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[Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4 teases in first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/penny-arcades-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness-4-teases/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/penny-arcades-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness-4-teases/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/penny-arcades-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness-4-teases/#comments
While we do have some idea of what to expect in Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4, we have yet to catch a glimpse - until now. This teaser trailer from Zeboyd Games' upcoming sequel promises demonic trains and vast underhells; it promises a cadre of monsters to capture and throw into battle.

Previously developer Zeboyd Games revealed this latest episode would not grace iOS, Mac or Android - all supported platforms for Rain-Slick 3. The upcoming fourth episode will launch on PC and Xbox Live Indie Games some time this spring for 400 MS Points ($5).

JoystiqPenny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4 teases in first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventures-4rain-slick-4xbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gameszeboyd-gamesTue, 19 Mar 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take control of an 80s arcade with Arcadecraft, out now on XBLIG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/take-control-of-an-80s-arcade-with-arcadecraft-out-now-on-xblig/#comments Arcadecraft is out on XBLIGArcadecraft, the 80s arcade management sim from Firebase Industries, is available now on Xbox Live Indie Games for 240 MS Points ($3). In Arcadecraft, players must dig themselves out of debt with the latest craze in entrepreneurship, starting an arcade. As owner and manager, players purchase arcade machines, position them around the space, name their arcade, paint the walls, change the floors, and add graphics and neon wherever they deem necessary.

Arcadecraft has almost 80 arcade machines of different design, each with adjustable difficulty and price settings, and some games will jam, break down and need servicing as customers use and abuse them.

Firebase Industries, the team behind Orbitron: Revolution, has Arcadecraft on Steam Greenlight and is working on a touch-based Windows 8 version.

JoystiqTake control of an 80s arcade with Arcadecraft, out now on XBLIG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecraftFirebase-IndustriesgreenlightIndiemicrosoftmobilepcSTEAMsteam-greenlightwindows-8xbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSun, 03 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Xbox Live, Arcade, Indie and Windows games of 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/top-xbox-live-arcade-indie-and-windows-games-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/top-xbox-live-arcade-indie-and-windows-games-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/top-xbox-live-arcade-indie-and-windows-games-of-2012/#comments The top Xbox Live, Arcade, Indie and Windows games of 2012If an alien intelligence agency got a hold of this "Top Xbox games of 2012" list, it might come away with the conclusion that humans are really, really into mining. The aliens might also conclude that we enjoy warfare, including the kind that affects extraterrestrials, so let's hope that they focus on the harmless digging thing and keep their lasers to themselves.

Major Nelson breaks down 2012's top 20 games of the following categories: Live, Arcade, Indie and Games for Windows Live. The top Xbox Live games of 2012, determined by average unique users per day, are Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Modern Warfare 3, Halo 4, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition and Black Ops. Following that is a round of sports games, including FIFA Soccer 13 and 12, and Halo: Reach, Assassin's Creed 3, Battlefield 3, Borderlands 2, Far Cry 3 and Skyrim.

The top five Xbox Live Arcade games, determined by full versions purchased, are Minecraft, Trials Evolution, The Walking Dead, Pinball FX2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Castle Crashers is hanging out at No. 6, followed by Fez at No. 13. Indie games are ranked with the same method, and they carry a familiar theme, headlined by CastleMiner Z, CastleMiner, Total Miner: Forge, Avatar Deathmatch and FortressCraft Chapter 1.

Games for Windows Live games get ranked by average unique users per day, and the top five are Grand Theft Auto 4, Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition, Age of Empires Online, Batman: Arkham City and Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition. Remember, aliens, humans sure do love the smell of fresh, pixelated dirt. See for yourself with the full lists, provided by Major Nelson, after the break.

Continue reading Top Xbox Live, Arcade, Indie and Windows games of 2012

JoystiqTop Xbox Live, Arcade, Indie and Windows games of 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012games-for-windows-livemicrosoftpctoptop-2012XBLAxboxXbox-LiveXbox-Live-Arcadexbox-live-indie-gamesWed, 23 Jan 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade 3 now on Mac, iOS, & Android, free Seamstress DLC live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/penny-arcade-3-now-on-mac-ios-and-android-free-seamstress-dlc-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/penny-arcade-3-now-on-mac-ios-and-android-free-seamstress-dlc-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/penny-arcade-3-now-on-mac-ios-and-android-free-seamstress-dlc-l/#comments Penny Arcade Adventures 3 now on iOS, Android, & Mac, new free DLCPenny Arcade's On The Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 is now raining down on iOS, Android, and Mac. All versions include the free Lair of the Seamstress DLC which trickled concurrently onto Steam and Xbox Live Indie Games, as well as the Fanfiction Pack dropped earlier this year. The Android and iOS versions storm in at $2.99, with the Mac version a spot more at $4.99.

The Lair of the Seamstress DLC includes a new dungeon, which Zeboyd says can be entered when all your classes are Level 40 or higher by "going to the top floor of the Class Shrine." There's also a new zombie-themed costume pack, almost as if to tie in to some horror-themed annual holiday.

JoystiqPenny Arcade 3 now on Mac, iOS, & Android, free Seamstress DLC live originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-3penny-arcade-adventures-3penny-arcades-on-the-rain-slick-precipice-of-darkness-3release-dateXBLIGxboxxbox-live-indie-gameszeboyd-gamesFri, 26 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleMiner Z cracks one million, still fastest-selling XBLIG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/castleminer-z-cracks-one-million-still-fastest-selling-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/castleminer-z-cracks-one-million-still-fastest-selling-xblig/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/castleminer-z-cracks-one-million-still-fastest-selling-xblig/#comments DigitalDNA Games is popping corks right now, having surpassed the one million download mark for its Xbox Live Indie Games offering, CastleMiner Z. The self-described "voxel/sandbox zombie survival game" became the first XBLIG game to sell one million copies, DigitalDNA Games says, in little over 10 months.

CastleMiner Z, the sequel to CastleMiner, surpassed 900.000 copies sold just last month. CastleMiner Z is currently available on Xbox Live Indie Games for 80 MS Points ($1).

Continue reading CastleMiner Z cracks one million, still fastest-selling XBLIG

JoystiqCastleMiner Z cracks one million, still fastest-selling XBLIG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castleminer-zdigitaldna-gamesmicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesMon, 17 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CastleMiner Z crests 900,000 sales, becomes fastest-selling XBLIG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castleminer-z-crests-900-000-sales-becomes-fastest-selling-xbli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castleminer-z-crests-900-000-sales-becomes-fastest-selling-xbli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/18/castleminer-z-crests-900-000-sales-becomes-fastest-selling-xbli/#comments CastleMiner Z crests 900,000 sales, fastest selling XBLIG in historyAs of August 15, Xbox Live Indie Game CastleMiner Z, which is priced at 80 MS Points ($1), has exceeded sales of 900,000 - making it the most successful XBLIG to date, developer DigitalDNA Games claims.

"Based on the positions in the daily best selling lists it may very well be the best selling XBLIG of all time, but I won't feel fully comfortable saying that until we have reached the top of the xbox.com best selling list, which I project should happen when we round out 1M units sales in the next 4-6 weeks, becoming the first XBLIG to do so," DigitalDNA Games' Thomas Steinke told Joystiq. Still, CastleMiner Z has been at the top of Major Nelson's XBLIG list since launching back in November. And CastleMiner Z is always at the top of the daily best-selling area of xbox.com.

Steinke only had nice things to say about Microsoft, saying that creating XBLIG games has been "an unbelievable and life changing experience," though he does wish they paid more attention to the XBLIG channel. "We have really wanted to make an XBLA title for a long time, you would think when you have a developer that has moved millions of units on XBLIG that it would get some attention from them, however that hasn't been the case for us."

Joystiq has contacted Microsoft to confirm DigitalDNA's claims; however, the company typically does not disclose XBLIG sales data to the public.

JoystiqCastleMiner Z crests 900,000 sales, becomes fastest-selling XBLIG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castleminer-zdigital-dna-gamesdigitaldnagamesmicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSat, 18 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLIG Companion app available now for Windows Phone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/xblig-companion-app-available-now-for-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/xblig-companion-app-available-now-for-windows-phone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/xblig-companion-app-available-now-for-windows-phone/#comments
The Xbox Live Indie Games Companion app we first reported earlier this month is now available on Windows Phone. The app allows for easy browsing of Xbox Live Indie Games, including information, screens and links for each game. The app will even point users to Xbox Live Marketplace, where XBLIG demos or even full games can be purchased directly from their phone. Honestly, the XBLIG Companion looks like a much easier way of finding indie games than on Xbox Live Marketplace itself.

Windows Phone users can nab the app now for the reasonable price of no dollars. Developer Eat Studios notes that iOS and Android versions of the app "should be available in the near future."

JoystiqXBLIG Companion app available now for Windows Phone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilewindows-phonewindows-phone-7xbligXBLIG-Companionxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesWed, 07 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/xbox-live-indie-gems-nyan-cat-adventure/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we try out Nyan Cat Adventure, a platformer from 21st Street Games.
Indie developer 21st Street Games has found a niche: bizarre platformers. Its previous offering, Techno Kitten Adventure, was a visual assault backed by a simple gameplay mechanic, and the studio's latest is no different. The Xbox Live Indie game Nyan Cat Adventure takes the popular internet meme into the realm of single-button arcade gameplay.

But the most surprising thing about Nyan Cat Adventure is the variety I found in such a simple experience. True, the game only uses one button, but what that button does constantly changes throughout the game's main mode of play, dubbed 'Party.'

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Nyan Cat Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>21st-street-gamesindie-gamesmicrosoftnyan-cat-adventuretechno-kitten-adventurexboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 10 Feb 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Brand swings on to Xbox Live Indie Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/brand-swings-on-to-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/brand-swings-on-to-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/brand-swings-on-to-xbox-live-indie-games/#comments
Brand caught our eye all the way back in August of last year, and we've just gotten word that the game is available now on Xbox Live Indie Games, yours for the low price of just 240 Microsoft points ($3). You can see a release trailer above, and all of those swords you see in there are custom-made, because the game allows you to create your own.

We're also told that you can play as your own Xbox Live avatar, and that there's about five hours of nonlinear exploration gameplay across three big areas. Looks good -- if you give it a download, let us know what you think.

JoystiqBrand swings on to Xbox Live Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandcustomizationmicrosoftnine-dots-studioreleaseswordxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSat, 04 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision OK's XBLIG; you probably haven't heard of it, it's pretty underground [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/activision-published-an-xblig-you-probably-havent-heard-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/activision-published-an-xblig-you-probably-havent-heard-of-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/activision-published-an-xblig-you-probably-havent-heard-of-it/#comments After accruing millions of fans and billions of dollars through mainstream blockbusters such as the Call of Duty franchise, Activision is going indie. Dark Reign: Redux is a modern, fan-made remake of the 1997 title, Dark Reign: The Future of War, which was developed by Auran and published by Activision. The revamp is available on XBLIG and was developed by Magnetar (no, that's not a Pokemon) Games to include updated resolution, widescreen, and PC, console and mobile capability.

Dark Reign: Redux is $5 (400 MS Points) on XBLIG now, and buying it supports the indie and mega-huge gaming industry in one blow.

Update: Activision isn't the direct publisher of Dark Reign: Redux, but it did OK the title in a licensing agreement with Magnetar Games, who self-published it.

JoystiqActivision OK's XBLIG; you probably haven't heard of it, it's pretty underground [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisiondark-reignDark-Reign-ReduxDark-Reign-The-Future-of-WarMagnetarMagnetar-Gamesmicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSun, 29 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Games get increased file size, reduced minimum prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-indie-games-get-increased-file-size-reduced-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-indie-games-get-increased-file-size-reduced-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-indie-games-get-increased-file-size-reduced-prices/#comments Indie Games It's been something of a rocky road for Xbox Live Indie Game developers, often confronted with less than ideal exposure and competing with not only huge retail games, but also incredibly cheap titles on mobile platforms like iOS. Microsoft has today addressed a handful of concerns that XBLIG devs face, notably the issues of game size and pricing.

First, the size of projects has been greatly increased, from 150 megabytes to the new maximum of 500 megabytes. Second, and perhaps most important, Microsoft has removed one of the major restrictions on price. Before, all games that exceeded 50MB in size we required to be priced at either $3 or $5, making them hard to position against both XBLA titles and mobile titles on other platforms. The minimum price has now been reduced to $1 (80 MS Points), making XBL Indies more competitive and (potentially) more lucrative.

Finally, Microsoft has raised the cap on the number of titles any developer is allowed to host on the Indie Games service. Previously topping out at 10, developers may now have a total of 20 games available at any given time. Of course, you know what this means: Moar Gaems with Z0mb1ES in Th3m and a larger assortment of choice weapons.

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Games get increased file size, reduced minimum prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-gamesmicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesWed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox Dashboard features leave Indie Games in the lurch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/new-xbox-dashboard-features-incompatible-with-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/new-xbox-dashboard-features-incompatible-with-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/new-xbox-dashboard-features-incompatible-with-indie-games/#comments
Now that the new Xbox 360 Dashboard is out there, many are finding the new features don't extend to Indie Games. Sure, Indies haven't supported Achievements for a while, and there's always been a price ceiling, but it looks like Beacons don't work with them, cloud storage isn't supported, and new releases don't appear under, well, new releases.

It's all in the video above, provided by GameMarx. Even that new Xbox iOS app doesn't list Indies. Why is nobody thinking of the little guys?

JoystiqNew Xbox Dashboard features leave Indie Games in the lurch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboarddashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2011indie-gamesmicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesFri, 09 Dec 2011 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Annecto]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/xbox-live-indie-gems-annecto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/xbox-live-indie-gems-annecto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/xbox-live-indie-gems-annecto/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we try out Annecto, a puzzle game from oh-four-hundred.
Puzzle goodness
With the Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising underway, there's already a glut of high quality games arriving. We've got one more to add that isn't part of the promotion. Say hello to Annecto, a unique puzzle game about building shapes and fending off curses. See it for yourself in the latest episode of Xbox Live Indie Gems.

Want to try out Annecto? You can queue the trial version for download here on Xbox.com! The full version is 240 MS Points ($3). If you've discovered (or created) an outstanding Xbox Live Indie Game and think it deserves some more visibility, email Richard aat joystiq dawt com, subject line "Xbox Live Indie Gems." Want to find more indie gems? Check out the archive.

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Annecto originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>annectomicrosoftxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsSat, 27 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising is go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/psa-xbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprising-is-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/psa-xbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprising-is-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/psa-xbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprising-is-go/#comments Summer Uprising games
Just a quick reminder that the Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising has officially begun. The final two games have been chosen by the community, making for a total of ten new games to be released over the coming two weeks. A new title will be released every weekday, starting today with side-scrolling slasher Raventhorne.

Each game in the promotion will cost $3, with the $1 exceptions of Battle High: San Bruno and Cute Things Dying Violently. You can see each game in action in the trailer above and find the complete release schedule after the break.

Continue reading PSA: Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising is go

JoystiqPSA: Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising is go originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftrelease-datesummer-uprisingxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprisingMon, 22 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Games Summer Uprising gets new trailer, community voting begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/indie-games-summer-uprising-gets-new-trailer-community-voting-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/indie-games-summer-uprising-gets-new-trailer-community-voting-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/indie-games-summer-uprising-gets-new-trailer-community-voting-b/#comments XBLIG Summer Uprising logo
So, those eight games chosen to headline the Xbox Live Indie Games Summer Uprising, would you like to see some footage? No? How about footage set to the tune of Mega Man 2's first Dr. stage? Yes! We knew you would come around.

Since you're here, you should also know that community voting for the final two games has begun. Check out the entries page on the Summer Uprising website and then head over to the Facebook page to cast your vote. We'd love to strong-arm our readers into voting for The Jump Hero, but what sort of example would that set for other responsible websites?

The Summer Uprising officially begins later this month on August 22.

Continue reading Indie Games Summer Uprising gets new trailer, community voting begins

JoystiqIndie Games Summer Uprising gets new trailer, community voting begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-gamesmicrosoftsummer-uprisingxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprisingMon, 01 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[8 headlining games chosen for Indie Games Summer Uprising]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/8-headlining-games-chosen-for-indie-games-summer-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/8-headlining-games-chosen-for-indie-games-summer-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/18/8-headlining-games-chosen-for-indie-games-summer-uprising/#comments Much like the outdoor temperature, the Indie Games Summer Uprising is heating up. Eight of the promotion's headlining titles, as chosen by Indie Game developers, have been revealed. The titles run the gamut of fighting, platforming, role-playing and train simulator (no really!) games.

This August, voting will begin for two more titles to be chosen by the community itself. Voting will start on Monday, August 1, and will run until August 14 on the Indie Games Summer Uprising Facebook page. See the full list of developer-chosen games (including links to descriptions and trailers) after the break.

Continue reading 8 headlining games chosen for Indie Games Summer Uprising

Joystiq8 headlining games chosen for Indie Games Summer Uprising originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-gamesindie-games-summer-uprisingindie-games-uprisingmicrosoftsummer-uprisingxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprisingMon, 18 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL Indie Games Summer Uprising developer voting begins, fan voting opens August 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/xbl-indie-games-summer-uprising-developer-voting-begins-fan-vot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/xbl-indie-games-summer-uprising-developer-voting-begins-fan-vot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/xbl-indie-games-summer-uprising-developer-voting-begins-fan-vot/#comments The Xbox Live Indie Games community is preparing for another self-motivated promotional outing, with its Indie Games Summer Uprising. Though the devs are doing all the marketing on their own, they still need your help in two ways.

First, the organizers want you to vote on two of the featured games. Developer voting for eight of the Uprising slots is going on now; those games will be released at the rate of one per day from August 22 - 31 . On August 1-15, community voting will open up for two additional titles. These two games will then be released at the end of the Uprising, on September 1 and 2. You can follow the promotion on the new Uprising site.

The second way you can help: buy some games when they come out. Obvious, really.

JoystiqXBL Indie Games Summer Uprising developer voting begins, fan voting opens August 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsummer-uprisingxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesTue, 05 Jul 2011 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: TIC: Part 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/xbox-live-indie-gems-tic-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/xbox-live-indie-gems-tic-part-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/xbox-live-indie-gems-tic-part-1/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we take RedCandy Games' TIC: Part 1 for a spin.

In the latest episode of Xbox Live Indie Gems, we try out TIC: Part 1 from RedCandy Games. It's a 2D platformer with some challenging hovering mechanics and beautiful visuals.

Want to try out TIC: Part 1? You can queue the trial version for download here on Xbox.com! The full version is 240 MS Points ($3). If you've discovered (or created) an outstanding Xbox Live Indie Game and think it deserves some more visibility, email Richard aat joystiq dawt com, subject line "Xbox Live Indie Gems." Want to find more indie gems? Check out the archive.

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: TIC: Part 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsofttic-part-1xboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsSat, 02 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL Indie Games Uprising returns this summer, taking submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/xbl-indie-games-uprising-returns-this-summer-taking-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/xbl-indie-games-uprising-returns-this-summer-taking-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/xbl-indie-games-uprising-returns-this-summer-taking-submissions/#comments Following the "commercial and critical success" of last year's Xbox Live Indie Games Winter Uprising promotion, a new Uprising event has been announced for this summer. The clearly named Indie Games Summer Uprising is scheduled to kick off on August 22 and run through September 12, with two games planned to release each week.

This time XBLIG developers are being called upon to submit their games ahead of time for consideration. Starting July 4, voting will begin to decide the final list of featured titles. There's already and impressive list of candidates, with over two dozen games submitted. You'd best hurry if you'd like your project considered: Submissions will only be accepted until June 24.

We've included trailers for some of our favorite submissions after the break.

Continue reading XBL Indie Games Uprising returns this summer, taking submissions

JoystiqXBL Indie Games Uprising returns this summer, taking submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiemicrosoftsummer-uprisingxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-games-summer-uprisingThu, 16 Jun 2011 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Cthulhu Saves the World approved for Steam, Zeboyd 'hoping' for release this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/cthulhu-saves-the-world-approved-for-steam-zeboyd-hoping-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/cthulhu-saves-the-world-approved-for-steam-zeboyd-hoping-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/cthulhu-saves-the-world-approved-for-steam-zeboyd-hoping-for/#comments Zeboyd Games has announced that its excellent Xbox Live Indie title, Cthulhu Saves the World, has been approved by Valve for release on Steam. Developer Robert Boyd is "hoping" to get the game released before the month is out. Just like its Xbox Live counterpart, it will cost a measly $3. Armless Octopus also reports that Boyd is attempting to offer some sort of bonus for those who pre-order on Steam. Additionally, the site reports that Boyd is working to bring the title to GamersGate, Impulse and Desura.

The PC version will include several new enhancements, including an extra campaign with new characters and dialogue, rebalanced gameplay, a new dungeon, an "insanity" difficulty setting and developer commentary. As previously revealed, the Xbox Live version will receive the extra content in a free update at the same time.

JoystiqCthulhu Saves the World approved for Steam, Zeboyd 'hoping' for release this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldmicrosoftpcsteamvalvexboxxbox-live-indie-gameszeboyd-gamesFri, 13 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/08/rhythm-rpg-hybrid-sequence-out-now-on-xbox-live-indie-games/#comments Iridium Studios' unique role-playing rhythm title Sequence has finally arrived on Xbox Live Indie Games. For the uninitiated, Sequence sees players conducting battle using a DDR-esque four direction input set to the rhythm of tracks from Michael Wade Hamilton and YouTube sensation Ronald Jenkees. On the RPG side, there's a ton of character customization, item crafting, pithy dialogue and also magic and stuff.

The game's available now through the Xbox Live Indie Games storefront for 240 Microsoft Points ($3). If you're still confused on how this Frankensteinian genre-bender works, check out a launch trailer after the jump!

Continue reading Rhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games

JoystiqRhythm/RPG hybrid Sequence out now on Xbox Live Indie Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indieiridium-studiosmicrosoftrhythmrpgsequencexboxxbox-live-indie-gamesSun, 08 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/magicka-sequel-planned-first-game-and-vietnam-expansion-sold-o/#comments Arrowhead Studios' first game, Magicka, has been a runaway success. Publisher Paradox Interactive told Joystiq in a recent interview that the game "sold over 30,000 copies in the first 24 hours," and the five dollar Vietnam-themed expansion has moved "well over 100,000" copies since launching in mid-April. Even at just $5, that's plenty of extra ducats.

Paradox CEO Fredrik Wester also confirmed a Magicka sequel on the books, though the folks at Arrowhead are still hard at work on the first game's PvP, set for a free release in the near future. "When we -- and I'm not saying 'if' -- but 'when' we are doing a sequel to this game, it's going to be done on a totally different technology," Wester explained, airing some of his company's grievances with Magicka's game engine, XNA Studios. "It was super buggy at release," he added, speaking to Magicka's less-than-perfect state at launch. "We addressed most of them in the first week, but there are still issues with laptops and a few other things. It's due to the engine that we produced the game on."

As for the oft-requested console version of Magicka, Wester and his company are taking an all-or-nothing approach at this point. "We wanna do XBLA or nothing for the Xbox," Wester matter-of-factly stated when asked about the possibility of the game still heading to Xbox Live Indie Games. Beyond it being a smaller marketplace, he noted, "We looked into that, but it was not as simple as it seemed at first." PlayStation Network, thankfully, is an easier task. "PSN should be a no brainer, and I'm saying should because ... I can't really say anything more at the moment," he coyly added, noting, "I'll let you know as soon as I can say more." ESRB listings discovered earlier this year certainly indicate that something is in the cards.

Continue reading Magicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations'

JoystiqMagicka sequel planned, first game and Vietnam expansion sold 'over expectations' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowheadarrowhead-studiosfredrik-westermagickamagicka-vietnammicrosoftparadoxparadox-interactivepcplaystationps3psnsalesswedenxblaxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxnaxna-studios-engineTue, 03 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Solve It - Pack 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-live-indie-gems-solve-it-pack-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-live-indie-gems-solve-it-pack-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-live-indie-gems-solve-it-pack-1/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we take a logical journey through Solve It - Pack 1 from Marklund Games.
Like most well-made puzzle games, Solve It - Pack 1 is deceptively simple. Solve It takes its cue from other logic puzzlers out there, tasking the player with the simple goal of reaching an exit. Simply guide the strange little avatar over happy, brightly colored obstacles and reach the goal. It really couldn't be simpler. There's a catch, of course, being that you have to figure out how to reach the exit before your avatar takes a single step.

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Solve It - Pack 1

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Solve It - Pack 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jocce-marklundmarklund-gamesmicrosoftsolve-it-pack-1xboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 29 Apr 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft takes measure to counter alleged Indie Games ratings manipulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/microsoft-takes-measure-to-counter-alleged-indie-games-ratings-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/microsoft-takes-measure-to-counter-alleged-indie-games-ratings-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/microsoft-takes-measure-to-counter-alleged-indie-games-ratings-m/#comments Microsoft has disabled Xbox Live "Free" members' ability to rate Marketplace content on Xbox.com in an apparent effort to curb ratings manipulation. The announcement was made on the XNA Game Studio Team Blog and was specifically addressed to the Indie Games Community.

"By implementing this change, we believe our customers will experience more consistent ratings and a significantly reduced potential for abuse across the entire Xbox catalog," said the statement. "We have also investigated rolling back suspect votes, however, we determined it will not be possible to do this."

Several weeks ago, developers of some of the top-rated Indie Games suspected foul play when their games began to slide down the Top Rated listing after receiving, by one developer's count, "hundreds of 1 star ratings" in a single week. While the XNA Team conceded that it would be unable to take away such seemingly unwarranted ratings, it did add that "we are investigating users who may have violated their user agreement during this series of events."

"Violating user agreements may result in actions up to and including banning from Xbox Live, removal of currently posted games, and loss of ability to post games in the future," the statement continued.

A few Indie Games developers have expressed gratitude, as reported by Armless Octopus, for Microsoft listening to their concerns and taking action. (Historically, it's been a somewhat rocky relationship between the two sides.) While limiting rating powers on Xbox.com to paying Gold members would seem to thwart the most egregious attacks and manipulation of content, it does not solve some of the other issues with the system; most notably that a user need not play, let alone purchase, content to rate it.

JoystiqMicrosoft takes measure to counter alleged Indie Games ratings manipulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftratingsxbligxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldxbox-live-indie-gamesxna-game-studioTue, 19 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Games ratings are being manipulated, devs say]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-indie-games-ratings-are-being-manipulated-devs-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-indie-games-ratings-are-being-manipulated-devs-say/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/30/xbox-live-indie-games-ratings-are-being-manipulated-devs-say/#comments If you thought jocks versus nerds was a war you left behind in high school, we've got some bad news: It's followed you to a new, less predictable battleground. Yup, Xbox Live Indie Games. Seemingly provoked by a harmless call to action by the developers behind College Lacrosse 2011 on their Facebook page -- they even said, "Please remember to not rate other games low to help CL11" -- some developers have noticed a drastic drop in their XBLIG rankings.

"After hanging out around the #6 top rated slot for a month or two, our game's rating started to drop very quickly," Cthulu Saves the World dev Robert Boyd wrote on Microsoft's App Hub Forums. "In less than a week, we went from being #6 top rated to our current spot of #11." And how are the lacrosse games doing? "In contrast, the Lacrosse games which were in the middle of top 20 best rated (I don't remember the exact positions) are now ranked #4 & #5," Boyd observed.

For its part, Microsoft's XNA Creator's Club has acknowledged the possibility of manipulation, tweeting, "We are investigating a possible misuse of ratings on #XBLIG titles. We'll announce more information here as it develops."

The real issue is how easy it is for a group of individuals (take the 177K fans of College Lacrosse's Facebook page) to influence the popularity of games on the service: Users can rate games on Microsoft's website without owning an Xbox, purchasing a game, or even playing a demo. When download numbers are as tied to rankings as they are on the Indie Games marketplace (just like on the iOS and Android marketplaces) this issue is really critical in maintaining the fairness of that ecosystem.

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Games ratings are being manipulated, devs say originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldmicrosoftRobert-BoydXBLIGxboxXbox-LiveXbox-Live-Indie-GamesZeboyd-GamesWed, 30 Mar 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Clover: A Curious Tale gets permanent price drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/clover-a-curious-tale-gets-permanent-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/clover-a-curious-tale-gets-permanent-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/clover-a-curious-tale-gets-permanent-price-drop/#comments Binary Tweed's Deejay has announced that his game, Clover: A Curious Tale, has received a permanent price cut on Xbox Live Indie Games. Originally 400 MS Points ($5), the title has been discounted to 240 points ($3).

Having recently been featured as part of a special St. Patrick's Day deal of the week, it's time for Clover to be sent "to roost," Deejay wrote on the Binary Tweed website. "It's never going to do more sales, it's not going to contribute a huge wedge to my income," he noted, "so I might as well make it as cheap as possible so as many players get to experience it." He added that he'd lower the price further, but 240 is the lowest price that can be offered by Indie Games over 50MB in size.

Deejay hopes to lower the price of the PC version as well, though the logistics of dealing with various download distributors "could be a bit tricky."

JoystiqClover: A Curious Tale gets permanent price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloverclover-a-curious-taleindie-gamesmicrosoftpcxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesFri, 25 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cthulhu Saves the World getting recast in ultra-verbose special edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/cthulhu-saves-the-world-getting-recast-in-ultra-verbose-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/cthulhu-saves-the-world-getting-recast-in-ultra-verbose-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/19/cthulhu-saves-the-world-getting-recast-in-ultra-verbose-special/#comments Zeboyd Games has announced that the already attractive Cthulhu Saves the World is about to get even hotter. Officially titled -- wait for it -- Cthulhu Saves the World: The Super Hyper Enhanced Championship Edition Alpha Diamond DX Plus Alpha FES HD - Premium Enhanced Game of the Year Collector's Edition (without Avatars!), the updated edition packs in loads of new content.

Specifically, the, erm, "Collector's Edition" includes the new Cthulhu's Angels mode, in which the Lovecraftian god sends three new playable characters -- we particularly like the sound of the "Were-Zompire" Molly -- to save the world. The mode also features new music, dialogue and abilities.

Additionally, the Collector's Edition will include director's commentary, rebalanced gameplay, a new dungeon and a new "Insanity" difficulty setting. It will apparently replace the original game on the Xbox Live Indie Games platform when it's released this spring, and current owners will be upgraded for free. A PC version will also be released at that time.

JoystiqCthulhu Saves the World getting recast in ultra-verbose special edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldmicrosoftpcXBLMxboxxbox-live-indie-gameszeboyd-gamesSat, 19 Mar 2011 02:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Achievements top on Xbox Live Indie devs' wish lists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/achievements-top-on-xbox-live-indie-devs-wish-lists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/achievements-top-on-xbox-live-indie-devs-wish-lists/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/achievements-top-on-xbox-live-indie-devs-wish-lists/#comments Gamasutra rounded up six of the precious few standout developers of Xbox Live Indie Games (XBLIG) to discuss the continually promising but frequently embattled platform. Camille Guermonprez of Arkedo Studios praised XBLIG as "fast and easy to use" and Xona Games' Matthew Doucette noted that "development is essentially free in terms of fees" (just an annual $120 membership); before he warned that additional "developer and game content expenses can be massive to a start-up."

Indeed, none of these indies has struck gold -- certainly not like the top devs are finding on the App Store -- and three of the six are at least temporarily abandoning XBLIG, while the others have expanded to multiplatform development. "[To] stay only on XBLIG makes no financial sense at the moment," Doucette said.

When asked what improvements could be made to the platform, Luke Schneider of Radian Games' echoed the majority when he said that "the biggest issue is definitely Achievements" -- or lack thereof.

Continue reading Achievements top on Xbox Live Indie devs' wish lists

JoystiqAchievements top on Xbox Live Indie devs' wish lists originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsarkedobinary-tweedgamerscoremicrosoftradian-gamesxbligxblmxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxona-gamesFri, 18 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLIG facts: Nazi-killing a no-no, revenue a yes-yes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/xblig-facts-nazi-killing-a-no-no-revenue-a-yes-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/xblig-facts-nazi-killing-a-no-no-revenue-a-yes-yes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/06/xblig-facts-nazi-killing-a-no-no-revenue-a-yes-yes/#comments During the Xbox Live Indie Games panel at GDC, a who's who of XBLIG developers (James Silva, Nathan Fouts, Robert Boyd and Ian Stocker) talked about their experiences, successes and failures self-publishing on the service. Perhaps of more use to budding XBLIG developers are some facts about the service, including the revenue split between Microsoft and the developer, as well as some gameplay restrictions.

For anyone who publishes an Xbox Live Indie Game, Microsoft takes 30 percent of the revenue, leaving 70 percent for the game maker. Even more interesting are some of the restrictions for games. James Silva of Ska Studios said it's impossible to have an XBLIG title where the player kills nazis, for example.

"That's like an inherent human right that's been taken away from us," Silva said. "We grew up on killing Nazis." Silva then went on to provide an anecdote about a game concept he had, about a burly mountain man who hunts people, but it turns out XBLIG isn't murder-friendly, either.

We've followed up with Microsoft for some more information on the guidelines of Xbox Live Indie Games.

JoystiqXBLIG facts: Nazi-killing a no-no, revenue a yes-yes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011ian-stockerjames-silvamicrosoftnathan-foutsrobert-boydxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gameszombies-and-pterodactyls-20xxZP2KXSun, 06 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/xbox-live-indie-gems-aban-hawkins-and-the-1000-spikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/xbox-live-indie-gems-aban-hawkins-and-the-1000-spikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/xbox-live-indie-gems-aban-hawkins-and-the-1000-spikes/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we go exploring with 8bits Fanatics' Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes.

We play games for different reasons. Generally, most of us do it for fun. Others, by some alien logic that I don't understand but am all too comfortable with, are in it for the punishment. Aban Hawkins & the Thousand Spikes is their game.

In the words of its Japanese developer, 8bits Fanatics, Aban Hawkins is an "8-bit retro style Hardest Extremest Craziest Platform Action Puzzle Adventure." It might not be the most eloquent of descriptions, but it's certainly accurate.

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Aban Hawkins & the 1000 Spikes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aban-hawkins-and-the-1000-spikesindie-gamesmicrosoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 04 Mar 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Squid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/xbox-live-indie-gems-squid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/xbox-live-indie-gems-squid/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/xbox-live-indie-gems-squid/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we take a look at Salmon Steve Productions' passive shooter, Squid.
There are plenty of shooters available on the Xbox Live Indie Games channel. More than a few of them pack in neon graphics, pulse-pounding music and lots of eye-catching explosions. In this respect, Salmon Steve Productions Squid is no different. What does make it different from most shooters out there is pretty simple: You can't shoot.

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Squid

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Squid originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-gamesmicrosoftsquidxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 25 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft clone coming to Xbox Live Indie Games: FortressCraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/minecraft-clone-coming-to-xbox-live-indie-games-fortresscraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/minecraft-clone-coming-to-xbox-live-indie-games-fortresscraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/minecraft-clone-coming-to-xbox-live-indie-games-fortresscraft/#comments Are you wildly in love with Minecraft, but your computer lacks the technoguts required to really process its cuboid contents? First of all, your computer is whack. Secondly: Independent studio Projector Games is working on an extremely similar title for the Xbox Live Indie Games platform. Check out the fan-made video posted after the jump to see just how extremely similar we mean.

The game, which is (perhaps cheekily) titled FortressCraft, will be broken down into seven chapters to be released every four to six weeks. In a post on the Minecraft forums, a Projector representative explained, "Chapter 1 is basically Minecraft's Creative, Chapter 2 adds in crafting, Chapter 3 adds in life, Chapter 4 adds in machinery, Chapter 5 adds in Minions, Chapter 6 adds in PvP, Chapter 7 adds in Fortress Assault mode... (or whatever)." According to the FortressCraft Twitter account, the first chapter is due out next Friday, March 4 for 80 Microsoft Points ($1).

Each of these Chapters contains the features of previous installments -- a workaround for the platform's inability to patch in new updates. It sounds like a pretty ambitious (if not fairly original) undertaking for the developer. Whether the studio receives the support needed to complete all seven chapters -- or whether litigious sources intercede -- remains to be seen.

[Thanks, Styles!]

Continue reading Minecraft clone coming to Xbox Live Indie Games: FortressCraft

JoystiqMinecraft clone coming to Xbox Live Indie Games: FortressCraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortresscraftindiemicrosoftMinecraftMojang-Specificationsnotchprojector-gamesxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesTue, 22 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Antipole]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/xbox-live-indie-gems-antipole/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/xbox-live-indie-gems-antipole/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/xbox-live-indie-gems-antipole/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we try out the gravity-altering platformer, Antipole, from Saturnine Games.

There's a an oft-used formula used by game developers. First, come up with an interesting gameplay mechanic. Second, build an entire game centered around that mechanic. The central mechanic of Antipole is easy to explain: Pull the trigger to reverse gravity. It's a very simple mechanic -- and not necessarily one that's never been used before -- but the way in which Antipole uses gravity is what sets it apart. As Saturnine Games' Edward Di Geronimo Jr. puts it, "Our gravity ability isn't just a replacement for a jump, but rather a core part of the game world."

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Antipole

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Antipole originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antipoleindie-gamesmicrosoftsaturnine-gamesxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsFri, 11 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Sequence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-sequence/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-sequence/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-sequence/#comments
Being a giant, beloved video game site has its downsides. For example, we sometimes neglect to give independent developers our coverage love (or loverage, if you will) as we get caught up in AAA, AAAA or the rare quintuple-A titles. To remedy that, we're giving indies the chance to create their own loverage and sell you, the fans, on their studios and products. This week we talk with former DS Fanboy blogger and Iridium Studios head Jason Wishnov, about his rhythm RPG Sequence.
How did you or your company get started?

This is a boring question. I am going to replace your questions with interesting questions instead.

What? But that's not how-

Hello, Jason! You are handsome and talented. Can you please explain the trailer to me?

Of course, Justin! The trailer shows off some of the core gameplay of Sequence, which is a fusion of RPG and rhythm mechanics. You see three streams of notes falling down from the top of the screen; each corresponds to a different action. You can rotate between them freely, but you can hit only one stream at a time. The stream in red is where you play defense; if you hit a note, no damage is done, but if you miss, you lose some HP. The stream in green is where you cast spells (found at the bottom of the screen, in the Spell Ring); you need to hit every note of a spell for it to actually activate. There are damage spells, healing spells, barriers, and so forth. And finally, the stream in blue is where you regain mana to cast more spells.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Sequence

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Sequence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iridium-studiosjoystiq-indie-pitchmicrosoftsequencexboxxbox-live-indie-gamesTue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Vorpal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/xbox-live-indie-gems-vorpal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/xbox-live-indie-gems-vorpal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/xbox-live-indie-gems-vorpal/#commentsCrowded as it is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles on Xbox Live Indie Games. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we take a look at Red Wolf's bullet hell shoot-em-up, Vorpal.
Upon first trying Vorpal, I wasn't sure I'd be able to beat the very first level. Inspired by Touhou, Vorpal is a bullet hell shoot-em-up, and true to the genre, success is as dependent on dodging bullets as it is on defeating enemies. It's important for smaller, independent games to have a quick, recognizable hook, be it enjoyable gameplay mechanics, catchy music or simply a unique look. Vorpal, it turns out, has all three.

Gallery: Vorpal (Xbox Live Indie Games)

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Vorpal

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Vorpal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indie-gamesmicrosoftred-wolfvorpalxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemsThu, 20 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeboyd seeking funds for PC port of Cthulhu Saves the World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/zeboyd-seeking-funds-for-pc-port-of-cthulhu-saves-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/zeboyd-seeking-funds-for-pc-port-of-cthulhu-saves-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/zeboyd-seeking-funds-for-pc-port-of-cthulhu-saves-the-world/#comments Feeling a little altruistic? Here's a great cause that's worth supporting: The great and terrible destruction of existence at the hands of Cthulhu, who reigns high on his obsidian throne in the dark, nightmarish dwellings of R'lyeh. Oh, wait -- the money you're donating is actually going to Zeboyd Games, who needs funds to help bring its game, Cthulhu Saves the World, from the Xbox Live Indie Games platform to the PC. Yeah, that makes way more sense.

The fundraising is taking place on Kickstarter, which is offering quite a few savory prizes for any and all big spenders. For instance, folks who donate $750 or more can end up as townsfolk in the charming indie RPG. That's a small price to pay for virtual immortality, isn't it?

JoystiqZeboyd seeking funds for PC port of Cthulhu Saves the World originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldfundraisingkickstartermicrosoftpcxboxxbox-live-indie-gameszeboyd-gamesTue, 18 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Indie Gems: Cthulhu Saves the World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/xbox-live-indie-gems-cthulhu-saves-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/xbox-live-indie-gems-cthulhu-saves-the-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/xbox-live-indie-gems-cthulhu-saves-the-world/#commentsCrowded as Xbox Live Indie Games is with farting massage simulators, it can be hard to find worthwhile titles. That's why we sift through all that rough to unearth a few gems. That way, you get the skinny on quality games and we get to indulge our secret passion for fart machines. This week, we take a look at the Zeboyd Games retro RPG romp, Cthulhu Saves the World.
Let's just start with the premise of Cthulhu Saves the World: You take control of Cthulhu, the squid-faced, winged god created by H.P. Lovecraft. Cthulhu emerges from the sea after centuries of slumber only to find his dark powers immediately sealed away by a mysterious holy wizard. A narrator then informs the player that the only way to break the curse is to become a true hero. Quickly breaking the fourth wall, Cthulhu informs the narrator that he was eavesdropping and now knows how to break the curse.

Thus begins his quest to become a true hero, but only so he can restore his world-rending powers and wash the earth in a tide of insanity and despair. Oh, it's also an RPG inspired by the 16-bit adventures of yore.

Gallery: Cthulhu Saves the World (12/29/10)

Continue reading Xbox Live Indie Gems: Cthulhu Saves the World

JoystiqXbox Live Indie Gems: Cthulhu Saves the World originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldindie-gamesmicrosoftxboxxbox-livexbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-gemszeboyd-gamesThu, 06 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL Indie Games Winter Uprising now on Xbox dashboard, Cthulhu Saves the World out tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-now-on-xbox-dashboard-cthulhu-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-now-on-xbox-dashboard-cthulhu-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-now-on-xbox-dashboard-cthulhu-s/#comments After getting off to a shaky start, the Xbox Live Indie Games Winter Uprising may just get a shot in the arm thanks to Microsoft. The Indie Games promotion is now featured on the Xbox dashboard. We reached out to Winter Uprising coordinator, Robert Boyd, who tells Joystiq "the Winter Uprising dashboard advertisement is a great step in the right direction." Boyd added that he's hopeful Microsoft will continue to support Indie Games in the future, perhaps with similar ads on a more regular basis. He also noted that Microsoft has "shown a recommitment" to Indie Games recently, moving the service back under the Games & Demos section on the dashboard and making it more visible.

Ska Studios' James Silva tells Joystiq, "I'm super happy to be on the Indie Games Winter Uprising; Robert put a ton of effort into pulling together the promo and the fact that it got on the dash is quite a testament to its success." He added that the reaction to Ska's Uprising title, ZP2KX has been "extremely positive" so far, and that he would "definitely support any future uprisings."

In more Winter Uprising news, Zeboyd -- Boyd's own indie studio -- has announced that Cthulhu Saves the World should arrive on Xbox Live on Thursday, December 30 for 240 MS Points ($3). Cthulhu Saves the World is one of the final entries in the Winter Uprising promotion, and is the follow-up to Zeboyd's last title, Breath of Death VII, which is currently one of the top games on the Indie Games service. Watch a (very short!) trailer of the throwback RPG adventure after the break.

Gallery: Cthulhu Saves the World (12/29/10)

Continue reading XBL Indie Games Winter Uprising now on Xbox dashboard, Cthulhu Saves the World out tomorrow

JoystiqXBL Indie Games Winter Uprising now on Xbox dashboard, Cthulhu Saves the World out tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cthulhu-saves-the-worldindie-games-uprisingindie-games-winter-uprisingmicrosoftxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesxbox-live-indie-games-winter-uprisingWed, 29 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL Indie Games Winter Uprising falls a little short]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-falls-a-little-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-falls-a-little-short/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/xbl-indie-games-winter-uprising-falls-a-little-short/#comments Though they may have had the noblest of intentions, organizers for the Indie Games Winter Uprising are admitting things didn't go precisely as planned. The idea had been to launch 14 games on Xbox Live Indie Games in the first week of December as a way of separating the wheat from the massage game chaff on the service. At the moment though, only eight of those games have made it out the door.

"The way Xbox Live Indie Games are set up, it's difficult to release on a specific day," organizer Robert Boyd told Edge. "You can't get your game approved and have it come out later at a day of your choosing - once a game is approved it goes up automatically within 48 hours. Likewise, if you submit a game for approval and then find that you have to pull it for whatever reason, however small, you have to wait a minimum of 7 days before resubmitting."

It's not all doom and gloom though, with first Uprising release Epic Dungeon moving over 6,000 units. The Uprising's still a great project, and we'd love to see the devs try again soon ... maybe even with a little help from Microsoft this time?

JoystiqXBL Indie Games Winter Uprising falls a little short originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-dungeonindie-games-uprisingindie-games-winter-uprisingmicrosoftRobert-Boydxbligxboxxbox-live-indie-gamesThu, 16 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/zombies-and-pterodactyls-20xx-aka-zp2kx-is-the-latest-xbox-liv/#comments Dishwasher: Dead Samurai developer Ska Studios knows how to make a game stand out on the Xbox Live Indie Games marketplace; afterall, it's the same rule that applies to just about every successful video game in the history of the art form. Add zombies.

Ska's Xbox Live Indie debut was I MAED A GAM3 W1TH Z0MB1ES 1N IT!!!1 which, despite its humble origins and unique spelling, managed to sell 308K copies as of last August. At $1 a pop, after Microsoft's 30% cut, that leaves a healthy $215K - not a bad take for the one-person shop. For his Xbox Live Indie Games followup, Ska Studios' James Silva is playing fast and loose. Gone are the old days when it was as simple as making a game with zombies in it. That's just not enough anymore. Enter: Pterodactyls.

Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (or, as they'd like you to abbreviate it, ZP2KX) appears to be a multiplayer-focused title with staples such as jetpacks, capture the flag, deadly rainbows and Africanized bee-ammunition. And like Z0MB1ES, ZP2KX will be just $1 when it's released next week during the indie-organized (and seasonally co-opted!) "Indie Games Winter Uprising." Full press and trailer after the break.

Gallery: Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX)

Continue reading Zombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev

JoystiqZombies and Pterodactyls 20XX (aka ZP2KX) is the latest Xbox Live Indie from Dishwasher dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftSka-StudiosXBLMxboxXbox-Live-Indie-GamesXbox-live-MarketplaceZombies-and-Pterodactyls-20XXZP2KXWed, 24 Nov 2010 00:01:00 EST