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[Ubisoft cans World in Conflict's console release plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/ubisoft-cans-world-in-conflicts-console-release-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/ubisoft-cans-world-in-conflicts-console-release-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/03/ubisoft-cans-world-in-conflicts-console-release-plans/#commentsUbisoft has informed IGN that it has no plans to release World in Conflict: Soviet Assault to any console platform this month or anytime in the future. The PC version remains unaffected and will see a release later this month.

Soviet Assault's Xbox 360 and PS3 cancellation may be surprising for some, but for us, we questioned the project's console plans as of late. After the big Vivendi / Activision merger, Massive Entertainment's recent history and Soviet Assault's early delay, we knew something was up. We call it "game-cancellation-intuition." Not very catchy, we know.

JoystiqUbisoft cans World in Conflict's console release plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massive-entertainmentMicrosoftsoviet-assaultubisoftworld-in-conflictworld-in-conflict-soviet-assaultXbox-360Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft gets bigger by picking up Massive Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ubisoft-gets-bigger-by-picking-up-massive-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ubisoft-gets-bigger-by-picking-up-massive-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/10/ubisoft-gets-bigger-by-picking-up-massive-entertainment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Massive Entertainment, developers of World in Conflict and the Ground Control series, have a new home at publisher Ubisoft. The Swedish studio was let go by Activision Blizzard following "The Merger." Clearly, despite Massive's quality work, WiC and the studio's RTS proficiency lacked the "potential to be exploited" by Blizzavision.

Neither the teams next project nor the details of the financial transaction were disclosed by the publisher. Last we'd heard, Blizzavision still owned the rights to World in Conflict, but we've contacted Ubi to find out if it took the rights in the transaction. If it didn't, expect a new RTS franchise (unless the studio totally goes in a new direction) the next time Massive announces what game it's working on.

Update: Ubi confirmed with us that it did receive the World in Conflict rights in the acquisition.

JoystiqUbisoft gets bigger by picking up Massive Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardmassivemassive-entertainmentPCubisoftworld-in-conflictMon, 10 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict: Soviet Assault video blends multiple genres]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-video-blends-multiple-genres/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-video-blends-multiple-genres/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-video-blends-multiple-genres/#commentsFiled under:

It's not every day you hear a game being touted as "genre-defining" ... it seems our "sarcasm keyboards" aren't quite working. Sure, we hear it all the time, but World in Conflict: Soviet Assault has an interesting mix of genre to get our attention, as well as Joystiq's. Calling itself an "Action-Strategy" game, it eliminates the need to build bases or collect resources -- you've mainly got to deal with fast-paced action and split second strategies.

Imagine, if you will, an alternate Cold War where you're forced to battle the Soviets. The game boasts completely destructible environments and competitive online play (head-to-head and team-based) along with a hefty single-player campaign (from both the US and Soviet angles). In online play, you get your choice of a specialty: Infantry, Armor, Support, or Air. You'll get tweaked controls for console owners, offering more streamlined interfaces. In addition, a fully 3D camera lets you sweep around the world in any way you want as opposed to the typical isometric camera options.

JoystiqWorld in Conflict: Soviet Assault video blends multiple genres originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sierrasierra-entertainmentworld-in-conflictworld-in-conflict-so...Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: World in Conflict: Soviet Assault controls (360/PS3)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict-soviet-assault-controls/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you remember World in Conflict from last year, expect more of the same in this fall's World in Conflict: Soviet Assault. If you don't remember it, you might have been washed over by a dozen other great games. The real-time battle strategy takes gamers into an alternate 1989; the Cold War turns into a firefight.

Two changes define this update: 360 and PS3 gamers can play, and a new campaign lets you play from the Soviet perspective. PC gamers who have the original can opt for a download-only Soviet expansion, while those new to the title can get a bundled, PC edition. Console gamers will get the full, original game in this version, too.

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: World in Conflict: Soviet Assault controls (360/PS3)

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: World in Conflict: Soviet Assault controls (360/PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cold-warPCPS3sierrasierra-spring-event08strategyworld-in-conflictworld-in-conflict-soviet-assaultXbox-360Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict console 'reinvention' subtitled Soviet Assault]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/world-in-conflict-console-reinvention-subtitled-soviet-assault/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The delayed (and further delayed) console port of World in Conflict is evidently making headway, ready to trade in its "just a PC-port" reputation for a shiny new subtitle. Allow us to introduce ... World in Conflict: Soviet Assault. But this ain't no simple re-titling.

As shown off in the latest issue of Official Xbox Magazine (Czech edition ... what, you're not a subscriber?), developer Massive Entertainment has managed to teach WiC: SA some new tricks. Of course, mapping the PC's mouse and keyboard controls to a gamepad is a given (and being handled by porting developer Swordfish Studios), but what about a new campaign (play as the Russians, tovarish), more multiplayer maps, and some shiny new cut-scenes? That's what the bean counters call a "value add." In case you've already invested in that PC version, you can add some value to it with an expansion pack. That pack, as well as the Xbox 360 and PS3 releases, are scheduled to assault the nation's (world's?) retailers this Fall.

JoystiqWorld in Conflict console 'reinvention' subtitled Soviet Assault originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspyrMassive-EntertainmentPCPS3Soviet-AssaultWorld-In-ConflictXbox-360Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict announced for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-announced-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-announced-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-announced-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under:


The stellar PC strategy game, World in Conflict, has been announced for PS3 today. Formerly a Xbox 360 console exclusive, Sierra has rightly delayed console development to make sure both PS3 and 360 owners can enjoy one of the best RTS games of last year.

"World in Conflict was one of the best games on any platform in 2007 and its innovative action-focused gameplay makes it a perfect fit for the transition to consoles," said Martin Tremblay, president of worldwide studios, Sierra Entertainment. "World in Conflict is being reinvented for Xbox 360 and the PS3, with innovative features and new single player and multiplayer content created for the console audience. World in Conflict on consoles will be an amazing extension of an already great gaming franchise."

For the uninitiated, World in Conflict takes place in a fictional past, where the Cold War didn't end. As Russian troops surprise attack the West, players must use whatever they can to regain the initiative and fight back the massive Russian army. The game is being planned for console release this Fall.

JoystiqWorld in Conflict announced for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rtssierraworld-in-conflictThu, 14 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict console delay extends to Fall '08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-console-delay-extends-to-fall-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-console-delay-extends-to-fall-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/world-in-conflict-console-delay-extends-to-fall-08/#commentsFiled under: , ,

World in Conflict logo
Sierra just announced that their already delayed console port of PC real-time strategy slash tactical game World in Conflict would indeed be coming in 2008, as promised, but long after the originally planned November '07 release. The Xbox 360 and PS3 ports will be released this Fall (yup, that's one year later than you expected) with new single- and multiplayer content looking to make up for some of that delay. If it makes you feel any better, Martin Tremblay, president of worldwide studios, Sierra Entertainment, says the "franchise" is being "reinvented" for consoles. We're not really surprised they're planning to make more, but we still love when they call singular releases "franchises."

Gallery: World in Conflict PAX party

JoystiqWorld in Conflict console delay extends to Fall '08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Massive-EntertainmentPS3SierraSwordfish-StudiosWorld-In-ConflictXbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Writer's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/writers-guild-of-america-announces-nominees-for-game-writing-aw/#commentsFiled under: ,

The only thing that's consistently more ham-handed and embarrassing than the writing in games is the writing about games. Unlike the latter, however, small glimmers of hope emerge every year with the few games that thought it wise to deliver engaging dialogue and thoughtful plotting. This year alone saw titles like Mass Effect, BioShock and Portal being praised for exceptional writing and the emotional heft it lent to gameplay.

Of course, none of those were nominated for the Writer's Guild of America's first ever Video Game Writing Award, but never mind. The winner to grace the stage during the Writer's Guild Awards held in Los Angeles on February 9, 2008, will be chosen from this list of witty nominees:
  • Crash of the Titans -- Written by Christopher Mitchell for Sierra Entertainment
  • Dead Head Fred -- Written by Dave Ellis and Adam Cogan for D3 Publisher
  • The Simpsons Game -- With lead writer Matt Selman, written by Tim Long and Matt Warburton, dialogue by Jeff Poliquin for Electronic Arts
  • The Witcher -- With lead story designer Artur Ganszyniec, dialogue by Sebastian Stepien, additional dialogue by Marcin Blacha and writers Sande Chen and Anne Toole for Atari
  • World in Conflict -- Story design by Christofer Emgard, story consultant Larry Bond and script consultant Ed Zuckerman for Sierra Entertainment.
A game's eligibility hinged on being released between Dec. 1, 2006, and Nov. 30, 2007, and credited writers must have been or applied to become members of the WGA's New Media Caucus. Though we're undecided about which game deserves to win, we're certain that highlighting and rewording the good righting in games are vary importent.

JoystiqWriter's Guild of America announces nominees for game writing award originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AwardsCrash-BandicootCrash-of-the-titansDead-Head-FredThe-Simpsons-GameThe-WitcherWGAWorld-in-ConflictWritingTue, 15 Jan 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict for Xbox 360 pushed into 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/world-in-conflict-for-xbox-360-pushed-into-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/world-in-conflict-for-xbox-360-pushed-into-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/world-in-conflict-for-xbox-360-pushed-into-2008/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sierra has confirmed that the Xbox 360 port of Cold War era real-time strategy game World in Conflict won't surface until sometime in 2008. The game, which is currently available for the PC, was originally planned for release on the console this November. The jury is wide open to speculation as to the reason for the date change, though Sierra has offered no official reason for the delay.

Interestingly, the shift follows last month's PC ship date announcement, which if you'll recall completely ignored the existence of the Xbox 360 alternative, though when pressed Sierra did tell us that the game "is still scheduled for this year," information that we know to be erroneous. Still, the PC version has been garnering impressive reviews so far, so we continue to hold out hope that Sierra's internal studio Swordfish, which is handling the console port, will deliver the goods someday.

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqWorld in Conflict for Xbox 360 pushed into 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysMassive-EntertainmentmicrosoftrtsSierraSierra-EntertainmentUbisoftvivendiWorld-in-ConflictxboxXbox-360Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Our world will not be in conflict until 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/our-world-will-not-be-in-conflict-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/our-world-will-not-be-in-conflict-until-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/01/our-world-will-not-be-in-conflict-until-2008/#commentsFiled under:

Today, Sierra Entertainment sent word that their Cold War based RTS World in Conflict will not be releasing to the Xbox 360 this year and is instead being pushed back into 2008. World in Conflict is currently available on the PC and was originally slated for a November release on the 360 until today's delay news broke. But the delay may be worth the wait with reviews for World in Conflict generally favorable and it pulling in an average of 91 on metacritic. So, if Massive Entertainment does a good job of translating this RTS over to the conosle realm then World in Conflict just might be something of interest come 2008.

JoystiqOur world will not be in conflict until 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>massivesierraworld-in-conflictMon, 01 Oct 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 07: The World in Conflict party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/26/pax-07-the-world-in-conflict-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/26/pax-07-the-world-in-conflict-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/26/pax-07-the-world-in-conflict-party/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, we had a lot of blogging to catch up on, but we couldn't help but stop by Sierra's splashy Word in Conflict party last night if only to play our favorite game: "How Much Do You Bet This All Cost?" Alongside what appeared to be real military vehicles (they're scary looking in Real Life) and Communist propaganda were the requisite "booth" (party?) babes and overpriced drinks. How overpriced? How does upwards of $7 or $8 sound? It's a good thing anyways, we'd have just drank too much, riflebutted a guard, then drove one of those tank-things out of the building and through downtown Seattle.

Gallery: World in Conflict PAX party

JoystiqPAX 07: The World in Conflict party originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Massive-EntertainmentPAXPAX07SierraSierra-EntertainmentWorld-in-ConflictSun, 26 Aug 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict declares war on PC Sept. 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/world-in-conflict-declares-war-on-pc-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/world-in-conflict-declares-war-on-pc-sept-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/world-in-conflict-declares-war-on-pc-sept-18/#commentsFiled under: ,

On September 18, Sierra's World in Conflict is ready to go all alternate timeline, and make us experience what could've happened if the Cold War had gone hawt. The game will retail at $49.99 for the normal box and $59.99 for the collector's edition. Our time with the game was so-so, but we definitely enjoy the Magnum P.I. trailer that was put together (which can be found after the break).

But what about the Xbox 360 version, you may ask? Being completely ignored on the press release, we called up Sierra and it turns out that the game "is still scheduled for this year." Although you can expect to purchase the Xbox 360 version at the "collector's edition" price of $59.99 -- minus the History Channel DVD and piece of the Berlin Wall.

Gallery: World in Conflict

Continue reading World in Conflict declares war on PC Sept. 18

JoystiqWorld in Conflict declares war on PC Sept. 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Games-for-WindowsMassive-EntertainmentPCSierraSierra-EntertainmentUbisoftWorld-in-ConflictXbox-360Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: World in Conflict]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-world-in-conflict/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Think of a real-time strategy game session as a bell curve. At the lower end is the beginning, when there's a lot of resource-gathering and scouting. In the middle and the higher portion, there's lots of action. As the battle winds down, so does the action. Massive Entertainment's World in Conflict was described to us as a strategy game with the lower ends of the bell curve cut off, and from what we saw at the Sierra suite, it's a pretty accurate description.

The story of World in Conflict is based in an alternate future where the Berlin wall didn't fall and the Cold War went hot. At the beginning of the battle, the player is given 6,000 in currency that can be used to purchase and deploy troops. Once a troop is destroyed, its value is returned to the player for purchasing more troops, keeping the intensity up.

Gallery: World in Conflict

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: World in Conflict

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: World in Conflict originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307handsonimpressionsMassive-EntertainmentPCSierraSierra-EntertainmentUbisoftWorld-in-ConflictXbox-360Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[World in Conflict Collector's Edition to include piece of Berlin Wall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/world-in-conflict-collectors-edition-to-include-piece-of-berlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/world-in-conflict-collectors-edition-to-include-piece-of-berlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/world-in-conflict-collectors-edition-to-include-piece-of-berlin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What is a publisher to do when everyone and their mother is offering up a "collectors edition" of their game? You fill it with history is what. Sierra Entertainment must have been particularly inspired when they decided to include an "authentic piece of the Berlin Wall" with the special edition of their upcoming strategy title, World in Conflict.

Though the recently announced 360 version of the title is not mentioned, the PC's collectors edition contains not only a chunk of the Cold War era, but a bonus DVD from the History Channel as well. We're willing to award Sierra with a well deserved golf clap for their ingenuity, but at the same time it does feel odd to commercialize a historic world event with a video game about Russian forces invading US soil, Red Dawn style.

For those curious about the game itself, 1UP previewed World in Conflict today in this weeks episode of The 1UP Show.

[via Blues News]

JoystiqWorld in Conflict Collector's Edition to include piece of Berlin Wall originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Massive-EntertainmentPCSierraSierra-EntertainmentUbisoftWorld-in-ConflictXbox-360Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:41:00 EST