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[Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/return-to-quest-quiz-tim-schafer/#commentsFiled under: ,


Alright, Tim Schafer, you win. After targeting various industry folks with a typically contrived adventure game puzzle and then assembling their responses in our GDC Quest Quiz feature, we simply weren't prepared for your relentless response to our silly challenge. Not only did you trick us into doing all the hard work, but you successfully navigated through our made-up-as-we-went-along chicane of bizarre logic. But don't grow complacent in your victory -- we'll get you next time.

The Player
Double Fine's Tim Schafer, designer of Full Throttle, Grim Fandango, Psychonauts and upcoming god of gwar epic, Brütal Legend. Prior to the release of those games, he worked on The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2 and Maniac Mansion: Day of the Tentacle.

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
Make your way past the break to read our adventurous e-mail exchange.

Continue reading Return to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer

JoystiqReturn to Quest Quiz: Tim Schafer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendBrutalLegendDouble-FineDoubleFineFull-Throttlegdc-quest-quizGrim-FandangoPsychonautsTim-SchaferTimSchaferFri, 07 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer would 'love' to make an XBLA game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/tim-schafer-would-love-to-make-an-xbla-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

We, like all good and wise people, love Tim Schafer. What we don't love is having to wait years between fresh infusions of Double Fine goodness. So it gave us no small amount of pleasure to hear that while speaking at the 2007 IGDA Leadership Forum, Schafer said he'd love to make a small XBLA game, even though he didn't have one in the works.

"We talk about making Xbox Live Arcade games all the time. Who doesn't want to make Xbox Live Arcade games?" he said. "It's like when you see a Great Dane taking a giant shit and then you see a poodle taking a little Tootsie Roll shit. The poodle is so cute, but at the end of the day you're still picking up shit. Seriously though, we'd love to make Xbox Live Arcade games, but we're really busy now." ... We're not exactly sure what you meant by that, Tim. But we're fairly sure we couldn't have said it better ourselves.

JoystiqTim Schafer would 'love' to make an XBLA game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddouble-finedoublefinetim-schafertimschaferXbox-360Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Playboy interviews Tim Schafer, among others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/playboy-interviews-tim-schafer-among-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't worry: the designer and/or writer behind Psychonauts, Day of the Tentacle, and Secret of Monkey Island doesn't take his clothes off, but Tim Schafer does share some other interesting tidbits with Playboy, specifically concerning his entrance into the game industry, thoughts on sequelitis, and how getting turned down by Atari was one of the best things to ever happen to him.

The interview with Schafer is part of a series of talks with game designers, which also includes Dave Jaffe, Alex Rigoupolos of Harmonix, and Sony Europe EVP Phil Harrison (who isn't actually a game designer, but we'll forgive Playboy for the lapse because they're trying so damn hard).

JoystiqPlayboy interviews Tim Schafer, among others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefineplayboyPS2tim-schafertimschaferXboxTue, 06 Nov 2007 17:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Schafer: No new Psychonauts on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/schafer-no-new-psychonauts-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

Alright, the internet, you can officially stop dreaming about a sequel to Psychonauts and go back to dreaming about Brutal Legend. After a darkened version of the game's logo with the words "Coming Soon" on it appeared on the Double Fine site and started the rumor train, chief Tim Schafer had to be the one to put the penny on the track. He told Next-Gen, "the truth is we are just putting together a new page about 'The Excellent Game Psychonauts.' We're not announcing any new games or anything. Sorry if we confused anybody! We lightened up the image to hopefully make things clearer."

Why do you build us up (build us up), buttercup? ... And why did we just call a man who could squish us between his meaty palms "buttercup"?

JoystiqSchafer: No new Psychonauts on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddoublefinepsychonautstimschaferWed, 24 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts 2 in development?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/psychonauts-2-in-development/#comments
Hot off the heels of Double Fine's announcement of Brütal Legend, we get this tasty little morsel of potential excellence. On Double Fine's projects page, beneath the link for Brütal Legend, we have the teaser image pictured above. No great mystery regarding its contents -- that's clearly Raz, and the logo for the first Psychonauts.

Is Tim Schafer trying to not-so-subtly tell us that a sequel is in the works? Or is this some sort of twisted joke? (Schafer does, after all, have a "twisted mind," as many a press release have said). Not much else to speculate here. We'll keep our eyes peeled for any further announcements or information.

[Update: Sadly, it seems that the "coming soon" image was merely intended to indicate an eventual info page for the original Psychonauts. Double Fine has recognized the confusion, and quietly un-darkened the image to make it more apparent. So no Psychonauts 2 after all. Color us disappointed.]

[Via Rock Paper Shotgun]

JoystiqPsychonauts 2 in development? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedoublefinepsychonautstim-schafertimschaferTue, 23 Oct 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brutal Legend is finally announced (officially)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/brutal-legend-is-finally-announced-officially/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sure, we spotted the cover story on Game Informer over a week ago but up until now, Sierra has been mum on Tim Schafer's latest, Brütal Legend. That means Tim's been mum. Which was funny. On Friday, Sierra made the announcement and Schafer took to Double Fine's blog with the news. Sure, you may be inclined to laugh at Sierra but know that their intentions are pure. Read Tim's account of a mama bear, an eviscerated hunter, and Ronnie James Dio. We think Sierra is supposed to be the mama bear. Either way, Lemmy from Motorhead and Tim offer the above photographed message (Johnny Cash-style) to the publishers who didn't feel the metal.

Want to let the world - and the establishment - know you love Brütal Legend? If you pre-order the game at GameStop you get a free t-shirt; alternatively, you can order a different t-shirt directly from the Double Fine store which ensures Tim Schafer can continue to live in the manner of comfort all great game designers have grown accustomed to. Peep the tees after the break. Brütal Legend is due out on Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2008 (the never reliable Gamestop lists 11/03/08).

Continue reading Brutal Legend is finally announced (officially)

JoystiqBrutal Legend is finally announced (officially) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brutal-LegendDoubleFinePS3SierraTimSchaferXbox-360Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA['Brutally Fun' countdown does not signal 'Brutal Legend' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/brutally-fun-countdown-likely-brutal-legend/#commentsFiled under:

At 11:00 p.m. ET, the brutally fun countdown on Xbox.com will reach zero, thus signaling a time when Satan and His Minions will ride out from the Gates of the Underworld on flaming steeds of bone and hatred to conquer the world. Probably.

In the event his conquest gets delayed, we're wagering a guess that the countdown will coincide with a new announcement from Tim Schafer's Double Fine studios, who recently registered a trademark for the title Brutal Legend. Of course, with all the work put into Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter, we really don't know how the developer would have had time to work on two projects at once.

Double Fine's previous title, Psychonauts, was a critical darling whose lackluster sales can only be attributed to an unfortunately-timed pan-dimensional rift. Fortunately, we don't have long to wait and see what the countdown means (though its speculated connection to a Ninja Gaiden 2 announcement now appears unlikely).

Update: And Brutal Legend eludes us yet again. The countdown was for Ninja Gaiden 2 after all -- we're disappointed and overjoyed at the same time.

Joystiq'Brutally Fun' countdown does not signal 'Brutal Legend' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutallegenddoublefinemicrosofttimschaferXbox-360Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine returns with Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/10/double-fine-returns-with-epic-saga-extreme-fighter/#commentsFiled under: ,


As any video game journalist with a few free minutes will tell you, Psychonauts is a brilliant classic that never got the attention it so richly deserved. Thankfully for all of us tired of game journalists yammering on about his last stroke of brilliance, Tim Schafer and Double Fine studios have returned with a new stroke, a title perfectly poised for mass market success: Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter.

We all love dark wizards and gnome kings, right? But what if a gnome king fought a dark wizard? That's the sort of question that ES: EF dares to simultaneously ask and answer. If your puny desktop rig can manage pushing all the pixels, you need to start playing this game today. Oh, didn't we mention? It's free!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

JoystiqDouble Fine returns with Epic Saga: Extreme Fighter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doublefinePCpsychonautstimschaferMon, 10 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer to keynote GCDC 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/tim-schafer-to-keynote-gcdc-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/tim-schafer-to-keynote-gcdc-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/tim-schafer-to-keynote-gcdc-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,

When Double Fine's Tim Schafer isn't doing battle with birds or crafting incredible, overlooked games, he's got to fill the hours somehow. Later this month, he'll be idling away the days in Leipzig, keynoting the GC Developers Conference. Even if you don't recognize Schafer from Psychonauts (and the sales figures would suggest that you don't), you may be familiar with his work on Monkey Island 1 and 2, Grim Fandango and Full Throttle.

He'll be speaking on the "challenges and methods of interjecting creativity into modern game design," and we can't think of a better candidate for the job ... well, there might be one or two, but none with his button-selling skills. On a more personal note, Tim, could you please use the opportunity to tell us what you're working on next? Pretty please?

JoystiqTim Schafer to keynote GCDC 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gcdcleipzigtimschaferThu, 02 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: May 16, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/today-in-joystiq-may-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/today-in-joystiq-may-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/today-in-joystiq-may-16-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nothing flips our hearts and makes us tear up more than seeing our favorite posthumous travel agent Manny Calavera, with Meche Colomar, inked on this ultimate fan's arm. Kudos to you, good sir. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Bungie, I am SO mad at you
Joystiq Podcast 007 - Synergy edition (feat. Shawn Andrich and Dennis McCauley)
Mythbusters: Pee on the PS2 edition
Today's driest game video: Seaman 2

News
Halo 3 to finish the fight on September 25th
EA's NBA Live cover Gilbert Arenas prefers NBA 2K series
Midnight Club: Los Angeles coming to PS3, 360
Halo 3 special edition Zune up for pre-order
Bomberman Live explodes onto XBLA this summer
More Brain Training coming to Europe, maybe US
SOE acquires Vanguard dev Sigil Games
Microsoft's Peter Moore Dreamcasts the PS3
Killzone to have public beta, 'of course'
NiGHTS gets new subtitle for Japan
International demo week continues with Tenchu Z
Sega licenses Unreal Engine 3
Halo 3 Beta: Crackdown patched in next 'three to six hours'
Project Treasure Island Z for Wii renamed extravagantly
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. dev plans several follow-up titles
Xbox Live update hurts online roster sharing

Rumors & Speculation
Heavenly Sword may get multiplayer as DLC
Ecco and Sonic get ESRB rating for XBLA

Culture & Community
Halo 3 beta absent, internet explodes
Lara Croft mannequin mistaken for gunman, house raided
Reee chair made from recycled game consoles
EA an awful place to work. Awful great!

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: May 16, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapgrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtsPCschafertim schaferTimSchaferWed, 16 May 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq not-so-live coverage of the IGF and GDCA awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/joystiq-not-so-live-coverage-of-the-igf-and-gdca-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/joystiq-not-so-live-coverage-of-the-igf-and-gdca-awards/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/joystiq-not-so-live-coverage-of-the-igf-and-gdca-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


6:20 p.m.: The Joystiq crew walks the red carpet, because we're just that important.

6:33 p.m.: Gnarls Barkley's cover of the Violent Femmes' "Gone Daddy Gone" is blasting as we find seats in the press section. Cushy seats with recline-able chairs.

6:42 pm: Sam and Max introduce the start for the independent games festival. The mention of projectile vomiting is disturbing, but welcoming somehow.

6:43 pm: Jamil Moledina and Simon Carless march onto stage, noting that the show is being broadcast to the entire world. We sense somewhat sinister undertones.

Continue reading Joystiq not-so-live coverage of the IGF and GDCA awards

JoystiqJoystiq not-so-live coverage of the IGF and GDCA awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquaria, samorostAquaria,Samorostbang howdyBangHowdycastle crashersCastleCrasherscliffy bCliffyBepicepic gamesEpicGamesgame developers choice awardsGameDevelopersChoiceAwardsgdcgdc 07Gdc07gdcagears of warGearsOfWarmiyamotoPCPS2PSPschafershigeru miyamotoShigeruMiyamototim schaferTimSchafertwilight princessTwilightPrincesswii sportsWiiSportsXbox-360Thu, 08 Mar 2007 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War takes best game at GDCA, Aquaria wins IGF best game prize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gears-of-war-takes-best-game-at-gdca-aquaria-wins-igf-best-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gears-of-war-takes-best-game-at-gdca-aquaria-wins-igf-best-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/gears-of-war-takes-best-game-at-gdca-aquaria-wins-igf-best-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At tonight's Game Developers Choice Awards, Epic Games' Gears of War took home three awards: best technology, visual arts, and the coveted Game of the Year award. On the independent side of things, Bit Blot's Aquaria won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize from the Independent Games Festival.

Okami picked up a win in one of the four categories it was nominated in (take that, AIAS). Unfortunately, Loco Roco did not pick up any awards despite two nominations (character design and audio). Independent game Everyday Shooter won two awards and a distribution deal from GameTap.

View the full list winners and nominees from both events below.

Continue reading Gears of War takes best game at GDCA, Aquaria wins IGF best game prize

JoystiqGears of War takes best game at GDCA, Aquaria wins IGF best game prize originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquaria, samorostAquaria,Samorostbang howdyBangHowdybreaking newsBreakingNewscastle crashersCastleCrasherscliffy bCliffyBepicepic gamesEpicGamesgame developers choice awardsGameDevelopersChoiceAwardsgdcgdc 07Gdc07gdcagears of warGearsOfWarmiyamotoPCPS2schafertim schaferTimSchafertwilight princessTwilightPrincesswii sportsWiiSportsXbox-360Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 22, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/22/today-in-joystiq-february-22-2007/#commentsFiled under:


Today's entry in the "LucasArts games we really, really miss" category comes from Captin Shmit. Day of the Tentacle was the first game that Tim Schafer helmed (he co-designed it alongside Dave Grossman). Schafer would go on to make Full Throttle (an autobiography), Grim Fandango (also an autobiography) and Psychonauts (a memoir). Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq Podcast 002 - Perfect for YOU edition (feat. MTV News' Stephen Totilo)
Off the Grid interviews Brian Reynolds of Big Huge Games
Ring of Death: An Xbox 360 story -- Part 3
Today's hottest game video: Hellboy trailer

News
Japanese software sales: week ending 02.18.07
Japanese release day highlights: 02.22.07
R-Type Delta hits Japanese PlayStation Store
ESRB takes notes from MPAA, recruits parents
Monster Hunter Portable 2nd off to a quick start in Japan
Graphing the perceived Wii drought by the numbers
Mercenaries 2 on Xbox 360 ... PC & PS2 (this time it's official)
Next Ratchet & Clank officially titled
GameCube gets vasectomy; no longer reproducing
Circuit City busts out the used games
Boom Boom Rocket preview
Nokia patent transforms stylus into joystick
In the distant future, Wing Commander Arena for Xbox Live Arcade
Vectorman of Vermillion: Spinball Oasis for Virtual Console
Xbox 360 IPTV to be shown at The Connected Home show in Europe
Xbox 360 Platinum Hits 'Round 2' whiffs on bargain knockout
Former EA prez joins Microsoft as strategic adviser

Rumors & Speculation
Analyst: Wii could plague 30% of U.S. homes
Is the industry betraying its games?
Rumorang: Warhawk downloadable, now multiplayer-only
Prince of Persia could be Disney's next 'Pirates' film franchise

Community & Culture
The other side of a disturbed teen's tale
The sexual predators! They're coming from inside the Xbox!
From Russia with love: massively multiplayer online drinking game
Owner of seven failed Xbox 360s speaks out

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 22, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdave grossmanDaveGrossmandouble fineDoubleFinefull throttleFullThrottlegrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtsMonkey-Islandpsychonautstim schaferTimSchaferThu, 22 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 16, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/16/today-in-joystiq-february-16-2007/#commentsFiled under:


After we showed a picture of Q-bert yesterday, Sony revealed plans to put the retro game on its download service. Hoping there's some mystical power in these recaps, we present a picture of Manny Calavera from Grim Fandango as seen at last year's Dragon Con [Image Credit]. Schafer, Lucas Arts, you have until Monday to make us happy. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
AOU 2007: Konami shows Otomedius shmup
AOU 2007: Silent Hill to frighten arcade-goers
Japanese hardware sales, Feb. 5 - Feb. 11: job interview edition
Joystiq profiles Extra Life's Scott Johnson
Today's most Pamela Anderson Free video: WoW Baywatch intro parody

News
Mizuguchi-produced single to grace Japanese phones
Tekken 6 unveiled at AOU 2007
Online retailer says PS3 is 'most pre-ordered console yet'
Halo 3 beta: Microsoft says "the experience will be deep"
Q*Bert hopping onto PlayStation 3 February 22
The Crossing coming to Xbox 360; innovative FPS going cross-platform
Bungie preps invited players with Halo 3 beta FAQ
Publisher blames console transition for poor mag sales
GameStop reaching out for your Twilight Princess
Mysterious Wii 'Sadness' explained!
Eidos sets up shop in Montreal alongside Ubisoft, EA
First Lost Planet map pack hits March 9
Gran Turismo added to list of 'killer games'

Rumors & Speculation
Metroid Prime 3 delayed until later this year?
Investor: the internet accurately predicts the console wars
God of War font used to tease 'unannounced psp title'

Culture
Joystick coat hangers -- too bad they aren't real
Robbin' Link?
Headshot! Energy bar for gamers
One universal console to rule them all
Rags to riches: the story of Electronic Arts

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 16, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily recapDailyRecapdouble fineDoubleFinedragon conDragonCongrim fandangoGrimFandangolucas artsLucasArtstim schaferTimSchaferFri, 16 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Not-so-secret projects probed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/25/not-so-secret-projects-probed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

*sniff* *sniff* ... just tobacco?FiringSquad has done its best to out 18 high-profile "black ops" projects currently in development. While the site's sleuthing skills might not be up to par with Mr. Holmes', the report does a good job of rounding up under-the-radar titles that are begging for some attention.

We'd like to direct the spotlight on two studios in particular: Tim Schafer's DoubleFine and Bungie expats Wideload, which are responsible for Psychonauts and Stubbs the Zombie, respectively (both titles landed in our top 10 'gems' of last generation). The two developers are hard at work on new projects; and with DoubleFine striking a publishing deal with Vivendi, its next game is sure to stir up more buzz (when it's time) than Majesco managed to generate for Psychonauts. Also, we can't wait to see what Warren Spector and Junction Point have under lock and key. Keep those ears (and eyes) glued to the street!

JoystiqNot-so-secret projects probed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airtight GamesAirtightGamesBioWareDestineerDoubleFineDSEAElectronic ArtsElectronic-ArtsElectronicArtsFPSFree RadicalFreeRadicalGiant BiteGiantBiteId SoftwareIdSoftwareJunction PointJunctionPointLucasArtsMMORPGNovalogicPandemicPCPeople Can FlyPeopleCanFlyPetroglyphPS3PSPRelicRTSS2 GamesS2GamesSegaSlipgate IronworksSlipgateIronworksSOESteven SpielbergStevenSpielbergTHQTim SchaferTimSchaferVivendiWideloadWiiXbox-360Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Schafer talks new-gen, suggests XBL MySpace features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/07/tim-schafer-talks-new-gen-suggests-xbl-myspace-features/#commentsDouble Fine founder Tim Schafer told Gamasutra that while he's mostly a single-player kind of guy, he has really enjoyed the Xbox Live system that "facilitates ... playing with people you know," he said.

Schafer, speaking in general about all the new generation consoles, also suggested that Xbox Live incorporate some of the features found in social networking sites. "You know how funny it is to go on MySpace or Friendster and write testimonials," he said. "I wish you could post those kinds of things about each other."

Schafer also expressed glee with his Nintendo Wii, specifically the controller, Twilight Princess and the Mii channel. "As soon as I got it, just sitting there making Miis and sending them to all my friends was incredibly entertaining for about the first four days." That prompted the developer into suggesting XBL incorporate testimonials. We're imagining a Mii-like avatar creation tool for Xbox Live, and how enjoyably devious that would be.

Double Fine is responsible for last generation's award-winning, scholarly media darling Psychonauts, which suffered from economic-centric maladies (read: poor sales). Before that, Schafer's work included Grim Fandango and contributions to the Monkey Island series. Double Fine is currently working on an unknown project for an unknown medium.

JoystiqTim Schafer talks new-gen, suggests XBL MySpace features originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinemiipsycho nautsPsychoNautstim schaferTimSchaferxbox liveXboxLiveThu, 07 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/11/psychonauts-and-valve-make-steamy-steam-y-love/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last night, reading about RoboBlitz coming to Steam, we knew we weren't alone in wondering where our promised Psychonauts was. The BAFTA award winning (congrats, guys!) critics darling may not have been the belle of the retail ball, but she was always beautiful to us ... and now, Steam subscribers everywhere can take her out dancing for the digitally distributed price of $19.99 starting tonight!

If you're hearing the sweet, sweet sound of romance in the air, you may wanna turn down the Barry White and listen up, cause Psychonauts developer Tim Schafer has something he wants to say you ... and only you ... in his low, deep, gravelly baritone:

"So for the press release. uh. man, it's tough because every single 'steam' related play on words has already been done," said Schafer. "Double Fine and Valve: With a love this hot, you know there's gotta be STEAM! How about that?"

Ooooh! We like that, and we know you do as well, dear reader. Just when you thought we'd already beaten that equine to death, sawed its head off, and tucked it gently into Doug Lombardi's comfy bed, here comes the ever dependable Schafer, pitching in with one. final. sawing. thrust! Phew!

That's hawt. The comic Psychonauts art director Scott Campbell made commemorating the tryst is even hawter.

JoystiqPsychonauts and Valve make steamy, Steam-y love originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Double FineDoublefineMajescoPCPS2PsychonautsSteamTim SchaferTimSchaferValveXboxWed, 11 Oct 2006 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts picks up Steam in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/psychonauts-picks-up-steam-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This just in from the astral projection: Double Fine productions' masterpiece Psychonauts will arrive on Steam in early October. That's right: no longer will you have to trudge five miles in the snow to seek out this underrated overlooked gem -- huzzah!

The price has yet to be revealed. Psychonauts publisher Majesco has also announced that Bloodrayne 1 & 2 and Advent Rising will be available for Steam starting today. The original Bloodrayne will be $10, while the other two titles are $20 apiece.

Tim Schafer et al. are currently working on another project, as-of-yet unannounced, to be published by Sierra.

[Thanks, 1up_clock]

JoystiqPsychonauts picks up Steam in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double fineDoubleFinePCpsycho nautsPsychoNautspsyco nautsPsycoNautsshafershaffertim schaeferTim schaferTimSchaeferTimSchaferFri, 15 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts still not guaranteed to be Xbox 360-compatible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/20/psychonauts-still-not-guaranteed-to-be-xbox-360-compatible/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PsychonautsDespite yesterday's promising development, Psychonauts is still not guaranteed to make Xbox 360's backwards compatibility list. Microsoft's Emulation Ninjas are indeed working on the next batch of BC titles, which includes Psychonauts, but Emulation Ninja Alan Stuart warns:

"Even though we are working on Psychonauts, there is no guarantee we will ever be able to make the game backward compatible. We may run into technical limitations that will prevent us from ever shipping the game; we don't know yet."

Ominous words from an official Ninja. But hope lives on ...

JoystiqPsychonauts still not guaranteed to be Xbox 360-compatible originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibleBackwardsCompatiblePsychonautsTim SchaferTimSchaferXboxXbox-360Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychonauts willing its way to BC List]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/19/psychonauts-willing-its-way-to-bc-list/#commentsFiled under:


Peter Moore may think backwards compatibility is for chumps (or does he?), but some of us would like to enjoy our Xbox classics. Psychonauts has been an especially vocal candidate for the back compat list lately. Tim Schafer, creator of Psychonauts, even launched an email campaign to get the game on Microsoft's sacred list. It looks like the petition got someone's attention over in Redmond, because a Microsoft back compat team member was compelled to post this on the IGN forums last week:

"Rest assured, we are working on Psychonauts."

Good news indeed. Now if they could just do something to make the game sell...

[Via Xboxic]

JoystiqPsychonauts willing its way to BC List originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPIGNPsychonautsTim SchaferTimSchaferMon, 19 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST