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[Will Wright gifts design docs and personal papers to Museum of Play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/will-wright-gifts-design-docs-and-personal-papers-to-museum-of-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that Super Fun Club's Will Wright was a swell guy, but his recent donation of "personal papers and design documents" to the Strong National Museum of Play places him firmly is really swell guy territory. The International Center for the History of Electronic Games (ICHEG) -- an institution within the museum -- has collected nine notebooks from Wright, featuring "original drawings, sketches, and notes for four of his SimCity, The Sims, and Spore games." Some of his donation will be on display this coming November as part of the "eGameRevolution" exhibit on the museum's second floor, for those interested in taking a peek.

ICHEG director Jon-Paul Dyson spoke of the donation in a statement (via 1UP), "These papers document the creative process behind some of the most important games of our time. They have transformed our society, and we are pleased to preserve this record of how Wright created them." Wright lavished the ICHEG with equal praise, saying, "I know of no other institution that is covering the topic as comprehensively as they are."

Wright's work will otherwise be housed alongside an enormous arcade collection -- what the ICHEG deems "the most significant games ever manufactured -- from Computer Space (1971) and Pong (1972) to Space Invaders (1978) and Pac-Man (1980) to Donkey Kong (1981) and Tetris (1988)" -- as well as an over 10,000-strong console game library. In other news, we totally know we're going when the Zombie Apocalypse goes down.

JoystiqWill Wright gifts design docs and personal papers to Museum of Play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-documentegamerevolutionicheginternational-center-for-the-history-of-electronic-gamesSporeSpore-Creature-Creatorstrong-national-museumstrong-national-museum-of-playsuper-fun-clubwill-wrightFri, 01 Oct 2010 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Maxis' Spore-based action-RPG to be announced at Comic Con]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/maxis-spore-based-action-rpg-to-be-announced-at-comic-con/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The schedule for San Diego Comic Con 2010 was updated earlier today, adding a few game-centric panels focusing on titles like Guild Wars 2, Red Faction Armageddon, Epic Mickey and more to Saturday's proceedings. However, one panel in particular caught our eye: "Video Game Reveal: Maxis Studio." According to the event's details, the panel will see a handful of members from the Maxis dev team unveil "a brand new, Sci-Fi Action-RPG based on the DNA of Spore."

This sounds like it could be the Spore title referenced in EA's Q3 2010 investor's briefing, the name for which may have surfaced in the company's recent trademark of "Darkspore." We might just learn what happens when good Spores go bad when the panel unfolds Saturday, July 24.

JoystiqMaxis' Spore-based action-RPG to be announced at Comic Con originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksporeeamaxispcsdcc-2010SporeSpore-Creature-CreatorSat, 10 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/spore-creature-creator-builder-creates-iphone-game-about-destroy/#comments
Chaim Gingold spent the past few years creating ways to create things in Spore, most notably the game's Creature Creator. Now the former Maxis design lead has decided to take a different path, making an iPhone game that's all about destroying things ... as a creature. Titled Earth Dragon, Gingold's debut effort on the App Store puts players in control of a dragon with some very simple needs: Laying waste to castles and enemies, and abducting princesses. It relies on simple tilt and tap controls to fly, smash and breathe fire.

In an interview with Gamasutra, Gingold spoke of his philosophy on iPhone development, saying, "My mantra while developing Earth Dragon has been 'Make Donkey Kong, not Super Mario Bros.' Think small! If people like it, you still care, you can pile in the other million ideas you have later." As for what he'll do next, it seems that iPhone will again be his platform of choice. "I have a ton of ideas sitting in my personal prototype vault that I've never been able to figure out what to do with, but I think many of them would work nicely on the iPhone, which is exciting to me."

If you're keen on playing the game -- which, in Gingold's words, contains "the most intense level of cartoon violence Apple allows" -- hit this link to the iTunes App Store. Just want to see it in action? Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Spore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator builder creates iPhone game about destroying originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeApplechaim-gingoldearth-dragonindieiPodmaxissporespore-creature-creatorThu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/spore-creature-creator-2-d-set-free-in-your-browser/#comments
Now here's some ... creative marketing. Maxis has launched a Flash-based browser version of the Spore Creature Creator that mimics the customization found in the retail game fairly closely. Only, y'know, in 2D. All 250 parts found in the 3D creator are available and there's even the option to import creatures from millions found in the Sporepedia (although we found many are "not supported" at this time).

The app is promoting the impending October 6 release of Spore Hero on Wii (and Spore Hero Arena for DS), but, even if you're not juiced about either game, it's great for creating loving, extremely flattering versions of your friends, family and co-workers -- which must then be placed on their Facebook feeds, of course.

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedeaelectronic-artsmaxissporespore-creature-creatorspore-galactic-heroThu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 100 million creatures made in Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/over-100-million-creatures-made-in-spore/#commentsSince the release of Spore -- in fact, before the release of Spore, thanks to the Creature Creator -- players have brought new life into the fake world over 100 million times. According to Spore Illustrated, the Spore community crossed the 100-million threshold on April 29. "There was a massive flood of entries right at the 100 million mark," SI said. "An estimated 90,000 creatures were uploaded just after 2pm in an attempt to make a mark in Spore game history. EA will reveal the history-making 100 millionth monster soon. [Update: And it has!]

Of course, that number doesn't include banned products of the massive worldwide Spore penis monster team (otherwise known as every teenager with a copy of Spore), but presumably does include the millions of monsters who look just different enough from wangs to avoid notice.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqOver 100 million creatures made in Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 May 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100-millionmaxissporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightMon, 04 May 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Gitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/gitcha-securom-de-authorization-tools-gitem-ova-hur/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA's perpetual joke -- on you -- comes to an ironic end on April Fools' Day with the release of de-authorization tools for each of its 19 PC games with SecuROM copy protection (full list and download links after the break). If you've been working on that class action lawsuit against EA for bundling SecuROM with The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff, you can drop it now -- your flat-pack furniture can finally be moved to a new machine.

In the spirit of generosity, EA's giving you two options for managing your authorizations:
  • Option 1: Download and install yet another "tool" in order to scan your computer for EA's SecuROM games and find out how many computer authorizations you have (or don't have) left for each title.
  • Option 2: Cut to the chase and download the game-specific de-authorization tool you need.

Continue reading Gitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur!

JoystiqGitcha SecuROM de-authorization tools! Git'em ova hur! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout-paradisecommand-and-conquercrysis-warheadde-authorizationdead-spaceeaElectronic-Artsfifa-09fifa-manager-09littlest-pet-shoplord-of-the-rings-conquestmass-effectmercenaries-2mirrors-edgemysimsneed-for-speed-undercovernhl-09red-alert-3securomsims-2spore-creature-creatorthe-ultimate-boxWed, 01 Apr 2009 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-eyes-on-how-to-build-a-better-being-with-will-wright/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



We're starting to get a little sick from Spore fever, since we gamers have been hearing about it for what seems like eons. But once the title launches September 7 in North America (and September 5 in Europe and Asia), we'll have to ride the wave of hype again when the rest of the world hears about the title. Set your TiVos for one of the first (of potentially many) Spore tie-ins; the National Geographic Channel will air its HD special, How to Build a Better Being on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 PM. The production is also included in the $80 Spore Galactic Edition.

The show offers a primer in DNA and genetics beyond what we remember from high school, connecting science with Spore. It's less a look at the game directly and more of a handshake (sometimes literally) between Will Wright and genetic scientists.

How to Build a Better Being centers on the Creature Creator and the genetic basis for the game's evolution and multitude of parts. After watching a screener, we wish it also covered science behind other parts of the game. However, the hour-long show works as a companion to that fundamental Spore angle.

Continue reading Joystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright

JoystiqJoystiq eyes-on: How to Build a Better Being, with Will Wright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeaElectronic-Artsgeneticshow-to-build-a-better-beingMacmaxisnational-geographicnational-geographic-channelPCsciencescience-of-sporesporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightFri, 29 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright doesn't blush at 'Sporn']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/will-wright-doesnt-blush-at-sporn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Speaking with the Associated Press, Spore creator and bona fide master game designer, Will Wright, seemed surprisingly ... okay with the various "Spore-nographic" organs creatures people have made using the Spore Creature Creator. "Some of it's really good for what they were shooting for. It's amazingly explicit, especially when those creations are animated," Wright said.

On the topic of giving creative power (and lots of it) to players, Wright explained, "When you give players creative control, you have to expect they're going to do the unexpected," but he was quick to add, "We just have to make sure those people aren't messing up the experience for others." To this end, Wright told the AP that there will be a system in place whereby players can "ban" content from ever appearing in their own Spore universe. Elsewhere, we fully expect there to be entire universes populated solely by undulating naughty bits.

JoystiqWill Wright doesn't blush at 'Sporn' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMacmaxisPCsporespore-creature-creatorspornwill-wrightWed, 27 Aug 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright's exemplar user-created Spore creatures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/will-wrights-exemplar-user-created-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/will-wrights-exemplar-user-created-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/will-wrights-exemplar-user-created-spore-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click for higher resolution
Fancy seeing a selection of the 1.589+ million Spore creatures created so far? This batch of crazy critters was hand picked by Will Wright himself as an example of how crazy, imaginative and realistic Spore's creatures can be, if the players are creative enough. Click the image above to begin the tour, which includes the following:

JoystiqWill Wright's exemplar user-created Spore creatures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSE3e3-08e308EAElectronic-ArtsjoystiqfeaturesMacPCSporeSpore-creature-creatorWill-WrightTue, 15 Jul 2008 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vote in Big Download's Spore creature contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/vote-in-big-downloads-spore-creature-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/vote-in-big-downloads-spore-creature-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/vote-in-big-downloads-spore-creature-contest/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Big Download folks need your help in choosing the best design out of the Top 10 contestant in their Spore Creature Creator contest. Check out the zoological diversity below and then vote on the Big Download site for the best one.

The grand prize winner gets a Wacom Intuos3 6x11 drawing tablet and there's great prizes for second and third place as well. Voting closes July 14, so rally the troops and make sure the best freak of nature wins.

Gallery: Spore Creature Creator Contest Top 10

XythosUnnamed #4Unnamed #3Unnamed #2Unnamed #1

JoystiqVote in Big Download's Spore creature contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadsporespore-creature-creatorThu, 10 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright talks Spore and defensive cows]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/will-wright-talks-spore-and-defensive-cows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/will-wright-talks-spore-and-defensive-cows/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/will-wright-talks-spore-and-defensive-cows/#commentsFiled under: ,


1UP has a nice video interview with Will Wright where he discusses various elements of Spore. He covers the different stages of evolution in the game, the AI built into the creature creator and tells a good story about a really mad cow.

For Civ IV fans, Wright also briefly talks about Soren Johnson's contribution to the game. Johnson left Firaxis last year to go work on Spore and help the team streamline the title. The full interview can be found after the break.

Gallery: Spore

Continue reading Will Wright talks Spore and defensive cows

JoystiqWill Wright talks Spore and defensive cows originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewsporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightFri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sporemon: Spore Creature Creator meets Pokemon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/sporemon-spore-creature-creator-meets-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/sporemon-spore-creature-creator-meets-pokemon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/sporemon-spore-creature-creator-meets-pokemon/#commentsFiled under:


The Spore Creature Creator. PC enthusiasts have been enjoying the thing for a bit now, creating wild and imaginative creatures. Well, it's also been used to create other things, such as controllers and ... rabbids. We figured there must also be a vibrant Pokémon population thriving within the virtual walls of the editor, as well. And, sure enough, we found lots of fun and inspired Pokémon recreations. So click on the bottom-right button there to check out some of the Pokémon users have come up with!

JoystiqSporemon: Spore Creature Creator meets Pokemon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjoystiqfeaturesmaxispokemonsporespore-creature-creatorsporemonwill-wrightThu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rabbid fact #76 -- Bunnies look good in Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/rabbid-fact-76-bunnies-look-good-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/rabbid-fact-76-bunnies-look-good-in-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/rabbid-fact-76-bunnies-look-good-in-spore/#commentsFiled under:

While Joystiq was spending a week trying to create cool and clever things with the Spore Creature Creator, other folks were up to some interesting projects as well. Take, for instance, this rabbid made by YouTuber judhudson.

Sure, the little guy might look even more demented than your standard, already-crazying-looking rabbid, but it shares a pretty good resemblance. Between his appearance, the dancing, and the dubbed in screaming, he has "rabbid" written all over him.

Apparently, people are making all kinds of neat things with Spore. Have you ran into any particularly good character remakes in your travels?

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqRabbid fact #76 -- Bunnies look good in Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earabbidsraving-rabbidssporespore-creature-creatorubisoftMon, 23 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reimagining the Zelda franchise's characters as Spore Creatures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/reimagining-the-zelda-franchises-characters-as-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/reimagining-the-zelda-franchises-characters-as-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/reimagining-the-zelda-franchises-characters-as-spore-creatures/#commentsFiled under:


The internet has been set on fire by the recent release of Spore Creature Creator, which has been used to create not only some really weird and interesting things, but also variations of characters found in other games. Above, you'll see 19 different characters from The Legend of Zelda games.

The full spectrum of characters is covered, from the incredibly annoying Navi, right down to the ferocious Beast Ganon. So check out the video above.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqReimagining the Zelda franchise's characters as Spore Creatures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artslegend-of-zeldasporespore-creature-creatorzeldaMon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best Of Big Download: June 15-21, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-best-of-big-download-june-15-21-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-best-of-big-download-june-15-21-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-best-of-big-download-june-15-21-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's yet another huge week here at the Big Download news site. For a "game" that's not really a game, Maxis' Spore Creature Creator generated more buzz than most true PC game titles. But that's not all we had. Take a look at the highlights from the past week.

Exclusives

Continue reading The Best Of Big Download: June 15-21, 2008

JoystiqThe Best Of Big Download: June 15-21, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadmaxisPCpc-gaming-alliancespore-creature-creatorspore-creature-creator-demostardockSat, 21 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator spawns Wiimote and nunchuk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/spore-creature-creator-spawns-wiimote-and-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/spore-creature-creator-spawns-wiimote-and-nunchuk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/spore-creature-creator-spawns-wiimote-and-nunchuk/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click for super-huge image

Much like the creature that resembles an Xbox 360 controller, someone has gone ahead and created the Wiimote and nunchuk-like combo you see above. While we haven't played any Spore Creature Creator ourselves, we do hear it's fun. Heck, if you can make the thing above there, it can't be all bad.

Any other gaming controllers or characters you've seen done up in the game?

[Thanks, Amiculi!]

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator spawns Wiimote and nunchuk originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eanunchuksporespore-creature-creatorwiimotewill-wrightFri, 20 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Daddy gets the Spore treatment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/big-daddy-gets-the-spore-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/big-daddy-gets-the-spore-treatment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/big-daddy-gets-the-spore-treatment/#commentsFiled under:


As PC gamers patiently wait to play Will Wright's latest creation, Spore, they've recently had a chance to tinker with the Spore Creature Creator to test the customization options of the game. As expected the first monsters created were intentionally NSFW but some gamers took the opportunity to get creative. Using the PC tool gamers have recreated the Big Daddy from 2007's critically and commercially acclaimed BioShock. Other game character homages made with the tool include Mass Effect and a very bubbly Master Chief.

Download the Spore Creature Creator from Big Download today!

JoystiqBig Daddy gets the Spore treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-daddybioshockhalohalo-3mass-effectsporespore-creature-creatorThu, 19 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[250,000 Spore creatures shared, interstellar plague to follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/250-000-spore-creatures-shared-interstellar-plague-to-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/250-000-spore-creatures-shared-interstellar-plague-to-follow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/250-000-spore-creatures-shared-interstellar-plague-to-follow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Electronic Arts announced late last night that 250,000 new creatures had been uploaded to the Sporepedia since the program got into various Sporeophile's hands mandibles. The company claims two creatures are being shared every second, with the latest data from our Spore page (image after the break) showing that 377,200 creatures have been created since those numbers were last updated on Spore.com.

Quick math break: 377,200 - 78,762 penis creatures = 298,438 actual creatures.

We've certainly been having fun around here making our adorable animals, ready to rule the galaxy on Sept. 7. The Spore Creature Creator demo (with about 25% of the retail content) and the full $10 version are available now.

Gallery: One week with Spore Creatures

Moogle!EbolicOcto-GrimaceWeeglerMelliphon

Continue reading 250,000 Spore creatures shared, interstellar plague to follow

Joystiq250,000 Spore creatures shared, interstellar plague to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAElectronic-ArtsMacMaxisPCSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorThu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A week with Spore Creature Creators: Day Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/a-week-with-spore-creature-creators-day-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/a-week-with-spore-creature-creators-day-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/a-week-with-spore-creature-creators-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In our quest to familiarize ourselves with the laws of nature (and subsequently defy them), this week we're going to share at least five abominations, one each day, that we've concocted in Spore Creature Creator. You can keep track of this our progress via our various profile pages:
For day two (new entries start here), we've got an elated peppermint, an attentive dinosaur, and a hiphopapotamous with flows that glow like phosphorous. You can see all the creatures from the week starting here. Each page contains a link to the creature's respective Sporepedia page where you can download and edit our work.

Gallery: One week with Spore Creatures

Moogle!EbolicOcto-GrimaceWeeglerMelliphon

JoystiqA week with Spore Creature Creators: Day Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjoystiqfeaturesmaxisPCsporespore-creature-creatorweek-with-spore-ccWed, 18 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BigDownload offering big prizes to see your Spore creatures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/bigdownload-offering-big-prizes-to-see-your-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/bigdownload-offering-big-prizes-to-see-your-spore-creatures/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/bigdownload-offering-big-prizes-to-see-your-spore-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , ,

How intelligent is your design? Our friends at BigDownload want to see your best work using the Spore Creature Creator demo, and they're offering 10 copies of the full version, a Wacom tablet and two NVIDIA video cards to tempt you. Click here for details and contest rules.

JoystiqBigDownload offering big prizes to see your Spore creatures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsMacmaxisPCsporespore-creature-creatorTue, 17 Jun 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator demo available now on PC and Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/spore-creature-creator-demo-available-now-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/spore-creature-creator-demo-available-now-on-pc-and-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/spore-creature-creator-demo-available-now-on-pc-and-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Like another layer in the Russian nesting doll of Spore hype creation, the Spore Creature Creator demo is out now for both Mac and PC. Big Download reports the demo contains 25% of the content available in the full $10 retail version releasing tomorrow.

We've got some impressions up on the Spore Creature Creator after fiddling around with it for a week. Spore proper will release Sept. 7 -- make sure to check your system specs.

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator demo available now on PC and Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMacPCsporespore-creature-creatorspore-creature-editorTue, 17 Jun 2008 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[A week with Spore Creature Creator: Day One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/a-week-with-spore-creature-creator-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/a-week-with-spore-creature-creator-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/a-week-with-spore-creature-creator-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In our quest to familiarize ourselves with the laws of nature (and subsequently defy them), this week we're going to share at least five abominations, one each day, that we've concocted in Spore Creature Creator. You can keep track of this writer's progress via this Spore profile page.

While we've got no Murlocs today, we did try our hand at making a Moogle. Check out all our creations via the gallery below. Each one contains a link to the creature's respective Sporepedia page where you can download and edit our work.

Gallery: One week with Spore Creatures

Moogle!EbolicOcto-GrimaceWeeglerMelliphon

Continue reading A week with Spore Creature Creator: Day One

JoystiqA week with Spore Creature Creator: Day One originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMacmaxisPCsporespore-creature-creatorspore-creaturesweek-with-spore-ccTue, 17 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New games this week: Spore Creature Creator edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-games-this-week-spore-creature-creator-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-games-this-week-spore-creature-creator-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/new-games-this-week-spore-creature-creator-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

spore creature creator
They say records are made to be broken. And all great streaks must come to an end. Today, 45 consecutive weeks of "New games this week" brought to you by Justin McElroy has abruptly ended. For no good reason.

As we take a moment to reflect on Justin's special achievement, we can't help but acknowledge the magic behind it. What manner of intelligent design commanded his fingertips at the keyboard? How is it that on the day the streak began, Justin seemingly wrote for the day the streak would end? Let us illustrate (with just a few, slight tweaks inserted):

"It's days like this that make us pine for a time machine. Can you imagine being able to tell you from five years ago that the biggest release one week would be an original IP from EA where you [drag] and [drop] arms around to [create new life]? Oh, and also, you appear to be a giant pink squid-Travolta ... and it's called [Spore Creature Creator]. This new release list doesn't just tell you what games are coming out, it reminds you that wonders never cease."

Continue reading New games this week: Spore Creature Creator edition

JoystiqNew games this week: Spore Creature Creator edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSnewgamesPCPS2PS3PSPspore-creature-creatorWiiXbox-360Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Spore Creature Creator and the birth of Sporky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-hands-on-spore-creature-creator-and-the-birth-of-sporky/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-hands-on-spore-creature-creator-and-the-birth-of-sporky/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/joystiq-hands-on-spore-creature-creator-and-the-birth-of-sporky/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to get up close with "sporky"
We dropped by Maxis' offices today to get our feet wet in the stand-alone "Creature Creator" component of The Sims architect Will Wright's epic cell-to-galactic-civilization sim, Spore (which hits in September). Set to launch on June 17 in two flavors (a $9.99 "full version" and free downloadable demo, also included with The SimCity Box) the creator could be incorrectly described as a "utility" - in fact, as we found while tinkering with it, the Creature Creator could very well have a life of its own. Read our full impressions after the break.

Gallery: Spore

Continue reading Joystiq hands-on: Spore Creature Creator and the birth of Sporky

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Spore Creature Creator and the birth of Sporky originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjoystiqfeaturesMacmaxisPCsim-citysporespore-creature-creatorthe-simswill-wrightFri, 23 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore Creature Creator and demo coming June 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/spore-creature-creator-and-demo-coming-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/spore-creature-creator-and-demo-coming-june-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/spore-creature-creator-and-demo-coming-june-17/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're the megalomaniacal sort who wants nothing more than a race of sentient creatures of your own design bending to your every whim, we have good news! The Spore Creature Creator, once only dated for the murky, fingerprinted window of June, has now been specifically nailed to June 17. If you're megalomaniacal but also too cheap to spring the $9.99 for the game, you'll be happy to hear that a free demo will also arrive that day on the Spore site.

Once the full game arrives on September 5, you'll be able to import in all your created beasts. Until then, they're a perfect way to see if friends and family love you enough to feign interest in the computer animal you made.

Gallery: Spore

JoystiqSpore Creature Creator and demo coming June 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoseaElectronic-ArtsPCsporespore-creature-creatorwill-wrightFri, 25 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Spore Creature Creator included in SimCity Box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/15/rumor-spore-creature-creator-included-in-simcity-box/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever since EA announced the early release of Spore's Creature Creator, we've been wondering how the company planned on distributing the pre-game title. Fingers were crossed for a free demo, but now it seems that EA would rather entice players into buying their SimCity Box, which will reportedly include the Creature Creator amongst its lineup of classic SimCity titles.

On the game's Amazon product page, the box art indicates the presence of the "Creature Creator Trial Version" as a bonus feature. This same bonus is stated in the product description. If Amazon is to be trusted, we still don't know whether the "trial version" indicates a limited demo of the soon-to-be-released creature editor, or whether the editor is considered to be a "trial version" of Spore.

We also don't know if this is EA's only intended method of distribution for the Creature Creator. We've contacted EA for further clarification, and will let you know once we have a few more facts.

[Via GamerTell]

JoystiqRumor: Spore Creature Creator included in SimCity Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsmaxisPCsimcitysimcity-boxsporespore-creature-creatorspore-creature-editorTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright narrates SPORE gameplay video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/02/will-wright-narrates-spore-gameplay-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/02/will-wright-narrates-spore-gameplay-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/02/will-wright-narrates-spore-gameplay-video/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sure, it's nearly a year late in making its way onto the internet, but Will Wright's SPORE presentation from last year's GDC, titled "The Future of Content", is now available on Google video. Will Wright narrates the entire 36 minute video, discussing things like mating, Care Bears, and the finer points of procedural synthesis, so watch it already!

See also:
Will Wright to deliver GDC keynote
Joystiq's SPORE coverage

[Thanks, josh & D]

UPDATE: Commenter bob correctly notes that the video has been available on the GDCTV website, although registration is required. Consider this the first time it's been available to those who are afflicted with web-registration paranoia.

JoystiqWill Wright narrates SPORE gameplay video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMaxisPCSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorWill WrightWillWrightThu, 02 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spore grabs 4 nominations for Best of E3 Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/02/spore-grabs-4-nominations-for-best-of-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/02/spore-grabs-4-nominations-for-best-of-e3-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/06/02/spore-grabs-4-nominations-for-best-of-e3-awards/#commentsFiled under:

Spore Screenshot

Will Wright's Spore heads this year's pack of nominees for the annual Game Critics Awards: Best of E3. Spore is up for Best of Show, Best Original Game, Best PC Game and Best Simulation Game. Also nominated for Best of Show:

  • F.E.A.R.

  • Gears of War

  • The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

  • Xbox 360

The PS3 and Revolution were not eligible because judges did not get "hands-on" playing time with them. Winners will be announced next Tuesday, June 7.

JoystiqSpore grabs 4 nominations for Best of E3 Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2005 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMaxisSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorThu, 02 Jun 2005 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wired Exclusive Interview with Will Wright on Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/05/20/wired-exclusive-interview-with-will-wright-on-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/05/20/wired-exclusive-interview-with-will-wright-on-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/05/20/wired-exclusive-interview-with-will-wright-on-spore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Spore Screenshot

Spore's the buzzed-about game of the moment. Wired news interviews its creator, Will Wright, the man behind the best-selling PC game franchise The Sims. Wired didn't score any new screenshots, but the questions they've asked Wright elicit some interesting answers, including some great information about the technology behind the game:

And that is what gives the content high compressibility, because every piece of content can be defined parametrically. Every piece of content has, in essence, a genome, which we can now transport across the net very cheaply, because it's so small, or put a database on your hard drive that has 1,000 creatures and occupies a very small amount of space.

Wright also lets on that he plans to bring a version of Spore to handheld gaming systems.

See the rest of the Joystiq spore coverage here.

JoystiqWired Exclusive Interview with Will Wright on Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2005 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMacMaxisPCSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorFri, 20 May 2005 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[GamingSteve grabs exclusive shots of Will Wright's Spore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/15/gamingsteve-grabs-exclusive-shots-of-will-wrights-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/15/gamingsteve-grabs-exclusive-shots-of-will-wrights-spore/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/15/gamingsteve-grabs-exclusive-shots-of-will-wrights-spore/#commentsFiled under: ,

spore

GamingSteve has grabbed some excellent pics of the hyped, heady Wright-sim, Spore. The site's writer (Steve, we presume) isn't sure how long the pics will be up, so head on over to get a peek that only GDC attendees could enjoy up to now. Actually make that the GDC attendees who could pack into the small room they put Wright in for the announcement (was that done on purpose, and if so, why?)




The site also has some good coverage of GDC. What more do you need? Why are you still here?

[thanks Gaming Steve!]

JoystiqGamingSteve grabs exclusive shots of Will Wright's Spore originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2005 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMaxisSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorTue, 15 Mar 2005 05:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Wright's Spore caps off a GDC dedicated to the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/12/will-wrights-spore-caps-off-a-gdc-dedicated-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/12/will-wrights-spore-caps-off-a-gdc-dedicated-to-the-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2005/03/12/will-wrights-spore-caps-off-a-gdc-dedicated-to-the-future/#commentsFiled under:

wright

One of the themes of this year's GDC certainly played out well. We got a lot of peeks at where the bigwigs think the industry is going, with a few demos thrown in for good measure. Iwata's keynote and demos, Allards's keynote and demo, the next-gen tools on the expo floor, and now the announcement of Spores, the first game by Will Wright since The Sims series.

Of course, this speech happened when I was on my way back home. It couldn't be avoided. But it sounds like the perfect way to cap off a GDC where the essence of gaming (for want of a better phrase, trust me) was at the forefront. From what I'm hearing, Spores is the kind of emergent gameplay that could make Allard's dream of a 20 million-unit best seller a reality. Hey, if anyone could reach that number, Wright's the guy.

The game lets you start as a simple life form, just emerging from the slime. You can play the game in such a way that the life form develops in specific ways. From there the game is an RTS, where you become a farmer of sorts, controlling herds of animals. Then you can begin to interact with the world around you, in a Sims-lite setting. Eventually you'll be able to travel between planets and solar systems. Apparently the demo was a real highlight of the show. Check out the forum post on Shacknews for a good perspective on the energy in the room.

Has Will Wright proven that lightning can indeed strike twice?

Gamespot
Shacknews
ABCNews
Gamasutra
IGN
1Up


JoystiqWill Wright's Spore caps off a GDC dedicated to the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Mar 2005 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electronic-ArtsMaxisSporeSpore-Creature-CreatorSat, 12 Mar 2005 11:12:00 EST