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[The Joystiq Show - DICE 2012: David Jaffe and Kevin Dent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-joystiq-show-dice-2012-david-jaffe-and-kevin-dent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-joystiq-show-dice-2012-david-jaffe-and-kevin-dent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-joystiq-show-dice-2012-david-jaffe-and-kevin-dent/#commentsFiled under:

The annual industry-focused trade show. DICE, kicked off last night with a keynote from Bethesda Game Studios' Todd Howard, but he's not the only industry veteran at the conference with insight into the inner workings of game development and publishing.

In this special DICE edition of The Joystiq Show, Alexander Sliwinski talks with Eat Sleep Play's David Jaffe about the imminent launch of Twisted Metal, his current status with the company, and his plans to move into next-gen and browser game development.

The second interview features IGDA Mobile SIG's Kevin Dent, the man responsible for shining the spotlight on THQ's business practices and potentially disastrous financial predicament several weeks ago. Dent joins Alexander to delve into the details of his public statements and motivations for why he spoke out.

Part 1 (0:13) - Interview: David Jaffe
Part 2 (13:31) - Interview: Kevin Dent

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Host: Alexander Sliwinski (@XanderSliwinski)
Guests: David Jaffe (@davidscottjaffe) and Kevin Dent (@TheKevinDent)
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Music: "Bust This Bust That" by Professor Kliq

View the full guest list, related stories, and stream the show after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show - DICE 2012: David Jaffe and Kevin Dent

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show - DICE 2012: David Jaffe and Kevin Dent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-jaffeDICE-2012eat-sleep-playjoystiq-podcastjoystiq-showkevin-dentpodcastsTHQtwisted-metalThu, 09 Feb 2012 09:30:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show - DICE 2012: David Jaffe and Kevin DentJoystiq41:50podcasts<![CDATA[THQ partners with Innovative Leisure for digital and mobile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/thq-partners-with-innovative-leisure-for-digital-and-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/thq-partners-with-innovative-leisure-for-digital-and-mobile/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/thq-partners-with-innovative-leisure-for-digital-and-mobile/#comments You gotta hand it to THQ, despite posting a $56 million loss last quarter, the publisher is still willing to take a risk on bringing a fresh-faced developer into the fold. Of course, when you take into account that said developer is staffed by a who's who list of classic game designers, the proposition sounds less risky.

Innovative Leisure, the brand-new developer in question, touts Seamus Blackley, Ed Logg, Ed Rotberg, Rich Adam and others among its ranks. If those names sound slightly familiar, it's for a good reason: Blackley co-wrote the original Xbox proposal and helped shepherd the product into existence. Meanwhile, Logg was responsible for Asteroids, Centipede and Gauntlet, while Rotberg and Adam were responsible for Battlezone and Missile Command, respectively.

The studio will focus on creating titles for mobile, downloadable and social platforms; THQ is applying Innovative Leisure's extensive collective experience in design-driven experiences to produce accessible titles that work well in small doses. Here's hoping for a Saints Row-themed Missile Command clone for iOS and Android.

JoystiqTHQ partners with Innovative Leisure for digital and mobile originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAsteroidsBattlezoneCentipedeGauntletInnovative-LeisureiosiphonemacMissile-CommandmobileTHQSat, 04 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/thq-reveals-56-million-loss-in-q3/#comments THQ CEO Brian Farrell started yesterday's third quarter earnings call with investors by saying, "On our last call we told you we anticipated that our third quarter would be the largest in our company's history. Unfortunately, we were wrong."

The company announced a $56 million loss for the quarter ending December 31, 2011, nearly triple the loss of the same period last year. Sales also slumped slightly from $314.6 million to $305.4 million

Despite the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12, the discontinued uDraw tablet took a majority of blame for the company's ill condition.

"Revenues were lower by about $100 million," Farrell explained. "We've got 1.4 million [uDraw units] still in inventory we haven't sold that we planned on selling." He estimated about $80 million of the lost revenue was from units the company didn't sell, and the other $20 million was from lowering the price of what they did sell. He concluded on the topic, "We would have doubled the profitability in the quarter were it not for uDraw."

THQ is currently attempting to make itself a leaner, more efficient entity. Part of its announced realignment includes pay cuts for the top brass, layoffs of 240 people and seeking help for big-ticket items like the Warhammer 40K MMO. The company didn't provide estimates for its expected financial condition for the final quarter of the year.

JoystiqTHQ reveals $56 million loss in Q3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ 'actively seeking a partner' for Warhammer Dark Millennium Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-actively-seeking-a-partner-for-warhammer-dark-millennium-o/#comments Good news! THQ is back to "making decisions regarding the planned MMO" -- like, for example, the decision to look for help. During the Q&A portion of its investor conference call, THQ CEO Brian Farrell revealed that THQ is looking for a partner for the development of the expensive Dark Millennium Online.

"While the game in development promises to be a high-quality consumer offering," Farrell said, "because of the large financial commitment and associated risks, we are being realistic about our resources and we are actively seeking a partner for this compelling MMO."

It would seem that the publisher is trying its best not to cancel the MMO, despite being short of resources.

JoystiqTHQ 'actively seeking a partner' for Warhammer Dark Millennium Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcthqvigil-gameswarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 02 Feb 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-no-longer-manufacturing-udraw-hardware/#comments THQ will no longer manufacture uDraw hardware, according to its fiscal 2012 third quarter financial report. "Sales of the uDraw GameTablet and related software, and other titles in the kids, family and casual category were far weaker than anticipated, substantially reducing our financial results for the quarter," reported THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The uDraw is seemingly out of picture at this point, as the publisher "has no future commitments or plans to manufacture uDraw hardware." The Wii version of the tablet proved to be a success for THQ in 2010, leading the company to produce versions for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Sales of uDraw on Sony and Microsoft's platforms were underwhelming, however, leading the company to lower financial forecasts at the end of 2011.

THQ now plans to focus on "premium core and fighting franchises." The report doesn't specify whether or not THQ will continue to produce software for uDraw, though it seems unlikely given the transition away from children's products. Unless someone is working on a Saints Row art game, of course.

JoystiqTHQ no longer manufacturing uDraw hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialfy-2012microsoftnintendoplaystationps3q3thqudrawudraw-studiowiixboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Metro: Last Light delayed to first quarter of 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/metro-last-light-delayed-to-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/metro-last-light-delayed-to-q1-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/metro-last-light-delayed-to-q1-2013/#comments Your return to Russia's subway system has been postponed until Q1 2013 (THQ's fiscal Q4). THQ's third-quarter financial earnings report revealed the new launch window for Metro: Last Light, the follow-up to 4A Games' claustrophobic, survivalist shooter from 2010.

You can read our impressions of the promising sequel right here, or catch up on some in-game footage.

JoystiqMetro: Last Light delayed to first quarter of 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdelaymetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q1-2013thqxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:08:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lists Warhammer MMO for fiscal 2014, has multiple unannounced games ahead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-lists-warhammer-mmo-for-fiscal-2014-has-multiple-unannounce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-lists-warhammer-mmo-for-fiscal-2014-has-multiple-unannounce/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/thq-lists-warhammer-mmo-for-fiscal-2014-has-multiple-unannounce/#comments Recent rumors held that THQ had canceled its whole 2014 lineup, including Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online. THQ responded shortly after with the cryptic announcement that it "has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO."

According to a release calendar in today's earnings report, DMO is still on. The title is listed in the "Fiscal 2014 and beyond" category (Fiscal 2014 begins in April of 2013, just after the original release date), alongside other games THQ claims are still in the works: Turtle Rock Studio's unnamed FPS; Volition's inSane; Homefront 2; and the "Patrice Désilets Original Title." Additionally, THQ has "four unannounced core titles" for fiscal 2014 and beyond, indicating an intention to remain in business beyond fiscal 2014.

Somewhat closer to home, THQ also has two "unannounced core titles" for fiscal 2013 (this year through March 2013). That's in addition to UFC Undisputed 3, Darksiders 2, South Park, a new WWE release, Metro: Last Light, and Devil's Third.

JoystiqTHQ lists Warhammer MMO for fiscal 2014, has multiple unannounced games ahead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3thqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinexboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 steps out of the shadows this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/darksiders-2-steps-out-of-the-shadows-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/darksiders-2-steps-out-of-the-shadows-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/darksiders-2-steps-out-of-the-shadows-this-june/#comments Darksiders 2 is scheduled to launch in June 2012, THQ's Q3 fiscal report reveals. It lists the ambitious action-adventure game for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Darksiders 2 is coming to Wii U as well, although Nintendo's platform isn't set to drop until the "year-end season."

JoystiqDarksiders 2 steps out of the shadows this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3q3-2012release-dateTHQvigil-gameswii-uxboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3's Season Pass bundles fighters, fights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/ufc-undisputed-3s-season-pass-bundles-fighters-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/ufc-undisputed-3s-season-pass-bundles-fighters-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/ufc-undisputed-3s-season-pass-bundles-fighters-fights/#comments There's going to be a lot of DLC for UFC Undisputed 3 -- strangely, not including shirts, despite no UFC fighter ever seeming to have one -- so it's fortuitous that THQ is offering a Season Pass to help you round it up for a little bit cheaper.

The Season Pass, a 1360 Microsoft Points or $16.99 purchase, will include the "Fight of the Night" and "International" Fighter Packs, the "Ultimate Upsets" and "Mixed Bag" Ultimate Fights Packs, playable Alistair Overeem, and the "all unlockables" key to get all the content normally unlocked through gameplay. And if you happen to pre-order from ShopTHQ, this season pass is free. Not a bad deal for a lot of UFC stuff (and THQ could use the money right now).

All this stuff will also be available separately. In addition, there's some DLC that isn't part of the Pass, including the $3 "Create-a-Fighter Boost," which gives you extra points for your custom fighter, and two sets of "Ultimate" fights that are already free at launch. Check after the break for details on each pack.

Continue reading UFC Undisputed 3's Season Pass bundles fighters, fights

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3's Season Pass bundles fighters, fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftplaystationps3season-passthqufc-undisputed-3xboxThu, 02 Feb 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ CEO Farrell takes 50% pay cut, board of directors also takes cuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-ceo-farrell-takes-50-pay-cut-board-of-directors-also-takes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-ceo-farrell-takes-50-pay-cut-board-of-directors-also-takes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-ceo-farrell-takes-50-pay-cut-board-of-directors-also-takes/#comments THQ is definitely experiencing some troubles related to its uDraw flop and subsequent layoffs, as evidenced by a new document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
President and CEO Brian Farrell will take a pay cut for the year starting February 15, which reduces his salary from $718,500 to $359,250. His salary will go back up the next year.

His golden parachute has also been tailored a bit more closely, as the payment he'd receive upon departure from the company (either termination "without cause" or resignation with "good reason") has been cut from three times his highest-ever bonus to just his highest-ever bonus. This is, of course, a small sacrifice compared to the THQ employees whose salaries went from "some" to "none."

The board of directors is also seeing some cuts: all the other directors have "elected" to receive 50% less cash compensation for a year effective today.

JoystiqTHQ CEO Farrell takes 50% pay cut, board of directors also takes cuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellsalarysecthqWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:48:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ confirms layoffs of 240 employees [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/#comments THQ has confirmed planned layoffs of "up to 240 selling, general and administrative personnel worldwide," with plans to finalize the proceedings by September 30, 2012. The company promises that the "majority" of said layoffs will occur before March 31, 2012 and many of the employees affected have already been notified.

The 240 number is a marked increase from numbers we heard earlier today, making the situation at THQ look all the more dire. Today's announcement reflects specific numbers for layoffs that THQ first confirmed last week.

Though the company makes note of the recently announced restructuring away from kids and licensed titles, nothing is mentioned of the rumored cancelation of the Warhammer 40K MMO. We expect to hear even more when THQ announces its fiscal third quarter results tomorrow afternoon.

Update: THQ tells Joystiq that, "These are the cuts we described in our statement last week. No studios are a part of this. It's administration and publishing offices worldwide." The company declined to comment on whether these layoffs will affect any currently announced projects.

Update 2: This post originally stated that THQ would be laying off the 240 employees across nine months, which is inaccurate. Due to varying employment guidelines around the world and internal financial considerations, the restructuring will be completed by September 30, 2012, but most of the affected employees have already been notified.

JoystiqTHQ confirms layoffs of 240 employees [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffssecsecurities-and-exchange-commissionthqWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/#comments When THQ announced plans for layoffs that didn't affect its five main internal studios, we didn't think folks like VP of tech Mark DeLoura would end up getting cut. But that's what an automated response from his email address confirmed to us last night. The response outright states, "Mark DeLoura is no longer with THQ." According to DeLoura's LinkedIn page, he was "responsible for technology strategy, the online game and MMO operations teams, the centralized online technology group, and relationships with platform and technology manufacturers."

More specifically, we're told that DeLoura was leading up management on the upcoming Warhammer 40K MMO -- the same MMO that's rumored to be canceled. At the time, THQ responded to allegations that the MMO was canned with a nebulous statement: "[THQ] has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO."

Additionally, IGDA Mobile SIG chair Kevin Dent alleges that during the recent round of THQ restructuring, 174 employees were let go -- Dent was the origin of the aforementioned cancelation rumors (he isn't related to Harvey Dent, we're told). The company is also facing potential delisting on the NASDAQ stock exchange. THQ declined to offer comment regarding this report, and once more directed us to this Thursday's investor call.

JoystiqReport: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kevin-dentlayoffslinkedinmark-delourapcreportthqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineWed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders novel supplements the story in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/darksiders-novel-supplements-the-story-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/darksiders-novel-supplements-the-story-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/darksiders-novel-supplements-the-story-in-may/#comments When you're looking at trailers for Darksiders 2 or you see character art of skull-faced Death riding his zombie horse, wielding an enormous transforming scythe to murder countless monsters, do you ever think "I wonder what's going on in his head? How does Death feel about all this?"

You'll find out in May, when Del Rey Books releases Darksiders: The Abomination Vault, a novel by Ari Marmell. Set long before the games, it follows Death and War as they attempt to foil a plot to "resurrect ancient weapons of unimaginable power."

As part of this deal, The "Random House Worlds" IP development group will handle the official IP "bible" for the Darksiders universe. We could have sworn there was already a bible about these guys.

Continue reading Darksiders novel supplements the story in May

JoystiqDarksiders novel supplements the story in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2darksiders-the-abomination-vaultmicrosoftnovelpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ receives stock delisting notice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/thq-receives-stock-delisting-notice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/thq-receives-stock-delisting-notice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/thq-receives-stock-delisting-notice/#comments THQ's woes continue as the troubled publisher receives a delisting warning from the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company's stock has been trading below the minimum of $1 for the past 30 days.

The publisher has 180 calendar days (until July 23, 2012) to make its stock regain compliance for 10 consecutive business days. If the company can't comply, well, let's just say these things don't end happy. There are examples of game companies coming back from the brink. Heck, Majesco has done it twice.

THQ is hurting bad, as it works through a realignment and sets off waves of layoffs to stabilize the company. The publisher is expected to explain its current financial issues during an investor call this Thursday, February 2. THQ's stock price is trading at $0.70 as of 8AM ET today.

JoystiqTHQ receives stock delisting notice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DelistingnasdaqstockTHQTue, 31 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/#comments One "anonymous source" speaking to Kotaku's Australian arm believes that more layoffs are affecting THQ, this time specifically targeting 14 AU-based employees and the remainders of the company's Japan-based office. As has been the company line throughout the the past week of intermittent layoffs, "THQ's five internal studios have not ben affected," the piece says, referencing THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

The rumor seemingly falls in step with last week's news of "administrative and publishing departments" being affected, as THQ's Australian and Japanese presence amounts to little more than distribution offices. The rumors follow two confirmed rounds of layoffs at the ailing publisher, whose stock price is trading at roughly $.70 currently.

THQ had yet to return request for comment as of publishing, but we'll update this post as we hear more. The publisher will report its financial third quarter results this Thursday, where it's promising more information about recent restructuring.

Update: THQ issued a response to Joystiq, which reads: "The actions in APAC [Asia-Pacific] are related to our reduction in force from last week - same statement applies. However, 'closing' is not accurate as we still have staff on the ground there and our OZ office has always handled our business relationships in APAC."

JoystiqRumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanlayoffsreportrumorthqthq-australiathq-japanMon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/#comments THQ went through another wave of layoffs today, which affected its administrative and publishing departments. The company would not share details about how many people lost their jobs, but stressed that this did not affect its five internal studios: THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

"As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives," THQ stated on the issue. "The company will provide greater financial detail regarding the costs and organizational benefit on its third quarter 2012 conference call scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012."

THQ announced a new strategic realignment earlier this week, shutting down its children's properties and focusing on "core games," like those provided by the unaffected studios.

JoystiqTHQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Layoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/#comments An anonymous letter sent to media and THQ's board of directors, allegedly written by a former employee of THQ, rains fire on the company's management and, specifically, CEO Brian Farrell. The letter arrives the same day as THQ announces another strategic realignment, a little over a week after the company had to spin a major cancellation rumor and over a month after THQ's stock dropped below $1.

"It is to the point where having [THQ] on your resume is not a point in your favor. And that shouldn't be the case," the "Formerly Mismanaged" writes. "I'm/We're sending this note anonymously because some of us are still awaiting final checks and others know how little corporations like employees who air their dirty laundry. We feel the need to say something to combat the partial misinformation being written."

The Formerly Mismanaged lays out its belief that the beginning of the end came when the cash rich company went on an acquisition spree years ago, allegedly "with no plan" -- many of those studios have since been shuttered or sold off. Then came what the accuser(s) call bad licensing deals and the most recent business miscalculation with the uDraw tablet, which caused the company to lower its fiscal outlook for the year.

The scope of THQ's problems is expected to come into slightly better focus when it announces its current financial position on February 2. Wedbush Morgan Financial Analyst Michael Pachter has pointed out he believes THQ will generate a "substantial loss" at the end of its fiscal year and that "THQ is at risk of running out of cash by the June 2012 quarter."

You can read the entire letter by "The Formerly Mismanaged" after the break.

Continue reading Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press

JoystiqAlleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousBrian-FarrellFormerly-Mismanagedlayoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiiwii-uxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ moving away from 'kids licensed entertainment;' Saints Row: The Third ships 3.8 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/thq-moving-away-from-kids-licensed-entertainment-saints-row/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/thq-moving-away-from-kids-licensed-entertainment-saints-row/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/thq-moving-away-from-kids-licensed-entertainment-saints-row/#comments In the wake of a rumor that THQ had relinquished a publishing deal with Disney for a variety of children's properties, the ailing publisher released a statement this morning renewing its focus on "core game franchises" over "traditional kids' licensed video games." The company will also be focusing on "digital initiatives" going forward, though we're not sure how that'll be possible after the closure of THQ's digital studio in the UK.

The release specifically cites UFC, Darksiders, Company of Heroes, Insane, Saints Row, Warhammer 40K, and Patrice Desilets' currently-in-production project as "key franchises" for the company going forward, and promises more information will be offered on next thursday's financial call.

Alongside news of the realignment, THQ announced that 3.8 million copies of its latest release, Saints Row: The Third, have shipped to retail since launch in November 2011. The publisher expects lifetimes sales to reach between five and six million units, and believes that its season pass plan will help that play out.

3.8 million copies means there are quite a few large purple dildo bats out in the wild, folks, but will it be enough to keep THQ going after a major miss with the uDraw Tablet and a rough past few years? That remains to be seen.

JoystiqTHQ moving away from 'kids licensed entertainment;' Saints Row: The Third ships 3.8 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdsalesthqvolitionvolition-incxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 media traces the history of Death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/darksiders-2-media-traces-the-history-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/darksiders-2-media-traces-the-history-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/darksiders-2-media-traces-the-history-of-death/#comments
Fun fact: as this Darksiders 2 trailer reveals, Death has been around for quite some time. All right, you probably knew that, but we bet you didn't know about his hobby as an artist's model.

Continue reading Darksiders 2 media traces the history of Death

JoystiqDarksiders 2 media traces the history of Death originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqvigil-gamesxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3 demo on Xbox now, PS3 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ufc-undisputed-3-demo-on-xbox-now-ps3-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ufc-undisputed-3-demo-on-xbox-now-ps3-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/ufc-undisputed-3-demo-on-xbox-now-ps3-today/#comments Is UFC Undisputed 3 worth your time? There's a simple way to settle that dispute: by downloading the free demo, available now on Xbox Live and later today on PSN.

The demo allows you to experience "a fantasy UFC matchup between current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and current UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva," along with a "classic" PRIDE Mode match between Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (otherwise known as B.A. Baracus from the recent A-Team movie) and Wanderlei Silva.

If Undisputed turns out to be a "fantasy matchup" with you, you can get the full version on February 14.

Continue reading UFC Undisputed 3 demo on Xbox now, PS3 today

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3 demo on Xbox now, PS3 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demomicrosoftplaystationps3psnthqufc-undisputed-3xblaxblmxboxTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA House Party kicks off on Feb. 15 with Warp]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/xbla-house-party-2012-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/xbla-house-party-2012-release-dates/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/xbla-house-party-2012-release-dates/#comments We knew that Warp, Alan Wake's American Nightmare, Nexuiz, and I Am Alive would be participating in Microsoft's 2012 Xbox Live Arcade House Party promo, and we knew that the party would start on February 15, but we didn't have a clue as to how the specifics of the boogeying would progress. Today, Microsoft revealed that Warp will be the party's first attendee, arriving on February 15 for the nice price of 800 MS Points ($10), followed up in the proceeding three weeks by Alan Wake's American sojourn, the almost-but-not-quite-Quake multiplayer shooter Nexuiz, and one man's journey through the depths of human survival in I Am Alive.

Like Warp, Nexuiz will only cost 800 MS Points ($10), while the other two titles will run 1200 MS Points a pop ($15). As always with these XBLA promos, Microsoft is offering an extra 800 free MS Points to anyone who grabs all four games within a defined time period (between Feb. 15 and Mar. 13 in this case). As for what to do with those extra points ... well, might we suggest hanging onto it for the upcoming launch of Fez? 'Cause that's totally what we're doing.

JoystiqXBLA House Party kicks off on Feb. 15 with Warp originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artshouse-party-2012i-am-alivemicrosoftnexuizq1-2012release-dateremedyremedy-entertainmentremedy-gamesremedy-studiosthqtrapdoortrapdoor-incubisoftWarpxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 introduces Death's swiss army scythe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/darksiders-2-introduces-deaths-swiss-army-scythe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/darksiders-2-introduces-deaths-swiss-army-scythe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/darksiders-2-introduces-deaths-swiss-army-scythe/#comments
Have you ever wondered what Death, the dude, is really like? Who hasn't? Thankfully, the Darksiders 2 devs at Vigil Games prepared this intro video for us, full of sincere remarks about a mythical horsemen of the apocalypse and how he acts in their upcoming game.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 introduces Death's swiss army scythe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2deathgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqvigilvigil-gamesxboxSat, 21 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ adaptation of Pixar's 'Brave' pops up in Australian ratings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/thq-adaptation-of-pixars-brave-pops-up-in-australian-ratings/#comments

THQ suffered a rocky patch in the universe of potentially fake things this week, with rumors suggesting its entire 2014 game lineup was canceled and that it was in serious financial trouble -- THQ refuted all of these, and there is now some more credence to its denial. One of the games rumored to be canceled was an unannounced Disney IP, which most believed to be THQ's tie-in with Pixar's Brave.

Brave the video game today has a rating on the Australian classification database, published by THQ, developed by Behaviour Interactive and rated PG for mild violence. A senior source at Disney also told Develop that there was no reason to believe Brave was canceled, although THQ has yet to officially announce the existence of the project, Develop says.

JoystiqTHQ adaptation of Pixar's 'Brave' pops up in Australian ratings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian-classification-boardbravedisneydisney-pixarmicrosoftpcpixarplaystationps3thqxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ denies rumors about cancellation of its 2014 lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/thq-denies-rumors-about-cancellation-of-its-2014-lineup/#comments Yesterday, a series of tweets by IGDA Mobile SIG chair Kevin Dent alleged that THQ was in financial trouble, and that it was canceling its 2014 game lineup (most notably Warhammer 40k: Dark Millenium Online) and shopping itself out to potential buyers.

This evening, THQ's Australian PR department issued a statement to the contrary, as posted by VG247. "THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO," THQ said. According to the statement, the only reduction to THQ's lineup has been to move focus away from the "kids' boxed games sector" following poor performance of the most recent version of the uDraw. " Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business," the statement said. "We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry."

Note that THQ said it "has not made any decisions" about Warhammer 40k: DMO -- that's hardly a statement of unwavering support. Regardless, the statement is clear about the rest of the 2014 lineup.

JoystiqTHQ denies rumors about cancellation of its 2014 lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscancellationdskevin-dentmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3thqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewiixboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third's Genkibowl VII DLC is just as batshit crazy as you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/saints-row-the-thirds-genkibowl-vii-dlc-is-just-as-batshit-cra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/saints-row-the-thirds-genkibowl-vii-dlc-is-just-as-batshit-cra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/saints-row-the-thirds-genkibowl-vii-dlc-is-just-as-batshit-cra/#comments
As is the case with most things involving Saints Row: The Third, writing about the latest trailer for upcoming DLC "Genkibowl VII" would really do it no justice. To experience the madness, you must see if for yourself, which is why we've got this trailer for you just above.

Continue reading Saints Row: The Third's Genkibowl VII DLC is just as batshit crazy as you'd expect

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third's Genkibowl VII DLC is just as batshit crazy as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcdownloadable-contentgenkibowl-viimicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionvolition-incxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/report-homefront-ultimate-edition-due-before-april/#comments If you're going to buy Homefront, you might as well buy the absolute best version of it you can find. Eurogamer reports that a release schedule sent out by THQ includes Homefront: Ultimate Edition, due before the publisher's next fiscal year starts in April.

No details were included about the release, but by now we all have a good idea of how these "ultimate" things go: it's likely to be the game, plus all DLC to date, which so far includes the two map packs "Fire Sale" and "The Rock," and nothing that substantially changes the aspects of the game people didn't like before. For that, you'll have to wait for the sequel.

JoystiqReport: Homefront 'Ultimate Edition' due before April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefronthomefront-ultimate-editionkaos-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/sopa-list-esa/#comments Rock, Paper, Shotgun collaborated in obtaining responses.
The Entertainment Software Association's support of the "Stop Online Piracy Act" has led us to ask every member of the video game industry's lobbying and political group to publicly declare its stance on the bill. The ESA's continued support means every member, by proxy, is a supporter of the bill.

Some companies have pulled their logos from supporting SOPA documentation to dodge ire, while others are hiding behind rhetoric, as you'll see below. Joystiq contacted every member of the ESA and requested a declarative statement on SOPA. After the break we've listed the responses we've received, along with others we found. We continue to seek clarity on this issue from every member of the ESA.

This will become the page we update as we receive responses and clear declarative statements, so feel free to bookmark.

(Joystiq does not support SOPA, nor does our parent company.)

Continue reading ESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond

JoystiqESA members asked individually about SOPA, some respond originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>345-games38-studios505-gamescapcomdeep-silverdisneydisney-interactiveeaeidoseidos-interactiveelectronic-artsEntertainment-software-associationepic-gamesESAfutureher-interactiveignition-entertainmentkonamilevel-5microsoftnamconatsumenexonnintendonivalnvidiao-gamesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpoliticssegaslangsonysony-online-entertainmentSOPAsquare-enixstop-online-piracy-acttake-twotake-two-interactivethqtrionubisoftwarner-bros-interactivewbieFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/best-of-the-rest-arthurs-picks-of-2011/#comments Battlefield 3
I love Battlefield 3. I love it almost as much as it seems to hate its players.

At least, that's the way it feels sometimes, trying to get into a game, trying to get correctly squaded up, trying to find a server with room, having to use a server browser on consoles in 2011, downloading 2 GIGABYTE patches ... y u no luv me, BF3?

But when it does love me, it loves me so well ... and there I go, into that cycle of abuse again.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Arthur's picks of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionassassins-creed-revelationsbattlefield-3BF3bulletstormcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3DICEEAforza-4forza-motorsport-4infinity-wardMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmodern-warfare-3pcpeople-can-flyplaystationps3rayman-originsRelic-Entertainmentsledgehammer-gamesTHQtoy-soldiers-cold-warTreyarchubisoftUbisoft-MontpellierUbisoft-Montrealwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Personal Trainer beefed up with Xbox-exclusive DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/ufc-personal-trainer-beefed-up-with-xbox-exclusive-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/ufc-personal-trainer-beefed-up-with-xbox-exclusive-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/ufc-personal-trainer-beefed-up-with-xbox-exclusive-dlc/#comments It's been just over six months since the release of UFC Personal Trainer -- just enough time for you to recover from your first workout. Now you can get pummeled by a new downloadable pack.

The Urijah Faber Workout Pack features the UFC bantamweight, in a series of five new routines and 15 "Hit the Mitts" drills. If you're more interested in building up your virtual self in UFC Undisputed 3 than your real self, you'll be delighted to hear that this DLC confers some kind of upgrade to your Create-A-Fighter character in that game.

This Workout Pack is free, but it will be followed by two more paid expansions, each selling for 800 MSP ($10): the "Cain Velasquez Workout Pack" on January 31 and the "Jon Jones Workout Pack" on February 21. All are exclusive to the Xbox version.

Continue reading UFC Personal Trainer beefed up with Xbox-exclusive DLC

JoystiqUFC Personal Trainer beefed up with Xbox-exclusive DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckinectmicrosoftthqufc-personal-trainerufc-trainerurijah-faber-workout-packxboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Saints Row: The Third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-saints-row-the-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2011-saints-row-the-third/#comments If there's hope for mainstream video games, it's represented by Saints Row: The Third.

Yes, I know, it has dildo bats and treats women like objects and maybe leans a bit too hard on gags aimed squarely at Fratty McKegbeer, but look just beneath the surface and you'll find a game that loves and respects its player.

Saints Row: The Third plays fast and loose with the standards of good taste, but it's never willing to be reckless with your time.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2011: Saints Row: The Third

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2011: Saints Row: The Third originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-best-of-2011microsoftpcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionxboxMon, 02 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Space Marine Twitter teases Dreadnought]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/space-marine-twitter-teases-dreadnought/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/space-marine-twitter-teases-dreadnought/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/space-marine-twitter-teases-dreadnought/#comments Warhammer 40K: Space Marine will receive a "big metal surprise" in January, according to the game's official Twitter feed. Game Informer took note of the tweet and its accompanying picture of a space marine (SPACE MARINE!) serving the eternal will of The Emperor against a Dreadnought.

As fans of the Warhammer 40K universe and Relic's Dawn of War RTS know, the Dreadnought is actually a battle sarcophagus, where the barely living body of an invaluable warrior is entombed to live out existence in the massive armed mech.

Relic gave no indication of how the Dreadnought will be added to the game, but expect some kind of DLC announcement come January.

JoystiqSpace Marine Twitter teases Dreadnought originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3RelicRelic-EntertainmentTHQwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxSat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam Holiday Sale has Saint's Row: The Third at 33 percent off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-has-saints-row-the-third-at-33-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-has-saints-row-the-third-at-33-percent-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/steam-holiday-sale-has-saints-row-the-third-at-33-percent-off/#comments You'd be missing out if you made it all the way through 2011 without experiencing the intense thrill of throwing a jar-contained toot into the dropped top of a rival gang member's hot rod. Today's Steam discount will help you do so by letting you grab Saint's Row: The Third for $33.49.

Continue reading Steam Holiday Sale has Saint's Row: The Third at 33 percent off

JoystiqSteam Holiday Sale has Saint's Row: The Third at 33 percent off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsaints-row-the-thirdsteamsteam-holiday-sale-2011thqVolitionvolition-incFri, 23 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Saints Row: The Third 'Warrior Pack' DLC caters to the fashionistas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/saints-row-the-third-warrior-pack-dlc-caters-to-the-fashionis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/saints-row-the-third-warrior-pack-dlc-caters-to-the-fashionis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/saints-row-the-third-warrior-pack-dlc-caters-to-the-fashionis/#comments
What good is a fat green guy with orange hair and body paint if you can't dress him up like a warrior princess? The Warrior Pack DLC for Saints Row: The Third lets players do just that for 240 MS Points ($3).

JoystiqSaints Row: The Third 'Warrior Pack' DLC caters to the fashionistas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdthqvolitionxboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Days of Joyswag: uDraw tablet, games, Sony digital photo frame, and Meon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-udraw-tablet-games-sony-digital-photo-fram/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-udraw-tablet-games-sony-digital-photo-fram/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/12-days-of-joyswag-udraw-tablet-games-sony-digital-photo-fram/#comments Another year, another 12 days of holiday giveaways! Between now and Christmas Day, we're doing the one thing that makes us feel truly alive: giving. Specifically, we're giving you fine folks some of the swag we've managed to collect in our cluttered home offices. And the good will and merriment doesn't stop here! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for even more chances to win!

While uDraw may not have fared so well on Xbox 360 and PS3, we imagine you won't say no to a free game tablet and two games, uDraw Pictionary (Ultimate Edition!) and uDraw Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat.

Still not interested? Let's sweeten the pot with a Sony digital photo frame, which THQ sent to promote the uDraw tablet. Still not convinced? We're not sure what a Meon Interactive Animation Studio is, but we've got one of those in the office as well and it's not doing us any good. Win the entire pile simply by leaving a comment. Rules after the break!

Continue reading 12 Days of Joyswag: uDraw tablet, games, Sony digital photo frame, and Meon

Joystiq12 Days of Joyswag: uDraw tablet, games, Sony digital photo frame, and Meon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12-days-of-joyswag-2011meonmicrosoftthqudraw-game-tabletudraw-marvel-super-hero-squadudraw-pictionaryudraw-studioxboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Quebec court rules in favor of THQ, ends Ubisoft injunction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/quebec-court-rules-in-favor-of-thq-ends-ubisoft-injunction/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/quebec-court-rules-in-favor-of-thq-ends-ubisoft-injunction/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/quebec-court-rules-in-favor-of-thq-ends-ubisoft-injunction/#comments Ubisoft may want THQ to stop poaching its employees, but the Quebec Court of Appeal for the District of Montreal doesn't seem to mind. THQ issued a statement this afternoon declaring that the court "unanimously" ruled in its favor, allowing the company to hire Ubisoft employees who were "to THQ's knowledge bound by a non-compete provision."

After THQ hired away ex-Assassin's Creed project lead Patrice Désilets to head up a "new IP" at its Montreal-based studio, VP of Core Games Danny Bilson told us he planned on bringing more folks over from Ubisoft's nearby studio. This, among other things, initially precipitated an injunction, and eventually a messy court battle. As it turns out, though, Quebec's Court of Appeal sided with THQ on the grounds that the company "was not bound by any non-competition restrictions, and was therefore free to solicit any Ubisoft employee," so long as THQ didn't engage in "unfair competition." So much for that non-compete clause, eh?

JoystiqQuebec court rules in favor of THQ, ends Ubisoft injunction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitlegalnon-compete-clausethqthq-montrealFri, 16 Dec 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park's fifth character class is the 'Jew']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/#comments Ask any South Park fan and they'll tell you that Eric Cartman is, uh, opinionated about the Jewish people. The fifth mystery class for Obsidian's South Park: The Game has been revealed as the Jew, joining the Paladin, Wizard, Rogue, and Adventurer classes.

It's bound to upset a few people, we imagine, but that's kinda what South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone do. To expect anything less is, at this point, silly. But be warned: selecting that class is bound to elicit a few negative comments from Cartman.

In the new game, the Jew class is described as being a hybrid between Monk and Paladin. Matt Maclean, lead designer, tells Game Informer the Jew will be "high risk, high reward" and strongest when closest to death.

JoystiqSouth Park's fifth character class is the 'Jew' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftobsidian-entertainmentpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-the-gamethqxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront marketing stunt results in $7,000 fine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/homefront-marketing-stunt-results-in-7-000-fine/#comments The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has levied a $7,000 fine on the marketing company responsible for releasing 10,000 red balloons to promote Homefront at last year's Game Developers Conference. The promotion went wrong when many of the balloons ended up in San Francisco Bay, which local residents get just a tad protective over.

The Homefront stunt involved a fake protest -- with musical accompaniment -- in which thousands of balloons were released with notes telling those bombarded by the luft waffes to pre-order the title at GameStop. When things went wrong, GameStop was quick to say it had "no prior knowledge" of the promotion, and THQ noted the balloons were "100 percent organic product and are 100 percent biodegradable."

The marketing company, TrashTalkFCM, took responsibility for the incident and assisted in the cleanup. The company has 30 days to pay the fine.

JoystiqHomefront marketing stunt results in $7,000 fine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GameStopgdc-2011homefrontmicrosoftpcplaystationps3THQTrashTalkFCMxboxWed, 14 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2's latest tease gets up close and personal with Death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/darksiders-2s-latest-tease-gets-up-close-and-personal-with-deat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/darksiders-2s-latest-tease-gets-up-close-and-personal-with-deat/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/darksiders-2s-latest-tease-gets-up-close-and-personal-with-deat/#comments
There's a possibility that the Darksiders 2 tease above is actually referencing Skeletor and/or Glenn Danzig, but we're pretty sure it's that other horseman of the apocalypse, Death. Either way, we're gonna go listen to the Misfits and watch Masters of the Universe for a bit. Just in case.

JoystiqDarksiders 2's latest tease gets up close and personal with Death originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2deathmicrosoftpcplaystationps3teasethqvigilvigil-gamesxboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ Partners to publish Nexuiz on XBLA, PSN, PC in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/thq-partners-to-publish-nexuiz-on-xbla-psn-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/thq-partners-to-publish-nexuiz-on-xbla-psn-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/thq-partners-to-publish-nexuiz-on-xbla-psn-in-2012/#comments Suck it blue!
As was foretold, THQ has officially revealed that it will publish the Cry Engine 3-powered shooter, Nexuiz. Specifically, the game will be published via THQ Partners, which helps developers reach global audiences. Nexuiz is planned to be released on PC, Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network in "early 2012."

JoystiqTHQ Partners to publish Nexuiz on XBLA, PSN, PC in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnexuizplaystationps3psnthqxblaxboxxbox-liveMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/#comments The business world, like the rest of the world, is a cruel and unforgiving mistress. Following the "weaker than expected" sales figures achieved by THQ's uDraw tablet during the third quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, THQ has let go 30 members of its Play THQ team; the Agoura Hills unit responsible for uDraw.

"We are taking a difficult but important step to reduce the number of employees that supported this brand," a THQ representative said in a statement to Game Informer. "30 people will be leaving the company and business unit leader Martin Good will also be leaving to pursue new opportunities outside the company."

THQ is still hopeful that the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12 will pull out a fourth quarter turnaround before the end of fiscal 2012.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firedfiscal-2012laid-offlay-offslayoffslet-gomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3Q4tabletTHQuDrawwiixboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST