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[Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/payday-2-will-feature-a-contract-database-coming-this-summer/#comments Payday 2 will feature a 'contract database', coming this summerStarbreeze has revealed new features, game upgrades, and a release window for Payday 2, the sequel the Overkill-developed multiplayer shooter Payday: The Heist. According to a new fact sheet released today, Overkill's latest is due out this summer as a downloadable game on Xbox Live Arcade, the PlayStation Network, and the PC via Steam.

The first game only offered a few different "heists" to play, but the sequel features CRIMENET, a "contract database" offering dozens of different jobs to take, which can take place across multiple stages and change according to certain equipment purchases (like a faster escape car or an inside man). Additionally, each level has a new amount of dynamic content, including random layouts or rare events, and finishing each job rewards loot like new masks, weapons, or other accessories.

Players also get to choose a profession of Mastermind, Enforcer, Ghost or Technician, each with its own skills and equipment to use, and can work their way up from the lowest thug on the totem pole to high-end heisters as they play. That summer release is coming up quick, so we should see more of the game very soon.

JoystiqPayday 2 will feature a 'contract database,' coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesdevelopersheistmicrosoftmultiplayeroverkillpayday-2pcplaystationps3publishingshooterstarbreeze-studiosxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft dev inks deal with Egmont Publishing for books, magazines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/minecraft-dev-inks-deal-with-egmont-publishing-for-books-magazi/#comments Minecraft magazine coming to the UKMinecraft developer Mojang has a deal with UK's Egmont Publishing to create children's books and magazines in territories excluding the US, TechCrunch reports. A spokesperson can't confirm which products exactly will be borne of the deal, but they will include "a range" of items and will launch next year.

Egmont inked a deal with Rovio last month to publish a line of Angry Birds books in the UK. Angry Birds may just be the most merchandised modern game, and Minecraft might be looking to grab some of that market: By March 2012, it earned $1 million (of $80 million total) in revenue from merchandising since October 2010.

We have some suggestions for Egmont's Minecraft-inspired children's literature: Stevie Trotter and the Minecart of Secrets; Goodnight Moon, Hello Endermen; Everybody Mines. And for the adult book spin-off, 50 Shades of Coal.

JoystiqMinecraft dev inks deal with Egmont Publishing for books, magazines originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksegmont-publishingmagazinemicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangpcPublishingukxboxTue, 02 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[How to pitch your indie game to Sony]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/how-to-pitch-your-indie-game-to-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/how-to-pitch-your-indie-game-to-sony/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/how-to-pitch-your-indie-game-to-sony/#comments How to pitch your indie game to Sony"I'm sick of sitting through crap development pitches," Pete Smith, Sony XDev director of product development, told an audience of developers at GDC Europe last week. Smith handles all of the European studios looking to snag a publishing deal on Sony systems, and he helped games such as Heavy Rain and the Motorstorm series race into the public eye.

Smith knows what he wants in a pitch, but just as importantly, he knows precisely what he doesn't want. He gave an overview of his approach to independent pitches, and then broke down a quick and dirty list of "do's" and "do not's." Read through Smith's pet peeves and praises below.

Continue reading How to pitch your indie game to Sony

JoystiqHow to pitch your indie game to Sony originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamescom-2012gdc-europe-2012Indiemovepete-smithpitchplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspPublishingsonyvitaxdevxdev-studio-europeSat, 18 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/#comments ImagePid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.

The PA Report explains how it all works: When Microsoft agrees to allow devs to publish on XBLA, those devs get a set number of slots to sell games with. Not all of the publishers who get these slots use them and some of those publishers are now selling their slots, usually for a share of the game's profits, to other developers. That's the case with Pid: Might and Delight is "borrowing" another publisher's game slot and in return sharing part of Pid's profits.

Anyone publishing a game on XBLA needs to give Microsoft a cut of the profits as well, so both Microsoft and the publisher are taking money away from Might and Delight here. But on the plus side, Might and Delight doesn't need to make a traditional publishing deal at all, so there's no issue with exclusivity or long-term rights. If the game does well, they're much more likely to make sure they see the rewards directly.

JoystiqMight and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmight-and-delightpidpsnpublishingrentself-publishingspotsteamxblaxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Awesomenauts to launch as planned on PSN tomorrow, XBLA naut known [Update: XBLA now known!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/awesomenauts-to-launch-as-planned-on-psn-tomorrow-xbla-naut-kno/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/awesomenauts-to-launch-as-planned-on-psn-tomorrow-xbla-naut-kno/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/awesomenauts-to-launch-as-planned-on-psn-tomorrow-xbla-naut-kno/#comments ImageAwesomenauts will launch as scheduled on PSN in North America tomorrow, Sony announced via Twitter today. The future of Awesomenauts was thrown into disarray yesterday when news broke that its publisher, dtp entertainment, had filed for insolvency. Developer Ronimo said it was working with dtp to get Awesomenauts published.

Awesomenauts will be free for PS Plus subscribers, Sony said. It was scheduled to launch on XBLA on May 2, but that release is still unconfirmed. We've contacted Microsoft for clarification.

Update: Ronimo has confirmed to Joystiq that Awesomenauts will launch as scheduled on XBLA, on May 2. Microsoft has yet to respond, but this is heartening news for potential Awesomenauts fans everywhere.

JoystiqAwesomenauts to launch as planned on PSN tomorrow, XBLA naut known [Update: XBLA now known!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomenautsbankruptcydtp-entertainmentinsolvencylaunchmicrosoftplaystationps3Publishingreleaseronimo-gamesxboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/back-to-the-future-goes-retail-as-telltale-becomes-ps3-wii-publ/#comments Taking a cue from the subject matter of Back to the Future: The Game, Telltale and Sony are going to begin selling the episodic adventure game in an old-fashioned manner: boxed copies in stores. Telltale has 'expanded' its publishing agreement with Sony to include retail games, the first of which will be Back to the Future. The disc version will be released this October, at the same $19.99 price point as the digital version.

The agreement isn't exclusive to Back to the Future; Telltale now has the option to publish retail versions of any of its PSN games. To date, that includes Puzzle Agent, Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People, Tales of Monkey Island, and Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse.

GamePro reports that Telltale has also signed on as a Wii retail publisher, also planning a retail version of Back to the Future this October for the same price. Previous Wii retail games from the developer, including Sam & Max seasons one and two, were published by other companies.

Continue reading Back to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher

JoystiqBack to the Future goes retail as Telltale becomes PS3, Wii publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureback-to-the-futureplaystationps3publishingretailtelltale-gamesWed, 24 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale announces Xbox 360 publishing agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/telltale-announces-xbox-360-publishing-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/telltale-announces-xbox-360-publishing-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/telltale-announces-xbox-360-publishing-agreement/#comments Telltale Games, the San Rafael-based purveyor of episodic adventure games, has struck an accord with Microsoft, the studio announced today. Exact details on the length and nature of the licensing agreement are forthcoming, but it pertains to publishing games on the Xbox 360 (presumably through Xbox Live Arcade), specifically, with no mention of Windows Phone 7 in the deal. The Xbox 360 hasn't seen a Telltale release since Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventure, due to Microsoft's stringent development restrictions. With this new agreement, we could potentially see episodic seasons pre-sold, a la PlayStation Network.

"Adding console support to our acknowledged expertise in digital downloads is another positive step in our long-term growth strategy," said Telltale co-founder and CEO Dan Connors in the announcement. "We are pleased to expand the size of our potential audience by encompassing the Xbox 360 console consumer and bring our vision of video gaming to them."

Telltale currently publishes on PC, Mac, iOS and PSN. The studio has a ridiculous number of projects in the pipeline, offering some compelling possibilities for hopeful Xbox 360 users.

JoystiqTelltale announces Xbox 360 publishing agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jurassic-parkmicrosoftpublishingpublishing-agreementtelltale-gamesxblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 27 Apr 2011 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Imageepoch launches 'JRPG' publishing label]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/imageepoch-launches-jrpg-publishing-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/imageepoch-launches-jrpg-publishing-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/imageepoch-launches-jrpg-publishing-label/#commentsImageepoch, developer of RPGs like Luminous Arc and Sands of Destruction, announced a move into publishing at a press event in Tokyo today. The company detailed the first three games to be published under this new "JRPG" label, the first of which will be a strategy RPG for PSP, called Saigo no Yakusoku no Monogatari, or "Final Promise Story" -- yes, an "FPS" by JRPG. Imageepoch CEO Ryoei Mikage said that game is being designed around the concept of permanent character death (so the story changes if and when you lose a character). Final Promise Story has been dated for release in Japan on April 28, 2011.

Later in 2011, Imageepoch will release another PSP RPG, this one based on the Black Rock Shooter anime, and then will come Chevalier Saga Tactics -- first as a free-to-play PC game, then later as a mobile and PS3 release (Imageepoch's first HD effort). In addition to these three games, Imageepoch teased four more projects, including a Type-Moon collaboration and a remake of a classic PC game; announced plans to work on smartphone apps; and confirmed that it will continue to develop for other publishers even as it self-publishes some titles. Currently, Imageepoch is working on a game for Sega, which will be assisting with distribution of the "JRPG" releases.

Trailers for the first three JRPG ... RPGs are posted after the break.

Continue reading Imageepoch launches 'JRPG' publishing label

JoystiqImageepoch launches 'JRPG' publishing label originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-rock-shooterchevalier-saga-tacticsfinal-promise-storyimageepochjapanjrpgplaystationpsppublishingrelease-daterpgsegasonyWed, 24 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NaturalMotion moving into publishing, naturally]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/naturalmotion-moving-into-publishing-naturally/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/naturalmotion-moving-into-publishing-naturally/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/naturalmotion-moving-into-publishing-naturally/#commentsDeveloper NaturalMotion, perhaps best known for its Morpheme and Euphoria middleware, has announced that it will begin publishing games digitally, beginning with a couple of iOS projects. According to GI.biz, Jenga and Backbreaker 2: Vengeance (really -- that's the subtitle for a football game?) will be the first products out of the company's new publishing division. The developer's first Backbreaker game has been reportedly downloaded over three million times from the App Store, offering a solid clue as to why NaturalMotion is moving in this new direction.

"We believe there is a significant opportunity in combining the ease of use and connectivity of social games with the stunning performance of modern devices such iOS, Android and consoles," said CEO Torsten Reil. According to the NaturalMotion website, Jenga for iOS will be the publisher's inaugural release this holiday.

JoystiqNaturalMotion moving into publishing, naturally originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbreakerbackbreaker-2-vengeanceiosiphonejengamobilenaturalmotionpublishingFri, 19 Nov 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Team17 wriggles free from third-party publishers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/team17-wriggles-free-from-third-party-publishers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/team17-wriggles-free-from-third-party-publishers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/team17-wriggles-free-from-third-party-publishers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Having released only two boxed retail games in the past three years, Worms developer Team17 has been working toward total independence from third-party publishers. That moment has arrived for the studio, which has repositioned itself as an independent digital publisher, reports MCV. "We have no ambitions to return to retail publishing," co-founder Martyn Brown told the site.

Team17 has completed a restructuring initiative, which has both promoted existing staff and brought in new hires to fill the roles of a publishing entity. In addition to continuing to self-publish its own titles through digital distribution channels -- having celebrated its 20th anniversary last December, Team17 is one of the oldest independent developers in the industry -- the company will be working with other independent developers to bring their games to digital platforms, including XBLA, PSN and the App Store.

"We are actively involved in working with other independent studios to publish their IP. This is a key aspect of our strategy going forward," Brown said. "We now have the right structure and team in place to accomplish this."

JoystiqTeam17 wriggles free from third-party publishers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storedigital-distributionindependentmartyn-brownmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3PSNpublishingteam-17Team17XBLAxboxMon, 30 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ still focused on owning IP the 'Hollywood' way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/thq-still-focused-on-owning-ip-the-hollywood-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THQ's competitors -- namely EA and Activision -- have recently landed publishing deals with high-profile developers, such as Respawn, Bungie and Insomniac, by allowing the studios to own their new game franchises. And while THQ offers its own "Partners" program, the company is still focused on owning franchises.

"I believe in the Hollywood model, which is that, the bigger the artist, the more important, the more successful they are, the bigger share they get," VP Danny Bilson explained to IndustryGamers. "But you know know, most of the biggest talents in Hollywood don't own their IPs. It doesn't work that way. My job coming to this company was to build an IP library, which builds value in THQ. So that means having a developer own the IP becomes a deal-breaker." According to Bilson, THQ had discussions with Respawn's West and Zampella; undoubtedly, Bilson's position made an offer impossible.

While Bilson offers no flexibility in this particular regard, he believes the company has still acquired strong talent by offering "an absolutely better place to work." At this year's E3, the publisher surprised many with the announcement of Devil's Third, a new action IP from the Itagaki-led Valhalla Studios. According to Bilson, other high-profile partnerships will be announced "over the next six months," and he noted, "you're going to go, 'oh my God.'" Considering the incredible turnaround of THQ's portfolio under Bilson's tenure, it's difficult not to share his excitement.

JoystiqTHQ still focused on owning IP the 'Hollywood' way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danny-bilsonintellectual-propertyippublishingthqThu, 01 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/#commentsAge of Conan and The Secret World publisher Funcom has announced a publishing deal with Sweden-based Stunlock Studios AB for the PC multiplayer arena game Bloodline Champions. Under the deal, Funcom will operate and provide support for the 10-player online combat game.

The deal has more significance than just bringing Bloodline Champions to audiences, though. While Stunlock will retain ownership of Bloodline, Funcom has also agreed to purchase a minority stake in Stunlock. It seems likely, then, that it will work with Funcom for future titles.

If you'd like to see what Funcom's money is going into, you can try to get into the current Bloodline Champions beta here. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until "late 2010."

JoystiqFuncom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaarena-combatbloodline-championsfuncomfuncom-gamesmmopublishingstunlockFri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo developer Bungie enters 10-year partnership with Activision]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/bungie-enters-10-year-partnership-with-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/bungie-enters-10-year-partnership-with-activision/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/bungie-enters-10-year-partnership-with-activision/#comments Just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder at Activision. Bungie has just announced that it has entered into a ten-year publishing agreement with Activision, which will receive exclusive, worldwide rights to publish all games based on Bungie's "next big action game universe." The deal also notes that Activision will have the rights to publish said games on "multiple platforms and devices," meaning Bungie's longstanding Xbox exclusivity may come to an end.

Furthermore, the agreement specifies that Bungie will remain an independent company and will retain all rights to its intellectual property. Bungie president Harold Ryan notes that the two companies have been working on the deal "over the past nine months."

The specificity of the agreement is noteworthy, especially that Activision only has rights to publish games based on Bungie's new intellectual property -- its "next big action game universe," whatever that may be. The fact that Bungie will retain ownership of its IP is particularly interesting, especially in light of the widening rift between Activision and Infinity Ward.

When Bungie famously split with Microsoft in 2007, it was assumed Microsoft would retain first right of refusal on any future Bungie projects. It's unclear why (or if) Microsoft refused Bungie's latest project, though the company's apparent multiplatform ambitions would provide a likely explanation -- that is, assuming Bungie doesn't have more than one project in the pipeline.

Update: Added commentary from Activision's Thomas Tippl and Bungie's Harold Ryan after the break.

Continue reading Halo developer Bungie enters 10-year partnership with Activision

JoystiqHalo developer Bungie enters 10-year partnership with Activision originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiebungivisionHarold-RyanMicrosoftpublishingThomas-TipplXbox-360Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium dev moves on to Sony after Microsoft passes on publishing its critical darling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/machinarium-dev-moves-on-to-sony-after-microsoft-passes-on-publi/#comments A report late last week on XBLAFans.com claimed that Czech game studio Amanita Design had been "refused" a publishing deal to bring the critically-acclaimed Machinarium to Xbox Live Arcade, because the game was not an Xbox exclusive. While the quotes in the article were incendiary, they echoed information Joystiq received from developer Golgoth Studio earlier this year, when it too was denied a publishing deal from Microsoft for Toki HD. (Microsoft decided Toki HD didn't fit with its current portfolio.)

The key is that neither game has been refused space on the platform -- Microsoft has simply decided not to publish the games itself. Microsoft requires all XBLA titles be attached with a publishing partner, meaning neither Amanita Design and Golgoth Studio can self-publish the games on the XBLA platform. Sony and Nintendo do not have the same policy for the PlayStation Network and WiiWare, respectively.

Joystiq contacted Amanita Design founder Jakub Dvorský for to clarify the situation. "They told us, 'It's not Microsoft-exclusive, we don't want it.' They didn't cite the Mac and Linux versions [as reasons for the refusal] but it's quite clear that's the reason," Dvorský told Joystiq via email. As it did with Toki HD, Microsoft recommended Amanita Design pursue other publishers, an idea the team doesn't appear intent on exploring. "It means if we want to release the game on XBLA we must throw, probably, most of the profit out of the window -- to the publisher. Just because we created Mac and Linux versions."

Microsoft's official stance -- and policy, according to Dvorský -- is the company does not publish games that are not exclusive to its platforms. During the year-long process of waiting for a response from Microsoft, Amanita Design never expressed interest in submitting Machinarium to Sony's PlayStation Network. Now that Microsoft has decided against publishing the game, Amanita is exploring Sony's platform. "We submitted the game to Sony after Microsoft refused it," Dvorský said.

JoystiqMachinarium dev moves on to Sony after Microsoft passes on publishing its critical darling originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designJakub-DvorskymachinariumMicrosoftpsnpublishingxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeMon, 12 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo publishing Samurai Warriors 3 with Tecmo Koei]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/nintendo-publishing-samurai-warriors-3-with-tecmo-koei/#commentsFollowing the recent announcement that Dragon Quest IX will be published by Nintendo in North America, the company has revealed another publishing partnership for an exclusive game from a big Japanese publisher: Nintendo will co-publish Koei's Samurai Warriors 3 in North America this fall.

It makes sense that Nintendo would take the stewardship role for this game, as it contains a mode featuring characters and locations from Nintendo's Nazo no Murasame-jou ("The Mysterious Murasame Castle"), a Famicom Disk System game designed by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto. In any case, this is one way for Nintendo to ensure ongoing releases of third-party core games on its systems: by plucking existing ones from Japan and publishing them in North America itself.

Gallery: Samurai Warriors 3 (Wii)

JoystiqNintendo publishing Samurai Warriors 3 with Tecmo Koei originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dynasty-warriorskoeipublishingsamurai-warriorssamurai-warriors-3Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo publishing Dragon Quest IX in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/nintendo-publishing-dragon-quest-ix-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/nintendo-publishing-dragon-quest-ix-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/nintendo-publishing-dragon-quest-ix-in-north-america/#commentsAmerican DS owners have been waiting patiently for Dragon Quest IX, as the game racks up crazy sales in Japan and weekly DLC is released from Square Enix. Well ... we're going to have to keep waiting. While Nintendo didn't announce a date for the RPG at the Nintendo Media Summit today, the company announced that it will not only co-market Dragon Quest IX, it will publish it in North America. This is the first official confirmation of a localized release.

Square Enix previously said that it would consider localizing DQIX in its next fiscal year (beginning in April). Update: Nintendo has scheduled Dragon Quest IX for a summer 2010 release.

JoystiqNintendo publishing Dragon Quest IX in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9dragon-questDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSJRPGLevel-5Nintendonintendo-media-summit-2010publishingq3-2010release-daterpgsquare-enixWed, 24 Feb 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 considers opening US office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/level-5-considers-opening-us-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/level-5-considers-opening-us-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/10/level-5-considers-opening-us-office/#commentsDuring the same event in which Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino teased new Wii and PS3 games, he also suggested that the company may be setting up operations in the US. According to our own imperfect translation of 4Gamer's summary of statements, "Mr. Hino, in order to release software overseas, spoke about a plan to establish a new company in America," describing his intention to expand the company's activities from its current home of Fukuoka to the world.

This new enterprise would be the second new office opened by the company for this purpose -- it recently established an overseas-focused office in Tokyo. Perhaps we'll see self-published Level-5 games soon. Perhaps that way we can get timely Professor Layton releases!

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqLevel-5 considers opening US office originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinoDSlevel-5localizationNintendoprofessor-laytonpublishingWiiWed, 10 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Can Apple save gaming magazines?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/26/can-apple-save-gaming-magazines/#comments
[SI.com; tablet concept]
What do these publications have in common: EGM, Games for Windows, Official PlayStation Magazine, Computer Games Magazine, Tips and Tricks, GMR, Xbox Nation, and Massive? Video games, sure, but all have also perished in the last five years. With the looming announcement of Apple's long-rumored tablet device, there's a chance that gaming magazines may finally be able to stop the bleeding.

It's no secret that just about every video game magazine out there is hurting right now -- save for the absurdly colossal Game Informer (its unique arrangement with GameStop provides the publication with a seemingly infinite subscriber base eager to save on used-game purchases and get extra trade-in credit). The magazine world in general has been hit hard by the evaporation of advertising dollars, and gaming publications have been subjected to some of the worst of that storm due to the movement of their traditionally tech-savvy audience away from print and to digital media.

However, Apple is rumored to be launching a device that could make magazines cool again and help the gaming print media crawl off its deathbed. The Wall Street Journal reported several days ago on information from anonymous sources that Apple has been in talks with several print media corporations, including Conde Nast, one of the largest magazine publishers in the world, to bring its publications to Apple's long-rumored tablet PC -- expected to be announced tomorrow, January 27, at a press event in San Francisco. The article speculated that Apple has plans to use this new device to redefine print media in much the same way that iTunes and the iPod revolutionized the monetization of music.

Continue reading Can Apple save gaming magazines?

JoystiqCan Apple save gaming magazines? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-tabletdigitaldigital-magazinee-magazineezinegamingipadiPodislateitabletmagazinepublishingtablettablet-magazineTue, 26 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Rising Star regains rights to Marvelous games after stock sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/report-rising-star-regains-rights-to-marvelous-games-after-stoc/#commentsEven though Marvelous Entertainment just sold off its controlling stake in European publisher Rising Star Games, Rising Star will continue to bring Europeans Harvest Moon, No More Heroes and other Marvelous games.

Due to low sales in the West, Marvelous sold its stake in Rising Star to Japanese publisher Intergrow. When this deal was announced late last week, it led to speculation that Rising Star and other publishers would then have to license Marvelous games on a case-by-case basis to publish them in Europe. However, Rising Star managing director Martin Defries told MCV that Rising Star has reacquired the publishing rights in Europe. "I am delighted to have secured further additional backing from an important Japanese company, whilst continuing our content relationship with Marvelous Entertainment," Defries said.

Sales would suggest that an unfortunately small number of people are affected either way, but it should be comforting to some of you to have a reliable pipeline for Marvelous products.

JoystiqReport: Rising Star regains rights to Marvelous games after stock sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeharvest-moonintergrowmarvelouspublishingrising-star-gamesMon, 25 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5 opens new Tokyo office for 'overseas business']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/level-5-opens-new-tokyo-office-for-overseas-business/#commentsProfessor Layton, White Knight Chronicles, and Dragon Quest IX developer Level-5 is expanding from its Fukuoka, Japan base, founding a new office in Tokyo focused on its ROID mobile gaming platform, overseas business, and "new enterprises." The move could portend worldwide release of the developer's mobile games, or even expansion of its publishing business.

In Japan, Level-5 publishes the Layton series, Inazuma Eleven, and other titles independently. If a localized Inazuma Eleven is indeed on the way, Level-5 could be looking to start up its publishing business outside of Japan with that title. Or, less spectacularly, we suppose the new office could be tasked with localization of games and dealing with Western publishers.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqLevel-5 opens new Tokyo office for 'overseas business' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSinazuma-elevenlevel-5localizationni-no-kuniNintendoprofessor-laytonpublishingThu, 14 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix to distribute Disney Interactive titles in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/#comments
The long-standing partnership between RPG juggernaut Square Enix and the mouse-eared moguls of Disney just became a bit stronger. According to Andriasang, Squeenix and Disney Interactive Studios have teamed up to distribute the latter's games in Japan. The first title receiving the support of the massive publisher is Stitch! DS Ohana to Rhythm de Daibouken, which we're assuming is a game based on the Lilo and Stitch franchise, and not some sort of sartorial rhythm title.

Though you may be uncomfortable with the expansive publishing empire Square Enix is amassing, think of it this way -- we could see awesome mash-ups between these two companies' respective franchises! Like, say, an action-RPG featuring both Final Fantasy and Disney film characters -- oh, never mind. That's just silly talk.

JoystiqSquare Enix to distribute Disney Interactive titles in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactivedistributionjapanpublishingrpgsquare-enixstitch-dsThu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZeniMax's id buyout doesn't affect Wolfenstein and Rage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/zenimaxs-id-buyout-doesnt-affect-wolfenstein-and-rage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/zenimaxs-id-buyout-doesnt-affect-wolfenstein-and-rage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/zenimaxs-id-buyout-doesnt-affect-wolfenstein-and-rage/#comments
We're just one day into the freshly forged relationship between id Software and publishing powerhouse ZeniMax, and we may well be on our way to a bona fide lover's squabble. See, though yesterday's press release from ZeniMax boasted that the company's "library of powerhouse franchises will include DOOM, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, QUAKE, Wolfenstein and RAGE," Electronic Arts and Activision have announced that they're retaining their publishing duties for Rage and Wolfenstein, respectively.

ZeniMax referenced these two parties in the same press release, stating that it would publish all of id's future games "other than upcoming releases previously committed to other publishers." Though both EA and Activision's partnerships with id Software are limited to the aforementioned games, and will effectively end when said titles are released, the temporary presence of these two concubines should make things pretty awkward in the newly built idMax household.

JoystiqZeniMax's id buyout doesn't affect Wolfenstein and Rage originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaElectronic-Artsid-softwareMicrosoftpublishingragewolfensteinXbox-360zenimaxThu, 25 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Future US president calls it quits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/18/future-us-president-calls-it-quits/#comments
Yes, 12-year-old Billy Caruthers, projected winner of the 2036 presidential election has decided to resign from his pending office in order to dodge controversy surrounding his pending extramarital affair. He -- oh, wait. We totally misread that headline. The president of magazine publisher Future US, Jonathan Simpson-Bint, is stepping down August 31 in order to start up his own business. Simpson-Bint has been working with the company for 18 years, and oversaw the launch of PSM, IGN.com and DailyRadar.com.

Future is currently looking for Simpson-Bint's replacement -- if you've got experience managing humongous publishing companies, yet find yourself working as a lowly fry cook at your local Carl's Jr., perhaps its time you gained some upward mobility.

JoystiqFuture US president calls it quits originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futurefuture-usmagazinemediapublishingThu, 18 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix and Eidos dropping Warner Bros. publishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/square-enix-and-eidos-dropping-warner-bros-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/square-enix-and-eidos-dropping-warner-bros-publishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/square-enix-and-eidos-dropping-warner-bros-publishing/#comments Although the ink has dried on Square Enix's buyout of Eidos last month, there still remains a few issues to iron out before the handover is complete. One of these issues is the publishing rights of currently scheduled titles. Batman: Arkham Asylum and Mini Ninjas were originally under Warner Bros. Interactive before the takeover and will continue to go under that name; however, all future titles will return in-house.

Kane & Lynch 2 and Just Cause 2 can be counted among those titles donning the Square Enix logos, though thankfully the influence stops there as Eidos will continue to run as an independent company. Don't worry, Kane & Lynch will be androgyny-free.

JoystiqSquare Enix and Eidos dropping Warner Bros. publishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyouteidosindustrypublishingsquare-enixwarner-brosMon, 01 Jun 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu, retailers say Bethesda publishing Wet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/famitsu-retailers-say-bethesda-publishing-wet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/famitsu-retailers-say-bethesda-publishing-wet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/famitsu-retailers-say-bethesda-publishing-wet/#comments
It looks as if Wet has finally have emerged from the murky waters of publishing limbo, though the likely reveal comes from the unlikeliest of sources. The latest issue of Japanese mag Famitsu, according to Siliconera, lists Bethesda as the publisher behind the Western-developed, stylish third-person shooter, which has been without a champion since being cast off in the wake of last year's Activision-Vivendi merger.

In addition, several online retailers, including Amazon, Gamefly and CD Universe also claim that the action romp has been picked up by the Fallout 3 crew. However, there seems to be some disagreement on when the game will arrive at retail. According to Amazon, Wet will ship on August 31, while both Gamefly and CD Universe expect the game to arrive on September 30 and 31 respectively.

Whatever the case, it seems probable that Wet has found a new home among the publisher's traditionally RPG-heavy catalog. While still unofficial, we've reached out to Bethesda in hopes of toweling off any additional information.

Source -- Bethesda gets Wet
Source -- Bethesda Softworks Rescues Wet

JoystiqFamitsu, retailers say Bethesda publishing Wet originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksMicrosoftpublishingrumorwetXbox-360Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Mile sinking: Sin City, Heroes Over Europe release in question]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/red-mile-sinking-sin-city-heroes-over-europe-release-in-questi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/red-mile-sinking-sin-city-heroes-over-europe-release-in-questi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/red-mile-sinking-sin-city-heroes-over-europe-release-in-questi/#comments
With cash short and options shorter, publisher Red Mile is in danger of going out of business, leaving both the video game adaptation of Sin City and Heroes of Europe to tread water. Red Mile inked a co-publishing deal with Atari in mid-2008 for Heroes Over Europe, something it expected to net the struggling company "minimum guaranteed payments" and back-end royalties to help keep it afloat. However, the checks stopped arriving on February 11 as Atari pulled its hand out of Red Mile's wallet, ending its publishing agreement for reasons unknown.

Without any income, and means to pay Heroes Over Europe developer Transmission Games, it's not surprising that the devs walked away as well when Red Mile failed to pay the studio some $281,000.

Red Mile is currently considering going after Atari for "compensatory damages," but time is running short and it's likely the company could simply run out of cash before any settlement is reached. The publisher has around $341,000 left in its coffers, which it estimates will run dry at the end of March. The company predicts that it needs an additional $10,000,000 to keep its doors open another 2-3 years, leaving the eventual release of Heroes Over Europe and Sin City in question. However, given that Red Mile has continually posted losses totaling more than $35 million since it was formed in 2004, we doubt many banks will be opening up their vaults for the company any time soon.

JoystiqRed Mile sinking: Sin City, Heroes Over Europe release in question originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariheroes-over-europemoneypublishingred-milesin-citytransmissiontransmission-gamesTue, 17 Feb 2009 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega on the Platinum Games deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/sega-on-the-platinum-games-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/sega-on-the-platinum-games-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/sega-on-the-platinum-games-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,


We hope Sega made a good decision when they decided to publish Platinum Games' works. Both Sega and Platinum (or Clover, really) are companies who make great games, but have had serious problems recently. We would like to see two of our favorite game companies succeed together.

Gamespot spoke to Sega of America president Simon Jeffery and VP of marketing Sean Ratcliffe about the deal and what drew Sega to Platinum. Jeffery believes that Capcom's Japan-focused marketing and organization contributed to the Western failure of Clover's products, and that because Sega runs a very Western-oriented organization outside of Japan, Sega can more effectively market Platinum's games.

A few interesting details about the deal came up, as well. This publishing agreement isn't just game-by-game -- Sega is Platinum's exclusive publisher for some unspecified period. Sega also holds the IP rights for the new games.

JoystiqSega on the Platinum Games deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clovermadworldplatinum-gamespublishingsegaTue, 20 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Would you publish Myst?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ds-daily-would-you-publish-myst/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ds-daily-would-you-publish-myst/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/ds-daily-would-you-publish-myst/#commentsFiled under:

Imagine you're in charge of a video game publisher. You've been given the opportunity to publish a DS version of Myst. Myst is one of the most popular games of all time, and the DS is one of the most popular systems of all time. Do you decide to pick up the project, or do you pass?

Are your reasons financial or artistic? Do you think Myst is a timeless classic, bound to sell on the most adventure-friendly system in ages, or is it an archaic slideshow? Does that matter business-wise?

JoystiqDS Daily: Would you publish Myst? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureempire-interactivemystpublishingremakeFri, 09 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It always seemed to us that MMO-maker Webzen had a bit too much on its plate, what with working on APB, Huxley and Soul of the Ultimate Nation year after year with no signs of any actual releases. Well, Webzen's plate got a little less full today, as developer Realtime Worlds announced it has regained the global distribution rights to APB.

Realtime Worlds' announcement follows a an intriguing demo of APB at February's Game Developer's Conference and a $50 million cash infusion for the Crackdown developer in March. As for Webzen, maybe this disquisition will finally give it the focus it needs to finish up the long-dormant Huxley.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBPS3publishingrealtime-worldsrightswebzenXbox-360Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright: Ace Strategic Planner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/#commentsFiled under:

As consumers, we hardly look into the business side of gaming. That doesn't mean we don't take a look at stocks and sales numbers, because we like to play the part of video game analyst at times. Yet, we usually don't think about the behind-the-scenes decisions that publishers have to make.

When we want games, we just want them, publishers be damned. Games like Electroplankton bother us because they're so hard to find, and even when Electroplankton was available way back when, it was only available online and at the Nintendo World Store. We never stopped to think that maybe retailers refused to put the game on their shelves. (Note: We're not saying that this was the case with Electroplankton, only that it may have factored into Nintendo's decision).

MTV Multiplayer's interview with Christian Svensson, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning & Research for Capcom, brings some of these issues to light. Svensson talks a lot about the first Phoenix Wright game specifically, and how it was difficult to convince retailers to stock the title despite fan interest.

There are also many other issues that come into play, like first week sales and production speeds. If companies can't provide retailers with games almost immediately after orders are placed, stores will just move on to the next hot title on the market. This makes proper estimates for DS games especially important, since they take about two months to manufacture. No pressure.

The article is definitely worth a read, and the next time you find yourself irritated because so-and-so game is impossible to find, you might be a little less quick to yell out objections.

JoystiqPhoenix Wright: Ace Strategic Planner originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneybusinesscapcomchristian-svenssondistributionphoenix-wrightpublishingWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard@GDC: Ken Levine on Steamworks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/overheard-gdc-ken-levine-on-steamworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/overheard-gdc-ken-levine-on-steamworks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/overheard-gdc-ken-levine-on-steamworks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Throughout his discussion of BioShock's story on Wednesday, Ken Levine referenced the folks at Valve and the top notch work they had done on games like Half-Life 2. Before the talk started we overheard him talking about the Steamworks announcement, and when we joined a large discussion of attendees after the event ended we asked the man himself what he thought.

What do you think of the Steamworks announcement?

"I think the great thing about Valve is they understand you don't have to make every penny off of everybody every second to make the big dollar. Google has a similar approach. You don't feel like you're being constantly fleeced - Valve has a very sophisticated model, they're very smart guys, and I think it's really exciting. It's great for developers. It's great for Valve, it's great for everybody else, and it's great for people making games.

How much do you think Steam helped BioShock?

"I think one of the great things about Valve is that they are developers. I've worked with some big companies, and as developers they're professional, they're on the ball, I can't think of a single mistake that they made. They're taking it very seriously."

JoystiqOverheard@GDC: Ken Levine on Steamworks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockGDCgdc08ken-levineoverheardatgdcPCpublishingsteamsteamworksvalveFri, 22 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Publishing buys share of N4G.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/future-publishing-buys-share-of-n4g-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/future-publishing-buys-share-of-n4g-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/future-publishing-buys-share-of-n4g-com/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Editorial judgment? Original content? What are those? Everyone who's anyone knows the hot new thing is letting readers vote on what counts as news on sites like Digg, StumbleUpon and N4G, the last of which got a cash infusion from mega-publisher Future U.S., it was announced today.

The publishing giant behind all three official U.S. gaming magazines spent an undisclosed sum to obtain an undisclosed minority share of the site. It might be a sound investment -- according to the press release, "N4G received 3.65 million visits in January 2008, with 17.8 million page views and nearly a million unique visitors." Not bad for a site that makes its readers do all the work.

JoystiqFuture Publishing buys share of N4G.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FuturejournalismN4GnewsonlinepublishingwebTue, 05 Feb 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting a game idea published]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/getting-a-game-idea-published/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/getting-a-game-idea-published/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/getting-a-game-idea-published/#commentsFiled under:

Over at the IGDA, there's some advice for a hobbyist game developer looking to pitch (and protect) a game design. Pitching a random idea for a game to a developer or publisher isn't easy, but there are some solid hints on how to get an idea towards reality:
Indie game development competitions and pitching opportunities offer a lot of scope for an idea to become an actual game; accessible platforms like Flash and the Xbox Live Arcade add further ways it can happen. One thing's for sure, though -- you have to be serious and committed to make this process work.

See also:
Advice for wannabe game developers
The life of a lapsed game developer

JoystiqGetting a game idea published originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 May 2006 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicedevelopmentgame developmentGameDevelopmenthowtoigdalife cycleLifeCyclepitchprogrammingpublishingTue, 23 May 2006 08:58:00 EST