Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Silicon Knights entitled to $1 per claim if it wins court case against Epic Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/silicon-knights-entitled-to-1-per-claim-if-it-wins-court-case-a/#comments ImageSilicon Knights will be entitled to $1 in damages, per claim, if it wins a court case against Epic Games over inadequacies in the support of its Unreal Engine. Silicon Knights first sued Epic in 2007, alleging Epic didn't fulfill the promised delivery time or expectations of Unreal Engine 3, forcing Silicon Knights to build its own engine for the production of Too Human.

Silicon Knights didn't provide a breakdown of the damages it sought, and the judge assigned his own value of $1 per claim, Polygon reports. If Silicon Knights wins the case, it will be able to appeal how the value was chosen and perhaps raise it to a figure that can't be found on neighborhood lemonade-stand signs.

The case is in court this month and is expected to run for another week.

JoystiqSilicon Knights entitled to $1 per claim if it wins court case against Epic Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Epic-Gameslawsuitmicrosoftsilicon-knightstoo-humanUnrealunreal-engine-3xboxTue, 22 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights: we never received any of Canada's money]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/silicon-knights-we-never-received-any-of-canadas-money/#comments Last year, Silicon Knights was awarded a grant by the Canadian government, in part to self-publish games, and to hire 80 employees. But it turns out the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade never handed over the funds -- a promised sum of $3 million Canadian.

"There hasn't been any funding. There were announcements and no money received," Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack told GI.biz. "That's one of the strangest things. So, at one point, there was a loan that we got. That's it." Dyack said he's following up on the money, but to no avail so far.

It could be an alarming issue for Silicon Knights, considering the state of affairs at the Ontario-based studio. Late last year the developer had to let 45 go, and it remains embroiled in a long-running legal dispute with Epic over the use of Unreal Engine 3 during the development of Too Human.

JoystiqSilicon Knights: we never received any of Canada's money originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadenis-dyackgrantontarioontario-ministry-of-economic-development-and-tradesilicon-knightstoo-humanxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights/Epic lawsuit turns in Epic's favor, reveals past SK projects including King's Quest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/silicon-knights-epic-lawsuit-turns-in-epics-favor-reveals-past/#comments Silicon Knights' 2007 lawsuit against Epic Games, over 'inadequacies' in performance and support of Unreal Engine 3, continues. Last week, a judge delivered a damaging blow to SK's case when he granted a motion to exclude testimony from financial analyst Terry Lloyd, who was retained by SK to offer an expert opinion about the damages sought.

Judge James Dever III concluded that Lloyd delivered "his own subjective conclusions about an industry in which he had no prior knowledge or experience." His choices of competitors to compare sales against was called into question, as games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Gears of War didn't meet his criteria of similar marketing budgets or genre.

Court documents also reveal what Silicon Knights was up to elsewhere at the time of filing. The company was pursuing "development opportunities" with Vivendi, THQ, Capcom, and Namco. It had plans for Sandman and King's Quest games, and had gone so far as to make a prototype for King's Quest. Ironically, this would have been taking place right around the time a letter-writing campaign revived the fan-made The Silver Lining project ... which went on to be shut down, and then re-revived. And after all that, the King's Quest franchise is now in the hands of Telltale Games.

JoystiqSilicon Knights/Epic lawsuit turns in Epic's favor, reveals past SK projects including King's Quest originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gameskings-questlawsuitsandmansilicon-knightstoo-humanWed, 28 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Silicon Knights cuts staff by nearly 75 percent, from 97 to just 25 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/report-silicon-knights-cuts-staff-by-nearly-75-percent-from-97/#comments X-Men Destiny and Too Human developer Silicon Knights may be in dire straits, with a report today stating the company is down from 97 employees to just 25. 1UP cites "two credible independent sources" as telling the news site of the massive layoffs over this past weekend.

The report seemingly flies in the face of a $3 million Canadian government grant given to Silicon Knights this past July, intended at the time to "create 80 new jobs and protect 97 existing positions." It was also supposed to make SK into a self-published dev house -- something that company head Denis Dyack has continually pushed for. As of this publishing, representatives from Silicon Knights had yet to respond to request for comment.

Update: The company has since confirmed layoffs, although the number is lower than originally reported in this piece.

JoystiqReport: Silicon Knights cuts staff by nearly 75 percent, from 97 to just 25 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacklayoffssilicon-knightstoo-humanX-Men-DestinyMon, 31 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/silicon-knights-denis-dyack-still-wary-of-game-previews-hints/#comments During GDC this past March, I met with Silicon Knights head honcho Denis Dyack under the condition that he wouldn't be discussing the studio's upcoming action-RPG, X-Men Destiny (pictured above). The game is slated for release this year, yet we know relatively little about it -- and we've seen even less. Save for OXM UK, no outlet has published a preview (nor been offered one, as far as I know).

I asked Dyack about his outspoken views against the preview process. "In my view, the ultimate model requires our industry to not show games until they are ready," he told me, echoing his past sentiments. "I'm not saying get rid of previews, because previews are a good thing," he clarified. "What I am suggesting is that our industry should not do previews until the game's completed."

Continue reading Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal

JoystiqSilicon Knights' Denis Dyack still wary of game previews, hints at studio's self-publishing goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondenis-dyackgdc-2011microsoftplaystationpreviewsps3silicon-knightstoo-humanx-men-destinyxboxMon, 09 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/silicon-knights-dyack-on-too-human-we-do-plan-on-finishing-th/#comments During the Game Developers Conference nearly two months ago, Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack met with me in a hotel overlooking that week's event at the Moscone Center. He wasn't there to show off his studio's next game -- X-Men: Destiny -- to press, but for unspecified "meetings" with unnamed folks. Spooky.

And while we touched on the subject of XM:D during the half hour, the first questions I had for Dyack were about his studio's last major release, Too Human. Primary among them: Is the Too Human trilogy dead? "No, not at all," Dyack told me. "It is still on the table and we do plan on finishing the trilogy."

When it came to other questions about Too Human, however, Dyack was far more verbose. With the intention of setting the record straight, as it were, Dyack outright denies that Too Human was in development for 10 years. "It is true that an earlier version of the general 'Too Human' concept was first shown on the PlayStation in 1998, but that was a completely different game than what was released on the Xbox 360," he said. "Among other things, the original concept was a single-player, third-person action/adventure game based on a detective called John Franks trying to discover who had killed his partner." It's a far cry from the Norse mythology-based dungeon crawler we played in 2008.

Continue reading Silicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy'

JoystiqSilicon Knights' Dyack on Too Human: 'we do plan on finishing the trilogy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackepic-gamesgdcgdc-2011konamilegalmass-effectmetacriticmetal-gear-solid-twin-snakesmicrosoftsalessilicon-knightssilicon-knights-enginetoo-humanunreal-engine-3valkyriex-men-destinyxboxTue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible Silicon Knights project title leaked: Siren in the Maelstrom]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/possible-silicon-knights-project-title-leaked-siren-in-the-mael/#comments
A Canadian cultural agency known as Telefilm Canada recently posted a list of 56 new media projects it's helping to fund over the next year. One name on this list sticks out more than all the others: St. Catharines, Ontario-based developer Silicon Knights' apparent new project, which is titled "Siren in the Maelstrom." We know the developer is up to something, as hinted at by a few recent help wanted ads -- could this be the something for which it's hiring? We've contacted Silicon Knights to try and find out.

We're pretty upset that the leaked title isn't "Eternal Darkness: Siren in the Maelstrom." On the other hand, it's also not "Too Human: Siren in the Maelstrom," so we guess we should count our blessings.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqPossible Silicon Knights project title leaked: Siren in the Maelstrom originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadaeternal-darknessleaksilicon-knightssiren-in-the-maelstromtelefilm-canadatitletoo-humanSat, 25 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights hiring, possibly for Too Human 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/22/silicon-knights-hiring-possibly-for-too-human-2/#commentsWould you like to become a Silicon Knight? If so, you'll be pleased to learn that the Ontario-based developer is hiring game designers for a new project, according to a Gamasutra job listing posted on July 10. We must note that we aren't sure if employment at Silicon Knights entitles you to call yourself a Silicon Knight.

Destructoid speculates (to its horror) that the project is a Too Human sequel, which seems likely, given that the job requires "familiarity with the fantasy and science fiction genre and role-playing games." With the current state of the industry, we're delighted to see more job openings, even if they result in more Too Human.

JoystiqSilicon Knights hiring, possibly for Too Human 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hiringjobssilicon-knightstoo-humanWed, 22 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Embattled Midway caught in Epic vs. Silicon Knights suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/embattled-midway-caught-in-epic-vs-silicon-knights-suit/#comments
As Midway continues to fend off the courts and the government whilst floating in bankruptcy limbo, Edge Online reports that the company is now fighting yet another legal battle, this time over attorney fees in the Epic vs Silicon Knights lawsuit. Yeah, it's been a while since we wrote about that. Quick refresher: Silicon Knights is suing Epic over the "inadequacies" of the Unreal Engine used by licensees, which the developer originally used to craft Too Human before opting to create its own engine instead. As part of the proceedings, subpoenas for Unreal Engine records were issued to licensees, one of which was Midway.

Now, Midway is asking the court to defer all costs of the record review process to Silicon Knights. Additionally, the publisher is asking that certain documents be redacted so that Silicon Knights will not be exposed to any trade secrets. Midway cites its bankruptcy proceedings as preventing it from paying any costs associated with the review, including the hire of attorneys and former Midway employees.

The request resulted in a tit-for-tat between the companies' attorneys, with Silicon Knights responding that Midway's creditors have already approved a monthly expenditure of $35,000 over three months to pay for the review. Silicon Knights' attorneys also state that the company has "taken extraordinary steps" to prevent any "undue burden" on the beleaguered publisher.

This is normally where we would make a Mortal Kombat "Finish Him!" joke but, frankly, our hearts just aren't in it.

JoystiqEmbattled Midway caught in Epic vs. Silicon Knights suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessepiclegalmidwaysilicon-knightstoo-humanunrealTue, 07 Apr 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Target clearance: Too Human, Mercenaries 2, Fracture and others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/target-clearance-too-human-mercenaries-2-fracture-and-others/#comments
Everyone's favorite aggressive clearance retailer, Target, is discounting their old video game stock. This means that your local Target has cut the price of Xbox 360 titles including Fracture, Virtua Fighter 5, Too Human, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and others by as much as 30%. Playstation 3 titles including Mercenaries 2, Web of Shadows, EndWar and others have also seen a price cut. As always, your mileage may vary depending on your local store's selection and price cutting schedule.

For those willing to tempt fate by not making a purchase just yet, expect what's left of the clearance selection to be discounted by as much as 50% in the next week or so. It's Target tradition.

JoystiqTarget clearance: Too Human, Mercenaries 2, Fracture and others originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsdiscountsfracturemercenaries-2targettoo-humanThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights exec departs, looks for 'something different']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/silicon-knights-exec-departs-looks-for-something-different/#commentsFiled under:


"I'm just looking for something different," said Rob DePetris, former Vice-President of Finance for Silicon Knights. The executive, who recently bid adieu to the Too Human developer, has yet to decide where he and his trusty HP-12C will head next. Speaking to The St. Catherines Standard, DePetris did note that he would remain involved in the community and was not "planning on leaving."

DePetris will be replaced by one Mike Mays, who will "help usher in a New Year of continual growth for Silicon Knights, the games industry in Ontario and the Niagara Region," according to a company statement. We wish Mays and DePetris the best of luck, even though we had no idea who they were until today.

[Via Endsights]


JoystiqSilicon Knights exec departs, looks for 'something different' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Silicon-KnightsToo-HumanFri, 26 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human soundtrack grinds iTunes, CD for phat lootz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/too-human-soundtrack-grinds-itunes-cd-for-phat-lootz/#commentsFiled under:


Too Human is something of a divisive game. Some people love it, others hate it. From the unusual control scheme to the unique setting, the game has earned a mixed reputation. Still, the game did reasonably well, especially for a new franchise. Well enough, it seems, that Silicon Knights has announced the release of an official soundtrack album.

Given that the focus of the game is on grinding endlessly for new gear and abilities, you may not have noticed that the game's soundtrack is pretty good. The folks at Silicon Knights obviously agree and remind us that the soundtrack was recently nominated for "Best Original Video Game Score" by the Hollywood Music Awards. The Too Human soundtrack, composed to complement the game's Norse setting and storyline, is now available from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes and Sumthing Distribution.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqToo Human soundtrack grinds iTunes, CD for phat lootz originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 28 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/too-human-soundtrack-button-mashes-ears-on-cd-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Too Human cleaved a line between those who appreciate the subtle nuances of button mashery and others who simply didn't get it. It's a gap, however, that may be bridged somewhat with the one element of the game that managed to garner significant praise. No, not the hoarding of random loot, but the music.

The hour-long Too Human soundtrack, scored by Silicon Knight's composer Steve Henifin and performed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra and Choir Prague, is now available for around $16 from Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes and the CD label Sumthing Distribution's own site. The soundtrack promises an interesting mix, from orchestra to metal, and even "cyber elements" that "are more elegant and organic in style." Whatever, as long as we won't again be forced to watch a Valkyrie descend for the hundredth time to carry Baldur (and our patience) off to Valhalla as the selection goes from track to track.

JoystiqToo Human soundtrack button mashes ears on CD, iTunes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicsilicon-knightssiliconknightssoundtracktoo-humantoohumanXbox-360Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack and crew playing Too Human online and you're invited]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/dyack-and-crew-playingtoo-human-online-and-youre-invited/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/dyack-and-crew-playingtoo-human-online-and-youre-invited/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/19/dyack-and-crew-playingtoo-human-online-and-youre-invited/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tonight, from 7-9:00PM eastern, Mr. Denis Dyack and a handful of Silicon Knights developers will be logging onto Xbox Live to play some Too Human as part of Xbox.com's Game with Developers initiative. And, really, we couldn't think of any better way to spend a Friday night. Simply make the leap over to Xbox.com to get a listing of all the Silicon Knights Gamertags and spam their friends list like there's no tomorrow. Have fun and, please, play safe.

JoystiqDyack and crew playing Too Human online and you're invited originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackgame-with-developersgwdsilicion-knightstoo-humanxbox-liveFri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/behold-the-zero-punctuation-too-human-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just when we all thought that the lumbering storm cloud that washed Too Human's existence with unrestrained negativity (or "mixed" positivity, depending on how you look at it), we remembered something: Zero Punctuation. As a man who loves to hate, we imagine there was no way Yahtzee would pass up a game like Too Human. It is, in his opinion, universally bad and apparently has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. To anyone who enjoys the game (frankly, we've been a bit addicted), you have been warned. Everyone else, find the review after the break.

Continue reading Behold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review

JoystiqBehold the Zero Punctuation Too Human review originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanzero-punctuationMon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Interview: Peter Molyneux on Fable 2, Too Human, and Lionhead's 'shocking' next game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/joystiq-interview-peter-molyneux-on-fable-2-too-human-and-lio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/joystiq-interview-peter-molyneux-on-fable-2-too-human-and-lio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/15/joystiq-interview-peter-molyneux-on-fable-2-too-human-and-lio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With the October release of Fable 2 fast approaching, we sat down for a chat with Lionhead founder Peter Molyneux to talk about how his latest game has shaped up. Also, does he still think the first game was all that bad? And what does he really think about a game he's recently found himself associated with, Too Human? It all starts off - as we all do - in childhood ...

Playing Fable 2, we noticed that, early on, there seems to be a fair amount of very obvious temptation to do something "good" or "bad."

Yes, well, I wanted childhood to contain some fairly easy choices. Once you go through your first real challenge, you'll find that it gets a lot more sophisticated. I want you to just experiment, to just see what happens. What I love is the aspect of, "I wonder if I do this what will happen?" If you do that enough, then you find that the game delivers.

Gallery: Fable 2


Continue reading Joystiq Interview: Peter Molyneux on Fable 2, Too Human, and Lionhead's 'shocking' next game

JoystiqJoystiq Interview: Peter Molyneux on Fable 2, Too Human, and Lionhead's 'shocking' next game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2interviewjoystiqfeatureslionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiospeter-molyneuxRPGtoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human cracks NPD Top 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/too-human-cracks-npd-top-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to the NPD Group the controversial loot-grinder Too Human cracked the top ten sales chart for the month of August. Selling 168,200 units in a ten day period, Too Human landed the number 8 spot beating out Madden 09 for the Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero: On Tour for the Nintendo DS.

While reactions have been mixed since Too Human's release, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack told X3F in a post game release interview that the team from St. Catharine's, Canada, couldn't be happier with the final product. Controversy aside, Too Human debuted strong and continued sales only solidifies that the previously announced sequels are still in the works. That Valkyrie death animation can still fall in a well and die, though. Just saying.

[via GameDaily]

JoystiqToo Human cracks NPD Top 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackmicrosoft-game-studiosnpd-groupsilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 12 Sep 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Too Human update fixes connectivity, nothing else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/too-human-update-fixes-connectivity-nothing-else/#commentsFiled under: ,

We turned on Too Human this morning (no, really) and found an auto update. Hoping it might have shortened the Valkyrie death sequence, we immediately unequipped all weapons and armor and ran naked (figuratively) into battle, only to be faced with the same 15.5-second consequence. We also thought the menu screen loaded faster, but that is all apparently just in our heads.

In a forum post this morning, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack revealed that the update "fixed some connectivity issues and was done prior to release. It does not contain any balance or gameplay changes." Better luck next time.

JoystiqToo Human update fixes connectivity, nothing else originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanupdateXbox-360Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['CliffyB' defends Too Human from critics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/cliffyb-defends-too-human-from-critics/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[Update 2: The Giant Bomb user formerly known as CliffyB has changed his user name based on a request from the Giant Bomb staff. Seems this was a case of mistaken/overtaken internet identity. Joystiq regrets the error.]

[Update: It seems there's some doubt as to whether or not this review was actually written by Mr. Bleszinski or just some Giant bomb user who took his common online moniker. Either way, the review is still an interesting, alternative look at the game. We're looking into it and we'll update as warranted.]

After so much hype and so many years in development, many were surprised by the lackluster critical reception for Silicon Knights' Too Human. Count among the surprised Epic Games' Cliff "Don't call me CliffyB anymore" Bleszinski, who defended the game from its harshest critics in a recent Giant Bomb reader review.

Bleszinski says he found the game more engrossing than either BioShock or Call of Duty 4, pouring 16 straight hours into it on his first sit down and readying for a second playthrough after a 42-hour quest. While admitting that the story "isn't God's gift to writing," Bleszinski still insists it compares favorably to a lot of other video games. His main beef, though, is with critics who derided the game's combat as too simple simply because they weren't willing to delve into what Bleszinski sees as some complex strategic depth. "It will require some attention to learn," he warns, "If this is too much to ask, do not fret. There is always the Wii." Ouch!

The full review goes into an insane amount of detail on Bleszinski's experience with the game. Check it out if you're interested in a well informed, decidedly different perspective on this epic.

Joystiq'CliffyB' defends Too Human from critics originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bleszinskicliff-bleszinskicliffyBcriticsdyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Podcast 063 - S.N.A.X. edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-podcast-063-s-n-a-x-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-podcast-063-s-n-a-x-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/joystiq-podcast-063-s-n-a-x-edition/#commentsFiled under:

We've finally harnessed the power of our combined snacking knowledge to create a regular, completely non-game related segment on it. Oh, sure we're still talking about video games like Force Unleashed, Too Human and S.T.A.L.K.E.R., but snacks (S.N.A.X.?) really steal the show.

Thanks to Evan Minto, Jordan Wasilka and Max Varenik of the JPAG for the trifecta of photochopping greatness.

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Hosts: Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy

Music: "Get Ready for Love" by Nick Cave, "Red Eye" by Ben Kweller

For fans: Joystiq Podcast Facebook group

See all of this week's links after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq Podcast 063 - S.N.A.X. edition

JoystiqJoystiq Podcast 063 - S.N.A.X. edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>force-unleashedjoystiq-podcastjoystiqpodcastpodcastsstalkertoo-humanFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:30:00 ESTJoystiq Podcast 063Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann and Justin McElroy01:21:38podcasts<![CDATA[Fanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/fanswag-weekly-win-a-signed-copy-of-too-human/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: This giveaway is now closed and our winner will be notified soon. Check your spam boxes, kids!

After a week covering Silicon Knights and Too Human, it's time to end our special coverage with a special giveaway. Up for grabs we have a copy of Too Human autographed by the team at Silicon Knights. We also have a swanky Too Human cloth bag for you to put it in. You wouldn't want the ink to get all smudged, now would you?). But wait, there's more! We also have an autographed Too Human poster for our second prize winner (check out a photo of it after the break). To enter, simply follow these directions:
  • Every player in Too Human has to make a philosophical choice: Human or Cybernetic. Leave a comment telling us which path you would choose, and why. It doesn't even have to be specific to Too Human, just have fun with it.
  • Only one comment per person will be accepted. Posters of multiple comments will be disqualified. We'll accept entries until 11:00PM eastern time today, August 29th, 2008. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. This giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Later today, we'll pick two winner via random drawing.
  • One grand prize winner will receive an autographed copy of Too Human and a Too Human cloth bag, worth $80. One second prize winner will receive an autographed Too Human poster, worth $20.
  • Complete giveaway rules can be found here

Continue reading Fanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update]

JoystiqFanswag Weekly: Win a signed copy of Too Human [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanFri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack: Nintendo a 'silent partner', Eternal Darkness IP ownership 'complicated']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/dyack-nintendo-a-silent-partner-eternal-darkness-ip-ownershi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the final part of X3F's interview series, Silicon Knights President Denis Dyack said that the question of who owns the Eternal Darkness IP is, "a complicated question with a complicated answer," while at the same time confirming that Nintendo is still a "silent partner" with the developer.

"That's a question we've never answered," he said. "At the end of the day, it's not time to even talk about those things for various different reasons. You know Nintendo, who's still our silent partner, a lot of people don't know that, we have a great relationship with those guys. It's not time to talk about Eternal Darkness 2." Dyack went on to say that, despite some reports to the contrary, SK has never announced ED2 to be in development.

Dyack also discussed his one console theory, and how the consolidation of the developers and publishers support his claim that the industry is moving towards a one-console future, adding that Silicon Knights is not opposed to being acquired by a publisher. He also said that the company's next game will be "very different" from Too Human, declining to elaborate further.

Continue reading Dyack: Nintendo a 'silent partner', Eternal Darkness IP ownership 'complicated'

JoystiqDyack: Nintendo a 'silent partner', Eternal Darkness IP ownership 'complicated' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacketernal-darknessGameCubenintendosilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- Denis Dyack, "Future Knights" Interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-future-knights-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-future-knights-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-future-knights-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In the final part of our three part interview with Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack we discuss the future of the studio. From genre bending, clarifications and the unanswered question regarding the ownership of the Eternal Darkness IP, this interview covers everything you'd want to know about the future of Silicon Knights.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a special giveaway to round out our Too Human coverage.

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[M4V] Download the M4V of the first section of this video directly.

Gallery: Silicon Knights: Studio Tour

Continue reading X3F TV -- Denis Dyack, "Future Knights" Interview

JoystiqX3F TV -- Denis Dyack, "Future Knights" Interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humantoo-human-weekx3f-tvThu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Too Human" interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-too-human-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-too-human-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/x3f-tv-denis-dyack-too-human-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In the second part of our three part interview with Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack the conversation focuses in on Too Human. After listing off his three high points and low points from his experiences of the game, Denis discusses his overall impressions of fan response -- refraining to comment on videos from Kevin Pereira and Giant Bomb -- and whether or not the game has lived up to the studio's expectations.

Due to length this video split into two sections, the second portion of the Too Human interview can be found after the jump.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the final part of our three part Denis Dyack interview. In part three Denis and Xav discuss the future of Silicon Knights, the studios relationship with Nintendo and the genre possibilities for the development team.

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Continue reading X3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Too Human" interview

JoystiqX3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Too Human" interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humantoo-human-weekx3f-tvWed, 27 Aug 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Dyack addresses Too Human complaints]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/interview-dyack-addresses-too-human-complaints/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/interview-dyack-addresses-too-human-complaints/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/interview-dyack-addresses-too-human-complaints/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Continuing with their week-long series, nos amis at X3F talked with Silicon Knights President Denis Dyack over some of Too Human's biggest perceived faults. Part 1 of today's video interview is embedded above. Some highlights:
  • On the community's early judgment: "People are trying to understand a game that's inherently interactive [by watching a video] ... All I can say is try the demo."
  • On clipping and texture issues: "There's glitches in all games. It's really interesting to me because, as an example, there's gonna be things you can always improve. To me, framerate's not really that essential in cutscenes and it never has been for us ... I don't think Too Human's inconsistent from any of our previous games ... So there's clipping. Oh noes. Bottom line is, does it affect gameplay and by how much? Are there ways to improve Too Human? For sure, but the overall big picture? Happy, extremely happy."
  • On the Valkyrie death scene: Dyack estimated it was a 15 and a 1/2 second scene. "If it's a sign that people love the game so much that they just want to get back in and play, could we make it skippable? Sure, it's an easy change. Is it something we ever would have anticipated since we thought it was faster than going to get your body or losing experience [which does not happen in Too Human] ... is that a change we can make in the future? Sure."
  • On comparisons to Diablo: "There's this tactical element. People think, 'oh, this is like Diablo with a bit of action. In Diablo I can just go up to an enemy and pound him away [until it dies] and move on to the next one, if you had the better loot, you usually win. In Too Human, if you don't use your tactics, it is a new kind of genre-bender, you're gonna die. And we're looking at some of the feedback and a lot of people are dying. [laughs]"
  • On future downloadable content: "I think that's gonna be unique to people who pre-order it, that's a one-time thing. But we've got tons of ideas that will far exceed the pre-order bonus."
Check out part two of the interview after the break.

Continue reading Interview: Dyack addresses Too Human complaints

JoystiqInterview: Dyack addresses Too Human complaints originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackdyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack: Valkyrie scene faster than load times, corpse runs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/dyack-valkyrie-scene-faster-than-load-times-corpse-runs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/dyack-valkyrie-scene-faster-than-load-times-corpse-runs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/dyack-valkyrie-scene-faster-than-load-times-corpse-runs/#commentsFiled under: ,


In part two of our three part exclusive interview with Denis Dyack during a studio tour of Silicon Knights the subject of much debate was pointed out in the room like a 300 ton gorilla. Whether you're on the Too Human hate train or defence camp nearly everyone agrees the unskippable Valkyrie death animation breaks the flow of the game and gets downright boring.

When asked why the animation was not skippable, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack was quick to compare the animation with loading a save file in other titles or an MMO corpse run reiterating that the Valkyrie scene is the only real penalty for death.

"If you're getting frustrated with the Valkyrie cinema, you might be dying a little too much," Dyack joked. "The bottom line is ... If it's a sign that people love the game so much that they just want to get back in and play, could we make it skippable? Sure, it's an easy change. Is it something we ever would have anticipated since we thought it was faster than going to get your body or losing experience [which does not happen in Too Human] ... is that a change we can make in the future? Sure."

While Dyack makes a valid point, many detractors and even fans - ourselves included - agree the scene feels dated and while he told us it could change, X3F was never told that that it would.

Stay tuned for the full interview at noon today where Xav and Denis discuss Too Human.

JoystiqDyack: Valkyrie scene faster than load times, corpse runs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackinterviewsilicon-knightstoo-humantoo-human-weekWed, 27 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the Too Human page on X3F]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/introducing-the-too-human-page-on-x3f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/introducing-the-too-human-page-on-x3f/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/introducing-the-too-human-page-on-x3f/#commentsFiled under: ,


As part of our week long coverage of Silicon Knights latest release Too Human, X3F presents our brand new Too Human page. The Too Human page includes all the latest news on the game, including each of our special features that we will be debuting this week on X3F, as well as image galleries and basically anything you need to know about the game. The page will be updated throughout the week to include every day's feature and we will also update it in the future as news develops. Click and enjoy. Also, keep your eyes out for more pages covering major releases in the future.

Check out X3F's Too Human page

JoystiqIntroducing the Too Human page on X3F originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mgsmicrosoft-game-studiossilicon-knightstoo-humanTue, 26 Aug 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Denis Dyack talks to X3F on the origin of Silicon Knights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/denis-dyack-talks-to-x3f-on-the-origin-of-silicon-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/denis-dyack-talks-to-x3f-on-the-origin-of-silicon-knights/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/denis-dyack-talks-to-x3f-on-the-origin-of-silicon-knights/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Our friends at X3F have posted the first part of their 1-on-1 interview with Denis Dyack, where he talks about the history of Silicon Knights, from its previous legal entanglements with Crystal Dynamics over the Legacy of Kain IP, through the prerequisite Eternal Darkness discussion (Spoiler: There's no talk of a sequel) and how they found themselves developing a Metal Gear Solid port for GameCube.

In case you missed it, check out the Dyack-guided studio tour from yesterday. You can catch up on all things Baldur on X3F's Too Human page.

JoystiqDenis Dyack talks to X3F on the origin of Silicon Knights originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackdyackmicrosoftsilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Origin of the Knights" interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/x3f-presents-denis-dyack-origin-of-the-knights-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/x3f-presents-denis-dyack-origin-of-the-knights-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/x3f-presents-denis-dyack-origin-of-the-knights-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In the first part of our three part interview with Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack we discuss the origin of the studio from an Atari, Amiga and PC developer of RTS titles to the GameCube remake of the classic PS1 title, Metal Gear Solid. How did Silicon Knights get tapped to create the remake, when did the studio's relationship with Nintendo begin? Part one of the interview gets to the bottom of things from the games that Silicon Knights develops to the people and culture that make up the studio.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two of our three part Denis Dyack interview. In part two Xav lists the top three things he likes and dislikes about his experience with Too Human - discussion ensues.

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JoystiqX3F TV: Denis Dyack, "Origin of the Knights" interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackinterviewsilicon-knightsstudio-tourtoo-humantoo-human-weekx3f-tvTue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack on the corporate culture of Silicon Knights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dyack-the-only-value-is-the-people-of-a-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dyack-the-only-value-is-the-people-of-a-company/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/dyack-the-only-value-is-the-people-of-a-company/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In our exclusive three-part interview with Denis Dyack, the Silicon Knights president revealed the company is built much like a guild. "We do games differently than other companies," Dyack told X3F. "We're not saying we have it right and everyone else has it wrong but we do it our own way."

With ten staffers soon to be added to the, already long, list of decade long employees at Silicon Knights, Dyack told X3F that he hopes the company continue to support the industries most vital resource: People. "Everyone at Silicon Knights realizes that we're a knowledge based company and in a knowledge based company computers are $5,000 pencils -- the only value is the people."

Check out our exclusive studio tour and stay tuned at noon for the first part of our three-part interview with Denis Dyack.

JoystiqDyack on the corporate culture of Silicon Knights originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanTue, 26 Aug 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F takes tour of Silicon Knights' studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-takes-tour-of-silicon-knights-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-takes-tour-of-silicon-knights-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-takes-tour-of-silicon-knights-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click for the pic-tour-ial
Our compatriots over at X3F visited Too Human developer Silicon Knights last week and were welcomed with a big, friendly bear hug from president Denis Dyack, who proceeded to drink from a bottomless coffee mug as he gave them a tour of the Ontario-based studio. Check out video of the guided tour (after the break) as well a pic-tour-ial gallery. X3F has an entire week of Silicon Knights coverage planned. Tomorrow: Part 1 of their 1-on-1 interview Dyack.

Gallery: Silicon Knights: Studio Tour

Denis Dyack with Xav de Matos

Continue reading X3F takes tour of Silicon Knights' studio

JoystiqX3F takes tour of Silicon Knights' studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F Presents: Silicon Knights studio tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-presents-silicon-knights-studio-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-presents-silicon-knights-studio-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/x3f-presents-silicon-knights-studio-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After launching the controversial title Too Human, Silicon Knights invited X3F for a full tour of its studio and a one-on-one interview with company president, Denis Dyack. In the first of four videos, Dyack walks X3F through its St. Catharines, Canada, based studio showcasing the company culture and the process of creating its latest release.

Stay tuned tomorrow for part one of our three part Denis Dyack interview. In part one Dyack describes the "Origins of Silicon Knights."

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Continue reading X3F Presents: Silicon Knights studio tour

JoystiqX3F Presents: Silicon Knights studio tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightsstudio-tourtoo-humantoo-human-weekx3f-tvMon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack: Too Human 10-year dev cycle 'factually incorrect']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-too-human-10-year-dev-cycle-factually-incorrect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-too-human-10-year-dev-cycle-factually-incorrect/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-too-human-10-year-dev-cycle-factually-incorrect/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Silicon Knights' Denis Dyack wants to set the record straight: Too Human was not in development for 10 years. Speaking to X3F during their tour of the studios last week, Dyack said, "I cannot dispel that rumor enough ... that is a bad way to talk about Too Human because that is factually incorrect." He cites the E3 1999 reveal -- at that point planned as a 4-disc PS One title -- but explains that production didn't actually begin until after Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes was completed. Given that title's March 2004 release, we're going to carbon date Too Human at 5 years, born in 7 A.D., or Anno Duke (Nukem Forever).

It should be noted that there are screenshots from E3 1999, but both those and the descriptions appear devoid of any Norse mythology that now has become a major aspect of the game. Stay tuned for video and images from X3F's Silicon Knights tour later today.

Check out X3F's four-part video series with Too Human developer Silicon Knights, including a guided studio tour and an interview with the ever-controversial Denis Dyack.


JoystiqDyack: Too Human 10-year dev cycle 'factually incorrect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>decadedenis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack on '10 years of Too Human' misconception]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-on-10-years-of-too-human-misconception/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-on-10-years-of-too-human-misconception/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/dyack-on-10-years-of-too-human-misconception/#commentsFiled under: ,

In an exclusive studio tour and interview with X3F, Silicon Knights president Denis Dyack discussed his frustration regarding the common misconception that Too Human has been in development for over a decade.

"I cannot dispel that rumor enough," Dyack told X3F. "That is a bad way to talk about Too Human because that is factually incorrect."

Too Human is commonly noted as being in development since it was first showcased as a PlayStation title in 1999 but, according to Dyack, production on the game did not begin until sometime after Silicon Knights shipped Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes for the Nintendo GameCube. "People think, 'Oh the game has been in development for 18 years plus...' it isn't possible," Dyack told X3F.

Stay tuned at noon for a full studio tour video and image gallery with Denis Dyack.

JoystiqDyack on '10 years of Too Human' misconception originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanMon, 25 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 more SK staffers 'knighted' for 10 years of service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/10-more-sk-staffers-knighted-for-10-years-of-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/10-more-sk-staffers-knighted-for-10-years-of-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/10-more-sk-staffers-knighted-for-10-years-of-service/#commentsFiled under:

In an exclusive studio tour of its St. Catharines, Canada, studio, Silicon Knights lead Denis Dyack revealed to X3F that ten staff members are poised to be honored for ten years of service during an upcoming Too Human launch party. The process of being 'knighted' at Silicon Knights continues a longstanding tradition that hearkens back to the formation of the studio, staffers who reach ten years of service are honored with a unique sword to be placed in their office.

Ten more members achieving this goal contradicts rumors swirling around GDC that claimed Silicon Knights staff members were leaving in droves due to development issues with Too Human.

Stay tuned at noon for a full studio tour video and image gallery with Denis Dyack.

Joystiq10 more SK staffers 'knighted' for 10 years of service originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightstoo-humanMon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack hints at next non-Too Human title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/dyack-hints-at-next-non-too-human-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/dyack-hints-at-next-non-too-human-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/dyack-hints-at-next-non-too-human-title/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to CVG, Silicon Knights head Denis Dyack mentioned the company's next title that isn't part of the Too Human trilogy. Mentioning some of Silicon Knights titles (including the likes of Eternal Darkness and Legacy of Kain), Dyack emphasized the diversity of the company's catalog. Apart from the remaining Too Human titles, Dyack noted that the company's next title will be "nothing like anything else" Silicon Knights has done before. Could this be the Crucible title that was leaked earlier this year? We don't know, obviously, but there is one thing that we can surmise here: whatever it is, Silicon Knights' next title won't be Eternal Darkness 2. Sigh ....

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqDyack hints at next non-Too Human title originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dennis-dyacketernal-darknesssilicon-knightstoo-humanWed, 20 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Silicon Knights' next game not 'Two Human,' but trilogy will continue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/silicon-knights-next-game-not-two-human-but-trilogy-will-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/silicon-knights-next-game-not-two-human-but-trilogy-will-con/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/silicon-knights-next-game-not-two-human-but-trilogy-will-con/#commentsFiled under: ,

For better or worse, Silicon Knights has finally kicked Too Human out of the nest, seemingly not too concerned about whether it will actually fly with most gamers. In fact, while the developer still intends to finish off the planned trilogy, it's not going to be doing so anytime soon.

Speaking with CVG, SK boss Denis Dyack confirmed that his studio's next game is going to be "Like nothing else we've ever made before." The dev has been working on a new title for Sega, which not too long ago was allegedly leaked in video form under the title The Crucible. Sega was quick to deny any connection between SK and a game with that name - which would be good for Dyack, since it was clearly a third-person action/horror game. You know, totally unlike Eternal Darkness.

"We've been lucky enough to make Legacy of Kain, Eternal Darkness, Too Human ... and if you look at all of those they're all really different," Dyack said of SK's plans for its new IP. "We want to continue to do that, to keep fresh. That's really what's important, and making sure that we continue to make new IPs but also continue to innovate in the genres that we try to... create content in." We think it's safe to assume that, whatever this totally fresh new project is, it won't be using the Unreal Engine.

JoystiqSilicon Knights' next game not 'Two Human,' but trilogy will continue originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyacksilicon-knightsthe-crucibletoo-humanXbox-360Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F Interview: Five minutes with Denis Dyack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-interview-five-minutes-with-denis-dyack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-interview-five-minutes-with-denis-dyack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-interview-five-minutes-with-denis-dyack/#commentsFiled under: ,


During the Too Human launch signing in St. Catharines, Ontario, Denis Dyack took a few minutes to answer some of our questions. While reserved, Dyack did speak fondly of the community Silicon Knights represents, the success of the demo and misunderstandings within the media.

Surrounded by fans awaiting a signature from the Silicon Knights development team, Dyack brushed off our questions regarding the recent reviews of Too Human, message board communities and the future of both the franchise and the studio's next announcement.


[MP3] Download this interview in MP3 format


JoystiqX3F Interview: Five minutes with Denis Dyack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denis-dyackinterviewsilicon-knightstoo-humanTue, 19 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F @ Too Human hometown launch signing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-too-human-hometown-launch-signing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-too-human-hometown-launch-signing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/x3f-too-human-hometown-launch-signing/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the beautiful, quiet town of St. Catharines, Ontario, members of Silicon Knights -- including company president Denis Dyack -- held a launch signing event at their local EB Games to promote the release of Too Human. While attendees quickly entered and left with copies in hand never a dull moment was found as gaming enthusiasts of all ages trickled in one after the other for a glimpse and signatures from their hometown gaming heroes.

X3F was on hand for the event and had the opportunity to speak with Denis Dyack regarding the community they support, Too Human itself and pre-orders. Stay tuned for the interview later today.

JoystiqX3F @ Too Human hometown launch signing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autographlaunchsilicon-knightstoo-humanTue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dyack's defense: Too Human haters 'just don't get it']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/dyacks-defense-too-human-haters-just-dont-get-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/dyacks-defense-too-human-haters-just-dont-get-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/dyacks-defense-too-human-haters-just-dont-get-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When Jeff Gerstmann bemoaned Too Human's "monotonous combat and dated approach to cooperative play," he was unknowingly shunted from the group of haves to the considerably less illustrious group of have nots -- as in have not a clue to comprehend Too Human's unyielding explosion of uniqueness and innovation. "I think we took for granted how innovative the game was," remarks the game's humble director, Denis Dyack.

Speaking to OXM at the game's UK launch, Dyack explains that a lot of the negative reaction to the game's demo (and presumably, the final version) has its roots in the provocative fear of the unknown. "But what we're also seeing is for the people who don't like it, generally just don't get it. And it's because we've created something so innovative and different," he says. "It's ironic, it just shows that human nature of if you don't understand something, you immediately attack it. It's pretty interesting in that regard."

Consider this a plea to game designers everywhere: Please tone down all that rampant innovation, lest we become embroiled in confusion and hostility and ultimately give your game a six out of ten.

JoystiqDyack's defense: Too Human haters 'just don't get it' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Denis-DyackSilicon-KnightsSilly-Con-KnightsToo-HumanXbox-360Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EST