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[Report: How Homefront's developer crumbled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/08/how-homefronts-developer-crumbled/#comments The slow demise of Kaos Studios leading up to its June 2011 closure has been attributed to poor management and a misallocation of resources, according to conversations anonymous ex-staff members had with Gamasutra. One of the Homefront developers believed THQ's "plan was to close the studio regardless."

Management issues reportedly stemmed from inexperienced team members leading more qualified peers during Homefront's development. One ex-staff member said the studio "had this level of leads with tons and tons of experience, and you had the directors with much less." Those directors "didn't listen to the very talented team they hired."

Former THQ Executive VP of Core Games Danny Bilson was also the target of former team members' frustrations. Ex-staffers spoke of Bilson's heavy involvement in Homefront's development and his tendency to "hand out mandates on high and then disappear," adding that "he's not qualified to talk about game mechanics."

We've contacted THQ for comment on this story.

JoystiqReport: How Homefront's developer crumbled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danny-Bilsonhomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxSun, 08 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/#comments If you're going to buy Homefront, you might as well buy the absolute best version of it you can find. Eurogamer reports that a release schedule sent out by THQ includes Homefront: Ultimate Edition, due before the publisher's next fiscal year starts in April.

No details were included about the release, but by now we all have a good idea of how these "ultimate" things go: it's likely to be the game, plus all DLC to date, which so far includes the two map packs "Fire Sale" and "The Rock," and nothing that substantially changes the aspects of the game people didn't like before. For that, you'll have to wait for the sequel.

JoystiqReport: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefronthomefront-ultimate-editionkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront 'The Rock' map pack rolls onto Xbox Live July 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/homefront-the-rock-map-pack-rolls-onto-xbox-live-july-28/#comments Major Nelson has revealed that a new Homefront map pack is on the way. Entitled "The Rock," the pack is slated to arrive this week. As previously announced, the map pack takes the resistance to San Francisco's Alcatraz Island.

The pack will include two new maps, Alcatraz and Bridge, and also adds Overpass and Waterway to the Team Deathmatch mode. The Rock map pack will hit Xbox Live this Thursday for $5. Initially, the maps will be exclusive to Xbox Live, with a PSN and PC release to follow.

JoystiqHomefront 'The Rock' map pack rolls onto Xbox Live July 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlchomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datethqxboxTue, 26 Jul 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront, Singularity, Fallout: New Vegas and more highlighted in today's Steam Summer Camp sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/04/homefront-singularity-fallout-new-vegas-and-more-highlighted/#comments It's a new day, which means there are new Steam deals to peruse. Continuing its Steam Summer Camp Sale promotion (new deals every day on through July 10), Valve's digital distribution platform is slashing prices, taking half off Homefront, 75 percent off Singularity, 70 percent off Fallout: New Vegas (and all of its DLC) and 90 percent off Trine.

Those of you to engage in the "activity" part of the promotion -- and looking to earn some tickets to exchange for sweet prizes -- should load up Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter (also on sale today), Trine, Fortix 2, Homefront, Zombie Driver or Mount & Blade: Warband. Or, if you're looking for a free ticket, just post any screenshot today.

JoystiqHomefront, Singularity, Fallout: New Vegas and more highlighted in today's Steam Summer Camp sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiospcsteamsteam-summer-campsummer-campthqvalveMon, 04 Jul 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront multiplayer added to OnLive PlayPack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/homefront-multiplayer-added-to-onlive-playpack/#comments The ever-so-thrifty OnLive PlayPack has become even thriftier today, with the addition of Homefront's online multiplayer component. The $10-per-month bundle, which currently includes over 60 games for subscribers to dip into, will now let users access the THQ shooter's 32-player competitive offerings without forcing them to bother with that pesky single-player campaign.

To celebrate the game's arrival, THQ and OnLive are hosting a "Multiplayer Madness" event, which will award skilled attendees with free PlayPass access, an Astro A40 Headset or a Parrot AR Drone. Check out the event's official site to find out exactly how you can participate in the event, and maybe take home your own smartphone-controlled impromptu haircut machine.

JoystiqHomefront multiplayer added to OnLive PlayPack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmultiplayeronliveonlive-playpackpcplaypackthqTue, 28 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/thq-shutters-homefront-dev-kaos-studios-and-thq-digital-warringt/#comments Manhattan-based Kaos Studios -- developers of Frontlines: Fuel of War and Homefront -- has been closed. THQ confirmed the closure to Joystiq this afternoon, noting that the company's UK-based studio, THQ Digital Warrington, has also been closed. The Warrington studio previously worked on Red Faction Battlegrounds and Warhammer 40K: Kill Team. A statement from THQ additionally explains that employees at each studio have been alerted.

Beyond a cursory note about "strategic realignment within its internal studio structure," no other specifics are given as to the why the studios were closed, but its not as though the closure of Kaos Studios was unexpected. In the meantime, Homefront development has been transferred to the company's Montreal studio. THQ states that the laid off employees will be given a chance to interview at other internal studios, such as Montreal and Toronto. The full statement is available beyond the break.

Update: Due to UK law requiring employers to give a 60 day warning before layoffs, THQ says that THQ Warrington employees' warning "starts today ... and it is longer than 30 days." Given that, it's "not an immediate closure," but "a notification process leading to closure" for the UK-based studio.

Continue reading THQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington

JoystiqTHQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios and THQ Digital Warrington originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3red-faction-battlegroundsthqthq-digital-warringtonwarhammer-40k-kill-teamxboxMon, 13 Jun 2011 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront's 'Fire Sale' map pack priced at 240 MS Points ($3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/homefronts-fire-sale-map-pack-priced-at-240-ms-points-3/#comments While plodding through Hooters after Hooters, shooting up tons of nondescript North Korean soldiers, wasn't the best time for us, those of you who've been knee-deep in Homefront's multiplayer component on Xbox 360 may be excited about the upcoming Fire Sale multiplayer map pack. Previously dated for a June 7 deployment, the official Twitter account for the game revealed a price today: 240 MS Points ($3).

Fire Sale is the first of many proposed DLC packs. The publisher has yet to divulge specific details beyond it will "carry you further into the heart of a war torn and twisted America." No word on how many maps or the exact nature of the content has been revealed. We've followed up with THQ for said info and will update accordingly.

JoystiqHomefront's 'Fire Sale' map pack priced at 240 MS Points ($3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcfire-salehomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftxboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[First Homefront DLC is 'Fire Sale' map pack coming June 7; 360 title update brings fixes, Ability Pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/first-homefront-dlc-is-fire-sale-map-pack-coming-june-7-360-t/#comments When THQ promised a "wide range of exciting DLC" for its shooter Homefront, we honestly expected something besides a map pack. Nowadays, if your map pack doesn't have at least one celebrity in it, we're not even taking the call. Homefront's first piece of DLC is the on-Xbox-first "Fire Sale" map pack which "will carry you further into the heart of a war torn and twisted America." No word on the number of maps in this pack, nor the modes supported, price, or number of celebrity cameos. About the only thing we do know is the name and the date: June 7.

More concerned with being able to play the Homefront maps you already have? THQ also announced that a Title Update is available now for Xbox 360 that offers improvements to the game's "overall stability and network connectivity." Some of the higher profile improvements include: "game returns to MP menu instead of Main Menu after leaving a match," "Max ping limits for server connections" which should prevent connections to distant servers, "game freeze and hitching," and the "joining friends feature." As a kind of thank you, THQ is including the "Ability Pack" which features some new goodies for your multiplayer game. Get a full rundown at the Source link below.

[Update: THQ let us know that a PC patch went live yesterday and a PS3 patch is in the works, but has been delayed due to the PSN outage. And what about those details on the DLC? We'll get "more detailed information" on the 7th, we're told. In fact, it should be the most detailed information since it will actually be out and all.]

JoystiqFirst Homefront DLC is 'Fire Sale' map pack coming June 7; 360 title update brings fixes, Ability Pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCfire-salehomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftq2-2011release-datethqtitle-updatexboxThu, 26 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ planning multiplayer Homefront demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-planning-multiplayer-homefront-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-planning-multiplayer-homefront-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/thq-planning-multiplayer-homefront-demo/#comments Speaking during THQ's fourth quarter earnings call, CEO Brian Farrell announced that the company is planning a multiplayer demo for Homefront. Farrell noted that many people have already heard of Homefront and that a demo will help further "stimulate more new users and purchasers of the game."

Farrell also reiterated THQ's plans for "multiple drops" of "robust downloadable content" for the game, though he didn't elaborate on exactly what form it would take. Though no specific release date was given for DLC or the demo, Farrell did note that both should arrive sometime within "about the next six months."

JoystiqTHQ planning multiplayer Homefront demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodlckaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnthqxboxxbox-liveTue, 03 May 2011 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 33 across Kaos Studios and Volition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/#comments And the hits just keep on coming. THQ has confirmed to Gamasutra that it has reduced the staff sizes of Red Faction developer Volition, Inc. and Homefront developer Kaos Studios. Volition, whose team of around 200 is also working on the next, bonersword-equipped installment in the Saint's Row franchise, had its headcount cut by 16 positions. Kaos Studios, which employs more than 100 developers, lost 17 across its departments.

In its statement to Gamasutra, representatives for THQ explained, "The changes are not expected to affect any current or future titles in development with Volition." The statement adds that Kaos has a "dedicated team in place" to continue supporting Homefront with post-launch content while preparing for future projects. We wish the 33 folks affected by the cutbacks the best of luck in getting back on their feet.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 33 across Kaos Studios and Volition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaos-studioslayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3Red-Faction-ArmageddonthqvolitionxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront debuts at #6 on Xbox Live charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-debuts-at-6-on-xbox-live-charts/#comments Major Nelson has released the Xbox Live activity numbers for the week of March 14, and things are looking good for THQ's Homefront. After less than a week on the shelves, Homefront debuted at number six on the charts. While a far cry from the top spot (unsurprisingly occupied by Black Ops), it's still impressive for a brand new property, especially in its first week. Then again, given Homefront's sales figures, a strong showing on Xbox Live isn't too shocking.

On the Xbox Live Arcade front, newcomer Full House Poker took the top spot, with Runic's Torchlight coming in second. The XBLA version of Battle: Los Angeles, despite a complete lack of marketing, landed in third. Oh, you hadn't heard? Yes, there totally is a Battle: Los Angeles game on XBLA.

JoystiqHomefront debuts at #6 on Xbox Live charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftthqxboxxbox-livexbox-live-activityThu, 24 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront sells a million, ships 2.4 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/homefront-sells-a-million-ships-2-4-million-units/#comments THQ has shined its best bugle to announce that Homefront is a success: today, the publisher revealed the game has managed to infiltrate one million homes in North America, Europe and Asia. Last week, the game was the top seller on UK Chart Track.

Additionally, THQ reveals that 2.4 million copies have been shipped. "We are very pleased with strong worldwide shipments and sell-through for Homefront, and we continue to fulfill new retail orders for the game across the globe," concluded THQ president and CEO, Brian Farrell, in the announcement.

JoystiqHomefront sells a million, ships 2.4 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesthqxboxThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront PS3 patch met with poor reviews; stats reset unaddressed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/homefront-ps3-patch-met-with-poor-reviews-stats-reset-unaddress/#comments Kaos Studios responded to reports of "freezing" issues and other bugs in Homefront by pushing out a patch for the PS3 version of the game last night at approximately 8PM ET. In its announcement, the developer claimed that "far fewer issues" had been reported in the Xbox 360 version, though a title update was in the works nonetheless. Additionally, a "small hotfix" was released for the PC version yesterday, to be followed by "a patch with full change-list in the near future."

Following the update's release via PlayStation Network, a few worrisome comments began to appear below the announcement post. "I thik [sic] they broke the game," observed one commenter complaining of lag. "I hadn't had any lock up problems till this update, now all it does is lock up making the game unplayable for me," posted another.

"I too have lost my rank (PS3)," reads a more alarming comment, "I was rank 24 and i played a game and noticed i was back to 2." This issue of reset player ranks and XP appears not to be an unintended side effect of the patch, but rather an ongoing issue since the game's launch earlier this week, acknowledged by Kaos yesterday afternoon. "We are aware of the buggy leader boards and stat tracking issues and it is being addressed in an upcoming patch," promised Kaos' Dan Matlack in response to one of the many, many forum threads on the issue.

While the stats reset bug was not addressed in last night's update, Kaos' patch notes did highlight the introduction of "several fixes for reported freezes." In the main "PS3 'Freezing' Issues" thread, posters have reported mostly failed results. In the "Multiplayer Status Update" thread, similar complaints about freezing have appeared following the patch's release, in addition to reported server connection and party system failures.

Still, some forum-goers remain optimistic: "great patch, the only problem im still having is my ps3 is freezes usually after every other game," posted a cheery St0rMiN_X_NoRMaN.

[Thanks, Gwynne]

JoystiqHomefront PS3 patch met with poor reviews; stats reset unaddressed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsfreezinghomefrontissueskaos-studiosmicrosoftpatchpcplaystationps3psnthrillersupdatexboxFri, 18 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Homefront]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/metareview-homefront/#comments There is definitely a war going on in Homefront, especially in the game's review scores. We weren't exactly keen on the game, but hardly anybody seems to be. The general consensus has the game taking significant lambasting by outlets over the short, mediocre single-player campaign, tempered by what the title has going on in multiplayer:
  • GamePro (4/5): "Homefront does a whole lot right, delivering powerful imagery and actions on the single-player side, as well as interesting multiplayer alterations, but neither end feels fully realized. ... Should Kaos expand on this promising start with meaningful and memorable additions in a sequel, Homefront may prove a potent franchise in no time at all."
  • Game Informer (70/100): "Thanks to some well-crafted maps and a unique in-game economy, the multiplayer fares better than the campaign. Rather than give each team a set number of vehicles at the start of the match, Homefront rewards you with Battle Points for each kill, assist, or flag capture."
  • IGN (70/100): "[Homefront] controls and feels like a typical shooter, looks like a game that's several years old, and most importantly, has an inexcusably brief campaign. Multiplayer is Homefront's redeeming quality, and those gamers out there who are like me and swoon for alternate/future history settings should certainly look into it. "
  • 1UP (B-): "Kaos Studios has made a competent shooter to accompany an engrossing story, one I'm more than willing to finish (assuming a sequel will be made). Multiplayer is where the game's real value lies, and it's certainly more than competent. There's a polish to the online mode that speaks to the developer's true talent."
  • Giant Bomb (3/5): "Whether or not you decide to pick up Homefront should rely entirely on how much you want to play its multiplayer. It's not quite exciting or remarkable enough to trump the current giants of online dude-shooting, but it's a solidly crafted mode made comparatively impressive by just how tremendously mediocre the game's single-player campaign proves to be."

Gallery: Homefront (multiplayer)

JoystiqMetareview: Homefront originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontKaoskaos-studiosMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftplaystationps3THQxboxThu, 17 Mar 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront first day sales 'robust,' server capacity being added]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-first-day-sales-robust-server-capacity-being-added/#comments Despite some rough reviews for Homefront (including our own) and a nasty dip in stock price (it's still down), things aren't all frowny face in THQ Land. Homefront already had the distinction of being the most pre-ordered title in THQ history and now, just one day after launch, THQ is trumpeting "robust" first day North American sales of approximately 375,000 units.

Of course, nothing says "successful multiplayer game" like a server boost, and THQ core games veep Danny Bilson is happy to note as much. "Due to the strong and growing demand for Homefront's multiplayer, we continue to add dedicated server capacity," Bilson said in a press release. Bilson's boss, CEO Brian Farrell, added, "We are delighted with first day sales for Homefront and are already fulfilling re-orders for the game from multiple retailers." $20 says that two of those retailers are Walmart and Amazon.

JoystiqHomefront first day sales 'robust,' server capacity being added originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontKaos-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ stock drops 25 percent in one day on Homefront launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/thq-stock-drops-25-in-one-day-on-homefront-launch/#comments
"If THQ can come up with a couple of franchises that sell well, that's a much clearer path to profitability and a higher stock price." -- Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Markets

"75" -- Metacritic score for Homefront, the most pre-ordered title in THQ's history

"This score is a bit of a disaster for THQ and the share price today is reflecting that." -- Mike Hickey of Janco Partners

JoystiqTHQ stock drops 25 percent in one day on Homefront launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 15 Mar 2011 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront review: First-person Hooters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/homefront-review/#comments Maybe I'm naive, but I honestly believe there was a point at which Homefront was destined to be something special. An FPS war game where the conflict was made intensely personal by staging it in America and waging it with real people? It's an inarguably rock-solid concept.

The question then (and isn't the question always some variation on this?) is how did Kaos Studios and THQ go from that great germ of an idea to the brain-dead, dull and frankly pretty lousy final product they're releasing today?

Gallery: Homefront (single player)

Continue reading Homefront review: First-person Hooters

JoystiqHomefront review: First-person Hooters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront mobilizes launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/homefront-mobilizes-launch-trailer/#comments Homefront is prepared for its March 15 launch, sending out the final trailer to gather troops for battle against The Great Leader.

Continue reading Homefront mobilizes launch trailer

JoystiqHomefront mobilizes launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/05/homefront-fires-off-its-multiplayer-carnage-trailer/#comments THQ's made it no secret that Homefront's design "emphasis is on multiplayer." This trailer seeks to tempt multiplayer shooter fans away from their beloved Call of Duty and Battlefield.

Continue reading Homefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer

JoystiqHomefront fires off its multiplayer carnage trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxSat, 05 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: Homefront devs 'put a baby in a dumpster' (and then took it out)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/overheard-at-gdc-homefront-devs-put-a-baby-in-a-dumpster/#comments Kaos Studios' Homefront has gone "gold" and is under two weeks away from being released. We found out yesterday afternoon about one scenario that didn't make the cut: protecting a dumpster ... with a baby in it.

Lead single-player designer Chris Cross (real name!) related a story about the team's process of involving civilian presence in the game. Cross said his team wanted to "make it relevant without making it cheap." As it turns out, relevant became a little crazy -- at least initially.

"We went through all kinds of crazy crap! We put a baby in a dumpster and were using that as a bullet shield," Cross explained, heartily laughing. "We were trying a bunch of very strange ideas."

We'll be doggedly exploring every dumpster we find in Homefront in search of secret (baby) easter eggs when the game ships on March 15.

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: Homefront devs 'put a baby in a dumpster' (and then took it out) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-crossgdcgdc-2011homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftoverheardpcplaystationps3thqxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/homefront-franchise-to-be-co-developed-by-thq-montreal-manhatt/#comments As heavily hinted at in comments made by Homefront devs Kaos Studios and publisher THQ eariler this year, it looks like the future of the franchise won't be created solely in The Big Apple. Senior VP of Core Studios Dave Davis spoke to the THQ Montreal/Kaos Studios collaboration during a studio head roundtable this afternoon at GDC. "Wherever the talent is, we will have our studios," Davis told us, though he admitted that "Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place." Yeah, we know all about it, Dave. He also added, "There isn't a [critical mass] talent pool -- many of the people we have there are imported to NYC."

That said, he doesn't see Kaos shutting its doors as its employees relocate to The Great White North. In fact, Kaos has already worked with the Montreal studio (in a relatively cursory sense) on the first game in the franchise. "When finishing Homefront, we had about 10-11 people who helped shipped the original Homefront. And that was talent that we got from Montreal that we couldn't get anywhere else," Davis said. He further assured us that "We're trying to do the best thing for the product and the best thing for the studio, and going forward there will definitely be collaboration." What's not clear is if collaboration means consolidation in this case.

JoystiqHomefront franchise to be co-developed by THQ Montreal: 'Manhattan is an incredibly expensive place' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-davishomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmontrealnew-york-citypcplaystationps3thqthq-montrealxboxFri, 04 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront is most pre-ordered title in THQ history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-is-most-pre-ordered-title-in-thq-history/#comments Say what you will about the silly and even careless marketing campaign for Homefront, but it appears to be working, as THQ core games VP Danny Bilson told Eurogamer that Homefront has racked up more pre-orders than any other game in the publisher's history. Bilson didn't reveal worldwide numbers, though he noted that 200,000 pre-orders have been made in the US alone.

That would seem to be good news for developer Kaos Studios, whose employees voiced concern over a possible studio move or closure after Homefront's completion. Bilson intimated that the developer's fate rests on the success of the game, saying that sales would "help influence" what might happen going forward; and he insisted THQ hasn't made any decisions at this point. "That's the truth."

"A lot of it has to do with how successful [Homefront] is and how strong that core team comes out on the other side," said Bilson, adding that he "loves" Kaos and that THQ is "trying to do what's best for everyone."

JoystiqHomefront is most pre-ordered title in THQ history originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsonhomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3salesxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/homefront-live-action-trailer-keeps-nursery-rhyme-marketing-aliv/#comments A Dead Space 2 trailer used "Ring Around the Rosie," and now Homefront's going with "Pop Goes the Weasel." We're calling it now: "Puff, the Magic Dragon" for Skyrim.

Continue reading Homefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive

JoystiqHomefront live-action trailer keeps nursery rhyme marketing alive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/seen-at-gdc-homefront-free-lunch/#comments THQ's literal Homefront marketing machine, the "Korean taco"-peddling Pyongyang Express, has made its scheduled appearance at GDC 2011. Its "Subsidized Good Food for a Better America" is being (orderly) distributed free of charge -- although consuming it is, technically, eating away at freedom.

Continue reading Seen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch

JoystiqSeen@GDC: Homefront's free lunch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011homefrontkaos-studiosmarketingmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Pyongyang-ExpressseenTHQxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive giving away free MicroConsole, Metro 2033 with Homefront pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onlive-giving-away-free-microconsole-metro-2033-with-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onlive-giving-away-free-microconsole-metro-2033-with-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onlive-giving-away-free-microconsole-metro-2033-with-homefront/#comments
"This is a watershed event: It's the first time a game system has ever been given away with the purchase of a game." That's how OnLive CEO Steve Perlman describes his company's announcement that ("while supplies last") anyone who pre-orders THQ's Homefront via the cloud gaming service for $50 will receive its MicroConsole hardware and immediate access to another THQ title, Metro 2033, free of charge.

In a blog post, John Spinale, OnLive's VP of games and media provided further details, confirming that Homefront will be available to users of the service on March 15 at midnight. He also noted that the console hardware, while "free," isn't free from sales tax or shipping charges. The promotion is running from today, February 25 through March 15.

Spinale cheekily quipped that people should "get in on this before our Finance department finds out what we're doing!," but we sort of have to wonder if he's only joking a little. This is definitely the most gung-ho play for new users we've ever seen.

JoystiqOnLive giving away free MicroConsole, Metro 2033 with Homefront pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud-gamingfpsfreegame-streaminghomefrontkaos-studiosmetro-2033OnLiveonlive-microconsolepcpre-orderthqFri, 25 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront single-player preview: Extreme makeover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/homefront-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/homefront-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/homefront-preview/#comments I was not impressed by Homefront's single-player campaign when I first previewed it three months ago. Apparently, Kaos Studios took notice. With the game's release only a month away, an updated preview build -- covering the first three levels of the story mode -- has been sent out to press, and I was shocked to find that nearly every complaint I had with the older build has been addressed. Add in its compelling multiplayer component, and Homefront just might have what it takes to survive in the ultra-competitive FPS market.

Homefront's core narrative as it's imagined in the gameworld is still every bit as arresting in the updated build. Witnessing the game's North Korean occupation of Anytown, USA for the second time was no less brutal to bear. Civilians are rounded up and executed, with the cries of newly orphaned children coldly ignored. It's hard to imagine that the gravitas of the game's opening moments could carry on throughout the story, but Homefront manages to keep this momentum going. In the next two levels, you'll go through a detainment camp, the ruins of a school and a garbage dump ... filled with dead bodies.

Gallery: Homefront (2/22)

Continue reading Homefront single-player preview: Extreme makeover

JoystiqHomefront single-player preview: Extreme makeover originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 22 Feb 2011 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront rolls out retailer exclusive pre-order bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/homefront-rolls-out-retailer-exclusive-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/homefront-rolls-out-retailer-exclusive-pre-order-bonuses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/homefront-rolls-out-retailer-exclusive-pre-order-bonuses/#comments Looking for a special something to make that Homefront pre-order more attractive? Pay attention then, as pre-order bonuses have been revealed ... if you buy from the right retailer, that is. For those into more tangible bonuses, Best Buy is offering Homefront branded headsets for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game (pictured). Meanwhile, GameStop and the UK's GAME are offering an exclusive weapon and some day one item unlocks. Specifically, GameStop pre-orders will receive the 870 Express Shotgun, air recon drone, auto repair ability and the SCAR L. GameStop's offer applies to the Xbox 360, PS3 and PS3 versions of the game.

The Homefront Facebook page doesn't mention it, but Amazon has a few pre-order goodies of its own, namely some Xbox 360 or PS3 avatar outfits, a digital mini guide and a $10 credit toward a future game purchase.

JoystiqHomefront rolls out retailer exclusive pre-order bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3thqxboxFri, 18 Feb 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Homefront deploying in European Xbox 360 console bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/report-homefront-deploying-in-european-xbox-360-console-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/report-homefront-deploying-in-european-xbox-360-console-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/report-homefront-deploying-in-european-xbox-360-console-bundle/#comments Microsoft will issue a new Xbox 360 bundle in Europe that includes THQ's Homefront, according to a post on GamerZines. The package is pegged to offer a 250GB Xbox 360 S console, one wireless controller and, of course, a copy of the game. A price and launch date for the set have yet to be revealed, though it'll likely be around the game's European launch date, March 18.

The news comes in the wake of announcements from Microsoft and THQ that Xbox Live members will get first dibs on Homefront DLC, and even a 360-exclusive multiplayer map. This sort of promotion -- the publisher getting its game in the box with the console -- could very well be part of what Microsoft is providing in exchange for the early content access.

We've contacted THQ to get the lowdown on this proposed new bundle. As soon as the intel breaks through the front lines, we'll pass it along.

JoystiqReport: Homefront deploying in European Xbox 360 console bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleeuropehomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosthqxboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront's 'Resistance' trailer preps us for the second American revolution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/homefronts-resistance-trailer-preps-us-for-the-second-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/homefronts-resistance-trailer-preps-us-for-the-second-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/homefronts-resistance-trailer-preps-us-for-the-second-america/#comments On March 15, gamers (nay, patriots!) will enlist in the resistance in THQ's Homefront. This latest trailer is a good primer on what you're in for: lots of shooting, explosions and body bags. Honestly, the only thing missing from this trailer is that Drowning Pool song.

Continue reading Homefront's 'Resistance' trailer preps us for the second American revolution

JoystiqHomefront's 'Resistance' trailer preps us for the second American revolution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 10 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront intro cuts Kim Jong-il images for Japanese market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/homefront-intro-cuts-kim-jong-il-images-for-japanese-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/homefront-intro-cuts-kim-jong-il-images-for-japanese-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/homefront-intro-cuts-kim-jong-il-images-for-japanese-market/#comments After bringing Metro 2033 and Red Faction: Guerrilla to Japanese retailers, Spike has been tasked with adapting THQ's Homefront as well. Unlike the previous titles, however, Homefront's main themes clash with acceptable game content standards in the country, according to Japan's CERO game rating guidelines. In order to bring the game up to code, Spike has detailed three main changes on the game's official Japanese website (via Andriasang):

  1. In one live action sequence in the game's opening movie that depicts North Korean leader Kim Jong-il as having died, the image of Kim Jong-il has been removed.
  2. In scenes that have been deemed malicious to an existing country, said country is now referred to as 'A Certain Country to the North.'
  3. In scenes that have been deemed malicious to an existing person, said person is now referred to as 'Northern Leader.'
We've dropped edited and unedited versions of the game's opening after the break for comparison's sake. Glory in the Great Leader or not -- the choice is yours!

Continue reading Homefront intro cuts Kim Jong-il images for Japanese market

JoystiqHomefront intro cuts Kim Jong-il images for Japanese market originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerohomefrontjapankaos-studioskim-jong-ilmicrosoftnorth-koreapcplaystationps3spikethqxboxFri, 04 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront arriving one week late on March 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/homefront-arriving-one-week-late-on-march-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/homefront-arriving-one-week-late-on-march-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/homefront-arriving-one-week-late-on-march-15/#comments During THQ's investor call today, president and CEO Brian Farrell repositioned Homefront's launch from March 8 to March 15. A THQ rep confirmed the delay to Joystiq, saying, "We moved our Homefront launch date by one week to March 15."

No specific reason was given for the move, but the launches of Pokemon Black & White and Dragon Age 2 on March 8 go a long way in explaining it. The rest of THQ's statement seems to reflect our supposition: "We think we have a great opportunity to dominate retail on this date." Tell that to Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's World Championship 2011: Over the Nexus.

JoystiqHomefront arriving one week late on March 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayshomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q1-2011release-datethqxboxWed, 02 Feb 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaos employees concerned about studio move or closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kaos-employees-concerned-about-studio-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kaos-employees-concerned-about-studio-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/kaos-employees-concerned-about-studio-move/#comments Though the Kaos Studios team is currently in New York toiling away on Homefront, some are worried it'll be the last game they make in the city, according to a Develop report. A Kaos source told the publication that some staffers have voiced concerns that they'll be uprooted after the project is finished and moved to THQ's new, tax-friendly 400-person-capacity studio in Montreal.

Kaos boss David Votypka didn't dismiss the employee concerns when Develop asked for his take on them. He admitted "the goal has always been to find a way to utilize [the Montreal facility] in future Kaos projects" as "New York is not the most inexpensive location to develop games."

But exactly how that move would shake out -- whether it would result in two homes for Kaos, or the studio closing and being enveloped by THQ Montreal -- is unclear. Votypka said that while various scenarios have been submitted to THQ, he doesn't expect a final decision "for some time yet."

We imagine much of the eventual decision rests on how well Homefront performs when it launches on March 8.

JoystiqKaos employees concerned about studio move or closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-votypkahomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftplaystationps3thqthq-montrealxboxWed, 26 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront multiplayer preview: Battle Commander]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-multiplayer-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-multiplayer-preview/#comments THQ's Danny Bilson has said that Homefront's emphasis is on multiplayer. Having played both the solo and multiplayer components of Homefront, it's clear why: the multiplayer is a much more compelling product, thrusting an otherwise unremarkable effort into something genuinely noteworthy. Kaos Studios' vehicular take on large-scale modern warfare feels frenetic and well-balanced.

It seems Kaos is making a concerned effort to make the online experience of Homefront rewarding both for skilled players and novices. The Battle Points system, or the online in-game currency, is one way of leveling the battlefield. The system not only rewards kills, but support actions, and allows all players to respond to dynamically changing skirmishes. A newly revealed feature called "Battle Commander" is yet another way Kaos plans on making the online fun for everyone.

Battle Commander "makes large scale warfare personal [and] rewards players for having vendettas," senior designer Brian Holinka told us. It's Homefront's take on the killstreak: perks that empower players that rake in consecutive kills. But there's an important twist: with each "perk" that you receive, you become an increasingly vulnerable target, with the AI assigning personal assassination missions to the opposing team in order to bring you down.

Gallery: Homefront (1/21/11)

Continue reading Homefront multiplayer preview: Battle Commander

JoystiqHomefront multiplayer preview: Battle Commander originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-commanderhomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxFri, 21 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront dev explains the importance of dedicated servers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-dev-explains-the-importance-of-dedicated-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-dev-explains-the-importance-of-dedicated-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/homefront-dev-explains-the-importance-of-dedicated-servers/#comments Following the wildly negative reaction to Modern Warfare 2's lack of dedicated servers on PC, one of the marketing bullet points for THQ's FPS Homefront has been its promise of such dedicated servers -- not only on PC, but on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, as well. But how important are they?

"You have to think about your constraints when you're making a game," Homefront senior designer Brian Holinka, of developer Kaos Studios, explained to us at a recent press event for the game. "If we host a server on a console, all of a sudden, that console is both server and it's playing the game. That really lowers everything: player count, the number of vehicles, everything. Dedicated servers allow us to offload all that work and basically all the client has to worry about is running the game."

Through dedicated servers, Homefront will support a chaotic 16-versus-16 online mode, where every player can summon a vehicle at will. "It means everything is bigger -- there's more players, more vehicles, more targets, more airstrikes," Holinka hyped.

"It really helps us offload a lot of work," he reiterated about the servers, "and now our scope is a lot bigger." But can you really call a 32-player match "a lot," when a game like MAG has littered the virtual battlefield with 256 players? We asked Holinka why Kaos wasn't using the dedicated servers to expand the number of players per match even further, and he reminded us that "we had more in Frontlines," the studio's previous game. Apparently, the team tested out larger battles for Homefront, but "it just didn't work," Holinka said. "We just found it wasn't fun. It just plays better at 32."

"If you played a level with 50 or 60 people in there," the developer found, "every time you turn around, you'd get shot."

JoystiqHomefront dev explains the importance of dedicated servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-holinkadedicated-serverhomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3thqxboxFri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ and Kaos defend 6 month 'crunch' for Homefront]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/thq-and-kaos-defend-6-month-crunch-for-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/thq-and-kaos-defend-6-month-crunch-for-homefront/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/thq-and-kaos-defend-6-month-crunch-for-homefront/#comments Accusations of an exhaustive "crunch" at Homefront developer Kaos have been met head-on by parent company THQ and the studio's general manager David Votypka. Develop is covering all sides of the issue, including Votypka's acknowledgement that the studio has been crunching for the last six months, with 10 hour days. He notes, "If this seems unique or abhorrent, I would have to suggest that any assessment regarding a 10 hour work day would need to consider a much larger segment of the American workforce."

The anonymous employee also wrote up their own piece for Develop expressing fears about "THQ publicly [saying] things that glorify crunch time." The source feels that management shouldn't have put the team on a schedule that created this extended, "seven day a week crunch mode."

"Crunch," loosely defined as the overtime-intensive period before a game ships, is an industry standard. The issue certainly gets sensitive whenever brought up, and it always seems like the specter of EA Spouse is watching the conversation.

JoystiqTHQ and Kaos defend 6 month 'crunch' for Homefront originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crunchDavid-Votypkahomefrontkaoskaos-studiosmicrosoftovertimepcplaystationps3thqtreatmentworkforcexboxMon, 17 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ to limit functionality in Homefront multiplayer for users without 'Online Pass']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/thq-to-limit-functionality-in-homefront-multiplayer-for-users-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/thq-to-limit-functionality-in-homefront-multiplayer-for-users-wi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/thq-to-limit-functionality-in-homefront-multiplayer-for-users-wi/#comments The upcoming Homefront will indeed use THQ's "Online Pass" functionality, similar to the system used by EA for its sports games and co-opted by THQ for its UFC title last year. Players who buy the game new will get a code in the box to play online with, and anyone who buys the game with a used code will have to shell out an extra $10 for the full online experience. Not paying the money won't lock them out completely, but it will limit functionality to only level 5, rather than the full version's 75 levels of progression.

The single-player side of the game won't be affected by the online pass at all. It sounds like an interesting option -- certain players who don't care about progression might pass on paying the extra fee completely. We'll have to see how THQ's gamble goes over when the game arrives in March.

JoystiqTHQ to limit functionality in Homefront multiplayer for users without 'Online Pass' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Homefront dev diary changes retail history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/new-homefront-dev-diary-changes-retail-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/new-homefront-dev-diary-changes-retail-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/new-homefront-dev-diary-changes-retail-history/#comments Homefront takes place in 2027. In this developer diary's section about branding, it's noted the North Koreans are using a "big box store" as a supply depot. At 1:53 in the vid you can tell it's a Circuit City -- an American retailer that went defunct in 2009. The North Koreans aren't only taking over the country in Homefront, but the past. What a twist!

Continue reading New Homefront dev diary changes retail history

JoystiqNew Homefront dev diary changes retail history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQxboxTue, 04 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront trailer introduces New America's new rulers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/try-to-resist-this-homefront-single-player-campaign-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/try-to-resist-this-homefront-single-player-campaign-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/try-to-resist-this-homefront-single-player-campaign-trailer/#comments
 The latest trailer for THQ and Kaos' Homefront, which emerged during last weekend's VGAs, is a testament to why one should never assume. Oh, the United States assumed that everything was going to be totes cool with their buddies up in North Korea? Well, um ... no. That's not exactly correct.

Continue reading Homefront trailer introduces New America's new rulers

JoystiqHomefront trailer introduces New America's new rulers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3single-playerthqxboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront's 'large scale warfare' showcased in dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/homefronts-large-scale-warfare-showcased-in-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/homefronts-large-scale-warfare-showcased-in-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/homefronts-large-scale-warfare-showcased-in-dev-diary/#comments The latest Homefront developer diary is all about the multiplayer, with Kaos Studios emphasizing the game's sense of "large scale warfare." The video details the Battle Points system, which allows players to purchase vehicles and weapons during matches. Also: Futuristic robo-drones.

Continue reading Homefront's 'large scale warfare' showcased in dev diary

JoystiqHomefront's 'large scale warfare' showcased in dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontKaos-Studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront single-player preview: Caught in the crossfire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/homefront-single-player-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/homefront-single-player-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/homefront-single-player-preview/#comments Homefront is a game that demands your attention. While the concept requires a little suspension of disbelief, Kaos Studios has crafted an incredibly believable, gripping and horrifyingly graphic world where -- not unlike real war -- ordinary people are caught in the crossfire.

Played from the perspective of a civilian resistance fighter, Homefront offers uneasy answers to the uneasy questions that those of us who experience war from afar aren't necessarily forced to ask: What would you do if your country was being overrun by an occupational force? How would you fight back?

The world of Homefront is utterly riveting. The game, however, is not.

Gallery: Homefront (single player)

Continue reading Homefront single-player preview: Caught in the crossfire

JoystiqHomefront single-player preview: Caught in the crossfire originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshomefrontkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST