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[Bullet Run empties its clip, shuts down servers March 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/bullet-run-empties-its-clip-shuts-down-servers-march-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/bullet-run-empties-its-clip-shuts-down-servers-march-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/bullet-run-empties-its-clip-shuts-down-servers-march-8/#comments Bullet Run, Sony Online Entertainment's free-to-play online shooter, will be shut down on March 8. All membership billing has been concluded as of February 1, and those with platinum memberships will receive prorated refunds for their remaining time.

Though developer Acony Games will retain all of the Bullet Run game code after March 8, it has said there is "no plan" to relaunch. Even if it did, accounts would not be able to resume contiguously because SOE retains all account data once the game comes to a full stop.

JoystiqBullet Run empties its clip, shuts down servers March 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acony-gamesbullet-runmacpcsoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 04 Feb 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs, Payday: The Heist are cheap on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/19/sleeping-dogs-payday-the-heist-are-cheap-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments Big discounts on Sleeping Dogs and Payday on Steam this weekendSleeping Dogs and Payday: The Heist are both discounted this weekend, and one of them gets a free weekend as well. Guess which one. We'll give you a hint: It's the one with guns. OK, another hint: It tells the story of career criminals. Got it? That's right, Payday: The Sleeping-Dogs Heist.

Fine, it's Payday: The Heist that gets the free weekend, from now through Sunday at 1 p.m. PST. If you try it and want to buy, it's 75 percent off ($5) now through Monday at 10 a.m. PT. Sleeping Dogs is 50 percent off ($25) during that time.

JoystiqSleeping Dogs, Payday: The Heist are cheap on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discountfreefree-weekendpayday-the-heistpcsaleSleeping-DogsSOESquare-EnixSTEAMFri, 19 Oct 2012 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday: The Heist 'Wolfpack' DLC coming next week in US, available now in EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/payday-the-heist-wolfpack-dlc-coming-next-week-in-us-availab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/payday-the-heist-wolfpack-dlc-coming-next-week-in-us-availab/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/payday-the-heist-wolfpack-dlc-coming-next-week-in-us-availab/#comments Payday The Heist 'Wolfpack' DLC coming next week in US, available now in EUIt may not be a zombie-filled hospital, but Payday: The Heist's "Wolfpack" DLC does include new weapons, missions, and what appears to be some kind of fog-spewing basement or stairwell.

You also get two new heists, a new crew member called "The Technician," a raised level cap and a few extra weapons when the DLC launches in North America, on August 7 for $9.99. If you're more into robbing French banks than American ones, the content pack has already been released in Europe for £6.49/€7.99.

Gallery: Payday: The Heist (Wolfpack DLC)

JoystiqPayday: The Heist 'Wolfpack' DLC coming next week in US, available now in EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DLCoverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistplaystationps3release-dateSCESOESony-Computer-EntertainmentSony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 01 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 beta delayed to end of the week to add more 'awesome']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/planetside-2-beta-delayed-to-end-of-the-week-to-add-more-awesom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/planetside-2-beta-delayed-to-end-of-the-week-to-add-more-awesom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/planetside-2-beta-delayed-to-end-of-the-week-to-add-more-awesom/#comments Planetside 2 beta postponed end of this week, early nextThe Planetside 2 beta was originally, enthusiastically planned to begin today or tomorrow, but has now been pushed to "Friday or Monday," SOE president John Smedley tweets. On Thursday Smedley said the beta would launch early this week "barring any unforeseen circumstances."

Such circumstances must have included not having enough awesome, since today Smedley notes the delay is because "we have some stuff we need to make sure is awesome," and the team needs to polish and test a few things before a "massive" number of people attempt to play. We're not sure what scale SOE measures the awesomeness of its games by, but it looks like Planetside 2 is aiming for very.

JoystiqPlanetside 2 beta delayed to end of the week to add more 'awesome' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomebetaDelaypcplanetside-2SOEMon, 30 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday's bank robbers take over Left 4 Dead's Mercy Hospital]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/paydays-bank-robbers-take-over-left-4-deads-mercy-hospital/#comments
Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! The bank robbing bad guys from Payday are getting crossed with Left 4 Dead's zombie-filled Mercy Hospital - apparently prior to the events of L4D - in an upcoming mission pack. See for yourself above.

JoystiqPayday's bank robbers take over Left 4 Dead's Mercy Hospital originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentmercy-hospitaloverkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnsoesony-online-entertainmentstarbreezestarbreeze-studiosvalvevalve-softwareFri, 27 Jul 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 beta starts next week, new cinematic trailer starts right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/planetside-2-beta-starts-next-week-new-cinematic-trailer-starts/#comments Planetside 2 beta starts next week, new trailer starts right now
Planetside 2's closed beta will begin "NEXT MON OR TUESDAY BARRING ANY UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES," according to an all-caps tweet from SOE president John Smedley. Invitations to the beta, which Smedley refers to as a "real beta" and not a "marketing gimmick," will automatically be sent to everyone that ever subscribed to the original Planetside.

Additionally, anyone without a Planetside history that is interested in testing out the new digs can opt in to the program on its official website. Invites are being sent out in waves, with priority given to active Planetside subscribers, inactive past subscribers and then opt in entrants, in that order. Can we somehow opt in to the beta while opting out of being stabbed by invisible robots? Seems like a downer.

JoystiqPlanetside 2 beta starts next week, new cinematic trailer starts right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betapcplanetside-2SOESony-Online-EntertainmentThu, 26 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/planetside-2-takes-flight-in-new-trailer-and-screens/#comments We never understood why they call aerial combat dogfighting - it's not like dogs can fly, right? Wait, can they? ... No, we're pretty sure that's just a dream we had once.

Continue reading Planetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens

JoystiqPlanetside 2 takes flight in new trailer and screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Localpcplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentU.S.Wed, 30 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/soe-announces-free-to-play-bullet-run-a-revamped-hedone-from-ac/#comments Acony Games, a German developer, has been working on an online first-person shooter called Hedone, about contestants fighting to win a deadly reality show. Sony Online Entertainment today announced that it is publishing a game by Acony called Bullet Run, and as far as we can tell it's Hedone with a new title.

There's no mention of Hedone on the official website or in the press release, but the free-to-play shooter now called Bullet Run boasts the same reality show premise as Acony's project, and it certainly looks the same as the old game (not to mention that hedone.tv now redirects to Sony's official Bullet Run site).

Some of Acony's developers previously worked on MMO flops APB and BattleForge, so the track record here isn't the greatest. But SOE apparently sees something in the title and is already trying to work some rebranding magic. Beta signups for Bullet Run are going on now, and the game is set to go live later this summer.

Continue reading SOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games

JoystiqSOE announces free-to-play Bullet Run, a revamped Hedone from Acony Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acony-gamesbullet-runfree-to-playhedoneonlinepcshootersoeSony-online-entertainmentTue, 22 May 2012 21:25:00 EST<![CDATA['The Last Laugh' DLC coming to DC Universe Online in June, adds new PvP content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-last-laugh-dlc-coming-to-dc-universe-online-in-june-adds/#comments ImageThe Last Laugh, a new DLC pack that expands player-versus-player options in DC Universe Online, is set to arrive on PC and PlayStation 3 this June. In addition to introducing three different four-on-four battle scenarios (all conjured up by the actions of Batman's nemesis, The Joker), The Last Laugh adds a two-phase, 16-vs-16 scenario in which both sides try to take over the other's Headquarters. And there's a new weapon called The Shield, which can either be used to bash enemies, or hurled for a ranged attack, Captain America-style! (Wait ...)

Finally, there are two new Legends PvP characters to play as: Kilowog the Green Lantern, and Amon Sur from the Sinestro Corps. The pack is a free download for Legendary subscribers, and available for purchase by Free and Premium players. You can see what it all looks like in the gallery below.

Gallery: DC Universe Online: Last Laugh DLC

Joystiq'The Last Laugh' DLC coming to DC Universe Online in June, adds new PvP content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinedcuodlcdlc-packlegendarypcplayer-versus-playerplaystationpremiumps3pvpsoethe-last-laughWed, 09 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday: The Heist breaks out with a free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/payday-the-heist-breaks-out-with-a-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/payday-the-heist-breaks-out-with-a-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/payday-the-heist-breaks-out-with-a-free-update/#comments ImageThe high action crime caper game, Payday: The Heist, received a long-awaited update last night, adding a number of new features, including presidential masks, an OVERKILL 145+ difficulty, and other enhancements. Fans make out with the update for free.

For those catching up: In Payday: The Heist, players team up to pull off action-movie style crime jobs. It's currently available for both the PC and PS3.

Gallery: Payday: The Heist (4/6/12 Game Update)

Continue reading Payday: The Heist breaks out with a free update

JoystiqPayday: The Heist breaks out with a free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>overkill-softwarepatchpayday-the-heistpcplaystationps3psnsoesteamupdateSat, 07 Apr 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 alpha gameplay shows off map size, vehicle combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/planetside-2-alpha-gameplay-shows-off-map-size-vehicle-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/planetside-2-alpha-gameplay-shows-off-map-size-vehicle-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/planetside-2-alpha-gameplay-shows-off-map-size-vehicle-combat/#comments
This guided walkthrough of PlanetSide 2's GDC alpha demo takes pride in how "MASSIVE" every part of this game apparently is, from its day/night-cycling environments to its customizable tanks, planes and support vehicles. Even the infantry combat is MASSIVE, despite being totes normal-sized.

JoystiqPlanetSide 2 alpha gameplay shows off map size, vehicle combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developer-diarypcplanetside-2SOESony-Online-EntertainmentFri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony closing four online titles in March, you're probably okay with it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/sony-closing-four-mmos-in-march-youre-probably-okay-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/sony-closing-four-mmos-in-march-youre-probably-okay-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/sony-closing-four-mmos-in-march-youre-probably-okay-with-it/#comments
The folks at Sony Online Entertainment have announced that four titles in its stable of massively-multiplayer online games will be taken out to pasture, but they probably aren't experiences you're staying up nights to savor.

The worlds of Cosmic Rift, Infantry, Star Chamber: The Harbinger Saga, and EverQuest Online Adventures (pictured) will all come to a close on March 29, 2012.

"This is not an easy decision," a post from the team at SOE revealed, as we scoured Google for any information of the aforementioned titles. SOE cites "there comes a time when" development resources must step away from old adventures and focus on new ones as the primary reason for its decision. And ... EverQuest Online Adventures is a PS2 game and it was working this whole time? Color us surprised.

According to Videogamer.com, the multitude of players journeying through the affected titles will receive refunds for any pre-paid time that reaches beyond the shutdown date. Sarcasm aside (we do it because we love you), EverQuest Online Adventures players will net three free months of Gold Membership status in both EverQuest and EverQuest 2 -- free-to-play titles on the PC.

SOE thanked fans for their loyalty, saying: "It's been a blast. And we hope to keep gaming with all of you in our other great games here at SOE."

JoystiqSony closing four online titles in March, you're probably okay with it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cosmic-RiftEverQuest-Online-AdventuresInfantrypcSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Chamber-The-Harbinger-SagaThu, 01 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Everquest 2 sees 300% player increase after going free-to-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/everquest-2-sees-300-player-increase-after-going-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/everquest-2-sees-300-player-increase-after-going-free-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/everquest-2-sees-300-player-increase-after-going-free-to-play/#comments EverQuest 2 lady Proving once again that more people will try your product if they don't have to pay for it, Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley has announced a huge player increase for EverQuest 2 since it went free-to-play in December. Smedley revealed on Twitter that the player base has increased by 300 percent, with daily logins going up by 40 percent.

Smedley also revealed that item sales have gone up 200 percent, proving another, more modern adage: More people will buy your product if they don't have to buy all of it. Fascinating!

JoystiqEverquest 2 sees 300% player increase after going free-to-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>everquest-iifree-to-playjohn-smedleypcsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentFri, 13 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online invites Orange Lanterns for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/dc-universe-online-invites-orange-lanterns-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/dc-universe-online-invites-orange-lanterns-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/dc-universe-online-invites-orange-lanterns-for-the-holidays/#comments Not only is DC Universe Online already giving you the greatest gift of all (being free), but it's currently doubling down on the generosity with a bonus holiday event called "Season's Greedings." Not only will you find some festive decorations around the world, but Larfleeze, leader of the greedy Orange Lanterns, is stealing all the Christmas presents for himself.

Now, you have to team with Rudolph, Baby New Year, John McClane, Scut Farkas and Kevin from Home Alone to get them back. OK, so we're making the guest stars up, but we figured as long as SOE is cribbing plots from a Rankin-Bass stop-motion special, the rest of us could get in on the act.

"Seasons Greedings" will continue until January.

JoystiqDC Universe Online invites Orange Lanterns for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlineholidaypcplaystationps3seasons-greedingssoeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 20 Dec 2011 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies says goodbye as Star Wars: The Old Republic launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/star-wars-galaxies-says-goodbye-as-star-wars-the-old-republic-l/#comments
Star Wars Galaxies came to a close last night. There can be only one Star Wars MMO on the block, and that's now Star Wars: The Old Republic. That doesn't mean Galaxies didn't go out in style -- we tracked down a pair of end-game videos on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.

Finally, there's also a sappy letter from Star Wars Galaxies' last remaining producer. It's been a crazy eight years, hasn't it? Here's to hoping The Old Republic has as long a run.

[Note: Embedding on the second video has been disabled, so you'll need to click here to watch it.]

JoystiqStar Wars Galaxies says goodbye as Star Wars: The Old Republic launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmopcsoestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-galaxies-endgamestar-wars-the-old-republicFri, 16 Dec 2011 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/everquest-2-going-free-to-play-again/#comments No, you and you internet browser haven't slipped backwards through time -- though EverQuest 2 already went free-to-play last year (with the somewhat confusing, browser-based EverQuest 2: Extended), the game is going really free-to-play starting December 6. A post on the game's official site clears things up: The offerings of Extended will be folded into the rest of the title, and membership will be broken down into three tiers: Free, Silver and Gold.

Free members get a handful of races, classes, character slots and other utilities, while Silver members ($5.00 or 500 Station Points per month) get ... well, a handful more. These two tiers also have the option to purchase some items (like races and classes) piecemeal. Gold members ($14.99/mo.) get unrestricted access to everything. Check out this handy rubric if you're still confused by all these precious, precious metals.

JoystiqEverQuest 2 going free-to-play (again) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EQ2everquestEverQuest-2free-to-playmmommorpgpcsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentstationWed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO nets 1 million new players since going F2P]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/dcuo-nets-1-million-new-players-since-going-f2p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/dcuo-nets-1-million-new-players-since-going-f2p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/dcuo-nets-1-million-new-players-since-going-f2p/#comments Supercheap Sure, a 1000 percent increase in players for DC Universe Online sounds big, but you know what sounds really big? A million new players, which is how many have signed up since the MMO went free-to-play earlier this month. According to Sony Online Entertainment, the number of new signups is evenly split among the PC and PS3 versions of the game.

In short, it turns out that making your product free is a pretty big incentive for consumers. But asking them to stop by is different than having them stick around.

Continue reading DCUO nets 1 million new players since going F2P

JoystiqDCUO nets 1 million new players since going F2P originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinepcplaystationps3soeSony-Online-EntertainmentSat, 12 Nov 2011 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Compromised PSN info used in mass access attempt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/psa-compromised-psn-info-used-in-mass-access-attempt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/psa-compromised-psn-info-used-in-mass-access-attempt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/psa-compromised-psn-info-used-in-mass-access-attempt/#comments

In a post on the Official PlayStation Blog tonight, the Chief Information Security Officer for Sony Phillip Reitinger informed users that a major, concerted wave of sign-in attempts were made using login and password information "obtained from one or more compromised lists from other companies, sites or other sources." Sony has, in their words, "taken steps to mitigate this activity." Reitenger specified that credit card information had not been compromised.

Accounts affected by the mass access attempt have received prompts via email to reset their passwords. Sony Online Entertainment accounts affected have also been provisionally disabled until their passwords are changed.

JoystiqPSA: Compromised PSN info used in mass access attempt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackingplaystationps3psnSOEWed, 12 Oct 2011 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Payday: The Heist media gets away with it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/payday-the-heist-media-gets-away-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/payday-the-heist-media-gets-away-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/payday-the-heist-media-gets-away-with-it/#comments
What do you get when you combine the Gorton's Fisherman and Killer Clowns from Outer Space? You get our nightmares (obviously) but now you also get this new media for Payday: The Heist. We guess it's been a rough year for the fishing industry.

Continue reading Payday: The Heist media gets away with it

JoystiqPayday: The Heist media gets away with it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>overkilloverkill-softwarepayday-the-heistplaystationps3psnsoeMon, 03 Oct 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sideway: New York shows off new mechanics and a spray-on look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/sideway-new-york-shows-off-new-mechanics-and-a-spray-on-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/sideway-new-york-shows-off-new-mechanics-and-a-spray-on-look/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/sideway-new-york-shows-off-new-mechanics-and-a-spray-on-look/#comments The PSN Blog has posted a feature on Sideway: New York, the upcoming 2D platformer from Playbrains that features a lead character actually painted on a wall, and interacting with the environment from a flat plane. Developer Scott Simpson is also interviewed, and talks a little bit about the various mechanics of the game -- working through the levels will allow your character, Nox, to double-jump, glide down a wall, or even leave the wall for a bit to explore the actual 3D world.

The trailer above shows off the game's art style as well -- it's not super realistic, even in the parts off of the wall, but the "sprayed-on" graffiti asthetic does seem to make for a few fun twists and turns. Sideway: New York (the subtitle hints, of course, that it's the first in a series) will be available on October 11 for $9.99 on PSN.

JoystiqSideway: New York shows off new mechanics and a spray-on look originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>graffitiplaybrainsplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnscott-simpsonsidewaysideway-new-yorksoesony-online-entertainmentSat, 01 Oct 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Planetside 2 to be freemium in some form, beta coming late 2011/early 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/planetside-2-to-be-freemium-in-some-form-beta-coming-late-2011/#comments How free will Planetside 2 be? So, so free. At least, in some part, according to Sony Online Entertainment prez John Smedley. In two recent interviews, Smedley confirms the long-awaited sequel's business model, saying, "The game will be F2P. What form will it be? We're still working that out." Smedley specifically notes that the team is looking at Riot Games' enormously popular League of Legends as a model, meaning you can pay for visual upgrades, but not for ability upgrades.

Those excited about the upcoming sequel will get a chance to go hands-on in the coming months, as Smedley also promises a beta by the end of 2011 or early 2012. That said, it could be a bit longer, as he also notes that the beta will be "ready when it's ready and we are proud of it."

JoystiqPlanetside 2 to be freemium in some form, beta coming late 2011/early 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaf2pfree-to-playjohn-smedleypcplanetside-2soesony-online-entertainmentFri, 09 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN titles Rochard, Payday and Sideway priced and dated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/psn-titles-rochard-payday-and-sideway-priced-and-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/psn-titles-rochard-payday-and-sideway-priced-and-dated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/psn-titles-rochard-payday-and-sideway-priced-and-dated/#comments Payday: The Heist
Sony Online Entertainment has dropped release date details for three of its upcoming PSN titles. Two of them have some elements in common: they're both Scandinavian; and they're downloadable games built by teams recovering from AAA failures.

First up is Recoil Games' Rochard, the impressive "action-adventure, side-scrolling puzzle platformer" from Finland, which will be available on September 27 for $9.99. The ex-Remedy devs at Recoil Games were working on the ambitious Earth No More, a 3D Realms-published shooter whose cancellation nearly closed the developer.

Next is the promising Payday: The Heist, from Overkill Software in Sweden. The debut project from this team of former GRIN developers, Payday: The Heist is a cooperative, squad-based shooter and will be available on October 4 for $19.99. After GRIN's collapse in 2009, co-founder Bo Andersson formed Overkill Software but stayed intentionally "below the radar," the website says.

Lastly, Sideway: New York will be available on October 11 for $9.99. This title built by the developers of Madballs in Babo Invasion is produced by a marketing company looking to turn the property into a cartoon.

Gallery: Payday: The Heist (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading PSN titles Rochard, Payday and Sideway priced and dated

JoystiqPSN titles Rochard, Payday and Sideway priced and dated originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>payday-the-heistplaystationps3PSNrelease-daterochardsideway-new-yorkSOEThu, 18 Aug 2011 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online merging regular servers into MegaServers this Monday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/dc-universe-online-merging-regular-servers-into-megaservers-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/dc-universe-online-merging-regular-servers-into-megaservers-this/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/dc-universe-online-merging-regular-servers-into-megaservers-this/#comments DC Universe Online's rapidly approaching MegaServers unification program will be joining heroic forces together, whether they like it or not. The costumed crime-fighting MMO's 26 worldwide servers are set to be merged into 4 "MegaServers;" 1 PC and 1 PS3 server for the US, with twin servers created for the EU.

Previously hailed as "Super-Servers," MegaServers will give players the ability to switch between PvP and PvE styles of gameplay, and hopefully, new people to actually play with. The merge will begin for EU servers on Monday morning, with US servers following on Tuesday and Wednesday. As is the way with these things, some players will be forced to change their names after the merge, as two characters cannot exist with the same name on the same server. Head past the break for a few new name suggestions, as well as a full list of which servers are merging where.

Continue reading DC Universe Online merging regular servers into MegaServers this Monday

JoystiqDC Universe Online merging regular servers into MegaServers this Monday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Captain-HammerfistDC-Universe-OnlineDCUOmega-serversmegaserversmergepcplaystationps3server-mergeSOEsuper-serversSun, 07 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rochard preview: Gravity, don't let me go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/rochard-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/rochard-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/rochard-preview/#comments Rochard is a game built on miner inconveniences. As spacefaring but down-to-earth excavator John Rochard, you'll learn that off-world facilities are designed to be as complex and diversionary as possible. Even a simple corridor finds an excuse to become a gravitational gauntlet, proving that engineers and game designers are almost the same thing in the future.

Of course, we don't actually want Rochard to lead a more convenient life. In a side-scrolling puzzle platformer such as this, there's irresistible schadenfreude in seeing the camera pull back to reveal a room of improbable, nightmarish construction. The fun part is in navigating that space, to untwist it as we bound upwards and upside-down.

Gallery: Rochard (6/29/11)

Continue reading Rochard preview: Gravity, don't let me go

JoystiqRochard preview: Gravity, don't let me go originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3psnrecoil-gamesrochardsoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 12 Jul 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 mashes up MMO and FPS once again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/planetside-2-mashes-up-mmo-and-fps-once-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/planetside-2-mashes-up-mmo-and-fps-once-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/planetside-2-mashes-up-mmo-and-fps-once-again/#comments Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide Next didn't make it out in the first half of the year, and it's no longer called PlanetSide Next, but it's still coming. During its Fan Faire event, SOE officially took the wraps off of PlanetSide 2, the sequel to its MMO FPS

Players in one of three empires (the Terran Republic, the New Conglomerate, or the Vanue Sovereignty) will be able to customize their fighter, vehicle, and weaponry, and build up the character with "ranks, unlockable traits, and skill sets." Creative director Matt Higby talked up the "massive scale of PlanetSide battles" in the announcement.

The new game is being built in SOE's new Forgelight engine, and will feature Nvidia's PhysX tech for in-game physics. Check out a new trailer above, and some new screens in our gallery, and then get right back to waiting -- SOE tellingly declined to provide a date, saying only that it's "currently in development" for PC.

Gallery: PlanetSide 2 (7/8/11)

Continue reading PlanetSide 2 mashes up MMO and FPS once again

JoystiqPlanetSide 2 mashes up MMO and FPS once again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-nextsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentFri, 08 Jul 2011 14:25:00 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[PSN breach and restoration to cost $171M, Sony estimates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/psn-breach-and-restoration-to-cost-171m-sony-estimates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/psn-breach-and-restoration-to-cost-171m-sony-estimates/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/psn-breach-and-restoration-to-cost-171m-sony-estimates/#comments In the lead-up to its fiscal year 2010 earnings report this Thursday, Sony today released a revised forecast -- forewarning a $3.2 billion loss (yowzah!) -- for the twelve months ending March 31, 2011. Having occurred in late April, the PlayStation Network attack and subsequent data theft and outage fall outside of that period, but the company nonetheless addressed "the impact" of the event during an investors call today, "since there have been so many media inquiries about this incident."

"As of today," said Sony, according to its call script, "our currently known associated costs for the fiscal year ending March 2012 are estimated to be approximately 14 billion yen on the consolidated operating income level." That's roughly $171 million -- a "reasonable assumption," says Sony -- that the company expects to spend throughout the current fiscal year on its "personal information theft protection program," in addition to "welcome back programs," customer support, network security "enhancements" and legal costs. Sony noted that revenue loss from the outage and recovery, which also spans its Qriocity and Sony Online Entertainment services, had been factored into the cost, as well.

"So far, we have not received any confirmed reports of customer identity theft issues, nor confirmed any misuse of credit cards from the cyber-attack," the company added. "Those are key variables, and if that changes, the costs could change."

And what about the class action suits? Sony qualifies them as "all at a preliminary stage, so we are not able to include the possible outcome of any of them in our results forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2012 at this moment."

JoystiqPSN breach and restoration to cost $171M, Sony estimates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-actioncostforecastfy-2011playstationps3psnpsn-outage-2011pspqriocitysoesonyMon, 23 May 2011 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment senior producer becomes Zynga Austin GM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/sony-online-entertainment-senior-producer-becomes-zynga-austin-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/sony-online-entertainment-senior-producer-becomes-zynga-austin-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/sony-online-entertainment-senior-producer-becomes-zynga-austin-g/#commentsAt Sony Online Entertainment in Austin, Texas, John Blakely headed up projects ranging from Star Wars Galaxies to DC Universe Online. Now, Blakely is leading Zynga's Austin-based offices, acting as general manager for the studio in a move spotted this past week. Blakely's LinkedIn profile indicates he's been with Zynga Austin since some point in April of this year.

SOE confirmed Blakely's departure in a statement, thanking him for "the passion and leadership he brought to work every day," and noting that the company "fully supports him in his future endeavors." Zynga could not be reached for comment as of publishing, though it stands to reason that the social media giant isn't exactly unhappy with the acquisition. Executive director of development, Lorin Jameson, will fill Blakely's spot at SOE.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment senior producer becomes Zynga Austin GM originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 May 2011 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinejohn-blakelylorin-jamesonmacpcplaystationps3soesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxieszyngazynga-austinSun, 15 May 2011 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE announces free month, rewards for players affected by downtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/soe-announces-free-month-rewards-for-players-affected-by-downti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/soe-announces-free-month-rewards-for-players-affected-by-downti/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/14/soe-announces-free-month-rewards-for-players-affected-by-downti/#comments Despite initial assurances, Sony Online Entertainment eventually confirmed that yes, it did misplace some of your user data recently, and the company feels really, really sorry about that. It can't actually get the data back, of course (that's not how it works), but SOE says it will do its best to make it up to customers with free stuff, as announced on its blog today.

All SOE players will get 30 days of free game time in every game they're subscribed to, in addition to extra play time for every day the servers are down (they've been down since May 2 already). There are also plenty of rewards lined up per game, including special gear and items in DC Universe Online and Star Wars Galaxies plus some special Double XP events in Everquest and Vanguard.

Lifetime subscribers will get another load of in-game currency in addition to all of the other rewards, and Station Access subscribers will get an extra 500 Station Cash. And don't forget about Sony's plan to also offer affected users free identity protection for a year through Debix.

JoystiqSOE announces free month, rewards for players affected by downtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineeverquest-2pcplaystationps3soesony-online-entertainmentSat, 14 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony removes 2500 'names and partial addresses' from exposed Sony website [Update: Not PSN related!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/sony-removes-2500-names-and-partial-addresses-from-exposed-son/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/sony-removes-2500-names-and-partial-addresses-from-exposed-son/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/sony-removes-2500-names-and-partial-addresses-from-exposed-son/#comments PlayStation Network

Update 11:15am: After some followup with our Japanese correspondant (Thanks, Ittousai!) we've updated the below story. Notably, the data was not from the PSN breach; rather, it was obtained from a publicly exposed file on Sony's own website, as revealed in this tweet two days ago. It's unclear what Reuters meant when it reported that the information "had been stolen by hackers and posted on a website" that Sony subsequently removed. It appears that Sony was able to remove the data from the website because ... it was Sony's own website! While this isn't related to the PSN attack, it is similarly emblematic of Sony's overall inability to protect sensitive customer data. You'll find our original (and erroneous) report after the break.

Update 11:56am: Included Sony's statement under More Coverage.

Continue reading Sony removes 2500 'names and partial addresses' from exposed Sony website [Update: Not PSN related!]

JoystiqSony removes 2500 'names and partial addresses' from exposed Sony website [Update: Not PSN related!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3PSNpsn-outage-2011SOESonySat, 07 May 2011 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online players get credit, mask for downtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-get-credit-mask-for-downtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-get-credit-mask-for-downtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/dc-universe-online-players-get-credit-mask-for-downtime/#comments Sony Online Entertainment plans to give all DC Universe Online players a free month and "Batman-Inspired mask" as compensation for the current outage. The company asked players on the game's Facebook page to bear with them as "the complexities of the subscription server dictate how and when this will be available" and that the company will be releasing "more information this week."

The outage is part of the overall PlayStation Network issue that resulted in SOE announcing earlier this week that 12,700 credit card numbers were taken and 24.6 million accounts were compromised. So, yeah, a free month and a virtual hat seems like a good start to an apology.

JoystiqDC Universe Online players get credit, mask for downtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinepcplaystationps3psn-outage-2011SOESony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 04 May 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment explains backtracking on safety of user data]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/sony-online-entertainment-explains-backtracking-on-safety-of-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/sony-online-entertainment-explains-backtracking-on-safety-of-use/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/sony-online-entertainment-explains-backtracking-on-safety-of-use/#comments When Sony Online Entertainment announced last night that it had lost several thousand customers' credit card numbers -- though the theft came weeks earlier, during the main attack affecting Sony's PlayStation Network and Qriocity services -- something didn't add up. Sony Online Entertainment had just one week earlier specifically said that its customers data was safe, because "SOE's systems and databases are separate from PSN's." So, how did SOE customer information leak if the "systems and databases" were different for PSN and SOE?

"While the two systems are distinct and operated separately, given that they are both under the Sony umbrella, there is some degree of architecture that overlaps," an SOE rep told Joystiq this afternoon. Speaking to the method used for breaching the information, the rep told us, "The intrusions were similar in nature," indicating that the same party perpetrated both thefts.

SOE also insisted once more that "This is NOT a second attack," and that yesterday's announcement was a result of "new information" that was discovered on May 1 "as part of our ongoing investigation of the external intrusion in April." It is still unknown when service will return to SOE's games, but the company says "it will be as soon as we are 100% confident that we can resume a safe and secure service."

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment explains backtracking on safety of user data originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnpsn-outage-2011soesony-online-entertainmentTue, 03 May 2011 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online 'Super-Servers' to address queue time issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/dc-universe-online-super-servers-to-address-queue-time-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/dc-universe-online-super-servers-to-address-queue-time-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/dc-universe-online-super-servers-to-address-queue-time-issues/#comments "Super-Servers" sure sounds like a euphemism for "server merge," a sign that the DC Universe Online community is in rapid decline, but SOE is putting a positive spin on its plan to address "concerns about queue times on the servers." The DCUO operator expects to begin testing "new technology to meld all of our US and European PC and PS3 servers into four Super-Servers" this month, according to a news post on the official game site.

The so-called Super-Servers would be divided into two per region, with the US and Europe each hosting a PC and PS3 server and continuing to segregate the platform communities. "This will allow for more opportunities to queue and participate in other group related game mechanics," SOE explained, without clarifying whether the move would actually reduce the number of servers or instead initiate cross-server queuing to cut down on wait times. The "melding" has also raised questions about how SOE would keep PvP and PvE players separated. "We'll have more details at a future date," said the company.

Editor's note: As of publishing, access to the DCUO site (and game) has been suspended due to a separate issue. We've re-posted SOE's Super-Servers announcement after the break.

Continue reading DC Universe Online 'Super-Servers' to address queue time issues

JoystiqDC Universe Online 'Super-Servers' to address queue time issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineeuropepcplaystationps3server-mergeserverssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsuper-serversusaMon, 02 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE suspends services after discovering 'an issue']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/soe-suspends-services-after-discovering-an-issue/#comments Uh-oh. While Sony Online Entertainment had assured its customers last week that, "to the best of our knowledge, no customer personal information got out to any unauthorized person or persons" during last month's breach into Sony's systems, the MMO division today suspended its games and services, including its websites and Facebook titles.

"We have had to take the SOE service down temporarily," the group said in a brief statement this morning. "In the course of our investigation into the intrusion into our systems we have discovered an issue that warrants enough concern for us to take the service down effective immediately."

SOE added that it would provide an update later today. In the meantime, the notification page suggests you download and play some (offline) casual games to distract you from that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Update: SOE has announced that it has lost 12,700 customer credit card numbers as the result of an attack, and roughly 24.6 million accounts may have been breached. Check out our follow-up post for more information.

JoystiqSOE suspends services after discovering 'an issue' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlineeverquesteverquest-2facebookfree-realmsmmooutagepcplanetsideplaystationps3psn-outage-2011soestar-wars-galaxiesstation.comvanguard-saga-of-heroesMon, 02 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Online Entertainment says its customer data is safe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-online-entertainment-says-its-customer-data-is-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-online-entertainment-says-its-customer-data-is-safe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/sony-online-entertainment-says-its-customer-data-is-safe/#comments Though the PlayStation Network and Qriocity side of Sony's digital services may have been subject to a massive breach of user information, it seems that Sony Online Entertainment product users are safe. SOE reps took to Sony's forums to clear the air, saying, "We have been conducting a thorough investigation and, to the best of our knowledge, no customer personal information got out to any unauthorized person or persons."

The post also acknowledges a "continuing investigation" currently taking place at SOE, and notes that the company will "promptly notify" customers of any change in the situation. SOE's games -- including Free Realms and DC Universe Online -- temporarily went offline on April 21 and have since had service restored. An SOE rep states that "SOE's systems and databases are separate from PSN's," thus explaining how the company's games are still working -- and how your information wasn't stolen.

Meanwhile, as reported by our sister site Massively, SOE is working on a "make good plan" for Free Realms and DCUO players on the PlayStation 3, as well as holding a handful of in-game events across multiple games in the coming weeks.

JoystiqSony Online Entertainment says its customer data is safe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DC-Universe-Onlinemacmmooutagepcplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011soesonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 28 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley: Free Realms on track to 100 million players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/smedley-free-realms-on-track-to-100-million-players/#comments What's up, World of Warcraft? You think you're so big and bad with your 12-million-strong-and-then-some player base? You won't be quite so intimidating if Sony Online Entertainment head John Smedley's vision for Free Realms comes to fruition. In a recent interview with GamesIndustry, Smedley said, "I think it could take five or six years - that should give you some idea [of the time frame we're looking at]. But I don't see any reason why it can't go to 100 million [players], because there are so many kids out there."

The game's current player base stands at 17 million, which should increase naturally with the game's recent launch on PS3. However, though we appreciate Smedley's "children are our future" outlook, we think it's gonna take a little something extra to net the other 83 million he's hoping for.

That's right. It needs more unicorns.

JoystiqSmedley: Free Realms on track to 100 million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsJohn-Smedleypcplaystationps3SOEsony-online-entertainmentsubscribersWed, 06 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide Next delayed, receiving resources from The Agency cancellation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/#comments
Speaking to PlanetSide Universe, Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley confirmed that the upcoming PlanetSide MMO, codenamed "PlanetSide Next," would not be making its intended first-half of the year launch. SOE is "pulling out all the stops to make it great" when it's released "later in the year." PlanetSide Next will be the beneficiary of "additional resources" from the cancellation of The Agency.

The update on PlanetSide Next is directly tied to last week's mass layoffs within SOE. The company eliminated 205 jobs, shut down The Agency and closed three studios.

JoystiqPlanetSide Next delayed, receiving resources from The Agency cancellation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayspcplanetside-nextSOEthe-agencyMon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/#comments Following earlier reports of studio closures and mass layoffs, Sony Online Entertainment has issued an official statement regarding its "strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce." The company confirmed the closings of its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios and the elimination of 205 jobs.

Additionally, SOE announced the cancellation of The Agency, the long-delayed, cross-platform spy MMO under development at SOE Seattle. The company said it's discontinuing production of the title to "focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games."

SOE added that the Denver and Tucson studios' projects would be transitioned over to its San Diego headquarters. The company's full statement is posted after the break.

Continue reading SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency

JoystiqSOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationclosureeverquestlayoffspcplanetsideplaystationps3soesoe-denversoe-seattlesoe-tucsonsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Three SOE studios close, layoffs abound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/#comments Following a series of tweets from George Broussard, co-owner of 3D Realms, which indicated that Sony Online Entertainment would be undergoing layoffs and possible studio closures around its five locations today, Kotaku reports that a source "familiar with the matter" has confirmed the closures of SOE's Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios. Additionally, half of the Austin staff has been reportedly laid off, along with a "sizeable" number of workers at SOE's San Diego headquarters. In all, the layoffs are said to affect nearly one-third of SOE's total workforce.

Notably, SOE Seattle has been the lead development studio of The Agency, which had been slated to launch in the second half of the year (after a long delay). Neither SOE Denver nor Tucson has been working on anything as high profile as The Agency, though both have continued to operate a number of SOE titles, including Denver's Legends Of Norrath and other digital card games, and Tucson's PoxNora strategy game.U

Update: SOE has issued an official statement confirming the report and providing further details.

JoystiqReport: Three SOE studios close, layoffs abound originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuregeorge-broussardlayoffspcplaystationps3soesoe-austinsoe-denversoe-san-diegosoe-seatllesoe-tucsonsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 31 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rochard: a gravity-bending platformer for PSN, set in dead space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rochard-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rochard-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rochard-psn/#comments What would happen if you combined Mario and ... Dead Space's Isaac Clarke? He'd probably look something like John Rochard, star of the upcoming PSN platformer Rochard. Burt Kane, creative director at developer Recoil Games, describes John as "no marine or super soldier, but just a tough, ordinary miner with a mustache, placed in an extraordinary situation."

The lead character isn't the only Dead Space-ish aspect of the game: The trouble begins when the miners unearth "an ancient structure hidden deep in an asteroid." Although you won't be fighting Necromorphs in Rochard, you can expect a lot of zero-G moments. Using the "G-Lifter" (is that what Rochard is holding?), players "can lift and maneuver heavy objects around the environment," according to the press release, "and can eventually swing, jump and propel themselves huge distances throughout each level."

SOE will publish Rochard, but other details about the game are scant for now -- though we hope to get some hands-on time at GDC this week.

Gallery: Rochard

JoystiqRochard: a gravity-bending platformer for PSN, set in dead space originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationps3psnrecoil-gamesrochardsoeMon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST