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[Crysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/crysis-2-back-on-steam-with-a-clever-new-name-extra-goodies/#comments ImageCrysis 2 is back on Steam after being yanked in June because "an agreement with another download service" violated Steam's terms of service. The new, improved Crysis 2 is subtitled the "Maximum Edition" and it includes all the content in the limited edition, plus the Retaliation and Decimation DLC packs, all for $40.

Those who snagged Crysis 2 on Steam before it was pulled can get Maximum Edition for half off through June 12 at 10 a.m. PST. EA's other pulled or unreleased titles on Steam - namely Mass Effect 3 and Battlefield 3 - are still absent.

The new version, by including all the DLC, sidesteps the restrictions that kept the game off in the first place.

[Thanks, Steven!]

JoystiqCrysis 2 back on Steam with a clever new name, extra goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2Crytekdigital-distributionEAElectronic-ArtspcSTEAMWed, 30 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[My liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/my-liege-civilization-v-is-free-to-play-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments The time of being born into power is coming to a close, as democracy sweeps across this world of ours. Now, if you want to be a leader of a country, you need to be smart - a student of conquest and diplomacy - and this weekend you can study up in Civilization V on Steam, free of charge.

You can install the game through Steam and play until you bring the world around to your type of thinking, up until 1pm PT on Sunday. And if you like Civilization V, it just so happens you can also purchase it at a 75% discount this weekend, which brings the price down to $7.49. A good ruler must also be able to spot a good bit of marketing. The expansion, Gods and Kings, is a little more than a month away, after all.

JoystiqMy liege, Civilization V is free to play on Steam this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescivilization-5Firaxis-GamesmacpcsteamFri, 25 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/indie-game-the-movie-available-digitally-june-12/#comments Steam has proven to be a boon for indie games like Super Meat Boy. Now we'll see if it's similarly helpful for movies about Super Meat Boy. Following its limited theatrical run, Indie Game: The Movie will be released digitally through Steam on June 12. Pre-orders are open for $9; normal price is $10. It'll also be streamable or downloadable from iTunes and the movie's own site the same day.

If you want it on a disc (remember those?) you can pre-order that, as well.

JoystiqIndie Game: The Movie available digitally on June 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionindie-game-the-movieitunesrelease-datesteamFri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Step inside the creepy concepts of Alan Wake's American Nightmare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/step-inside-the-creepy-concepts-of-alan-wakes-american-nightmar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/step-inside-the-creepy-concepts-of-alan-wakes-american-nightmar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/step-inside-the-creepy-concepts-of-alan-wakes-american-nightmar/#comments ImageAlan Wake's American Nightmare is hitting Steam and GOG on Tuesday, May 22, and it's probably going to look a bit like the images in the gallery below, but with more 3D rendering and fewer "happy little trees" brush strokes. These concept images lay out the beginnings of a few key scenes in American Nightmare, along with the hatching of a few creepy crawlies and (much) larger foes.

Gallery: Alan Wake's American Nightmare PC (Concept Art)

JoystiqStep inside the creepy concepts of Alan Wake's American Nightmare originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakes-american-nightmaregog.comMicrosoftpcRemedyremedy-entertainmentSTEAMSun, 20 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther sales crash against 100,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dear-esther-sales-crash-against-100-000/#comments ImageDear Esther, the atmospheric indie title from thechineseroom, has sold more than 100,000 copies, shortly following the title's launch for Mac on Steam. Developer Robert Briscoe shared the news on Dear Esther's official site:

"I have to admit I was a little unsure as to what to expect from sales of Dear Esther once we went to retail, we all were - there was no real benchmark to go by at the time, so I'm extremely pleased to see so many people enjoying the game, and most importantly, proving that gamers are open and eager to new ideas and experiences outside of the boundaries of 'traditional' gameplay. Thanks to everyone who has supported us through this journey, and who will hopefully continue to support us in the future!"

Dear Esther is half off through Thursday, May 17 in Steam's Midweek Madness sale, running just $5.

JoystiqDear Esther sales crash against 100,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100000dear-esthermacpcsalesSTEAMthechineseroomThu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam enables remote downloads from web or mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/steam-enables-remote-downloads-from-web-or-mobile/#comments ImageIt's now even easier to buy too many games from Steam. Valve has implemented remote downloading, allowing you to manage your PC's Steam collection remotely, from anywhere you can access the website or mobile app.

Remote downloading lets you start a download on your computer from any of these other sources, and have them "installed and ready to play on your arrival." In other words, you can buy a game from the mobile app and have it download automatically to your home PC, or reinstall something else from your Steam collection remotely.

The Store will even ask you upon purchase if you'd like to remotely install your new game, if it notices you're shopping from away from your computer.

JoystiqSteam enables remote downloads from web or mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcremote-downloadingremote-downloadssteamWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/dear-esther-comes-to-mac-on-steam-is-half-off-through-thursday/#comments ImageDear Esther has finally wandered across the barren PC wasteland to end up on Mac as part of the larger Steam island system. Dear Esther, developed by current Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs team thechineseroom, now supports SteamPlay and is half off for Midweek Madness, through May 17.

JoystiqDear Esther comes to Mac on Steam, is half off through Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dear-esthermacpcSTEAMSteamPlaythechineseroomTue, 15 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Knights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/knights-of-the-old-republic-jedi-knight-2-now-on-mac-via-steam/#comments ImageMay the fourteenth be with you: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast are each available on Mac and are 25 percent off on Steam today, in celebration of "May the 10 days after May the fourth be with you" day or something. Each title costs $7.50 with the sale, which ends May 21 at 10 a.m. PST.

Both games first dropped in 2003 but they hold up pretty well nine years on, especially at less than $10 -- at least they've aged better than we imagine The Old Republic will have by 2020.

JoystiqKnights of the Old Republic, Jedi Knight 2 now on Mac via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KOTORmacpcStar-WarsStar-Wars-Jedi-Knight-2star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republicSTEAMTue, 15 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[RealD tech heightens 3D programming on Unreal Engine 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/reald-tech-adds-3d-capability-to-pc-programming-on-unreal-engine/#comments ImageEpic is broadening Unreal Engine 3's stereoscopic 3D capabilities, with RealD technology now available to any users in Epic's paid licensing program and to users of the Unreal Development Kit, the free version of the Unreal Engine 3 toolkit. The RealD update is included in today's May 2012 UDK Beta download.

RealD allows developers to render PC and console games in stereoscopic 3D, with camera separation and 3D depth effects rendered in real-time, among other features. The first Unreal Engine 3 title to use RealD is Seamless Entertainment's SOL: Exodus, which received an update on Steam today to include 3D effects.

Unreal Engine 3 first received stereoscopic 3D capabilities in 2010 with TriOviz. TriOviz was used in Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition, Arkham City, Thor: God of Thunder and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.

RealD is used in many other high-profile 3D endeavors, including films such as The Avengers, and the forthcoming titles Prometheus and The Amazing Spider-Man.

JoystiqRealD tech heightens 3D programming on Unreal Engine 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DEpicRealDseamless-entertainmentsol-exodusSTEAMstereoscopic-3dudkUnrealunreal-engine-3Mon, 14 May 2012 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-store-displays-arrive-at-gamestop/#comments ImageIt looks like Steam vouchers are definitely headed to GameStop. Images sent to Joystiq by an anonymous tipster reveal an in-store display for Steam Wallet voucher cards in both $20 and $50 amounts. This bolsters the image that made the rounds last week, providing further evidence that the cards will indeed be going on sale at GameStops very soon.

The upshot of all this, of course, is that GameStop will be selling gift cards for one of its major competitors, which is especially intriguing as the company has been working to build its own digital distribution platform for several years. We've contacted GameStop and will provide updates as this story develops.

Update: GameStop has officially announced that it is indeed selling Steam Wallet cards as of ... today. They're available in $20 or $50 denominations. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: Steam Wallet cards at GameStop

Continue reading Steam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official]

JoystiqSteam Wallet store displays arrive at GameStop [update: It's official] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopmacpcsteamvalveMon, 14 May 2012 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/steam-trading-comes-to-super-monday-night-combat-hats-and-costu/#comments Image
If you were home schooled through Kindergarten, or grew up as a single child, the concept of sharing may be foreign and difficult to understand, but allow us to break it down for you: By giving someone something they want, there's a good chance you'll receive something you want in return, either immediately or down the road!

It's a system that's worked well for millennia, and now it comes to Uber Entertainment's Super Monday Night Combat in the form of Steam Trading support, which allows Steam users to trade in-game items. To celebrate, two Super MNC hats ("Gunslinger Hat" and "Assassin Helmet") are now available in Team Fortress 2, earned by achieving levels five and 20 (respectively) in Super MNC. Conversely, TF2 costumes have been added to Super MNC: An Engineer's uniform for CombatGirl and a Soldier uniform (plus rocket launcher skin!) for Megabeth, unlocked at levels 10 and 15.

JoystiqSteam Trading comes to Super Monday Night Combat, hats and costumes in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CombatGirlmegabethpcsteamsteam-tradingsuper-mncsuper-monday-night-combatTeam-Fortress-2uber-entertainmentSat, 12 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/company-of-heroes-worth-every-penny-at-2/#comments This weekend, following the official announcement of the sequel, the Company of Heroes franchise is 80 percent off on Steam. The original game, which helped breathe new life into a tired genre and setting, is a mere $2. Two bucks! Two smackers! Dos dollars!

Got a little buffer in the budget to spend more? Well, the Opposing Fronts expansion can be bundled with the original game for $6, with the Tales of Valor expansion added for a total of $10. The deal lasts until May 14 and you don't want to miss out on these 1940s prices for video games. Don't think about that previous line too long.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes worth every penny at $2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-HeroespcRelicRelic-EntertainmentSteamTHQSat, 12 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Join Rockstar club on Steam, get free Midnight Club 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/join-rockstar-club-on-steam-get-free-midnight-club-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/join-rockstar-club-on-steam-get-free-midnight-club-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/join-rockstar-club-on-steam-get-free-midnight-club-2/#comments ImageJoin the Midnight Club 2 Club! That's the organization we just invented whose sole membership requirement is ownership of Midnight Club 2. It's exceptionally easy to join right now, as Rockstar is handing out free copies to anyone who joins the Rockstar Community on Steam. Hey, that's two clubs you'd be part of, one of which is even real!

Your account must have at least one purchase or gift in it - basically, proof that you're a real person who really plays games. And you can't already have Midnight Club 2. Double-dipping is not allowed in the MC2C. You should probably make sure you have a Windows PC capable of running the game, too.

[Thanks, Jesse C.]

JoystiqJoin Rockstar club on Steam, get free Midnight Club 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>midnight-club-2pcrockstarsteamsteam-communityFri, 11 May 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/report-gamestop-to-start-selling-steam-vouchers-next-week/#comments ImageGamestop will reportedly begin selling Steam gift cards next week, according to a Kotaku source. Sweetening the legitimacy of this bizarre reality, the source also snapped a photo of the packaging (pictured). The cards will allegedly go on sale starting May 15.

Valve has yet to respond to our query on the subject. Gamestop tells us: "As a rule, the company does not comment on rumor and speculation."

Although this may all seem counter-intuitive (and it is when you think about Gamestop's Impulse digital distribution system), it's more like an agreement between frenemies. Valve can make money off people who don't use credit cards or other digital purchasing options, while Gamestop keeps making crazy amounts of cash off digital products in stores.

JoystiqReport: GameStop to start selling Steam vouchers next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GamestopmacpcSteamValveThu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Legend of the Beast' DLC coming to ... Serious Sam HD: Second Encounter?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/legend-of-the-beast-dlc-coming-to-serious-sam-hd-second-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/legend-of-the-beast-dlc-coming-to-serious-sam-hd-second-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/legend-of-the-beast-dlc-coming-to-serious-sam-hd-second-e/#comments Like one of those headless-yet-somehow-screaming dudes popping out of nowhere, Croteam has managed to surprise us with a DLC announcement today. Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter will receive the Legend of the Beast DLC pack on May 15, extending the campaign and multiplayer experiences. The Legend of the Beast costs $4.99 and adds three new campaign missions, along with three new maps each for Brutal Survivor mode and Chaotic Versus mode. And again (weirdly), this is DLC for Serious Sam's second HD game, not the most recent Serious Sam 3.

In addition to the DLC, all Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter's multiplayer modes - which include both co-operative and competitive-based modes - will be free for all through Steam on May 15. All you have to do is download the free, standalone multiplayer on or after May 15 and you're good to go.

Gallery: Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter (Legend of the Beast)

Continue reading 'Legend of the Beast' DLC coming to ... Serious Sam HD: Second Encounter?

Joystiq'Legend of the Beast' DLC coming to ... Serious Sam HD: Second Encounter? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteamdevolver-digitaldlcfree-to-playlegend-of-the-beastpcserious-sam-hd-the-second-encountersteamWed, 09 May 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Dream Machine slips into your subconscious this Friday on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-dream-machine-slips-into-your-subconscious-this-friday-on-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-dream-machine-slips-into-your-subconscious-this-friday-on-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-dream-machine-slips-into-your-subconscious-this-friday-on-st/#comments
Image
The Dream Machine, the award-winning point-and-click adventure from Cockroach Inc., is hitting Steam on Friday, May 11. To celebrate, Cockroach has unleashed the above trailer, which shows off The Dream Machine's cardboard and clay art style, while hinting at the dark secrets buried deep within the game's conscious plot.

The Dream Machine has been nominated for IGF, Indiecade, and Indie Game Challenge awards, and has won Into the Pixel and indiePub contests. If you can't wait for the Steam launch or want to give the game a go, chapters one through three are available now via its main site, and all five planned chapters are available for purchase from the same place. Chapters four and five are expected to drop "as soon as they're done," which Cockroach almost-clarifies as being "in a slew of months."

JoystiqThe Dream Machine slips into your subconscious this Friday on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cockroach-incIndiepcrelease-dateSTEAMthe-dream-machineTue, 08 May 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's American Nightmare scares PC players on May 22 [coming to GOG.com too!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/#comments
[Update] Remedy has revealed to Joystiq that Alan Wake's American Nightmare will be released on both Steam and Good Old Games on May 22. Both Steam and GOG.com, which just added Alan Wake to its DRM-free library, are holding sales for the original title.

American Nightmare is available for 10% of a pre-order incentive at both stores; however, owners of the original Alan Wake on PC (from either Steam or GOG) will be able to pre-order American Nightmare for 25% off. Alan Wake is currently available on Steam for 50% off as part of its mid-week madness special.

[Original Story] It would seem Alan Wake isn't finished giving gamers nightmares. A product page has appeared on Steam for Alan Wake's American Nightmare, revealing that the previously XBLA-exclusive adventure is coming to PC.

Remedy confirmed to Joystiq the game will hit PC on May 22.

In April, American Nightmare appeared on the Steam registry, indicating a PC release was imminent. Based on the product description, it doesn't appear that the PC version will feature any new content. American Nightmare is currently available for pre-order on Steam at 10% off its regular $15 price point.

JoystiqAlan Wake's American Nightmare scares PC players on May 22 [coming to GOG.com too!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakes-american-nightmarepcremedy-entertainmentSteamTue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Botanicula puts down roots on Steam, 10% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/botanicula-puts-down-roots-on-steam-10-off/#comments Botanicula, the latest from Machinarium developer Amanita Design, has finally planted itself on Steam for PC and Mac. In addition, those willing to snag the organic adventure before 10:00am Pacific on May 14 can do so for only $8.99, a buck off the usual $9.99 price tag. Seems only fitting that buying Botanicula should save you a little green, right?

JoystiqBotanicula puts down roots on Steam, 10% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanita-designbotaniculamacpcsteamMon, 07 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb begins May 28]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-binding-of-isaacs-wrath-of-the-lamb-begins-may-28/#comments
"Wrath of the Lamb," the enormous expansion to The Binding of Isaac, has been assigned a release date even more specific than the "late May" window it previously had: it'll be on Steam May 28, creator Edmund McMillen told Joystiq.

McMillen also reiterated his claim that Wrath will be the sole expansion for Isaac. "Development for Super Meat Boy: The Game has started full time and once it's moving I won't be looking back!" In the meantime, you should look up - at the new, terrifying trailer for Wrath of the Lamb.

JoystiqThe Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb begins May 28 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edmund-mcmillenmacpcq2-2012release-datesteamthe-binding-of-isaacwrath-of-the-lambMon, 07 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/#comments Image
The Steam signal burns in the night sky and Batman answers the call, probably because he isn't wearing his glasses and the clouds make the Steam logo look like a diagonal bat if he squints. Batman: Arkham City is half off ($15) and Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition is 66 percent off ($7) this weekend on Steam, sale ending Monday, May 7.

You'd think Bruce would have the money to get Lasik, wouldn't you?

JoystiqBig Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editionBatman-Arkham-CitylasikpcsaleSTEAMsteam-saleThu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-adds-genesis-classics-collection-5-beyond-oasis-phantasy/#comments ImageThe fifth Genesis Classics Collection is now available on Steam, perfect for PC players who want to relive the glory of their Sega-oriented youths. The same goes for Nintendo-aligned Console War veterans, who now, wise beyond their years, look to experience what life was like on the other side of the trenches.

The Genesis Classics Collection 5 boasts 10 games for $7.99, or $2.99 a piece if you'd rather go a la carte. Amongst the recommissioned relics from yesteryear are Phantasy Stars II through IV, Wonder Boy in Monster World, Vectorman 2, and Beyond Oasis. Jump past the break for the full list, which also includes Dynamite Headdy, one of the best, weirdest games ever made for Sega's classic warhorse.

Continue reading Steam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more

JoystiqSteam adds Genesis Classics Collection 5: Beyond Oasis, Phantasy Star 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Beyond-OasisDynamite-HeaddyGenesisGenesis-Classics-CollectionGenesis-Classics-Collection-5Golden-Axe-3Mega-DrivepcPhantasy-Star-2Phantasy-Star-3Phantasy-Star-3-Generations-of-DoomPhantasy-Star-4Phantasy-Star-4-The-End-of-the-Milleniumrevenge-of-shinobiSegaSteamStreets-of-Rage-3Vectorman-2wonder-boy-in-monster-worldThu, 03 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/steam-workshops-skyrim-mods-top-over-13-6-million-downloads-ma/#comments ImageBetween Valentine's Day and now, 11.6 million Skyrim mods were downloaded from Steam, totaling 13.6 million. That's a lot of hanging out with space cores and dragons modeled after Randy Savage.

The top mods represented on Steam's Workshop as of this writing aren't adding or subtracting major things from the original game. Many extend the experience in minor ways - bolstered sound offerings, more robust map markers, new spells - while a few add whole new quests. Thankfully, Skyrim's mod community moved away from its obsession with clean faces. At least for today.

JoystiqSteam Workshop's Skyrim mods top over 13.6 million downloads, Macho Man is pleased originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworkselder-scrolls-5modspcskyrimstatisticsstatssteamsteam-workshopthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimzenimax-mediaThu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/#comments ImageThe EA Indie Bundle (yes, we assure you, it is barely-100-percent-mostly-ish possible for EA to have an indie bundle) is live on Steam, offering 70 percent off a package of six titles from four indie developers, or half off each individual game.

Included in the sale is Warp, Shank, Shank 2, DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue and Gatling Gears. The DeathSpank titles are $7.50 individually and are available on PC and Mac through Steamplay, while the rest of EA's indies cost $5 and are PC only.

Indie Game Magazine first spotted the bundle in the super-secret Steam registry files this morning. The sale is now officially on, set to disappear from Steam in one week on May 9.

JoystiqEA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueEAElectronic-ArtsGatling-GearsHothead-GamesIndieindie-bundleklei-entertainmentmacpcsaleshankshank-2STEAMtrapdoor-incVanguard-GameswarpWed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Might and Delight 'renting' XBLA spot to sell Pid there]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/might-and-delight-renting-xbla-spot-to-sell-pid-there/#comments ImagePid is a new platformer being put together by Might and Delight, and when it arrives, it'll be available on PSN, Steam, and XBLA. But while Might and Delight will be self-publishing on PSN and Steam (because both platforms have plans in place for devs to do that), it won't be self-publishing on the Xbox Live Arcade. They won't have another publisher, either -- instead, Might and Delight is "renting" an XBLA game slot.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmight-and-delightpidpsnpublishingrentself-publishingspotsteamxblaxboxWed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/skullgirls-boppin-to-pc-digital-distribution-platforms-later-th/#comments Reverge Labs' debut fighter Skullgirls is coming to major digital distribution channels later this year. The Windows PC port will be available on Steam, Origin, GameFly, GamersGate and GameStop PC Downloads.

The PC version will ship with several updates built in - updates that will eventually be patched into the console versions. These include "in-game movelists, additional tutorials, retuned single player AI, enhanced leaderboards, in-game name display for online matches, and additional multi-player regions."

Continue reading Skullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year

JoystiqSkullgirls boppin' to PC digital distribution later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamesgameflygamersgategamestopgamestop-pc-downloadsoriginpcreverge-labsskullgirlssteamWed, 02 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dustforce sweeping up on Mac, discounted for a limited time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/dustforce-sweeping-up-on-mac-discounted-for-a-limited-time/#comments ImageDustforce, the game about evil-vanquishing janitors that would bring Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to shame, is now available on Mac. In addition, Dustforce is this week's Midweek Madness deal on Steam. You can grab it now for $5, half the usual price.

JoystiqDustforce sweeping up on Mac, discounted for a limited time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dustforcehitbox-teammacpcsteamWed, 02 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/bastion-gets-steamplay-support-on-limited-sale/#comments Months after winning numerous end-of-year accolades, Bastion can append one more teensy triumph to the list: Steamplay support. If you purchase Supergiant's vibrant action-RPG through Steam, you'll be able to play it on PC or Mac.

Bastion is on sale for six bucks through Valve's service for a limited time (until May 3). The discount also applies to a game and soundtrack bundle, which can be had for $9.98. And if you must have a physical copy ... try Afghanistan.

JoystiqBastion gets Steamplay support, on limited sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastionmacpcsteamsteamplaysupergiant-gamesTue, 01 May 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gabe Newell is secretly a Brony, explains Valve structure as a response to his time at Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/gabe-newell-is-secretly-a-brony-explains-valve-structure-as-a-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/gabe-newell-is-secretly-a-brony-explains-valve-structure-as-a-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/gabe-newell-is-secretly-a-brony-explains-valve-structure-as-a-r/#comments We'll get to the Valve management talk in a minute. First and foremost, we have to highlight this critical information regarding Valve Software head and co-founder Gabe Newell's secret identity as a Brony, and how that relates to pranks at Valve:
"If you leave your phone at your desk someone will use it to send an email that says 'I like ponies.' Some people will make more and more elaborate photos of ponies that people might like. There are some incredibly entertaining characters who work here.

Of course, then everybody found out that I actually like the TV show My Little Ponies: Friendship is Magic, so I never hear the end of it."
That was Newell speaking with Bloomberg BusinessWeek in a recent interview, following up on the recently loosed Valve Software new-hire handbook. But now that you know about Newell's affinity for magical friendship as it pertains to ponies, you might be interested to know how Valve's bizarre management structure (or lack thereof) got the way it did. As it turns out, Newell formed Valve's structure as a direct response to Microsoft's rigidity. He related a story regarding Microsoft Windows market penetration and id Software's FPS classic, Doom, to illustrate his point.

"There was concern among people who were working on Microsoft Office that people would buy computers and reformat their hard drives and install MS-DOS instead of Windows," Newell said. So, in order to find out if that theory was true, Microsoft didn't just ask its customers, it conducted surveys to get hard numbers. Thankfully for MS, the theory didn't cause any real issues. But the results of the survey were enlightening to Newell nonetheless.

"What was so shocking to me was that Windows was the second highest usage application in the U.S. The number one application was Doom," Newell explained. To him, this was a revelation. "It was a 12-person company in the suburbs of Texas that didn't even distribute through retail, it distributed through bulletin boards and other pre-Internet mechanisms ... Microsoft was hiring 500-people sales teams and this entire company was 12 people, yet it [id Software] had created the most widely distributed software in the world."

Gallery: Valve Handbook for New Employees (2012)

Continue reading Gabe Newell is secretly a Brony, explains Valve structure as a response to his time at Microsoft

JoystiqGabe Newell is secretly a Brony, explains Valve structure as a response to his time at Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bronygabe-newellmy-little-ponies-friendship-is-magicsteamvalvevalve-softwareTue, 01 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Morrowind and Oblivion GOTY editions half off all week on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/#comments ImageThe Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is celebrating its 10th birthday by giving everyone else a present, the little gentleman. This week, Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion game of the year editions are half off, or even two-for-one if that helps justify your purchase. The sale runs through Monday, May 7 at 10 a.m. PT.

Now the real question: What does one get an elderly 10 year old whose only wish is to make everyone else's day a little brighter and wallet slightly lighter? Answer: A Nerf gun. Everyone loves a Nerf gun.

JoystiqMorrowind and Oblivion GOTY editions half off all week on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaymorrowindpcsaleSTEAMThe-Elder-Scrolls-3-MorrowindThe-Elder-Scrolls-IVThe-Elder-Scrolls-IV-OblivionTue, 01 May 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave Story+ hits the 3DS eShop soon, separate from Cave Story 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/cave-story-hits-the-3ds-eshop-soon-separate-from-cave-story-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/cave-story-hits-the-3ds-eshop-soon-separate-from-cave-story-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/cave-story-hits-the-3ds-eshop-soon-separate-from-cave-story-3d/#comments ImageCave Story+, an updated and 3D version of indie classic Cave Story, is slated to hit the 3DS eShop "in a month or so," developer and Nicalis CEO Tyrone Rodriguez told Destructoid. Cave Story+ is a remade, separate game from DSiWare's Cave Story 3D, not an update, meaning even those who own Cave Story 3D will have to purchase Cave Story+ new.

"I fought really hard to try to get it to be just a 'simple' update; I feel that Nintendo wanted the same thing too, but the logistics behind it are pretty huge," Rodriguez said. "The good thing is that if you already bought the DSiWare version on your 3DS and ever delete it, you'll still be able to download it. The update won't stop you from playing the prior version of the game."

A version of Cave Story+ launched on Steam last year, but the 3DS version will be different even from that iteration, Rodriguez said. The eShop version can't handle the Steam HD art or new music, but the sprites will be rendered in 3D, set to the beat of the original soundtrack.

Rodriguez teased a Steam update for Cave Story+ as well, saying, "You already know about the Cave Story+ Steam updates we have planned? How do online leaderboards for the challenges sound?" Sounds great, Rodriguez. Just great.

JoystiqCave Story+ hits the 3DS eShop soon, separate from Cave Story 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsCave-Storycave-story+cave-story-3ddsiwareeShopIndienintendoremakesteamMon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 'Perpetual Testing Initiative' DLC trailer introduces multiverse crowd-sourcing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/portal-2-perpetual-testing-initiative-dlc-trailer-introduces-m/#comments
One of GTTV's world exclusives during last night's broadcast was this Portal 2 trailer for the next free batch of DLC, the Perpetual Testing Initiative. The DLC allows players to create their own puzzles and publish them to Steam Workshop for others to critique and play.

The Perpetual Testing Initiative goes live on PC and Mac on May 8 - still no word on whether consoles will get this DLC, but at least we all get a humorous new trailer narrated by Cave Johnson right now.

JoystiqPortal 2 'Perpetual Testing Initiative' DLC trailer introduces multiverse crowd-sourcing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2steamsteam-workshopvalveFri, 27 Apr 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/portal-2-puzzle-creator-warps-to-pc-and-mac-may-8/#comments ImageThe "Perpetual Testing Initiative" DLC will arrive for the PC and Mac versions of Portal 2 on May 8. The free expansion will allow players to design their own puzzles, then publish them to the Steam Workshop for review and play by other players.

There's currently no word on when, or if, this content will be available on consoles. The PS3 version of the game supports Steam for multiplayer gameplay, but Steam Workshop support hasn't been announced; there's no Steam integration in the Xbox 360 version.

Continue reading Portal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8

JoystiqPortal 2 puzzle editor DLC warps to PC and Mac May 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmacpcperpetual-testing-initiativeportal-2release-datesteamsteam-workshopThu, 26 Apr 2012 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space games are dead cheap on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/dead-space-games-are-dead-cheap-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/dead-space-games-are-dead-cheap-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/dead-space-games-are-dead-cheap-on-steam/#comments If you've been waiting for a ridiculous deal before trying out the Dead Space series, your chance has arrived... again. Steam is selling Dead Space 1 and 2 for $5 each right now, as a "Midweek Madness" offer. You have until April 26.

JoystiqDead Space games are dead cheap on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dead-Spacedead-space-2pcsteamTue, 24 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toy Soldiers storm PC today, DLC for XBLA's Toy Soldiers: Cold War tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/toy-soldiers-storm-pc-today-dlc-for-xblas-toy-soldiers-cold-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/toy-soldiers-storm-pc-today-dlc-for-xblas-toy-soldiers-cold-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/toy-soldiers-storm-pc-today-dlc-for-xblas-toy-soldiers-cold-w/#comments
Signal Studios dropped several information bombs today about its Toy Soldiers series, with the first volley announcing that the original Toy Soldiers will be available on Steam and Games for Windows Live Marketplace today for $9.99. The Steam version will be 25 percent off during launch week.

Wait a minute, but Toy Soldiers on XBLA is $15! Not anymore. The XBLA version is receiving a permanent price drop to 800 MSP ($10).

Signal Studios, which notes the Toy Soldiers franchise has had over 1 million paid downloads, also announced DLC for last year's excellent co-op XBLA sequel, Toy Soldiers: Cold War. The "Evil Empire" and "Napalm" packs will expand the single-player and co-op campaigns, having players take on the role of the USSR or Americans.

"As a thank you to our fans, we are releasing a Multiplayer DLC compatibility pack for free," said Toy Soldiers: Cold War Game Director Jason Ilano. "This will give them a chance to join matches hosted by players that have the new content, play it, and decide if it is for them."

The dueling side expansions will be 400 MSP ($5) apiece and the launch codes are set to execute tomorrow, April 25.

Continue reading Toy Soldiers storm PC today, DLC for XBLA's Toy Soldiers: Cold War tomorrow

JoystiqToy Soldiers storm PC today, DLC for XBLA's Toy Soldiers: Cold War tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcevil-empiregames-for-windows-livemicrosoftnapalmpcsignal-studiossteamtoy-soldierstoy-soldiers-cold-warxblaxboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Serious Sam 3: BFE has an encounter with Mac today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-serious-sam-3-bfe-has-an-encounter-with-mac-today/#comments Sam has traveled through time and space, and now he's traveling across platforms. Serious Sam 3: BFE is now available for download on Mac.

If you already own the game through Steam, the Steamplay functionality - which lets you play select games on both Windows and PC - is also unlocked today. If you prefer to save money on games where exploding, screaming dudes run right at you, you'll be happy to learn that Serious Sam 3: BFE is also marked down to $13.60 on Steam until April 30.

JoystiqPSA: Serious Sam 3: BFE has an encounter with Mac today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteamdevolver-digitalmacserious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfesteamsteamplayMon, 23 Apr 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Find out if your PC meets Max Payne 3's minimum requirements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/find-out-if-your-pc-meets-max-payne-3s-minimum-requirements/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/find-out-if-your-pc-meets-max-payne-3s-minimum-requirements/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/find-out-if-your-pc-meets-max-payne-3s-minimum-requirements/#comments ImageWe hope you just bought your computer today. Even better, we hope you were just about to go buy your computer, because otherwise you may have to have to turn some settings down in the PC version of Max Payne 3. Rockstar posted the system specs, including both recommended and required processors (it'll run on an Intel Dual Core 2.4 GHZ or an AMD Dual Core 2.6 GHZ, but Rockstar recommends an i7 3930K 6 Core x 3.06 GHZ or FX8150 8 Core x 3.6 GHZ). Find the full specs after the break.

Rockstar also announced pre-order incentives for the digital version at several shops, including Steam (Max Payne 1 and 2, multiplayer DLC for MP3) and Impulse (the two classic games, some multiplayer DLC, and an exclusive map). Find the full list of retailers with pre-order offers on Rockstar's site, and decide if any of them are worth the 35GB download.

Continue reading Find out if your PC meets Max Payne 3's minimum requirements

JoystiqFind out if your PC meets Max Payne 3's minimum requirements originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impulseMax-Payne-3pcsteamsystem-specsMon, 23 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Sniper Elite V2 demo available on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/psa-sniper-elite-v2-demo-available-on-steam-now/#comments ImageConsole players have had access to it for a while, but if you're on the PC and waiting to play Sniper Elite V2 the wait's over. The demo has appeared on Steam, weighing in at about 2 gigs, and should give you a good idea of what to expect when the game drops on May 1.

PC users may have gotten the demo late, but they're getting rewarded with an exclusive 6v6 team deathmatch mode, along with all of the game's other options.

Steam also says pre-orders will get two special weapons, the SVT-40 and the Karabiner, presumably alongside the bonus mission adjective to, you know, kill Hitler. That guy's still hanging around?

JoystiqPSA: Sniper Elite V2 demo available on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demohitlerkill-hitlerpcpreordersniper-elite-v2steamMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/#comments Image
"If you stop on the way back from your massage to play darts or work out in the Valve gym or whatever, it's not a sign that this place is going to come crumbling down like some 1999-era dot-com start-up. If we ever institute caviar-catered lunches, though, then maybe something's wrong. Definitely panic if there's caviar."
Those few sentences, culled from page 19 of Valve Software's "Handbook for New Employees," are perfectly emblematic of the rest of the uniquely Valve book. The above illustration is pulled from early on in the handbook, where the company's much discussed "flat" hierarchy is detailed. A Valve rep confirmed the book's legitimacy to Joystiq after it leaked this weekend on Flamehaus.

Seen above everyone else, of course, is company co-founder and president Gabe Newell. But even Newell isn't beyond being overridden. "We do have a founder/president, but even he isn't your manager," the book states.

"We want innovators, and that means maintaining an environment where they'll flourish," it reads. "That's why Valve is flat. It's our shorthand way of saying that we don't have any management, and nobody 'reports to' anybody else." Bizarre? Yes. Successful? Apparently! A timeline depicting Valve's birth in 1996 shows the company's steady growth into the powerhouse it is today across a variety of projects, all the while espousing Valve's adherence to lack of structure.

Gallery: Valve Handbook for New Employees (2012)

Continue reading 'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software

Joystiq'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgabe-newelliosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3steamvalvevalve-softwarexboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic 4: Episode 2 was playable on Steam yesterday, oops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/sonic-4-episode-2-was-playable-on-steam-yesterday-oops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/sonic-4-episode-2-was-playable-on-steam-yesterday-oops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/sonic-4-episode-2-was-playable-on-steam-yesterday-oops/#comments
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An incomplete version of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 leaked on Steam yesterday, giving a few fans enough time to play, record and discuss the bugged-out, unfinished title. First spotted on Sonic Stadium, it appears the leak offered an enjoyable, half-texturized physics frenzy before the leak was fixed.

YouTuber ShadowOfRuki has a big batch of videos from yesterday's brief playtime, one available above and the rest here for all eyes with a spoiler fetish or too much love for Sonic to resist.

JoystiqSonic 4: Episode 2 was playable on Steam yesterday, oops originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leakpcsonic-the-hedgehog-4-episode-2STEAMSun, 22 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet PC out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-pc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-pc-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-insanely-twisted-shadow-planet-pc-out-now/#comments Officially announced a few weeks ago (but rated by the ESRB back in January), the PC version of Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is available now on Steam. The Del Taco-promoted game includes support for the keyboard and mouse set, alongside free "Shadow Hunters" DLC.

Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet was one of the highlights of last year's "Summer of Arcade" for XBLA. We said it's "a world that begs to be explored" in our review. So ... go explore it for $15, if you don't want to wait until the inevitable Steam sale makes it less than a mochaccino.

Gallery: Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (E3 2011)

JoystiqPSA: Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet PC out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insanely-twisted-shadow-planetpcshadow-planet-productionsSteamTue, 17 Apr 2012 21:30:00 EST