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[GTA 4, Red Dead Redemption DLC discounts in XBLM's weekly deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/gta-4-red-dead-redemption-dlc-discounts-in-xblms-weekly-deals/#comments This week and next, Microsoft is offering savings on DLC for the Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption -- discounts that, if you were straining to tie them into GTA somehow, you might call "a steal."

From today through July 18, you'll be able to get the RDR Undead Nightmare Collection (containing three separate DLC packs) for 1,000 Microsoft Points, down from 1,600. That deal is part of a "Zombies!" promotion also featuring Dead Rising 2: Case West (now 400 Microsoft Points) and Stubbs the Zombie (800 MSP).

From July 19 through July 25, it's all GTA, with GTAIV add-ons Ballad of Gay Tony for 800 MSP, The Lost and Damned for 400, and GTA San Andreas for 800 points. See a few more items, including new Avatar items and Dance Central DLC, on Major Nelson's site.

JoystiqGTA 4, Red Dead Redemption DLC discounts in XBLM's weekly deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-rising-2-case-westdeal-of-the-weekdlcgrand-theft-auto-ivmicrosoftred-dead-redemptionthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyThe-Lost-and-DamnedxblmxboxTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/steam-holiday-sale-discounts-left-4-dead-2-gta-iv-nfs-hot-pur/#comments The Steam savings keep on coming as today's deals offer up another bevy of digital wares on the cheap. There are plenty to choose from, including Left 4 Dead 2 at a very reasonable $6.79, the GTA IV collection (which includes both The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony) for $10, and hefty discounts on Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Singularity and Transformers: War for Cybertron. Hit the jump for the full list.

Continue reading Steam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale discounts Left 4 Dead 2, GTA IV, NFS: Hot Pursuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterionCriterion-Gamesdigital-distributioneagrand-theft-auto-ivleft-4-dead-2need-for-speed-hot-pursuitpcsteamsteam-holiday-salesteam-holiday-sale-2010valveThu, 30 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon deals: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, GTA IV: Complete, more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/amazon-deals-assassins-creed-brotherhood-gta-iv-complete-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/amazon-deals-assassins-creed-brotherhood-gta-iv-complete-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/amazon-deals-assassins-creed-brotherhood-gta-iv-complete-m/#comments Generosity is a wonderful, uniquely human impulse, but no matter what television and every Christmas song would have you believe, it's also a finite resource. Haven't you already done enough for others this season? Haven't you earned a little something for Big Poppa? Isn't it time you stopped referring to yourself as "Big Poppa" unironically?

Why not treat yourself to some Amazon Lightning Deals today? You can already find Gold Box deal Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for $38 or Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete for $26, and more (find Thrifty Nerd's best guesses after the jump) are being teased for later in the day. Go on ... you've earned it.

Continue reading Amazon deals: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, GTA IV: Complete, more

JoystiqAmazon deals: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, GTA IV: Complete, more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creed-brotherhooddsgrand-theft-auto-ivMedal-of-Honor-2010microsoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar squeezes its art into expensive book trilogy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/rockstar-squeezes-its-art-into-expensive-book-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/rockstar-squeezes-its-art-into-expensive-book-trilogy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/rockstar-squeezes-its-art-into-expensive-book-trilogy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

To celebrate its swiftly-approaching tenth anniversary, Rockstar Games will compile all of the visual elements that have gone into designing its catalog of games into a three-book set sometime next month. The pages therein will contain everything from conceptual illustrations, models and wireframes to advertisements and box art. This beefy, aesthetically pleasing package comes with an asking price of $450.

As attractive as these tomes would look propped against one another on our coffee table, we find it difficult to reconcile the fact that we could spend the same amount of money on a PS3 or 360 and copies of Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto IV and Episodes from Liberty City. Heck, we'd even have enough cash left over for one of those novelty-sized party subs, which would increase our enjoyment of the aforementioned items tenfold.

JoystiqRockstar squeezes its art into expensive book trilogy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-bookgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivRed-Dead-RedemptionRockStarRockstar-GamessteidlTue, 20 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption surpasses 5 million units shipped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/red-dead-redemption-surpasses-5-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/red-dead-redemption-surpasses-5-million-units-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/red-dead-redemption-surpasses-5-million-units-shipped/#commentsFiled under: , ,

More than 5 million copies of Red Dead Redemption have been shrink-wrapped and shipped to retailers across North America and Europe since the game's May 18 release -- and, presumably, folks are buying 'em. Publisher Take-Two announced the mailing milestone today, amidst its quarterly earnings, celebrating the commercial and critical success of Rockstar's little Western that could.

Just five months ago Red Dead Redemption appeared doomed. At that time, an anonymous Rockstar source told us, "It will take 4 million sales at full price to recoup the development costs of Red Dead. The good news is they are not expecting to make money with Red Dead Redemption." The accuracy of that estimate notwithstanding, today's shipment announcement suggests that Take-Two and Rockstar now expect to enjoy strong, continued sales of Red Dead.

Of course, let's not get too celebratory over a measly 5 million shipped. As if to put the upstart Western in its place, Take-Two also revealed today Grand Theft Auto IV's lifetime global numbers: 17 million sold.

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption surpasses 5 million units shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Grand-Theft-Auto-IVGTAIVmicrosoftplaystationps3Red-Dead-RedemptionRockstarRockstar-GamesRockstar-San-DiegosalesTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two Q2 revenue up to $268M, BioShock 2 sales 'lower than expected']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/take-two-q2-revenue-up-to-268-million-bioshock-2-sales-low/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/take-two-q2-revenue-up-to-268-million-bioshock-2-sales-low/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/take-two-q2-revenue-up-to-268-million-bioshock-2-sales-low/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two has announced its financial results for its second fiscal quarter, which ended April 30, 2010. Net revenue of $268 million represented an increase of 54 percent over the $174.3 million recorded during the same quarter last year; a change that Take-Two attributes to sales of Major League Baseball 2K10, as well as the introduction of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City to PlayStation 3 and PC.

In a related investor call, Take-Two Chief Financial Officer Lainie Goldstein noted that 32 perecent of revenue was driven by the publisher's catalog titles, including NBA 2K10 and Grand Theft Auto IV. And while BioShock 2 contributed to the increased revenue and became a profitable endeavor, Goldstein noted that the dystopian shooter incurred "lower than expected" sales. "The title was well-received by the media and was profitable for us," she said. "However, sales slowed down sooner than we had expected."

Operating income for the quarter rose to $16.9 million (last year's second quarter represented a loss of $10.4 million), while total revenue for the company's first-half financial year totaled $431.2 million.

JoystiqTake-Two Q2 revenue up to $268M, BioShock 2 sales 'lower than expected' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioShock-2earningsfinancialfinancial-reportfy-2010grand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivLainie-GoldsteinMLB-2K10NBA-2K10q2salessoftwareTake-TwoTue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Episodes from Liberty City $10 off at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/episodes-from-liberty-city-10-off-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/episodes-from-liberty-city-10-off-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/episodes-from-liberty-city-10-off-at-amazon/#comments Are you enjoying your nightly Wild West adventures through the expansive world of Red Dead Redemption, but wish the game was set in a more contemporary, urban environment? Here's a fun little fact you might not know: Before making Red Dead, Rockstar worked on a series called "Grand Theft Auto," which fits that very niche. Amazon recently reduced the price on the most recent GTA release by one Hamilton: Episodes from Liberty City, now available through the online retailer for $29.99 on consoles and $19.99 on PC.

Just don't be alarmed when your precious horsies are replaced by unfeeling metal automobiles, or when your beautiful, intricately crafted six-shooters are replaced by primitive-looking rocket-propelled grenades. That, dear friends, is the steep price of modernity.

JoystiqEpisodes from Liberty City $10 off at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondealepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivMicrosoftrockstarsaleXbox-360Wed, 26 May 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Heavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/heavy-rain-in-liberty-city-a-gta-iv-machinima/#comments If you've played through Heavy Rain, you know that most problems can't be solved by shooting a dude in the face. For GTA IV's Niko Bellic, that's very much a real problem solver -- a tactic he has no problem using. So it's a pretty odd juxtaposition to see the two games spliced together like they are in the video past the break.

It's a pretty great video, but we feel we should warn you that you probably won't get it if you've never played Heavy Rain. Unless you're watching this part, which we're pretty sure is funny no matter what game(s) you've played.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Heavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima

JoystiqHeavy Rain in Liberty City: a GTA IV Machinima originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta-4gta-ivheavy-rainheavy-rain-in-liberty-cityliberty-citymachinimaTue, 11 May 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: Ballad of Gay Tony for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-ballad-of-gay-tony-for-15/#comments If you've been waiting for an excuse to sink your felonious teeth into the Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, listen up. This week's Xbox Live Deal of the Week, you see, knocks the usual 1600 ($20) price of Gay Tony down to a more palatable 1200 ($15). Not bad for a night of virtual clubbing in Liberty City. That said, if you haven't picked up The Lost and Damned (the other GTA IV expansion) either, you can grab the full Episodes from Liberty City package for $30 from GameStop or Amazon.

[Via Major Nelson]


Xbox.com: Add The Ballad of Gay Tony to your Xbox 360 download queue ($15)

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: Ballad of Gay Tony for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdealsepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta4gtaivMicrosoftrockstarsalethe-ballad-of-gay-tonyxblmXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 10 May 2010 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar collection 50% off through Steam this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/#comments Haven't picked up Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City? For about the same price as the retail console version of the GTA IV expansion packs, you can get every nearly single Rockstar game in one massive, discounted bundle. The "Rockstar Collection" includes 13 titles, including Bully: Scholarship Edition, Manhunt, Max Payne, Midnight Club 2, and every Grand Theft Auto for PC -- including The Lost and the Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony.

This week, the bundle will be discounted to a mere $42.49, a considerable savings over the suggested $169.90 value for all the games combined. Considering the bundle includes rather new content, one can even consider this package ... a steal.

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqRockstar collection 50% off through Steam this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullydealepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-pcmanhuntmax-paynemidnight-club-2rockstarrockstar-gamessalesteamTue, 27 Apr 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/mothers-against-violence-discuss-gta-emphasize-parental-respons/#comments During a BBC Radio Leeds discussion on violent video games earlier today, a spokesperson for Mothers Against Violence urged parents to take responsibility for their children rather than blame the games themselves. "I'm not directly blaming games, I'm blaming parents. If someone doesn't do something, where does it stop?"

Eurogamer transcribed pieces of the discussion, which range from the relatively mild, positive quote above, to the misinformed ("Why is it okay to beat up a prostitute, but not okay to pick up a normal civilian?" -- regarding the Grand Theft Auto series), and even to the legalese ("[Rockstar Games] submits every game to the appropriate ratings body. [GTA is] 18-rated and is entertainment clearly aimed at an adult audience." -- Rockstar's response). The MAV spokesperson reiterated that, while she worries about the effect violent games have on children, the onus is on parents to "study what games are all about." We're just gonna put this out there -- hear, hear!

JoystiqMothers Against Violence discuss GTA, emphasize parental responsibility, on BBC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbc-radio-leedsgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivmavmothers-against-violenceparentsrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-leedsviolenceviolent-video-gamesThu, 08 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: Episodes From Liberty City for PC, PS3 delayed two weeks due to 'minor content changes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-for-pc-ps3-delayed-two-weeks-du/#comments If you've waited this long for Episodes from Liberty City, another two weeks shouldn't hurt, right? Rockstar Games has pushed back the PS3 and PC releases of the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto IV expansions by two weeks due to "a request by Sony Europe to make some minor content changes to the PAL PS3 version of the game." According to the press release, "the minor changes made to the game will not affect the gamers enjoyment of the games, these will not affect any gameplay elements and were not related to any local ratings requirements."

All versions of the add-ons -- including the downloadable episodes "The Lost & Damned" and "The Ballad of Gay Tony" -- have been delayed to April 13th for North America, and April 16th for all other countries. A Rockstar Games blog post further elaborated on the decision to do a global delay, ensuring that "everyone can experience multiplayer simultaneously, take part in online events together, be on level ground on leaderboards, etc."

JoystiqGTA: Episodes From Liberty City for PC, PS3 delayed two weeks due to 'minor content changes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaydelaysdlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-iv-lost-and-damnedGTAgta-ivgta-iv-dlcrelease-daterockstarrockstar-gamestake-twoThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two taking its business to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/take-two-taking-its-business-to-japan/#commentsTake-Two is starting an office in Japan to publish its games. Previously, Take-Two and Rockstar games have been published by partners like Capcom, Cyberfront and, most recently, D3 Publisher. It always seemed a bit weird to see a GTA game with a Capcom label, and now we'll be spared that minor cognitive dissonance.

The first game to be released under the new Japanese branch of Take-Two Interactive is Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City. The publisher has yet to offer a date for this Japanese release, or even specify if it will be on both PS3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqTake-Two taking its business to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivJapanlocalizationMicrosoftRockStarTake-TwoXbox-360Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: Episodes From Liberty City on PS3, PC March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/gta-episodes-from-liberty-city-on-ps3-pc-march-30/#comments We were all expecting it and finally Rockstar has come through with the announcement: Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City is coming to the PS3 and PC on March 30. There will be two ways to get your expansion fix: you can either jack each individual episode -- The Lost and the Damned or The Ballad of Gay Tony -- through PSN or Games For Windows Live, or you can snag a disc with the new content on there, just like the previous Xbox 360 release. Well, OK, technically it's not "jacking," per se, but work with us here -- it's essential to the mental imagery we're trying to force into your wrinkly thought machine. Jedi blogging.

A disc will set you back $39.99, while individual episodes will be $20 each. Like the Xbox 360 version of Episodes From Liberty City, a retail disc will not require a copy of GTA IV, while the DLC will.

JoystiqGTA: Episodes From Liberty City on PS3, PC March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-dlcgrand-theft-auto-iv-pcgtagta-ivgta-iv-episodes-from-liberty-cityrelease-daterockstartake-twoFri, 29 Jan 2010 00:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Gay Tony multiplayer with the developers Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/play-gay-tony-multiplayer-with-the-developers-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/play-gay-tony-multiplayer-with-the-developers-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/play-gay-tony-multiplayer-with-the-developers-jan-21/#comments Rockstar is holding a Ballad of Gay Tony multiplayer event this Thursday on Xbox Live. On January 21, from 4-7PM Eastern, take part in some cooperative murder and mayhem in Liberty City with the game's developers. Hopefully they're being paid for it.

Those at work during that time will be able to watch the event through the Social Club Multiplayer Event page, which will stream the gameplay. Specific details on how to join can be found on the Rockstar's page for the event.

JoystiqPlay Gay Tony multiplayer with the developers Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-ballad-of-gay-tonygrand-theft-auto-ivrockstarWed, 20 Jan 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final day of Steam Holiday Sale wraps up the best-sellers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/#comments Okay, this is it: The penultimate batch of offers in the long-running Steam Holiday Sale. For the final day of the long-running promotion, Valve has elected to re-encheapen some of the games that sold like hotcakes in the sale's earlier one-day discounts. Until 9 a.m. PST tomorrow, the following games will be available for the following prices:

JoystiqFinal day of Steam Holiday Sale wraps up the best-sellers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockdealdefense-griddefense-grid-the-awakeningFPSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivGSC-Game-Worldkilling-floorleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2saleShadow-of-Chernobylstalkerstalker-shadow-of-chernobylsteamTHQtorchlightvalvevalve-softwareSun, 03 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top Ten: Call of Duty holds 3 of top 5 slots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/xbox-live-top-ten-call-of-duty-holds-3-of-top-5-slots/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/xbox-live-top-ten-call-of-duty-holds-3-of-top-5-slots/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/xbox-live-top-ten-call-of-duty-holds-3-of-top-5-slots/#comments You know what we want for Christmas? A more interesting Xbox Live Activity top ten to write about. Just as it did the week of Nov. 9, the Call of Duty franchise has held up three of the top five slots this week, with Halo 3 in second place and Grand Theft Auto IV taking the spot formerly held by the Left 4 Dead 2 demo.

As hard as we might wish for a shakeup in the new year, we're not sure what title's going to be the one to do it. Surely we won't see four CoD games in the top five in 2010. Surely.

JoystiqXbox Live Top Ten: Call of Duty holds 3 of top 5 slots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2Call-of-Duty-World-at-Wargrand-theft-auto-ivhalo-3infinity-wardtreyarchxbox-live-top-tenWed, 23 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam holiday sale is a legitimate Christmas miracle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-is-a-legitimate-christmas-miracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-is-a-legitimate-christmas-miracle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-is-a-legitimate-christmas-miracle/#comments We know we throw the term around quite a bit, but seriously, folks -- "Christmas miracle" is the only way we can explain what's happened to the prices on over 800 games on the Steam storefront. It's like a "Greatest Hits" special of Steam's best sales throughout the year: There are sizable discounts on games from every genre, encheapened bundles of games from a dozen different publishers (including Square Enix and Telltale), and even five super-discounted daily offers (today it's Mirror's Edge, GTA IV and more)!

You simply must go check this sale out if your bank account hasn't been completely obliterated by the holiday shopping rush. Considering the wide, wide scope of the discounts offered, we'd be worried that this was a "Going Out of Business" sale -- a circumstance made entirely unlikely by the amount of monies we've spent on these nefarious Steam sales this year.

JoystiqSteam holiday sale is a legitimate Christmas miracle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondownloadgrand-theft-auto-ivholidaymirrors-edgesalesteamvalveWed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom calls 911 over son's gaming habit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/#commentsLook, we totally get it. Video games are evil -- they're turning your kid into some kind of arsonist or blood-obsessed psycho killer or -- in the case of one Boston area mom -- a rebellious little rabble-rouser. A frustrated mother called police about her son's overzealous gaming this past weekend, complaining the kid wouldn't shut off his console and go to bed.

The call came in on 2:30 a.m. Saturday, when the mother complained her son was walking about the house, turning on all of the lights and failing to comply with her wishes. Two officers responded to the call and were able to diffuse the situation.

The Boston Herald -- the outlet which broke the news -- said the kid was apparently playing "Grand Theft Auto."

JoystiqMom calls 911 over son's gaming habit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apassociated-pressbostonboston-heraldgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivTue, 22 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/17/take-two-boss-thinks-grand-theft-auto-4-dlc-was-late-to-the-part/#comments Fielding a question on today's quarterly investors call regarding the performance of Grand Theft Auto 4's DLC double-header and the accompanying retail bundle - The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony, and Episodes from Liberty City, respectively - Take-Two CEO Ben Feder admits, "Both we and Microsoft believed there was a big market for GTA 4 episodic content and some factors affected their performance." Calling the two companies' relationship "a historic, strategic partnership" - remember this? - and calling the episodes themselves "profitable contributors to the company," Feder nevertheless offered some insight into what his company could have done to make them even more profitable.

"Both were released significantly after the launch of the core unit," Feder says, referring to the April 2008 launch of Grand Theft Auto 4. "And therefore weren't able to leverage GTA 4's initial marketing campaign and initial launch fervor." With The Lost and Damned coming out in February of this year, some 10 months after GTA 4's initial release, and The Ballad of Gay Tony this past October, 18 months after the initial release, we'd have to agree that timing played an issue; the GTA 4 hype machine had worn off.

Gallery: GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Take-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party

JoystiqTake-Two CEO thinks Grand Theft Auto 4 DLC was late to the party originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-FederDLCEpisodes-From-Liberty-CityGrand-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVgta-iv-DLCMicrosoftTake-TwoThe-Ballad-of-Gay-TonyThe-Lost-and-DamnedXbox-360Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto franchise may have 'peaked,' according to analyst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/grand-theft-auto-franchise-may-have-peaked-according-to-analy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/grand-theft-auto-franchise-may-have-peaked-according-to-analy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/grand-theft-auto-franchise-may-have-peaked-according-to-analy/#comments While Take-Two has a number of solid properties, such as BioShock and Borderlands, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto is unquestionably its largest and most important franchise. However, sluggish sales of recent GTA efforts, from the handheld Chinatown Wars to the 360-exclusive DLC Episodes from Liberty City, have Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter worried about the future of Take-Two's flagship brand.

"Has the Grand Theft Auto franchise peaked? Given the strength of GTA IV in 2008, the question may seem misplaced, but our concern is that the very highly rated new GTA content for Xbox as well as PSP and DS did not perform up to expectations in 2009," Scahchter notes, while addressing potential criticisms to his claim. "Now, we very clearly understand that these do not represent 'true' new GTA titles. However, the fact is that these were compelling titles, attractively priced, and reasonably well-promoted, yet they fell relatively flat."

Considering well over ten million people purchased GTA IV, the lackluster sales for these spin-off efforts is even more evident. Does the GTA name no longer carry the weight it once did? Or, are gamers simply waiting for a game that doesn't take place in Liberty City?

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto franchise may have 'peaked,' according to analyst originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystben-schachterbusinessDSgrand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsgrand-theft-auto-ivMicrosoftNintendotake-twotake-two-interactiveXbox-360Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/play-the-ballad-of-gay-tony-with-rockstar-tonight/#comments
Before you put on some sweats, make a little popcorn and sit down for your sitcoms tonight, you may want to gear up for some The Ballad of Gay Tony multiplayer. Rockstar Games has announced it'll be holding a multiplayer session tonight from 5pm - 8pm ET, allowing prospective Liberty City hoodlums to hang out with some developers in the expansion's new multiplayer modes for a bit of two-on-two action.

If you want to get involved, pack a parachute and send a request to these Gamertags:
  • GwRockstar3
  • GwRockstar4
  • GwRockstar5
  • GwRockstar6
And if you fancy yourself a bit of a voyeur or can't get to your Xbox, you can still watch the action from the perspective of one of Rockstar's employees at the Social Club event page here.

JoystiqPlay The Ballad of Gay Tony with Rockstar tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyxbox-liveThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Go clubbing with new GTAIV Gay Tony tees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/go-clubbing-with-new-gtaiv-gay-tony-tees/#comments Rockstar has unleashed some brand new Grand Theft Auto IV T-shirts, giving fans of The Ballad of Gay Tony a reason to hit the floor show off their best moves. Available for $20 each, the shirts depict the logos of two of the DLC's nightclubs, Hercules and Bahama Mamas. If you've been looking to make a super hip fashion statement ... well, you probably shouldn't be buying video game T-shirts. If, however, you're looking for some inoffensive gaming apparel -- which can be hard to find -- go ahead and take a look.

JoystiqGo clubbing with new GTAIV Gay Tony tees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivmerchandiserockstart-shirtthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Modern Warfare 2 earned $550 million in first five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/activision-modern-warfare-2-earned-550-million-in-first-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/activision-modern-warfare-2-earned-550-million-in-first-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/activision-modern-warfare-2-earned-550-million-in-first-five-days/#comments Activision has announced that, according to its internal estimates, Modern Warfare 2 has racked up $550 million in its first five days on the market. Considering that $310 million of that was in the game's first 24 hours, it means that it took another four days for the game to make another $240 million -- a great example of the big-bang starts enjoyed by many blockbuster games before their sales steadily decline. Still, Infinity Ward's latest managed to squeak by Grand Theft Auto 4's five-day record by $50 million.

If there were any tears to shed about that, Activision could dry them with some other impressive statistics, such as 5.2 million multiplayer hours logged and 11 million achievements unlocked on the game's first day. It could also presumably dry any tears with crisp bajillion dollar bills.

JoystiqActivision: Modern Warfare 2 earned $550 million in first five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2fpsgrand-theft-auto-ivinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Xbox-360Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/17/nintendos-fils-aime-effectively-marketed-third-party-titles/#comments Despite slow to non-existent sales for several high-profile third-party Nintendo Wii titles, the company's US head, Reggie Fils-Aime, still believes that third-party publishers on Nintendo's console can be successful. Speaking with Kotaku, Fils-Aime says he's "extremely disappointed" with the lack of major third party games on the Wii. He even goes so far as to say he's spoken (presumably quite sternly) with "every publisher who makes content that is not available on my platform" about the subject.

When questioned as to why major titles like Grand Theft Auto IV and Assassin's Creed 2 aren't headed to his company's console, he explains it as a measure of long lead times rather than technological inability. "Typically decisions are being made two years prior ... and so the decisions two years ago were that those types of games would not be effective on the platform." And though the subject isn't directly broached, Fils-Aime remains steadfast that third-party titles can be successful on the Wii ... with the right marketing. "High-quality, effectively marketed against our installed base, will sell. Period. End of story."

It would appear then that Boom Blox, The Conduit, No More Heroes, and a mess of other third-party titles, had some truly ineffective marketing by Reggie's standards.

JoystiqNintendo's Fils-Aime: 'effectively marketed' third-party titles can sell on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2businessdead-space-extractiongrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivmarketingNintendoreggie-fils-aimethird-partyWiiTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/video-15-days-in-gta-ivs-liberty-city/#comments
Time lapse videos were all the rage back in -- actually, we don't think they were ever rage caliber stuff, but in the case of this GTA IV video that shows 15 days go by Liberty City, it's at least reached "oh, that's neat!" territory. The video comes courtesy of DigitalFoundry (you can watch it over at Eurogamer) and reminds us just how much life there is in the virtual sand box, as cars drive along to their respective destinations, pedestrians shuffle about doing their own thing and, in the case of that one lady around the 32-second mark, loaf around the riverside all day and night. We just hope she's not doing what we think she's doing. It'd be such an unbecoming thing of the purest city in all of gaming, amirite?

JoystiqVideo: 15 days in GTA IV's Liberty City originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-atuogrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstartime-lapsevideoXbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/rockstar-revamps-social-clubs-online-leaderboards-and-stat-trac/#comments
With the release of this week's second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony, the game's developer has decided to update the online multiplayer statistics tracking in order to reflect the new multiplayer game types. The addition of "BASE Jump" to the mulitplayer as well as "new, tighter Deathmatch arenas" helped spur the leaderboard overhaul, according to the developer blog. The various new additions being made due to the DLC will even get their own section on the Rockstar Social Club, presumably for the four of you tracking your new GTAIV DLC stats after Modern Warfare 2 releases in a couple weeks.

JoystiqRockstar revamps Social Club's online leaderboards and stat tracking for Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivleaderboardsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerrockstarrockstar-gamesrockstar-social-clubsocial-clubthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA's 'Next Stop' teased in Liberty City Episodes manual]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/gtas-next-stop-teased-in-liberty-city-episodes-manual/#comments We'd thought the Grand Theft Auto franchise had taken us to lovingly rendered simulacra of every metropolitan city-type known to man, but apparently, we thought wrong. In the back of the GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City manual, a fake advertisement points to the series' "Next Stop" (seen above). Of course, the destination being teased is quite obviously the lovely town of Clip Artington, Minnesota. Surely you've heard of Clip Artington! It's renowned for its apple butter festivals.

On the off chance the teaser is pointing to a different city, we've ... we've really got no idea. Looks like a desert, though, right? And a mountain? And some conical, obsidian monoliths? What? Trees? Oh, yeah, that makes a lot more sense. We'd love to hear your speculation in a well-written, thought-provoking comment! There's a place for those right after the jump, you know.

[Image credit: VGChartz]

JoystiqGTA's 'Next Stop' teased in Liberty City Episodes manual originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivinstruction-manualmanualnext-stoprockstarteaserWed, 28 Oct 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/latest-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailer-showcases-luis-lopezs-many-ex/#commentsRather than offer interesting social commentary or moody atmospheric tone, the just-released Ballad of Gay Tony teaser instead teaches us that Luis Lopez is not a joking around kinda guy. He takes shots, tosses dudes off buildings - he even goes to the driving range!

In case it weren't already glaringly obvious to you, the second Grand Theft Auto IV expansion will be taking itself quite a bit less seriously than the first digital release. Thankfully, the wait is nearly over and we can find out for ourselves tomorrow just how much Rockstar Games has twisted its latest opus.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqLatest Ballad of Gay Tony trailer showcases Luis Lopez's many exploits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailerXbox-360Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Gay Tony in-game anime is all too familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/new-gay-tony-in-game-anime-is-all-too-familiar/#comments Grand Theft Auto has always been heavy on satire, making exaggerated observations about the world for the sake of a few cheap yuks. It's readily apparent on the in-game radio programs, which poke fun at both extremes of political talk radio. The in-game TV programming does much the same (if you haven't, we suggest you make time to watch "Republican Space Rangers"). It looks like The Ballad of Gay Tony will continue the tradition with "Princess Robot Bubblegum," an anime parody to be featured on the in-game CNT channel. The show will serve as part of the new TV lineup in the upcoming expansion.

In Rockstar's own words, "Princess Robot Bubblegum" features the hallmarks of more than a few animes: "Incomprehensible narrative, wretched dialogue and creepy, misogynistic sexuality." See it all in the trailer above.

JoystiqNew Gay Tony in-game anime is all too familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagtaivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Dancing, drinking and drugs: The nightclubs of GTA Gay Tony revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/15/dancing-drinking-and-drugs-the-nightclubs-of-gta-gay-tony-rev/#comments The Ballad of Gay Tony's Luis Lopez seems to have a pretty easy life. The main playable character of the Xbox-only GTA IV episode must simply deal with Liberty City's wealthiest clientele, ensuring their experience at Tony Prince's two nightclubs goes without a hitch. According to Rockstar PR, jobs will involve kicking out drug dealers, dealing with the paparazzi, and getting the appropriate pick-me-ups for the stars.

Maisonette 9 and Hercules are two new locations added to the Gay Tony episode. In addition to work, you'll be able to partake in a variety of sidequests and minigames: a "familiar-feeling dance minigame," and a new game that takes place in the club bathroom with a girl. We're not entirely sure what that will entail ... but thinking about the franchise's legacy, we think you can figure it out.

JoystiqDancing, drinking and drugs: The nightclubs of GTA Gay Tony revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygay-tonygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivhot-coffeeMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar drops details of new multiplayer in GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/rockstar-drops-details-of-new-multiplayer-in-gta-the-ballad-of/#comments
Click for grander imagesYou know that iconic moment in the Ballad of Gay Tony trailer when Luis jumps out of some kind of aerial vehicle? Did you ever wonder what it would look like if, instead of one guy parachuting down into Liberty City, it was eight people? Probably not. Anyway, here's a screenshot of that from Rockstar's latest release, detailing The Ballad of Gay Tony's multiplayer modes.

Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch will see lots of new weapons, of course, but also new Kill Streaks and Assisted Kills, which provide cash bonuses. Free Mode gets a little freer with the addition of Buzzard helicopters, APCs, and, of course, parachutes. We can't wait to see what kind of ridiculous emergent competition comes from parachute-based combat.

Check our gallery for more new multiplayer screens!

Gallery: GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony (Multiplayer)

JoystiqRockstar drops details of new multiplayer in GTA: The Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>episodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivMicrosoftmultiplayerrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: GTA IV is now available on demand, $30 in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/psa-gta-iv-is-now-on-demand-30-in-north-america/#comments
Crime epic Grand Theft Auto IV has arrived (as promised) on the Xbox Marketplace's Games on Demand lineup. The grand theft mega-hit costs $30 to download, which is the same price as a fresh new retail version -- a tiny bit more in some cases. We should probably note that a used copy from GameStop is about $25. By all means, if you have no way of getting to a retailer please feel free to buy the game online.

Oh, wait, that was a missed opportunity for a "steal a car" joke, wasn't it?

JoystiqPSA: GTA IV is now available on demand, $30 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-on-demandgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twoTue, 13 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Ballad of Gay Tony' trailer's got the (action movie) look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/new-ballad-of-gay-tony-trailers-got-the-action-movie-look/#comments We can look back and laugh at the funny dialogue and guys-in-underpants of previous Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony trailers, but in the latest one, things get real. It's titled "There's Always a Girl" (after a featured line of dialogue) but could more accurately be dubbed, "There's Always Jumping from Motorcycles onto Moving Jets and Tearing Through Liberty City in an Armored Personnel Carrier."

Oh, it has more of Luis parachuting into Liberty City and even confronting (then riding with) members of The Lost motorcycle club -- you know, from the previous DLC, The Lost and Damned. All of this paired with Roxette's "She's Got the Look." You've got to look!

JoystiqNew 'Ballad of Gay Tony' trailer's got the (action movie) look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgrand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-dlcgtaivMicrosoftrockstartake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailervideoXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow-licious Gay Tony Tees from Rockstar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/rainbow-licious-gay-tony-tees-from-rockstar/#comments Are you excited for the release of The Ballad of Gay Tony? Would you like to display that excitement for the whole world to see? Wait ... no ... pull up your pants, we were talking about T-shirts. Rockstar is now selling T-shirts celebrating the release of the upcoming GTAIV expansion. Up for grabs are several Gay Tony logo tees -- available in white, black and pink -- as well as the Episodes from Liberty City tee and, our favorite, the Rockstar rainbow logo tee.

At twenty bucks each, you can get enough for the whole family. That, or you could just save the scratch and buy the actual game. It's up to you, really.

JoystiqRainbow-licious Gay Tony Tees from Rockstar originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturegrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyWed, 07 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead, GTAIV, SFIV join Xbox Platinum Hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/left-4-dead-gtaiv-sfiv-join-xbox-platinum-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/left-4-dead-gtaiv-sfiv-join-xbox-platinum-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/left-4-dead-gtaiv-sfiv-join-xbox-platinum-hits/#comments Microsoft has announced that several new titles will soon be joining the ranks of the Xbox 360's budget priced Platinum Hits line. The new additions include some seriously heavy hitters, namely Grand Theft Auto IV, Street Fighter IV, Left 4 Dead, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Saints Row 2. Microsoft's announcement (oh so conveniently) neglected to mention prices for any of the titles, but a quick check around the ol' internet points to a price of $29.99 for most of the new additions (though SFIV curiously seems pegged around $40 for the moment).

We should also point out that while these are some legitimately great games, both SFIV and Force Unleashed are receiving upgraded, budget versions in the near future -- Ultimate Sith Edition later this year and Super Street Fighter IV in early 2010. It's also worth noting Left 4 Dead is receiving a full-blown sequel only a month from now.

Microsoft has also announced that retailers will be offering a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" promotion for Xbox 360 Platinum Hits through October 31, though the release makes no mention of which retailers are doing so. We've contacted Microsoft for more information on the promotion.

JoystiqLeft 4 Dead, GTAIV, SFIV join Xbox Platinum Hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsgrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivleft-4-deadMicrosoftplatinum-hitssaints-row-2sfivStar-Wars-The-Force-Unleashedstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivXbox-360Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/new-episodes-from-liberty-city-introduces-armando-and-henrique/#commentsGood friends are hard to come by, especially on the seedy streets of Liberty City. That's why we're so glad the above trailer for Episodes from Liberty City (which features snippets from The Ballad of Gay Tony and The Lost and the Damned) emphasizes the comradery one can experience in the city's many boroughs.

Don't believe us? Just ask The Ballad of Gay Tony protagonist Luis Lopez's childhood friends Armando Torres and Henrique Bardas, who have stuck with Lopez through thick and thin.

JoystiqNew 'Episodes from Liberty City' introduces Armando & Henrique originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armando-torresepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivhenrique-bardasluis-lopezMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonythe-lost-and-the-damnedXbox-360Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/catch-a-gold-bar-from-yusuf-amir-in-the-new-ballad-of-gay-tony-t/#commentsIt would be outright unfair to spoil any of the hilarious, minute-long trailer for upcoming GTA IV expansion The Ballad of Gay Tony that we've dropped above. We would like to highlight its introduction of Yusuf Amir, a character who seems to be on the level of Brucie in terms of sheer personality. With any luck, we'll get to hang out with Mr. Amir quite a bit while playing through The Ballad of Gay Tony when it's released on October 29.

Gallery: GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

JoystiqCatch a gold bar from Yusuf Amir in the new Ballad of Gay Tony trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributiondlcgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgtagta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twothe-ballad-of-gay-tonytrailervideoXbox-360yusuf-amirThu, 24 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Weazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/weazel-news-reports-rise-in-liberty-city-terrorism/#commentsIt looks like the inhabitants of Liberty City now have more to fear than crazy foreigners and roving bike gangs, according to a recent Weazel News expose. Terrorists have made their way into the city and brought their tools of destruction with them. Sticky bombs, exploding bullets (doesn't every bullet kinda explode?) and attack helicopters are just a few of these new dangers facing players in upcoming The Ballad of Gay Tony (not to mention every Burger Shot-loving local on the street).

But, thanks to the hard work of the Weazel News team, we have a good idea who's behind this sudden influx: Frickie Van Hardenberg, an African emigrant with a sordid past. What? Seriously, that's his name. Watch the news clip above if you don't believe us.

[Thanks, Juan!]

JoystiqWeazel News reports rise in Liberty City terrorism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonyepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-auto-ivgta-ivMicrosoftrockstarrockstar-gamesthe-ballad-of-gay-tonyXbox-360Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[See the Tony of GTA: Ballad of Gay Tony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/see-the-tony-of-gta-ballad-of-gay-tony/#comments If you haven't heard by now, there's another Grand Theft Auto coming out. The Ballad of Gay Tony, the second Xbox-exclusive expansion pack to Grand Theft Auto IV promises to pack in more explosions, helicopters, sky dives ... and disco dances than ever before. In this short new character vignette released by Rockstar, we see the titular Tony Prince. The reason for his apparent ballad? "The mob are on my case, I'm massively in debt, silly f*cking me."

That would certainly explain Tony's need to pick up a gun and go on a rampage, GTA-style. "Man, therapy has a lot to answer for, huh?"

JoystiqSee the Tony of GTA: Ballad of Gay Tony originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballad-of-gay-tonygrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivMicrosoftrockstarthe-ballad-of-gay-tonytony-princeXbox-360Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST