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[Plants vs. Zombies 2 sprouts this July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/plants-vs-zombies-2-sprouts-this-july/#comments
Plants vs Zombies 2 sprouts this July
Plants vs. Zombies 2 will finally launch in July, according to PopCap Games.

"Yay! I can finally say it! PvZ 2: It's About Time is coming in July!" PvZ Community Marketing Manager Stephanie Bayer announced on Twitter this morning.

PopCap Games announced the sequel last year with a "first half of 2013" release window, so we guess this counts as a mini delay. Hey, PvZ zombies are the slow kind.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies 2 sprouts this July originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmobilepcplants-vs-zombies-2PopCapPopCap-GamesMon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All PopCap games half-off this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/all-popcap-games-half-off-this-weekend/#comments All PopCap games halfoff this weekendTo celebrate the Chinese New Year, PopCap put every game in its library on sale through Tuesday, February 12. All downloadable PC games are 50 percent off though the developer's store, including Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle and Bejeweled 3.

The sale could certainly fund PopCap's "AAA console title" ambitions, but the savings are passed on to you, the player. That extra money equates to a lot of burritos, or in this weekend's case, egg rolls.

JoystiqAll PopCap games half-off this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-3chinese-new-yearpcpegglePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamessaleSat, 09 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies iOS update adds Last Stand Endless Mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/plants-vs-zombies-ios-update-adds-last-stand-endless-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/plants-vs-zombies-ios-update-adds-last-stand-endless-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/plants-vs-zombies-ios-update-adds-last-stand-endless-mode/#comments
Plants vs. Zombies for iOS received some fresh fertilizer today, with an update adding new levels and a new mode. The free update for the iPhone and iPad version of the game includes five new levels, the "Last Stand Endless Mode" and three new achievements.

Actually, it turns out the five new levels are inside the Last Stand Endless Mode. The new variant gives a limited amount of sun in a twist on the classic Endless Mode. This is the second content update to PvZ on iOS this year, which received several new game modes in April.

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies iOS update adds Last Stand Endless Mode

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies iOS update adds Last Stand Endless Mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemobilePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCap-GamesThu, 06 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' Plants vs. Zombies pinball table lets in sunshine next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/zen-studios-plants-vs-zombies-pinball-table-lets-in-sunshine-n/#comments
Zen Studios' first mystery pinball table based on a PopCap franchise will be Plants vs. Zombies. The table, playable at PAX this weekend, features your favorite flora and undead continuing their epic battle with the assistance of giant silver balls.

The Plants vs. Zombies pinball table will be available on September 4 and 5 in North America and Europe, respectively, as a cross buy add-on for Zen Pinball 2 on PS3 and Vita. The table flips on in XBLA's Pinball FX2 on September 5. The table is $2.99 through the PlayStation Network, 240 Microsoft Points ($3) on Xbox 360.

Asked for a review of the table, Crazy Dave expounded, "Wabby-wibby woooo. Whaaaa! Wanna watta win."

JoystiqZen Studios' Plants vs. Zombies pinball table lets in sunshine next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpax-2012pax-prime-2012pinball-fx-2playstationplaystation-vitaPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3vitaxboxzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosFri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: PopCap hit with international layoffs [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/report-popcap-hit-with-international-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/report-popcap-hit-with-international-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/report-popcap-hit-with-international-layoffs/#comments Report PopCap hit with international layoffsEA laid off employees of its PopCap studios in Dublin, Shanghai and Seattle, Duke Nukem creator George Broussard tweeted today, following an earlier message saying layoffs were "imminent" at PopCap. PopCap Dublin was shut down, Shanghai was "shrunk" and Seattle let go 50 people, according to Broussard.

PopCap may have been quietly firing people for months, VG24/7 reported.

EA acquired PopCap in August 2011 for $750 million, in the hopes it would "accelerate our drive towards a $1 billion digital business," EA CEO John Riccitiello said. Yesterday PopCap announced Plants vs. Zombies 2, which is expected to launch in late spring 2013.

We have reached out to EA and PopCap for more information.

Update 2: PopCap co-founder John Vechey has released a statement on today's layoffs, stating 50 people were let go today in North America.

"We've been able to invest in creative new games like Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies because we had a high profit business. That business is challenged, and if we don't adapt, we won't be able to invest in new IP," Vechey wrote. "That sounds harsh - but if we don't stay in business, no more plants, zombies, jewels, frogs or worms."

Update: Former PopCap employees are taking to Twitter, confirming a round of layoffs in Seattle that affects game directors and producers alike.

JoystiqReport: PopCap hit with international layoffs [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidEAElectronic-ArtsiosipadiphonelayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationPopCappopcap-gamesps3xboxTue, 21 Aug 2012 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies 2 shambles in 'late spring' 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/plants-vs-zombies-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/plants-vs-zombies-2-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/plants-vs-zombies-2-announced/#comments PopCap Games announced a sequel to Plants vs. Zombies this morning, with the casually epic battle of flora vs undead returning next year. The game is expected to see the sun in the "first half of 2013," with a narrower window of "late spring" also mentioned.

As one would expect from a sequel, it will include new "features, settings, and situations," but there are no specific details at this time.

PopCap has been in heavy promotion of its PvZ franchise lately, with the Talking Zombatar expected later this year. Hitting the cross-promotion button, Zen Studios is expected to reveal a pinball table this weekend featuring a PopCap franchise. Doesn't take braaaaains to figure out what it'll likely be.

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies 2 shambles in 'late spring' 2013

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies 2 shambles in 'late spring' 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-2PopCap-GamesMon, 20 Aug 2012 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/zen-pinball-2-on-ps3-vita-popcap-table-this-september/#comments Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer'Zen Studios will pull back and launch Zen Pinball 2 for PlayStation 3 and Vita on September 4 through the PlayStation Network. The Zen Pinball 2 platform will support cross-platform play on PlayStation devices, meaning any Zen Pinball 2 table purchase will be playable on PS3 and Vita at no extra charge. Zen Pinball 2 will have 26 tables available at release (with free demos) and is a free update to Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball.

Zen also announced today that its PopCap-branded table will pop up September 4 and 5 on PlayStation systems and Xbox 360, respectively. The company still hasn't revealed whether the table will be based on Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle or Bejeweled, but it plans to do that at PAX Prime, which takes place August 31 through September 2 in Seattle, Washington.

Continue reading Zen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September

JoystiqZen Pinball 2 on PS3/Vita, PopCap table this September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationplaystation-vitapopcapPopCap-Gamesps3vitaxboxzen-pinball-2Zen-StudiosWed, 08 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/08/zen-studios-first-popcap-pinball-table-coming-end-of-summer/#comments Zen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer'Zen Studios passively announced a few months back it was working on some PopCap-branded pinball tables, and now the company tells us the first one will be available by "end of summer." The company didn't reveal any branded table specifics, but looking at PopCap's highest-profile games, we'd venture to guess: Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle or Bejeweled.

Despite working on new intellectual properties like CastleStorm and KickBeat, the Hungarian developer knows where its bread is buttered and plans to support Zen Pinball and Pinball FX 2 into the future.

JoystiqZen Studios' first PopCap pinball table coming 'end of summer' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobileplaystationPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3xboxZen-StudiosFri, 08 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies looks just as fun on the Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/plants-vs-zombies-looks-just-as-fun-on-the-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/plants-vs-zombies-looks-just-as-fun-on-the-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/plants-vs-zombies-looks-just-as-fun-on-the-vita/#comments Different menus? Nope, same options as always, same touchscreen choices as iOS. Wall-nuts and peashooters? Still there. Zombie handwriting and spelling? Still really, really poor.

Gallery: Plants vs. Zombies (Vita)

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies looks just as fun on the Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Plants-vs-Zombiesplaystationplaystation-vitapopcappopcap-gamesvitaThu, 19 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazy Dave's Wabby Wabbo being sold on iTunes for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/#comments
Crazy Dave, whom you might remember as Plants vs. Zombies' power-up purveyor, can't speak English. But that hasn't stopped him from producing a rap song, apparently, which PopCap is now selling for 99 cents on iTunes in order to raise some money for charity this holiday season. The single, which features "Cray-Z" murmuring over a bombastic beat, has already picked up over 600,000 views on YouTube, and PopCap says all profits on the song's sale are going to Concern Worldwide.

What's Concern do with its nonprofit funds? It helps grow plants, of course. How else are we going to take on the coming zombie bobsled threat?

JoystiqCrazy Dave's Wabby Wabbo being sold on iTunes for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityconcern-worldwidecrazy-davedownloaditunespcPlants-vs-Zombiespopcap-gamesTue, 20 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies iPhone receives holiday update, 'I, Zombie' mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-receives-holiday-update-i-zombie-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-receives-holiday-update-i-zombie-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/plants-vs-zombies-iphone-receives-holiday-update-i-zombie-m/#comments Plants vs. Zombies for iPhone has received an update for the holidays, featuring festive cheer, minor user improvements and the "I, Zombie" mode. The new mode allows you to take on the role of the invading zombies -- a feature previously implemented in the PC, Mac, XBLA and DS versions of the game.

The update also includes GameCenter leaderboard support for the first time, and adds four new achievements and "Bronze, Silver and Gold Mystery Sprouts." Now, go and clear the zombies so Santa can have a clear LZ!

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies iPhone receives holiday update, 'I, Zombie' mode

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies iPhone receives holiday update, 'I, Zombie' mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosiphonemobilePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamesThu, 15 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies coming to PlayStation Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-playstation-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/plants-vs-zombies-coming-to-playstation-vita/#comments Of course it is.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies coming to PlayStation Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Plants-vs-Zombiesplaystationplaystation-vitapopcappopcap-gamesvitaWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap Games firing up Popcorn Dragon this winter for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/popcap-games-firing-up-popcorn-dragon-this-winter-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/popcap-games-firing-up-popcorn-dragon-this-winter-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/popcap-games-firing-up-popcorn-dragon-this-winter-for-ios/#comments Popcorn Dragon will be ready for some sizzling sales on the iOS App Store this winter. The title was just revealed at an EA event in New York, with no announcement of price or other target platforms being made at this time.

In the game, you shoot fireballs and make popcorn that the dragon then attempts to eat. Think: popcorn Fruit Ninja with a cute, mythical beastie. Also, given how much EA paid for PopCap, we're sure that it paid competent lawyers to work out any potential legal issues that could arise from a children's book with the same name.

Gallery: Popcorn Dragon

JoystiqPopCap Games firing up Popcorn Dragon this winter for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsiosipadiphonemobilePopCap-Gamespopcorn-dragonWed, 12 Oct 2011 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies, err, rap video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/plants-vs-zombies-err-rap-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/plants-vs-zombies-err-rap-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/16/plants-vs-zombies-err-rap-video/#comments
You loco? Don't get up in Crazy "Cray-Z" Dave's face unless you ready to have your brains fed to some zombies. Dave explains how street he is in this Plants vs. Zombies music video that proves how gangsta PopCap Games has become.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies, err, rap video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crazy-DavedsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcPlants-vs-Zombiesplaystationpop-cap-gamesPopCap-Gamesps3xboxFri, 16 Sep 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap games to be bundled with Sony Ericsson phones in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/popcap-games-to-be-bundled-with-sony-ericsson-phones-in-europe/#comments PopCap and Sony Ericsson today announced an agreement that will finally bring the casual developer's titles to Android devices in Europe. The agreement will bring them to exactly two of Sony's platforms, the Xperia Mini and the Xperia Mini Pro, as they roll out this summer. Three of PopCap's titles will be pre-loaded onto the devices, specifically the full version of Chuzzle and trial versions of Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle.

In the press release detailing the agreement, PopCap's Giordano Bruno Contestabile stated, "We are delighted to partner with Sony Ericsson to fulfill our promise to Android users and bring PopCap's hit mobile games to an ever-widening base of smartphone users." Presumably, PopCap's titles will spread to more than two of Sony's phones in the future.

JoystiqPopCap games to be bundled with Sony Ericsson phones in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chuzzleeuropemobilepegglePlants-vs-Zombiespopcappopcap-gamessonysony-ericssonxperiaWed, 20 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Zynga offered $1 billion cash to acquire PopCap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/report-zynga-offered-1-billion-cash-to-acquire-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/report-zynga-offered-1-billion-cash-to-acquire-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/report-zynga-offered-1-billion-cash-to-acquire-popcap/#comments Forbes reports that Zynga once had its eyes on PopCap Games, and offered $1 billion in cash for the company. The Forbes source says that the company would have funded the deal with a line of credit from Goldman Sachs, one of the underwriters of the 'Ville-maker's IPO.

The Forbes report reiterates some of the details from a TechCrunch report in June, which noted that China-based Tencent (which owns League of Legends dev Riot Games) was also in the mix.

In the end, PopCap Games was acquired by Electronic Arts, for $750 million and another $550 million in performance payouts.

JoystiqReport: Zynga offered $1 billion cash to acquire PopCap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendopcplaystationPopCap-Gamesps3wiixboxzyngaThu, 14 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA to acquire PopCap Games for $750 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/ea-to-acquire-popcap-games-for-750-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/ea-to-acquire-popcap-games-for-750-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/ea-to-acquire-popcap-games-for-750-million/#comments Rumors first began circulating nearly three weeks ago when TechCrunch reported that casual gaming pusher PopCap was going to be acquired for over $1 billion dollars. Now, Electronic Arts has announced its intention to purchase the Seattle-based developer for $750 million, including $100 million in stock. The acquisition is expected to close in August of this year, pending the usual regulatory approvals.

"EA and PopCap are a compelling combination," boasted CEO John Riccitiello, clearly envisioning a newly expanded EA digital empire. "PopCap's great studio talent and powerful IP add to EA's momentum and accelerate our drive towards a $1 billion digital business."

"We picked EA because they have recast their culture around making great digital games," said David Roberts, CEO of PopCap. "By working with EA, we'll scale our games and services to deliver more social, mobile, casual fun to an even bigger, global audience." In case it's not obvious, we'll spell it out for you: O-R-I-G-I-N.

JoystiqEA to acquire PopCap Games for $750 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitiondavid-robertsEAElectronic-ArtsJohn-riccitiellomacpcPlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamesTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[First GDC Online 2011 summits announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/first-gdc-online-2011-summits-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/first-gdc-online-2011-summits-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/first-gdc-online-2011-summits-announced/#comments Despite the brutal, anti-nerd reality that is Texas weather, Austin has become a major hub for development houses that produce MMOs and casual/social online titles. BioWare, NCSoft, Blizzard, SOE, heck, even Zynga; they've all got offices in Austin and collectively they're responsible for a sizable growth spurt in the city's already impressive technology sector. It makes sense, then, that GDC 2011's "Online" chapter should return to the Lone-Star State's capital city.

GDC has, historically, been a conference "for developers, by developers," meaning that it's probably not the sort of show Jimmy Halo and Ricky Killzone want to spend their tuition money on. However! If you're in the industry, or just really, really into game design, you just might find something worthwhile at one of GDCO's recently announced summits.

The Game Narrative Summit, for instance, returns for its 6th year of lectures and dissertations with Eidos Montreal's Mary De Marle giving a talk on "Building the Story-driven Experience of Deus Ex: Human Revolution," and Volition's Steve Jaros hosting a roundtable discussion of development mistakes and war-stories in "Sins of the Past." PopCap's Giordano Bruno Contestabile will be contributing his knowledge of pocket-sized, casual gaming to the Smartphone and Tablet Games Summit, and while the GDC Virtual Items Summit has been announced, no specific session details have been listed as of yet.

If extremely-inside-baseball discussions really are your bag, baby, then summit lectures will be open to GDCO attendees with "All Access" and "Summits & Tutorials" badges during the first two days of the conference's October 10-13 run at the Austin Convention Center.

JoystiqFirst GDC Online 2011 summits announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinBioWareBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdeus-ex-human-revolutionEidos-MontrealGDCgdc-onlineGDC-Online-2011gdc2011ncsoftPopCapPopCap-GamesSOEsoe-austinsummitsVolitionZyngaSun, 03 Jul 2011 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: PopCap being acquired for over $1 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/report-popcap-being-acquired-for-over-1-billion/#comments TechCrunch reports, by way of "multiple sources," that casual gaming powerhouse PopCap - the group behind Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, and every other game your mom loves and you won't admit to loving - is in the process of being acquired.

... for over $1 billion.

While you consider all the wrong decisions you've made with your life, we'll finish writing this post so we can join you. The buyer remains unknown and, while growth-happy dev Zynga seems like an obvious pick, TC is hearing that PopCap's asking price (over $1 billion, remember?) was too rich for its blood.

TC speculates that either EA, Japanese mobile group DeNA, or Chinese outfit Tencent might be behind the purchase. You may recognize DeNA following its acquisition of ngmoco last year, and Tencent following its majority buyout of free-to-play hit League of Legends. We've asked PopCap for comment which, if the report is true, we expect right after the PopCap team finishes screaming about how rich they are.

[Update 6:09pm ET - As is to be expected, PopCap issued us the following comment: "Per company policy, we do not comment on rumors and speculation of this nature." 6:45pm ET - PopCap's soon-to-be "Customer Engagement Lead" Jennifer Kye took to Twitter to say, "Not true. Rumor debunked." She later clarified that she would be "working there next week" and that her soon-to-be "boss confirmed it" for her. We've again reached out to PopCap for another statement. 7:02pm ET - And PopCap got back to us again - they're really good about that - with the same no comment: "we do not comment on rumors and speculation of this nature."]

JoystiqReport: PopCap being acquired for over $1 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessPegglePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCapPopCap-GamesWed, 22 Jun 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Bejeweled 3 headed to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/bejeweled-3-headed-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/bejeweled-3-headed-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/bejeweled-3-headed-to-consoles/#comments PopCap Games announced today that Bejeweled 3 will drop on DS, PS3 and Xbox 360 (in retail, PSN and XBLA versions, respectively) during the last quarter of 2011 in North America and Europe. If you haven't already declared PopCap Games the enemy of global productivity, the company now reminds you that the Bejeweled games are purchased "at the rate of one copy every 4.3 seconds."

The developer and publisher of such time-sinks as Plants vs. Zombies and Peggle has already given us a glimpse into the future of its cuddly, iron-fisted domination of free time. The company recently began its huggable assault on Android devices, is funding a $3 million Spicy Horse project and continues to put the pieces in place for further Facebook control. Fear the power of a PopCap IPO, friends.

Continue reading Bejeweled 3 headed to consoles

JoystiqBejeweled 3 headed to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-3dsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3q4-2011release-datexboxTue, 21 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Plants vs. Zombies free on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-plants-vs-zombies-free-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-plants-vs-zombies-free-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/psa-plants-vs-zombies-free-on-android-today/#comments Time is already passing, and you're not downloading Plants vs. Zombies on your Android device -- for zero dollars! Frankly, that seems really silly to us. Sure, Popcap already released the game on just about every other piece of electronics you own, but that doesn't make it any less wonderful and addicting. Did we mention it's free? Maybe we should point that out again, 'cause it's totally free.

JoystiqPSA: Plants vs. Zombies free on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonandroidandroid-marketplacefreemobilePlants-vs-Zombiespopcappopcap-gamespsaq2-2011release-dateTue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap signs Amazon Android Appstore deal; Chuzzle, PvZ available this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/popcap-signs-amazon-android-appstore-deal-chuzzle-pvz-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/popcap-signs-amazon-android-appstore-deal-chuzzle-pvz-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/16/popcap-signs-amazon-android-appstore-deal-chuzzle-pvz-availabl/#comments PopCaps's Chuzzle and Plants vs. Zombies will launch for Android devices exclusively through Amazon's Appstore for Android. Amazon will have a two-week exclusive on both titles for the "U.S. market."

Chuzzle will be available tomorrow, May 17, through May 30 and Plants vs. Zombies will shamble in "during a second exclusive offer later this month." Both games will be free on the first day of availability and $2.99 after.

PopCap's announcement is missing a lot of details about the timetable for the exclusives. We're currently following up and asking if a similar approach is planned for the company's future Android titles.

JoystiqPopCap signs Amazon Android Appstore deal; Chuzzle, PvZ available this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAndroidChuzzlemobilePlants-vs-ZombiesPopCap-GamesMon, 16 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spicy Horse receives $3M in funding, working with PopCap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/spicy-horse-receives-3m-in-funding-working-with-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/spicy-horse-receives-3m-in-funding-working-with-popcap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/spicy-horse-receives-3m-in-funding-working-with-popcap/#comments American McGee's Shanghai-based Spicy Horse studio has secured $3 million in investment and is currently working on a project with PopCap Games' Shanghai studio. Gamasutra reports that Spicy Horse, which has finished production of Alice: Madness Returns for EA, will focus on "3D social, online games" going forward. McGee detailed some of this for us in an interview a couple months back.

McGee says that Spicy Horse's PopCap collaboration will be a freemium multiplayer title that will initially launch in Asia. A PopCap representative told Joystiq that the information is accurate, but the company is "not providing additional details at this early stage."

McGee said the investment will allow the company to execute a two-year plan and bring five games to market.

PopCap Games recently acquired ZipZapPlay, who should have at least one new Facebook game out by year's end. PopCap expects to have "four or five" titles on the social networking platform by the end of 2011. The company already has Bejeweled Blitz, Zuma Blitz and ZZP's Baking Life.

JoystiqSpicy Horse receives $3M in funding, working with PopCap originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American-McGeemacpcPopCap-GamesSpicy-HorseFri, 13 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/#comments Though they may not know it yet, folks who've yet to get down with PopCap's horticultural undead defense sim are having a great day. It's never been cheaper to pick up Plants vs. Zombies -- until Thursday at 1PM ET, the game's marked down to $3.40 on Steam.

Continue reading Plants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon

JoystiqPlants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualpcPlants-vs-Zombiespopcap-gamessteamWed, 04 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap buys ZipZapPlay for Facebook expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/popcap-buys-zipzapplay-for-facebook-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/popcap-buys-zipzapplay-for-facebook-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/popcap-buys-zipzapplay-for-facebook-expansion/#comments PopCap Games has acquired ZipZapPlay, a social games company in San Francisco. The acquisition gives PopCap further inroads into the Facebook game space, which it is currently in third place behind Zynga and EA. ZipZapPlay created Baking Life and Happy Habitat -- yeah, we'd never heard of them either. The financial terms of PopCap's acquisition weren't revealed.

ZipZapPlay CEO Curt Bererton (pictured, being eaten by the dragon couch) and CCO Mathilde Pignol will stay on at the San Francisco studio of 17 employees. The company will retain its name and will report to PopCap's social games VP. PopCap expects to have "four or five" games total on Facebook by the end of this year, which includes the already-released Bejeweled Blitz, Zuma Blitz and ZZP's Baking Life.

Continue reading PopCap buys ZipZapPlay for Facebook expansion

JoystiqPopCap buys ZipZapPlay for Facebook expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionBejeweled-Blitzmacpcpopcap-gamesZipZapPlayFri, 29 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Unpleasant Horse trots, nay, prances onto App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/unpleasant-horse-trots-nay-prances-onto-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/unpleasant-horse-trots-nay-prances-onto-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/unpleasant-horse-trots-nay-prances-onto-app-store/#comments Unpleasant Horse, the first title from PopCap Games' edgier 4th and Battery division, is available now for free on the iOS App Store. Bouncing back from an Apple rejection earlier this month, the game made its intended April launch in a photo-finish.

In Unpleasant Horse, players tap the angry winged bronco from cloud to cloud, tearing small birds apart and dropping more pleasant horses into the meat grinder below. Also, once down there, little meaty bits pop out. Yuuup, Peggle it ain't.

JoystiqUnpleasant Horse trots, nay, prances onto App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-and-batteryiphonemobilePopcap-Gamesq2-2011release-dateUnpleasant-HorseThu, 28 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unpleasant Horse rejected by Apple, 4th & Battery appealing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/#comments PopCap subsidiary 4th & Battery is so edgy its first game, Unpleasant Horse, has been rejected by Apple. On its official Twitter account, the company stated that the game was rejected for "mature content." Shortly thereafter, 4th & Battery said it was appealing the decision, and promptly deleted its initial Tweet announcing the rejection.

A studio rep tried to smooth things over by tweeting: "Anyhoo, we still love Apple. Honest. We even had (and liked!) a Newton back in the day. Hope we get an appropriate rating for the game!"

The game was intended to be available for free on iOS devices later this month. We've contacted PopCap for a statement on whether plans have changed, and will update when we hear back.

Update: A PopCap representative tells Joystiq that it is "not issuing any statement at this time." We've been told that 4th & Battery may make an official statement soon.

JoystiqUnpleasant Horse rejected by Apple, 4th & Battery appealing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-and-batteryappleiosmobilePopcap-gamesrejectionUnpleasant-HorseThu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap launches edgy '4th & Battery' label]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/popcap-launches-edgy-4th-and-battery-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/popcap-launches-edgy-4th-and-battery-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/popcap-launches-edgy-4th-and-battery-label/#comments Say "hello" to PopCap Games' little friend: 4th & Battery. The "experimental" label was created to give PopCap's designers and developers a sandbox to create the games that don't fit into the casual game studio's image. Essentially, 4th & Battery is the Touchstone Pictures to PopCap's Disney-esque public persona.

The new label is expected to produce several games per year, with Unpleasant Horse being the first out of the stable. The game will have players taking on the role of a winged horse who destroys small birds and knocks more pleasant horses out of the sky -- into a meat grinder. The game will be available for free on iOS devices later this month.

So, yeah, 4th & Battery is totally what a mid-life crisis manifests as when you've made a fortune off games like Bejeweled and Peggle.

JoystiqPopCap launches edgy '4th & Battery' label originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-and-BatterymobilepcPopcap-gamesUnpleasant-HorseTue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap considering IPO, not likely revealing any new IP in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/popcap-considering-ipo-not-likely-revealing-any-new-ip-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/popcap-considering-ipo-not-likely-revealing-any-new-ip-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/popcap-considering-ipo-not-likely-revealing-any-new-ip-in-2011/#comments We're just gonna level with you, folks -- we're scared. Frankly, reading this weekend's CNBC report that Plants vs. Zombies developer PopCap Games is considering an IPO worries us greatly. In so many words, it means that the quirky indie studio could go from private to public, meaning that the company could go from being beholden to itself to being beholden to investors. It also means that PopCap could expand far more rapidly -- and that you could own a piece of the action.

As it stands, the studio pulled in over $100 million last year in revenues and, according to CNBC, is the third largest Facebook developer -- handily besting Disney's user numbers with just two games of its own (versus Disney's 37!). PopCap doesn't deny the possibility of the IPO -- it evenregistered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission -- with company prez David Roberts saying, "I do think we'll be ready internally. Whether the market is ready remains to be seen. It has got to be right for us."

Amazingly, CNBC also asked Roberts if he would comment on the long ago trademarked "Yetitrain" name. He didn't. That name, however, is still amazing. Unfortunately, we may not be hearing anything about it anytime soon. Roberts stated, "Don't hold your breath" when asked about the possibilty of a new franchise being announced this year.

JoystiqPopCap considering IPO, not likely revealing any new IP in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdavid-robertsdsfacebookinitial-public-offeringipomacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcPlants-vs-Zombiesplaystationpopcappopcap-gamesps3pspsonyxboxyetitrainMon, 07 Mar 2011 11:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Totally crazy, totally canceled indie games, and the people who made them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/totally-crazy-totally-canceled-indie-games-and-the-people-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/totally-crazy-totally-canceled-indie-games-and-the-people-who/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/totally-crazy-totally-canceled-indie-games-and-the-people-who/#comments From World of Goo dev Kyle Gabler to Plants vs. Zombies director George Fan (and everything in between), GDC's "The Failure Workshop" panel was full of thrills. Each of the panel's developers brought a project that never managed to make our acquaintance, offering a detailed explanation of what went wrong.

Gabler, of 2D Boy, kicked the chair out from under his studio's robot-based sidescroller Robot and the Cities That Built Him when he and his cohorts finally decided that it simply wasn't very fun. After months of mock-ups and brainstorming, the game was finally turned into a fairly basic prototype (playable here) that sealed the project's untimely fate.

Continue reading Totally crazy, totally canceled indie games, and the people who made them

JoystiqTotally crazy, totally canceled indie games, and the people who made them originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-boybrad-wardellcanceledcancellationcat-and-mouse-foosballchris-heckerdefinition-sixelemental-war-of-magicflashbang-studiosgdcgdc-2011george-fankyle-gablermatthew-wegnermobileoff-road-velociraptor-safarioff-road-velociraptor-safari-hdpcpopcap-gamesrobot-and-the-cities-that-built-himthe-failure-workshopThu, 03 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: PopCap Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/whats-in-a-name-popcap-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/whats-in-a-name-popcap-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/whats-in-a-name-popcap-games/#comments During another long night of shakes and sweats, suffering from what was surely some PopCap Games withdrawal, we pondered the origin story of the electronic pharmaceutical giant's name. We spoke with PopCap Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Jason Kapalka for the answer:

"First thing is that [PopCap Games] wasn't our name originally. The original name was 'Sexy Action Cool,'" Kapalka told us. "Back at university in Edmonton, there was an inside joke because some people had a basement suite with this big movie poster of Antonio Banderas in Desperado. It had this movie quote at the top that said: Sexy. Action. Cool."

"It became an inside joke on how nobody could imagine using Sexy Action Cool in a real sentence. We'd walk around saying, 'You see that movie?' 'Yeah, it was sexy, action, cool.' Or 'That couch? That couch is really sexy, action, cool.'"

The company founders snagged the related URL (which now directs to PopCap proper) and continued to not think much of the name, at first. As the site grew, however, it became clear that "Sexy Action Cool" was an awkward destination for mass-market family games.

Continue reading What's in a Name: PopCap Games

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: PopCap Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcPlants-vs-ZombiesplaystationPopCapPopCap-Gamesps3pspsonywhats-in-a-namewiixboxMon, 28 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peggle faithfully recreated in LittleBigPlanet 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/peggle-faithfully-recreated-in-littlebigplanet-2/#comments Having both Peggle and LittleBigPlanet 2 on the same plane of reality meant this had to happen sooner or later. With Peggle already on every platform known to man, and LBP2 molding itself T-1000 style into every game imaginable, why wouldn't we get the Plinko puzzler recreated in Sackboy's world?

Continue reading Peggle faithfully recreated in LittleBigPlanet 2

JoystiqPeggle faithfully recreated in LittleBigPlanet 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LittleBigPlanet-2media-moleculepeggleplaystationpopcap-gamesps3Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/xbox-live-deal-of-the-week-50-off-bejeweled-2-uno-rush-tetri/#comments Casual cost-cutting news now as this week's Xbox Live deals are now live. Through Sunday, Gold members can grab Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Zuma, Tetris Splash and Feeding Frenzy 2 for half-off their usual prices.

Continue reading Xbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash

JoystiqXbox Live Deal of the Week: 50% off Bejeweled 2, Uno Rush, Tetris Splash originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweled-2bejweled-2deal-of-the-weekfeeding-frenzy-2microsoftpopcapPopCap-Gamestetris-splashuno-rushxblmxboxxbox-live-deal-of-the-weekzumaMon, 13 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/popcap-and-taito-team-up-to-bring-pop-tower-to-japan/#comments PopCap Games and Taito announced a partnership this morning that would oversee the launch of a new "dedicated mobile social game service" in Japan. The service is named, appropriately enough, Pop Tower. The service will add an "all-new metagame with RPG elements" to several of PopCap's titles (Bejeweled, Chuzzle, and Zuma were all named), unifying multiple PopCap properties under one persistent leveling system.

Beyond unnamed new modes being added and the RPG metagame, additional "social elements" will give players the opportunity to communicate with friends. As we've come to expect with most games moved from the Western market to the East, microtransactions will play a major role in the monetization of Pop Tower's titles, allowing for the purchase of "in-game virtual goods and premium service options." And hey, if that means we can play as Björn the Unicorn across multiple PopCap titles and persistently level him up, consider us sold.

JoystiqPopCap and Taito team up to bring Pop Tower to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweledchuzzlejapanmacmicrotransactionsmobilepcpop-towerpopcappopcap-gamessquare-enixtaitozumaThu, 11 Nov 2010 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Bejeweled Blitz Live rated by German, Australian boards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/bejeweled-blitz-live-rated-by-german-australian-boards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/bejeweled-blitz-live-rated-by-german-australian-boards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/03/bejeweled-blitz-live-rated-by-german-australian-boards/#comments Bejeweled Blitz Live has been rated by Germany's USK and Australia's classification board. The Australian listing is quite vague, giving the impression the title could be bound for retailers on PC, but the USK classification blatantly declares it as an Xbox 360 title. Perhaps it will appear for both. Developer and publisher PopCap Games tells Joystiq it is currently "not commenting" on the matter.

PopCap introduced Bejeweled Blitz to Facebook gamers almost two years ago, and added Zuma Blitz this year. Let's see if PopCap can beat the ESRB's hat trick of announcing its games.

JoystiqBejeweled Blitz Live rated by German, Australian boards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaBejeweled-BlitzgermanymicrosoftOFLCpcPopCapPopCap-GamesUSKxboxWed, 03 Nov 2010 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Handmade Plants vs Zombies figurines are just so precious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/handmade-plants-vs-zombies-figurines-are-just-so-precious/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/handmade-plants-vs-zombies-figurines-are-just-so-precious/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/handmade-plants-vs-zombies-figurines-are-just-so-precious/#comments Etsy user AnUnclesMonkey recently homebrewed a quartet of Plants vs. Zombies figurines -- all based on living species from the game. Act quickly, and you could even purchase one, including the Torchwood, Kernel Pult, Hypnoshroom or Peashooter (seen here).

Continue reading Handmade Plants vs Zombies figurines are just so precious

JoystiqHandmade Plants vs Zombies figurines are just so precious originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftsmobilepcPlants-vs-ZombiespopcapPopCap-GamesTue, 26 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/plants-vs-zombies-becomes-a-quest-in-wow-cataclysm/#comments Though past team-ups between PopCap Games and World of Warcraft have resulted in full-on in-game ... games, it seems Bilzzard's taking a different approach with the inclusion of Plants vs. Zombies in upcoming WoW expansion Cataclysm: it pared down and recreated PvZ as an in-game quest! Madness!

Continue reading Plants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies becomes a quest in WoW: Cataclysm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmmacpcplants-vs-zombiespopcappopcap-gamesWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmWed, 22 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeff Green becomes PopCap director of editorial and social media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/jeff-green-becomes-popcap-director-of-editorial-and-social-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/jeff-green-becomes-popcap-director-of-editorial-and-social-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/17/jeff-green-becomes-popcap-director-of-editorial-and-social-media/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Former EA.com editor in chief and longtime game journalist Jeff Green is now an employee of virtual drug pusher PopCap Games, reports Armchair Empire. He'll be heading up editorial and social media at the company, though it appears his employer's leash won't be held quite so tightly this time around.

"Don't worry kids, I have a long, generous leash at the new gig for ongoing podcasting, mag article writing, etc." Green said of his new position via Twitter. He also announced the return of his podcast "Out of the Game," with N'Gai Croal, Shawn Elliott and Luke Smith; as well as a new monthly column he'll be penning for EGM.

In an official statement, Green spoke highly of the Plants vs. Zombies developer. "PopCap never stumbles, and with PvZ you can see that they're just getting better and bolder. When I was talking to people about whether to take the job or not, one thing came up consistently: No one doesn't like PopCap. They, and their games, are beloved in the industry." As longtime fans of Green ourselves, we wish him the best of luck in his new position.

JoystiqJeff Green becomes PopCap director of editorial and social media originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeff-greenout-of-the-gamepopcappopcap-gamesFri, 17 Sep 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap and NCsoft team up for Korean 'PopCap World']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/popcap-and-ncsoft-team-up-for-korean-popcap-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/popcap-and-ncsoft-team-up-for-korean-popcap-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/popcap-and-ncsoft-team-up-for-korean-popcap-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PopCap and NCsoft are cooking up a new product that threatens to destroy productivity in Korea: "PopCap World." The games platform, launching later this year, will be operated by NCsoft and will feature 13 PopCap titles at launch. The games will be offered for free with "optional, premium paid elements to be added later." The initial sampling includes hits of Bejeweled and Plants Vs. Zombies, in addition to an "all-new multiplayer" fix called Super Zuma, which PopCap assures was "built exclusively for Korean players."

PopCap's casual empire, originally built on addictive solo experiences, has expanded rapidly to include the addition of social features and Facebook games. And Korean psychiatrists thought "StarCraft addiction" was an issue ...

JoystiqPopCap and NCsoft team up for Korean 'PopCap World' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>koreamacncsoftpcpopcap-gamespopcap-worldsouth-koreasuper-zumaWed, 15 Sep 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies taking root on DS January 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/plants-vs-zombies-taking-root-on-ds-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/plants-vs-zombies-taking-root-on-ds-january-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/plants-vs-zombies-taking-root-on-ds-january-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This January, you'll be able to play Plants vs. Zombies on two screens without running two simultaneous games on your iPhone and computer. PopCap Games revealed plans today to publish the tower yard defense game on DS in January of next year, at a suggested $19.95 price point.

The DS version will have all the content of the original release, "as well as new and exclusive game content." The DS port of Peggle added entirely new, entirely weird levels under the existing levels, but there's no telling how extensive or insane the additions to Plants vs. Zombies will be.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies taking root on DS January 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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