer goes on to explain how his desire to reward players resulted in a lifting of Microsoft's achievement limit from 50 to 80 per game, and that "90 percent of the fight is just getting people to try something." Though the Halo 3 beta business may have inadvertently made some gamers doubt the game's quality, the demo currently available on Xbox Live should do much to help allay any GTA fan fears.

JoystiqCrackdown creator's ego intact after Halo 3 boost originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionCrackdownGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoHalo 3Halo3MicrosoftReal Time WorldsRealtime-WorldsRealTimeWorldsRiot-ActSandboxXbox-360Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[It's time for Super Bowl commercials!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/its-time-for-super-bowl-commercials/#commentsFiled under:

In roughly an hour the world's most watched television broadcast will begin. Super Bowl XLI will kick off in Florida tonight with the Colts pitted against the Bears (that's American football for those of you who don't know). But why do we bring up a sports event on an Xbox 360 fansite? Well, there is a very good reason for that ... commercials! Tonight, during the game, watch for any video game related commercials. Rumor has it that Coke will be airing their GTA inspired commercial during the football game. And although not video game related, the guys over at Digg just might be in GoDaddy's commercial. Just keep your eyes peeled and feel free to discuss your favorite commercials ... let the pizza eating begin!

JoystiqIt's time for Super Bowl commercials! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cokecommercialsgrand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtasuper bowlsuper bowl xliSuperBowlSuperBowlXliSun, 04 Feb 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/04/gta-coke-the-drink-ad-in-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't be surprised when you're treated to the Grand Theft Auto inspired Coca-Cola ad today during the Super Bowl. According to CNN/Money, Coke is returning to the Super Bowl after being on break since 1998. Apparently Coca-Cola believes they found a culturally relevant way to promote to the demographic.

Susan McDermott, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola North America, said, "We wanted to kick things off big in 2007. We've been a partner with 'American Idol' since the beginning so the strategy was to debut new ads on the Super Bowl and 'Idol' in order to hit the biggest entertainment and sports programming within two weeks." She also notes that this "old" GTA coke ad (found after the break) now has a chance to reach a much larger audience. And they better get some bang for their buck, the price for a 30-second spot during the Super Bowl is $2.6 million -- the commercial, in its original format, runs a full minute.

[Via GamePolitics]

Continue reading GTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl

JoystiqGTA Coke (the drink) ad in Super Bowl originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementcokegrand theft autogtaSun, 04 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: San Andreas #1 in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/gta-san-andreas-1-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/gta-san-andreas-1-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/03/gta-san-andreas-1-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ghetto is fabulous in the land of the rising sun, as GTA: San Andreas hits #1 on the Japanese sales chart. The game, which represents the U.S. in all its early '90s, drive-by, 40 pourin', in da hood and gang-bangin' glory days, premiered at the top spot selling close to a quarter million units. Cooking Mama and Brain Age are out, Dr. Dre and Eazy-E be in da house $%&%a'-%&#@ers!

So now we wait for the first piece of controversy to flow out of Japan. If nothing else, GTA is always good for some stories of an absurd nature following any release.

See also: Boston transit system bans M rated game ads

JoystiqGTA: San Andreas #1 in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autogtajapanPS2san andreasSat, 03 Feb 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No Vice City Stories for PS2? Sure ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/no-vice-city-stories-for-ps2-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/no-vice-city-stories-for-ps2-sure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/31/no-vice-city-stories-for-ps2-sure/#commentsFiled under: ,

You may remember that a few days ago, the ESRB let slip that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories was heading to the PS2. Looks like PlayStation.com also had a listing for the potential port. However, it looks like the ESRB listing has disappeared, as well as the PlayStation.com listing. Was the original posting just a mistake? Rockstar neither confirms nor denies a PS2 version, simply telling IGN: "as a company, Rockstar does not comment on rumors or speculation."

While it may be true that Rockstar isn't working on a PS2 version of Vice City Stories, this listing had to have come from some place. For now, we'll say it's not in the works, but we'll be unsurprised if it ever materializes.

[Thanks, Joe! Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNo Vice City Stories for PS2? Sure ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft autoGrandTheftAutogtaplaystation 2Playstation2ps2rockstarvice city storiesViceCityStoriesWed, 31 Jan 2007 16:10:00 EST