Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/peripheral-price-drop-madness-guitar-hero-dj-hero-and-tony-ha/#comments Toys R Us has decided that all peripherals must go, and in order to clear the shelves as quickly as possible, a ridiculous number of DJ Hero, Tony Hawk, and Guitar Hero bundles for all systems have been marked down to $9.99. If you've just got too darn much free space in your living room, make the jump for the full list of store-only mega-deals. We recommend getting a swift move on, however; even with these franchises functionally dead, we don't expect this stuff to hang around for long.

[Thanks, Teeftwo!]

Continue reading Peripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks

JoystiqPeripheral price-drop madness: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, and Tony Hawk bundles for 10 bucks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dj-herodj-hero-2dj-hero-renegade-editionGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-3Guitar-Hero-3-Legends-Of-Rockguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockguitar-hero-world-tourmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3tony-hawk-ridetony-hawk-shredtoys-r-ustoysruswiixboxSat, 20 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision head Bobby Kotick positive but unsure on Vita; sees Wii U as 'really necessary' for Nintendo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/activision-head-bobby-kotick-positive-but-unsure-on-vita-sees-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/activision-head-bobby-kotick-positive-but-unsure-on-vita-sees-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/activision-head-bobby-kotick-positive-but-unsure-on-vita-sees-w/#comments When Bobby Kotick's not busy making appearances in major motion pictures alongside Brad Pitt, he heads up Call of Duty publisher Activision. And as head of one of the largest (if not the largest) third-party game publisher, what he says about the future of various consoles can have some major implications. It seems that, like Activision has done in the past with new platforms, Kotick's stance on both Nintendo's Wii U and Sony's PlayStation Vita is "very interested" with a heavy side of apprehension.

In an interview with The Guardian, Kotick spoke to his feelings on the PS Vita. "Technically, we're super excited about what we can do on it, it's really something incredible. The question is, where is the market?" While he's excited by the capability of the PS Vita, and his company has already pledged support, Kotick acknowledged the burgeoning smart phone market for games as well. "It's a really nice product and its very well differentiated from what you can get in even the most capable smartphone or tablet today," he professed.

As for Nintendo's Wii successor, the Wii U, Kotick said that Activision has had dev kits "for awhile now" and that, while Nintendo has yet to fully clarify its online system even to him, the console apparently makes "rich multiplayer games" a possibility -- a first for Nintendo, if true. As far as timing goes, Kotick stated that Nintendo's hardware reveal was a necessity. "For the kinds of games we create, it was becoming very difficult for us to support the Wii with the expectations that our gamers have ... from a development perspective, having a Nintendo device that is on parity with the other hardware from a graphics perspective was really necessary." As you might expect, Activision is apparently "very enthusiastic about it," though he wouldn't detail any specific titles in development at the publisher.

When pressed on new intellectual properties, Kotick deferred to Bungie's unannounced project, as well as "the new MMO from Blizzard" (the rarely spoken of "Titan" project). And as expected, he spoke ambiguously regarding this year's Guitar Hero franchise gutting. "Until we can deliver a really high level of innovation and tap into the high level of creativity and inspiration of the people we have making games, we won't put the products out," he admitted. "That goes for everything -- we've always subscribed to that philosophy." We're not sure that the last few Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk titles would back up Mr. Kotick's claim, but then we're not the corporate figurehead of an enormous public company.

JoystiqActivision head Bobby Kotick positive but unsure on Vita; sees Wii U as 'really necessary' for Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardbobby-kotickbungiebungivisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocknintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasonytony-hawkvitawii-uSat, 02 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/#comments When Eric Hirshberg stepped into the role of CEO of Activision Publishing last July, the company had just begun an ugly, public battle with the founders of Infinity Ward, having fired the creators of the company's Call of Duty cash cow just four months prior. Frequently villainized in the press, the appointment of Hirshberg seemed to indicate that Activision was eager to turn its brand identity around. Hirshberg cut his teeth as CEO and chief creative officer of marketing firm Deutsch LA making ad campaigns for brands like PlayStation -- you may not recognize that name, but if you've seen a Kevin Butler commercial, you know his work. And as Activision Publishing narrows its focus and energies into a few key brands, notably the aforementioned Call of Duty, tasking a marketing man with running a game publisher starts to make a lot of sense.

Last month I had the opportunity to speak with Hirshberg in his office at Activision headquarters in Santa Monica. It was less than a week after a massive leak upended the company's carefully prepared marketing plan for the latest in the blockbuster Modern Warfare series and, for Hirshberg, it was a chance to connect with that audience. "We woke up with a marketing crisis," Hirshberg told me, "and wanted to go to bed with a marketing win." Throughout our conversation, Hirshberg mentioned the need to be transparent with consumers, so I challenged him to explain some of the company's more controversial decisions since he's been CEO: the cancellation of True Crime; the closure of Bizarre Studios; and the very public retreat from the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero games.

Continue reading Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency

JoystiqActivision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardActivision-Publishingbizarre-creationsdj-herodj-hero-2eric-hirshbergguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocktrue-crimeTrue-Crime-Hong-KongWed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision claims Guitar Hero only 'on hiatus,' gets new DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/guitar-hero-only-on-hiatus-gets-new-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/guitar-hero-only-on-hiatus-gets-new-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/guitar-hero-only-on-hiatus-gets-new-dlc/#comments A dramatic reinterpretation:

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick: But we killed the Guitar Hero franchise.

Miracle Max: Ooh-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. Guitar Hero is only mostly dead, which means it's slightly alive. See, mostly dead I can work with. Even your own veep Dan Winters just said the franchise was only "on hiatus -- we're not ending it."

Kotick: But we disbanded the Guitar Hero business unit!

Miracle Max: Didn't you hear me? Slightly alive. Now, all dead? Well, if Guitar Hero was all dead there's usually only one thing that you can do ...

Kotick: What's that?

Miracle Max: Go through its catalog of unreleased DLC and gather up the loose change.

Continue reading Activision claims Guitar Hero only 'on hiatus,' gets new DLC

JoystiqActivision claims Guitar Hero only 'on hiatus,' gets new DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDLCguitar-heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 13 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine more DLC tracks make it to Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/nine-more-dlc-tracks-make-it-to-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/nine-more-dlc-tracks-make-it-to-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/nine-more-dlc-tracks-make-it-to-guitar-hero/#comments The good news is that Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock DLC continues, thanks to enthusiasm from fans. The bad news is that the DLC schedule's life has been extended just long enough to enable the release of Trapt's "Headstrong." Perhaps the series is better off dead ...

Okay, that's not fair to the eight songs in today's "Mega Pack" that aren't "Headstrong" -- or to the fact that for DLC that we didn't think would exist a couple of weeks ago, a nine-song pack is pretty generous. Check out the full lineup after the break.

Continue reading Nine more DLC tracks make it to Guitar Hero

JoystiqNine more DLC tracks make it to Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbad-religionbrand-newdlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockjetmicrosoftmusenintendoplaystationps3queens-of-the-stone-agesalivasnow-patroltraptwiixboxTue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/19/the-warp-zone-laments-the-day-guitar-hero-died/#comments Yesterday, we viewed a sad and poignant farewell to one of Activision's downsized branches, Bizarre Creations. Today, an equally poignant -- if not slightly tongue-in-cheek -- video comes to us from The Warp Zone: "The Day Guitar Hero Died." Yes, like the song. You know. The song.

Continue reading The Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died'

JoystiqThe Warp Zone laments 'The Day Guitar Hero Died' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamerican-pieguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoparodyplaystationps3the-warp-zonewiixboxSat, 19 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/guitar-hero-and-dj-hero-dlc-dead/#comments There's been some considerable debate on these here internets about the status of the Guitar Hero franchise. Thanks to "continued declines in the music genre," Activision yesterday announced that it plans to not only "discontinue development on its Guitar Hero game for 2011" (read: cancel it) but also to "disband Activision Publishing's Guitar Hero business unit." But what about the DJ Hero franchise, and the promising DJ Hero 3D, you ask? "We will release no new music or skateboarding games," CFO Thomas Tippl said of this calendar year. It certainly appears the franchise is dead, but some insist it's simply taking a year off. They'll keep making DLC, right?

Right?

"We will release the previously announced DLC track and mix packs for February, but - unfortunately," a FAQ answer on the official DJ Hero website states, "we will not be able to release new DLC packs beyond what we already have." The question specifically asked, "Are you still going to make new DLC for Guitar/DJ Hero?" Of course, existing DLC will remain available (for now) and existing games will remain available at retail (for now).

Perhaps most telling is that one FAQ question and answer was duplicated twice, at the beginning and end, bookending the official response with a rather ominous message. "Does this mean you're no longer making Guitar (and/or DJ) Hero games?," it asks ... twice. "Over the past two years, we have seen rapid declines in the music genre, and unfortunately, based on current demand, we simply cannot continue to profitably make these games given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs."

As a means of punctuation, that sounds awfully definitive.

JoystiqGuitar Hero and DJ Hero DLC supply over after February originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionDJ-HeroDJ-Hero-2DLCFreestyle-GamesGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftNeversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/activision-no-new-music-or-skateboarding-games-this-year/#comments The grim fates of True Crime and whatever installment of the Guitar Hero series that was in development are known -- but what about Activision's other perennial franchises? A few (equally grim) details surfaced during Activision's investor's call today, during which COO Thomas Tippl explained, "We will release no new music or skateboarding games" during the current calendar year.

Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg added some more insight into the company's shift away from the music genre, explaining that even though DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock were well-received, "demand for peripheral-based music games declined at a dramatic pace." He continued, "Given the considerable licensing and manufacturing costs associated with this genre, we simply cannot make these games profitably based on current economics and demand." However, Activision will continue to support its existing music games with DLC.

We're still left with a lot of questions, though (and we're working on the answers). For instance, what does this mean for the 3DS-bound DJ Hero 3D? What about the Tony Hawk series at large? Activision's frequently spoken about its staying power -- and if no Hawk title drops in 2011, it would be the first calendar year in the franchise's history without a new entry since 1999.

JoystiqActivision: 'No new music or skateboarding games' this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-herodj-hero-2dj-hero-3ddramadsguitar-heroguitar-hero-ripguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3skateboardingtony-hawktony-hawk-shredwiixboxWed, 09 Feb 2011 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-february-mega-pack/#comments Activision and Beenox have really outdone themselves with the 10-song February Mega Pack DLC for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, available today on 360, PS3 and Wii. Acknowledging that this is the year's most tender, loving month, the two have eschewed the game's core musical genres, adding selections from gentle songsmiths like Nick Drake, Iron and Wine, Damien Rice, and -- oh? No, they're not doing that? The ten songs are from rock outfits Marilyn Manson, Children of Bodom and Black Label Society? Well then.

Check out the full list after the jump to see what decidedly un-tender tracks you can grab for 1440 Microsoft Points ($17.99 or 1800 Wii Points) in the February Mega Pack.

Continue reading Ten new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock

JoystiqTen new, totally gnarly tracks released for GH: Warriors of Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-label-societychildren-of-bodomdlcguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmarilyn-mansonmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/nine-inch-nails-headlines-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-trac/#comments Reznorites rejoice, as a hefty dose of Nine Inch Nails has been delivered to Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The January Mega Pack features three songs by NIN, including "Head Like a Hole," "Closer" and "The Hand That Feeds." The pack also includes three tracks by A Day to Remember and four additional singles by HIM, The Used, Hawthorne Heights and The Damned Things.

The ten-song pack can be had on Wii for 1800 points, Xbox 360 for 1440 MS Points or PS3 for $17.99. Tracks can also be purchased individually for 200 Wii points, 160 MS Points or $1.99, respectively. The tracks are available now on Xbox 360 and Wii and should hit the PSN once it updates later today.

Continue reading Nine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks

JoystiqNine Inch Nails headlines new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock tracks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3psnVicarious-VisionswiixblmxboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock drop prices like it's hot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-drop-prices-like-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-drop-prices-like-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-drop-prices-like-it/#comments Activision has dropped the retail price for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and DJ Hero 2 standalone software and bundles. Warriors of Rock is now $49.99 (-$10), $79.99 (-$20) and $159.99 (-$20) for the game, guitar bundle and band bundle, respectively. DJ Hero 2 has been reduced to $49.99 (-$10) for the game and $59.99 (-$20) for the single turntable bundle.

If you've waited this long to pick up those games, you can probably hold out until the deep discounts start popping up in the coming months like they did last year.

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock drop prices like it's hot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardDJ-Hero-2guitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets KISS-mas Track Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-kiss-mas-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-kiss-mas-track-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-kiss-mas-track-pack/#comments KISS-mas? That's a bit of a stretch, isn't it? Regardless, a trio of KISS tunes for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, including "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love," will be available today on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii for $5.50 (440 MS Points). The songs will also be available individually for $2 apiece.

If you're still feeling a little PECK-ish for music DLC (okay, that was a stretch), Linkin Park adds remixes of "The Catalyst (Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix)," "When They Come For Me" and "Pts.OF.Athrty" to DJ Hero 2. The pack will cost 640 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360, $7.99 on PS3 and be sold individually at 300 Wii Points each on Nintendo's console.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets KISS-mas Track Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzarddj-hero-2dlcguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockkisslinkin-parkmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 21 Dec 2010 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/dj-hero-2-and-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-free-dlc-available-n/#comments Looking to expand your DJ Hero 2 and/or Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock catalogues at a significant discount? Activision's offering of free DLC for each game seeks to solve your problem, adding a DJ Tiesto-mixed three-track pack to DJ Hero 2 and a My Chemical Romance pack to Warriors of Rock, each of which is free in the US "via redemption code while supplies last." The catch: each pack is free for this week only before becoming paid content on November 30 (also, the content for Warriors of Rock is only available to Xbox 360 owners).

Details for both packs can be found after the break, including pricing for when they're no longer free next week. But hey, you're on top of things, so you're totally gonna get them while they're free. Head over to Activision and Coca-Cola's code generating website "while supplies last."

Continue reading DJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30

JoystiqDJ Hero 2 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock free DLC available now until Nov. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDJ-Hero-2dj-tiestodlcfreefreestyle-gamesguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmy-chemical-romanceneversoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-networkps3psntiestovicarious-visionswiiwii-shopwii-shop-channelwiishopxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 23 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music game sales continue plunge down the charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/music-game-sales-continue-plunge-down-the-charts/#comments If this sounds like a familiar tune, it is: Music game sales have plummeted for a second-straight year. But this year, the tune is way more off key.

According to analysis by Gamasutra, which looked at the period from January through October in each of the past three years, music game revenues in the U.S. have taken a phenomenal nose dive from an epic height of $1.6 billion in 2008 to where they've landed today: under $250 million for the year. "Short of a Christmas miracle," concludes analyst Matt Matthews, "music games won't break $400 million for all of 2010."

Ohhh ... so that's why Viacom's hawking Harmonix.

JoystiqMusic game sales continue plunge down the charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-hero-2eagreen-day-rock-bandguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockharmonixmicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicmusic-gamesnintendoplaystationpower-gig-rise-of-the-sixstringps3rhythmrock-bandrock-band-3salesseven45softwareviacomwiixboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linkin Park DLC, album bonus announced for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/linkin-park-dlc-album-bonus-announced-for-guitar-hero-and-dj-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/linkin-park-dlc-album-bonus-announced-for-guitar-hero-and-dj-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/linkin-park-dlc-album-bonus-announced-for-guitar-hero-and-dj-he/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You're seething with angst that can only be expressed through rap-rock. Activision completely understands. That's why the company is releasing a six-pack of songs from Linkin Park's new "A Thousand Suns" album (cover image above) on October 19 as Guitar Hero DLC. In addition, a set of three remixed Linkin Park songs will be available this winter in DJ Hero 2.

If you'd like to hear the rest of that album, you can get a free copy with orders of Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock or DJ Hero 2 from Amazon, between "12:01am PST on October 17 and 11:59pm PST on October 23." This is the second free album to be bundled with Warriors of Rock! In the future, our entire music library will consist of freebies from Activision.

Continue reading Linkin Park DLC, album bonus announced for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero

JoystiqLinkin Park DLC, album bonus announced for Guitar Hero and DJ Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionamazonDJ-Hero-2dlcguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocklinkin-parkmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero celebrates Rocktober with free track pack and Rocky Horror]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/guitar-hero-celebrates-rocktober-with-free-track-pack-and-rocky/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/guitar-hero-celebrates-rocktober-with-free-track-pack-and-rocky/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/guitar-hero-celebrates-rocktober-with-free-track-pack-and-rocky/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock may be composed of "ancient gameplay mechanics shrouded in a campy heavy metal veneer," but for those who picked it up on Xbox, it's about to be that, with three free songs. Which is objectively better. A three-track pack is available today for Gold members, featuring Disturbed's "The Infection," Muse's "Resistance," and My Chemical Romance's "Na Na Na." It's free now, and will be available for purchase by Silver Live users on October 19.

On October 26, Activision will release a seasonally appropriate DLC pack: three songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show! Soundgarden doesn't really have anything to do with Halloween, but selected individual tracks from the "Telephantasm" album will also be available for purchase that day -- though Activision didn't mention which tracks. See the list of known DLC after the break.

[Image: Rockyhorror.com]

Continue reading Guitar Hero celebrates Rocktober with free track pack and Rocky Horror

JoystiqGuitar Hero celebrates Rocktober with free track pack and Rocky Horror originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondlcguitar-heroguitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3rocky-horror-picture-showsoundgardenwiixboxTue, 12 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 11 has third largest debut on UK charts, rushes top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/fifa-11-has-third-largest-debut-on-uk-charts-rushes-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/fifa-11-has-third-largest-debut-on-uk-charts-rushes-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/fifa-11-has-third-largest-debut-on-uk-charts-rushes-top-spot/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Like a bowl of comforting chicken soup, FIFA 11 premiered at the top of the UK all formats chart. According to Chart-Track, the game had the third-largest debut in UK chart history, unseating previous bronze holder FIFA 10's first week by 21 percent in unit sales and 36 percent in revenue. Chart-Track also states that the top two premieres belong to CoD: Modern Warfare 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV.

We followed up with Chart-Track because this information doesn't exactly jive with details it provided a couple weeks back. At the time, FIFA 10 wasn't even mentioned in the top three and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was in the third spot. Turns out there are two charts the company is tracking, one that's "individual formats" and the other is "combined formats." We've placed both after the break for clarification.

Surprise winner last week, F1 2010, lost its pole position and slipped into second. Dead Rising 2 maintained its third place with the help of a chainsaw paddle, while Halo: Reach began its slow fall down the charts, slipping two spots to fourth. Moving up a spot and rounding out the top five is Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, showing the rhythm genre has life in the UK beyond Just Dance (#12). Check out the UK's top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 11 has third largest debut on UK charts, rushes top spot

JoystiqFIFA 11 has third largest debut on UK charts, rushes top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainChart-TrackDead-Rising-2EAElectronic-ArtsF1-2010FIFA-11guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockHalo-Reachmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision taking 'immediate action' on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock unreadable disc error]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/activision-taking-immediate-action-on-guitar-hero-warriors-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/activision-taking-immediate-action-on-guitar-hero-warriors-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/activision-taking-immediate-action-on-guitar-hero-warriors-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision has acknowledged that "some consumers" who purchased Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock are experiencing a disc read issue and the company is taking "immediate action" to rectify the situation. Folks who are having a problem should call Activision's customer service center at 800-225-6588. The publisher states that it will "offer existing customers free replacement discs in exchange for any purchased defective disc."

Joystiq learned of the issue earlier this week and contacted Activision after several reports and one retail tipster told us that his store had received "40 returns" in one day.

[Thanks, Phil]

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Quest)

Continue reading Activision taking 'immediate action' on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock unreadable disc error

JoystiqActivision taking 'immediate action' on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock unreadable disc error originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 30 Sep 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-review/#comments Between its newfound focus on storytelling and its status as (gasp) the only Guitar Hero game out this calendar year, Warriors of Rock carried major promise to evolve the stubborn music franchise. Maybe you balked at the concept of a story-focused game featuring a cast of characters who have never spoken before, but at least storytelling represents a fairly unbeaten path in the increasingly beaten rhythm genre. (Well, fictional storytelling, anyway.)

However, you don't have to spend much time with Warriors of Rock to realize that what sounded like evolutions are actually ancient gameplay mechanics -- only shrouded in a campy heavy metal veneer.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Quest)

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock review: It's the same old song originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scenes from Activision's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock launch party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/scenes-from-activisions-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-launch-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/scenes-from-activisions-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-launch-pa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/29/scenes-from-activisions-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-launch-pa/#comments
Activision invited guests to Paramount Studios' backlot in a very hot Los Angeles yesterday to launch Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock on a recreated an NYC block, which included the old CBGB club. Check out the setup and the closing concert by Soundgarden in the following gallery.

Continue reading Scenes from Activision's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock launch party

JoystiqScenes from Activision's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock launch party originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero controller added to Hard Rock Cafe collection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/guitar-hero-controller-added-to-hard-rock-cafe-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/guitar-hero-controller-added-to-hard-rock-cafe-collection/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/24/guitar-hero-controller-added-to-hard-rock-cafe-collection/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Imagine it: You're at a Hard Rock Cafe, maybe the one in Pittsburgh (since you don't have the t-shirt yet). You sit there, casually eating your Tupelo Chicken Tenders, when suddenly, you glance up at the wall and see ... those familiar five colored buttons. Yes, Hard Rock has gone plastic, as the UK's biggest Kiss fan, Kevin Curtis (pictured with tongue above), ushered a Gene Simmons-signed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock guitar controller into the Hard Rock Cafe's "Hall of Fame." That's what they call their collection of "over 79,000 pieces of authentic music memorabilia" displayed around the walls in the ubiquitous chain restaurants.

We're torn -- Guitar Hero is great and all, but guitars should have strings and frets, not buttons and flippers. This is like Dylan going electric! Then again, this is the Hard Rock Cafe we're talking about. Maybe a plastic guitar signed by Gene Simmons in a box on the walls of a tourist trap is exactly where it belongs. Check out the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero controller added to Hard Rock Cafe collection

JoystiqGuitar Hero controller added to Hard Rock Cafe collection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-controllerguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockhard-rockhard-rock-cafememorabiliamicrosoftmusicplaystationps3xboxFri, 24 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock summons a launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-summons-a-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-summons-a-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-summons-a-launch-trailer/#comments If you were looking for a video clip that best summarizes what Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock is all about, look no further. Basically, you've got rockers transforming into warriors. Oh, and there's, like, music and stuff.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock summons a launch trailer

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock summons a launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Import GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/import-gh-metallica-into-warriors-of-rock-for-free-during-first/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision this morning revealed an incentive for Metallica slash Guitar Hero fans to pick up the forthcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in the game's first week launch window: the ability to import 39 of the former game's 49 tracks into the latter game for free. Like Guitar Hero 5, Band Hero, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Guitar Hero: Smash Hits, some of the songs in Guitar Hero: Metallica will be importable into the forthcoming rhythm game release.

After the week is up on October 5, the import will cost 480 MS Points / $4.99 / 600 Wii Points, tying it for first place with Guitar Hero 5 for most expensive import cost. We've broken down the track listing from GH: Metallica that will be available for import into Warriors of Rock (39 of 49 songs) after the break.

Continue reading Import GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week

JoystiqImport GH: Metallica into Warriors of Rock for free during first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-metallicaguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3vicarious-visionswiixboxTue, 14 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-video-highlights-expanded-ds-wii-c/#comments DS and Wii integration isn't new to the Guitar Hero series, but in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, roadies on the DS can greater affect what's going on in the Wii game. There are also expanded modes for budding roadies, which you can see for yourself by schlepping on past the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock video highlights expanded DS/Wii connectivity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondsguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockneversoftNeversoft-Entertainmentnintendovicarious-visionswiiTue, 14 Sep 2010 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Warriors of Rock first Guitar Hero game to integrate Twitter and Facebook on Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/warriors-of-rock-first-guitar-hero-game-to-integrate-twitter-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/warriors-of-rock-first-guitar-hero-game-to-integrate-twitter-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/12/warriors-of-rock-first-guitar-hero-game-to-integrate-twitter-and/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Facebook and Twitter integration is far from the most exciting advancement made in gaming this generation. But, it's a feature that Wii has yet been privy too. That changes with the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Speaking to Nintendojo, Vicarious Visions producer Joe Fisher proclaimed that "we are the first Wii title to support social networking sites, with Facebook and Twitter."

Elaborating further, he says that you'll be able to broadcast various in-game accomplishments. Making up for Nintendo's lack of a unified achievement system, the developer has decided to create its own, which connects with the social networking sites. "We've also incorporated a Wii award system, so when you do specific challenges in the game, you get credited for an award. You can share those with your online friends as well." Considering the arcade focus of the upcoming game, we're certain hardcore Guitar Hero fans will appreciate being able to share bragging rights on the Wii as well.

JoystiqWarriors of Rock first Guitar Hero game to integrate Twitter and Facebook on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocknintendotwittervicarious-visionswiiSun, 12 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, DJ Hero 2 demos on Xbox Live today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-dj-hero-2-demos-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-dj-hero-2-demos-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-dj-hero-2-demos-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Leery of this fall's literal interpretation of the "Guitar Hero" franchise? In an attempt to assuage your skepticism, Activision has wisely released the Warriors of Rock demo on Xbox Live today. Players can sample "Johnny Napalm's chapter" -- and upgrade the literal hero -- in the quest to save the Demigod of Rock (pictured; with his literal axe). Surprisingly, you still use a plastic guitar to play songs in the game. The demo features the following:
  • Dethklok - "Bloodlines"
  • Black Sabbath - "Children of the Grave"
  • Foo Fighters - "No Way Back"
  • Slash featuring Ian Astbury - "Ghosts"
Additionally, the DJ Hero 2 demo is expected on Xbox Live Marketplace today (though it's currently missing from the service) and features the following mixes:
  • "American Boy" (by Estelle featuring Kanye West) mixed with "Good Times" (by Chic)
  • "Don't Cha" (by Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes) mixed with "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" (by Pitbull)
  • "Bounce" (Battle Mix) (by MSTRKRFT featuring N.O.R.E.)
  • "Just Dance" (by Lady Gaga featuring Colby O'Donis ) mixed with "Ghosts N Stuff" (by Deadmau5)
As usual, both demos are exclusive to Xbox Live Gold subscribers for one week. (Silver members can today download the R.U.S.E. and Vanquish demos.) Historically, most Hero-brand demos have been exclusive to Xbox Live, and today's demos are not expected for release on PSN when the service updates later today.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, DJ Hero 2 demos on Xbox Live today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondemodj-hero-2guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftxblmxboxxbox-liveTue, 07 Sep 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets a bump from Megadeth's Dave Mustaine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-a-bump-from-megadeths-dave-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-a-bump-from-megadeths-dave-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-gets-a-bump-from-megadeths-dave-m/#comments Worried that Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock had forgotten about one of rock and roll's primary warriors, Megadeth's Dave Mustaine? Fear not! Megadeth -- and a new song made just for Warriors of Rock, titled "Sudden Death" -- will be present when the game ships on September 28.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets a bump from Megadeth's Dave Mustaine

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets a bump from Megadeth's Dave Mustaine originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondave-mustainefreestyle-gamesguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmegadethmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3sonywiixboxTue, 31 Aug 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision reveals Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock pre-order bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/activision-reveals-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/activision-reveals-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/activision-reveals-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-pre-order-bonus/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You already know that buying Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will net you the Soundgarden album, Telephantasm.* But did you know that pre-ordering the game from either Amazon or GameStop will net you real-world totems that proudly proclaim to friends and family that you were unwilling to miss out on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock on day one?

If you go the brick-and-mortar route with GameStop you'll get an exclusive pair of "wings" for your axe, seen above on the left. Pre-ordering at Amazon guarantees an exclusive custom guitar strap designed by My Chemical Romance. If it follows in the proud tradition of other things designed by My Chemical Romance, such as their name and their music, you can sign us up.

*As an aside: Activision touts this as "the first time a new music album will be simultaneously released and bundled with a video game, and will be exclusively available with the game for one week prior to the album's retail release." Once we have reached that level of specificity, is it really still a "milestone"? If so, this morning marks "the first time we've written about Soundgarden while wearing the blue plaid sweatpants we like so much." Please update your diaries accordingly.

JoystiqActivision reveals Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxTue, 24 Aug 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/full-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-track-list-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've got to hand it to the recently revealed Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock setlist -- there are more than a few tasty tracks in the series' next installment. Still, as excited as we are to faux-pluck our way through Styx's "Renegade," we can't help but question a few of the songs therein. Not that they're bad songs, per se, but ... well, we can't really envision R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe as a "Warrior of Rock," you know? We imagine him wearing spiked pauldrons, and it just doesn't do anything for us.

Check out the full 93-song setlist just past the jump.

Continue reading Full Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed

JoystiqFull Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock track list revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmwiixboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero project director discusses aiming for the 'core' audience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/guitar-hero-project-director-discusses-aiming-for-the-core-aud/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For better or for worse, Neversoft has decided to go a very different direction with the Guitar Hero franchise from its competitor, Rock Band. In an interview with Develop, project director Brian Bright explained that the the stark difference between the two games is intentional. "Rather than go head-to-head with our own games and our competitors, we decided we wanted to make something different."

Being tasked with developing three games in the Hero franchise simultaneously -- Band Hero, Guitar Hero Metallica and Guitar Hero 5 -- was a drain on the team's creativity, Bright admits. "We did make quite a few games last year ... But the release of all those games split the marketing team's focus, it split our studio's focus." The upcoming Warriors of Rock, however, represents a newfound yearning to go back to the franchise's origins, and deliver a game for "the core audience," the kind of gamer that loves guitar music, and has already mastered the plastic guitar. "The core has got to a pretty high level, so we really want to up the challenge." Developing a game that even franchise stalwarts would find difficult would set the game apart from the upcoming Rock Band 3.

It's somewhat fitting that Neversoft is paying homage to the franchise's origins, considering Warriors of Rock is supposedly the last Neversoft-developed Guitar Hero game. But will it be the end of the franchise? No way. "I think it's a given that there will be a Guitar Hero game every year," Bright said, perhaps relieved that his studio won't be tasked with that burden. Who knows? We may even learn more about the team's new shooter before Guitar Hero 7 finds its way to store shelves.

JoystiqGuitar Hero project director discusses aiming for the 'core' audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-brightguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxFri, 13 Aug 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock takes the stage September 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-takes-the-stage-september-28/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anxious to get your hands on Activision's werething-infused rock-em-up, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock? Activision revealed a launch date for the game during its annual investors call last night: September 28 (September 24 in the UK). For those of you keeping score at home, that's a full month before the arrival of its competitor, Rock Band 3, which is set to launch on October 26.

Outside of being compatible with "your existing Guitar Hero music library," Warriors of Rock adds 95 new tracks into the mix, including re-recordings from Alice Cooper and The Runaways. Additionally, if you're one of the first million to purchase the game in North America, you get a free Soundgarden album.

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock takes the stage September 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3q3q3-2010release-daterhythmwiixboxFri, 06 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Get new Soundgarden album early with Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/get-new-soundgarden-album-early-with-guitar-hero-warriors-of-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/get-new-soundgarden-album-early-with-guitar-hero-warriors-of-ro/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/get-new-soundgarden-album-early-with-guitar-hero-warriors-of-ro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here's how out of touch we are with the music world: we get our music news from game industry announcements. We had no idea that Soundgarden was reuniting, nor that the group was releasing a retrospective album, Telephantasm, in October. Now you know about it too! Pretend you didn't already so we don't feel lame.

Here's what you may not have already heard: Activision is giving away the album with the first million North American copies of Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. In fact, buying the game will allow you to get the CD a week before it's released elsewhere! Not only that, the album will be available as Guitar Hero DLC at launch.

Cool musical bonuses like this are likely to do much more to pique interest in the latest Guitar Hero game than, say, pig monsters.

Update: Turns out the DLC won't be free! Activision's Dan Amrich changed his announcement post to reflect this corrected information. There's no word on the actual price yet, except that it's not free.

JoystiqGet new Soundgarden album early with Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-Warriors-of-RockmicrosoftMusicnintendoplaystationps3SoundgardenwiixboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero Monthly: August DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/guitar-hero-monthly-august-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Activision planning to launch Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in September, this month allows you to build up your collection of forwards-compatible DLC, or simply bolster last year's Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero. Expect 15 DLC tracks throughout August from bands The Used, Sum 41, Weezer, Megadeth and P.O.D.

As always, make your way past the jump to see the full list of songs, release dates and prices.

Continue reading Guitar Hero Monthly: August DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero Monthly: August DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-herodlcGuitar-Heroguitar-hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmegadethmicrosoftnintendoplaystationpodps3sum-41the-usedweezerwiixboxMon, 02 Aug 2010 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/preview-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/#comments It seems silly to describe the "new features" that have been added to Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock without acknowledging the basic stuff the franchise still doesn't get right. For example, do you want to see the difficulty of a song before jumping into it in campaign mode? Nope, you can't do that. Want to filter and sort songs by multiple criteria? Forget about it. Compared to Rock Band 3's feature set -- keyboard, vocal harmonies, "Pro" mode -- it's clear that Activision has been surpassed. But maybe all you want from Guitar Hero is a "story" and the ability to bust through the five-star ranking system. 32x multiplier and 60 stars, YEAH!!!

You could argue that Warriors of Rock isn't regressive; it's an homage to the franchise's origins, a celebration of hardcore guitar music. The 90 songs included on the disc support drums and vocals, but it's clear what the focus of the game is: being a guitar hero. If the franchise's penchant for crazy note maps hasn't satiated your strumming skills, you'll be glad to know that Warriors of Rock ups the ante by including the entirety of Rush's "2112" -- as a boss, of course.

Final boss? Yes, Warriors of Rock's big new feature is a Quest Mode, narrated by KISS' Gene Simmons. While I could rant about how it feels like it was written by (and for) twelve year old boys, I'll let Activision do the work. The fact sheet describes it as a "journey from the infamous stage of CBGBs to the molten lava fields of rock treachery ... to help the Demi-God of Rock take down 'The Beast' and save rock 'n roll." Tim Schafer would be rolling in his grave (if he were dead).

Continue reading Preview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock

JoystiqPreview: Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock's song list (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-songs-setlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-songs-setlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-songs-setlist/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Formerly known as Guitar Hero 6, Warriors of Rock promises the largest on-disc set list so far, with over 90 songs. Here's a look at the list of songs that have been announced to date.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock's song list (so far)

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock's song list (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-heroguitar-hero-6guitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3setlistsongstrackswiixboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-includes-re-recorded-alice-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock will attempt to achieve its goal of keeping the classic rock hits alive in a fairly unorthodox manner -- by, well, redoing them. Activision has revealed another batch of the rhythm title's songs, which include two exclusive re-recordings of Alice Cooper's "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb," as performed by their original artists.

Check out all the new additions -- including un-re-recorded fossils like Edgar Winter's "Free Ride" and Styx's "Renegade" -- just after the jump.

Update: Check out a behind the scenes video about the re-recording process after the break.

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock includes re-recorded Alice Cooper, The Runaways originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionalice-cooperguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3rhythmthe-runawayswiixboxTue, 27 Jul 2010 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-geddy-ing-a-dose-of-rushs-2112/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We'll be the first to say it: Rhythm games don't exactly seem like the best venue for playable versions of full-length concept albums. Yeah, that one breakout track is still really fun to play, but the 14-minute theremin solo that follows can't be too fun to wait through. That said, we can't help but applaud Activision's recent initiative to include Rush's 20-minute-long 7-part epic, "2112," in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Sure, there are a few parts of the prog-rock suite during which we might want to take brief naps, but the collection's more rocking moments more than make up for it. Here's hoping for an Achievement for playing the whole shebang front-to-back in one sitting -- an act which would cause lesser vocalists to burst into flames.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (Rush's '2112')

Continue reading Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112'

JoystiqGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock Geddy-ing a dose of Rush's '2112' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3RushwiixboxWed, 21 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/bang-your-head-to-the-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-act-1-set/#comments We get it. In this fast-paced world of ... stuff, you don't have time to scroll over a list of tracks in the upcoming Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Where text would've gotten the job done in the past, we recognize that nowadays you need something to match your speedy lifestyle. Therefore, we present the video past the break.

It highlights the set list for the first act of the game, featuring standout tracks like Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" and even a live rendition of Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me." If you're looking for something a bit on the classier side, you'll be relieved to know that Activision has also included Kiss' "Love Gun." Nothing says class like a song that's about -- well, you know.

Continue reading Bang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list

JoystiqBang your head to the Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock 'Act 1' set list originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmusicneversoftrhythmThu, 08 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/guitar-hero-5-and-band-hero-july-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This month, the Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero DLC party starts off with a high-pitched bang, with three solid Queen tracks hitting the storefront later today. That bang becomes a guttural scream the week after, when Avenged Sevenfold drops a few songs. That scream becomes an "eww-ah-ah-ah-ah" one more week later, when Disturbed throws its hat in the ring. Finally, Shinedown will have some songs added to the service. (We don't know enough about their musical offerings to continue the metaphor.)

Click past the jump to see the full list of songs, release dates and prices.

Continue reading Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC

JoystiqGuitar Hero 5 and Band Hero: July DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionavenged-sevenfoldband-herodisturbeddlcGH5Guitar-Hero-5guitar-hero-monthlyguitar-hero-warriors-of-rockmicrosoftneversoftnintendoplaystationps3queenshinedownwiixboxTue, 06 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/a-closer-look-at-the-new-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock-axe/#comments Was your taste of the new peripherals in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock not enough? Well, the attached video should satiate your desires for now, as it actually shows you how the customization works -- sans hands! It's all very Transformers like.

If all of the CGI wizardry in the video, found after the break, isn't your style, feel free to give our high-res images in the gallery below a looksee. Just don't look too closely -- we wouldn't want you transforming into a ManBearPig or something.

Gallery: Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock (hardware)

Continue reading A closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe

JoystiqA closer look at the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock axe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardGuitar-HeroGuitar-Hero-Warriors-of-RockMicrosoftNeversoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:52:00 EST