Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Take-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/take-two-year-on-year-revenue-up-digital-sales-on-the-rise/#commentsTakeTwo reports annual net loss of $312 million, rise in digital revenue Take-Two announced its financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, revealing that the company took in $1.214 billion in sales last year, up from $825.8 million for the fiscal year 2012.

Take-Two notes that BioShock Infinite met with "significantly" higher sales than any previous BioShock release, shipping over 3.7 million units to date. The company reports a net loss of $31.2 million over the past fiscal year, but projects between $1.75 to $1.85 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year (ending in March, 2014), spurred by upcoming releases like Grand Theft Auto V and WWE 2K14.

The report notes year-over-year improvements in both revenue and net losses, bolstered by big sellers like Borderlands 2, NBA 2K13, and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Catalog sales for older releases like Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption also saw strong performances, as Take Two noted a 192 percent year-over-year rise in revenue from digitally delivered software.

JoystiqTake-Two year-on-year revenue up, digital sales on the rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitefinancialsfiscal-2012fiscal-2013microsoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxMon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE 2K14 throws down at retailers on October 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/wwe-2k14-throws-down-at-retailers-on-october-29/#comments WWE 2K14 is scheduled to launch on October 29 for Xbox 360 and PS3, Take-Two Interactive confirmed in its fiscal year 2013 financial report. Take-Two snagged the rights to the WWE franchise in February, through a deal that went down before THQ's public bankruptcy auction in January. The deal gives Take-Two exclusive rights to publish WWE games "across all major platforms and distribution channels."

WWE 2K14 is in production from series developer Yukes, based in Japan, and 2K Sports.

JoystiqWWE 2K14 throws down at retailers on October 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3Take-Twowwe-14wwe-2k14xboxMon, 13 May 2013 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 adds 12 new screens for detail extraction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/grand-theft-auto-5-adds-12-new-screens-for-detail-extraction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/grand-theft-auto-5-adds-12-new-screens-for-detail-extraction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/grand-theft-auto-5-adds-12-new-screens-for-detail-extraction/#commentsImage Ride, drive, fly, scuba, run, pace and observe the latest batch of Grand Theft Auto 5 screens.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 adds 12 new screens for detail extraction

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 adds 12 new screens for detail extraction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftpcplaystationps3rockstarRockstar-Gamestake-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxWed, 08 May 2013 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 trailer; no fancy headline needed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/gta-5-grand-theft-auto-5-trailer-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/gta-5-grand-theft-auto-5-trailer-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/gta-5-grand-theft-auto-5-trailer-april/#comments

The latest event trailers for Grand Theft Auto 5 are available now on the Rockstar site. We say "event" because the internet stops for a good amount of time when these things get posted. Grand Theft Auto 5 drives onto Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 17.

We'll have the videos posted here as soon as we can. The Rockstar site currently has a waiting period of 55 minutes to even watch the clips.

Update: Okay, here are all the videos in one place. Michael is above, Franklin and Trevor are after the break.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 trailer; no fancy headline needed

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 trailer; no fancy headline needed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftpcplaystationps3RockStarRockstar-GamesTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 30 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Games won't attend E3, Take-Two to have meeting rooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/2k-games-take-two-rockstar-E3-2013/#comments ImageTake-Two Interactive, parent company of 2K Games and Rockstar Games, has clarified its E3 status to Joystiq. Take-Two plans to have meeting rooms at the show, but 2K's presence isn't planned. 2K Games announced earlier this week that it would not have a booth on the show floor at E3. That didn't necessarily mean the company wouldn't participate at all, since we've seen publishers in the past not have a booth, but hold meetings in the upstairs concourse.

A representative for the Entertainment Software Association, which organizes the annual conference, tells us, "We can confirm that Take-Two Interactive Software is participating in E3 2013."

"We are going to have a meeting room in the upper concourse level and we'll be doing some business meetings as we usually do," a Take-Two spokesperson tells Joystiq. "2K is not participating."

As for Rockstar, the rebellious child of Take-Two, we're still waiting to hear official word if they plan to participate. Rockstar does not typically attend E3 and hasn't made any announcements.

2K's scheduled projects for this year include The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, Civilization V: Brave New World, XCOM: Enemy Unknown for iOS, more Borderlands 2 content, WWE 2K14 and NBA 2K14.

Joystiq2K Games won't attend E3, Take-Two to have meeting rooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamese3-2013rockstar-gamestake-twoTake-Two-InteractiveFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WWE 2K14 taps The Rock for cover spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/wwe-14-taps-the-rock-for-cover-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/wwe-14-taps-the-rock-for-cover-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/wwe-14-taps-the-rock-for-cover-spot/#comments WWE 2K14 taps The Rock for cover spotPart-time draw The Rock will grace the cover of the latest WWE game, WWE 2K14. Casey Collins, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, announced the news (via Pasta Padre) prior to this past weekend's Wrestlemania 29 event, where The Rock lost his championship belt against John Cena. Don't worry, we're sure he'll get it back in time to promote the game later this year.

The WWE license was held by THQ for years, up until the company's collapse late last year. THQ then proceeded to auction off its assets, with Take-Two securing the WWE license and placing it under its 2K Sports banner. WWE 2K14 is due this fall.

Update: We followed up with 2K Sports to confirm what this game is actually called. The original announcement by Take-Two called it "WWE '14," but Joystiq has confirmed with 2K Sports that the game will indeed be called WWE 2K14. All references to the game in this post have been updated with the correct title.

JoystiqWWE 2K14 taps The Rock for cover spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportstake-twothe-rockworld-wresting-entertainmentwrestlemania-29wwewwe-14yukesTue, 09 Apr 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 sticks with tried-and-true box art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/grand-theft-auto-5-sticks-with-tried-and-true-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/grand-theft-auto-5-sticks-with-tried-and-true-box-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/grand-theft-auto-5-sticks-with-tried-and-true-box-art/#comments Grand Theft Auto 5 sticks with triedandtrue box artAfter some recent speculation surrounding a mural unveiling, Rockstar revealed the official box art for Grand Theft Auto 5 this morning. As you can see in full below the break, it does not stray far from the style introduced during the series' PlayStation 2 days.

The art unsurprisingly features the three main protagonists of the game, with Franklin holding the handgun at the bottom, Trevor holding the slightly larger weapon, and Michael taking to the water. Also typical to GTA's style, in the hands of the woman on the left we can see a rather familiar-looking device...

Grand Theft Auto 5 rides onto Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on September 17.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 sticks with tried-and-true box art

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 sticks with tried-and-true box art originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxartgrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftplaystationps3rockstarrockstar-northtake-twoxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite soundtrack has a hymn sung by its two leads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/bioshock-infinite-soundtrack-has-a-hymn-sung-by-its-two-leads/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/bioshock-infinite-soundtrack-has-a-hymn-sung-by-its-two-leads/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/bioshock-infinite-soundtrack-has-a-hymn-sung-by-its-two-leads/#comments
Irrational Games has dropped the details on the full BioShock Infinite soundtrack, which will be included in both the Premium and Songbird editions of the game. Series composer Garry Schyman returns to score the game. His work is also joined by some appropriate period music, including the Irish jig "Saddle the Pony," and the Scott Joplin ragtime tune, "Solace."

The soundtrack also features the hymn "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," including a version sung by Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper, who play Booker Dewitt and Elizabeth in BioShock Infinite (as seen in the video above).

JoystiqBioShock Infinite soundtrack has a hymn sung by its two leads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 07 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE '14 coming in fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/#comments We knew this was coming last week, but now it's official: Take-Two is now the holder of the WWE license. The first game to come from the new WWE publisher is due this fall, titled WWE '14 - in line with 2K Sports' branding of sports games. [Update: The original ESPN source cited a name change, but Take-Two's press release confirms the new game will be called WWE '14.]

Take-Two struck a five-year deal with WWE, WWE executive vice president of consumer products Casey Collins confirmed to ESPN. The previous WWE license holder was THQ, who has been pumping out wrasslin' games since 1999. THQ has since become no more, forced to sell off all its assets to the highest bidder - but before that silent auction, THQ and WWE got together to hold private bidding for the license. According to Collins, Take-Two was the right fit, a publisher he sees as "a leader going forward on these next-gen systems."

Not only that, but Take-Two's success with the NBA 2K series also spurred interest, Collins said. "The work they do, and the quality of the games they put out and how they've been able to grow their franchise with not only the simulation aspect of the game, but also the entertainment aspect, we thought they'd be a perfect partner."

WWE '14 will launch this fall, a joint collaboration between 2K Sports studio Visual Concepts and longtime WWE series developer Yukes, located in Japan. As part of this five-year deal, Take-Two has also hired on some designers from THQ to work with Visual Concepts. "What we're going to do moving forward is meld Yukes with the team at Visual Concepts, so we can have the best of both worlds," Collins said. "Having Yukes' experience and then getting the Visual Concepts guys on board with them, we think this is going to be a dynamic duo."

Collins confirmed that folks from THQ's "Fight Team" were being hired at Take-Two to help Visual Concepts with the transition. "The THQ Fight Team is also being brought over, and they'll report directly to Visual Concepts. Their experience in the marketing, their experience in the development, their experience with our franchise for years ... we thought that it was very valuable to keep that continuity."

[Note: Image taken from WWE '13, but you probably knew that because it says WWE '13 right on the image.

JoystiqTake-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE '14 coming in fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportscasey-collinstake-twothqvisual-conceptsworld-wrestling-entertainmentwwewwe-2k14yukesWed, 20 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle puts sports in your sports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/nba-2k13-and-mlb-2k13-bundle-puts-sports-in-your-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/nba-2k13-and-mlb-2k13-bundle-puts-sports-in-your-sports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/nba-2k13-and-mlb-2k13-bundle-puts-sports-in-your-sports/#comments 2K Sports announced a special NBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle today for Xbox 360 and PS3, which will retail for $79.99 when MLB 2K13 launches on March 5. The bundle saves players a whopping $20, as a new copy of NBA 2K13 can be picked up on Amazon for $39.99.

2K Sports bundled the two series together last year as well, packaging NBA 2K12 and MLB 2K12 up for $69.99. One of the differences this year revolved around the uncertainty of MLB 2K13 even existing until it was announced in January, as 2K Sports' licensing agreement with MLB was slated to expire last year. Click past the break to check out the 2K13 bundle cover, which features cover athletes David Price and Kevin Durant.

Continue reading NBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle puts sports in your sports

JoystiqNBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle puts sports in your sports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsbundlemicrosoftmlb-2k13NBA-2K13playstationps3Take-TwoVisual-ConceptsxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 nears 6 million shipped, on course to be 2K's best seller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/borderlands-2-nears-6-million-shipped-on-course-to-be-2ks-best/#comments Borderlands 2 is sneaking up on the 6 million mark for units shipped, and well on the way to exploding 2K Games' sales records. Speaking in yesterday's financials call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the rambunctious shooter was the company's biggest earner in terms of digital sales across the fiscal year.

"Building on its extraordinary launch in September, Borderlands 2 continues to expand its audience and remains on pace to become the highest-selling title in 2K's history," said Zelnick. "It has also been the largest contributor to our digitally delivered revenue this year, driven both by strong sales of full game downloads, and high attach rates for the title's add-on content, especially the Borderlands 2 Season Pass."

The Gearbox-developed sequel had shipped over 5 million back in October 2012. While shipments aren't the same as sales, it's worth noting the original Borderlands sold 4.5 million copies as of August 2011.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 nears 6 million shipped, on course to be 2K's best seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxgearbox-softwaremacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two Interactive bags 405% year-over-year profit increase during Q3 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-two-interactive-bags-405-year-over-year-profit-increase-du/#comments Take-Two Interactive has released its financial report for the three month period ending on December 31, 2012, or "Q3 2013" in technical terms. The company raked in net revenue (read: gross income) of $415.7 million during that period; a 75.9 percent increase over the $236.3 million it earned in Q3 of fiscal 2012.

Net income (read: profit) was also up year-over-year, $71.3 million during Q3 2013 versus $14.1 million in 2012, which is an astonishing 405.9 percent increase. Meanwhile, Take-Two's nine month year-to-date figures are reporting a loss of $51.9 million, down from the $41.9 million loss reported at this same time in fiscal 2012.

Revenues accrued from digital sales were up 244 percent year-over-year, an increase that Take-Two attributes to Borderlands, Borderlands 2, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, NBA 2k13, the Grand Theft Auto series and all of those games' respective DLC.

JoystiqTake-Two Interactive bags 405% year-over-year profit increase during Q3 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfinancialsfiscal-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ3-2012sonytake-twoTake-Two-InteractivewiixboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM, the shooter, still alive and set for FY 2014 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/xcom-the-shooter-still-alive-and-set-for-fy-2014-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/xcom-the-shooter-still-alive-and-set-for-fy-2014-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/xcom-the-shooter-still-alive-and-set-for-fy-2014-launch/#comments XCOM, the shooter, still alive and set for FY 2014 launchXCOM, the shooter from 2K Marin, is still a part of Take-Two's future launch plans, scheduled for fiscal year 2014. Take-Two's fiscal 2014 runs from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014. This is the same release window XCOM received in May 2012, which is also the last time we heard any significant news about the game.

"2K Marin continues to make progress on XCOM," Take-Two said today during a financial call.

XCOM has been delayed twice, from an initial launch date of March 6, 2012, and now past its second window in FY 2013. Developer Firaxis launched XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the strategy game, last year also under 2K Games, and we thought it was quite a boon to the franchise, even without any first-person alien-gunning.

JoystiqXCOM, the shooter, still alive and set for FY 2014 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxXCOMTue, 05 Feb 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 sets franchise records, ships 4.5 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/nba-2k13-sets-franchise-records-ships-4-5-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/nba-2k13-sets-franchise-records-ships-4-5-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/nba-2k13-sets-franchise-records-ships-4-5-million-copies/#comments The Bieber-licious NBA 2K13 has sold-in (i.e. "shipped") 4.5 million units to date, publisher Take-Two announced today as part of its third quarter financials.

2K Sports previously noted NBA 2K13 sold 49 percent more worldwide during its first-week sales than previous record holder NBA 2K11. The franchise has now shipped over 15 million units since NBA 2K11.

Part of the series' success has been the lack of competition from Electronic Arts. Last year's NBA Live 13 was canceled, after already being downgraded to a digitally distributed product. It was the third consecutive year EA dropped the ball and didn't show up to compete with a basketball game.

JoystiqNBA 2K13 sets franchise records, ships 4.5 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportseaelectronic-artsmicrosoftnba-2k13nba-elitenba-liveplaystationps3take-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 launches Sept. 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grand-theft-auto-5-release-date-september-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grand-theft-auto-5-release-date-september-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grand-theft-auto-5-release-date-september-17/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2012/11/gta-52.jpgGrand Theft Auto 5 will hijack Xbox 360 and PS3 retail on September 17, 2013. Publisher Rockstar Games says the game has been moved from its originally projected release window of spring in order to "allow additional development time."

"We are very excited for people to learn more about the game in the coming months," said Rockstar Games founder Sam Houser.

Rockstar Games parent company Take-Two Interactive and its investors are likely more eager for GTA 5 to launch than gamers, since the game's release is projected to deliver $600 million in revenues.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto 5 launches Sept. 17

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 launches Sept. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftplaystationps3Rockstar-Gamestake-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 31 Jan 2013 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/#comments While most of THQ's coffers have already been cleaned out, there's been no official word on any party making a move on the WWE license. An IGN source suggests Take-Two will take over the WWE line of games.

The negotiations for the WWE license apparently took place outside of the formal THQ auction, IGN notes. According to documents obtained by Joystiq, Take-Two has already spent $10.9 million snagging Turtle Rock's Evolve from THQ.

JoystiqReport: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2kmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3reporttake-twotake-two-interactivethqthq-bankruptcywiiworld-wrestling-entertainmentwwewwe-13xboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/#comments Joystiq has obtained details on the winning auction bids for the various THQ intellectual properties and licenses made available during the company's bankruptcy auction. We've listed the winning bids and runners up below.

To clarify, we've noted whether the asset is a studio, intellectual property (IP) or license.

Relic (studio) and Company of Heroes (IP)
Winning bid: $26.6 million - Sega Corporation
Backup bidder: $26.3 million - Zenimax Media

THQ Montreal (studio), with 1666 (IP) and Underdog (IP)
Winning bid: $2.5 million - Ubisoft
Backup bidder: N/A

Continue reading THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up

JoystiqTHQ bid winners, prices and runners-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverkoch-mediatake-twothqthq-bankruptcyubisoftvolitionWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K13 hits March 5, Tampa Bay's David Price as cover star]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/mlb-2k13-hits-march-5-tampa-bays-david-price-as-cover-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/mlb-2k13-hits-march-5-tampa-bays-david-price-as-cover-star/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/mlb-2k13-hits-march-5-tampa-bays-david-price-as-cover-star/#comments MLB 2K13 hits March 5, Tampa Bay's David Price as cover star2K Sports announced MLB 2K13 today, which is home running onto Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 5, just ahead of the new season of Major League Baseball. Gracing the cover this year is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price, winner of the 2012 American League Cy Young award. Price pipped MLB 2K12 cover star Justin Verlander to the award by just four points, probably ensuring the latter's visage wouldn't be returning to game retailers' shelves. One thing that is returning, however, and despite past controversy, is the Perfect Game Challenge and its $1 million of prize money.

The announcement of MLB 2K13 was more uncertain than you might think. 2K Sports' licensing agreement for MLB games was set to expire last year, and it was anything but definite that it would be renewed. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take Two Interactive Software (of which 2K Sports is a subsidiary), said in 2010 the agreement was a "losing proposition," and that his company "didn't have any interest in pursuing losing propositions." Yet a new licensing agreement was made, and the MLB 2K series has life left in it, at least for now.

"We'd like to thank our league partners for their support in helping us reach an agreement to bring back MLB 2K," said Jason Argent, VP of marketing for 2K Sports. "We know fans are extremely passionate about the MLB 2K series and the Perfect Game Challenge."

Continue reading MLB 2K13 hits March 5, Tampa Bay's David Price as cover star

JoystiqMLB 2K13 hits March 5, Tampa Bay's David Price as cover star originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k13playstationps3release-datetake-twovisual conceptsVisualConceptsxboxWed, 09 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Ken Levine on the faith of BioShock Infinite and evolving Elizabeth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/#comments

In BioShock Infinite, the world of Columbia is under the command of man who refers to himself as a prophet and savior. Father Comstock and his flock rule the streets of the cloud city, but what kind of world is it? And why is Elizabeth, the woman players are tasked with taking out of Columbia, so crucial to the people of the city?

In an interview with Joystiq, Irrational Games boss Ken Levine details the themes of faith, how political and social issues shape gameplay, and how Elizabeth has evolved since we were first introduced to her many years ago.

For more on BioShock Infinite - which was delayed to March 26 - read our detailed impressions of the game's first two hours.

JoystiqIrrational's Ken Levine on the faith of BioShock Infinite and evolving Elizabeth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exorcising demons with blind faith in BioShock Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/exorcising-demons-with-blind-faith-in-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/exorcising-demons-with-blind-faith-in-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/exorcising-demons-with-blind-faith-in-bioshock-infinite/#comments Exorcising demons with blind faith in BioShock InfiniteSat aboard a rowboat, listening to a man and woman bicker at each other as a harsh, dark storm masks the approach to a solitary lighthouse. This is how BioShock Infinite begins.

The man is Booker DeWitt, a hired gun sent to take a young woman named Elizabeth from her home. He knows nothing of the place his target resides, but he blindly executes his orders under the assurance that the whole of his debts will be forgiven if he is successful in his goal.

"Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt," the game hammers into players throughout its first two hours. As DeWitt has faith these promises will be kept, the player blindly follows, unclear of the mess the former solider has stepped in to. Though we, as the player, have no idea what this debt is or how it was accrued, it soon comes into focus how substantial it must be.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (12/07/2012)

Continue reading Exorcising demons with blind faith in BioShock Infinite

JoystiqExorcising demons with blind faith in BioShock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto franchise up to 125 million shipped, GTA 4 at 25m]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/grand-theft-auto-franchise-up-to-125-million-shipped-gta-4-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/grand-theft-auto-franchise-up-to-125-million-shipped-gta-4-at-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/grand-theft-auto-franchise-up-to-125-million-shipped-gta-4-at-2/#comments Grand Theft Auto franchise up to 125 million shipped, GTA 4 at 25mhttpaugamespotcomnewsgrandtheftautoseriesshipmentsreach125million6400652125 million copies of Grand Theft Auto games have shipped to retailers, with a fifth of that figure represented by Grand Theft Auto 4, in at 25 million. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick announced the franchise's new milestone at this year's Credit Suisse Technology Conference. GameSpot later confirmed it with a Take Two representative, who also disclosed the figure for GTA 4.

That means Take Two shipped 3 million copies of GTA 4 in the last 14 months, and 11 million franchise units. According to Zelnick, it's the irregular scheduling that maintains the series' popularity. Zelnick cited his understanding that Call of Duty Black Ops 2 is performing poorer commercially than Modern Warfare 3.

"That's never been the case with one of ours," said Zelnick. "Ours do better each time. Our view is it's hard to make permanent intellectual properties if you annualize it, with the exception of sports titles. So far that's proven to be the case. IP that is annualized eventually seems to hit the wall and we don't want our IP to hit the wall."

For the record, Activision recently announced Black Ops 2 made $500 million on its first day at retail, up from the $400 million for Modern Warfare 3.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto franchise up to 125 million shipped, GTA 4 at 25m originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4rockstarsalesstrauss-zelnicktake-twoWed, 28 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Dishonored sold 460K in October, XCOM hit 114K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/npd-dishonored-sold-460k-in-october-xcom-hit-114k/#comments October had two scrappy underdogs in Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The meticulous murder-em-up sold 460,200 units, according to the NPD, while the XCOM revamp from Firaxis sold 114,000 units.

Dishonored and XCOM: Enemy Unknown launched on October 9 for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and through digital distribution, and later shared shelf space with big hitters like Assassin's Creed 3, NBA 2K13, Forza Horizon and NBA Baller Beats (kidding).

The NPD only chronicles boxed retail sales in North America, so we don't have a full picture of the sales performance of either Dishonored or XCOM: Enemy Unknown. We already followed up with 2K for XCOM specifics, but the publisher told us it does not "comment on sales figures."

JoystiqNPD: Dishonored sold 460K in October, XCOM hit 114K originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesarkane-studiosbethesdadishonoredfiraxis-gamesmicrosoftnpdpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 08 Nov 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto 5 now available for pre-order at popular retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/grand-theft-auto-5-now-available-for-pre-order-at-popular-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/grand-theft-auto-5-now-available-for-pre-order-at-popular-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/grand-theft-auto-5-now-available-for-pre-order-at-popular-retail/#comments Now that Grand Theft Auto 5 has an official launch window of "Spring 2013," several retailers have opened up pre-orders for Rockstar's latest. You can reserve your copy through Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop and more right now.

The full list is available over at Rockstar, though we'd warn exercising caution at this point. Sure, you may want to pounce because you believe Grand Theft Auto 5 will sell like crazy - it probably will - but keep in mind that no retailer-specific pre-order incentives have been revealed yet. We can't imagine playing Grand Theft Auto 5 without the right bonus outfit and car like some kind of cretin.

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto 5 now available for pre-order at popular retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buygamestopgrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftplaystationpre-orderps3rockstarrockstar-gamestake-twowalmartxboxMon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 is everywhere in this developer video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/nba-2k13-is-everywhere-in-this-developer-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/nba-2k13-is-everywhere-in-this-developer-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/nba-2k13-is-everywhere-in-this-developer-video/#comments
This developer video for NBA 2K13 elaborates on the Facebook, Android and iOS apps that expand the game's "My Player" career mode. The initiative, known as NBA 2K Everywhere, allows players to build up their characters' skill ratings through mini-games and unlock collectibles on the go.

JoystiqNBA 2K13 is everywhere in this developer video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsandroidbasketballiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilemy-careermy-playerNBAnba-2k13nintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3socialsocial-gamesTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivevitawiixboxSun, 04 Nov 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two potentially opening new offices in Las Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/take-two-potentially-opening-new-offices-in-las-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/take-two-potentially-opening-new-offices-in-las-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/take-two-potentially-opening-new-offices-in-las-vegas/#comments TakeTwo potentially opening new offices in Las VegasTake-Two, publisher of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 2, et al, may soon be opening new offices in Las Vegas, according to proposal documents concerning Take-Two and The City of Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency. If opened, the new facility would employ a minimum of 150 persons full-time, all of whom would earn a "gross average hourly wage, including overtime, of at least $18 per hour."

The agreement also stipulates that, in order for Take-Two to be eligible for the (up to) $600,000 in incentives, 15 percent of all full-time employees must be "full time residents within the Agency's redevelopment area" as well as "members of racial minorities, women, disabled or veterans."

The purpose of the facility is still uncertain; whether this could be a new studio or a satellite testing office is unknown. It's worth noting, however, that while $18 an hour sounds like QA/testing wages, that's the minimum amount required by the agreement and may not accurately reflect what the real average ends up being.

JoystiqTake-Two potentially opening new offices in Las Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionlas-vegasnevadanew-buildingnew-officetake-twotake-two-interactiveSat, 03 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Backup singer loses lawsuit against Take-Two over GTA: San Andreas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/backup-singer-loses-lawsuit-against-take-two-over-gta-san-andre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/backup-singer-loses-lawsuit-against-take-two-over-gta-san-andre/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/backup-singer-loses-lawsuit-against-take-two-over-gta-san-andre/#comments Michael "Shagg" Washington, supposed former Cypress Hill backup singer (though the band denied any affiliation), lost his 2010 lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games over alleged use of his likeness in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Wednesday. Washington claimed he met with the game's developers in 2003 to discuss his troubled youth and "street life." He first learned of his resemblance to the game's "CJ" character six years later, leading to the $250 million lawsuit.

The California appeals court upheld the ruling in favor of Take-Two, in which the judge said the "plaintiff is relying entirely on CJ's physical appearance in the game, but that appearance is so generic that it necessarily includes hundreds of other black males." The lack of evidence in whether Take-Two actually used Washington's likeness, in addition to a failed test for insufficiently transformative use, led to Washington losing the case.

JoystiqBackup singer loses lawsuit against Take-Two over GTA: San Andreas originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl-johnsoncypress-hillGrand-Theft-Auto-San-AndreasGTA-San-Andreaslawsuitmichael-washingtonmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RockStarRockstar-GamesshaggTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxSat, 03 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two revenue up 155% during Q2, outlook removes $600 million following GTA 5 delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/take-two-revenue-up-155-during-q2-outlook-removes-600-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/take-two-revenue-up-155-during-q2-outlook-removes-600-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/take-two-revenue-up-155-during-q2-outlook-removes-600-million/#comments Report Grand Theft Auto V releases Spring 2013Take-Two had a great second quarter (ending September 30), with revenues of $273.1 million, a 155 percent increase from the $107 million in the previous Q2. At the end of the day, however, the company did have a net loss of $12.5 million, which is still significantly better than the $123.3 loss from the same period last year.

The big gun during the quarter was Borderlands 2, which shipped over 5 million units, along with catalog sales of Grand Theft Auto 4 and Red Dead Redemption. Revenue from digital distribution was up 108 percent year-over-year, with "strong digital sales" (i.e. non-retail) mentioned for new releases Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

With Grand Theft Auto 5 officially given a spring 2013 release window, it should be noted that Take-Two reduced its "financial outlook" for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, removing $600 million in forecasted sales. That extra $600 million raised our eyebrows when it appeared in the company's projections at the beginning of the fiscal year, as the math would only really work out if Take-Two was planning GTA 5 before April 1, 2013. That is, obviously, no longer the case and the company has reduced its outlook to "reflect its revised assumed release schedule."

JoystiqTake-Two revenue up 155% during Q2, outlook removes $600 million following GTA 5 delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiscal-2913grand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftpcplaystationps3q2RockStarRockstar-Gamestake-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxWed, 31 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Borderlands 2 sold 1.4 million in US [Update: NPD confirms]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/analyst-borderlands-2-sold-1-4-million-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/analyst-borderlands-2-sold-1-4-million-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/analyst-borderlands-2-sold-1-4-million-in-us/#comments Even though Borderlands 2 bested sales of the first game by 234%, it wasn't able to sell more copies than Madden NFL 13 in September. According to Macquarie Capital analyst Ben Schachter, 1.4 million physical copies of Borderlands 2 were sold in the US at retail since its launch - we've reached out to the NPD for exact September sales. Update: NPD has confirmed with Joystiq that Borderlands 2 sold 1.4 million copies at retail in September.

That figure doesn't take into account copies of Borderlands 2 sold digitally, via Steam on PC or as part of the Day 1 initiative on the PlayStation Network. GI.biz says Schachter forecasted a total of three million in sales during the last three months of this year, accounting for the aforementioned digital distribution channels.

Borderlands 2 recently released its new character class - the Mechromancer - and will get the first of four DLC content packages on October 16. 'Captain Scarlett and her Pirate's Booty' will be available across all platforms for $9.99 and free to owners of the Borderlands 2 content Season Pass.

JoystiqAnalyst: Borderlands 2 sold 1.4 million in US [Update: NPD confirms] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearboxmicrosoftnpdpcplaystationps3take-twoxboxFri, 12 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 enjoys lack of competition, record sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-2k13-enjoys-lack-of-competition-record-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-2k13-enjoys-lack-of-competition-record-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-2k13-enjoys-lack-of-competition-record-sales/#comments 2K Sports' NBA 2K13 is reaping the benefits of EA's inability to develop a basketball game, with publisher Take-Two announcing the game has surpassed franchise sales records. Although no specific figures were provided, NBA 2K13 reportedly sold 49 percent more worldwide during its first-week sales than previous record holder NBA 2K11.

"Our early sales figures are a validation of our ongoing efforts to push this franchise to new heights," said 2K Sports VP of marketing Jason Argent. "We owe it to our great fans to continually improve our title - year in and year out - and that's exactly what we've done with NBA 2K13."

And, hopefully, Argent is sending an Edible Arrangement over to EA Sports HQ to thank them, as well. EA's canceled NBA Live 13, intended as a digitally distributed product, was the third year in a row Electronic Arts didn't show up for the basketball match.

JoystiqNBA 2K13 enjoys lack of competition, record sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsmicrosoftnba-2k13playstationps3take-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxFri, 12 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM rookies, listen up!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-rookies-listen-up/#commentsJoystiq's resident strategy game fan, Alexander Sliwinski, examines XCOM: Enemy Unknown from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with the series. How will other rookies react?
Never played X-COM before? Cool, neither had I. Although the details are still hazy on how the hyphenated installments of the alien defense strategy series passed me by during the '90s, I am a turn-based strategy fan and I love me some sci-fi.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is one of the best and most accessible strategy games to come along in a long time, as evidenced by Joystiq's review. The game is split between the turn-based combat missions you'd see in a Final Fantasy Tactics, streamlined for a larger audience; and managing the resources and growth of XCOM's barracks, laboratories, workshops, satellite installations and more.

I can assure you that starting a game at the "normal" difficulty is imperative your first time through. The "classic" difficulty, even after I've beaten the game on normal and know the abilities of each alien species, is still a challenge. It's not that the aliens are overpowered, it's just that they're out to kill you in the classic mode as much as you're after them to usurp their tech. The normal difficulty setting won't regularly activate the aliens until you find them at your own pace.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (8/18/2012)

Continue reading XCOM rookies, listen up!

JoystiqXCOM rookies, listen up! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-GamesmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3second-opiniontake-twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 08 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/xcom-enemy-unknown-review/#comments My squad touches down in a wooded area, somewhere in the continental United States. The Skyranger's ramp lowers and my soldiers shuffle out. Dead animals litter the ground under the tree cover. I inch my squad members forward, toward the crashed UFO. I'm the one who shot it down, and I expect its occupants are none too happy about it. As my squad slowly creeps forward, wary of ambush, I notice strange pods scattered about the terrain. I have just enough time to wonder what they are before my point man, Cameron "Shield" Robertson, discovers three Muton soldiers - ugly, hulking brutes with equally nasty plasma rifles.

The Mutons scramble into cover, positioning themselves to fire. Before they have a chance, my heavy trooper readies a rocket launcher, sending its payload directly into the aliens, scorching their hides and blasting their cover to smithereens. Now fully exposed, the beasts make easy targets for my sniper, Sheng "Xeno" Lin. Thanks to some special training, he quickly settles into "the zone," taking out all three Mutons with three perfect shots in rapid succession.

The entire exchange is exhilarating, and I pat myself on the back for a job well done. Little do I know that I have just wasted my only rocket, and that I'll really regret it later on. It's choices like these, and their repercussions, that define XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (10/9/12)

Continue reading XCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters

JoystiqXCOM: Enemy Unknown review: Close encounters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Twoxboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 08 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelnick: Take-Two didn't meet fiscal 2012 expectations because of delays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/zelnick-take-two-didnt-meet-fiscal-2012-expectations-because-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/zelnick-take-two-didnt-meet-fiscal-2012-expectations-because-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/20/zelnick-take-two-didnt-meet-fiscal-2012-expectations-because-o/#comments TakeTwo Didn't meet fiscal 2012 expectations because of delaysTake-Two Interactive didn't meet its revenue and profit goals for fiscal year 2012 because it delayed some games, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick admitted during a stockholder meeting today.

"This was primarily due to our decision to postpone the release of several titles in order to allow for additional development time," Zelnick said, without naming any specific games. "Although our commitment to quality may occasionally affect near-term results, we believe it's the right approach for maximizing revenue and profits over the long-term."

Zelnick later mentioned BioShock Infinite, which was delayed to February 26, and Grand Theft Auto 5, which never had an official release date but was widely expected to launch some time in 2012. After all, Take-Two has a probable $600 million deficit in its 2013 outlook, expecting to earn $1.7 billion - $1.8 billion by March.

"Grand Theft Auto 5 is in full development and making substantial progress," Zelnick added.

Gallery: Grand Theft Auto 5 (Business)

JoystiqZelnick: Take-Two didn't meet fiscal 2012 expectations because of delays originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteDelaydelaysfinancialsgrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftmobilepcplaystationps3Take-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 20 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K Everywhere puts NBA 2K13 on everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/nba-2k-everywhere-puts-nba-2k13-on-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/nba-2k-everywhere-puts-nba-2k13-on-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/nba-2k-everywhere-puts-nba-2k13-on-everything/#comments 2K Sports has announced NBA 2K Everywhere, an omnipresenent initiative for every device that's within a few feet of you at all times. Beyond the core game for consoles and PC, there will be an NBA 2K13 companion app for a whole mess of mobile devices, a social game on Facebook, a regular mobile version of the game for iOS and Android and ... that may be it?

The MyNBA2K app, available in October for iOS, Android and Kindle, will be a collection of minigames, and will also connect to the main game's MyCAREER and MyTEAM features. The Facebook game, NBA 2K: MyLIFE, will allow players to import their MyCAREER avatar from the main game to compete for endorsement deals, which will unlock rewards in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the main game. Finally, there's an NBA 2K13 game for iOS and Android - again, available in October.

NBA 2K13 will be available in, you guessed it, October. EA's unusually quiet NBA Live 13 should be available around the same time, following a multi-year hiatus.

Gallery: NBA 2K13 (Cover Players)

JoystiqNBA 2K Everywhere puts NBA 2K13 on everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsandroidiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobilenba-2k13nintendopcplaystationps3take-twoTake-Two-Interactivewiiwii-uxboxWed, 05 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here, watch this hour of XCOM gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/here-watch-this-hour-of-xcom-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/here-watch-this-hour-of-xcom-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/here-watch-this-hour-of-xcom-gameplay/#comments
Were you looking to watch an overabundance of new XCOM footage? 2K Games and Firaxis are sure hoping so, as the two companies took to Twitch.tv yesterday afternoon for just that - an entire hour of XCOM: Enemy Unknown hosted by Firaxis' Jake Solomon and Garth DeAngelis.

What's that? You want even more XCOM coverage? We've got this handy, international-flavored podcast with the aforementioned Firaxis devs right here. You can almost taste the Gaffel Kölsch!

JoystiqHere, watch this hour of XCOM gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesfiraxisfiraxis-gamesgameplaygarth-deangelisjake-solomonlivestreammicrosoftpcplaystationps3streamtake-twotake-two-interactivetwitch.tvxboxxcom-enemy-unknownTue, 28 Aug 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Citizens! Rise up against the alien scum by joining XCOM!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/citizens-rise-up-against-the-alien-scum-by-joining-xcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/citizens-rise-up-against-the-alien-scum-by-joining-xcom/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/citizens-rise-up-against-the-alien-scum-by-joining-xcom/#comments
The time is now: war is upon us, and the alien invaders must be beaten back. Luckily for us, the aliens operate on a turn-by-turn basis, so there's plenty of time to decide how best to defend Earth. The XCOM awaits, soldier. The enemy, however, remains unknown.

JoystiqCitizens! Rise up against the alien scum by joining XCOM! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesfiraxisfiraxis-gamesgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownFri, 24 Aug 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands gets demade, is playable in your browser and totally rad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/borderlands-gets-demade-is-playable-in-your-browser-and-totally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/borderlands-gets-demade-is-playable-in-your-browser-and-totally/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/borderlands-gets-demade-is-playable-in-your-browser-and-totally/#comments Borderlands gets demade, is playable in your browser and totally radYou wanna play Borderlands, but you're stuck at your job. Also, the new Borderlands still isn't out, and you've played so, so much of the first one. Or maybe you're only into 16-bit games? The Borderlands remake - an official part of the Borderlands 2 marketing campaign - is here, and it's pretty boss.

Well, okay - it's as boss as a top down, 16-bit, browser-based rendition of Borderlands could possibly be. Incidentally, that's far, far more boss than we had imagined. What're you still doing here? Go play it!

JoystiqBorderlands gets demade, is playable in your browser and totally rad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>16-bit2k-gamesborderlands-2demakegearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxWed, 22 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Co-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/co-opinion-xcom-enemy-unknown-multiplayer/#comments Coopinion XCOM Enemy Unknown multiplayer
Richard Mitchell: So Alexander and I got a chance to try out the XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer mode at Gamescom. Both of us played single-player before, so we had some idea of what we were getting into - but multiplayer is an entirely different beast. Using a pool of points, players "purchase" the units that will comprise their team: XCOM soldiers, aliens, or a mix of both. The standard match has a pool of 10,000 points and a turn time of 90 seconds. For this press demo, we had a whopping 20,000 points and 120 seconds. It sounds like a lot of time, but it wasn't - more on that in a bit.

What units did you pick? (Keep in mind, folks, I had no idea what I was going to face on the field, and neither did Alexander.)
Alexander Sliwinski: I believe in the power of humanity! Actually, no, it's mostly that I'd never played an XCOM game prior to the E3 demo, and I had no idea about each race's powers. So, I went with three human soldiers, two Thin Men and then spent a massive 7,300 points on an assault gunner with an alloy cannon. I figured I'd wipe out any alien scum you threw at me.

Gallery: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (8/18/2012)

Continue reading Co-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer

JoystiqCo-opinion: XCOM: Enemy Unknown multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k2k-gamesco-opco-opinionfiraxisfiraxis-gamesgamescomgamescom-2012microsoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownMon, 20 Aug 2012 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[99 problems for Jay-Z and an executive producer gig for NBA 2K13 is one of them]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/99-problems-jay-z-executive-producer-nba-2k13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/99-problems-jay-z-executive-producer-nba-2k13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/99-problems-jay-z-executive-producer-nba-2k13/#comments
Shawn "JAY Z" Carter-Knowles will serve as the executive producer of NBA 2K13, 2K Sports announced this morning. Mr. Z will curate the soundtrack and "lend artistic vision" to the world's top (by default for past few years) NBA video game.

Jay-Z's selection of 24 songs (including six of his own tracks) for the game's soundtrack can be found after the break. NBA 2K13 will hit the court on October 2.

Continue reading 99 problems for Jay-Z and an executive producer gig for NBA 2K13 is one of them

Joystiq99 problems for Jay-Z and an executive producer gig for NBA 2K13 is one of them originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsbasketballjay-znba-2k13take-twoTake-Two-InteractiveWed, 01 Aug 2012 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two investor call theme: Where's Grand Theft Auto 5?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/take-two-investor-call-theme-wheres-grand-theft-auto-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/take-two-investor-call-theme-wheres-grand-theft-auto-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/take-two-investor-call-theme-wheres-grand-theft-auto-5/#comments ImageThe first half of Take-Two's question and answer session, during today's first quarter investor call, revolved around the theme of Grand Theft Auto 5 and its current status. Whether directly or indirectly, three questions in a row tried to eke out any details about the game, which appears to be part of the publisher's high revenue projections but still has an official "TBA" release date.

"Strauss, we've heard nothing, next to nothing, on GTA 5 development over the last couple months," said Mike Hickey of National Alliance Securities. "We've seen a couple screenshots. The game is believed by the street to be implied by your guidance for this fiscal year, but what believability do we have that this game is actually going to come out this year?"

CEO Strauss Zelnick responded, "We haven't talked about a release date. So obviously we can't talk about the credibility of a release date that we haven't announced."

Pushed further on whether the publisher is receiving consistent updates, the CEO deflected.

"We wouldn't talk publicly about the way we communicate with our teams internally," replied Zelnick. "We are blessed to be in business with the Rockstar folks and everyone knows that I feel that way. We have the best creative teams in the business across our company."

Though the company did announce today that "consumer anticipation is phenomenal" for Borderlands 2, it would still need to hit home runs with NBA 2K13, XCOM: Enemy Unknown and BioShock: Infinite to hit its forecast.

JoystiqTake-Two investor call theme: Where's Grand Theft Auto 5? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financialsgrand-theft-auto-5gta5microsoftpcplaystationps3Q1RockstarRockstar-GamesStrauss-ZelnickTake-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 31 Jul 2012 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands 2 third highest pre-ordered game for Take-Two behind Grand Theft Auto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/borderlands-2-third-highest-pre-ordered-game-for-take-two-behind/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/borderlands-2-third-highest-pre-ordered-game-for-take-two-behind/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/borderlands-2-third-highest-pre-ordered-game-for-take-two-behind/#comments ImageTake-Two announced during its first quarter conference call that Borderlands 2 is doing incredibly well in terms of pre-orders at retail.

"Consumer anticipation is phenomenal," said Karl Slatoff, chief operating officer of Take-Two about Gearbox's shooter. "Pre-orders are currently the third highest of any title in Take-Two's history, behind only Grand Theft Auto 4 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."

For context, Grand Theft Auto 4 made $500 million in its first week, selling 6 million copies, with 3.6 million on its first day.

JoystiqBorderlands 2 third highest pre-ordered game for Take-Two behind Grand Theft Auto originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2gearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoTake-Two-InteractivexboxTue, 31 Jul 2012 17:15:00 EST