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[Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/legend-of-dungeon-devs-secret-to-saving-money-live-in-a-tree/#comments Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money Live in a treeAs a husband and wife development team, Alix Stolzer and Calvin Goble worked out a system that saw them through the first few years of crafting games: Calvin made their first two titles, Tiny Plumbers and IGF nominee Neverdaunt: 8Bit, while Alix worked a 9-5 job and provided input in her spare time. The situation was satisfactory, but eventually, Alix wanted more.

"While money was coming in from our games, it really wasn't enough to pay the bills," Alix told me. "We decided we'd rather reduce living costs and rough it, instead of one of us working a 'real' job. The opportunity came quickly."

A friend offered them the opportunity to be his "mountain neighbor" in Vermont - meaning they would live in a mountainside forest, in a home they'd craft themselves out of trees and tarp. There, they could survive on $150 a month, plus food. Alix and Calvin seized the moment.

"We sold our house and used as little money as possible to build a small house-tent thing eight feet off the ground, on a platform our friend had made out of four trees," Alix said. "We spent maybe $1,000 on it, really using thrifty things like greenhouse plastic, and making our own solar panels, etc. It's an awesome adventure, but the downside is it slows down game development."

The mountain, miraculously, hosted a strong cellular internet signal, and on sunny days Alix and Calvin were able to charge their laptops, one at a time, using the homemade solar panels. Cafes and the college campus in town, a half hour walk away, provided power and internet on cloudy days. Everything - food, heat, power, water - took extra time in the mountain home, Alix said, including video game programming and design.

But the tree house didn't stop their game development. As the studio Robot Loves Kitty, Calvin (the Robot) and Alix (Kitty) brought their latest game, Legend of Dungeon, to PAX East, using not a lot of money and earning wild success.

Continue reading Legend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree

JoystiqLegend of Dungeon devs' secret to saving money: Live in a tree originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbudgetindielegend-of-dungeonmacmobilemoneyouyaPAXpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcrobot-loves-kittySavingstreetree-houseTue, 09 Apr 2013 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Keenan's paper prototypes invade the PAX East tabletop summit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/tim-keenans-paper-prototypes-invade-the-pax-east-tabletop-summi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/tim-keenans-paper-prototypes-invade-the-pax-east-tabletop-summi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/tim-keenans-paper-prototypes-invade-the-pax-east-tabletop-summi/#comments Tim Keenan invades tabletop games at PAX East with paper prototypesA Virus Named Tom developer Tim Keenan stepped out of his comfort zone during PAX East - literally - to set up shop in the tabletop gaming summit, with two paper prototypes of ideas for his next big project. At the end of a long row, in the heart of tabletop territory, Keenan demonstrated the mechanics behind Scavenger, a top-down, rolling tower defense game set in space, and Chess the Gathering, which played exactly how it sounds and definitely won't have that name if it enters official development.

Chess the Gathering featured an iPad showing off the game's digital prototype, including a level editor. The gameplay is a spatial representation of Magic the Gathering, on a chessboard and with a myriad of creatures and "twins." For a rundown of Chess the Gathering, check out Keenan's YouTube playlist, and sign up to get an early (digital) prototype here.

Keenan convinced a pair of Magic fans to play Chess the Gathering, and as we talked, they remained riveted on the rudimentary gameboard, cards and characters. When they finished, they concluded that they loved it. "If this were a board game, I would buy it," one of them said.

Scavenger tells the story of a Han Solo-esque character as he travels the galaxies looting spaceships, attempting to pay off his debt to vicious collectors. It's a top-down, tower defense game where the protagonist sits in his spacecraft and sends out drones to infiltrate the victim ships. The player defends his own ship from enemies, while directing drones throughout the other ships, in search of money. See the Scavenger playlist here.

Keenan has a third game in the works, an action title that he said wouldn't work well as a paper prototype. He and his wife, Holly, plan to ask the community which project sounds best, and then launch a Kickstarter to develop that game under their studio, Misfits Attic. Currently, the Misfits are working on the Vita port of A Virus Named Tom.

Check out the paper prototypes for Scavenger and Chess the Gathering in the gallery below.

Gallery: Tim Keenan (PAX East 2013)

JoystiqTim Keenan's paper prototypes invade the PAX East tabletop summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-virus-named-tomchess-the-gatheringMisfits-Atticpaper-prototypepaper-prototypesPAXpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcplaystationplaystation-vitaprototypescavengertabletoptabletop-gamingvitaTue, 02 Apr 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Shovel Knight launching as a complete product]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/shovel-knight-launching-as-a-complete-product/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/shovel-knight-launching-as-a-complete-product/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/shovel-knight-launching-as-a-complete-product/#comments Shovel KnightShovel Knight will ship as a complete game. We know this sounds discordant with the current era, but once upon a time when you paid for a game you actually got the full game.

"I almost feel like the game industry has become very cynical. Everything is so microtransactiony. Everything is, like, taking advantage of customers," Sean Velasco, founder of Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games told us. He explained that if Shovel Knight is going to make additions, Yacht Club will make a full new sequel.

Velasco speculated if the original Mega Man were launched today, it would include a few bosses and then charge players for more downloadable levels. He tells us that Yacht Club doesn't feel good about freemium or "fleecing" people.

Continue reading Shovel Knight launching as a complete product

JoystiqShovel Knight launching as a complete product originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsnintendoPAX-East-2013pcsean-velascoshovel-knightwii-uyacht-club-gamesFri, 29 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Divekick preview: The two-button brawler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/divekick-preview-the-two-button-brawler/#comments Divekick preview The twobutton brawlerIron Galaxy Studios' Divekick, which started out as a purely independent Kickstarter success story, pokes fun at the aspects of the fighting genre that people both love and loathe. It competes well in the genre it trivializes, and it does so with both hands in its pockets.

The build I played at PAX East used a fight stick with two buttons slightly larger than the palms of my hands. That underscores the key ingredient to Divekick: it introduces an appropriate level of depth for a fighter that only uses two forms of input. Smacking one button down would tell my character to jump in the air, while the other had them hopping backwards. Combinations of these buttons resulted in jumping in the air and kicking downward at an angle, or activating a character-specific ability when the "kick meter" filled up. Successfully kicking my opponent just once in the cat-and-mouse fighter won a round, with the match going to the first character to win five rounds.

Instead of memorizing button combinations, the playing field is leveled for all combatants, as timing is everything in this game. I found myself adopting familiar fighting game strategies, attempting to lure my opponent in before nailing them with a quick hop and kick. Other times, I would close the gap between us with a high vertical jump and kick, a risky proposition given the amount of time available for my enemy to counter. Kicking my opponent in the head wasn't just satisfying, it was a tactic that carried over to the next round, as the player suffering the blow began the first four seconds of the round in a daze. The daze slowed their movements, giving me a clear, but not absolute advantage.

Gallery: Divekick (3/27/13)

Continue reading Divekick preview: The two-button brawler

JoystiqDivekick preview: The two-button brawler originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divekickFightingiron-galaxyiron-galaxy-studiospax-eastPAX-East-2013pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitaThu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gemini Rue gets adventurous on iOS April 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gemini-rue-gets-adventurous-on-ios-april-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gemini-rue-gets-adventurous-on-ios-april-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/gemini-rue-gets-adventurous-on-ios-april-11/#comments Gemini Rue, a gritty point-and-click adventure game that launched on PC in 2011, will come to iOS on April 11 for $4.99. For the first few weeks of release on the new platform, Gemini Rue will be available for the discounted price of $3.99.

Wadjet Eye Games co-designer and CTO Janet Gilbert spent eight months adapting the open-source Adventure Game Studio engine to iOS in order to make the game as "touch-screen friendly as possible," studio founder Dave Gilbert told Joystiq at PAX East. Being a point-and-click adventure game, Janet expanded the hot-spots for select items in the game to make the experience less frustrating for iPhone users.

Gemini Rue is the publisher's first game on iOS, and will serve as a test as to whether it will port more of the studio's titles to the platform. "If people buy this, then we could justify porting everything else," Dave said. "If it does badly then there's really no point, because this is our best-selling game on the best-selling platform, so that's the best way to gauge to see if it's worth doing."

He added, "So if you want to see Resonance on iOS, buy Gemini Rue."

JoystiqGemini Rue gets adventurous on iOS April 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-gilbertgemini-rueiosipadiphonejanet-gilbertmobilepax-eastpax-east-2013wadjet-eye-gamesMon, 25 Mar 2013 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Charlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/charlie-murder-preview/#comments Charlie Murder preivew Anarchy in the XBLAFor the second year in a row, I spent far too much time playing Charlie Murder at PAX East. As part of the Indie Megabooth, Ska Studios' exhibit belonged to a larger group, one of dozens of in-development, independent games, and this year it was directly across from Supergiant's high-profile premiere, Transistor. Still, Charlie Murder stood out. Its gritty punk rock style caught my eye - again - and the co-op, beat-em-up gameplay was so gripping that it almost made me late for a following appointment.

Charlie Murder is a punk game from conception to execution, with a soundtrack composed and performed by James and Michelle Silva, the duo of Ska Studios. No, it's not a ska soundtrack.

Charlie Murder is a side-scrolling beat-em-up with heavy RPG elements, including character customization, loot and unique ability upgrades. It stars five playable characters, each with disparate strengths and powers, and all of them making up the in-game band Charlie Murder.

Gallery: Charlie Murder (PAX East 2013)

Continue reading Charlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA

JoystiqCharlie Murder preview: Anarchy in the XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie-murdermicrosoftpax-eastPAX-East-2013ska-studiosxboxMon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare Edmonton and producer Casey Hudson working on 'a whole new fictional universe']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/bioware-edmonton-and-producer-casey-hudson-working-on-a-whole-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/bioware-edmonton-and-producer-casey-hudson-working-on-a-whole-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/bioware-edmonton-and-producer-casey-hudson-working-on-a-whole-n/#comments BioWare Edmonton and Casey Hudson working on new IPDuring a panel this weekend at PAX East, Mass Effect producer Casey Hudson revealed that his team at BioWare Edmonton has started work on "a whole new fictional universe." Other details weren't shared, except that Hudson said that he and BioWare's Senior Creative Director Preston Watamaniuk are going to be "building something new" together.

Hudson oversaw Mass Effect 3 as an executive producer, and he says he'll still serve that role on the next Mass Effect title. But that game is being developed at BioWare Montreal, so Hudson's team at BioWare Edmonton has moved on to something completely new. Hopefully we'll hear more about it soon.

JoystiqBioWare Edmonton and producer Casey Hudson working on 'a whole new fictional universe' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-edmontonbioware-montrealcasey-hudsonmass-effectmass-effect-3newnew-ipnew-titlepax-eastpax-east-2013pcpreston-watamaniukuniverseSun, 24 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: PopCap plays tricks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-popcap-plays-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-popcap-plays-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-popcap-plays-tricks/#comments
PopCap's PAX East booth was carnival-themed this year, and featured a magician that decided to attempt a "social experiment" Saturday. Stepping down from the small stage, he instructed the crowd to gather closely around the Plants vs Zombies developer's booth, then stood among them. After a brief explanation, he incited a loud, manufactured applause from the crowd before taking the stage and starting his short, but charming routine.

The magician believed that by kicking off the presentation with a cheering crowd, those passing by would naturally stop and join the audience. He was right; the video above shows a few folks gathering near our spot on the left side of the stage, but the total crowd gathering around the booth might have doubled in size from the time before the enigmatic performer began his instructions.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: PopCap plays tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>magicianpax-eastpax-east-2013popcapSun, 24 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 getting new class, level cap raise in the next few months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/borderlands-2-getting-new-class-level-cap-raise-in-the-next-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/borderlands-2-getting-new-class-level-cap-raise-in-the-next-few/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/borderlands-2-getting-new-class-level-cap-raise-in-the-next-few/#comments

The new Vault Hunter for Borderlands 2, teased at SXSW, has been revealed at PAX East. Krieg the Psycho will be the game's sixth playable class, and you can see a quick teaser of what he looks and plays like in the video above.

He's primarily a melee character, but has a few ranged abilities and can skill up in the Bloodlust tree (focused on combat bonuses), go insane with the Mania tree, or break out fire-based attacks with the Hellborn tree. Krieg is part of the Psycho Pack, which will be available in May for $9.99, or 800 Microsoft points.

On April 2, Borderlands 2 will get the Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade pack ($5, or 400 MSP), which will raise the game's level cap from 50 up to 61. Unlike the Psycho Pack, it will be part of the game's Season Pass content and unlock a third playthrough in the "Ultimate Vault Hunter mode."

Finally, Gearbox teased the game's last piece of campaign DLC at its panel, which it simply said was due out sometime in June.

Gallery: Borderlands 2 - Krieg the Psycho

Continue reading Borderlands 2 getting new class, level cap raise in the next few months

JoystiqBorderlands 2 getting new class, level cap raise in the next few months originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxkrieg-the-psycholevel-caplevel-cap-increaselevel-cap-raisemicrosoftpax-eastpax-east-2013pcplayable-classplaystationps3ultimate-vault-hunter-modexboxSun, 24 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's that Mega Man 25th anniversary statue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/heres-that-mega-man-25th-anniversary-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/heres-that-mega-man-25th-anniversary-statue/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/heres-that-mega-man-25th-anniversary-statue/#comments Here's that Mega Man 25th anniversary statueIt may not be a new game, but Capcom is celebrating Mega Man's 25th anniversary with a collectible statue, which it announced during its PAX East panel this weekend. Capcom offered a few photos and details about the statue, which you can view in the gallery below.

The collectible character stands at 10 inches tall, and is made by Multiverse Studios. It features USB-powered LED lights on the statue's base as well as Mega Man's helmet and arm cannon. Capcom hasn't said exactly how many will be produced, but there will be under 2,000 of them made. It will go on sale exclusively at San Diego Comic Con in July.

Gallery: Mega Man (25th Anniversary Statue)

JoystiqHere's that Mega Man 25th anniversary statue originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommega-manmega-man-25th-anniversarymultiverse-studiospax-eastPAX-East-2013statueSun, 24 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Contrast preview: Shadow puppet theater]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/contrast-preview-shadow-puppet-theater/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/contrast-preview-shadow-puppet-theater/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/contrast-preview-shadow-puppet-theater/#comments Contrast preview Once upon a time there was a young girl with a troubled home life who took solace in the imaginary universe she dreamed up when she was alone. We've heard this story before, told in variant forms by Guillermo del Toro, Lewis Carroll and Zack Snyder, but Compulsion Studios puts a new twist on the tale with Contrast.

Didi, an inquisitive 9-year-old living with her mother in a 1920s noir world, manufactures a landscape of shadows populated by her lone, best friend, Dawn. Dawn is a young woman, more mature and powerful than Didi, and has the ability to shift between the real and shadow worlds. In Didi's reality, Dawn can climb shadows as if they were solid ground, allowing her to scale areas unreachable by flesh characters. She interacts with few real-world objects, and people, aside from Didi, are invisible to her -- only their silhouettes exist.

Contrast is a puzzle platformer, starring Dawn as she shifts between shade and density, helping Didi as she follows her mother through the dark city streets. The game is infused with jazz and tainted innocence: Didi's mom, the cabaret singer; her dad, absent; and a decrepit circus, just rolling into town.

Gallery: Contrast

Continue reading Contrast preview: Shadow puppet theater

JoystiqContrast preview: Shadow puppet theater originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compulsion-studioscontrastpax-eastpax-east-2013pcSTEAMsteam-greenlightSun, 24 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Adventure unveiled as 'Broken Age']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/double-fine-adventure-unveiled-as-broken-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/double-fine-adventure-unveiled-as-broken-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/double-fine-adventure-unveiled-as-broken-age/#comments Double Fine Adventure unveiled as 'Broken Age'Double Fine Adventure, the adventure game whose progress has been a secret to all but Kickstarter backers, was revealed as "Broken Age" at a PAX East panel today. The website for the game is now live, offering art and plot information to the rest of us outside of the privileged Kickstarter class.

"Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure telling the stories of a young boy and girl leading parallel lives," the website explains. "The girl has been chosen by her village to be sacrificed to a terrible monster--but she decides to fight back. Meanwhile, a boy on a spaceship is living a solitary life under the care of a motherly computer, but he wants to break free to lead adventures and do good in the world. Adventures ensue."

Pre-orders are still available on the site, and provide access to the backer-only forums, as well as all past and future episodes of the documentary series about Broken Age's development, by 2 Player Productions.

JoystiqDouble Fine Adventure unveiled as 'Broken Age' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broken-agedouble-finedouble-fine-adventurekickstartermacpax-east-2013pcSun, 24 Mar 2013 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: 'Super Poor Indie Area']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-super-poor-indie-area/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-super-poor-indie-area/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/seen-pax-east-super-poor-indie-area/#comments Image
Engineer Thomas Macrina set up an anarchic indie booth along one wall of the PAX East showfloor, behind a row of exhibits and under a pair of escalators, with three very hand-made signs. Still, he attracted our attention and a small crowd of curious players: Each person took turns holding Macrina's iPhone 5 as if snapping a MySpace profile photo, made a gun with one hand, held it to one cheek and went to town, snapping that thumb and rotating the phone around the room.

Macrina called it Pig Hunt, an augmented reality game for iOS devices. Think Duck Hunt, with your hand as the zapper and the world as your playground. Try not to smile.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: 'Super Poor Indie Area' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilepax-eastPAX-East-2013pig-huntSun, 24 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dust: An Elysian Tail coming to Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dust-an-elysian-tail-coming-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dust-an-elysian-tail-coming-to-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dust-an-elysian-tail-coming-to-steam/#comments Humble Heart's 2012 XBLA debut Dust: An Elysian Tail is headed to Steam and could potentially be available as soon as next month, Polygon reports. The announcement was made by Dust designers Alex Kain and Dean Dodrill during a panel at PAX East, wherein Dodril explained that he isn't going to "do a whole lot different" with the PC port, being satisfied with the current experience.

Dodril also teased the possibility of a Dust 2 at some point in the future, with Kain adding that there is "no shortage" of ideas for a sequel.

JoystiqDust: An Elysian Tail coming to Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex-KainDean-Dodrilldust-an-elysian-tailHumble-Heartspax-east-2013pcSteamSat, 23 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/civilization-5-brave-new-world-launches-in-july/#comments

The Civilization 5: Brave New World expansion has been given a launch date of July 9 for North America, July 12 internationally.

During today's Firaxis PAX East panel, the team also announced that the game will feature XCOM squads as late-game units. The units are paratroopers who can drop in 40 units away (delivered by Skyranger), the standard is 9. Would you expect any less from the elite squad of humanity's last hope?

Gallery: Civilization V - Brave New World

JoystiqCivilization 5: Brave New World launches in July, XCOM units playable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't Starve coming April 24, six months of additional content to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/dont-starve-coming-april-24-six-months-of-additional-content-t/#comments Don't Starve, Klei Entertainment's upcoming survival PC game, is slated to launch on April 24 for $15 on Steam, the Mark of the Ninja developer told Joystiq at PAX East today. Don't Starve drops players into a procedurally-generated world in which they guide their character through an island on a quest to survive the elements.

The game operates on the notion that in order to survive, players must balance three gauges: health, hunger and sanity. As the character loses his or her sanity, they will begin to see creatures that exist only in their heads, which also gradually become more real and more hostile.

"You can entirely lose all of your sanity, and then come back from that," Sound designer Matthew Marteinsson said. "There's lots of things you can do to keep up your sanity: you wear dapper clothing, you pick flowers, you do civilized things, and then your sanity comes back." The game offers an advantage to those that lose their sanity, as some items can only be collected when players are severely unstable.

The game won't just feature its main character, Wilson, but will include other unlockable characters with their own special abilities. One example shown at PAX East was Willow, a girl that lights her own fires when the screen goes pitch black during the game's night cycle.

Klei Entertainment is promising six months of free content to come after the game's full release in April. Don't Starve is currently in closed beta, during which Marteinsson says the team has released additional content every two weeks.

JoystiqDon't Starve coming April 24, six months of additional content to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dont-starveklei-entertainmentpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcrelease-dateSat, 23 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Original voice actors return for DuckTales Remastered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/original-voice-actors-return-for-ducktales-remastered/#comments Original voice actors return for DuckTales RemasteredThe full voice cast of the original DuckTales cartoon will reprise their respective roles for the newly announced nostalgiapocalypse DuckTales Remastered, Capcom senior vice-president Christian Svensson revealed in a Capcom Unity forum thread yesterday.

"We have ALL the original voice actors from the show," Svensson said, including Scrooge voice actor Alan Young, who "still came into the studio and did his thing like a pro. The voice work really adds a lot to the package."

"Scrooge's voice actor," as a quick aside, is a man named Alan Young, who's been in the entertainment industry since the 1940s. Before he endeared himself to the hearts of millions as a penny-pinching old duck, Young's original claim to fame was as Wilbur Post, the star of Mister Ed. We wonder if Young knew at the time that talking animals would become a running theme for his 70-odd years in show business?

Update: Joystiq has been contacted by a representative for Alan Young, who clarified the details of Mr. Young's entertainment career.

JoystiqOriginal voice actors return for DuckTales Remastered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-YoungCapcomDuckTalesducktales-remasteredmicrosoftnintendopax-east-2013playstationps3VAvoice-actorsWayForwardwii-uxboxSat, 23 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Supergiant may break free of publisher model with Transistor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/supergiant-may-break-free-of-publisher-model-with-transistor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/supergiant-may-break-free-of-publisher-model-with-transistor/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/supergiant-may-break-free-of-publisher-model-with-transistor/#comments Supergiant doesn't have a publisher for its next game, Transistor - but more importantly, it doesn't need one. Supergiant worked with Warner Bros. to publish Bastion, and since its launch in 2011, it's sold 1.7 million copies across PC, Mac, Linux, XBLA and iOS.

"It did well everywhere," Supergiant Lead Designer Amir Rao tells Joystiq at PAX East. Supergiant is now in a position to publish its own games, and Transistor might be the ideal candidate.

"We're showing it to the world for the first time," Rao says. "We don't have deals with anyone. This is the first time anybody has seen this game. It's really way too early for us to say if we'll have a publisher or what platforms it will be on."

For what it's worth, Bastion moved the most units on Steam, Rao says. Supergiant may not seek a publisher at all, but anything's possible, Rao says. If it did want to snag a publisher, Transistor faces an issue recently vocalized by Epic Games and Dontnod. It features a female lead, and apparently that can make it a tough sell to publishers. Internally, it's not an issue for Supergiant.

"We put characters in our games that are representative of the worlds they're in," Rao says. "We don't think of her as a female character. She's just our character."

JoystiqSupergiant may break free of publisher model with Transistor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-eastpax-east-2013supergiant-gamestransistorSat, 23 Mar 2013 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/seen-pax-east-a-tactical-poster-for-your-time/#comments SeenPax East Hanging at the 2K booth at PAX East is an inspirational poster of marketing, featuring the characters from Firaxis' Civilization and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. If you're at the show, you can pick up the poster at the "Strategy Masterminds Mega Panel - Behind the Scenes at Firaxis Games" panel. The panel features the team of Firaxis showing off "never-before-seen footage" and teasing "big reveals" at 4:30PM.

JoystiqSeen@PAX East: A tactical poster for your time originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesCivilization-5firaxisFiraxis-Gamespax-east-2013pcxcom-enemy-unknownSat, 23 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ronimo Games considering crowdfunding for Awesomenauts content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/ronimo-games-considering-crowdfounding-for-awesomenauts-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/ronimo-games-considering-crowdfounding-for-awesomenauts-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/ronimo-games-considering-crowdfounding-for-awesomenauts-content/#comments Awesomenauts developer Ronimo Games is considering a crowdfunding approach to make its next project a reality. The developer self-published Awesomenauts on Steam in August 2012, and has since offered a number of updates and extra content for the PC version of the game.

Though the developer's next project is "not Awesomenauts 2," it does have ambitions to expand on Awesomenauts. "There are some bigger features that we want to try to do, but we don't have the capacity to really do that right now," Ronimo Games co-founder Jasper Koning told Joystiq during PAX East.

Crowdfunding extra content has lead to success before, most recently in the case of a successful Indiegogo campaign to bring new characters to Skullgirls. The campaign reached its $150,000 goal in less than 24 hours.

As seen with Lab Zero Games, the costs for creating new content for its fighting game made the goal a reasonable one to obtain. Likewise, Ronimo Games has added four characters and a number of maps to Awesomenauts in the game's lifetime, and has offered that content to Steam players for free.

Not every piece of additional Awesomenauts content is free, as the developer sells character skins. Without revealing any specific numbers, Koning told Joystiq the "skins do very well, we're not getting really rich off of it, but well enough for us."

JoystiqRonimo Games considering crowdfunding for Awesomenauts content originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautscrowdfundingindiegogoJasper-Koningkickstarterpax-eastpax-east-2013pcronimo-gamessteamSat, 23 Mar 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Kid takes 3DS to 'Cult County']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/renegade-kid-takes-3ds-to-cult-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/renegade-kid-takes-3ds-to-cult-county/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/renegade-kid-takes-3ds-to-cult-county/#comments Renegade Kid Cult CountyRenegade Kid is most recently known for the side-scroller Mutant Mudds, but initially came to prominence with Dementium and Moon, both first-person shooters for DS. The developer is returning to its handheld horror roots with Cult County, a new FPS for 3DS unveiled at PAX East.

The developer posted some 3D images on its website, which you can see by going here with your 3DS browser, or using the QR code here. The page notes that these images are from an early "atmosphere" demo. The atmosphere is, it would appear, dusty.

JoystiqRenegade Kid takes 3DS to 'Cult County' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscult-countyeshopnintendoPAX-East-2013renegade-kidFri, 22 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new Awesomenauts on the way, latest map in two weeks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/two-new-awesomenauts-on-the-way-latest-map-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/two-new-awesomenauts-on-the-way-latest-map-in-two-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/two-new-awesomenauts-on-the-way-latest-map-in-two-weeks/#comments Two new Awesomenauts on the way, latest map in two weeksRonimo Games is demoing a new level for Awesomenauts called Aiguillon at PAX East. The level takes inspiration from the game's character Leon, as it features a power-up that grants Leon's stealth ability to whoever grabs it first. Ronimo tells Joystiq that the map will undergo a closed beta phase before being released in two weeks on Steam.

Awesomenauts will also receive two new characters, one of which is currently in production. The other character will be the result of a community survey on Facebook, which gives fans a chance to see their character designs in the game.

JoystiqTwo new Awesomenauts on the way, latest map in two weeks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautspax-eastPAX-East-2013pcronimo-gamessteamFri, 22 Mar 2013 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 for consoles 'not necessarily a Sony exclusive']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-for-consoles-not-necessarily-a-sony-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-for-consoles-not-necessarily-a-sony-exclusive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/diablo-3-for-consoles-not-necessarily-a-sony-exclusive/#comments

Diablo 3 is a beast, a monster that Sony wrangled down for what appeared to be an exclusive, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Speaking to the Penny Arcade Report, Diablo 3 Senior Producer Julia Humphreys clarified the game's platform agnosticism saying, "We don't have any announcements to make at this time ... But we're not necessarily a Sony exclusive."

Diablo 3 for consoles has only been confirmed for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 at this point. The version shown at PAX East today was the PS3 version.

Features noted for the PS3 version include less spammy loot drops, an easier system to equip items directly form the main game screen and reiteration of no real-money auction house and the ability for offline play.

JoystiqDiablo 3 for consoles 'not necessarily a Sony exclusive' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardDiablo-3pax-east-2013playstationps3ps4Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Volition explains relationship between Saints Row 4 and 'Enter the Dominatrix']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/volition-explains-relationship-between-saints-row-4-and-enter-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/volition-explains-relationship-between-saints-row-4-and-enter-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/volition-explains-relationship-between-saints-row-4-and-enter-t/#comments

Volition explained to us at PAX East today that Saints Row 4 isn't "Saints Row 3.5" nor the canceled Saints Row: The Third standalone expansion "Enter the Dominatrix" in a different package. The team told us that work began on Saints Row 4 about two months before The Third finished, with another team split to do Dominatrix.

"We had to go in and totally gut the [Dominatrix] story for Saints Row 4. Everything that was the missions or the story we did for Dominatrix was totally thrown out," Steve Jaros, creative director at Volition told us. "All the voice recording that we did all thrown out. We redid the entire story. The game is mission wise the same length as Saints Row 3, plus other open worlds on top of it."

Senior Producer Jim Boone told us that in June last year, shortly after Jason Rubin took on his short-lived role as president at THQ, the agreement was made between Rubin and Volition to combine the games and focus the team on one full project.

"Everyone on the team had the same concern, we didn't want to make a 3.5, we aren't making an expansion pack. What we put out to the world has to be worthy of the name Saints Row 4. I really think everyone on the team will stand behind it," added Jaros. "So much stuff has been changed and thrown out. Even the best of the [Dominatrix] stuff that we liked and pulled into the game we still changed. Nothing was drag and dropped in."

Saints Row 4 will launch on August 20, featuring weapon customization, mechs, a new alien enemy and a... dub-step gun.

JoystiqVolition explains relationship between Saints Row 4 and 'Enter the Dominatrix' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpax-east-2013pcplaystationps3saints-row-4xboxFri, 22 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom reveals DuckTales Remastered, developed by WayForward [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/capcom-reveals-new-ducktales-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/capcom-reveals-new-ducktales-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/capcom-reveals-new-ducktales-game/#comments
Capcom is bringing back DuckTales in a new game developed by WayForward Technologies. This is one of the two new games teased by Capcom ahead of the "World of Capcom" panel, along with Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara.

The new DuckTales, of course, is inspired by the NES classic, a Mega Man-esque game in which Scrooge McDuck used his cane as both a golf club and a pogo stick. The new version has new hand-drawn sprites, and features original voice work. It's coming to Wii U, PSN, and XBLA for $15.

Update: DuckTales Remastered is actually a full remake of the NES game, with new features including a museum and "A MONEY BIN YOU CAN ACTUALLY SWIM IN!" So we've now solved that mystery, and rewritten history to reflect it.

JoystiqCapcom reveals DuckTales Remastered, developed by WayForward [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomducktalesducktales-remasteredmicrosoftpax-east-2013WayForward-TechnologiesxboxFri, 22 Mar 2013 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara collects classic D&Ds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dungeons-and-dragons-chronicles-of-mystara-collects-classic-dandds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dungeons-and-dragons-chronicles-of-mystara-collects-classic-dandds/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dungeons-and-dragons-chronicles-of-mystara-collects-classic-dandds/#comments
]During a panel at PAX East, Capcom confirmed plans to port its two Dungeons & Dragons games for release on Wii U eShop, Steam, PSN, and XBLA as "Chronicles of Mystara." The collection comprises 1993's Tower of Doom and 1996's Shadow Over Mystara, both beloved four-player arcade fantasy brawlers set in D&D's Mystara world.
The only previous home release for these games was on the Saturn in 1999, which limited the games to two players, and further limited the games to being played by people who owned a Saturn.

The new version integrates a challenge system, and includes drop-in, drop-out online multiplayer using GGPO. A new "house rules" system will let you change the mechanics, turning it into a time attack or losing money instead of health when damaged, for example.

The Wii U version will include WiiPad enhancements, including touchscreen item management. All versions will have online leaderboards. Chronicles of Mystara will be released in June for $14.99.

JoystiqDungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara collects classic D&Ds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdungeons-and-dragons-chronicles-of-mystaramicrosoftnintendopax-east-2013pcplaystationps3wii-uxboxFri, 22 Mar 2013 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Transistor preview: A beautiful, tactical twist on action-RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/transistor-preview-a-beautiful-tactical-twist-on-action-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/transistor-preview-a-beautiful-tactical-twist-on-action-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/transistor-preview-a-beautiful-tactical-twist-on-action-rpg/#comments Red is a fallen star, beautiful and talented yet broken and nearly defeated - until she finds the Transistor. In Supergiant Games' demo of Transistor, Red stumbles upon this giant, pulsating sword immediately, embedded in the gut of a corpse. The Transistor speaks with the voice of that dead man, urging her to take it and run. She does, with little hesitation; Red may have known this dead man once, as suggested by the stream of apologies and compassion overlaid on the gameplay.

Transistor is gorgeous, seemingly hand-painted in muted neons backlit by futuristic skylines, similar in style to Supergiant's first game, Bastion. It plays, at first, with similar mechanics, as Red uses her initial two attacks to take down two robotic members of The Process, the main enemies of Transistor. In Red's world, more than 100 people have gone missing in the past year, and the imprints of the dead litter the streets, lorded over by floating white robots with glaring red sensors.

Gallery: Transistor

Continue reading Transistor preview: A beautiful, tactical twist on action-RPG

JoystiqTransistor preview: A beautiful, tactical twist on action-RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-eastPAX-East-2013supergiant-gamestransistorFri, 22 Mar 2013 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom having 'ongoing discussions' for new Mega Man game, more classics coming to 3DS eShop [Update: New Mega Man not confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/new-mega-man-game-on-the-way-more-classics-coming-to-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/new-mega-man-game-on-the-way-more-classics-coming-to-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/new-mega-man-game-on-the-way-more-classics-coming-to-3ds-eshop/#comments New Mega Man game on the way, more coming to 3DS eShop, 25th anniversary figure announcedAfter lots of high profile cancellations over the last few years, it looks like Capcom may finally be ready to breathe some life back into the Blue Bomber. Speaking at the World of Capcom panel at PAX East, Capcom community manager Brett Elston dropped some good news for mega fans. First and foremost, Capcom is developing a new game in the Mega Man series, but it's "not ready" to fully announce it just yet.

Two more of the series' 8-bit classics are slated to hit the 3DS eShop in the next two months, with Mega Man 4 arriving April 25 and Mega Man 5 on May 16. Capcom will also be releasing a special light-up figure to commemorate Mega Man's 25th anniversary.

Update: Capcom has clarified Elston's comments, saying that a new Mega Man game has not been confirmed. The company is having "ongoing discussions about Mega Man," but it "won't announce anything until something is ready."

JoystiqCapcom having 'ongoing discussions' for new Mega Man game, more classics coming to 3DS eShop [Update: New Mega Man not confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscapcommega-manmega-man-4mega-man-5nintendopax-east-2013Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Deus Ex: Human Revolution boss fights on Wii U 'as they should have been']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-boss-fights-on-wii-u-as-they-should-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-boss-fights-on-wii-u-as-they-should-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/deus-ex-human-revolution-boss-fights-on-wii-u-as-they-should-h/#comments Deus Ex Human Revolution boss fights on Wii 'as they should have been'Eidos Montreal didn't mess around when it came to fixing one of the most widely criticized aspects of Deus Ex: Human Revolution in the upcoming Wii U Director's Cut.

"The boss fights are now as they should have been," Emile Pedneault, game designer on the Director's Cut told us today at PAX East. "We took them and completely rebuilt them. We couldn't change [the boss' character] model and the way they need to die because of the story telling, but we changed the level layout. We tweaked their AI and we've added tons of ways to deal with them."

He continued, "You can deal with a boss fight in a stealth way, you can deal with a boss fight in a hacking way. We even have for each boss fight a way to kill them without firing a single bullet."

Pedneault showed us the first boss fight, pointing out all the different ways that it could now be completed using other skills beyond "throw every grenade in your inventory and just keep shooting." There are several corridors now for stealth attacks and turrets for hacking, along with other goodies for players to discover.

The boss fights were widely criticized when Deus Ex: Human Revolution originally launched, with Eidos Montreal eventually admitting it farmed out that portion of the game to an outside developer. Deus Ex DLC "The Missing Link," bundled with the Wii U version, designed in-house at Eidos Montreal gave a far more flexible experience.

Gallery: Deux Ex: Human Revolution - Director's Cut

JoystiqDeus Ex: Human Revolution boss fights on Wii U 'as they should have been' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deus-ex-human-revolutioneidos-montrealnintendoPAX-East-2013straight-rightwii-uFri, 22 Mar 2013 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ms. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/ms-splosion-man-bringing-power-ups-to-ios-by-the-end-of-march/#comments Ms. 'Splosion Man will launch on iOS by the end of March, Twisted Pixel told Joystiq at PAX East. The game introduces power-ups, which will be specific to the iOS version of the game. Power-ups include "nuclear 'splode," a bullet-time item and a option to cheat on the game, skipping a level entirely.

The "cheat" power-up isn't new to the series, as Ms. 'Splosion Man originally gave players the option to move past a level should they fail a little too much. In this case, the iOS version offers that choice via power-ups in the in-game power-up store. The game is also coming to Steam and Windows Phone.

JoystiqMs. Splosion Man bringing power-ups to iOS by the end of March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilems-splosion-manpax-eastPAX-East-2013twisted-pixelFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dean Hall: DayZ standalone alpha won't launch until at least June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dean-hall-dayz-standalone-alpha-wont-launch-until-at-least-jun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dean-hall-dayz-standalone-alpha-wont-launch-until-at-least-jun/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/dean-hall-dayz-standalone-alpha-wont-launch-until-at-least-jun/#comments DayZ, the standalone zombie survival game spawned from the popular Arma 2 mod, will enter official review in June, with plans for a widespread alpha sometime after then, creator Dean Hall tells Joystiq.

"We're going to review the situation in June," Hall says. "So there'll be no release between now and June. And we're quite hopeful that we'll go then. I know that people get really frustrated because they want to play, but I just think this is the best option."

DayZ is basically ready for an alpha run, but Hall and his team are waiting to perfect the client-server architecture. Hall currently has 25 people in a small pre-alpha, and he hopes to get a few hundred playing DayZ before opening the alpha. DayZ alpha keys will go live in batches, possibly 50,000 at a time, and Hall is looking at a possible Kickstarter-inspired distribution model, where players would pay certain amounts to opt into the alpha and snag other goodies, in tiers.

"We want to release the keys in chunks of what we have servers available," Hall says. "The idea is to very, very quickly try to release something out there, because that allows us to start capacity testing. We've got one final thing we're waiting for with the release date, which is the completion of our client-server architecture. It's basically making the game into an MMO, and pretty much the moment that's done, we'll release."

JoystiqDean Hall: DayZ standalone alpha won't launch until at least June originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bohemia-interactiveday-zdean-hallpax-eastPAX-East-2013pcFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/watch-blizzards-pax-east-announcement-right-here/#comments
Blizzard's PAX East announcement is Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, a cross-platform digital collectible card game for PC, Mac, and iPad set in the Warcraft universe. The game is free-to-play, with booster packs of five cards available. Blizzard has a price of around $1 in mind for the packs; Hearthstone will have 300 cards in the initial collection. Hearthstone is scheduled to release this year, first on PC and Mac, with iPad shortly after. The beta is out this summer and can be signed-up for now. The game is playable on PAX East's show floor.

Each player's deck is based around a central hero from one of nine Warcraft classes. Players can take on computer opponents or Battle.net friends and other online players. At today's PAX East panel, Blizzard showed how Hearthstone includes twists on familiar mechanics from its Warcraft games, including disenchanting duplicate cards to turn them into arcane dust for use in card crafting.

Gallery: Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Continue reading Blizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

JoystiqBlizzard announces digital collectible card game Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardhearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmacmobilepax-east-2013pcrelease-dateFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-gets-summoned-on-most-pla/#comments
Wizards of the Coast has announced that Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers is coming to PC, Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, iOS, and (for the first time) Android devices this year. The new game will contain all of the cards from the Magic 2014 Core Set, as well as a new storyline teaming the player up with Planeswalker Chandra Nalaar.

Neither the press release or the short teaser trailer for the game (seen below and above) mentions developer Stainless Games, but Wizards of the Coast has confirmed to Joystiq that the same team that made Duels of the Planeswalkers versions is indeed on the job again. Wizards has a demo planned at PAX East this weekend. and Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers will see release later on this summer.

Gallery: Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers (PAX East 2013)

Continue reading Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer

JoystiqMagic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalkers summoned this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemagic-2014magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkersmicrosoftmobilepax-eastpax-east-2013pcplaystationps3releasestainless-gameswizards-of-the-coastxboxThu, 21 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Capy Fine Racing GP is a game on a floppy disk at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/capy-fine-racing-gp-is-a-game-on-a-floppy-disk-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/capy-fine-racing-gp-is-a-game-on-a-floppy-disk-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/capy-fine-racing-gp-is-a-game-on-a-floppy-disk-at-pax-east/#comments Capy Fine Racing GP floppy disksWe never believed that in the year 2013 we'd be talking about games found on a floppy disk, but Capybara Games has proven us wrong. The developer is bringing 3.5 inch floppy disks to PAX East housing copies of Capy Fine Racing GP - a new racing game featuring characters from games created by Capy and Double Fine.

Capy co-founder Nathan Vella told Edge that both developers teamed up to create the game, which seems like an excellent offering for the two studio sharing booth space in Boston. The game itself is described as an "OutRun-style racer."

If you won't be at PAX, the floppy disk will also be included in the 200 retail versions of the Double Fine/Capybara Games Steam collection. Those that get hands on the disks are encouraged to share.

"It's just something we did for pure fun and loving the idea of doing cool shit with our friends, in the spirit of the Capy Double Fine PAX combo. While it's totally a real game, it's also not at all a real game," Vella said.

Continue reading Capy Fine Racing GP is a game on a floppy disk at PAX East

JoystiqCapy Fine Racing GP is a game on a floppy disk at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capycapy-fine-racing-gpcapybara-gamesdouble-finefloppy-diskpax-east-2013pcThu, 21 Mar 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Magic X Legacy to be shown at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/might-and-magic-x-legacy-to-be-shown-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/might-and-magic-x-legacy-to-be-shown-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/might-and-magic-x-legacy-to-be-shown-at-pax-east/#comments
Might and Magic is coming back. Not Heroes of Might and Magic or Clash of Heroes, but straight up vanilla Might and Magic. Three days after teasing an announcement, Ubisoft has announced Might and Magic X Legacy (we're claiming dibs on the abbreviation "Might and Magic XL" right now), developed by Limbic Entertainment.

In the classic tradition, Legacy is a single-player, first-person RPG with turn-based battles. The story puts you and your party of four characters in the city of Karthal, which "on the verge of secession, is prey to competing factions vying for its control," presumably vying through the placement of monsters everywhere.

Brave adventurers who dare to enter PAX East will be able to see Legacy at the event this weekend.

Continue reading Might and Magic X Legacy to be shown at PAX East

JoystiqMight and Magic X Legacy to be shown at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>limbic-entertainmentmight-and-magicmight-and-magic-10pax-east-2013pcubisoftThu, 21 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Joystiq Podcast Special: PAX East 2013 IndieMEGABOOTH]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/super-joystiq-podcast-special-pax-east-2013-indiemegabooth/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/super-joystiq-podcast-special-pax-east-2013-indiemegabooth/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/super-joystiq-podcast-special-pax-east-2013-indiemegabooth/#commentsFiled under:

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PAX East 2013 starts tomorrow, and we have all your pre-show indie gaming needs covered.

On this Super Joystiq Podcast Special, Alexander is joined by Rami Ismail of Vlambeer, Eitan Glinert and Sean Baptiste of Fire Hose, and IndieMEGABOOTH Overlord Kelly Wallick to talk trends in indie development, free-to-play versus pay upfront games, which publishing platforms are the most attractive for small studios, and how Sony and Microsoft are polar oposites in regards to indie publishing.

The second half of the show may just be the best audio segment ever committed to digital bits. Listen in for a full rundown-- studio name, game title, and descriptions-- of each game that will be on display at the PAX 2013 IndieMEGABOOTH. Yes, all 62 of them.

Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast:Details about each segment are available after the break.

Continue reading Super Joystiq Podcast Special: PAX East 2013 IndieMEGABOOTH

JoystiqSuper Joystiq Podcast Special: PAX East 2013 IndieMEGABOOTH originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastPAX-East-2013podcastssuper-joystiq-podcastThu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 ESTSuper Joystiq Podcast Special: PAX East 2013 IndieMEGABOOTHJoystiq1:19:21podcasts<![CDATA[World of Keflings dev NinjaBee to debut 'Nutjitsu' at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/world-of-keflings-dev-ninjabee-to-debut-nutjitsu-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/world-of-keflings-dev-ninjabee-to-debut-nutjitsu-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/world-of-keflings-dev-ninjabee-to-debut-nutjitsu-at-pax-east/#comments World of Keflings dev NinjaBee promises a new game called Nutjitsu at PAX EastDeveloper NinjaBee (makers of XBLA hits like Cloning Clyde, A Band of Bugs and A World of Keflings) is revealing a brand new game at this weekend's PAX East show, titled Nutjitsu. That title is all we have so far; NinjaBee says it'll be playable at the show (booth #599, if you're going), but doesn't say anything else about what it is. It's kung-fu fighting squirrels, right? Can it be kung-fu fighting squirrels?

In addition to the new game, NinjaBee is also showing off A World of Keflings for Wii U and the recently released version for Windows 8. It's also giving away prizes, including a free copy of Kingdom of Keflings for PC to anyone who plays any of the demos, and 1600 Microsoft points to the high scorer on Nutjitsu every day. If you can't be at the show, don't worry, because we will. Stay tuned for coverage this weekend.

JoystiqWorld of Keflings dev NinjaBee to debut 'Nutjitsu' at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloning-clydedevelopershigh-scoresmicrosoftninjabeenintendonutjitsupax-eastpax-east-2013revealwii-uworld-of-keflingsWed, 20 Mar 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013 live stream schedule]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/pax-east-2013-live-stream-schedule/#comments PAX East 2013 streaming scheduleWe're shipping up to Boston for PAX East 2013, which runs Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24, but you may not be so fortunate. Or maybe you just didn't snag tickets in time, or you couldn't find someone to watch your cats this weekend. Whatever the reason you can't come out to PAX East, Twitch has you covered with live streams of main stage panels, concerts and the Omegathon tournament.

Check out the PAX channel on Twitch this weekend for live streams such as Storytime with Cliff Bleszinski on Friday, Indie Studios Founded by 38 Studios Alumni on Saturday and You Game Like a Girl: Tales of Trolls and White Knights on Sunday. The full schedule is below. If Twitch shows any footage of the show floor, be on the lookout for your favorite Joystiq staff: We'll be the ones grinning maniacally and/or teetering on the edge of a claustrophobic breakdown.

Continue reading PAX East 2013 live stream schedule

JoystiqPAX East 2013 live stream schedule originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-streampax-eastPAX-East-2013streamingtwitchWed, 20 Mar 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013 party list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/pax-east-2013-party-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/pax-east-2013-party-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/pax-east-2013-party-list/#comments PAX East party listPAX East is in a few short days and so are the all-important parties. SideQuesting has put together a mega list of gatherings and get-togethers going on around the convention.

Many of the parties require tickets or RSVPs... er, RSVPing? In many cases you'll have to sign up and say your party monster self is coming.

Remember, it's Boston in March and it's expected to be near or below freezing every night. Dress appropriately if you plan on party hopping. Trust.

[Javier Brosch via Shutterstock]2013

JoystiqPAX East 2013 party list originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>partyPAX-East-2013Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Magic X reveal at PAX East teased by Ubisoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/might-and-magic-x-reveal-at-pax-east-teased-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/might-and-magic-x-reveal-at-pax-east-teased-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/might-and-magic-x-reveal-at-pax-east-teased-by-ubisoft/#comments Might and Magic X reveal at PAX East teased by UbisoftThe main Might and Magic line looks set to return after a decade in the wilderness. Ubisoft is teasing a Might and Magic website with the above image, with the words "Meet us at PAX East!" beneath it.

While the Might and Magic name has seen continued releases through the Heroes of Might and Magic strategy line and Clash of Heroes, the main role-playing series hasn't seen a release since 2002's M&M IX. After consulting our Roman Numerals handbook, we reckon the image heavily points towards M&M X and a reveal at this weekend's PAX East.

After original M&M publisher 3DO went bankrupt in 2003, new license holder Ubisoft said M&M X was unlikely to ever happen because of branding choices. However, an unofficial open-source M&M X project emerged last year, and is still in development.

While it's never 100 percent safe to assume anything, the most damning evidence of all for M&M X's upcoming announcement is Ubisoft's own tweet, which includes an unfortunately failed attempt to hashtag the game - gotta watch out for those ampersands.

JoystiqMight and Magic X reveal at PAX East teased by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>might-and-magicmight-and-magic-xpax-east-2013pcubisoftMon, 18 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST