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[Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/blizzard-explains-diablo-3-design-change-philosophy-reveals-g/#comments Despite Diablo 3 taking hold of multiple Joystiq staff members, Blizzard's latest game has had a shaky launch. Server issues, auction house difficulties, and more have thrown a wrench into what our review feels is a must-play adventure.

In a blog post yesterday, Blizzard outlined its intentions with some of the game's upcoming fixes, and revealed a number of interesting statistics about the commercially explosive title.

Blizzard notes that players have an average of three created characters, with 80% of those characters falling between levels 1 and 30. Only 1.9 percent of players have unlocked Diablo 3's Inferno difficulty mode. Blizzard also revealed that 35 percent of "Hardcore" deaths have occurred in Act I on Normal difficulty.

Gallery: Diablo 3 (10/21/11)

Continue reading Blizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats

JoystiqBlizzard explains Diablo 3 design change 'philosophy,' reveals gameplay stats originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardDiablo-3HotfixesPatchpcTue, 29 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/3-5-million-people-bought-diablo-3-in-the-first-24-hours/#comments It's true - the world is big into Diablo 3. So much so that the game was purchased more than 3.5 million times in its first 24 hours available, making it the "fastest-selling PC game" of all time, according to Blizzard. On top of that 3.5 million, another 1.2 million copies were scooped via the WoW Annual Pass (which included a free copy of D3).

Blizzard's wording on this claim is especially interesting, pointing out that "more than 4.7 million gamers around the world were poised to storm Sanctuary on day 1 of Diablo 3's release." Blizzard CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime addresses the Diablo-sized elephant in the room soon after, saying, "We also regret that our preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so. I want to reaffirm our commitment to make sure the millions of Diablo III players out there have a great experience with the game moving forward, and I also want to thank them for their ongoing support."

Beyond the day-one sales, Blizzard revealed that by the end of its first week on sale, more than 6.3 million copies were in the hands of gamers worldwide. That guy Diablo is getting beat up by, like, a lot of people.

Joystiq3.5 million people bought Diablo 3 in the first 24 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3mike-morhaimesalesWed, 23 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/#comments ImageUSAopoly and Blizzard have teamed up to develop a special, World of Warcraft-themed "Collector's Edition" Monopoly set, which lands at retailers tomorrow. Not only did we get a first look at the final product, the team at Joystiq is reluctantly giving it away to one lucky reader.

Get a detailed look at the WoW-themed Monopoly set in the Joystiq gallery below.

Entering the contest is easy! Just tell us where in Azeroth you'd buy the most real estate. Need some inspiration? Check out our latest coverage of WoW's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Rules and conditions for this giveaway are listed after the break.

Gallery: Monopoly 'World of Warcraft Collector's Edition' Set

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardboard-gameJoyswagMonopolyusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzards-refresher-course-in-diablos-murderous-history/#comments
What's all this "Diablo" hubbub today, you wonder? Well, you see, "Diablo" is another name for "Devil" (Spanish!) and you're this monk/warrior/witch doctor/wizard/demon hunter who's gotta kill thousands of demons to get to the main bad demon dude and ... okay, Blizzard does a much better job laying it all out.

JoystiqBlizzard's refresher course in Diablo's murderous history originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpctrailerTue, 15 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/activision-blizzard-q1-2012-financials-1-17-billion-in-net-rev/#comments Activision Blizzard has released its financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal 2012, posting total net revenue (pre-tax income) of $1.17 billion for the period ending on March 31, 2012. This is a 23 percent drop over the same period in 2011, where Activision Blizzard posted a net revenue of $1.44 billion. Net income (post-tax/expenses profit) was also down year over year, with the pub/dev reporting a remainder of $384 million for Q1 2012, as compared with $503 million in Q1 2011.

Breaking that down a little more specifically, Activision itself was responsible for 23 percent ($271 million) of segment net revenues, down 19 percent form the $323 million it was responsible for in 2011. Blizzard accounted for 21 percent ($251 million) of segmented net revenues, down 42 percent year-over-year vs. the $357 million it posted for Q1 2011.

Many of Activision and Blizzard's major releases are still pending, including Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Looking forward, Activision Blizzard expects to report a "record" non-GAAP Q2 net revenue of $805 million due to Prototype 2, Amazing Spider Man and Diablo 3. As for the rest of the year, the company expects to end fiscal 2012 to the tune of $4.2 billion in net revenue.

JoystiqActivision Blizzard Q1 2012 financials: $1.17 billion in net revenue, down year-over-year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivision-Blizzarddsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspQ1-2012sonyxboxWed, 09 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-3-cartoon-care-of-blizzard-and-titmouse/#comments Image
Thought this would be a post about the Diablo 3 cartoon short by Titmouse, and not the video itself, didn't you? Fooled again! The full, very impressive cartoon is just above. Enjoy.

JoystiqDiablo 3 cartoon, care of Blizzard and Titmouse originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcartoonDiablo-3macpctitmouseTue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Truth, honor, and fireballs: Meet Diablo 3's Witch Doctor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/truth-honor-and-fireballs-meet-diablo-3s-witch-doctor/#comments Image
When he's not busy rebelling against corrupt religious leaders, he's slaying the demons that threaten Sanctuary. He's your friend, he's mine - he's Diablo 3's Witch Doctor class. And here he is, throwing fireballs and stuff.

JoystiqTruth, honor, and fireballs: Meet Diablo 3's Witch Doctor originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacpcwitch-doctorTue, 24 Apr 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta open to all this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/#comments Not only will the Diablo 3 beta be back online this weekend, it'll be open to everyone with a Battle.net account - intentionally, this time. Starting today at 12:01pm PDT (3:01pm EDT), Blizzard is hosting an open beta weekend to stress test the servers.

If you have a job that keeps you away from your computer on early Friday afternoons, don't despair: the event runs through Monday at 10am PDT (1pm EDT). Download the client now so you can start clicking as soon as possible.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta open to all this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3macopen-betapcFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers have been temporarily taken offline, after users discovered a glitch allowing free access to anyone with a Battle.net account. Community manager "Nethaera" said an update on the outages will be issued at approximately 11am PDT (2pm EDT). The beta is currently "unavailable until further notice."

Ars Technica reports that starting around 6am EDT, a glitch inadvertently allowed free access to something called the "Starter Edition" of Diablo 3 to anyone with a Battle.net account, whether or not they had access to the Diablo 3 beta.

Here's where it gets really interesting, as if free Diablo 3 weren't already interesting. The previously unannounced "Starter Edition" that was distributed in this manner had all the features of the beta, Ars reports, but occasionally asked players to buy the complete game. In other words, it was a free-to-play version of Diablo 3, or a feature-rich demo. Those are kind of the same thing.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3leakpcstarter-editionWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3's monk isn't above flipping out and killing everything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3s-monk-isnt-above-flipping-out-and-killing-everything/#comments Image
You may hear the word "monk" and think "pacifist," but Blizzard Entertainment apparently thinks "brutal destroyer of all things." The latest class video for Diablo 3 delves into the company's twisted conflation of monks and David Carradine's character on Kung Fu.

JoystiqDiablo 3's monk isn't above flipping out and killing everything originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gameplaymacmonkpcTue, 17 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The fears and hopes of Blizzard devs as Diablo 3 enters alpha]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-fears-and-hopes-of-blizzard-devs-as-diablo-3-enters-alpha/#comments Image
Oh, you wanted new Diablo 3 gameplay? Sorry to tell you, but we've got three Blizzard project leads discussing their hopes and dreams for the game in the latest dev diary instead. Perhaps knowing that these folks are killing themselves to create Diablo 3 will help soothe your searing rage.

JoystiqThe fears and hopes of Blizzard devs as Diablo 3 enters alpha originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdev-diaryDiablo-3macpcMon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron devs explain how gameplay has transformed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/transformers-fall-of-cybertron-devs-explain-how-gameplay-has-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/transformers-fall-of-cybertron-devs-explain-how-gameplay-has-tr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/transformers-fall-of-cybertron-devs-explain-how-gameplay-has-tr/#comments
Driving up hot on the heels of yesterday's Transformers: Fall of Cybertron release date announcement (August 28) is a new trailer and a behind-the-scenes clip.

Continue reading Transformers: Fall of Cybertron devs explain how gameplay has transformed

JoystiqTransformers: Fall of Cybertron devs explain how gameplay has transformed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardhigh-moon-studiosmicrosoftplaystationps3transformers-fall-of-cybertronxboxThu, 29 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard cuts 600 employees, most not in game development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-cuts-600-employees-most-not-in-game-development/#comments Blizzard has laid off 600 employees, 90 percent of whom are not involved in game development, a statement from Activision Blizzard reads. The cuts do not impact the World of Warcraft development team, the publisher was quick to assure, and its development and publishing schedules will not be affected.

"As Blizzard and the industry have evolved we've also had to make some difficult decisions in order to address the changing needs of our company," Mike Morhaime, CEO of Blizzard Entertainment, said. "Knowing that, it still does not make letting go of some of our team members any easier."

In the same statement, Blizzard announced that it is "recruiting and looking to hire qualified developers for a number of open positions."

JoystiqBlizzard cuts 600 employees, most not in game development originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzarddiablo-3firedlayoffsMike-Morhaimepcstarcraft-2World-of-WarcraftWoWWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/activision-revenues-up-in-2011-claims-1-publishing-spot/#comments The world hasn't converted entirely to a Kickstarter-based economy yet -- Activision's fiscal 2011 earnings are up again, with net revenues at $4.76 billion dollars (vs. 2010's $4.45 billion), exceeding its most recent outlook. Activision claimed the number one console and handheld publishing spot in both its fiscal Q4 (ending December 31) and the year of 2011.

What drove this success? Like you don't know, but: Call of Duty. Modern Warfare 3 was the best-selling game in terms of dollars, and Black Ops was #5. Skylanders also contributed, as it was the #8 best-selling game in the fourth quarter, and best-selling kids' game of 2011.

Digital revenue broke records again, with over 34 percent of that $4.76 billion net coming from "digital channels." No, you aren't forgetting some breakout XBLA hit from Activision -- those digital channels are COD map packs and WoW.

JoystiqActivision revenues up in 2011, claims #1 publishing spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fy-2011microsoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3q4skylanders-spyros-adventurexboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy thinks Diablo 3 is coming out on February 1, 2012 [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/best-buy-thinks-diablo-3-is-coming-out-on-february-1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/best-buy-thinks-diablo-3-is-coming-out-on-february-1-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/best-buy-thinks-diablo-3-is-coming-out-on-february-1-2012/#comments Best Buy apparently believes Diablo 3 isn't far off from launch in North America, as a Rochester, Minnesota-based Twitter user spotted a display for the game in a local Best Buy store showing a February 1 launch for the game alongside a countdown timer. The image was subsequently picked up and pushed to Twitter, where we first saw it. Bizarrely, the tweet has since been pulled, but we snagged the image (addressed to former Joystiq previews editor Arthur Gies -- thanks Arthur!) and tracked down the Best Buy to confirm its existence.

A store employee politely assured Joystiq of the endcap's existence and noted the February 1 launch date, which will coincide with a midnight opening (at least at her location). We've reached out to Blizzard Entertainment and Activision for comment, but, well, this looks pretty legit. Oh, and it also doesn't hurt that Best Buy's web store is showing a February 1 launch date for the game.

The last official word we heard from Blizzard ("early 2012") was in September 2011, after the game was delayed beyond its original 2011 launch window. When we checked back up with the company during BlizzCon back in October, we were told nothing more solid was ready to be announced in terms of a launch date.

Update: UK retailer Gameplay is showing a February 3, 2012 release date for the game, adding more fuel to the fire. Thanks to Twitter user @JKeverne for the tip!

Update 2: This piece originally credited the photo to a Canadian Twitter user, which is accurate as to its origin with us, but not accurate to the credit of the photographer. Rochester, Minnesota Chatty Pics user "sasquatchxing" tells us that he took the photo (as well as a second) and uploaded them to image service Chatty Pics before taking to the Shacknews forums.

Update 3: It gets more interesting! When we called the Rochester, Minnesota Best Buy this morning, a manager explained that the sign has been taken down as a directive from the store's "GM" (general manager), not because the manufacturer had asked but because the manufacturer has been "not very firm" in picking a launch date. As many had guessed (per the misspelling of "February," among other things), the signage was made in-house and not sent by Blizzard. If you happen to spot any similar signage in your local big box retailer, don't hesitate to contact us!

Update 4: Blizzard community manager Micah "Bashiok" Whipple has responded on Twitter (though not to us), where he said both "The word is lol" and "We can't really keep every individual retail shop from making up a date," as well as "Retailers will not know a date until it's officially announced through a press release," in response to questions from followers. We're still waiting on official response from Blizzard.

Continue reading Best Buy thinks Diablo 3 is coming out on February 1, 2012 [updated]

JoystiqBest Buy thinks Diablo 3 is coming out on February 1, 2012 [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbest-buyblizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3macpcq1-2012release-dateSat, 07 Jan 2012 20:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders wants to get your kids online with Spyro's Universe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/skylanders-wants-to-get-your-kids-online-with-spyros-universe/#comments

Spyro is taking on the entire known universe with the beta launch of Skylanders: Spyro's Universe, a new MMO designed for youngsters (and the truly young at heart). Spyro's Universe includes customizable Skylands, mini-games that resemble other popular bird- and sheep-based titles, and a way to bring physical toys to life, in a virtual, not-really-alive-at-all sense.

The above video explains it all, and those interested can sign up their children, little sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews or cousins on the Spyro's Universe beta page.

JoystiqSkylanders wants to get your kids online with Spyro's Universe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardpcskylanders-spyros-adventureSkylanders-Spyros-UniverseSun, 18 Dec 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazing Spider-Man faces off against giant robo spider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/amazing-spider-man-faces-off-against-giant-robo-spider/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/amazing-spider-man-faces-off-against-giant-robo-spider/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/amazing-spider-man-faces-off-against-giant-robo-spider/#comments
Here's the full trailer of that Amazing Spider-Man teaser from last week, featuring Spidey fighting an army of robo spiders.

JoystiqAmazing Spider-Man faces off against giant robo spider originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardamazing-spider-manbeenoxmicrosoftplaystationps3spike-vga-2011xboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Hawk hints at VGA reveal of another game (probably with his name on it)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/tony-hawk-hints-at-vga-reveal-of-another-game-probably-with-his/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/tony-hawk-hints-at-vga-reveal-of-another-game-probably-with-his/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/tony-hawk-hints-at-vga-reveal-of-another-game-probably-with-his/#comments
The Tony Hawk video game franchise hasn't wiped out completely -- it's just had a few years of practice sans padding or helmet.

"I'll be announcing the upcoming release of something new on Sat; the same day as the Spike Video Game Awards," Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk wrote on Twitter. "Coincidence? I think not."

The Tony Hawk franchise is currently hurting after two years of software that desperately tried to legitimize a skateboard peripheral. The last iteration, Shred, sold a mere 3,000 units in its first week. For comparison's sake, DJ Hero 2 sold 59,000 copies in its first two weeks of availability and Activision took that franchise out ... to a nice farm, where it can play around and roam free.

[Thanks, Ron.]

JoystiqTony Hawk hints at VGA reveal of another game (probably with his name on it) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Tony-Hawkvga-2011wiixboxWed, 07 Dec 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's IPO road show begins, expects to raise $1 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/zyngas-ipo-road-show-begins-expects-to-raise-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/zyngas-ipo-road-show-begins-expects-to-raise-1-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/zyngas-ipo-road-show-begins-expects-to-raise-1-billion/#comments Zynga is doing extremely well, especially for a company that started by piggybacking on a social-networking site, Facebook, and making games about farming. Zynga is in the process of launching its IPO, and while it won't be worth as much as initially expected this summer -- dropping from an expected high of $20 billion to a current possible low of about $10 billion -- Zynga is positioned to be worth more than EA, currently valued at $7.7 billion, and to compete with Activision Blizzard, which is valued at $14 billion.

Zynga plans to raise roughly $1 billion for its IPO and has begun a nine-day pitch process to convince investors that the company is truly worth it, with plans to sell shares for $8.50 to $10 each under the Nasdaq label, "ZNGA." Zynga's offerings would mark the largest for a U.S. Internet company since Google in 2004, but with Facebook expected to eclipse it in 2012.

If you're an interested investor, surveyor or slideshow-lover, you can view Zynga's complete IPO presentation right here.

JoystiqZynga's IPO road show begins, expects to raise $1 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardEAfarmvilleipomobilemoneyNASDAQpcZNGAZyngaSat, 03 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies trailer attacks, game available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-zombies-trailer-attacks-game-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-zombies-trailer-attacks-game-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-zombies-trailer-attacks-game-available/#comments
Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies, its second attempt at a mobile Zombies, is available now on the iOS App Store. The app will certainly feast upon your wallet, as it's being sold at the premium price of $6.99.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies trailer attacks, game available now

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops Zombies trailer attacks, game available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-black-ops-zombiesiosipadmobileThu, 01 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 bans affect 1,600+ users]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-bans-affect-1-600-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-bans-affect-1-600-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-bans-affect-1-600-users/#comments
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 isn't a safe place for anyone on the business end of a sniper shot or cheats. MW3 community czar Robert Bowling recently announced on Twitter that Activision issued over 1,600 bans and reiterated "any attempt to cheat, hack, or glitch in [Modern Warfare 3] will not be tolerated."

"Reporting [cheaters] in-game through [Modern Warfare 3] goes directly to our security team, who issues the bans directly after verifying," Bowling noted. "Every ban unique to the level of douchiness of the offense. The greater the douche, the greater the length. PermaDouche possible."

We appreciate the effort Activision apparently goes through to keep each ban fresh and clean. Last week, Battlefield 3 went through a similar cleansing.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 bans affect 1,600+ users originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardbanscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3Robert-BowlingxboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Modern Warfare 3 sales reach $775 million in five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/activision-modern-warfare-3-sales-reach-775-million-in-five-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/activision-modern-warfare-3-sales-reach-775-million-in-five-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/activision-modern-warfare-3-sales-reach-775-million-in-five-da/#comments Right on schedule, Activision announced today that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has broken five-day sales records for any movie, book or video game that has come before. MW3 grossed over $775 million worldwide, beating last year's $650 million record set by Call of Duty: Black Ops and the $550 million by Modern Warfare 2 a couple years back.

The game also broke Xbox Live records, with 3.3 million concurrent users on November 8, up from the 2.6 million by Black Ops. Last week, the company announced day-one sales of MW3 reached 6.5 million units in the US and UK, for a cool $400 million in 24 hours.

Think they'll make another one?

JoystiqActivision: Modern Warfare 3 sales reach $775 million in five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3salessledgehammer-gamesxboxThu, 17 Nov 2011 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivendi sells $427 million in Activision Blizzard stock]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/vivendi-sells-427-million-in-activision-blizzard-stock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/vivendi-sells-427-million-in-activision-blizzard-stock/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/vivendi-sells-427-million-in-activision-blizzard-stock/#comments French media conglomerate Vivendi, majority owner of Activision Blizzard, sold three percent of its stock in the publishing giant, valued at around $427 million. It now owns 60 percent. The reduction of ownership in the company that, thanks to a little game called Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, just had the largest entertainment launch of all time, came as a surprise.

As the Financial Times reports, the prevailing theory is that Vivendi's $1.9 billion acquisition of EMI's music business last week required the company to create some quick cash to stay sexy on paper.

"The wisdom of selling about three percent in a business that is one of the key bastions of growth for the group to aid a transformational acquisition in a challenged business, such as recorded music, seems questionable," Claudio Aspesi of Bernstein Research told the Financial Times.

"This is a tactical disposal with regards to our overall capital structure, and we remain committed to Activision and to being the main shareholder," a Vivendi spokesman told Reuters. The company is gonna have to be if it wants to keep siphoning assets for its portfolio from a shrinking industry.

JoystiqVivendi sells $427 million in Activision Blizzard stock originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3modern-warfare-3vivendiVivendi-UniversalWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops has moved 20 million map packs to date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-has-moved-20-million-map-packs-to-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-has-moved-20-million-map-packs-to-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/call-of-duty-black-ops-has-moved-20-million-map-packs-to-date/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops has sold 20 million map packs to date. Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg noted the latest figure during yesterday's conference call, where the publisher announced strong revenues for the quarter.

"For the first nine months of the year, Black Ops has remained the number one title in the U.S. and Europe, generating more revenue than any new major console release," Hirshberg stated. "The revenues generated from map packs alone would make it the third largest console title of the year."

Black Ops received four map packs after launch, which Hirshberg said, "Further demonstrates that there is continued consumer interest in the content even 11 months after the launch, making playing Call of Duty truly a year-round activity for millions of our fans."

Activision announced 18 million Black Ops map packs were sold back in September, before the final sales push of the Rezurrection pack completed.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops has moved 20 million map packs to date originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 09 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty and Battlefield face off in timeline]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/call-of-duty-and-battlefield-face-off-in-timeline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/call-of-duty-and-battlefield-face-off-in-timeline/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/call-of-duty-and-battlefield-face-off-in-timeline/#comments A new infographic by Visual.ly does a good job comparing the success of the Call of Duty and Battlefield franchises. We use the term "comparing" here very loosely, as when the two are put side to side, there is no comparison when it comes to sales, despite EA's (recently toned down) rhetoric on the subject.

The timeline covers the sales and Metacritic ratings of the two franchises' multiple iterations over the near decade of their existence. It ends with EA's reported 5 million sales of Battlefield 3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches tomorrow and, if recent history is any indication, it should be another Battlefield-obliterating sales juggernaut.

Continue reading Call of Duty and Battlefield face off in timeline

JoystiqCall of Duty and Battlefield face off in timeline originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBattlefield-3call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3eaElectronic-Artsinfinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxTue, 08 Nov 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-sets-a-new-direction-for-bl/#comments Blizzard has made the next expansion in the World of Warcraft official as Mists of Pandaria, and after conquering other planets, the Lich King, and a big bad dragon, the Horde and Alliance are headed to ... China. Well, not China per se, but Pandaria, a long-rumored, Eastern mysticism-influenced realm, where panda-based humanoids roam, brew and drink beer, and offer players the next five levels in their continuing progression.

As is often the case with this game, many players have revolted. The Pandaren have long been used as a joke in the world of Warcraft, either referred to on April Fool's Day, or showing up in the company's parodic Christmas cards. But lead quest designer Dave Kosak says players who scoff at Pandaria should think twice. "Maybe people, because they've only been portrayed as cameos or only April Fool's jokes, people think that there's nothing to this race, and that's not it at all," Kozak says to us during BlizzCon last week. "I think the Pandaren are kind of fascinating -- they work hard, they play hard, they eat hard, they drink hard, and they don't do anything half way."

The Pandaren, in addition to some of the other announced features of the new expansion, point to the next long arc of the World of Warcraft game. In the first few expansions of the title, Blizzard has cashed in on the earlier origins of the series. But with Mists of Pandaria, Blizzard seems to be setting up the world's most popular MMO for years of content to come.

Gallery: World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria (10/21/11)

Continue reading World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria sets a new direction for Blizzard's first MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardallianceblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzcon-2011dave-kozakhordelead-quest-designerpandarenpandariapcworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariawowTue, 25 Oct 2011 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Elite trailer gets competitive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/call-of-duty-elite-trailer-gets-competitive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/call-of-duty-elite-trailer-gets-competitive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/call-of-duty-elite-trailer-gets-competitive/#comments
The latest Call of Duty Elite trailer covers the "compete" section of the website, where players compete for fabulous prizes and bragging rights. "Fabulous" is probably too fancy a word to use. Bro-wsome? Dude-tastic?

JoystiqCall of Duty Elite trailer gets competitive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Infinity-Wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3xboxFri, 21 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard to release six 'proven' properties over next three years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/blizzard-to-release-six-proven-properties-over-next-three-year/#comments Blizzard will release six "proven property" titles over the coming three years, Activision Blizzard COO Thomas Tippl said at the Citi 2011 Technology Conference. Tippl named five of these six expected releases: Two World of Warcraft expansion packs, two StarCraft 2 titles and Diablo 3. Tippl also pinned a Diablo 3 expansion as the possible sixth title. Blizzard said it is immediately focused on updates for Cataclysm, releasing Diablo 3 and finishing StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm.

It would satisfy our OCD if these six games would release two-a-year at six-month intervals for three years, and it would satisfy our ADHD if all six titles dropped on the same day, but Tippl didn't provide any more specific dates. Titan, the mysterious next-gen MMO from Blizzard, wasn't mentioned, but it's not a "proven" property and could still launch in its rumored timeframe of late 2013.

JoystiqBlizzard to release six 'proven' properties over next three years originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzarddiablo-3pcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmtitanWorld-of-WarcraftSat, 10 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 screens leaked from beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/diablo-3-screens-leaked-from-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/diablo-3-screens-leaked-from-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/diablo-3-screens-leaked-from-beta/#comments Blizzard is running some initial stress tests on the Diablo 3 servers with the Friends and Family beta run, where each of Blizzard's roughly 5,000 employees can invite five people to play. Of these 25,000 potential beta testers, at least one released screens of the beta program, which can be viewed on Diablo IncGamers.

Information about the limited beta run comes via the Russian-language B.net forum, which states that keys for closed-beta testers will be sent out only after an official announcement. There will not be an NDA for the beta, so once it launches we can expect a veritable flurry of information and screencaps. A flurry, we say.

JoystiqDiablo 3 screens leaked from beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardbetaBlizzardDiablo-3pcFri, 02 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision digital revenue up to $1.7 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/activision-digital-revenue-up-to-1-7-billion/#comments Just 15 years ago, if you could make a few bucks selling homemade charm bracelets through Prodigy, you were in the vanguard of digital revenue. These days, while the model's still the same, the scale is just a bit different. Take Activision for instance: The company announced during its Analyst Day presentation that it made $1.7 billion in digital revenue over the last 12 months. We're not sure what that works out to in charm bracelets, but it's a lot.

Though World of Warcraft has always done huge digital business, the company has gotten a big boost this year from Call of Duty: Black Ops and its hugely popular DLC. As you can see in the chart above, this year's earnings are a big jump from 2010 and 2009, which respectively brought in $1.4 and $1.2 billion digital dollars.

Note: When Diablo 3 launches, Blizzard will be taking undetermined fees off the top of player-to-player items sales. So look out for the 2012 Analyst Day when Activision will have to use at least some of the digi-revenue to buy a taller chart.

JoystiqActivision digital revenue up to $1.7 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardanalyst-dayblizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdigital-distributiondigital-revenueearningsThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/world-of-warcraft-receives-mighty-mouse-from-steelseries/#comments

Continue reading World of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft receives mighty mouse from SteelSeries originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardmacpcSteelSeriesWorld-of-WarcraftWoWMon, 08 Aug 2011 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Bobby Kotick has a cameo in Moneyball: The charitable conclusion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/why-bobby-kotick-has-a-cameo-in-moneyball-the-charitable-conclu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/why-bobby-kotick-has-a-cameo-in-moneyball-the-charitable-conclu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/why-bobby-kotick-has-a-cameo-in-moneyball-the-charitable-conclu/#comments

Bobby Kotick has a lot of things, including money, notoriety and a collection of fluffy, collared sweaters, but he also has something most people overlook -- a heart. He's alive, after all, and most living people need a beating mechanism to circulate blood throughout their bodies, and Kotick is no exception (unless he really is a cyborg sent from the future who got lost in the stock market on his way to kill a teenage boy). He also, however, has a sense of compassion, at least a little bit.

Kotick has a small cameo (0:17 above) in the coming Brad Pitt movie, Moneyball, and we didn't know why he was in it -- turns out, it's all for charity. Kotick is buddies with Moneyball director Bennet Miller (Capote), who asked Kotick to be in the film. Kotick said yes, but only if Miller made a movie for the Call of Duty Endowment, Kotick's non-profit company that helps veterans transition into civilian life after their service. Kotick doesn't want a credit in the film and doesn't intend to pursue an acting career; he just wanted to help America's veterans. It's downright heartwarming.

JoystiqWhy Bobby Kotick has a cameo in Moneyball: The charitable conclusion originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardbobby-kotickBrad-PittMoneyballpcSun, 07 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard responds to complaints over Diablo 3 connection requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/blizzard-responds-to-complaints-over-diablo-3-connection-require/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/blizzard-responds-to-complaints-over-diablo-3-connection-require/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/blizzard-responds-to-complaints-over-diablo-3-connection-require/#comments Diablo 3 requires a constant internet connection -- a decision that has caused some strong reactions from folks looking to play the game solo, or those pushing against overly demanding DRM schemes. MTV spoke with Robert Bridenbecker, the Vice President of Online Technologies at Blizzard to get the developer's side of the story.

"Internally I don't think [always-on DRM] ever actually came up when we talked about how we want connections to operate. Things that came up were always around the feature-set, the sanctity of the actual game systems like your characters," said Bridenbecker. "You're guaranteeing that there are no hacks, no dupes. All of these things were points of discussion, but the whole copy protection, piracy thing, that's not really entering into why we want to do it."

Bridenbecker goes on to mention that Diablo 2 offline characters couldn't be used online, which got messy for players and the developer, so this time they decided to "just keep everything clean." As for those looking to play alone, they don't have to interact with any other online players if they don't want to -- but they'll still need that internet connection.

JoystiqBlizzard responds to complaints over Diablo 3 connection requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardalways-onalways-on-drmBlizzardDiablo-3drmpcFri, 05 Aug 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard 'working hard' to ship Diablo 3 this year, but no promises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/blizzard-working-hard-to-ship-diablo-3-this-year-but-no-promi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/blizzard-working-hard-to-ship-diablo-3-this-year-but-no-promi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/blizzard-working-hard-to-ship-diablo-3-this-year-but-no-promi/#comments Today's Activision Blizzard earnings release includes the following disclaimer: "Since Blizzard Entertainment has not confirmed a launch date for its next global release, the company's calendar year outlook at this time does not include a new game from Blizzard in 2011."

But before you go tweetbooking about how Diablo 3 is never coming out, allow Blizz prez and co-founder Mike Morhaime a chance to address your concerns. "We are still working hard to ship the game before the end of the year; however, we're not ready to commit to a release date at this time," Morhaime told investors during a call this afternoon.

While Morhaime may not be sure if the retail box will be in stores before 2012, he's more confident that you'll be playing it in some capacity. "Diablo 3 is still on track to go into external beta testing later this quarter," Morhaime said. "We are very much looking forward to getting the beta into the hands of our players and collecting their feedback for the final phase of development."

Unlike many public(ity) betas, Morhaime insists this feedback is significant for Diablo 3. "There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to putting out a complex release like Diablo 3," Morhaime said. "We talked about the new auction house technology which has not been fully tested. We're not yet in beta and really it's just going to come down to when the game is ready for prime-time."

In fact, it sounds like Blizzard is waiting on the feedback from the beta before it makes a final decision on whether or not to release D3 this year. "We'll know more when we hit beta and we'll know more when we put some of these new systems into test. It's a brand new infrastructure, with a lot of complex moving parts." If you want Diablo 3 sooner than later, our advice is to join the beta and leave effusively positive feedback. It's a fool-proof plan!

JoystiqBlizzard 'working hard' to ship Diablo 3 this year, but no promises originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardblizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDiablo-3macmike-morhaimepcWed, 03 Aug 2011 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision enjoys record revenues in Q2, digital represents 37% of sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/activision-enjoys-record-revenues-in-q2-digital-represents-37/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/activision-enjoys-record-revenues-in-q2-digital-represents-37/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/activision-enjoys-record-revenues-in-q2-digital-represents-37/#comments Activision Blizzard enjoyed record revenues in the second quarter (ending June 30, 2011) with $1.1 billion in sales and $335 million in profit, compared to $967 million in sales and $219 million in profit during the same period last year. Overall, Activision has seen revenues of $2.6 billion for the first six months of the year, compared to $2.2 billion in 2010.

Digital sales, like those Call of Duty: Black Ops map packs, saw a 27 percent increase year over year. Digital represented 37 percent of the company's total net revenues, or $423 million in the quarter. Don't take that to mean retail is dead to Activision: $660 million (an increase of 13 percent) comes from ye olde shoppe, though part of that 58 percent of the company's revenues still goes into champagne baths and caviar breakfasts.

JoystiqActivision enjoys record revenues in Q2, digital represents 37% of sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzarddsfinancialsFY-2011microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3Q2wiixboxWed, 03 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bobby Kotick talks Guitar and DJ Hero, the fall and the coming rise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/bobby-kotick-talks-guitar-and-dj-hero-the-fall-and-the-coming-r/#comments Bobby Kotick earned more than $4.4 billion through Activision Blizzard last year, which means his business success is obvious -- but so are his failures. In an interview with Forbes, Kotick described the downfall of the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises with the kind of detail that can only come from lying awake every night for four years straight, obsessing over what went wrong.
"So we bought the company, and after a few iterations of the game it became one of the most successful games of all time," Kotick said. "And then we didn't really take the time that we usually take to understand audience behavior.... But we created this critically acclaimed, highly rated game -- and these are the hardest failures, when you put your heart and soul into it and you deliver an extraordinarily well received game, and nobody shows up to buy it. So that's what happened with DJ Hero. At the same time we were so excited about going down this new direction with DJ Hero, I think we abandoned a bit of the innovation that was required in the Guitar Hero franchise.

"And so it was the double whammy of DJ Hero was unsuccessful, and then Guitar Hero became unsuccessful because it didn't have any nourishment and care."
Kotick said ending the music-game franchises was a smart move, but that doesn't mean they'll be gone forever. "So we're going to take the products out of the market, and we're not going to tell anybody what we're doing for awhile, but we're going to stop selling Guitar Hero altogether," Kotick said. "And then we're going to go back to the studios and we're going to use new studios and reinvent Guitar Hero. And so that's what we're doing with it now."

Kotick promised Activision Blizzard listens to its consumers and will use fan input to innovate Guitar and DJ Hero. That Kotick plans to resurrect the series must mean some fans, somewhere, are inputting something other than "Kill it, Kotick."

JoystiqBobby Kotick talks Guitar and DJ Hero, the fall and the coming rise originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardbobby-kotickDJ-HeroGuitar-Heromicrosoftmusicnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxSat, 23 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Blizzard's Titan MMO is casual]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/analyst-blizzards-titan-mmo-is-casual/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/analyst-blizzards-titan-mmo-is-casual/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/analyst-blizzards-titan-mmo-is-casual/#comments Blizzard's next MMO - codenamed Titan - has been under wraps for a long time. Following the internet's rules of speculation, things are likely to get interesting soon. Take, for example, what Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia wrote in an investor's note (PDF). Detailing the various properties Activision Blizzard is likely to launch, specifically those that could ease investors' worries that the publisher's focus is becoming too narrow, Bhatia included "a new casual MMO." He later confirmed to Gamasutra that he was indeed referring to the long-in-development Titan.

Of course, whether or not that's "news" depends on how you define "casual." With 11.4 million active subscribers - and that's a post-Cataclysm dip! - one could say that the mammoth World of Warcraft is already a casual game. And, of course, the game's new free-to-play trial is bound to attract many more casual players as well. Still, the prospect of a Blizzard MMO aimed squarely at the casual market is certainly intriguing - and just a little terrifying.

JoystiqAnalyst: Blizzard's Titan MMO is casual originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-BlizzardBlizzardmacMMOpctitanThu, 30 Jun 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/world-of-warcraft-goes-free-to-play-until-characters-hit-level-2/#comments We respect the tenacity of every human being left on the planet who hasn't played Blizzard's mind-bogglingly gripping MMORPG World of Warcraft -- but unfortunately, your teetotaling has come to an end. In the game's latest update, titled "Rage of the Firelands," WoW's free 14-day trial has been extended, allowing Azerothian adventurers to grind to their heart's content -- but their levels will remain capped at 20 until they upgrade to the full version.

It's a clever ploy that Blizzard's calling the World of Warcraft Starter Edition, which even includes some of the content from the game's first expansion, The Burning Crusade -- for instance, free players can create Draenei and Blood Elf characters, two races added in said expansion. Should you decide to upgrade, you can get the core game and Burning Crusade for a cool $19.99 as part of the digital World of Warcraft Battle Chest -- though you'll first have to wait for the site to stop getting Zerg rushed by newcomers. (Apologies for mixing our Blizzard metaphors.)

Already a hardened WoW veteran? There's plenty more in the update to slake your thirst -- check out WoW Insider's handy FAQ for a rundown.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft goes free-to-play until characters hit level 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardblizzardfree-to-playmmorpgpcWorld-of-WarcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-The-Burning-CrusadeWoWTue, 28 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/activision-publishing-ceo-eric-hirshberg-on-true-crime-bizarre/#comments When Eric Hirshberg stepped into the role of CEO of Activision Publishing last July, the company had just begun an ugly, public battle with the founders of Infinity Ward, having fired the creators of the company's Call of Duty cash cow just four months prior. Frequently villainized in the press, the appointment of Hirshberg seemed to indicate that Activision was eager to turn its brand identity around. Hirshberg cut his teeth as CEO and chief creative officer of marketing firm Deutsch LA making ad campaigns for brands like PlayStation -- you may not recognize that name, but if you've seen a Kevin Butler commercial, you know his work. And as Activision Publishing narrows its focus and energies into a few key brands, notably the aforementioned Call of Duty, tasking a marketing man with running a game publisher starts to make a lot of sense.

Last month I had the opportunity to speak with Hirshberg in his office at Activision headquarters in Santa Monica. It was less than a week after a massive leak upended the company's carefully prepared marketing plan for the latest in the blockbuster Modern Warfare series and, for Hirshberg, it was a chance to connect with that audience. "We woke up with a marketing crisis," Hirshberg told me, "and wanted to go to bed with a marketing win." Throughout our conversation, Hirshberg mentioned the need to be transparent with consumers, so I challenged him to explain some of the company's more controversial decisions since he's been CEO: the cancellation of True Crime; the closure of Bizarre Studios; and the very public retreat from the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero games.

Continue reading Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency

JoystiqActivision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg on True Crime, Bizarre Creations, the 'Hero' franchise, and transparency originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardActivision-Publishingbizarre-creationsdj-herodj-hero-2eric-hirshbergguitar-heroguitar-hero-warriors-of-rocktrue-crimeTrue-Crime-Hong-KongWed, 22 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST