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[MLB 2K13 review: Shameless]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/mlb-2k13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/mlb-2k13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/mlb-2k13-review/#comments MLB 2K13 review Shameless"Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford has a sweet mustache. The commentary team in Major League Baseball 2K12, Steve Phillips, Gary Thorne, and John Kruk even spend time talking about it when he's on the mound, throwing strikes. Yes, dialogue was recorded specifically to discuss the pitcher's facial hair - and yet Axford's player model is clean-shaven with some average-joe sideburns."

So began my review of MLB 2K12 a year ago, though it could just as easily serve as a fitting introduction for a review of MLB 2K13. Axford's facial hair hasn't changed in MLB 2K13 - and neither has the game. I take that back: The Online Leagues feature has been removed, the Houston Astros are now in the AL and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price is on the cover. There, I think we're pretty much all caught up.

Continue reading MLB 2K13 review: Shameless

JoystiqMLB 2K13 review: Shameless originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsmicrosoftMLBmlb-2k13playstationps3Visual-ConceptsxboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE '14 coming in fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/#comments We knew this was coming last week, but now it's official: Take-Two is now the holder of the WWE license. The first game to come from the new WWE publisher is due this fall, titled WWE '14 - in line with 2K Sports' branding of sports games. [Update: The original ESPN source cited a name change, but Take-Two's press release confirms the new game will be called WWE '14.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsbundlemicrosoftmlb-2k13NBA-2K13playstationps3Take-TwoVisual-ConceptsxboxTue, 19 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K13 brings back the Perfect Game Challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mlb-2k13-brings-back-the-perfect-game-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mlb-2k13-brings-back-the-perfect-game-challenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/mlb-2k13-brings-back-the-perfect-game-challenge/#comments MLB 2K13 Perfect Game Challenge returns2K Sports' controversial Perfect Game Challenge is back for MLB 2K13. The game will be available March 5, with the contest kicking off April 1, which we're told is the opening day of major league baseball. We'll take 2K at its word about opening day, but as denizens of the internet, we make it a general rule not to believe in anything that happens that day.

As for the contest, during April players can compete for a prize pool of $750,000 across 30 MLB Team Leaderboards. The top four in the overall leaderboard will be invited to New York during the MLB All-Star Week in July to compete for a grand prize of $250,000.

JoystiqMLB 2K13 brings back the Perfect Game Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsmicrosoftplaystationps3visual-conceptsxboxTue, 12 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U gamepad is a biometric scanner in NBA 2K13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wii-u-gamepad-is-a-biometric-scanner-in-nba-2k13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wii-u-gamepad-is-a-biometric-scanner-in-nba-2k13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/wii-u-gamepad-is-a-biometric-scanner-in-nba-2k13/#comments
NBA 2K13 developer Visual Concepts came up with a pretty ingenious use of the WiiPad - it's a biometric scanner. At any time, you can point the WiiPad at your TV to scan the court and see who's hot, cold or fatigued.

JoystiqWii U gamepad is a biometric scanner in NBA 2K13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbiometric-scannernba-2k13nintendovisual-conceptswii-uThu, 15 Nov 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 review: Double dribble]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/nba-2k13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/nba-2k13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/nba-2k13-review/#comments For the last two years, the NBA 2K series has managed to wow me with its unending quest to improve and build upon its predecessors. The inclusion of Jordan and his unique-yet-punishing challenges in NBA 2K11 allowed me to relive his most memorable moments. In NBA 2K12, I was able to replay classic match-ups from yesteryear and experience the NBA's lineage like never before.

Perhaps the bar was set too high, because NBA 2K13 has little sizzle to go along with its scrumptious steak. The core gameplay is bolstered by a simplified new scheme driven by the right analog stick, and customization options have been streamlined through an in-game currency system. While both give NBA 2K13 a real run at the championship, a lot of the other things surrounding these components show little improvement over previous offerings.

Gallery: NBA 2K13 (Cover Players)

Continue reading NBA 2K13 review: Double dribble

JoystiqNBA 2K13 review: Double dribble originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesmicrosoftnba-2k13playstationps3visual-conceptsxboxTue, 09 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K13 features US Olympic 'Dream Team' along with 2012's squad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/nba-2k13-features-us-olympic-dream-team-along-with-2012s-squa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/nba-2k13-features-us-olympic-dream-team-along-with-2012s-squa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/15/nba-2k13-features-us-olympic-dream-team-along-with-2012s-squa/#comments NBA 2K13 features US Olympic team I think And some famous old guysTo celebrate the 20th anniversary of the legendary USA "Dream Team," 2K Sports is drafting the 1992 crew along with 2012's USA Men's National Team into the roster of NBA 2K13, the publisher has revealed.

NBA 2K13 executive producer Jay-Z (a legend on his own), said that the ability to pit the two National teams against each other will give fans the tools to solve "one of the greatest sports debates of our time." Who would come out on top? The 1992 "Dream Team" or this year's Olympic squad? It's up to you.

"In NBA 2K13, we're giving fans the opportunity to play as two of the best teams ever assembled in sporting history, literally putting the debate right into their hands," Jay-Z added.

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley make up a few members of the legendary squad. Scottie Pippen - wearing the #8 jersey in 1992 - appears to be the only member absent from the team.

NBA 2K13 launches for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and PSP on October 2. A Wii U version is planned for this holiday season.

Continue reading NBA 2K13 features US Olympic 'Dream Team' along with 2012's squad

JoystiqNBA 2K13 features US Olympic 'Dream Team' along with 2012's squad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsmicrosoftnba-2k13nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyVisual-Conceptswiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K12 demo heads to the mound on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mlb-2k12-demo-heads-to-the-mound-on-ps3-and-xbox-360-this-tuesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mlb-2k12-demo-heads-to-the-mound-on-ps3-and-xbox-360-this-tuesda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/mlb-2k12-demo-heads-to-the-mound-on-ps3-and-xbox-360-this-tuesda/#comments You can't rewrite history, but you can show that the Texas Rangers would've won the 2011 World Series -- had you been in charge. Their matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals will be the focus of a MLB 2K12 demo, which is set to drop on PS3 and Xbox 360 next week on Tuesday, February 28.

MLB 2K12 launches on March 6, 2012. We recently got our hands on the game and played around with some of the improved pitching mechanics, all of which you can read about on our site.

[Thanks, Patrick.]

JoystiqMLB 2K12 demo heads to the mound on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsdemomicrosoftmlb-2k12playstationps3st-louis-cardinalstexas-rangersvisual-conceptsworld-series-2011xboxFri, 24 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K12 footage takes the mound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/mlb-2k12-footage-takes-the-mound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/mlb-2k12-footage-takes-the-mound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/mlb-2k12-footage-takes-the-mound/#comments
While most sports fans are concerned with the Super Bowl right now, a small contingent of baseball diehards are eagerly counting down the days to Spring Training and the subsequent launch of this year's multi-platform baseball sim, MLB 2K12.

JoystiqMLB 2K12 footage takes the mound originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsjustin-verlandermicrosoftmlb-2k12playstationps3visual-conceptsxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 02:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K12 review: Living the dream]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/nba-2k12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/nba-2k12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/nba-2k12-review/#comments I could never play in the NBA. Even if you forgive the fact that I'm significantly shorter than 7'2", and possess a jumpshot that's eerily similar to watching a pillowcase full of Jell-O get dropped from a roof in slow motion, there's no hope for me. Luckily, I can realize that dream through video games, and few titles allow me to do so with more simulated perfection than NBA 2K12.

Gallery: NBA 2K12 (9/9/11)

Continue reading NBA 2K12 review: Living the dream

JoystiqNBA 2K12 review: Living the dream originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsbasketballmicrosoftnbanba-2k12playstationps3sportsvisual-conceptsxboxFri, 07 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former QA tester files litigation against Take-Two, seeks class-action suit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/former-qa-tester-files-litigation-against-take-two-seeks-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/former-qa-tester-files-litigation-against-take-two-seeks-class/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/former-qa-tester-files-litigation-against-take-two-seeks-class/#comments Ex-Take-Two Interactive employee Aaron Martinez believes he was mistreated while employed by the publisher, and he's suing. In a notice sent to other QA employees, the former Visual Concepts (currently known as 2K Sports) quality assurance tester claims "Take-Two Quality Assurance Testers were not paid for all hours worked, were not provided required off duty meal and rest breaks, and were not paid all wages due at the time of termination." Resultantly, he's trying to gather other employees/ex-employees together in a class action suit.

For its part, Take-Two denies all claims, but the presiding court in California has yet to determine much about potential future legal actions. When we spoke with Martinez's lawyer, Michael Righetti, earlier today, he explained that his client has filed a punitive class action suit, and that the letter popping up online (seen in part above) was sent out last week as an act of compromise between Martinez and Take-Two, as well as to notify other employees of the suit. Martinez was employed by Visual Concepts/Take-Two beginning in December of 2006, and it is unclear when his time with the studio ended.

Bizarrely, in order to solicit contact information of other employees at Take-Two during Martinez's time of employment, the letter had to be sent by a third party working as an intermediary. Those receiving the letter have until Sept. 25 to opt out of having their information released, at which time their contact information will otherwise be given to the complainant's legal counsel.

The original complaint was filed by Martinez way back in June of 2010, and given the snail's pace at which the suit has proceeded thus far, we don't expect to hear much more anytime soon. With all that extra time, however, we suggest you pore over the latest version of the filing, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Aaron Martinez v. Take-Two Interactive Software (3rd Revision)

JoystiqFormer QA tester files litigation against Take-Two, seeks class-action suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-martinezclass-actionclass-action-lawsuitlawsuitlegaltake-twotake-two-interactivevisual-conceptsWed, 31 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K12 featuring PlayStation Move is a slam junk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nba-2k12-featuring-playstation-move-is-a-slam-junk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nba-2k12-featuring-playstation-move-is-a-slam-junk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/nba-2k12-featuring-playstation-move-is-a-slam-junk/#comments NBA 2K12 will feature unique Move functionality on the PS3, it was revealed during Sony's E3 2011 press conference. B-ballers move around the court on their own, and using the Move controller (we didn't see a Nav controller in use), the player can point at anybody on their squad and control them. Point and shoot, anyone?

JoystiqNBA 2K12 featuring PlayStation Move is a slam junk originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportse3e3-2011movenba-2k12playstationplaystation-moveps3visual-conceptsMon, 06 Jun 2011 20:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Roy Halladay named MLB 2K11 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/roy-halladay-named-mlb-2k11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/roy-halladay-named-mlb-2k11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/15/roy-halladay-named-mlb-2k11-cover-athlete/#comments Having tossed only the twentieth perfect game in baseball -- ever -- this past season and tacking on twenty more regular season wins, not to mention recording only the second no-hitter in post-season history (in his first post-season game), Phillies ace Roy Halladay has earned himself the cover spot on this spring's Major League Baseball 2K11 (no curse attached). 2K Sports bestowed the honor today, in advance of tomorrow's National League Cy Young Award announcement, which the publisher predicts will go to "Doc" as well.

"I'm honored to be on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K11," said the always-humble Halladay in 2K's announcement. "I'm not one for predictions, but should 2K Sports be right about tomorrow, well, that would be a great way to end the year." Certainly, it would be a better ending than the current one: watching teammate and former MLB 08 cover athlete, Ryan Howard, take strike three looking to seal shut a chance for the team's third-straight World Series appearance.

Or is that not how it played out in your 2K10 season?

Gallery: MLB 2K11 (box art)

JoystiqRoy Halladay named MLB 2K11 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsmicrosoftmlb-2k11nintendopcphilliesplaystationps2ps3psprelease-dateroy-halladaysonytake-twovisual-conceptswiixboxMon, 15 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K11 review: Long live His Airness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/nba-2k11-review-long-live-his-airness/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/nba-2k11-review-long-live-his-airness/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/nba-2k11-review-long-live-his-airness/#comments As with any well-rounded basketball team, NBA 2K11's success hinges on collaboration. It's a pretty corny analogy, but it's the truth: a combination of realistic gameplay, improved ball handling techniques and challenging AI go a long way toward making NBA 2K11 the best basketball game around. Lack of quality competition probably doesn't hurt, either.

Gallery: NBA 2K11 (8/17/10)

Continue reading NBA 2K11 review: Long live His Airness

JoystiqNBA 2K11 review: Long live His Airness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesmicrosoftNBA-2K11nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyvisual-conceptswiixboxMon, 04 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K11 trailer shows us how to be proper ballers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/nba-2k11-trailer-shows-us-how-to-be-proper-ballers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/nba-2k11-trailer-shows-us-how-to-be-proper-ballers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/nba-2k11-trailer-shows-us-how-to-be-proper-ballers/#comments Even the greatest basketballers had to start somewhere -- Jordan was perfecting his game in the back yard long before he was dunking on guys' faces in prime time. That's why we'd like to present you with the tutorial trailer for NBA 2K11 we've got embedded past the break. It's a pretty comprehensive guide to becoming a hardwood hero ... at least on the virtual court. If you wanna be a better real-life basketballer, we don't know what to tell you. Eat your Wheaties, maybe?

Continue reading NBA 2K11 trailer shows us how to be proper ballers

JoystiqNBA 2K11 trailer shows us how to be proper ballers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsmicrosoftNBA-2K11playstationps3visual-conceptsxboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: NBA 2K11's Jordan Challenge mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-nba-2k11s-jordan-challenge-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-nba-2k11s-jordan-challenge-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-nba-2k11s-jordan-challenge-mode/#comments NBA 2K11 has everything to lose this year. As the top-selling basketball title of last year, and with EA rebuilding and re-branding its own basketball experience as NBA Elite 11, you might think 2K Games could probably coast for the next few years, sit back and count the dough. But if there's one phrase I've heard plenty of times from 2K reps during my visit, it's "The Pepsi Challenge."

2K is putting its money where its mouth is, investing in real improvements to its yearly franchise. The first (and perhaps most important to longtime fans) is the online play. Right away I threw the question at them (it's a hot topic in the community and something I bring up every time I talk to these guys -- we've gotta be sure!): "Are you going to fix the online experience this year?" I was told it was a big focus for 2K -- the other, obviously, being Michael Jordan.

Gallery: NBA 2K11 (8/17/10)

Continue reading Preview: NBA 2K11's Jordan Challenge mode

JoystiqPreview: NBA 2K11's Jordan Challenge mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsbasketballmicrosoftNBA-2K11playstationps3sportsvisual-conceptsxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA 2K11 devs drop 'approximately 30 positions']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/nba-2k11-devs-drop-approximately-30-positions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/nba-2k11-devs-drop-approximately-30-positions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/nba-2k11-devs-drop-approximately-30-positions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Take-Two Interactive sports game developer Visual Concepts recently let go of 30 employees, according to a statement issued by the publisher. VP of corporate communications and public affairs at Take-Two Alan Lewis told Industry Gamers, "In order to properly align its resources with its current and future goals, and to continue to develop games as efficiently as possible, 2K Sports has eliminated approximately 30 positions at its Visual Concepts studio." When contacted by Joystiq, Take-Two refused to provide further information.

The next game due from Visual Concepts is NBA 2K11 on October 5, which is said to be unaffected by the layoffs. "These reductions will not affect 2K Sports' ability to create and deliver AAA titles, including its upcoming release of NBA 2K11," the statement from Take-Two claims. As always, we wish those affected the best in the future.

JoystiqNBA 2K11 devs drop 'approximately 30 positions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportslayoffsmicrosoftNBA-2K11nintendopcplaystationps3pspsonytake-twotake-two-interactivevisual-conceptswiixboxMon, 16 Aug 2010 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB 2K10's million-dollar pitcher to be revealed tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/mlb-2k10s-million-dollar-pitcher-to-be-revealed-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/mlb-2k10s-million-dollar-pitcher-to-be-revealed-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/mlb-2k10s-million-dollar-pitcher-to-be-revealed-tomorrow/#commentsOkay, everyone can stop playing MLB 2K10 now*. The million-dollar prize for the first player to pitch a perfect game has been claimed, and 2K Sports will reveal the winner on CBS's The Early Show tomorrow morning. Although if you're the modern-day Cy Young who achieved this feat, you already know (and, in fact, you'll be too busy appearing on TV to watch it on TV), and if you tried to win this but didn't quite make it, it's just going to be painful to see the person who won.

If you'd like to experience that burning jealousy for yourself, tune into CBS between 8 and 9 a.m.

*Unless, you know, you're enjoying the game.

JoystiqMLB 2K10's million-dollar pitcher to be revealed tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballcbscontestmajor-league-baseballMicrosoftmlbmlb-2k10mlb2k10no-hitterthe-early-showvisual-conceptsXbox-360Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New MLB 2K10 media takes the mound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/new-mlb-2k10-media-takes-the-mound/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/new-mlb-2k10-media-takes-the-mound/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/new-mlb-2k10-media-takes-the-mound/#commentsBaseball fans still have about a month before the sport returns to stadiums and televisions across the nation, but this latest footage from MLB 2K10 should at least satiate your need for a virtual recreation of America's pasttime in the meantime. 2K Sports has pitched over a nine-minute chunk of gameplay between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, showing off the cleaner version of the pitcher's interface and the familiar fielding system of the last few iterations.

Then there's the new My Player mode, which allows you to create a player from scratch and follow his lifetime career. By completing certain goal-oriented tasks in the Minors, you'll then get called up to the Major leagues -- and once there, you'll find even more career milestones to work towards. Do well enough with your created Joe Schmoe and you'll find yourself unlocking milestones that put him on the track to be the next entrant into the Hall of Fame.

Gallery: MLB 2K10 (My Player mode)


Source - Part one of My Player mode detailed
Source - Part two of My Player mode detailed

JoystiqNew MLB 2K10 media takes the mound originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsbaseballmajor-league-baseballmajor-league-baseball-2k10mbl-2k10Microsoftsportsvisual-conceptsXbox-360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New NHL 2K10 trailer totally fakes us out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/new-nhl-2k10-trailer-totally-fakes-us-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/new-nhl-2k10-trailer-totally-fakes-us-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/01/new-nhl-2k10-trailer-totally-fakes-us-out/#commentsOther than the ghastly image of Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin gracing the cover of September's NHL 2K10, we've seen almost nothing of the game thus far. Unfortunately for us -- and worse for you, weekend readers -- the game's first trailer does little in the way of showing off what the game has to offer. The one thing we do know after watching that trailer? Alex Ovechkin is quite a tricky fella.

JoystiqNew NHL 2K10 trailer totally fakes us out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sportsalex-ovechkinhockeyMicrosoftnhlnhl-2k10Nintendosportstrailervisual-conceptswashington-capitalsWiiXbox-360Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blue Jackets' Nash to front NHL 2K9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-jackets-nash-to-front-nhl-2k9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-jackets-nash-to-front-nhl-2k9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blue-jackets-nash-to-front-nhl-2k9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sure he and his team may have missed the playoffs yet again and are likely fantasizing about what might have been while swinging at balls from the back nine, but that hasn't stopped Columbus Blue Jackets' young-yet-impressive captain Rick Nash from scoring cover duty on Take Two's fall release of NHL 2K9. Also worthy of note from 2K is that developer Visual Concepts has "taken over" development duties for this latest game in the franchise -- as opposed we assume to working in tandem with fellow studio Kush Games -- and that the devs are rebuilding the title "from the ground up."

Not to take anything away from three-time All Star Nash, but it's still an odd choice, at least by team standings, given the Blue Jackets' once again abysmal campaign during the 2007-08 regular season that saw the fledgling team rank near the bottom of both the Western Conference and overall league in points. However, perhaps those who make these kinds of decisions are hoping this is the sort of voodoo that will turn Ohio's NHL franchise around -- sort of like a reverse Madden curse.

JoystiqBlue Jackets' Nash to front NHL 2K9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-sports2kgames2ksportshockeykush-gameskushgamesnhlnhl-2k9nhl2k9PS2PS3visual-conceptsvisualconceptsXbox-360Fri, 16 May 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[College Hoops sponsors online Final Four tourney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/college-hoops-sponsors-online-final-four-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/college-hoops-sponsors-online-final-four-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/college-hoops-sponsors-online-final-four-tourney/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here at X3F we aren't known for our love of the sports genre, but we know there are a few fanboys who can't get enough testosterone filled sports gaming. And for those gamers, we send word of an Xbox Live exclusive College Hoops 2K8 Virtual NCAA Final Four tourney where fame, a trip to San Antonio and a brand new car can be won. Registration for the online basketball tournament begins on February 22nd and will bounce its way through March 14th. As an added bonus, if you participate in the online tournament, complete all ten qualifying games and end your run with one final tournament you'll earn an uber exclusive gamer picture that'd make any NCAA fan proud. Now go, go and dunk that rock.

JoystiqCollege Hoops sponsors online Final Four tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2K-SportsBasketballcollege-hoopscollege-hoops-2k8SportsVisual-Conceptsxbox-liveThu, 14 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MX vs ATV and College Hoops demos on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mx-vs-atv-and-college-hoops-demos-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mx-vs-atv-and-college-hoops-demos-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/mx-vs-atv-and-college-hoops-demos-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nothing goes better together than ATVs and college basketball. It's one of those universal ying and yang experiences, like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk or friend chicken and cotton. Well, maybe not so much chicken and cotton, but you get the point. And today a ying-yang pair was born when both a 911MB MX vs ATV Untamed demo and a US / Canada exclusive 727MB College Hoops 2K8 demo demo released to the XBLM at the same time. It must be fate. Enjoy your downloadable demo fun and know that you'll be experiencing some true ying-yang gaming. Lucky you.

Read - MX vs ATV Untamed demo
Read - College Hoops 2K8 demo

JoystiqMX vs ATV and College Hoops demos on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballCollege-Hoopscollege-hoops-2k8Demomx-vs-atv-untamedSportsVisual-ConceptsxblmTue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: horn of plenty edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/shipping-this-week-horn-of-plenty-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/shipping-this-week-horn-of-plenty-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/shipping-this-week-horn-of-plenty-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


Before you ask, yes, we are angry that Joystiq stole our idea for this week's new games post. We're trying to manage our anger though, so we've been screaming into a pillow for the last three hours. Thankfully the Fancast has already been recorded, so our pristine voices remain intact. Anywho, we are faced with yet another week of incredible games. Rock Band is finally here, as is Mass Effect. You can even nab Avatar and snag 1000 gamerscore in minutes. If that's not something to be thankful for, we don't know what is. Behold this week's releases below.
  • Rock Band
  • Mass Effect
  • College Hoops 2K8
  • Avatar: The Burning Earth
  • Final Fantasy XI Online: Wings of the Goddess
  • Final Fantasy XI Online: Vana'diel Collection 08
If you've got the scratch, we suggest that you go forth and rock. Who knows, maybe you can even get your family to join in during Thanksgiving dinner.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: horn of plenty edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsavatarBasketballCollege-Hoopscollege-hoops-2k8finalfantasyximass-effectrock-bandSportsVisual-ConceptsMon, 19 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[College Hoops 2K8 leaves one sneaker in the past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/college-hoops-2k8-leaves-one-sneaker-in-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/college-hoops-2k8-leaves-one-sneaker-in-the-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/college-hoops-2k8-leaves-one-sneaker-in-the-past/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2K Sports has revealed that the forthcoming College Hoops 2K8, shipping later this month for both the Xbox 360 and PS3, will include 90 "classic" teams from college basketball history just waiting for another shot at roundball glory, albeit virtually.

Of these squads, 69 are described as "historically famed college teams," such as the 1982 North Carolina Tarheels and the 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions. In addition, players will also be able to lace up as one of six included all-time conference teams or 15 all-time school teams such as All-Time Duke and All-Time Michigan State. Comprehensive? Sure sounds like it, though now we wait for EA to fire the next PR volley with March Madness 08, coming in early December.

JoystiqCollege Hoops 2K8 leaves one sneaker in the past originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K8MicrosoftPS3SportsVisual-ConceptsXbox-360Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal of the Day: All Pro Football 2K8 for $20 at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/deal-of-the-day-all-pro-football-2k8-for-20-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/deal-of-the-day-all-pro-football-2k8-for-20-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/deal-of-the-day-all-pro-football-2k8-for-20-at-best-buy/#commentsFiled under:

A few years ago, Visual Concepts and Take-Two Interactive stunned the videogame community when it released NFL 2K5 for only $20, and now its newest football title All Pro Football 2K5 has hit that magic price point.

Currently, Best Buy has the non-licensed NFL title for only $20 at its online and brick and mortar stores. We still don't know if this is an official price drop, but if it is, it will be interesting to see if EA responds by slashing Madden NFL 2008's price, like it did with the 2005 iteration.

[Via CAG]

JoystiqDeal of the Day: All Pro Football 2K8 for $20 at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportsall-pro-football-2k8cheapdealstake-twovisual-conceptsFri, 19 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Online College Hoops 2K7 Final 4 tourney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/online-college-hoops-2k7-final-4-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/online-college-hoops-2k7-final-4-tourney/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/15/online-college-hoops-2k7-final-4-tourney/#commentsFiled under: ,


2K Sports, partnering with Pontiac, is hosting an online College Hoops 2K7 tournament. You'll have the chance to win numerous prizes including a Pontiac G5 GT, NCAA tournament tickets, and a trophy if you are the best of the best. The tournament is open to all Xbox Live members, registration and qualifying rounds must be completed by March 10th, and the first 2,000 members to sign up will receive an exclusive Final 4 theme. Full contest rules and overly complicated details on how the contest works are listed after the break.

JoystiqOnline College Hoops 2K7 Final 4 tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K7pontiacSportsVisual-ConceptsThu, 15 Feb 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[What a deal! Viva Pinata and more only $29.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/what-a-deal-viva-pinata-and-more-only-29-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/what-a-deal-viva-pinata-and-more-only-29-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/22/what-a-deal-viva-pinata-and-more-only-29-99/#commentsFiled under: ,

Simply put, cheap games roxorz, especially cheap games that are good. In store at Best Buy and at bestbuy.com you can purchase Viva Piñata, Pimp My Ride, and College Hoops 2K7 for the rock bottom price of $29.99. This deal is only good up until Saturday, December 23rd and can be purchased online (thank god) for those of us who hate to deal with the holiday crowds. It's almost Christmas and retailers want your money, retailers need your money, so make them happy and at least pick up Viva Piñata, because 5 out of 6 gamers agree Viva Piñata is the cool kids crack.

JoystiqWhat a deal! Viva Pinata and more only $29.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballBest-BuyCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K7Pimp-My-RideSportsVisual-ConceptsViva-PinataFri, 22 Dec 2006 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Boost Gamerscore the easy way: pay for it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/boost-gamerscore-the-easy-way-pay-for-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/boost-gamerscore-the-easy-way-pay-for-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/16/boost-gamerscore-the-easy-way-pay-for-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Life is hard. Every time you boot up your 360, all you see is the incredible Gamerscores that your friends have. It's embarrassing. Your pathetic, anemic little Gamerscore just doesn't compare. You feel like you just can't perform anymore. You don't have the time. You turn to your significant other and say, "I swear this has never happened to me before." Your significant other turns to you and says, "That's okay, honey. A lot of people have this problem. It's very common." Cold and ashamed, you warm up a glass of milk and go to bed early for 8 hours of fitful sleep.

Does this sound familiar? Well, the dastardly fine folks at Levelmy360.com are here to help. Through the goodness of their hearts (and for significant amounts of cash), they will boost your Gamerscore anywhere from 500 to 7000 points. Prices range from $40 to $400. That's right, all the pride and public notoriety of having a high Gamerscore is now free to be bought (and sold) at your discretion. Why on earth someone would actually pay just to boost Gamerscore we have no idea. It's not like World of Warcraft or anything -- the only thing Gamerscore is for is bragging rights.

We're not really sure what's worse, paying to use this service, or the countless hours of King Kong and College Hoops 2K6 being played by the people who run it.

[Thanks, Christian Santarelli]

See Also:
Earn 6,000 Xbox 360 points -- without trying

JoystiqBoost Gamerscore the easy way: pay for it originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K6King-KongLevel-My-360SportsVisual-ConceptsMon, 16 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[J.J. Redick named College Hoops 2K7 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/j-j-redick-named-college-hoops-2k7-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/j-j-redick-named-college-hoops-2k7-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/01/j-j-redick-named-college-hoops-2k7-cover-athlete/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2K Sports just announced that Duke Blue Devils star J.J. Redick will be plastered all over the latest College Hoops 2K game -- due in the fall for the Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2, and PS3.

J.J. follows the company line with this brilliant PR quote: "I'm a huge video gamer and have always been a fan of the College Hoops 2K series for its authenticity and addictive gameplay. I'm very excited to be a part of 2K7 and from what I've seen so far, this game is going to be mind blowing."

That's right folks, mind blowing! We've always wished for a college basketball game that would shatter our very notion of what a sports game could be. Frankly, we'd rather just settle for a game that played right and didn't freeze up or contain obvious bugs.

Oh, and by the way, the official College Hoops 2K7 site doesn't list the PS3 as a platform the game will be coming to, even though this latest press release does. Take that for what it's worth.

JoystiqJ.J. Redick named College Hoops 2K7 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsBasketballCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K7MicrosoftPS2PS3SportsVisual-ConceptsXboxXbox-360Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Earn 6,000 Xbox 360 points -- without trying]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/earn-6-000-xbox-360-points-without-trying/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/earn-6-000-xbox-360-points-without-trying/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/earn-6-000-xbox-360-points-without-trying/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GameSpotGameSpot has posted a "guide" for quickly accumulating a 6,000-point gamerscore. Wanna earn 400 points by pressing the start button for 30 minutes? How about the entire set of 1,000 points in a single game of College Hoops? Jeff Gerstmann will show you how, using these 7 games:
  • Madden NFL 06
  • NBA 2K6
  • NBA Live 06
  • King Kong
  • College Hoops 2K6
  • NHL 2K6
  • Amped 3
WARNING: While a 6,000-point gamerscore will look good on your gamercard, anyone that takes a closer look at your profile will be able to expose you for what you really are... Don't say we didn't warn you.

JoystiqEarn 6,000 Xbox 360 points -- without trying originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-SportsAchievementsAmped-3BasketballCollege-HoopsCollege-Hoops-2K6GamerscoreKing-KongMicrosoftNBA 2K6NBA-2K6NBA-Live-06SportsVisual-ConceptsXbox-360Tue, 14 Mar 2006 14:00:00 EST