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[Deus Ex, Civ 5, GTA series on sale today on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/deus-ex-civ-5-gta-series-on-sale-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/deus-ex-civ-5-gta-series-on-sale-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/deus-ex-civ-5-gta-series-on-sale-today-on-steam/#comments We know you're probably exhausted both mentally and financially by the onslaught of Steam Holiday Sales, but try to steel yourself: Today's righteous offers include Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Civilization 5 and all of the Grand Theft Auto games in the world. (Well, most of them.)

Continue reading Deus Ex, Civ 5, GTA series on sale today on Steam

JoystiqDeus Ex, Civ 5, GTA series on sale today on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Civilization-5deus-ex-human-revolutiongrand-theft-autopcsteamsteam-holiday-sale-2011Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 3 coming to iOS, Android for 10th anniversary, oh and $150 GTA3 action figure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/grand-theft-auto-3-coming-to-ios-android-for-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/grand-theft-auto-3-coming-to-ios-android-for-10th-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/grand-theft-auto-3-coming-to-ios-android-for-10th-anniversary/#comments With this October marking the 10-year anniversary of Rockstar's groundbreaking Grand Theft Auto III, the developer is celebrating by releasing the open-world classic on iOS and Android "later this fall," though no price was given. "Grand Theft Auto III showed us the potential of open world games," Rockstar big boss Sam Houser said in a press release. "It helped set the vision for the company, and we have been expanding on those possibilities with every game ever since." You're probably as curious as we are as to how an open-world title like GTA3 controls on a touchscreen, but luckily the game will be playable at this weekend's New York Comic Con.

If playing with bits and bytes isn't your thing, then ... well, why are you reading this website? Regardless, you'll probably be interested in the above 1:6 scale action figure of GTA3 antihero Claude, replete with various outfits, guns, and severed hands. At just $150, we clearly don't understand the economics of action figures anymore.

For a full list of supported devices, along with a photo gallery of the action figure, head on past the break.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 3 coming to iOS, Android for 10th anniversary, oh and $150 GTA3 action figure

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 3 coming to iOS, Android for 10th anniversary, oh and $150 GTA3 action figure originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-3grand-theft-auto-iiiiosipadiphonemobilerockstar-gamestake-twoThu, 13 Oct 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto Classics pack on Steam sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/grand-theft-auto-classics-pack-on-steam-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/grand-theft-auto-classics-pack-on-steam-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/17/grand-theft-auto-classics-pack-on-steam-sale/#comments If you thought Rockstar's crime saga began with the illicit exploits of Niko Bellic, your thumb may have obscured some vital roman numerals when you last picked up a Grand Theft Auto box.

We'll just avoid boxes entirely and point you to Steam's ongoing Rockstar Weekend sale, which now has the Grand Theft Auto Classics pack for $7.49 (a discount of 75% off the regular price). The pack contains top-down classics Grand Theft Auto and Grand Theft Auto 2, along with sandbox giant Grand Theft Auto 3 and its follow-ups, Vice City and San Andreas. The deal's making a quick getaway tomorrow, so don't wait too long if you prefer your virtual violence vintage.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto Classics pack on Steam sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-2grand-theft-auto-iiiGrand-Theft-Auto-San-Andreasgrand-theft-auto-vice-cityGTA-San-AndreaspcsteamSun, 17 Apr 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto character listed in voice actor casting call]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/grand-theft-auto-character-listed-in-voice-actor-casting-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/grand-theft-auto-character-listed-in-voice-actor-casting-call/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/grand-theft-auto-character-listed-in-voice-actor-casting-call/#commentsYou don't have to look like this creepy guy -- you just have to sound like him. James Pedeaston (pictured), a recurring side character in the Grand Theft Auto universe, is listed among several other roles in a voice-over casting call posted on Actors Pages, which could be further evidence that production of Grand Theft Auto 5 is underway. Take-Two was initially named (as the production company) in the posting, according to Eurogamer, but reference to the GTA publisher has since been removed.

Pedeaston was the host of "The Wild Traveler" radio show in GTA: San Andreas -- in which he openly recounted acts of pedophilia -- and, in GTA IV, he was "arrested by the Indonesian police after being suspected of child molesting in Bali, Indonesia," according to the GTA Wiki. The casting call describes Pedeaston as a "man-boy love activist who just got released from an Indonesian prison," suggesting that the role would be set in a time period following the events of GTA IV -- in other words, a role featured in the next GTA game.

Additional first-name-only characters are listed in the job posting and sound generally befitting of a GTA game -- take "Samantha," for instance: "A young female obsessed with sex parties, always dreaming of being a Hollywood celebrity." The Actors Pages casting call follows a similar job posting on The Agency, for a project named "Rush" (assumed to be a codename and linked to Take-Two), which introduces more puzzle pieces that might fit together into a new GTA game set in Los Angeles -- or "Los Santos," as it's known in San Andreas.

[Image source: GTA Wiki; credit: C-d-rom]

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto character listed in voice actor casting call originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casting-callgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-5gtagta5james-pedeastonjobsrockstar-gamesrushtake-twovoice-actingTue, 29 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Race'n'Chase: Original GTA design docs posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/race-n-chase-original-gta-design-docs-posted/#comments The original concept for Grand Theft Auto would see players committing only a few crimes, according to design documents posted by developer Mike Dailly that date back to sixteen years ago today. At that time, the early concept was for a game called Race'n'Chase. Its aim was "to produce a fun, addictive, and fast multi-player car racing and crashing game which uses a novel graphics method."

The story? "The game will be set in a present-day world." (Period.) While it would take two and a half years -- and narrowly dodging cancellation, by another creator's account -- to flesh out the eventual game, Grand Theft Auto, the designers did have some inkling of the direction they would ultimately take, as detailed in the original pitch.

"There will be 3 cities with a different graphic style for each city (e.g., New York, Venice, Miami)," wrote the heads of then DMA Design (now Rockstar North). "There will be many different missions to be played in each city." The initial mission types consisted of "a straight race across the city," a free-roaming demolition derby and a bank robbery.

Other seeds for the mega-franchise-to-be were also planted in the early documents: "Pedestrians will be wandering about all of the time," notes one section, suggesting bystander types could include "schoolchildren" and a "lollipop lady." "They can be run over by cars."

"It will also be possible for players to get out of their car and steal another one," the designers propose in the opening pitch, adding, "Trying to steal a car may result in an alarm being set off which will, of course, attract the police." Later, it's clarified that "police will be able to get out of their cars and shoot at the robbers."

[Image credit: Mike Dailly; source: mikedailly/Flickr]

JoystiqRace'n'Chase: Original GTA design docs posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdesign-documentdma-designdosgrand-theft-autogtamike-dailyn64pcrace-n-chaseretrosaturnwindows-95Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two registers Grand Theft Auto-esque domains, GTA V shows up on stuntman's resume]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/take-two-registers-grand-theft-auto-esque-domains-gta-v-shows-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/take-two-registers-grand-theft-auto-esque-domains-gta-v-shows-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/27/take-two-registers-grand-theft-auto-esque-domains-gta-v-shows-u/#comments Take-Two recently registered a batch of speculation-rousing web domains, each of which sound like possible online extensions of the Grand Theft Auto series' parodic brands and businesses. These include gems like CashForDeadDreams.com, SixFigureTemps.com, LifeInvader.com, StopPayingYourMortgage.net and HammersteinFaust.com. Unless the publisher is trying to earn a few extra bucks by getting into the domain-squatting racket (time to pay up, Six-Figure Temps!), it seems plausible that Rockstar's thought up some gags for the next GTA.

Another piece of evidence for a new installment in Rockstar's crime-filled franchise also appeared in the resumé of Declan Mulvey, who apparently did some motion capture stunt work on "Grand Theft Auto V." For what it's worth, Mulvey tells CVG that the listing was simply a "typo," missing the single Roman 'I,' though a little further sleuthing on IMDB.com turns up plenty of video game work and not a single mention of 2008's Grand Theft Auto IV. Sure, that only lends itself to further speculation, but we think we can confidently confirm that, at the very least, the game is almost certain to contain stunts.

JoystiqTake-Two registers Grand Theft Auto-esque domains, GTA V shows up on stuntman's resume originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domaingrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftpcplaystationps3RockStarrockstar-gamestake-twoxboxSun, 27 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Original GTA developer says game was 'almost canned']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/original-gta-developer-says-game-was-almost-canned/#comments Gary Penn was a developer at DMA Design way back when the British company was working on the very first Grand Theft Auto game -- the top-down, PC-based version, not the 3D console hit you know and love today -- and says that it was "almost canned." Not because of any Hot Coffee-style shenanigans, mind you. Just because (and we're paraphrasing here) it sucked.

It was incredibly unstable and "it was awful, it was too sim-y," says Penn. It wasn't until the developer found a bit of fun by turning up the police aggressiveness that it finally landed on the gameplay that's sustained the series to this day: GTA creates a much more manic, amped-up version of the world we actually live in.

Once the dev figured that out, it moved on to things like mowing down 2D Hare Khrishnas (Penn's right -- it was really satisfying, moral qualms aside) and just enjoying the world. Penn goes on to say that the series is "stagnating" for him, perhaps because of its success. "It's anything but a lazy game," he says, "but they don't have the pressure if no one else is doing it anywhere near as well as they're doing it."

JoystiqOriginal GTA developer says game was 'almost canned' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dma-designgame-designgary-penngrand-theft-autogtagta-ivpcMon, 31 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam offering a whole lotta Grand Theft Auto for $7.50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/steam-offering-a-whole-lotta-grand-theft-auto-for-7-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/steam-offering-a-whole-lotta-grand-theft-auto-for-7-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/steam-offering-a-whole-lotta-grand-theft-auto-for-7-50/#comments If you've got a handful of change and a heart full of deviancy, you may want to perk up your ears -- for this weekend only, Steam is offering the Grand Theft Auto Classics collection (which includes GTA I - III, Vice City and San Andreas) for $7.50, or 75 percent off the bundle's standard price.

Continue reading Steam offering a whole lotta Grand Theft Auto for $7.50

JoystiqSteam offering a whole lotta Grand Theft Auto for $7.50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-San-AndreasGTA-San-Andreaspcrockstar-gamessteamFri, 05 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British news outlet apologizes for 'Grand Theft Auto: Rothbury' report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/british-news-outlet-apologizes-for-grand-theft-auto-rothbury/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/british-news-outlet-apologizes-for-grand-theft-auto-rothbury/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/24/british-news-outlet-apologizes-for-grand-theft-auto-rothbury/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A long, stupid story short: British newspaper The Daily Star recently ran a since-pulled article claiming Rockstar Games was working on a game titled Grand Theft Auto: Rothbury, based on the shooting rampage allegedly perpetrated by Raoul Moat earlier this month. The report was based on a shockingly tasteless and obviously Photoshopped box art for the non-existent title -- though the Star ran the report as cold, hard fact, even going so far as to get quotes from the still-grieving family members of the shooting victims.

Rockstar (and, assumedly, its fleet of superhuman lawyers) must have sent some stern words to the outlet, which ran a lengthy retraction (via Rock, Paper, Shotgun) earlier today. In addition to apologizing for the irresponsible report, the paper claims, "we have also agreed to pay them a substantial amount in damages which they are donating to charity." Well, at least something good came out of this situation, we guess.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqBritish news outlet apologizes for 'Grand Theft Auto: Rothbury' report originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-stargrand-theft-autolegalraoul-moatrockstar-gamesrothburySat, 24 Jul 2010 19:00:00 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[GTA Chinatown Wars on iPad this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/gta-chinatown-wars-on-ipad-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two is set to release its least portable version yet of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. G4 reports that, during yesterday's investor conference call, CEO Ben Feder outed plans to release an iPad version of the game, which was originally designed for the Nintendo DS and has since been ported to PSP and iPhone.

No specific features were named for the upgraded version, though we can expect improved graphics and virtual controls that occupy less of the screen space. Feder said that the iPad port will be available "later this month."

JoystiqGTA Chinatown Wars on iPad this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBen-Federgrand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-WarsiPadiPodmobileRockstar-GamesSandboxTake-TwoWed, 09 Jun 2010 13:20:00 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[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[Rooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/rooster-teeth-experiments-with-third-person-driving-in-real-life/#comments In the pilot episode of a new web series titled "Immersion," the comedic machinimists of Rooster Teeth attempted to bring a popular action game phenomenon into the real world: What if you could really drive a car from a third-person perspective? Using a pole, some dumbbells, an expensive camera and some vision-impairing black sheets, the troupe was able to have an entertaining, albeit entirely irresponsible out-of-car driving experience. Check out the NSFW video after the jump to see their automotive shenanigans in action.

Continue reading Rooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life

JoystiqRooster Teeth experiments with third-person driving in real life originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinggrand-theft-autohumorrooster-teeththird-personthird-person-viewvideoWed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA: Chinatown Wars accounts for 50% of M-rated sales on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gta-chinatown-wars-accounts-for-50-of-m-rated-sales-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gta-chinatown-wars-accounts-for-50-of-m-rated-sales-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gta-chinatown-wars-accounts-for-50-of-m-rated-sales-on-ds/#commentsHere's how you make Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars sound like a massive sales success: "As of February 2010, Chinatown Wars' unit sales in the US represented nearly 50 percent of the unit sales of all M-rated DS titles in the history of the platform." That's Take-Two CEO Ben Feder, via MCV, putting Chinatown Wars' sales into perspective. That means it met the combined sales of the 6 M-rated games on DS to date, which include Dementium: The Ward, Resident Evil: Deadly Silence and Ultimate Mortal Kombat, and the smaller releases: Theresia, Touch the Dead and C.O.R.E.

Despite comparing GTA's sales to 3 games most people have never heard of, 2 games that most people didn't know were on DS, and Dementium, Feder kind of admitted that the game's sales weren't where Take-Two wanted them to be, echoing Nintendo's statement last December. What's to blame? Piracy, of course. "Piracy is a real and present danger for our industry and must be addressed, especially in the handheld market," he said. "The commercial performance of Chinatown Wars has certainly suffered at the hands of piracy."

JoystiqGTA: Chinatown Wars accounts for 50% of M-rated sales on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-federDSgrand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsgtagta-chinatown-warsm-ratedmature-gamesNintendopiracysalestake-twoFri, 02 Apr 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two sending out Hot Coffee settlement checks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/take-two-sending-out-hot-coffee-settlement-checks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/take-two-sending-out-hot-coffee-settlement-checks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/take-two-sending-out-hot-coffee-settlement-checks/#commentsIf you went through all the trouble of traumatizing yourself by unlocking the Hot Coffee stuff in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas ... cha-ching! Take-Two, owner of publisher Rockstar, has started paying out the settlement for the class action suit filed in response to the discovery of hidden sexual content on the disc. Depending on what kind of documentation you submitted, you're due an amount between $5 and $35 -- or, for those of you who sent your first-edition discs in, a new copy of the game. Which, we'd imagine, is worth quite a bit less than $35 these days.

The settlement website notes that "All those who filed claims for benefits prior to the May 16, 2008, deadline will receive those benefits prior to April 15, 2010." Which means you can start planning where that $5 is going to go right now. Perhaps a nice cup of coffee?

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqTake-Two sending out Hot Coffee settlement checks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-actiongrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-san-andreashot-coffeehotcoffeelawsuitMicrosoftrockstartake-twoXbox-360Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:30:00 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[GTA: Chinatown Wars 30% off on iPhone this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/gta-chinatown-wars-30-off-on-iphone-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/gta-chinatown-wars-30-off-on-iphone-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/gta-chinatown-wars-30-off-on-iphone-this-weekend/#comments Both the DS and PSP versions of GTA Chinatown Wars have been well-received by gamers and critics alike, which inevitably spurred a release on the iPhone. And if you're an iPhone fan who's been looking to pick up the Apple platform port, now's a good time: it's on sale for 30 percent off this weekend only in the App store.

That brings the game down to a very manageable $6.99, and you can download it for that price up until 12am ET Sunday night, at the conclusion of Valentine's Day. We'd offer that it's also a good gift idea for that special someone in your life, but we wouldn't want to help produce any modern day Bonnie and Clyde types now, would we?

Download GTA: Chinatown Wars from the App store - $6.99 Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

JoystiqGTA: Chinatown Wars 30% off on iPhone this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechinatown-warsdealsgrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsiPodrockstarSat, 13 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/why-a-grand-theft-auto-movie-hasnt-gotten-off-the-ground-yet/#comments You know Gamer, right? That movie with a pasty-faced kid controlling human prisoners in a future game? Well, it turns out that the film almost ended up as a Grand Theft Auto joint. According to a recent interview with co-writer/director Mark Neveldine, "We [Neveldine and co-writer Brian Taylor] actually were going to be hired to write GTA. I am sure that was part of it. That was after we wrote and directed Crank, so I got involved with GTA pretty heavily, I didn't grow up with it."

Neveldine claims that it was a "rights issue" that caused the silver screen adaptation of GTA to founder. "It was a movie originally directed by Ron Howard ... and because Rockstar Games made a video game, there is some battle of who can use the title ... you can't make it about the game." Back in 2008, Variety alleged that a GTA movie was on the precipice of production when the deal fell through, but we get the feeling that these folks are speaking about something completely different.

JoystiqWhy a Grand Theft Auto movie hasn't gotten off the ground (yet) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-taylorcrankfilmfilm-adaptationgamergrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-moviegta-ivmark-neveldinemovierockstarrockstar-gamesron-howardtake-two-interactiveThu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:00 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[NPD: Wii Play is best selling 'game' of all time in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/20/npd-wii-play-is-best-selling-game-of-all-time-in-the-us/#comments If there's a statistic measuring how well a game sold, you're likely to find Wii Play lingering in it somewhere. It's not only been the best-selling game of 2009, but also just recently made itself known as the top seller for the last decade. Now, according to NPD data (via GameSpot), the software-hardware hybrid has claimed another throne: top-selling non-PC US game ever.

It's a pretty prestigious list and while no exact figures are listed (save for the bundle's October performance, selling a whopping 11.1 million units in that month alone), the other games listed should give you an indication of just how many homes Wii Play has invaded. Taking second place is Guitar Hero III, the first game to earn $1 billion in revenue, followed by Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The others in the top ten are generally expected, including Activision's other $1 billion earner, Modern Warfare 2 (notable because, damn, that was fast!), along with a pair of other Call of Duty games. Head over to GameSpot for the full list.

JoystiqNPD: Wii Play is best selling 'game' of all time in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-4-modern-warfarecall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2Call-of-Duty-World-at-WarDSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-san-andreasGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-3guitar-hero-iiiinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2NintendonpdrockstarsalesWiiwii-playXbox-360Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA Chinatown Wars brings the battle to iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/gta-chinatown-wars-brings-the-battle-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/gta-chinatown-wars-brings-the-battle-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/gta-chinatown-wars-brings-the-battle-to-iphone/#comments Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars keeps driving around for an audience, with the excellent handheld entry in the crime sim franchise quietly releasing on iPhone last night. TouchArcade notes that in its third platform iteration, behind DS and PSP, the $10 game uses on-screen buttons similarly to Gameloft's Gangstar and retains the DS stylus minigames.

It would seem that those who can get around the button-less interface are in for a full GTA experience that costs less than a dime bag.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars ($9.99): Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

JoystiqGTA Chinatown Wars brings the battle to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applegrand-theft-autoGrand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-WarsiphoneiPodrockstartake-two-interactiveMon, 18 Jan 2010 11:15:00 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[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[Nintendo: GTA Chinatown Wars sales 'frustrating']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/nintendo-gta-chinatown-wars-sales-frustrating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/nintendo-gta-chinatown-wars-sales-frustrating/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/09/nintendo-gta-chinatown-wars-sales-frustrating/#comments Nintendo's focus on "evergreen" titles has been a staple of the publisher for years now, with marketing support lasting longer than ever with this generation's major releases. So it surprised us last April when the company said it hoped "word of mouth" would help push GTA: Chinatown Wars' lackluster initial sales higher as the months progressed. However, when executive vice president Cammie Dunaway recently spoke with MTV Multiplayer, Nintendo's traditional message quickly returned. "Part of what's needed is you have to continue to put marketing support behind these titles."

She also called sales "frustrating, quite frankly," but declined to comment on Rockstar's marketing surrounding the release of the game. Dunaway remained diplomatic through the conversation though, only offering, "The old dynamic of 'throw it on television for a few weeks and then move on and forget it' just doesn't work," giving us little more than a taste of her real feelings behind the release's marketing push. Check out the whole clip after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo: GTA Chinatown Wars sales 'frustrating'

JoystiqNintendo: GTA Chinatown Wars sales 'frustrating' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscammie-dunawaychinatown-warsDSgrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsinterviewmarketingNintendosalesWed, 09 Dec 2009 19:40:00 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[Take-Two's Zelnick doesn't believe in annualized GTA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/04/take-twos-zelnick-doesnt-believe-in-annualized-gta/#comments If we took away one important lesson from Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick yesterday, during the company's investor call, it's this: it takes a lot of time to make "triple-A" games. That's why Zelnick isn't interested in annualizing the Grand Theft Auto franchise. "We don't feel that GTA oughta be an annualized franchise," he said, adding that he was "pleased" the series has been "testing new formats and new platforms" this year with two DLC expansions on Xbox Live and GTA: Chinatown Wars for DS and PSP.

Instead of pushing out a new GTA game every year, Zelnick explained that Take-Two is focused on the "balance between how long it takes to develop such an incredible title that meets consumer expectations and how long you need to make sure than an appetite has been both satisfied and whetted [for the next game]." He padded his point with phrases like "high profitability" and "resiliency of the franchise," though when taken to task over how the publisher expects to make money in a "non-GTA release year" -- and in light of projected, continued losses from its baseball franchise -- he responded, "We remain committed to that goal [of profitability] ... naturally, we are disappointed that we're not projecting to achieve that goal in 2010." Meanwhile, somewhere in California, Bobby Kotick laughed maniacally.

JoystiqTake-Two's Zelnick doesn't believe in annualized GTA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annualfranchisegrand-theft-autogtagta-chinatown-warsgta-iv-dlcstrauss-zelnicktake-twoFri, 04 Dec 2009 11:25:00 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[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[Peter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/peter-molyneux-picks-his-5-favorite-innovators/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/peter-molyneux-picks-his-5-favorite-innovators/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/peter-molyneux-picks-his-5-favorite-innovators/#comments
After discussing his vision for Fable's future, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux recently reiterated his mantra of inclusive gaming innovation to attendees of BAFTA's Annual Video Games Lecture. Citing their ability to challenge "the foundation stones of conventional wisdom," he revealed five titles (documented by That VideoGame Blog) that he considers to be among the most revolutionary within the last two decades.

Molyneux praised Tomb Raider for subverting gaming's tough-guy protagonist and named Mario 64 as the genuine precursor to 3D titles like Grand Theft Auto 3. Dune 2 got a nod for its encouragement of more thoughtful tactics, while Bungie's first Halo earned mention for halfway introducing the now-ubiquitous regenerative health system and curtailed weapon swapping.

And the fifth title? World of Warcraft, which managed to lure Molyneux to level 40 with promise of a steed. You see? He's human, just like the rest of us.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux picks his 5 favorite innovators originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dune-2fablefav-5grand-theft-autohalomario-64peter-molyneuxtomb-raiderworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 23 Oct 2009 12:02:00 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