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[PSA: Magicka Wizards of the Square Tablet out now on iOS, Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/psa-magicka-wizards-of-the-square-tablet-out-now-on-ios-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/psa-magicka-wizards-of-the-square-tablet-out-now-on-ios-androi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/psa-magicka-wizards-of-the-square-tablet-out-now-on-ios-androi/#comments
Magicka: Wizards of the Square Tablet launched on iOS and Android this week for $1.99. The game features up to four-player cross-platform cooperative multiplayer action, as well as a campaign mode that's new to the series.

Paradox Interactive recently announced Magicka: Wizard Wars, a PC game in development by Paradox's new Stockholm studio that is definitely not a MOBA.

Continue reading PSA: Magicka Wizards of the Square Tablet out now on iOS, Android

JoystiqPSA: Magicka Wizards of the Square Tablet out now on iOS, Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemagickamagicka-wizards-of-the-square-tabletmobileParadox-InteractivepsaSat, 30 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka gets a touch of MOBA in 'Wizard Wars']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/magicka-gets-a-touch-of-moba-in-wizard-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/magicka-gets-a-touch-of-moba-in-wizard-wars/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/magicka-gets-a-touch-of-moba-in-wizard-wars/#comments
The mages of Magicka are headed to the online arena in a multiplayer-focused, four-on-four PVP battle game called Magicka: Wizard Wars. Paradox's announcement doesn't mention the genre explicitly, but the new game sounds like it falls under Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).

In Magicka: Wizard Wars, two teams of four wizards duel to the death using Magicka's established spell-crafting system as the foundation for combat. The game is differentiated by "short battles, persistent character progression, and plenty of laughter."

Magicka: Wizard Wars is in development at Paradox North, a new studio in Stockholm under the banner of Paradox Interactive. The studio is composed of former DICE and Avalanche Studios talent, and led by executive vice president John Hargelid.

Continue reading Magicka gets a touch of MOBA in 'Wizard Wars'

JoystiqMagicka gets a touch of MOBA in 'Wizard Wars' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magickamagicka-wizard-warsparadox-interactiveparadox-northpcMon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale day 14: Dark Souls, Tomb Raider, Knights of the Old Republic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/steam-holiday-sale-day-14-dark-souls-tomb-raider-knights-of-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/steam-holiday-sale-day-14-dark-souls-tomb-raider-knights-of-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/steam-holiday-sale-day-14-dark-souls-tomb-raider-knights-of-t/#comments Steam sale, day 14You probably haven't spent enough money today. Yes, even though you got a late start and snatched up the games of yesterday's Steam sale today, there are still 36 hours of wallet plundering left. Today is no different and you are not a beautiful or unique snowflake. Just give in already.

Day 14 of the Steam sale offers the Tomb Raider franchise for $15, The Painkiller games for 50 - 75 percent off (including the complete pack for $20), Magicka for $2.50, the Sniper Elite franchise pack for $13.75, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition for $20 and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 for 75 percent off, at just $2.50 a pop.

Feel the financial burn.

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale day 14: Dark Souls, Tomb Raider, Knights of the Old Republic originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dark-Souls-Prepare-to-Die-Editionmacmagickapainkillerpcsniper-elitestar-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMsteam-holiday-saleSteam-Holiday-Sale-2012Tomb-RaiderWed, 02 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka 'Dungeons & Daemons' DLC is familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/magicka-dungeons-and-daemons-dlc-is-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/magicka-dungeons-and-daemons-dlc-is-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/magicka-dungeons-and-daemons-dlc-is-familiar/#comments
A new batch of DLC has been released for Magicka. Entitled "Dungeons & Daemons," it plops the game's enrobed heroes into a dank (probably smelly) dungeon, where they battle monsters and demons. The DLC seems awfully familiar - let's just say that Magicka's wizards (and designers) have been practicing their blizzard spells.

'Dungeons & Daemons' is available now for $4 on Steam.

Continue reading Magicka 'Dungeons & Daemons' DLC is familiar

JoystiqMagicka 'Dungeons & Daemons' DLC is familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdungeons-and-daemonsmagickaParadox-Interactivepcpieces-interactiveSat, 13 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka is $2.50 today on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/magicka-is-2-50-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/magicka-is-2-50-today-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/magicka-is-2-50-today-on-steam/#comments You probably haven't logged as many hours playing Magicka as we have, which makes us wonder what you've been doing all this time. Don't worry, the action-adventure jam with a nearly endless combination of mixable elements from indie dev Arrowhead Game Studios is 75 percent off today on Steam.

So, kick off your shoes and check out Magicka for $2.50 today (down from $9.99). Treat yourself. You work too hard not to.

Gallery: Magicka

JoystiqMagicka is $2.50 today on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arrowhead-Game-StudiosDaily-DealmagickaParadox-InteractivepcSteamThu, 09 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka says 'WOOT' with new Olympics-themed DLC pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/magicka-says-woot-with-new-olympics-themed-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/magicka-says-woot-with-new-olympics-themed-dlc-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/magicka-says-woot-with-new-olympics-themed-dlc-pack/#comments Magicka says WOOT with new Olympicsthemed DLC packSome new content for use in Magicka's Challenge and Versus mode is set to debut tomorrow, and takes a cue from the ongoing Olympic games taking place in London right now - well, kinda. The Olympics doesn't try to kill its competitors, after all.

Magicka's WOOT Tournament DLC features four new PVP maps, three new challenge maps and a host of new items and magic spells for competing wizards. These items and spells include the Musketball Dunker - a gun that fires a volley of explosives - and the ever-important Wave maneuver, a mainstay at any sporting event.

Tomorrow's content dump will be free to all Magicka players. In the meanwhile, we've got some screens courtesy of Paradox to help pass the time, available in our gallery below.

Gallery: Magicka (Woot DLC)

JoystiqMagicka says 'WOOT' with new Olympics-themed DLC pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlclondonmagickamagicka-woot-tournamentolympicsolympics-2012pcpieces-interactivewootMon, 06 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Summer Sale, Day 9: Dungeon Defenders, Crysis 2, Civ 5 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steam-summer-sale-day-9-dungeon-defenders-crysis-2-civ-5-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steam-summer-sale-day-9-dungeon-defenders-crysis-2-civ-5-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steam-summer-sale-day-9-dungeon-defenders-crysis-2-civ-5-and/#comments Steam Summer Sale, Day 9 Dungeon Defenders, Crysis 2, Civ 5 and moreWell, we're more than a week into the Steam Summer Sale and there's still no end in sight. No end to the savings, that is! (Can you tell we used to write copy for a local used car dealership?)

Today's deep discounts include Dungeon Defenders, Fear 3, Magicka and Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad GOTYE, all for less than five smackers each, and Civilization 5, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Crysis 2 and Driver: San Fancisco for less than a tenner. Today's indie bundle is also no slouch, touting the now-classic VVVVVV, as well as the ballistically brilliant Jamestown.

JoystiqSteam Summer Sale, Day 9: Dungeon Defenders, Crysis 2, Civ 5 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civ-5Civilization-5crysis-2deus-ex-human-revolutiondriver-san-franciscodungeon-defendersfear-3Jamestownmacmagickapcred-orchestra-2-heroes-of-stalingradsteam-summer-salesteam-summer-sale-2012VVVVVVFri, 20 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka shows us The Other Side of the Coin on June 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/magicka-shows-us-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-june-14/#comments Image
Arrowhead Game Studios is preparing the next DLC expansion for its wizard-powered adventure, Magicka. The Other Side of the Coin expands upon the story of Magicka by placing players in the boots of Alucart, an evil vampire who is in no way related to Alucard from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

The Other Side of the Coin will cost $4.99 and also includes four new challenge maps when it becomes available for download on June 14.

JoystiqMagicka shows us The Other Side of the Coin on June 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agsarrowhead-game-studioscastlevania-symphony-of-the-nightmagickapcthe-other-side-of-the-coinWed, 30 May 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox to reveal Magicka studio's next game at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/paradox-to-reveal-magicka-studios-next-game-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/paradox-to-reveal-magicka-studios-next-game-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/paradox-to-reveal-magicka-studios-next-game-at-gdc/#comments Paradox Interactive plans to show off three unannounced titles at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco next month. The publisher, which has the peculiar habit of using Kevin Costner films as codenames, has three new games based on brand new intellectual properties to reveal.

Project "JFK" comes from Magicka studio Arrowhead Game Studios and is described as a multiplayer combat game with "a focus on killing your friends and looking cool doing it." Project "Revenge!" is by Critical Studio out of Brazil and is an "action packed action game in a world that can be described as death trap for heroes and children." Finally, Project "Silverado," from Zeal Game Studio, is a real-time strategy game meets shooter, with "a side order of a tabletop wargame and a sprinkle of sci-fi."

The publisher will also have more on A Game of Dwarves, its fantasy management game, along with War of the Roses (again, NO, the game is not based on the amazing Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner divorce saga).

JoystiqParadox to reveal Magicka studio's next game at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-dwarvesmagickaParadoxParadox-Interactivepcwar-of-the-rosesWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox Interactive announces A Game of Dwarves, reveals new Magicka concepts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/paradox-interactive-announces-a-game-of-dwarves-reveals-new-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/paradox-interactive-announces-a-game-of-dwarves-reveals-new-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/paradox-interactive-announces-a-game-of-dwarves-reveals-new-mag/#comments Swedish developer Paradox Interactive held an annual convention in its hometown of Stockholm last week, and took the opportunity to announce a brand new title by Zeal Game Studios called A Game of Dwarves. As you can see from the trailer above, the Game has sort of a casual Dwarf Fortress feel, allowing you to build, upgrade, and improve a dwarven clan's headquarters, while also looting and battling whatever mysterious foes happen to be living beneath it.

We hope that trailer announcer gets over that sore throat he seems to have, though; that's one heck of a frog. A Game of Dwarves is due out later this year on PC and PSN -- you can see some screenshots, along with some brand new concept art from the also-announced Magicka expansion, in the galleries below.

Gallery: A Game of Dwarves (1/24/12)


Gallery: Magicka: The Other Side of the Coin (Concept Art)

JoystiqParadox Interactive announces A Game of Dwarves, reveals new Magicka concepts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-dwarvesannouncementexpansionmagickamagicka-the-other-side-of-the-coinparadox-interactivepcplaystationps3stockholm-swedenthe-other-side-of-the-coinTue, 24 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka summons 1.3 million in sales, new expansion in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/magicka-summons-1-3-million-in-sales-new-expansion-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/magicka-summons-1-3-million-in-sales-new-expansion-in-the-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/magicka-summons-1-3-million-in-sales-new-expansion-in-the-works/#comments Magicka Cheeky co-op action title Magicka has hit another sales milestone, passing 1.3 million in sales, according to StrategyInformer. Paradox Interactive revealed the news during its recent convention in Sweden. Meanwhile, the various DLC packs have totaled over 4 million in sales and the "Magicka: Vietnam" expansion has topped 500,000 units.

Paradox is also planning a new expansion for the game entitled "The Other Side of the Coin," which sees players taking on the roles of Magicka's enemies. More details on the expansion are expected later today.

JoystiqMagicka summons 1.3 million in sales, new expansion in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magickaparadoxParadox-InteractivepcThu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/final-steam-sale-of-2011-predicts-zombie-apocalypse-crime-in-20/#comments
The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates.

Check out all the deals before the year and our life as we know it ends.

JoystiqFinal Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-2Bit-Trip-Runnercounter-strikedead-islandgridhitmanhoardLA-Noiremagickapcsteam-holiday-sale-2011steam-saleSat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab Magicka for $2.50 on Steam, or free for the weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/grab-magicka-for-2-50-on-steam-or-free-for-the-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/grab-magicka-for-2-50-on-steam-or-free-for-the-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/grab-magicka-for-2-50-on-steam-or-free-for-the-weekend/#comments What's that? You still haven't experienced the boundless joy of mashing-up already hazardous incantations? That's inexcusable, but you'll be rewarded for your oversight: Steam has Magicka discounted for $2.50, and is letting users play it for free for most of the weekend!

Continue reading Grab Magicka for $2.50 on Steam, or free for the weekend

JoystiqGrab Magicka for $2.50 on Steam, or free for the weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosfree-to-playmagickamagicka-vietnampcsteamweekendFri, 18 Nov 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka: The Stars are Left trailer crafted with love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/magicka-the-stars-are-left-trailer-crafted-with-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/magicka-the-stars-are-left-trailer-crafted-with-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/magicka-the-stars-are-left-trailer-crafted-with-love/#comments
If the world's in danger from a creeping, Cthulhu-inspired nightmare, who you gonna call? Umm, perhaps not the four wildly powerful wizards ... imbued with a clumsy tendency to immolate one another.

JoystiqMagicka: The Stars are Left trailer crafted with love originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcmagickaparadox-interactivepcthe-stars-are-leftWed, 16 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka takes on Cthulhu and Minecraft in The Stars are Left expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/magicka-takes-on-cthulhu-and-minecraft-in-the-stars-are-left-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/magicka-takes-on-cthulhu-and-minecraft-in-the-stars-are-left-exp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/magicka-takes-on-cthulhu-and-minecraft-in-the-stars-are-left-exp/#comments Have you and your three wizardly cohorts blown up everything in the universe using your crossbred incantations? No, friend, you haven't. Just ask the subtitle of Magicka's recently announced expansion: The Stars are Left. The add-on isn't just a commentary on your failure to destroy heavenly bodies; it will add a whole new campaign to the title featuring a "horror-mystery inspired by the popular Cthulhu Mythos." Cthul-who? (We kid.)

The campaign, which is set to launch this Winter, will feature new enemies and (assumedly tentacle-faced) bosses, items and, according to a fact sheet sent to us by Paradox Interactive, "we make fun of Minecraft this time." Man, it's about time someone took that game down a peg.

Continue reading Magicka takes on Cthulhu and Minecraft in The Stars are Left expansion

JoystiqMagicka takes on Cthulhu and Minecraft in The Stars are Left expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcexpansionmagickamagicka-the-stars-are-leftParadox-InteractivepcThu, 27 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/onlive-is-putting-six-new-indie-games-online-this-fall/#comments OnLive is feeling the indie love at Indiecade 2011 this weekend with the announcement of six new indie titles landing in its library this fall:
OnLive already offers popular-indie games such as Braid, Trine, World of Goo and The Maw. OnLive veep of games and media John Spinale said, "OnLive has long been a supporter of independent publishers. Simply put, they're making some really great, innovative games these days," because that's true, and the more exposure for the talented underdarlings, the better, at least in our book. Er, website.

Continue reading OnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall

JoystiqOnLive is putting six new indie games online this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avadon-the-black-fortressBastionIndielimbomagickaOnLiveorcs-must-diespace-chemSat, 08 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka sales near 800K, Vietnam expansion a financial success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/magicka-sales-near-800k-vietnam-expansion-a-financial-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/magicka-sales-near-800k-vietnam-expansion-a-financial-success/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/magicka-sales-near-800k-vietnam-expansion-a-financial-success/#comments Last we heard, Paradox Interactive's publishing deal for Magicka with Arrowhead Games was working out pretty well. This morning, just after a GDC Europe presentation by the niche Swedish publishing house, Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester further added to the game's history of financial success, when he told me that the title has now sold nearly 800,000 units.

"It's gonna pass that [sales milestone] in the next week, week after or so," Wester said. "We're still doing between five and seven thousand a week, so it's a great sales number." He also added that Paradox hopes to pass the one million sales mark by the end of 2011 -- a major achievement for a small team like Arrowhead.

As for the much-loved Vietnam expansion, I wondered if it had achieved the same success that both Paradox and Arrowhead had hoped for. "It's done a few hundred thousand, so the attachment rate is really high," Wester explained.

With those kinds of numbers, it's clear why Paradox is interested in fostering and furthering the relationship with Arrowhead. Back in May, Wester told me that sequels for Magicka are a lock.

JoystiqMagicka sales near 800K, Vietnam expansion a financial success originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowheadarrowhead-gamesfredrik-westergdcgdc-europe-2011gdce-2011macmagickaparadoxparadox-interactivepcMon, 15 Aug 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka PVP update released, new DLC available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/magicka-pvp-update-released-new-dlc-available/#comments As promised, new player-versus-player content has been released for Magicka. The free update features three new modes including Classic Deathmatch and a last-man-standing mode called Brawl. The Krietor mode, named after a Magicka modder, unlocks new spells -- and thus new strategic possibilities -- as the round progresses.

New Magicka DLC is up for purchase as well. First is the Final Frontier pack, priced at $2.99, which includes the Vulcanus Arena map and some new sci-fi goodies (remember that episode of Star Trek?). Also, for $1.99 each, players can pick up the Frozen Lake map, the Watchtower map or the Party Robe pack.

Continue reading Magicka PVP update released, new DLC available

JoystiqMagicka PVP update released, new DLC available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcmagickaParadox-InteractivepcstrategyThu, 23 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka PvP patch dated for June 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/magicka-pvp-patch-dated-for-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/magicka-pvp-patch-dated-for-june-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/magicka-pvp-patch-dated-for-june-21/#comments Arrowhead has finally conjured up a launch date for its proposed PvP patch for Magicka, details on which were previously reported. The patch is free and releases on June 21, allowing up to four mages to step into the arena and duke it out a test of willpower.

Hit the jump for the press release and a new trailer showing off the dangers of locking four mages in a closed-off environment. Nobody puts mage in the corner!

Continue reading Magicka PvP patch dated for June 21

JoystiqMagicka PvP patch dated for June 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiose3-2011magickaparadoxParadox-InteractivepatchpcpvpMon, 06 Jun 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Battlefield lead Gordon Van Dyke joins Paradox Interactive as senior producer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ex-battlefield-lead-gordon-van-dyke-joins-paradox-interactive-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ex-battlefield-lead-gordon-van-dyke-joins-paradox-interactive-as/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/ex-battlefield-lead-gordon-van-dyke-joins-paradox-interactive-as/#comments After exiting the dev battlefield of DICE back in 2010, Gordon Van Dyke recently left his second EA gig at Visceral Games in favor of a different Swedish game company: Paradox Interactive. Before wild accusations start flying, know that his reason for leaving was rather heartwarming. "During my time back in California [with Visceral], I married my girlfriend from Sweden and we had a baby. We decided it was best to raise her in Sweden," Van Dyke told Joystiq this afternoon.

In the process of moving, a friend of Paradox CEO Fred Wester put he and Gordon in contact. The rest is Swedish history. "I got an email from a friend introducing me to Gordon. Two days later he was hired," Wester explained of his rapid hiring process. Van Dyke, unsurprisingly, had nothing but nice things to say about his new employer, explaining that the studio "offers me more room to explore, take risk, and work on creative niche IPs."

Continue reading Ex-Battlefield lead Gordon Van Dyke joins Paradox Interactive as senior producer

JoystiqEx-Battlefield lead Gordon Van Dyke joins Paradox Interactive as senior producer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diceeaea-diceelectronic-artsfat-sharkfatsharkfredrik-westergordon-van-dykemagickaparadoxparadox-interactiveproject-postmanvisceral-gamesWed, 01 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka PvP patch changes detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/magicka-pvp-patch-changes-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/magicka-pvp-patch-changes-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/magicka-pvp-patch-changes-detailed/#comments A PvP patch is currently in development for Magicka (sure, we knew that) but Arrowhead Games Studio CEO Johan Pilestedt has offered a clearer picture of what to expect in a post on PC Gamer -- one that details measures being taken to ensure play balance in the patch.

Continue reading Magicka PvP patch changes detailed

JoystiqMagicka PvP patch changes detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosmagickaParadox-InteractivepatchpcpvpupdateMon, 23 May 2011 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/#comments Arrowhead Studios' first game, Magicka, has been a runaway success. Publisher Paradox Interactive told Joystiq in a recent interview that the game "sold over 30,000 copies in the first 24 hours," and the five dollar Vietnam-themed expansion has moved "well over 100,000" copies since launching in mid-April. Even at just $5, that's plenty of extra ducats.

Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester also confirmed a Magicka sequel on the books, though the folks at Arrowhead are still hard at work on the first game's PvP, set for a free release in the near future. "When we -- and I'm not saying 'if' -- but 'when' we are doing a sequel to this game, it's going to be done on a totally different technology," Wester explained, airing some of his company's grievances with Magicka's game engine, XNA Studios. "It was super buggy at release," he added, speaking to Magicka's less-than-perfect state at launch. "We addressed most of them in the first week, but there are still issues with laptops and a few other things. It's due to the engine that we produced the game on."

As for the oft-requested console version of Magicka, Wester and his company are taking an all-or-nothing approach at this point. "We wanna do XBLA or nothing for the Xbox," Wester matter-of-factly stated when asked about the possibility of the game still heading to Xbox Live Indie Games. Beyond it being a smaller marketplace, he noted, "We looked into that, but it was not as simple as it seemed at first." PlayStation Network, thankfully, is an easier task. "PSN should be a no brainer, and I'm saying should because ... I can't really say anything more at the moment," he coyly added, noting, "I'll let you know as soon as I can say more." ESRB listings discovered earlier this year certainly indicate that something is in the cards.

Continue reading Magicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations'

JoystiqMagicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowheadarrowhead-studiosfredrik-westermagickamagicka-vietnammicrosoftparadoxparadox-interactivepcplaystationps3psnsalesswedenxblaxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxnaxna-studios-engineTue, 03 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka 'Marshlands' and 'Caverns' challenge maps now on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/magicka-marshlands-and-caverns-challenge-maps-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/magicka-marshlands-and-caverns-challenge-maps-now-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/magicka-marshlands-and-caverns-challenge-maps-now-on-steam/#comments Paradox has released two new challenge maps for the four-player dungeon crawler Magicka, called Marshlands and Caverns (after their respective settings, of course). Based on a player vote, Caverns was chosen as the free map (and is available the next time you log in to Steam), but Marshlands remains paid DLC on Steam for $1.99. Both maps have new challenges available for up to four players, requiring you to fight enemies across 20 deadly waves.

If you haven't bought Magicka yet, Steam is also offering a Magicka Pack, featuring the original game along with the Vietnam expansion pack and both the Wizard's Survival Kit and this new add-on DLC for $12.99. For less than the price of a movie ticket, that's a lot of four-player magicking.

JoystiqMagicka 'Marshlands' and 'Caverns' challenge maps now on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmagickamagicka-cavernsmagicka-marshlandsmagicka-vietnamParadox-InteractivepcsteamTue, 26 Apr 2011 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka: Vietnam dev happy to 'save the world from communists']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/magicka-vietnam-dev-happy-to-save-the-world-from-communists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/magicka-vietnam-dev-happy-to-save-the-world-from-communists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/magicka-vietnam-dev-happy-to-save-the-world-from-communists/#comments You might've thought that the success of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Battlefield: Bad Company 2's Vietnam expansion were what precipitated the tongue-in-cheek Vietnam expansion for Magicka. As it turns out, the folks at Arrowhead just want to save the world from communism!

Continue reading Magicka: Vietnam dev happy to 'save the world from communists'

JoystiqMagicka: Vietnam dev happy to 'save the world from communists' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosmacmagickamagicka-vietnamparadoxparadox-interactivepcThu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Arrowhead Game Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/whats-in-a-name-arrowhead-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/whats-in-a-name-arrowhead-game-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/whats-in-a-name-arrowhead-game-studios/#comments Arrowhead Game Studios Johan Pilestedt is CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, the Swedish developer responsible for Magicka. He recently revealed to us the origin of the studio's name and the meaning behind its seemingly dim-witted mascot.

Originally, when the studio was just a "student project," the group called themselves Team Arrowhead. "Arrowhead" was a play on Pilestedt's name, which, in English, means "arrow stead." "But wait, there's more to this story!" says Pilestedt.

Continue reading What's in a Name: Arrowhead Game Studios

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Arrowhead Game Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arrowhead-Game-StudiosJohan-PilestedtMagickapcwhats-in-a-nameFri, 01 Apr 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Paradox expands Vietnam theme to King Arthur series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-paradox-expands-vietnam-theme-to-king-arthur-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-paradox-expands-vietnam-theme-to-king-arthur-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/april-fools-paradox-expands-vietnam-theme-to-king-arthur-series/#comments Magicka's Vietnam-themed DLC has apparently been a huge hit with the folks at Paradox Interactive. Such a hit, in fact, that the company is now theming the upcoming King Arthur sequel in the same way -- nothing quite says "Knights of the Round Table" like napalm! Furthermore, the sequel to Sword of the Stars will receive similar treatment. "A wise journeyman once told me, 'Don't stop believing,' and that's exactly what we're doing here," company head Fredrik Wester noted in the announcement.

Okay, okay, the folks at Paradox are just having a laugh on this day of days to have a laugh, but you'll excuse us if we stand fully in support of the idea. Heck, it sounds like a much better idea than the publisher's East India Company game themed around the Opium Wars of the 19th century. Who greenlights this stuff?!

JoystiqApril Fools: Paradox expands Vietnam theme to King Arthur series originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-2011april-fools-dayfredrik-westerking-arthur-2macmagickaparadoxparadox-interactivepcvietnamFri, 01 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka: Vietnam is seriously coming out April 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/magicka-vietnam-is-seriously-coming-out-april-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/magicka-vietnam-is-seriously-coming-out-april-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/magicka-vietnam-is-seriously-coming-out-april-12/#comments Okay, we're starting to believe that Paradox Interactive and Arrowhead Game Studios' upcoming expansion to their successful, arcane action-RPG, Magicka: Vietnam, is not the most elaborate hoax ever pulled on the gaming industry. See, we were operating under that assumption, but earlier today the creators revealed 10 screenshots for the add-on, and gave it some formal release details: It's coming to "all major digital distribution channels" April 12 for $4.99.

We're excited to check out this bizarre-sounding addition to Magicka -- especially after perusing the gallery below -- but we're going to temper our excitement for another 36 hours or so. Tomorrow would be an awfully appropriate day for the developers to reveal that we all done got goofed.

Gallery: Magicka: Vietnam (3/31/11)

JoystiqMagicka: Vietnam is seriously coming out April 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosmagickamagicka-vietnamparadox-interactivepcq2-2011release-datevietnamThu, 31 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct2Drive knocking 15% off March's best sellers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/direct2drive-knocking-15-off-marchs-best-sellers/#comments In celebration of, um, March, Direct2Drive is reducing the price of this month's top fifteen games by fifteen percent. The list of titles includes the likes of Dead Space 2, Rift, Shogun 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Crysis 2 and Bulletstorm. Fifteen percent amounts to a reasonably hefty $9 discount on $60 titles and around $7.50 on $50 titles, and it also has the effect of lowering Magicka's already ridiculously low $10 price to just $8.50.

Head over to Direct2Drive to see the full list of titles, and enter the promo code "MARCHMAYHEM" at checkout to receive the discount.

JoystiqDirect2Drive knocking 15% off March's best sellers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulletstormcrysisdead-space-2direct2drivefallout-new-vegasmagickapcriftshogun-2Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Magicka (bath) robe will soak up $85 from your wallet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/official-magicka-bath-robe-will-soak-up-85-from-your-wallet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/official-magicka-bath-robe-will-soak-up-85-from-your-wallet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/official-magicka-bath-robe-will-soak-up-85-from-your-wallet/#comments Whether you've played Magicka or not, there's a good chance you're familiar with its iconic wizard robes. Now, thanks to Sinn D'Signed (a.k.a. Cindy Guillermo, gaming fashionista), you can grab a Magicka bathrobe for $85. The robes are available in red, green, blue and yellow and will be up for pre-order until April 11.

Alas, the robe won't grant you any magical powers, though it's 100-percent cotton terry cloth construction should impress your friends nonetheless.

JoystiqOfficial Magicka (bath) robe will soak up $85 from your wallet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosbathrobeculturemagickaParadox-Interactivepcsinn-d-signedTue, 29 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka devs say work on PvP starts after Vietnam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/magicka-devs-say-pvp-works-starts-after-vietnam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/magicka-devs-say-pvp-works-starts-after-vietnam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/20/magicka-devs-say-pvp-works-starts-after-vietnam/#comments Arrowhead already created the funniest premise for an expansion this year with Magicka: Vietnam, and it seems the developer has already decided how it will follow up that triumph: Player-vs-player combat.

A pair of messages on the game's official Twitter page read, "How about an achievement for defeating a developer/paradox? A good way to vent your frustration - yes? Wait, we need PvP for that ... we better build it right after then."

We knew PvP was in the works, but it's nice to have something approximating a timetable for official support. Here's hoping we'll be accidentally setting ourselves on fire -- in an ill-fated attempt to set you on fire -- soon.

JoystiqMagicka devs say work on PvP starts after Vietnam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcmagickaparadoxpcpvptwitterSun, 20 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka on consoles is 'up to Sony and Microsoft' right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-on-consoles-is-up-to-sony-and-microsoft-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-on-consoles-is-up-to-sony-and-microsoft-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-on-consoles-is-up-to-sony-and-microsoft-right-now/#comments There's been talk of bringing Magicka to the PS3 and Xbox 360 for some time now. Developer Arrowhead Game Studios has been quite vocal about wanting to bring the game to "all consoles," but right now, it would seem there's a considerable roadblack. Speaking with Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt, we asked him what the delay in conjuring a console port was.
"We're working on bringing Magicka to consoles -- we are, really. The problem is that it's not up to us. It's up to Sony and Microsoft, really, but we're working on getting it to consoles. That's the way it should be played."
It would appear for now, at least, the only way to get that console feeling is to play on PC with an Xbox 360 controller.

JoystiqMagicka on consoles is 'up to Sony and Microsoft' right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowheadarrowhead-game-studiosgdc-2011magickamicrosoftparadoxplaystationps3xboxWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka Vietnam to launch 'in about a month,' Arrowhead CEO says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-vietnam-to-launch-in-about-a-month-arrowhead-ceo-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-vietnam-to-launch-in-about-a-month-arrowhead-ceo-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/magicka-vietnam-to-launch-in-about-a-month-arrowhead-ceo-says/#comments If there's one thing that Arrowhead Game Studios has proven with its accident-prone wizardfest Magicka, it's that they can make me laugh. But is that an appropriate reaction in Magicka Vietnam? Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt suggested that we'll find out "in about a month."

Gallery: Magicka

Continue reading Magicka Vietnam to launch 'in about a month,' Arrowhead CEO says

JoystiqMagicka Vietnam to launch 'in about a month,' Arrowhead CEO says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosgdc-2011johan-pilestedtmagickamagicka-vietnamParadox-InteractivepcWed, 02 Mar 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka: Vietnam expansion announced (no joke!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/magicka-vietnam-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/magicka-vietnam-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/magicka-vietnam-expansion/#comments Well, this is certainly unexpected. We guess Magicka publisher Paradox Interactive wasn't kidding when it said developer Arrowhead Studios would be "a bit daring" with the title's first expansion. Said add-on was revealed today -- and it will take the game's magic-mashing protagonists and drop them into the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. Just check out the debut trailer after the jump!

We've got an appointment to check out Magicka: Vietnam today at GDC, and we'll make sure to let you know if it's just as bizarre as we're assuming it is. Update: Vietnam was not on hand, but we talked about it with Arrowhead. Stay tuned for our coverage.

Continue reading Magicka: Vietnam expansion announced (no joke!)

JoystiqMagicka: Vietnam expansion announced (no joke!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcexpansiongdc-2011magickamagicka-vietnamParadox-InteractivepcvietnamTue, 01 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka to get PvP in the future, Arrowhead CEO explains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/magicka-to-get-pvp-in-the-future-arrowhead-ceo-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/magicka-to-get-pvp-in-the-future-arrowhead-ceo-explains/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/magicka-to-get-pvp-in-the-future-arrowhead-ceo-explains/#comments Magicka has been a surprise hit on the PC scene, selling over 200K copies in its first month of release. But, the initial launch was hampered by some notable bugs, some of which continue to plague the game. "We were surprised at all the bugs we had at release, and frankly, somewhat ashamed," Johan Pilestedt, CEO of Arrowhead told us. "But the community loved our game, and we worked around the clock for the first weeks after release to iron out as many bugs as possible as fast as possible." Although the game is currently in the state "as it was intended," Pilestedt discussed what must still be fixed.

At the top of the list is falling through collision, something the team plans to work on "until it is no longer an issue." Arrowhead is also attempting to improve progression saving and will eventually implement official support for PvP. "The community is already arranging PvP tournaments and we are learning a lot about balance by watching you play," Pilestedt said. "In the meantime, I suggest you sign up for the unofficial tournaments and keep PvPing."

There are some issues that simply cannot be fixed, Pilestedt admits. The most disappointing is the inability to support integrated graphics cards. Laptop owners may be unable to play the game, but Pilestedt notes that "it was an early design decision to use shader model 3.0, and we can't change that without rewriting large parts of the game engine." The team doesn't plan on adding support for modding, simply because they "do not have the bandwidth to develop [the] tools." In lieu of official support, the team is focused on making Magicka "more mod friendly," by allowing modders to disable VAC in the game.

In addition to the aforementioned tweaks, Pilestedt re-confirmed plans to release both free and paid DLC content for the game. "Since Magicka released, the game and our team has received so much support and encouragement from all over the world and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate that."

JoystiqMagicka to get PvP in the future, Arrowhead CEO explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosjohan-pilestedtmagickaparadox-interactivepcpvpWed, 23 Feb 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka video warns about the dangers of real-life magic mixing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/magicka-video-warns-about-the-dangers-of-real-life-magic-mixing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/magicka-video-warns-about-the-dangers-of-real-life-magic-mixing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/magicka-video-warns-about-the-dangers-of-real-life-magic-mixing/#comments See, when people think about real-life magic, they often assume it to be a whimsical, Harry Potter-esque venture. We believe things would actually turn out like they do in PulpitPower's latest video, inspired by Magicka: Full of accidents, terror and errant beams of deadly arcane power.

Continue reading Magicka video warns about the dangers of real-life magic mixing

JoystiqMagicka video warns about the dangers of real-life magic mixing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosmagickaParadox-InteractivepcTue, 15 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka reaches 200K sales, Arrowhead planning free and paid DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/magicka-reaches-200k-sales-arrowhead-planning-free-and-paid-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/magicka-reaches-200k-sales-arrowhead-planning-free-and-paid-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/magicka-reaches-200k-sales-arrowhead-planning-free-and-paid-dlc/#comments Almost a quarter of a million close friends have had their relationships dissolved by errant spells and irresponsible casting, thanks to the inadvertently hilarious co-op component of Magicka. Developer Arrowhead Game Studios reports that the title has been downloaded over 200,000 times in its first 17 days on sale. Better yet, thanks to a patch that launched yesterday on Steam, a majority of those 200,000 players can enjoy the game without the fear of frequent crashes.

In an interview with Big Download, publisher Paradox Interactive's Mattias Lilja revealed that the team plans to release both paid and free DLC for the game, explaining, "The Arrowhead team asked if they could be a bit daring when it comes to the DLC and we told them yes." He added, "The team is set up in such a way that some guys can keep patching the game while others produce DLC, without getting in the way of each other or stealing resources from one another." No, they save that unsportsmanlike conduct for when they're actually playing Magicka. You know, with "friends."

JoystiqMagicka reaches 200K sales, Arrowhead planning free and paid DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdlcmagickaParadox-InteractivepcsalesSat, 12 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox CEO insists Magicka will be fixed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/paradox-ceo-insists-magicka-will-be-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/paradox-ceo-insists-magicka-will-be-fixed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/paradox-ceo-insists-magicka-will-be-fixed/#comments By all the reports we've heard from friends and colleagues, Paradox's satirical fantasy game Magicka is long on charm, but short on polish. Online modes are apparently the roughest, with some completely unable to access co-op, though the kinks in single player seem to be relatively few.

Speaking with Ars Technica (which experienced a bevy of issues with the game), Paradox boss Fredrik Wesker pledged that developer Arrowhead Studios would exterminate the bugs as quickly as possible, saying "The development team is working around the clock and we will get this fixed. We will make this right." Wesker also explained how something like this happens in the first place, which is an interesting glimpse into the realities of being a small publisher.

Here's hoping that soon, the only freezes in Magicka will be delivered by friends with poor aim.

JoystiqParadox CEO insists Magicka will be fixed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosbugsmagickaparadoxpcFri, 28 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka sells 30,000 on first day, being patched 'as often as possible']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/magicka-sells-30-000-on-first-day-being-patched-as-often-as-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/magicka-sells-30-000-on-first-day-being-patched-as-often-as-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/magicka-sells-30-000-on-first-day-being-patched-as-often-as-po/#comments
 Magicka, the Paradox-published story of up to four wizards assaulting monsters and accidentally killing each other with ill-advised spell combinations, has sold 30,000 copies within its first day of availability through digital distribution. The celebration is tempered, however -- while they were pushing it to the top of Steam's sales chart, players of the game complained on forums and Twitter about technical instability and bugs. Ars Technica found the game especially problematic, calling it a "broken, negligent release."

Paradox has summarized the current status of Magicka as such: "[Singe-player] works fine for the most part, Multiplayer does not -- patch on the way for both! (as soon as [Steam] pushes the button). We'll patch the game as often as possible." According to a celebratory press release, Arrowhead Game Studios is "working around the sundial and is fully committed to ongoing support by zapping glitches and communicating with players."

The game's unpolished state would likely have generated even more caustic reaction, had its malleable magic system not countered with amusing stories of players haphazardly offing each other. You'll find some good, spell-based schadenfreude in Rock Paper Shotgun's mock guide to Magicka.

Continue reading Magicka sells 30,000 on first day, being patched 'as often as possible'

JoystiqMagicka sells 30,000 on first day, being patched 'as often as possible' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosbugsdigital-distributionmagickaparadox-interactivepatchpcsalessteamWed, 26 Jan 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/#comments Paradox Interactive has narrowly upheld its promise to release the PC version of Magicka this month, as the publisher's "self-deprecating" action-misadventure -- "which pokes fun of other games just to feel better about itself" -- is today available from digital distribution retailers, including Steam, GamersGate and Amazon Digital Services, for $10. (A demo version is also available through Steam.)

Developed by Swedish outfit Arrowhead Game Studios, Magicka features "the parody and satire of a clichéd fantasy world," one-upping the similarly irreverent DeathSpank with support for up to 4-player co-op. Of course, there's no sign of unicorn poop in the launch trailer (after the break) -- so definitely a missed opportunity there.

Continue reading Magicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam

JoystiqMagicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdemomagickaparadox-interactivepcpricingrelease-datesteamTue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates Magicka for PS3 and 360, Paradox still hoping for multiplatform release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/esrb-rates-magicka-for-ps3-and-360-paradox-still-hoping-for-mul/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/esrb-rates-magicka-for-ps3-and-360-paradox-still-hoping-for-mul/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/esrb-rates-magicka-for-ps3-and-360-paradox-still-hoping-for-mul/#comments A ray of hope has been cast on the chances of lighthearted action RPG Magicka arriving on consoles. The game has been rated by the ESRB for both Xbox 360 and PS3 (the PC version should launch this month). Now, before co-op dungeon crawler fans get too excited, know that the ESRB is a fickle mistress and not always the prognosticator we believe it to be.

It's no secret that Paradox is looking to get Magicka on "all consoles". When reached for comment about the ESRB rating, Paradox producer Shams Jorjani told Joystiq the the company is "covering [its] bases." He added that the game was built using XNA so it will run on Xbox 360. He concluded, "We are doing everything we can to get this game where it belongs: In front of your couch."

It's worth noting that Paradox originally intended to release its class-based shooter, Lead & Gold, in a more multiplatform manner. It was eventually released for PC and PSN, and the XBLA version never came to light. Here's hoping Paradox has ironed out the multiplatform kinks this time around.

JoystiqESRB rates Magicka for PS3 and 360, Paradox still hoping for multiplatform release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosesrbmagickamicrosoftParadox-Interactiveplaystationps3psnxblaxboxFri, 21 Jan 2011 02:00:00 EST