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[Sam & Max Surfin' the Highway bundles games with funny]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/sam-and-max-surfin-the-highway-bundles-games-with-funny/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/sam-and-max-surfin-the-highway-bundles-games-with-funny/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/08/sam-and-max-surfin-the-highway-bundles-games-with-funny/#comments
Sam: Whatcha got there, little buddy?
Max: Why, Sam, it's a book about us? That's creepy!

Telltale Games is selling the 20th anniversary edition of Sam & Max Surfin' the Highway, bundling together the 197-page graphic album with the publisher's Sam & Max episodic adventure game for the PC. The book, which has been out of print for nearly a decade, contains the complete collection of Steve Purcell's Sam & Max comics, including 25 new pages of previously unreleased artwork.

The collection is currently available in paperback for $29.95, which includes both the book and a DVD containing the most recent 5-episode season of Sam & Max. A more pricey $59.95 hardcover edition is also available, which ships with both seasons tucked between its supple pages. Closet lagomorphs with some extra geld can also shell out for the $99.95 bundle, which nets the book, games, soundtrack, the complete animated series and a Sam & Max t-shirt and hat.

Sam: And look, the thing was also nominated for an Eisner Award. That'll look good on the wall.
Max: Yup, right next to Hitler's head!
Sam: You're a scary bunny.

JoystiqSam & Max Surfin' the Highway bundles games with funny originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecomicssam-and-maxsteve-purcelltelltaletelltale-gamestelltalegamesWed, 08 Apr 2009 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Holy crap! Telltale talks Strong Bad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-interview-holy-crap-telltale-talks-strong-bad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-interview-holy-crap-telltale-talks-strong-bad/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/joystiq-interview-holy-crap-telltale-talks-strong-bad/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It won't be long before our wallets are drained of life thanks to Nintendo's freshly delivered digital download service, WiiWare. However, we're saving a few Wii Points under the mattress for Telltale's upcoming episodic take on iconic internet flash cartoon, Homestar Runner, in Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. It's dot com.

With the series announced to launch in June and new first episode details expected to drop later this week, we headed over to Bubs' Concession Stand for more information on the upcoming game. Of course, he wasn't much help, though he did point us over to Telltale, where we spoke with marketer extraordinaire Emily Morganti about all things Strong Bad. For the complete breakdown of what went down, hit up the interview below and pop open a one -- just make sure it's cold. A one which is not cold is scarcely a cold one at all.

Gallery: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Holy crap! Telltale talks Strong Bad

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Holy crap! Telltale talks Strong Bad originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chapmanstrong-badstrongbadtelltaletelltale-gamestelltalegamesWiiwiiwareTue, 13 May 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman: Riddler, Catwoman trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/lego-batman-riddler-catwoman-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/lego-batman-riddler-catwoman-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/lego-batman-riddler-catwoman-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Although it appears the music licensing isn't complete yet for Lego Batman, TT Games has released some gameplay footage featuring Catwoman and The Riddler. Gotham City's notorious crime-causing couple ... wait, wait one second. Did Riddler and Catwoman ever even work together? That's an open invitation for comic book geeks to show off.

Expect a lot more videos (like the one above) leading up to the game's release later this year featuring Batman's gallery of villains. We're definitely looking forward to seeing Mr. J and Harley Quinn in all their blocky glory. Too bad we won't hear Harley's nails-on-a-chalkboard voice though.

JoystiqLego Batman: Riddler, Catwoman trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSlego-batmanlego-batman-the-videogamePS3telltaletelltale-gamestelltalegamesWiiXbox-360Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: You can still win Sam & Max Season 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-you-can-still-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-you-can-still-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/reminder-you-can-still-win-sam-and-max-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"Holy rollerblading geriatrics on a steeply inclined lido deck, Max! The deadline for our Season 2 giveaway is set to pounce tomorrow at 5PM EST!"

"Dead lion, Sam? I thought we adopted a strictly enforced ban on ferocious, undead felines in the office."

"You crack me up, little buddy. Who did you name as your favorite adventure game character in the giveaway post, anyway? Was it ... me?"

"None of your damn business, Sam."

JoystiqReminder: You can still win Sam & Max Season 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicGametapPCSam-and-MaxSam-maxTelltaleTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesThu, 10 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Episodic 'Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People' coming in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltales-episodic-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltales-episodic-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-people/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/telltales-episodic-strong-bads-cool-game-for-attractive-people/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Telltale Games has revealed that the "new WiiWare episode series" hinted at during GDC08 will be Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive people, based on the character from Homestar Runner. The series will be a five-episode season with installments promised monthly on Nintendo's download service as well as the PC. The first episode is due out in June; further release date and pricing details are promised later, according to the press release.

If you need a refresher on Strong Bad, we'd appriciate (yes, you read that right) it if you checked out the "sbemail" archives. More details, assets and an official trailer are expected later today.

Update: Check out this April 1 video from Homestar Runner that might've hinted at this announcement.

Update: Website and trailers launch.

Gallery: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

JoystiqEpisodic 'Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People' coming in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewshomestar-runnerPCstrong-badtelltaletelltale-gamestelltalegamesWiiwii-warewiiwareThu, 10 Apr 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: Win Sam & Max Season 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/reminder-win-sam-and-max-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wouldn't it be terribly sad if you missed the opportunity to play Sam & Max: Season 2 for free? As far as deeply depressing events go, we'd say it's on par with a plane full of puppies crashing into an orphanage. Only you can prevent it by naming your favorite adventure game character on our giveaway post! No, not here, there. On the giveaway post. You have until 5:00PM EST on Friday, April 11th!

JoystiqReminder: Win Sam & Max Season 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam-and-MaxSamandMaxTelltaleTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesWed, 09 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win Sam & Max Season 2!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/joyswag-win-sam-and-max-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Update: Entries are closed. We'll be alerting the winners via e-mail soon, so please keep an eye on your inbox!

In celebration of this Friday's release (Thursday if you're on GameTap) of the Sam & Max Season 2 finale, "What's New, Beelzebub?" Joystiq and Telltale Games are giving away three full Season 2 bundles (valued at $34.95 each). If you've yet to point and click your way through the highly untrained duo's second stab at episodic adventure, you can start right here and right now. These rules are all self-explanatory, so be sure to carefully explain them to yourself:
  • To enter this giveaway, leave a comment naming adventure gaming's best character (any game).
  • You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Limit 1 entry per person per day. If you enter this giveaway more than once each calendar day you'll be locked up in a circus cage alongside the amazing giraffe-necked girl.
  • This entry period ends at 5:00pm EST on Friday, April 11th. We'll randomly select 3 winners at that time (please check your email!).
  • For a list of complete rules that you can blow away with a very large Luger, click here.

JoystiqJoyswag: Win Sam & Max Season 2! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam-and-MaxSamandMaxTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesTue, 08 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/gdc-quest-quiz-ii-steve-purcell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We did a terrible thing at last week's Game Developer's Conference. Aside from our usual barrage of photographs and "reporting," a select group of attendees had to endure a particularly inane and utterly pointless line of questioning -- just for laughs. This is what happens when you hunt down several adventure game connoisseurs and challenge them to solve a typically obnoxious adventure game puzzle.

The Player
Steve Purcell, illustrator and writer best known as the creator of Sam & Max. We're surprised he even talked to us after last year's drunken debacle.

The Puzzle
You're standing in front of a cave. The goal is to get inside the cave, taking care to foil the ferocious robot bear guarding the entrance first.

The Inventory
  • (1) perforated parasol
  • (1) rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle
  • (1) sealed manila envelope
  • (1) miniature macaroni Tim Schafer statue
Find Steve Purcell's solution to the "meta-puzzle" after the break.

Continue reading GDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell

JoystiqGDC Quest Quiz II: Steve Purcell originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC-quest-quizGDC08Sam-and-MaxSamandMaxSteve-PurcellTelltaleTelltale-GamesTelltaleGamesMon, 25 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Sam & Max coming to the Wii according to German press release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/rumor-sam-and-max-coming-to-the-wii-according-to-german-press-rel/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been almost a year now since the rumor of a Wii version of the Sam & Max series surfaced after Telltale Games began searching for a Wii programmer to add to their staff. Now, a German press release for JoWooD Productions' latest creation, a Wii adaptation of the PC adventure title Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None, has all but confirmed a Sam & Max adventure on Nintendo's console, which JoWooD is apparently porting.

A translation of the press release specifically mentions that "Sam & Max will soon be hunting criminals on the Nintendo Wii," though Telltale Games, the developers of the PC adventure, have not yet confirmed their intent to port the game to consoles. However, the press release seems on the level, and based on earlier evidence, we're fairly certain that we'll be seeing everyone's favorite revolver-toting, anthropomorphic dog and hyperkinetic rabbity thing on the Wii in the near future.

[via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqRumor: Sam & Max coming to the Wii according to German press release originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureagathachristiejowoodjowoodproductionsmaxPCsamsamandmaxtelltalegameswiiSun, 13 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/joystiq-interview-telltalles-dan-connors-tells-tales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sam & Max: Season One was one of the first real success stories of digital distribution, where folks could download episodes of the game from month to month, and then after everything had been released, pick up a DVD copy of all the episodes with some extra content. Season Two launches on November 8th (tomorrow, kids!), putting Sam & Max right back into the fray.

We sat down with Telltale Games founder and CEO Dan Connors during E For All to talk about all things Sam & Max, Bone, and what's coming up for the young studio. We started off by waxing poetic about E for All or E3 possibly moving to Vegas, so we could have done this over drinks and then hit the tables. We'd like to think Sam & Max would have been proud.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Telltale's Dan Connors tells tales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dan-ConnorsepisodicgametapPCPS3sam-and-maxsamandmaxtelltale-gamestelltalegamesWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max episodes now available on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/15/sam-and-max-episodes-now-available-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: ,


What did the folks at Telltale Games do today? We'll tell you! They turned a Valve and streamed their sparkling Sam & Max episodic series out of a GameTap and straight into a kettle. Then they, uh, boiled it. Because Sam & Max Season 1 is now available for purchase on Steam, you see. Also, we're terrible at this. Let's try again.

Telltale Games and Valve have announced that the first episodic series to become available on Steam (yes, there was a joke there) is Sam & Max Season 1, with single episodes priced at $8.95 each. There's a 10% discount to be had during this first week of release, and those who balk at bit purchases can buy in bulk -- bundles of the first three (or last three) episodes go for $19.95 each. If you manage to miraculously avoid adventure's detective duo on Steam, GameTap and Telltale's website, you'll still have to deal with August's retail release from JoWood and The Adventure Company. You'll have nowhere to run, you lagomorph loather.

JoystiqSam & Max episodes now available on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicGametapPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxSteamTelltaleTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesFri, 15 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale secures $6 million for multi-platform episodic content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/telltale-secures-6-million-for-multi-platform-episodic-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/telltale-secures-6-million-for-multi-platform-episodic-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/telltale-secures-6-million-for-multi-platform-episodic-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Displaying a respectable level of business acumen, Telltale Games has announced that the $6 million in funding it recently secured will not go towards the procurement of the world's largest ball of twine, but rather the expansion of its episodic endeavors. Provided by San Francisco-based venture firms, Granite Ventures and IDG Ventures SF, the funding will allow Telltale to continue building upon their current franchises, such as Bone and Sam & Max, and pave the way for new episodic projects.

"This funding will allow us to stay on the cutting edge of innovation by building out our team and our tools, and by taking on new licenses for the episodic treatment," says Telltale CEO and co-founder, Dan Connors. The Telltale team also plans to develop for multiple hardware platforms, a goal that seems right in line with its previous job listings and the success digital distribution has enjoyed on all current consoles. It's about time proper episodic content moved beyond the PC, wouldn't you say?

JoystiqTelltale secures $6 million for multi-platform episodic content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BonePCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltaleTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesWiiXbox-360Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max season finale released on Telltale's website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/sam-and-max-season-finale-released-on-telltales-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/sam-and-max-season-finale-released-on-telltales-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/10/sam-and-max-season-finale-released-on-telltales-website/#commentsFiled under: ,

For the last seven months, the edges of our lives have been softened by the knowledge that a turn of the calendar page would bring with it a new episode of Sam & Max. With the sixth and final chapter becoming available for download on the Telltale Games website, however, the only thing left on the next page is a shocking reminder of just how boring calendars are.

On the topic of the final episode, Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell, has this to say: "With huge dollops of creative frenzy tossed into episode 6, the Telltale crew nicely tops off a great season. I'm really pleased." Telltale's design director, Dave Grossman adds, "Bright Side of the Moon is the snuggly-fitting cap on the Serious toothpaste of Season 1. I feel clean."

Feel pleased and clean by grabbing the season finale from Telltale's Website for $8.95, or the full season for $34.95. The latter option will also net you a disc containing the episodes and a whole host of extras. Finally, if you flip your calendar to August, you'll see the series getting its retail release.

Gallery: Sam & Max: Bright Side of the Moon



[Via Telltale Games press release]

JoystiqSam & Max season finale released on Telltale's website originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2007 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureepisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesThu, 10 May 2007 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First screens of Sam & Max season finale, 'Bright Side of the Moon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/12/first-screens-of-sam-and-max-season-finale-bright-side-of-the-mo/#commentsFiled under: ,


Telltale Games has unveiled the first images and trailer of the inevitably ludicrous finale to its episodic Sam & Max series, Bright Side of the Moon. In their continued mission to save civilization from hypnotic enslavement, the highly untrained duo embarks on a mission to the Earth's only natural satellite (sans paper bags) and attempts to foil an unspeakably nefarious mastermind (what other kind is there?). The action, the adventure and the depravity will become available on Gametap April 26th, and will hit Telltale's website shortly afterwards on May 10th.

The penultimate episode, Reality 2.0, is already available on the official site.

Gallery: Sam & Max: Bright Side of the Moon

JoystiqFirst screens of Sam & Max season finale, 'Bright Side of the Moon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bright Side of the MoonBrightSideOfTheMoonEpisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltaleTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesThu, 12 Apr 2007 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max Episode 5: Reality 2.0 released on GameTap]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sam-and-max-episode-5-reality-2-0-released-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sam-and-max-episode-5-reality-2-0-released-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sam-and-max-episode-5-reality-2-0-released-on-gametap/#commentsFiled under: ,


First they faced off against a deranged eye fitness guru, then a talk show host followed by the toy mafia and Abe Lincoln. Now Sam and Max have to overcome a foe of a different kind: the internet! The fifth installment of the episodic Sam & Max adventures is available today on GameTap. Reality 2.0 is filled with the signature Sam & Max humor wrapped in an adventure-lite game. This time around the jokes poke fun at everything geek-related. Expect some video game parodies as well, such as when Sam yells "Its-a me, Sam!" before leaping into the air to collect a coin.

You can grab Reality 2.0 from GameTap starting today, or download it from Telltale Games on April 12th for $8.95.

JoystiqSam & Max Episode 5: Reality 2.0 released on GameTap originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 06:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecomedyepisodesepisodichumorindependentindiePCsamandmaxtelltalegamesThu, 29 Mar 2007 06:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital distribution panel: Retail and downloads work together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/digital-distribution-panel-retail-and-downloads-work-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/digital-distribution-panel-retail-and-downloads-work-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/digital-distribution-panel-retail-and-downloads-work-together/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Newsweek's N'Gai Croal hosted a GDC discussion about digital distribution, featuring panelists from Bioware, Valve, Microsoft, Telltale Games, and GameTap. The session interested us most for its comments on how retail and digital distribution work together and thoughts on the media's lack of digital-only games coverage.

Valve's Jason Holtman said, "The myth of digital distribution cannibalizing retail sales isn't true. ... The first couple times we ran [free weekends for games], we found out they increased retail sales as well [as digital sales.]"

Holtman later said, "We love selling our boxed products. We like selling our digital products, too. ... Retail is going to be here to stay. It's a great channel for games. Digital is also a great channel for games."

Ray Muzka of Bioware said, "They're incredibly complimentary. ... You can get research, you can get data from your digital distribution to make better games."

Dan Connors of Telltale Games described how his company's games benefit from initial digital distribution. He said, "By the time it gets to retail, it's a known quantity. ... It was thought of from the ground up that we're going to launch online and [move to retail.] ... I think we've managed to take revenues from a range of places."

Near the end of the session, Croal asked if he and other journalists had covered digital distribution enough. Rick Sanchez of GameTap vehemently said that the press hadn't and that they don't know how to treat his game-download service. The other panelists thought their projects were getting enough coverage, although they echoed the slow recognition of their digital projects.

Other than Microsoft's Xbox Live games, GameTap represented the only company with a digital-only distribution method. Could that affect GameTap's recognition, because the public -- and journalists -- still need a boxed copy to take notice?

JoystiqDigital distribution panel: Retail and downloads work together originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BiowareChris EarlyChrisEarlyDan-ConnorsDanConnorsGameTapGDCGDC07Jason HoltmanJasonHoltmanMacMicrosoftN'gai CroalN'gaiCroalPCPS3PSPRay MuzkaRayMuzkaRick SanchezRickSanchezTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesValveWiiXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 08 Mar 2007 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Sam & Max designer, Dave Grossman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-desiger-dave-grossman/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Apparently, the streets of San Francisco are simply bustling with adventure game designers wandering about in search of inspiration and that one inventory item they callously overlooked. We were in possession of one microphone and one unbelievable obnoxious blogger, both vital items for an upcoming, uh, life puzzle. Look, we just needed an intro paragraph, alright?

Above you'll see Telltale's game designer and dedicated poet, Dave Grossman, being interrogated about things like episodic content, the hiring of console programmers and, of course, Sam & Max Season 2. (SPOILER: It's is in the planning stages.)

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Sam & Max designer, Dave Grossman originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dave GrossmanDaveGrossmanEpisodic contentEpisodicContentGDCGDC07PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesWiiXbox-360Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interviews Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/joystiq-interviews-sam-and-max-creator-steve-purcell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Following the careful application of alcohol and a sufficient number of thinly-veiled threats, Joystiq managed to maneuver Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell, in front of a camera to discuss his role in the deeply disturbed duo's episodic endeavors. As you might expect, ancient mysteries are unearthed, the very nature of humor is dissected and generally, hilarity ensues.

Take heed: this will undoubtedly be the greatest Steve Purcell interview that deeply involves the Power Rangers you'll ever see.

JoystiqJoystiq interviews Sam & Max creator, Steve Purcell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDCGDC07PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesTue, 06 Mar 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale talks: Sam & Max on Live Arcade?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-talks-sam-and-max-on-live-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, we reported that Telltale Games was looking for an Xbox 360 programmer with a love of adventure games. Speculation ran rampant (rampant, we say!) that Sam & Max was bound for Xbox Live Arcade. Eurogamer caught up with Telltale to see if they could round up any more info. Telltale didn't outright admit that a Sam & Max game is headed to the 360, but a spokesperson did note that Telltale is a proponent of digital distribution and that the company would "look closely" at a service like Xbox Live Arcade.

So, Telltale is definitely looking to produce something for the Xbox 360, and if they do make something, they would seriously consider releasing it via Xbox Live Arcade. Do with that what you will (not something gross, please).

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTelltale talks: Sam & Max on Live Arcade? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadelive arcadeLiveArcadesam and maxSamAndMaxsammaxtelltaletelltale gamesTelltaleGamesxblaxbox live arcadeXboxLiveArcadeTue, 27 Feb 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bone: DS adventure renaissance continues [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/bone-ds-adventure-renaissance-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/bone-ds-adventure-renaissance-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/bone-ds-adventure-renaissance-continues/#commentsFiled under:


[Update 1: The announcement was about Bone for the PC and not for the DS. It mentions that the publisher is "focusing on the PC and Nintendo DS markets", not the game. We apologize for the misunderstanding. Thanks to eric c for the correction!]

Before the episodic Sam & Max games, Telltale Games were known among adventure game holdouts for their adaptations of Jeff Smith's Bone comic series. They followed a similar business model: periodic, bite-sized chunks of delicious puzzle solving, set in cult comic book trappings.

Now publisher Xider is bringing the Bone games to the DS PC and unidentified games to the DS in Europe in 2007. We hope that they decide to bring them stateside as well, and that they don't decide to shoehorn weird touch screen/microphone puzzles into what is supposed to be a pretty good adventure series. It's still possible, but the identities of the DS games have yet to be announced.

We're so proud of our little DS, bringing back two of our favorite long-lost game genres: the graphical text adventure and the 3D adventure game.

JoystiqBone: DS adventure renaissance continues [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurebluebonedsdsliteinlaytonlitelostlostinbluenintendonintendo dsnintendo ds liteNintendoDsnintendodslitephoenixphoenixwrighttelltaletelltale gamesTelltaleGameswrightTue, 27 Feb 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale Games talks Xbox Live Arcade and Sam & Max]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/telltale-games-talks-xbox-live-arcade-and-sam-and-max/#commentsFiled under: ,

A week ago, we brought word that Telltale Games, the folks behind Sam & Max, were looking for a Xbox 360 programmer for an unnamed project. Well, the position is still up in the air and what's more, they're talking about it.

Eurogamer caught up with Telltale to ask about the ominous job listing and while they don't come right out and spill the beans (naturally), they do point out that it has to do with episodic content and Xbox Live Arcade.

Aside from us clawing at our keyboards and screaming like cheerleaders when it comes to Sam & Max, this raises a few questions concerning Xbox Live Arcade. The main one being, Is episodic content even possible in its current state? If Microsoft is just getting by with the skin of their teeth every release, could ongoing content really be delivered in a timely manner?

JoystiqTelltale Games talks Xbox Live Arcade and Sam & Max originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sam and maxSamAndMaxtelltale gamesTelltaleGamesxblaxbox live arcadeXbox-360XboxLiveArcadeTue, 27 Feb 2007 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Sam & Max - Abe Lincoln Must Die!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-abe-lincoln-must-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-abe-lincoln-must-die/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-abe-lincoln-must-die/#commentsFiled under: , ,


By now, you should be quite accustomed to seeing clumps of random and completely senseless phrases appearing on Joystiq. However, the one pictured above might be unfamiliar to you, especially if you haven't been following our coverage of Telltale's episodic Sam & Max series. In my review of Episode 3: The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball, I mentioned my highly sophisticated Sam & Max laugh log. You're looking at the one I kept for the latest episode, Abe Lincoln Must Die!

In order to gauge and compare each episode's humor in an unquestionably scientific way, I wrote down a shortened version of every line of dialogue in the game that made me guffaw unmistakably. Worth noting is that this process is entirely separate from jokes that made me giggle, snicker, smirk, snort, smile and titter. As you can see for yourself, my chosen scrap of paper (identical in size to the one I used previously) eventually became a riotous mess of words infringing on personal space and using broken bottles to threaten each other.

The writing in Abe Lincoln Must Die! is by far the sharpest in the series, which automatically makes it the best episode released thus far. My silly scrap of paper is testament to that and it helped me realize that every time I wrote down a hilarious phrase, I was actually writing down one more reason to play the game.

Continue reading Joystiq review: Sam & Max - Abe Lincoln Must Die!

JoystiqJoystiq review: Sam & Max - Abe Lincoln Must Die! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EpisodicPCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesFri, 23 Feb 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Telltale interested in 360 development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/telltale-interested-in-360-development/#commentsFiled under:

Let's keep it simple. There's a job posting over at the Telltale Games website. Said job posting is looking for a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed Xbox 360 programmer. Said programmer is desired to move an existing engine and art assets to the Xbox 360. Finally, said programmer must have a "love of adventure games." Put it all together and you get Sam & Max on the Xbox 360. We'll note (as did Joystiq's lovable Ludwig Kietzmann) that Telltale's current Sam & Max adventures are episodic, making them a good fit for Xbox Live Arcade.

Granted, it's all speculation at this point -- many things are these days -- but it seems like good speculation so far. If nothing else, at least this points to some adventure games coming to the Xbox 360, an idea with which we are thrilled.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqTelltale interested in 360 development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In this week's installment of our ongoing series, "Is Sam & Max coming to [platform here]?" we examine a job posting for an Xbox 360 programmer that went up last week on Telltale Games' official website. The systems programmer position entails the implementation of Telltale's "core 3D graphics and audio systems on the Xbox 360," as well as the modification and support of existing art and production assets. Furthermore, it's preferred that any applicants have a "love of adventure games."

Now, there's no need to leap to any conclusions here. Indeed, the most desirable conclusion lies at the end of a simple game of hopscotch -- minimal effort is required to reach it. Given their recent success, episodic nature and small file sizes, Telltale's Sam & Max episodes seem like an ideal fit for Xbox Live Arcade. Unfortunately, we live in a world that's far from ideal and with no official announcement, there's no telling what tale Telltale is working on next. We've always been rubbish at the whole waiting and seeing thing.

JoystiqTelltale Games looking to develop for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adventure gamingAdventureGamingGametapPCSam and MaxSamandMaxSteve PurcellStevePurcellTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesXbox-360Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/joystiq-review-sam-and-max-the-mole-the-mob-and-the-meatball/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The number three, being quite unimpressive on its own, is generally not associated with the concepts of success or industry progress. Coming third place in a race will net you a thoroughly unspectacular bronze medal. Off the track, we're constantly reminded that three's a crowd and that death comes in threes. The latter often follows the ill-advised consumption of a three-bean salad.

With the release of Sam & Max's latest 66 megabyte-sized adventure, however, the time has come to toss all those clichés and phrases. Telltale's episodic endeavor is the first to even reach its third episode, easily exceeding Valve's trickling of Half-Life 2 games and similar efforts by Ritual Entertainment, just recently absolved from SiN. It would be an empty victory if the three episodes were trivial wastes of time, but thankfully, the opposite holds true. This victory is filled to the brim with sharp writing, engaging gameplay and a level of charm that is quite simply, inescapable.

Those three qualities absolutely permeate The Mole, the Mob and the Meatball, though they're occasionally joined by some minor issues. Having now reached the halfway mark of this season, we're given some perspective as to what exactly those are.

Continue reading Joystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC)

JoystiqJoystiq review: Sam & Max - The Mole, the Mob, and the Meatball (PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCSam and MaxSamAndMaxTelltale gamesTelltaleGamesWed, 21 Feb 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raffle: A Bone bundle, with signed books and game [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/raffle-a-bone-bundle-with-signed-books-and-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/raffle-a-bone-bundle-with-signed-books-and-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/raffle-a-bone-bundle-with-signed-books-and-game/#commentsFiled under:


Buy a Bone raffle ticket

[Update: This raffle is closed. Congrats to winner #45!]

One final charity raffle to finish off '06 in style. We're going to be raffling a bundle including a copy of the IGF-nominated Bone: The Great Cow Race signed by the game's developers, copies of Jeff Smith's first two Bone books, Out From Boneville and The Great Cow Race signed by Mr. Smith himself, and downloadable codes for the Director's Cuts of both of Telltale's Bone episodes!

The rules: each dollar in donations purchased using this link earns you one comment. Think of each comment as a raffle ticket. In three days (11:59pm EST this Monday), we'll choose our winner using random.org and verify their donation. More on the rules here.

We'd like to thank both Telltale for the great prizes (and for being an official Child's Play sponsor in the first place!) and Jeff Smith for the autographed books!

Continue reading Raffle: A Bone bundle, with signed books and game [update 1]

JoystiqRaffle: A Bone bundle, with signed books and game [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boneraffle06TelltaleGamesFri, 29 Dec 2006 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Raffle: Sam & Max goodies, like a signed sketchbook and GameTap time [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/raffle-sam-and-max-goodies-like-a-signed-sketchbook-and-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/raffle-sam-and-max-goodies-like-a-signed-sketchbook-and-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/raffle-sam-and-max-goodies-like-a-signed-sketchbook-and-gametap/#commentsFiled under: ,



[Update: This raffle is closed! Congratulations to winners #52, #92, #154, #15, and #146!]

Even though the exceedingly generous people at Telltale Games are already official sponsors of the Child's Play charity, that didn't stop them from offering us some incredible prizes for our raffle, beginning with these Sam & Max items:
But that's not all. It wouldn't be much of a Sam & Max themed prize if you couldn't actually play Sam & Max! So GameTap has graciously offered us five 3-month subscriptions which, if you wait just a little bit and time it just right, will get you through the end of the premier season of episodic gaming's favorite freelance police. Or, if you're impatient, fire it up just in time for the GameTap premiere of Sam & Max Episode 2: Situation: Comedy on December 21. One lucky gamer gets the Telltale prizes and a 3-month GameTap code, leaving four codes left for the runners-up!

The rules: each dollar in donations purchased using this link earns you one comment. Think of each comment as a raffle ticket. In three days (11:59pm EST this Thursday), we'll choose our winners using random.org and verify their donation. More on the rules here.

We'd like to thank both Telltale for the great prizes (and for being an official Child's Play sponsor in the first place!) and Game Tap for the free subscriptions. We'd also like to encourage anyone interested in donating fun charity raffle prizes to contact us!

Continue reading Raffle: Sam & Max goodies, like a signed sketchbook and GameTap time [update 1]

JoystiqRaffle: Sam & Max goodies, like a signed sketchbook and GameTap time [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCraffle06TelltaleGamesMon, 18 Dec 2006 23:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam and Max scope out the DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/sam-and-max-scope-out-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/sam-and-max-scope-out-the-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/20/sam-and-max-scope-out-the-ds/#commentsFiled under:

It seems like just yesterday (or last week) that Telltale Games was begging for help in getting Nintendo to notice them, and now IGN is interviewing CEO Dan Connors about the possibility of bringing versions of their point-and-click adventure, Sam & Max, to both the DS and the Wii. How time flies!

For those unfamiliar with the dynamic duo, Sam and Max, an anthropomorphic dog and his "hyperactive rabbit thing" partner, first debuted in a comic book by Steve Purcell back in 1987. The pair are self-styled "freelance police" (see: private dicks) and have made cameo appearances in several LucasArts games while their creator was working there. They've also starred in their own games and television shows, as well as other comics. Recently, Telltale Games has been panting for notice by Nintendo, but did they bite off more than they can chew?

In discussing the possibility of a DS title, Connors expressed some apprehension. They love the DS at Telltale, he says (and we commend their impeccable taste), but for a small company, a project of that scope is somewhat daunting. The Wii would be easier to adapt for their style, Connors said, if only because it needs only one screen and DS games work best when they take full advantage of the handheld's capabilities. While we admire the sentiment, we hope they can grow with new support from Nintendo and manage to bring a new title to the DS.

JoystiqSam and Max scope out the DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureDan ConnorsDanConnorsDSinterviewMaxNintendoSamTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesWiiWed, 20 Sep 2006 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sam & Max to debut this fall on GameTap [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sam-and-max-to-debut-this-fall-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sam-and-max-to-debut-this-fall-on-gametap/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/09/sam-and-max-to-debut-this-fall-on-gametap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After more than a decade of absence, Sam & Max will be returning in an all-new episodic adventure game this fall. The catch? According to this press release, Turner's gaming service that provides a library of games for a monthly fee. GameTap coproduced the title with TellTale Games.

An official website has launched for the title, and an official video will debut on the site Thursday. This is big news for GameTap, but we don't know of any plans to distribute the game via conventional means -- will only GameTap players be able to get their Sam & Max fix? Say it ain't so!

[update 1: not exclusive to GameTap]

JoystiqSam & Max to debut this fall on GameTap [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 May 2006 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Telltale's first foray into episodic distribution was last year's Bone: Out from Boneville, based on Jeff Smith's epic comic of the same name. While nostalgic gamers were ecstatic that classic point-and-click adventure gaming lived on (in the capable hands of the ex-LucasArts crew at Telltale no less), they were disappointed with the title's short length and beginner's difficulty. Luckily, the whole idea of episodic gaming allows for this sort of thing: in their press release CEO Dan Connors says, "We identified a number of things we wanted to improve upon-such as the length of the experience, the nature of the mini-games and nuances in a number of areas-and the team is doing an outstanding job exceeding our expectations."

We're watching to see how the second installment of the first major episodic series goes, if episodic content lives up to the promise of adapting to user's demands. More importantly perhaps, this is what we can expect with their their handling of the Sam & Max franchise... don't let us down Telltale!

JoystiqBone: The Great Cow Race drops in April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoneEpisodicJeff SmithJeffSmithPCTelltale GamesTelltaleGamesTue, 14 Mar 2006 15:00:00 EST