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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Epic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/epic-silicon-knights-lawsuit-over-jury-finds-for-epic-on-all/#comments ImageAccording to Epic Game vice president and co-founder Mark Rein, the years long lawsuit between Silicon Knights and Epic Games came to an end today. Rein took to Twitter to broadcast the news. "Case over. Jury finds for Epic on all counts," he said. Silicon Knights hasn't issued a formal response as of yet, though we've reached out for confirmation.

The suit arose over allegations from Silicon Knights that Epic Games was withholding pieces of its Unreal Engine 3 - pieces that were allegedly instrumental in the creation of Too Human. Due to the alleged delays, Silicon Knights says it was forced to implement its own game engine (known only as "Silicon Knights engine") to complete the project.

Since Too Human, Silicon Knights went on to create the critically-panned X-Men: Destiny and suffered major layoffs. Epic, however, has seen its Unreal Engine 3 thrive across the current generation of consoles, not to mention the success it's seen with the Gears of War franchise.

Update: Epic issued a statement this afternoon stating that "The jury rejected Silicon Knights' claim that Epic breached its Unreal Engine 3 license agreement with Silicon Knights. The jury also found in Epic's favor on all of its counterclaims, namely that Silicon Knights breached the license agreement, misappropriated Epic's trade secrets, and infringed Epic's copyrights in the Unreal Engine 3 code. The jury awarded Epic damages totaling $4.45 million." The full statement is below the break; we've yet to hear anything from Silicon Knights.

[Image credit: 'bloomsberries']

Continue reading Epic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million]

JoystiqEpic: Silicon Knights lawsuit over, 'jury finds for Epic on all counts' [Update: Epic awarded $4.45 million] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-gamessilicon-knightsWed, 30 May 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights entitled to $1 per claim if it wins court case against Epic Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/#comments ImageSilicon Knights will be entitled to $1 in damages, per claim, if it wins a court case against Epic Games over inadequacies in the support of its Unreal Engine. Silicon Knights first sued Epic in 2007, alleging Epic didn't fulfill the promised delivery time or expectations of Unreal Engine 3, forcing Silicon Knights to build its own engine for the production of Too Human.

Silicon Knights didn't provide a breakdown of the damages it sought, and the judge assigned his own value of $1 per claim, Polygon reports. If Silicon Knights wins the case, it will be able to appeal how the value was chosen and perhaps raise it to a figure that can't be found on neighborhood lemonade-stand signs.

The case is in court this month and is expected to run for another week.

JoystiqSilicon Knights entitled to $1 per claim if it wins court case against Epic Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Gameslawsuitmicrosoftsilicon-knightstoo-humanUnrealunreal-engine-3xboxTue, 22 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights: we never received any of Canada's money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/#comments Last year, Silicon Knights was awarded a grant by the Canadian government, in part to self-publish games, and to hire 80 employees. But it turns out the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade never handed over the funds -- a promised sum of $3 million Canadian.

"There hasn't been any funding. There were announcements and no money received," Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack told GI.biz. "That's one of the strangest things. So, at one point, there was a loan that we got. That's it." Dyack said he's following up on the money, but to no avail so far.

It could be an alarming issue for Silicon Knights, considering the state of affairs at the Ontario-based studio. Late last year the developer had to let 45 go, and it remains embroiled in a long-running legal dispute with Epic over the use of Unreal Engine 3 during the development of Too Human.

JoystiqSilicon Knights: we never received any of Canada's money originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadenis-dyackgrantontarioontario-ministry-of-economic-development-and-tradesilicon-knightstoo-humanxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights/Epic lawsuit turns in Epic's favor, reveals past SK projects including King's Quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/#comments Silicon Knights' 2007 lawsuit against Epic Games, over 'inadequacies' in performance and support of Unreal Engine 3, continues. Last week, a judge delivered a damaging blow to SK's case when he granted a motion to exclude testimony from financial analyst Terry Lloyd, who was retained by SK to offer an expert opinion about the damages sought.

Judge James Dever III concluded that Lloyd delivered "his own subjective conclusions about an industry in which he had no prior knowledge or experience." His choices of competitors to compare sales against was called into question, as games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Gears of War didn't meet his criteria of similar marketing budgets or genre.

Court documents also reveal what Silicon Knights was up to elsewhere at the time of filing. The company was pursuing "development opportunities" with Vivendi, THQ, Capcom, and Namco. It had plans for Sandman and King's Quest games, and had gone so far as to make a prototype for King's Quest. Ironically, this would have been taking place right around the time a letter-writing campaign revived the fan-made The Silver Lining project ... which went on to be shut down, and then re-revived. And after all that, the King's Quest franchise is now in the hands of Telltale Games.

JoystiqSilicon Knights/Epic lawsuit turns in Epic's favor, reveals past SK projects including King's Quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gameskings-questlawsuitsandmansilicon-knightstoo-humanWed, 28 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights confirms layoffs of 45 employees [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/silicon-knights-confirms-layoffs-of-45-employees-cites-canned-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/silicon-knights-confirms-layoffs-of-45-employees-cites-canned-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/silicon-knights-confirms-layoffs-of-45-employees-cites-canned-a/#comments Silicon Knights has confirmed the layoffs that were reported earlier this week, though the company has reduced the lost headcount from a rumored 72 employees to 45. Company CFO Mike Mays told the Financial Post this morning that "just under 40" people are still currently employed by the studio, and that the sudden layoffs were the result of a canned project the studio was working on for X-Men Destiny publisher Activision.

"We just finished a project with [Activision] that got completed," Mays said. Apparently, the developer had another project that was already "in the works for months" when an unnamed publisher pulled out, but Mays said it directly caused the layoffs. "That resulted in us having too many people so we had to do a layoff," he explained. Mays also noted that SK is in the process of negotiating new projects, and that if things work out, he's hoping to rehire as many people as possible.

Update: This post originally stated that Activision was the publisher cited as canceling a project with Silicon Knights, as reported by Financial Post. The source has since altered its text from "We just finished a project with [Activision Blizzard Inc.] that got canceled," to "We just finished a project with [Activision Blizzard Inc.] that got completed." We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

JoystiqSilicon Knights confirms layoffs of 45 employees [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncanceled-gamecanceled-projectlayoffsmichael-maysmike-mayssilicon-knightsX-Men-DestinyTue, 01 Nov 2011 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Silicon Knights cuts staff by nearly 75 percent, from 97 to just 25 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/#comments X-Men Destiny and Too Human developer Silicon Knights may be in dire straits, with a report today stating the company is down from 97 employees to just 25. 1UP cites "two credible independent sources" as telling the news site of the massive layoffs over this past weekend.

The report seemingly flies in the face of a $3 million Canadian government grant given to Silicon Knights this past July, intended at the time to "create 80 new jobs and protect 97 existing positions." It was also supposed to make SK into a self-published dev house -- something that company head Denis Dyack has continually pushed for. As of this publishing, representatives from Silicon Knights had yet to respond to request for comment.

Update: The company has since confirmed layoffs, although the number is lower than originally reported in this piece.

JoystiqReport: Silicon Knights cuts staff by nearly 75 percent, from 97 to just 25 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacklayoffssilicon-knightstoo-humanX-Men-DestinyMon, 31 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny review: Destined for failure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/x-men-destiny-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/x-men-destiny-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/x-men-destiny-review/#comments Sometimes you read about a canceled game and think, "Oh, that's too bad, that could have been fun. I wish they'd just release what they had finished so I could check it out."

Do me a favor. The next time that thought should happen to flit across your mind, remember X-Men Destiny. Because when someone has a cool idea and releases it unfinished, this is exactly what it looks like.

Gallery: X-Men Destiny (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading X-Men Destiny review: Destined for failure

JoystiqX-Men Destiny review: Destined for failure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondenis-dyackmicrosoftplaystationps3silicon-knightsx-menX-Men-DestinyxboxWed, 28 Sep 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny launch trailer needs a decision, pronto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/x-men-destiny-launch-trailer-needs-a-decision-pronto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/x-men-destiny-launch-trailer-needs-a-decision-pronto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/x-men-destiny-launch-trailer-needs-a-decision-pronto/#comments
We know you've been putting off deciding whether you want to be an evil mutant or a good mutant for a while now; however, judging by the X-Men Destiny launch trailer posted above, you're going to have to make your decision sooner rather than later. (We'd go with evil. Their coffee's better.)

JoystiqX-Men Destiny launch trailer needs a decision, pronto originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3silicon-knightswiix-menX-Men-DestinyxboxMon, 26 Sep 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/x-men-destiny-trailer-encourages-choice-in-your-mutanthood/#comments
While some folks in the X-Men universe didn't have much of a choice in their particular mutation, the characters of X-Men Destiny seem more than happy to forfeit their boring old humanity for a taste of the wild side. That very choice becomes yours when X-Men Destiny launches next month.

Continue reading X-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood

JoystiqX-Men Destiny trailer encourages choice in your mutanthood originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongameplaygamescomgamescom-2011microsoftplaystationps3silicon-knightstrailerX-Men-DestinyxboxWed, 17 Aug 2011 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny preview: Designer genes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/x-men-destiny-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/x-men-destiny-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/x-men-destiny-preview/#comments Silicon Knights founder Denis Dyack is happy to hear that X-Men Destiny looks unlike many of the games already based on Marvel's mutant universe. "We've been collaborating with Marvel and Activision to do things very differently," he says.

In most X-Men games, you pick a familiar hero, like Wolverine or Gambit, and then explore the world from his or her point of view. In X-Men Destiny, however, Dyack and his team have been given free reign to separate powers from characters. Your custom-built hero can play through the RPG-driven side of the game by equipping powers as you would gear. You could combine Cyclops' eyebeams with Juggernaut's charge, or Wolvie's healing factor, all while finding a place in the campaign somewhere between the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Unfortunately, while there are a lot of interesting touches in the story and powers system, X-Men Destiny's core game struggles to hold the higher ideas up. The graphics look only marginally better than those leaked screens, and even in the short demo I played the game's combat and enemies teetered on the verge of becoming notably repetitive.

Gallery: X-Men Destiny (Comic Con 2011)

Continue reading X-Men Destiny preview: Designer genes

JoystiqX-Men Destiny preview: Designer genes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncomic-con-2011denis-dyackmicrosoftmutantsplaystationpowersps3silicon-knightsx-menX-Men-DestinyxboxThu, 21 Jul 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision reveals April launch for Prototype 2, September for X-Men Destiny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/activision-reveals-april-launch-for-prototype-2-september-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/activision-reveals-april-launch-for-prototype-2-september-for-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/20/activision-reveals-april-launch-for-prototype-2-september-for-x/#comments Kicking off its San Diego Comic Con announcements, game publishing giant Activision today revealed two solid, very different release dates for two hopefully solid, very different games. First up, Prototype 2 will surf victims' bodies into retail on April 24, 2012. A new trailer for next year's sequel is available just below the break, fresh from San Diego.

Additionally, a new trailer for X-Men Destiny was released, which puts a September 27 launch date on the next project from Silicon Knights. Given the origin of both pieces of info, SDCC attendees should be aware that X-Men Destiny will be playable at this week's show, while "15-minute live stage presentations" for Prototype 2 will be going off at the Activision booth.

Still here? Both trailers are just below -- follow us!

Continue reading Activision reveals April launch for Prototype 2, September for X-Men Destiny

JoystiqActivision reveals April launch for Prototype 2, September for X-Men Destiny originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncomic-con-2011microsoftpcplaystationprototype-2ps3q2-2012q4-2011radicalradical-entertainmentrelease-datesan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2011sdccsdcc-2011silicon-knightsx-men-destinyxboxWed, 20 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights receives Canadian gov. grant to hire 80, self-publish]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/silicon-knights-receives-canadian-gov-grant-to-hire-80-self-pu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/silicon-knights-receives-canadian-gov-grant-to-hire-80-self-pu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/silicon-knights-receives-canadian-gov-grant-to-hire-80-self-pu/#comments
The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade announced yesterday that it gave Too Human and Eternal Darkness developer Silicon Knights "support" that will help the company become a "self-sustainable, self-publishing" company. According to the St. Catharine Standard, the developer received nearly $3 million in provincial funding. The money is also intended to create 80 new jobs and protect 97 existing positions.

"This will enhance our competitive edge within the highly-competitive video game market ... and allow us to enter lucrative global markets," Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack said in a statement. Dyack had hinted toward Silicon Knight's self-publishing future in an interview with Joystiq in May.

The latest batch of cash will be added to the $4 million the company received from the government last year. Silicon Knights is currently working on X-Men Destiny.

JoystiqSilicon Knights receives Canadian gov. grant to hire 80, self-publish originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Canadadenis-dyackOntariosilicon-knightsFri, 15 Jul 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny grants Grant new powers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/x-men-destiny-grants-grant-new-powers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/x-men-destiny-grants-grant-new-powers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/x-men-destiny-grants-grant-new-powers/#comments The latest screenshots of Silicon Knights' X-Men Destiny show off some new mutant abiilities, including some kind of earth-shaking punch, rock arms (identified as "density control") and ... some blue sparkles or something.

They're modeled by "Grant," a college kid who just wants to play for Berkeley's "Varsity Squad" but instead finds himself destined to have awesome superpowers. Looks like he's going to skip the Varsity Squad and go straight into the Major Leagues of beating up henchmen. The perks of this new lifestyle include a private jet and being called "bub."

Gallery: X-Men Destiny (5/23/11)

JoystiqX-Men Destiny grants Grant new powers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmicrosoftplaystationps3silicon-knightsX-Men-DestinyxboxMon, 23 May 2011 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/#comments During GDC this past March, I met with Silicon Knights head honcho Denis Dyack under the condition that he wouldn't be discussing the studio's upcoming action-RPG, X-Men Destiny (pictured above). The game is slated for release this year, yet we know relatively little about it -- and we've seen even less. Save for OXM UK, no outlet has published a preview (nor been offered one, as far as I know).

I asked Dyack about his outspoken views against the preview process. "In my view, the ultimate model requires our industry to not show games until they are ready," he told me, echoing his past sentiments. "I'm not saying get rid of previews, because previews are a good thing," he clarified. "What I am suggesting is that our industry should not do previews until the game's completed."

Continue reading Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal

JoystiqSilicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondenis-dyackgdc-2011microsoftplaystationpreviewsps3silicon-knightstoo-humanx-men-destinyxboxMon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/#comments During the Game Developers Conference nearly two months ago, Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack met with me in a hotel overlooking that week's event at the Moscone Center. He wasn't there to show off his studio's next game -- X-Men: Destiny -- to press, but for unspecified "meetings" with unnamed folks. Spooky.

And while we touched on the subject of XM:D during the half hour, the first questions I had for Dyack were about his studio's last major release, Too Human. Primary among them: Is the Too Human trilogy dead? "No, not at all," Dyack told me. "It is still on the table and we do plan on finishing the trilogy."

When it came to other questions about Too Human, however, Dyack was far more verbose. With the intention of setting the record straight, as it were, Dyack outright denies that Too Human was in development for 10 years. "It is true that an earlier version of the general 'Too Human' concept was first shown on the PlayStation in 1998, but that was a completely different game than what was released on the Xbox 360," he said. "Among other things, the original concept was a single-player, third-person action/adventure game based on a detective called John Franks trying to discover who had killed his partner." It's a far cry from the Norse mythology-based dungeon crawler we played in 2008.

Continue reading Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy'

JoystiqSilicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackepic-gamesgdcgdc-2011konamilegalmass-effectmetacriticmetal-gear-solid-twin-snakesmicrosoftsalessilicon-knightssilicon-knights-enginetoo-humanunreal-engine-3valkyriex-men-destinyxboxTue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny's new character has the power of petulance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/x-men-destinys-new-character-has-the-power-of-petulance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/x-men-destinys-new-character-has-the-power-of-petulance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/x-men-destinys-new-character-has-the-power-of-petulance/#comments Aimi Yoshida is an all-new mutant created for X-Men Destiny by developer Silicon Knights. According to her bio, she "feels only the bitterness and anger of abandonment." She also feels the need to dress like Gogo Yubari from Kill Bill. See what we mean in these new screens.

Continue reading X-Men Destiny's new character has the power of petulance

JoystiqX-Men Destiny's new character has the power of petulance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGactivisionmarvelmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3silicon-knightswiix-menX-Men-DestinyxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny screens leaked (a bit too early, by the looks of it)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/x-men-destiny-screens-leaked-a-bit-too-early-by-the-looks-of-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/x-men-destiny-screens-leaked-a-bit-too-early-by-the-looks-of-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/x-men-destiny-screens-leaked-a-bit-too-early-by-the-looks-of-i/#comments We got a bit of background information on Silicon Knights' upcoming Marvel Comics RPG, X-Men: Destiny, last week via OXM UK -- now what are said (and appear) to be screenshots from the game have made their way online. Gamekyo has the shots at the source link, which originated from a slideshow which can still be found on YouTube (until Activision has it pulled, at least).

We can't imagine this is the first impression of the game its developer or publisher would like the public to have; it just frankly doesn't look very good at all. Then there's what appears to be one of the new characters created specifically for players to control. He apparently has the mutant ability to look like a model for Ed Hardy. Hopefully the official reveal will cast the game in a better light -- and reveal a better cast.

JoystiqX-Men Destiny screens leaked (a bit too early, by the looks of it) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionactivisionmicrosoftplaystationps3rpgsilicon-knightsX-Men-DestinyxboxMon, 17 Jan 2011 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men: Destiny previewed in OXM UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/x-men-destiny-previewed-in-oxm-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/x-men-destiny-previewed-in-oxm-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/x-men-destiny-previewed-in-oxm-uk/#comments The latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine UK contains the first in-depth preview of Silicon Knights' X-Men Destiny, as summarized by affiliate CVG, and would seem to confirm the game for Xbox 360 (though the game's official target platforms remain unannounced). The article reveals that the game will emphasize the "tough decisions that an average X-Man has to make" and will feature a darker tone than some past takes on the X-Men. Destiny is said to unfold when anti-mutant sentiment is at an all-time high, with mutant hate crimes an everyday occurrence. The X-Men have suffered some kind of loss, pushing players toward pivotal "decision moments" in the game.

Players will select from three different characters, according to the OXM preview, each a child of a "human zealot," one of the card-carrying members of the anti-mutant establishment. Memorable mutants will make appearances -- Gambit, Magneto, Quicksilver and Surge are mentioned by OXM -- along with an X-Gene upgrade system through which players can modify their unique powers by borrowing genes from other mutants. Apparently splicing isn't as big a deal in the Marvel Universe as it is in other places.

The full, four-page preview is featured in issue 69 of OXM UK.

JoystiqX-Men: Destiny previewed in OXM UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmicrosoftsilicon-knightsX-Men-DestinyxboxTue, 11 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men Destiny teased again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/x-men-destiny-teased-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/x-men-destiny-teased-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/10/x-men-destiny-teased-again/#comments When will you get to see Silicon Knights' X-Men Destiny in action? We just don't know. You can, however, watch this total teaser for it from the latest episode of GTTV. We're hoping that the X-Men among you will dissect the trailer and let us know of any interesting tidbits in the comments below.

Continue reading X-Men Destiny teased again

JoystiqX-Men Destiny teased again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongametrailersgametrailers-tvmarvelmicrosoftplaystationps3silicon-knightsteaserx-menX-Men-DestinyxboxFri, 10 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights is X-Men: Destiny developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/silicon-knights-is-x-men-destiny-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/silicon-knights-is-x-men-destiny-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/silicon-knights-is-x-men-destiny-developer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps you were expecting Too Human 2? Though Silicon Knights claims that the trilogy treatment is still planned for the Too Human series, Activision has confirmed that Denis Dyack's studio is in fact developing X-Men: Destiny.

Outside of this confirmation, IGN has the debut trailer for the game (embedded after the break), which echoes this morning's announcement -- X-Men: Destiny will be a choice-driven game. With New York Comic Con kicking off this weekend, hopefully we'll learn more about just what kind of choices we'll be asked to make.

Continue reading Silicon Knights is X-Men: Destiny developer

JoystiqSilicon Knights is X-Men: Destiny developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmarvelsilicon-knightsx-menX-men-DestinyThu, 07 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Men: Destiny coming to consoles in Fall 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/x-men-destiny-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/x-men-destiny-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/x-men-destiny-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Activision and Marvel have announced a new X-Men game, due to "invade game consoles" in Fall 2011. X-Men: Destiny has you playing a new recruit amongst comic's motley mutant band, and promises a "branching storyline that features a deep element of choice." Dare we envision a Marvel-fueled Mass Effect?

Activision also notes that X-Men: Destiny will grant "players ultimate control of their destiny," which means at least one mutant will have the uncanny ability to spontaneously alter and contradict the contents of a dictionary. The story will be penned by X-Men: Legacy's Mike Carey.

You can check out a sparse teaser website now, and get a peek at the game itself during this weekend's New York Comic-Con. We're attempting to confirm the identity of the developer, in light of earlier rumors that suggested Too Human studio Silicon Knights was creating a Marvel RPG.

Update: Silicon Knights has been confirmed as the developer.

[Image: X-Men: Legacy #208 cover]

JoystiqX-Men: Destiny coming to consoles in Fall 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionmarvelrpgsilicon-knightsx-menx-men-destinyxmenxmen-destinyThu, 07 Oct 2010 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights gets $4 million from Canadian government]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/silicon-knights-gets-4-million-from-canadian-government/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/silicon-knights-gets-4-million-from-canadian-government/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/silicon-knights-gets-4-million-from-canadian-government/#comments Silicon Knights has been shoving the beggar's cup in the face of the Canadian government for some time now and The Welland Tribune reports that a grant has been approved. This means Silicon Knights has been awarded $4 million (pretty big cup, eh?), which it will use to recruit 65 new workers for the Ontario-based studio to help create its next game -- the rumored Siren in the Maelstrom.

President Denis Dyack is obviously stoked about the influx of cash, but offered little on the studio's next game. "We can only say it's a next generation title and a high production value game," he offered. "That's all we can say." Hey, that's all well and good, but we don't want to hear jack about a siren and some maelstrom or whatever. Give us an Eternal Darkness sequel, please. Please?

[Via GI.biz]

JoystiqSilicon Knights gets $4 million from Canadian government originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadennis-dyackgovermentgovernment-grantgrantontariosilicon-knightsSiren-in-the-MaelstromTue, 13 Apr 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack dismayed by layoffs, anticipates growth in Ontario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/dyack-dismayed-by-layoffs-anticipates-growth-in-ontario/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/dyack-dismayed-by-layoffs-anticipates-growth-in-ontario/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/28/dyack-dismayed-by-layoffs-anticipates-growth-in-ontario/#comments Following yet another report of company restructuring resulting in job losses, outspoken industry veteran Denis Dyack called industry-wide layoffs within the last year and a half "staggering." However, the Silicon Knights boss does see a brighter future for development over the next five years, at least in the Canadian province of Ontario.

"Before, Ontario was a little isolated, there wasn't a lot of videogame companies here. But that's going to change. With all the positive steps that the government's done," Dyack told GamesIndustry.biz. Dyack's hopeful outlook for Ontario comes, in part, from Ubisoft's July announcement to open a new studio in Toronto -- a move Ubisoft hopes will bring 800 new jobs to the region over the next decade.

According to Dyack, new business in Ontario means the province will be able to combat recruiters who remove developer and designer graduates from the area. "It's really depressing going to [University of] Waterloo to recruit and we see that Microsoft was there before us and took all the best people. The tax payer paid for that education," he lamented. With development expanding in Ontario, Silicon Knights can finally start combing schools for talent to help produce the (Sweet Lord, make it happen) sequel to Eternal Darkness.

JoystiqDyack dismayed by layoffs, anticipates growth in Ontario originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscanadadenis-dyacklayoffsontariorecruitmentsilicon-knightsSat, 28 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack predicts more publisher consolidation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/dyack-predicts-more-publisher-consolidation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/dyack-predicts-more-publisher-consolidation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/dyack-predicts-more-publisher-consolidation/#comments Publishers have been disappearing faster than Ludwig's snickerdoodles at Joystiq's Mid-Autumn Tea Social lately, both through bankruptcy or (for the lucky ones) being purchased. Designer and industry soothsayer Denis Dyack told Gaming Union he expects that to continue, comparing the shift to that of Hollywood which went from hundreds of individual studios to the six major houses we know today. Dyack expects the role of publishers to change as well, though he's less specific on exactly what that means.

Boy, one console and now fewer publishers? Sounds like Denis has been listening to too much They Might Be Giants.

JoystiqDyack predicts more publisher consolidation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolidationdenis-dyackeconomylayoffspublisherssilicon-knightsMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack muses about clouds, won't abandon current consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/dyack-muses-about-clouds-wont-abandon-current-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/dyack-muses-about-clouds-wont-abandon-current-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/17/dyack-muses-about-clouds-wont-abandon-current-consoles/#comments "We have no intentions to stop making video games for the current consoles ... that would be nuts." That was Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack's response to our question about whether his musing about cloud technology had anything to do with a new direction for the company. During Dyack's "musing about clouds" presentation today at GDC Europe, the SK president mentioned a belief in systems like OnLive -- but he's not ready to take a walk in the clouds just yet.

The outspoken executive said that he doesn't believe people should be investing in game stores at the moment, though he was unsure how long the cloud model will take to gain a foothold. According to Dyack, cloud computing could become the dominant form of distribution and access for consumers within the next 20 years. In the meantime, Dyack told us Silicon Knights will keep doing console-based games "as long as the market is there."

JoystiqDyack muses about clouds, won't abandon current consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clouddenis-dyackgdc-europegdc-europe-2009silicon-knightsMon, 17 Aug 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible Silicon Knights project title leaked: Siren in the Maelstrom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/#comments
A Canadian cultural agency known as Telefilm Canada recently posted a list of 56 new media projects it's helping to fund over the next year. One name on this list sticks out more than all the others: St. Catharines, Ontario-based developer Silicon Knights' apparent new project, which is titled "Siren in the Maelstrom." We know the developer is up to something, as hinted at by a few recent help wanted ads -- could this be the something for which it's hiring? We've contacted Silicon Knights to try and find out.

We're pretty upset that the leaked title isn't "Eternal Darkness: Siren in the Maelstrom." On the other hand, it's also not "Too Human: Siren in the Maelstrom," so we guess we should count our blessings.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqPossible Silicon Knights project title leaked: Siren in the Maelstrom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaeternal-darknessleaksilicon-knightssiren-in-the-maelstromtelefilm-canadatitletoo-humanSat, 25 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights hiring, possibly for Too Human 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/#commentsWould you like to become a Silicon Knight? If so, you'll be pleased to learn that the Ontario-based developer is hiring game designers for a new project, according to a Gamasutra job listing posted on July 10. We must note that we aren't sure if employment at Silicon Knights entitles you to call yourself a Silicon Knight.

Destructoid speculates (to its horror) that the project is a Too Human sequel, which seems likely, given that the job requires "familiarity with the fantasy and science fiction genre and role-playing games." With the current state of the industry, we're delighted to see more job openings, even if they result in more Too Human.

JoystiqSilicon Knights hiring, possibly for Too Human 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hiringjobssilicon-knightstoo-humanWed, 22 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Embattled Midway caught in Epic vs. Silicon Knights suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/#comments
As Midway continues to fend off the courts and the government whilst floating in bankruptcy limbo, Edge Online reports that the company is now fighting yet another legal battle, this time over attorney fees in the Epic vs Silicon Knights lawsuit. Yeah, it's been a while since we wrote about that. Quick refresher: Silicon Knights is suing Epic over the "inadequacies" of the Unreal Engine used by licensees, which the developer originally used to craft Too Human before opting to create its own engine instead. As part of the proceedings, subpoenas for Unreal Engine records were issued to licensees, one of which was Midway.

Now, Midway is asking the court to defer all costs of the record review process to Silicon Knights. Additionally, the publisher is asking that certain documents be redacted so that Silicon Knights will not be exposed to any trade secrets. Midway cites its bankruptcy proceedings as preventing it from paying any costs associated with the review, including the hire of attorneys and former Midway employees.

The request resulted in a tit-for-tat between the companies' attorneys, with Silicon Knights responding that Midway's creditors have already approved a monthly expenditure of $35,000 over three months to pay for the review. Silicon Knights' attorneys also state that the company has "taken extraordinary steps" to prevent any "undue burden" on the beleaguered publisher.

This is normally where we would make a Mortal Kombat "Finish Him!" joke but, frankly, our hearts just aren't in it.

JoystiqEmbattled Midway caught in Epic vs. Silicon Knights suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessepiclegalmidwaysilicon-knightstoo-humanunrealTue, 07 Apr 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights exec departs, looks for 'something different']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/#commentsFiled under:


"I'm just looking for something different," said Rob DePetris, former Vice-President of Finance for Silicon Knights. The executive, who recently bid adieu to the Too Human developer, has yet to decide where he and his trusty HP-12C will head next. Speaking to The St. Catherines Standard, DePetris did note that he would remain involved in the community and was not "planning on leaving."

DePetris will be replaced by one Mike Mays, who will "help usher in a New Year of continual growth for Silicon Knights, the games industry in Ontario and the Niagara Region," according to a company statement. We wish Mays and DePetris the best of luck, even though we had no idea who they were until today.

[Via Endsights]


JoystiqSilicon Knights exec departs, looks for 'something different' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Silicon-KnightsToo-HumanFri, 26 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human soundtrack grinds iTunes, CD for phat lootz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/#commentsFiled under:


Too Human is something of a divisive game. Some people love it, others hate it. From the unusual control scheme to the unique setting, the game has earned a mixed reputation. Still, the game did reasonably well, especially for a new franchise. Well enough, it seems, that Silicon Knights has announced the release of an official soundtrack album.

Given that the focus of the game is on grinding endlessly for new gear and abilities, you may not have noticed that the game's soundtrack is pretty good. The folks at Silicon Knights obviously agree and remind us that the soundtrack was recently nominated for "Best Original Video Game Score" by the Hollywood Music Awards. The Too Human soundtrack, composed to complement the game's Norse setting and storyline, is now available from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes and Sumthing Distribution.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqToo Human soundtrack grinds iTunes, CD for phat lootz originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 28 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Too Human cleaved a line between those who appreciate the subtle nuances of button mashery and others who simply didn't get it. It's a gap, however, that may be bridged somewhat with the one element of the game that managed to garner significant praise. No, not the hoarding of random loot, but the music.

The hour-long Too Human soundtrack, scored by Silicon Knight's composer Steve Henifin and performed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague, is now available for around $16 from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes and the CD label Sumthing Distribution's own site. The soundtrack promises an interesting mix, from orchestra to metal, and even "cyber elements" that "are more elegant and organic in style." Whatever, as long as we won't again be forced to watch a Valkyrie descend for the hundredth time to carry Baldur (and our patience) off to Valhalla as the selection goes from track to track.

JoystiqToo Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicsilicon-knightssiliconknightssoundtracktoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor Roundup: LittleBigPlanet PSP in 2009 and more from December's EGM ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/rumor-roundup-littlebigplanet-psp-in-2009-and-more-from-decembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/rumor-roundup-littlebigplanet-psp-in-2009-and-more-from-decembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/rumor-roundup-littlebigplanet-psp-in-2009-and-more-from-decembe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Another day, another hint at LittleBigPlanet coming to PSP. The latest rumor mongering comes from EGM (via NeoGAF), whose December issue suggests a PSP version will debut in 2009 -- supposedly, it'll be "fantastically ambitious and will further flesh out the PS3 LBP experience." What it won't have, it seems, is Media Molecule at the helm, as the developer is rumored to be working on an online RPG (in addition to a LBP sequel?). Previous mutterings pointed the finger at Sony's Studio Liverpool (WipEout Pulse) being the developer.

Other juicy gossip from the 'zine: Square Enix has quietly canceled Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers (gasp!), Capcom is bringing 1980s side-scrolling shooter Forgotten Worlds to Xbox Live and PlayStation Network (more gasps!) and Silicon Knight's unannounced Sega title is now looking for a new publisher. December's EGM should soon be on newsstands everywhere. Update: As noted in the comments section (thanks ... Fer-nan-do), Square Enix has released a statement denying the cancellation of Crystal Bearer. The publisher "has every intention of releasing it" but no date is currently known.

JoystiqRumor Roundup: LittleBigPlanet PSP in 2009 and more from December's EGM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-Adventurecapcomcrystal-bearerscrystal-chroniclesfinal-fantasyforgotten-worldslbplittlebigplanetmedia-moleculePS3PSPrumorrumorssegasilicon-knightssquare-enixWiiXbox-360Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Born for Wii: Eternal Darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/born-for-wii-eternal-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/born-for-wii-eternal-darkness/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/born-for-wii-eternal-darkness/#commentsFiled under:

It's almost Halloween, gamers: are you ready? For most of us, the approach of Halloween signifies a few things: a chill in the air as winter crawls ever closer, overdosing on candy, and concerned parents fretting over how many razor blades they're going to find lodged in seemingly innocent candy apples. For a few of us, it means wild parties and crazy costumes. But for all of us, it's the season for scares.

Of course, how you get your fair share of hair-raising excitement is up to you, but we here at Nintendo Wii Fanboy think there's a better way for you to spend your time than seeing Saw V this Halloween weekend. Close the blinds, turn off the lights, crank up the sound and settle down with one of the scariest, most original games of last generation: Silicon Knights' Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem. Everyone's favorite purple lunchbox was often criticized as being a kiddie platform to the chagrin of Nintendo fans everywhere, and Eternal Darkness did its best to challenge those claims when it was released in 2002. The game's rich narrative and diverse gameplay were a large part of its appeal (and critical acclaim), but being one of the downright creepiest games of all time sure didn't hurt. For messing with our heads and making us afraid to sleep at night, Eternal Darkness is the scariest game that's ever been Born for Wii.

NEXT >>


Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, Discs of Tron, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.

JoystiqBorn for Wii: Eternal Darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>born-for-wiieternal-darknesseternal-darkness-2gamecubenintendoplay-on-wiiportsilicon-knightsTue, 28 Oct 2008 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights 'temporarily' lays off 26 employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-temporarily-lays-off-26-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-temporarily-lays-off-26-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-temporarily-lays-off-26-employees/#commentsFiled under: ,


Silicon Knights announced today that it has laid off 26 employees in the wake of the completion of Too Human and heading into "several new and exciting games." The press release notes that it is common for development teams to grow during a single project and "whittle down" once the project is complete. According to the release, Silicon Knights had undergone "four years of unprecedented growth" in which the company reached over 180 people before the cutback. The layoffs are purportedly temporary with company head Denis Dyack stating, "These 26 individuals are hard-working and valued team members that we hope to bring back as we ramp up on our future projects."

While the press release states that "All the company's directors and leads are still at Silicon Knights and working on its next projects," a Joystiq tipster said that the 26 cut employees included "a few long-tenured ones."

Find the full press release after the break.

Continue reading Silicon Knights 'temporarily' lays off 26 employees

JoystiqSilicon Knights 'temporarily' lays off 26 employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesssilicon-knightsMon, 06 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights lays off 26 employees 'temporarily']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-lays-off-26-employees-temporarily/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-lays-off-26-employees-temporarily/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/silicon-knights-lays-off-26-employees-temporarily/#commentsFiled under:

logo
We'll spare the "too human" jokes and get right to it: Silicon Knights laid off 26 employees today as the studio reshuffled its size in preparation for "several new and exciting" projects. Before the "temporary" cutback, the company totaled just over 180 employees.

"These 26 individuals are hard-working and valued team members that we hope to bring back as we ramp up on our future projects," head knight Denis Dyack said in a statement. The layoffs are consistent with typical development cycles in the industry, but do come at a time when global markets are wavering. Silicon Knights has not yet named any of the individuals affected by today's downsizing, but a tipster suggests the group includes "a few long-tenured ones."

Read the full statement from Silicon Knights after the break.

[Thanks Bob!]

Continue reading Silicon Knights lays off 26 employees 'temporarily'

JoystiqSilicon Knights lays off 26 employees 'temporarily' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdenis-dyacksilicon-knightsMon, 06 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just when we all thought that the lumbering storm cloud that washed Too Human's existence with unrestrained negativity (or "mixed" positivity, depending on how you look at it), we remembered something: Zero Punctuation. As a man who loves to hate, we imagine there was no way Yahtzee would pass up a game like Too Human. It is, in his opinion, universally bad and apparently has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. To anyone who enjoys the game (frankly, we've been a bit addicted), you have been warned. Everyone else, find the review after the break.

Continue reading Behold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review

JoystiqBehold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanzero-punctuationMon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human cracks NPD Top 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to the NPD Group the controversial loot-grinder Too Human cracked the top ten sales chart for the month of August. Selling 168,200 units in a ten day period, Too Human landed the number 8 spot beating out Madden 09 for the Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS.

While reactions have been mixed since Too Human's release, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack told X3F in a post game release interview that the team from St. Catharine's, Canada, couldn't be happier with the final product. Controversy aside, Too Human debuted strong and continued sales only solidifies that the previously announced sequels are still in the works. That Valkyrie death animation can still fall in a well and die, though. Just saying.

[via GameDaily]

JoystiqToo Human cracks NPD Top 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackmicrosoft-game-studiosnpd-groupsilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human update fixes connectivity, nothing else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/#commentsFiled under: ,

We turned on Too Human this morning (no, really) and found an auto update. Hoping it might have shortened the Valkyrie death sequence, we immediately unequipped all weapons and armor and ran naked (figuratively) into battle, only to be faced with the same 15.5-second consequence. We also thought the menu screen loaded faster, but that is all apparently just in our heads.

In a forum post this morning, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack revealed that the update "fixed some connectivity issues and was done prior to release. It does not contain any balance or gameplay changes." Better luck next time.

JoystiqToo Human update fixes connectivity, nothing else originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanupdateXbox-360Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['CliffyB' defends Too Human from critics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Update 2: The Giant Bomb user formerly known as CliffyB has changed his user name based on a request from the Giant Bomb staff. Seems this was a case of mistaken/overtaken internet identity. Joystiq regrets the error.]

[Update: It seems there's some doubt as to whether or not this review was actually written by Mr. Bleszinski or just some Giant bomb user who took his common online moniker. Either way, the review is still an interesting, alternative look at the game. We're looking into it and we'll update as warranted.]

After so much hype and so many years in development, many were surprised by the lackluster critical reception for Silicon Knights' Too Human. Count among the surprised Epic Games' Cliff "Don't call me CliffyB anymore" Bleszinski, who defended the game from its harshest critics in a recent Giant Bomb reader review.

Bleszinski says he found the game more engrossing than either BioShock or Call of Duty 4, pouring 16 straight hours into it on his first sit down and readying for a second playthrough after a 42-hour quest. While admitting that the story "isn't God's gift to writing," Bleszinski still insists it compares favorably to a lot of other video games. His main beef, though, is with critics who derided the game's combat as too simple simply because they weren't willing to delve into what Bleszinski sees as some complex strategic depth. "It will require some attention to learn," he warns, "If this is too much to ask, do not fret. There is always the Wii." Ouch!

The full review goes into an insane amount of detail on Bleszinski's experience with the game. Check it out if you're interested in a well informed, decidedly different perspective on this epic.

Joystiq'CliffyB' defends Too Human from critics originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleszinskicliff-bleszinskicliffyBcriticsdyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: This giveaway is now closed and our winner will be notified soon. Check your spam boxes, kids!

After a week covering Silicon Knights and Too Human, it's time to end our special coverage with a special giveaway. Up for grabs we have a copy of Too Human autographed by the team at Silicon Knights. We also have a swanky Too Human cloth bag for you to put it in. You wouldn't want the ink to get all smudged, now would you?). But wait, there's more! We also have an autographed Too Human poster for our second prize winner (check out a photo of it after the break). To enter, simply follow these directions:
  • Every player in Too Human has to make a philosophical choice: Human or Cybernetic. Leave a comment telling us which path you would choose, and why. It doesn't even have to be specific to Too Human, just have fun with it.
  • Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 11:00PM eastern time today, August 29th, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Later today, we'll pick two winner via random drawing.
  • One grand prize winner will receive an autographed copy of Too Human and a Too Human cloth bag, worth $80. One second prize winner will receive an autographed Too Human poster, worth $20.
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here

Continue reading Fanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update]

JoystiqFanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST