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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Destiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/26/destiny-dev-dlc-mistakes-wont-be-repeated/#comments Destiny designer Luke Smith recently addressed concerns over Bungie's future updates for the game. Namely, Smith said "the mistakes [Bungie] made with the DLC1 reward economy will not be repeated," in a NeoGAF thread, admitting the developer's previous attempts at expanding the first-person shooter with add-on content resulted in a few problems for players. Smith claims the developer will avoid mistakes such as "vendor gear invalidating the effort of [Vault of Glass] Raiders" and exotic gear upgrades resulting in a talent reset.

"Our philosophy about rewards/loot continue to evolve as we see how players play and react," Smith wrote. He noted that item drop rates appear to be "much improved" in the Crota's End DLC compared to Vault of Glass, and that Bungie plans to "improve acquisition stories and frequency" as well as "lessen the grind and get players to the fun parts of their arsenal faster." It issued a hot fix for Destiny in December to boost the drop rates for the Crota's End raid mission.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny dev: DLC mistakes won't be repeated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadd-onbungiecrotas-enddestinydlcdownloadable-contentdrop-ratesfirst-person-shooterfpsissuesluke-smithmicrosoftmistakesplaystationproblemsps3ps4updatevault-of-glassxboxxbox-oneMon, 26 Jan 2015 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/exo-zombies-invade-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-trailer/#comments
The latest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare shows off the game's upcoming downloadable content, Exo Zombies. Arriving as part of the first content pack, Havoc, Exo Zombies features the voice acting talents of John Malkovich, Bill Paxton, Rose McGowan and Jon Bernthal. The Havoc DLC pack will launch on January 27 for Xbox One and Xbox 360. Havoc also includes four multiplayer maps, the AE4 assault rifle and Widowmaker custom variant.

While the Havoc DLC can be purchased separately for $15, season pass holders will receive the pack at no additional charge. Advanced Warfare's $50 season pass grants access to three other pieces of downloadable content: Ascendance, Supremacy and Reckoning. Activision struck a deal with Microsoft to bring Advanced Warfare DLC to the Xbox platforms before it arrives on other systems, so the publisher has yet to offer a release date for Havoc on PS4, PS3 or PC.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqExo Zombies invade Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlcdownloadable-contentexo-zombiesfirst-person-shooterfpshavocmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamestrailerxboxxbox-onezombiesWed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/16/activision-takes-victory-lap-destiny-biggest-new-game-franchise/#comments Let us be colloquial: Activision makin' mad bank, yo. Like, all the cheddar. The publisher took a victory lap this morning, reiterating the top placement of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare during yesterday's NPD, the success of Skylanders among children and making a pertinent addendum to Destiny's sales in 2014.

Last night, US retail tracking group NPD released its year-end data, with Destiny ranked third behind Call of Duty and Madden NFL 15. Activision noted this morning that Destiny was in second place "among all titles in the U.S. in 2014, based on revenue." This would reflect the significant digital distribution push Destiny had, as well as the special editions and expansion bundles.

Continue reading Activision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch

JoystiqActivision takes victory lap, Destiny biggest new game franchise launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4skylandersxboxxbox-oneFri, 16 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/destiny-crotas-end-hard-mode-coming-jan-21/#comments Next week, 'Crota's End' will get its revenge for all of the cheesy tactics used by Destiny players (maybe us included, maybe not. What's it to you?).

Bungie is unlocking hard mode for the latest raid on January 21, the developer revealed in an update today. In Crota's End hard mode, both Crota and standard enemies will be far more challenging. Thankfully, though, the mode features swanky new loot.

Those stamping out Crota in the mode will have a chance to earn powerful new primary weapons (see them after the break!), an exclusive color palette and a devious-looking ship known as "The Bane of the Dark Gods" (It's the ominous looking ship, above).

"If you've experienced Hard Mode in Vault of Glass, you have some clues for how we can scale up a Raid," Bungie says in the weekly update. "Prepare to take better care of your teammates. You'll have fewer options for healing yourself, and each other."

Croat's End hard mode is set to launch in Destiny at 1pm Eastern on January 21.

Continue reading Destiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21

JoystiqDestiny 'Crota's End' hard mode coming Jan. 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungieCrotas-EndDestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 15 Jan 2015 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/13/first-cod-advanced-warfare-dlc-aims-for-late-january-launch/#comments Havoc is the title of what publisher Activision is calling an "epic DLC pack" and the "definitive DLC offering" for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In less grandiose terms, it's known as the game's first DLC pack.

Alongside the trailer beyond the break, and the images found above and in the gallery below, Activision sent over a brief synopsis of what's inside the near-future shooter's first major addition. Included are four new multiplayer maps, two new weapons and the Exo Zombies cooperative mode, which is less notable for its undead enemies than for its human protagonists played by big-name, established actors like John Malkovich and Bill Paxton.

It appears that Microsoft has struck up an exclusivity agreement with Activision as the Havoc DLC "will be available first, exclusively on Xbox LIVE for a suggested retail price of $15 on January 27." There's currently no word on when the DLC will reach other platforms.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading First CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch

JoystiqFirst CoD: Advanced Warfare DLC aims for late-January launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfaredlchavocmicrosoftxboxxbox-oneTue, 13 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/psa-destiny-patch-repairs-crotas-bum-knee/#comments Bungie issued a new patch for Destiny today, primarily providing fixes for issues with the Crota's End raid in the game's first expansion, The Dark Below. As the developer revealed late last week, the update zapped a glitch that allowed players to easily beat the raid boss, Crota, by unplugging one teammate's network cable. The "force quit" by one player previously caused Crota to enter an irrecoverable kneeling state, according to Bungie's patch notes.

Additionally, not only does the update fix a "rare case where the Shriekers would not spawn, preventing players from reaching the Deathsinger" enemy in the expansion, but the Deathsinger now has a chance to drop rare exotic gear and materials.

The Dark Below launched in December, bringing with it a slew of story missions and three Crucible arenas. The DLC is available for $20 on its own, or as part of Destiny's $35 season pass.
[Image: Bungie]

JoystiqDestiny patch repairs Crota's bum knee originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcexpansionexploitfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 12 Jan 2015 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Online public beta launches in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/call-of-duty-online-public-beta-launches-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/call-of-duty-online-public-beta-launches-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/call-of-duty-online-public-beta-launches-in-china/#commentsCall of Duty Online launches in China Call of Duty Online, the China-only freemium version of the mega franchise, is now in open beta for hundred of millions of Chinese. Announced several years ago, publisher Activision has taken a very disciplined approach in developing the game for the region.

"We've worked closely with our partner at Tencent, and we've challenged one of our most trusted and talented development teams of Raven Software to create a true Call of Duty experience tailored for the Chinese market," said Activisition Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg. "Throughout testing, the community feedback has been tremendous. We couldn't be more excited and we look forward to winning the hearts and minds of a new community in China."

Not to mention: all that cash! Almost every major publisher has made a deal with Tencent to get a piece of China's emerging market. Thanks to China's regulations governing international investment, the company has turned into the go-to gatekeeper to the region. That hasn't stopped Tencent from making outside investments of its own, including a minority stake in Epic Games and ownership of League of Legends developer Riot. Oh yeah, Tencent is also a massive "passive investor" in Activision.

Continue reading Call of Duty Online public beta launches in China

JoystiqCall of Duty Online public beta launches in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardpctencenttencent-holdingsMon, 12 Jan 2015 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/09/call-of-duty-championship-offers-1m-prize-pool-in-march/#comments Activision's Xbox-sponsored Call of Duty Championship returns to Los Angeles across March 27-29, and 32 teams are once again doing battle for their share of the $1 million prize money. A new championship requires a new battlefield (wordage intended), so it's fortunate there is the recently-released Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare for this year's competitors.

If you and your friends think you've got what it takes, the championships are open to players both pro and non-pro (you're no amateur). You'll need to qualify first, though, and to do that you'll have to make it through online tournaments and live regional finals, all played on Xbox One. MLG.TV has further details here.

As for the main event, you can tune in live to the Championship's semi finals and grand final on Xbox Live, and the final's confirmed for "other broadcast partners" too.
[Image: Disney, Activision]

Continue reading Call of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March

JoystiqCall of Duty Championship offers $1M prize pool in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfarecall-of-duty-championshipesportsmicrosoftsledgehammer-gamesxbox-oneFri, 09 Jan 2015 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK charts close out 2014 with CoD: Advanced Warfare as king]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/uk-charts-close-out-2014-with-cod-advanced-warfare-as-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/uk-charts-close-out-2014-with-cod-advanced-warfare-as-king/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/uk-charts-close-out-2014-with-cod-advanced-warfare-as-king/#comments Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the last UK No. 1 of 2014, which isn't too surprising since this week's charts are nearly identical to last week's. You can check out that almost static top 10 below the break (along with the sometimes underwhelming but always customary music video). Meanwhile above the break, we're going to look back on a year of UK charts through the hallowed medium of statistics. And so:

Joystiq's Somewhat Scatterbrained UK Charts Statistics of 2014
  • 20 different games topped the charts in 2014 across 52 weeks
  • 5 of those were re-releases, with 7 weeks worth of No. 1s between them
  • Surprise surprise, FIFA 15 scored the longest run of consecutive No. 1s in 2014 (6)
  • Between them, FIFA 14 and FIFA 15 held the top spot for a total of 15 weeks
  • Add in Advanced Warfare and Titanfall, and that total goes up to 25 weeks
  • The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was Joystiq's lowest-rated game to earn a UK No. 1 (2 stars)
  • Grand Theft Auto 5 became the UK's all-time bestseller when it hit PS4 and Xbox One.
  • No. of times we've badly shopped Chelsea footballer Eden Hazard a la FIFA 15 into images of other games: 3, including this week.

Continue reading UK charts close out 2014 with CoD: Advanced Warfare as king

JoystiqUK charts close out 2014 with CoD: Advanced Warfare as king originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2014 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-advanced-warfarechart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4ukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 29 Dec 2014 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Xur has an extended stay in the Tower this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/destinys-xur-has-an-extended-stay-in-the-tower-this-week/#comments 'Twas the Friday after Christmas, and all through the Tower / not a Guardian was stirring, not even 420xXxPower.

PlayStation Network and Xbox Live outages kept many Destiny players offline this weekend, and while that may sound like inconvenience enough, Bungie's sci-fi shooter happens to feature a merchant, named Xur, who only appears on the weekend to sell high-level gear. His assortment of goods is also different each time he appears, so if you miss him the weekend that he has something you want, it can be a good, long while before you'll get another chance to barter.

Thankfully, Bungie is keeping Xur around just a little bit longer this week in an effort to give players time to browse ol' tentacle-face's otherworldly wares. In a post on the Destiny forums, Community Manager David "DeeJ" Dague announced that Xur will remain in the tower with his current inventory until Monday, 10 p.m. Pacific. Dague also wrote that the team will "keep an eye on the overall situation, and prolong the extension, as needed, for as long as is feasible."

"No problem," said Xur. "I'll stick around. / After all, no one can buy when the internet's down." / His tentacles curved into a smile of delight / "Merry Xur-mas to all, and to all a good night!"
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's Xur has an extended stay in the Tower this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-onexurSun, 28 Dec 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny approaching 13 million players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/destiny-approaching-13-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/destiny-approaching-13-million-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/destiny-approaching-13-million-players/#comments Just before the influx of new holiday players become initiated into the Cryptarch love-in, Bungie announced that nearly 13 million players have entered Destiny. Following up with Activision, we've had this figure clarified as "PSN IDs and Xbox Live Gamertags that have jumped on and played Destiny."

And those 13 million have created 22,932,276 Guardians, who have then spent 872,404,449 hours in-game, with 3,141,592,653 curses tossed at Master Rahool the Cryptarch. Okay, we made that last statistic up. Because, frankly, the hatred for the Cryptarch isn't quantifiable.

JoystiqDestiny approaching 13 million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardbungiemicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 23 Dec 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is UK's Christmas No. 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-is-uks-christmas-no-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-is-uks-christmas-no-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/22/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-is-uks-christmas-no-1/#comments
Ding dong merrily on high / In the UK CoD is winning
Ding dong verily the sky / In LA Kotick's grinning
Spa-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-aycey
Kevin in excelsis!

Like an exosuit-clad soldier sneaking stealthily down the chimney, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare sneaks up on FIFA 15 to nick the UK Christmas No. 1. Activision's shooter usurped EA's kicker with a last-minute promotion, which according to Chart Track makes it the fifth CoD ever to claim the top spot in merrytime.

Outside of that excitement, the UK charts are getting into the holiday spirit by barely moving an inch. Nonetheless, if you jingle below the break you'll find the full top ten, and this week a very festive edition of the customary music video - sort of.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is UK's Christmas No. 1

JoystiqCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare is UK's Christmas No. 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2014 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-advanced-warfarechart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ps4sledgehammer-gamesukvitawii-uxboxxbox-oneMon, 22 Dec 2014 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Trap Team Light and Dark expansions hit retail this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/skylanders-trap-team-light-and-dark-expansions-hit-retail-this-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/skylanders-trap-team-light-and-dark-expansions-hit-retail-this-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/skylanders-trap-team-light-and-dark-expansions-hit-retail-this-w/#comments Skylanders veterans will soon be able to master in-game elements never previously seen in the series via a pair of new Skylanders Trap Team expansion packs premiering at retail this weekend.

Trap Masters Knight Mare and Knight Light join the Skylanders roster as part of Trap Team's new Light and Dark Element Expansion Packs. Each pack includes a character figure, a Trap accessory that allows players to trap and control Light and Dark villains, and a location piece that unlocks new levels featuring Light and Dark element-specific content.

Players who ventured through Skylanders Trap Team likely noticed deactivated element gates scattered throughout specific levels. These gates can only be accessed using the new Light and Dark element characters, opening up a significant portion of the game that was locked off since launch.

Trap Team's Light and Dark Element Expansion Packs will launch exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores on December 21 at $29.99 apiece.

[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Skylanders Trap Team Light and Dark expansions hit retail this weekend

JoystiqSkylanders Trap Team Light and Dark expansions hit retail this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactivisionexpansionmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3ps4skylanders-trap-teamtoys-for-bobwiiwii-uxboxxbox-oneWed, 17 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny goes dark below $30 (well, it's $29.99) on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/16/destiny-goes-dark-below-30-well-its-29-99-on-amazon/#comments If you've been patiently holding out on Destiny, if the Dark Below expansion is prompting a relapse, or if you've always fancied a picnic in space with Bill Nighy, then head on over to Amazon. PS4 and Xbox One copies are half-price there at $29.99, but that's for today only.

Bungie's galactic shooter kicks off another round of Iron Banner today, and that's scheduled to end on December 22. While the player-vs-player event won't feature Dark Below maps this time around, Lord Saladin has exclusive level 31 gear to tempt you back to the Crucible.
[Image: Activision-Blizzard]

JoystiqDestiny goes dark below $30 (well, it's $29.99) on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardamazonamazon-gold-boxbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps4xbox-oneTue, 16 Dec 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Call of Duty retail sales fall for third straight year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/report-call-of-duty-retail-sales-fall-for-third-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/report-call-of-duty-retail-sales-fall-for-third-straight-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/report-call-of-duty-retail-sales-fall-for-third-straight-year/#comments Following yesterday's NPD report, Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson points out that retail sales for the Call of Duty series have declined by 27 percent year-over-year.

This is not isolated news, either. The Call of Duty series has posted slumping sales in each of the past three years. While Activision's military shooters manage to sell well compared to other games the franchise is unable to reach the heights it once saw. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare currently tops the NPD sales chart, but as Games Industry notes, this entry attracted less than half the first month sales of 2011's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Earlier this year, analysts at Cowen And Company pointed out that alongside declining sales, the Call of Duty games are also attracting declining pre-orders, with Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare drawing nearly 40 percent fewer retail pre-purchases than its predecessor.

Activision claims that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the highest selling digital launch in console history but Olson does not believe that digital sales (which these analysts are not privy to) can entirely soften the blow of the retail sales slide. "NPD data does not include digital copies or international sales, which, if included, would lessen the year-over-year decline, but we believe this data suggests potential for Q4 revenue upside is now very low," Olson stated.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqReport: Call of Duty retail sales fall for third straight year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-advanced-warfaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4salesxboxxbox-oneFri, 12 Dec 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/console-madness-giveaway-free-ps4-destiny-ghost-edition-much/#comments In November, Joystiq went a little console crazy. We gave away an Xbox One Limited Edition Bundle. Then we gave away another Xbox One Limited Edition Bundle. Then we took a break to give away some sweet phones and a Witcher board game. Break's over. Now Joystiq's embarking on its biggest, craziest giveaway of the holiday season yet.

What are we giving away? First, a limited edition, white PlayStation 4 complete with a copy of Destiny. We've also got one copy of the Destiny: Ghost Edition for one lucky runner up. A third runner up will receive copies of Madden NFL 2015, NHL 2015, and The Crew for PS4. Finally, our fourth runner up will receive the great MYSTERY SWAG BOX!

Here's how to get the goods: Just use the Rafflecopter widget below between December 12 and December 19. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via email. Full rules and details after the break.
Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more

[Images: Activision]

Continue reading Console Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more

JoystiqConsole Madness Giveaway: Free PS4, Destiny Ghost Edition, much more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisiondestinygiveawayplaystationps4Fri, 12 Dec 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/12/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-destiny-top-2014-console-sales-i/#comments
Activision's strategy of heavy investment in a small group of franchises resulted in the company having the two top-selling console games of the year. The publisher announced this morning that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Destiny were the number one and two games, respectively, to sell-through at US retail based on data from NPD through November.

"We are excited about how fans have responded to Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny and Skylanders Trap Team, and have even more great new content in store in 2015," said Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg. The Skylanders franchise was also noted as the top kids video game franchise of the year based on toys and accessory sales.

Activision Blizzard has had an exceptional year financially, having recently raised its outlook. On the other side of the corporate coin, the Blizzard half of the equation has also been doing quite well, with World of Warcraft subscriptions back over 10 million and Hearthstone's 20 million registered users.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US

JoystiqCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Destiny top 2014 console sales in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzarddestinymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneFri, 12 Dec 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul McCartney, the hologram, in Destiny music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/paul-mccartney-the-hologram-in-destiny-music-video/#comments

Holograms are generally reserved for dead artists and sci-fi depictions of AI, but Paul McCartney has no use for society's limited definitions of advanced technology. The music video for McCartney's Destiny song features him as a hologram, roaming the same lands as our Guardians.

JoystiqPaul McCartney, the hologram, in Destiny music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftmusic-videopaul-mccartneyplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/09/psa-destinys-first-expansion-the-dark-below-out-now/#comments Destiny's first paid expansion The Dark Below is now available across the PlayStation 4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 platforms, publisher Activision announced today.

The Dark Below introduces a collection of new story missions and quests, along with the cooperative Strike mission "The Will of Crota" and a new Raid for up to six players. Players can also expect to see Legendary loot that boosts characters to Light Level 32 and three new arenas for the game's Crucible multiplayer component.

Today's launch should re-enable Destiny access for players who were mistakenly locked out from the game over the weekend after pre-purchasing The Dark Below.

The PlayStation 4 and PS3 versions of Destiny also receive an exclusive exotic weapon and an additional Strike mission as part of today's DLC launch. The Dark Below is priced at $19.99 on all platforms, and is bundled as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass for $34.99.

[Image: Activision]

Continue reading PSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now

JoystiqPSA: Destiny's first expansion The Dark Below out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinydlcmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowxboxxbox-oneTue, 09 Dec 2014 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny progress will carry over to sequel, Bungie says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/08/destiny-progress-will-carry-over-to-sequel-bungie-says/#comments Player progress in Destiny will transfer to the sequel, Bungie Community Manager David Dague confirmed to IGN. Bungie has 10 years to fulfill its promises for the Destiny franchise, and it's laying out some of the groundwork now.

"It's been no secret that we have a 10-year plan for the expansion and evolution of this franchise, and it's something that we're always dreaming about," Dague said. He continued, "The idea is that the Guardian you have created is something you can bring along with you on that adventure. If you take a look at the way people have played other games for a long period of time, they've had a relationship with the same character for a very long time."

Dague didn't go into detail about development of a Destiny sequel. Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below, launches on December 9.

JoystiqDestiny progress will carry over to sequel, Bungie says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneMon, 08 Dec 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Iron Banner returns to Destiny on December 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-iron-banner-returns-to-destiny-on-december-16/#comments Raids, strikes, missions and console-exclusive content aren't the only things heralding the arrival of Destiny's first expansion, The Dark Below. Lord Saladin and The Iron Lords will return to Destiny's PvP mode, the Crucible, for another round of the Iron Banner event on December 16.

Bungie Community Manager David "DeeJ" Dague detailed the news - along with plenty of other updates, such as fixes, tweaks and clarifications about how gear will work once The Dark Below is available - as part of the Bungie Weekly Update. DeeJ wrote that while more details about "the experiments happening in the PvP labs" are still incoming, players should know now that participating in the Iron Banner event gives them a chance to earn level 31 gear (the current level cap is 30), and that participants do not need to own The Dark Below to compete.

The Iron Banner event, like much of Destiny's content, has seen several major changes throughout its lifespan. After high-level players complained about not feeling powerful enough in relation to low-level players, Bungie introduced "Iron Banner 2.0," which was received better.

Whispers of Iron Banner 3 say it features a major villain who turns out to be a red herring thrown in to distract from the fact that the plot is actually adapted from the "Extremis" storyline. Or are we thinking of some other, iron-related trilogy?
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqThe Iron Banner returns to Destiny on December 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyiron-bannermicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneSun, 07 Dec 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare patch hits PS4, Xbox One]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/major-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-patch-hits-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/major-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-patch-hits-ps4-xbox-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/05/major-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-patch-hits-ps4-xbox-one/#comments A significant Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare update addressing multiple gameplay issues is now available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, developer Sledgehammer Games announced this week.

Advanced Warfare's "biggest title update yet" patches Goliath clipping and out-of-bounds glitches, fixes dozens of UI and HUD issues, and rebalances many weapon types across all multiplayer modes. The patch additionally tweaks broadcast and eSports-specific settings, and upgrades Advanced Warfare's anti-cheat enforcement system, eliminating many previously published exploits.

While this week's update is currently exclusive to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Advanced Warfare, Sledgehammer Games notes that an equivalent patch will launch for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC platforms "soon."

[Image: Activision]

JoystiqMajor Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare patch hits PS4, Xbox One originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfaremicrosoftpatchplaystationps4sledgehammer-gamesupdatexbox-oneFri, 05 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/04/destinys-the-dark-below-dlc-is-lit-up-in-launch-trailer/#comments The environments in Destiny's The Dark Below expansion appear to be fairly well-lit - some of them are bathed in an eerie greenish glow, but still, they're lit. Maybe it's more of a metaphor about the darkness inside of us all. Or maybe it's just a cool name for some DLC. The Dark Below launches on December 9.

Continue reading Destiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer

JoystiqDestiny's The Dark Below DLC is lit up in launch trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinyDLCmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowxboxxbox-oneThu, 04 Dec 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gear up with Hearthstone expansion Goblins vs. Gnomes next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/gear-up-with-hearthstone-expansion-goblin-vs-gnomes-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/gear-up-with-hearthstone-expansion-goblin-vs-gnomes-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/gear-up-with-hearthstone-expansion-goblin-vs-gnomes-next-week/#comments Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft bolsters its hand with Goblins vs. Gnomes starting December 8 in the Americas, Southeast Asia and Oceania, and December 9 in Europe, Korea, Taiwan and China. While next week sees the diminutive buy inventive creatures grace cards on iPad, PC and Mac, Blizzard previously said Hearthstone hits Android tablets sometime this month.

The 120 Goblins vs. Gnomes cards are purchasable in packs, either using real-life cash or in-game gold, and you can craft them and win them in the arena. More importantly, Blizzard concocted a lovely little ditty to welcome the collectible card game's expansion, which you can check out below the break.

Continue reading Gear up with Hearthstone expansion Goblins vs. Gnomes next week

JoystiqGear up with Hearthstone expansion Goblins vs. Gnomes next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardblizzardgoblins-vs-gnomeshearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmacmobilepcrelease-dateWed, 03 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/02/destinys-playstation-exclusive-dark-below-content-detailed/#comments When the Dark Below expansion drops for Destiny on December 9, PlayStation 3 and 4 players will receive a launch-exclusive Strike mission and exotic weapon. Both will be PSN-only through fall 2015, at least.

The Strike is a Mars mission called The Undying Mind, set in The Black Garden. Players will face a "timeless Vex machine-beast that has survived for ages. Prepare for firefights amidst vine-laden pillars and decaying paths in an effort to destroy the ancient evil," the PlayStation Blog reads. The weapon is The 4th Horseman, a shotgun with four barrels, five shots and a "sizzlingly fast" fire rate. See an image of the quad-barreled blaster after the break.

The Dark Below launches for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PS4 on December 9, bringing new story missions, weapons, armor, an increase of the Light level cap to 32, a competitive multiplayer map, cooperative Strike, six-player Raid, and more goodies.

Continue reading Destiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed

JoystiqDestiny's PlayStation-exclusive Dark Below content detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBungiedestinyDLCplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowTue, 02 Dec 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny update tunes exotic weapons to feel more 'overpowered']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/destiny-update-tunes-exotic-weapons-to-feel-more-overpowered/#comments Bungie updated Destiny today, changing the game's exotic weapons and introducing "additional acquisition paths for destination upgrade materials." Version 1.1 of the game re-balances the exotic gear so the weapons "look, feel and sound overpowered," and they will no longer require Ascendant Materials to upgrade. Final upgrades to exotic gear will require that players have exotic shards, obtained by dismantling other exotic gear or trading in seven Strange Coins.

The update changed a number of exotic weapons, such as boosting the magazine size and reload speed of the Thorn and the stability of Hard Light and Monte Carlo. Bungie's update blog features a full list of the changes made to the exotic weaponry, which will generally start at a higher attack value than the items previously did. The version 1.1 update also fixed a few issues such as Raid exploits and lowered frame rates for Xbox One players using party chat. Destiny's first major expansion, The Dark Below, will launch on December 9.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny update tunes exotic weapons to feel more 'overpowered' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinyexoticexotic-weaponsfixmicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4tuningtweakupdatexboxxbox-oneMon, 01 Dec 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top CoD: Advanced Warfare players get ironic armor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/see-the-gaudy-armor-worn-by-top-cod-advanced-warfare-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/see-the-gaudy-armor-worn-by-top-cod-advanced-warfare-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/01/see-the-gaudy-armor-worn-by-top-cod-advanced-warfare-players/#comments Developer Sledgehammer Games has a special reward for those Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare players tough enough to survive the weaponry of the near-future, an overacting Kevin Spacey and the horrors of playing online, though it's as garish as it is anachronistic.

In lieu of hyper plastics and glowing LEDs - the de facto aesthetic for the game - the armor awarded to the top 100 Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare players apes overwrought Renaissance-era ceremonial armor with fine Baroque details and what appear to be precious gems. Apparently once you've cracked the elite ranks of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare there's no need for stealth, so you may as well dress like a militant Fabergé egg.

Sledgehammer offers no details on how the armor is distributed to the upper tiers of the online shooter's leaderboards, nor does it offer information on what happens if a player falls out of the top 100. Do players have to go back to drab, boring military colors after a few brief moments as a fabulous peacock of death? We've attempted to contact Sledgehammer Games and will update this story with anything we hear back.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqTop CoD: Advanced Warfare players get ironic armor originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfaremicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamesxboxxbox-oneMon, 01 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exo Zombies will debut with Havoc DLC in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/exo-zombies-will-debut-with-havoc-dlc-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/exo-zombies-will-debut-with-havoc-dlc-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/exo-zombies-will-debut-with-havoc-dlc-in-january/#comments

The previously-announced return of zombies in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare will rush Xbox One players that purchase the Havoc DLC pack in January 2015 (and other platforms at a later date), developer Sledgehammer Games has revealed. Exo Zombies' chapters will be overrun with an "entirely new breed" of zombies, the first glimpse of which is shown in the above trailer, a clip that was previously viewable by conquering the Riot stage of Advanced Warfare's Exo Survival mode.

Though we don't have an exact launch date for the Havoc DLC just yet, remember that Xbox One players will get the first shot at Havoc, Exo Zombies and the rest of Advanced Warfare's DLC due to Xbox's timed exclusivity deal with Activision.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqExo Zombies will debut with Havoc DLC in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfareexo-zombiesmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamesxboxxbox-onezombiesSat, 29 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions review: Game cubed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/geometry-wars-3-dimensions-review-game-cubed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/geometry-wars-3-dimensions-review-game-cubed/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/28/geometry-wars-3-dimensions-review-game-cubed/#commentsPS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, Mac
In 2008, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 was the ruler (pun intended) of Xbox Live. It riffed on Asteroids aptly, mixing simple, refined shoot-em-up with a hypnotic techno frenzy. Like a three-legged pub crawl with tequila shots, it delivered in short, impelling bursts that kept you drunkenly chasing high scores through the night, or at least until your thumbs passed out. In short, it was a black hole of time in the best possible way.

After such a siesta, it's hard to see Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions outside of what came before. Oddly enough, it's a sometimes overlooked Geometry Wars entry, Galaxies, that brings the most enjoyable component to developer Lucid Games' revival: a dense, challenge-based campaign. In contrast, GW3's freshest defining quality, the third dimension, doesn't make the same impact. If you view GW3 in the inebriated, blurry lens of GW2 it comes up a little short. Take a more sober look at it, and it's a welcome, faithful enough return that you can still sink plenty into.

Continue reading Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions review: Game cubed

JoystiqGeometry Wars 3: Dimensions review: Game cubed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2014 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisiongeometry-wars-3-dimensionslucid-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4Sierraxboxxbox-oneFri, 28 Nov 2014 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Dark Below trailer runs through the goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/destinys-dark-below-trailer-runs-through-the-goodies/#comments
Destiny's upcoming expansion The Dark Below brings a boatload of new features to Bungie's multiplayer FPS, and the trailer above outlines what you can expect to see. Featured additions include new equipment, guns, environments, story missions, Crucible maps, a multiplayer Raid, and maybe even a Jacuzzi. Actually, that's probably not a Jacuzzi. Don't risk it. The Dark Below premieres on December 9.

[Video: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's Dark Below trailer runs through the goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinydlcexpansionmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowtrailerxboxxbox-oneWed, 26 Nov 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision issuing DMCA takedowns on Call of Duty exploit videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/activision-issuing-dmca-takedowns-on-call-of-duty-exploit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/activision-issuing-dmca-takedowns-on-call-of-duty-exploit-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/activision-issuing-dmca-takedowns-on-call-of-duty-exploit-videos/#comments Activision is issuing copyright strikes on YouTube videos that "promote cheating and unfair exploits" within its Call of Duty series, Eurogamer reports.

Gaming network Machinima warned its userbase in an e-mailed newsletter this week that videos showcasing glitches in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare are currently being targeted for DMCA takedowns, and affected accounts will receive copyright strikes. YouTube users who earn multiple copyright strikes risk having their accounts permanently disabled.

"Activision is being particularly vigilant about their Call of Duty videos lately; issuing strikes on videos showing glitches," Machinima's statement reads. "If you post videos highlighting these glitches, your channel may be liable to receive a copyright strike so please be careful."

Activision issued a response to Eurogamer claiming that it intends to curb cheating and unfair play within Advanced Warfare's multiplayer mode.

"We're excited that so many fans are having fun playing the game and posting videos of their gameplay," an Activision representative wrote. "We love watching the videos ourselves. Occasionally, some folks post videos that promote cheating and unfair exploits. As always, we keep an eye out for these videos - our level of video claims hasn't changed. We are appreciative of the community's support in helping to ensure that everyone has the best playing experience possible."

[Image: Activision]

JoystiqActivision issuing DMCA takedowns on Call of Duty exploit videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-advanced-warfarecopyrightdmcamachinimamicrosoftpcplaystationps3ps4sledgehammer-gamestakedownxboxxbox-oneyoutubeTue, 25 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP slays Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines remake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ccp-slays-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ccp-slays-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/25/ccp-slays-vampire-the-masquerade-bloodlines-remake/#comments CCP Games has halted a fan-developed remake of the classic PC RPG Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, requesting an end to development and the removal of assets taken from the original game via an e-mailed cease and desist order.

The remake, codenamed Project Vaulderie, was to recreate Bloodlines in the Unity engine, patching up lingering issues from the original release and adding a multiplayer component. Bloodlines was originally rushed to retail in a notoriously buggy state in 2004 after an extended development period, and an active modding community worked to improve the game in the years afterward.

"We're very sad to report that we received a Cease & Desist e-mail from CCP Games, asking us to cease game development, remove any materials that might contain Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines, names, locations or related elements from the sites we control, and cease any further use of Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines property, and in a disappointment shared among our team we are complying with that request," Project Vaulderie's team lead said in a recent blog post.

The post continues: "We are avidly seeking a resolute course to continue working on a future game, but we cannot at this time discuss this publicly and with that I urge you to please be patient and hopeful that we will find a way."

[Image: CCP Games]

JoystiqCCP slays Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines remake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncancelledccp-gamescease-and-desistfan-madepcproject-vaulderieremakevampire-the-masquerade-bloodlinesTue, 25 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New trailer for Destiny's The Dark Below glances at gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/new-trailer-for-destinys-the-dark-below-glances-at-gameplay/#comments After Destiny's cinematic introducing the story of the game's upcoming DLC, The Dark Below, leaked, Bungie opted to issue a more explanatory video. As seen on Game Informer, the developer diary-style trailer discusses the "one way trip" nature of The Dark Below's design. The trailer also introduces Eris Morn, the merchant and primary quest-giver that failed to defeat the DLC's main villain Crota in the past.

The Dark Below will launch on December 9 and adds new gear and maps to the game, which are also shown in today's video. The DLC will cost $20, and it is also part of the Destiny's $35 season pass program. Those that buy the expansion will also receive a new Sparrow vehicle capable of performing some fancy tricks.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqNew trailer for Destiny's The Dark Below glances at gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiedestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdev-diarydeveloper-diarydlcdownloadable-contentexpansionmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4season-passthe-dark-belowtrailervideoxboxxbox-oneMon, 24 Nov 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/destinys-dark-below-dlc-trailer-leaks/#comments A cinematic for Destiny's The Dark Below expansion has reportedly leaked. The video found after the break, courtesy of YouTube user Mr Jester6598, seems a lot like a standard trailer that sets up the game's upcoming DLC.

Information on future Destiny add-ons has been prone to spill across the web in the past few months; Bungie confirmed a leak of two DLC packs' mission names and descriptions in September, followed by the discovery of an entire map on Venus for the House of Wolves expansion in October.

The Dark Below will launch on December 9 for $20, and is part of the game's $35 season pass program. Aside from The Dark Below's story missions fixated on the Hive's plans to summon a pretty mean god known as Crota, the DLC adds a special Sparrow vehicle to the game that allows players to perform tricks at high speeds. Bungie will also add some free content to the game at The Dark Below's launch, such as additional gear and five additional bounty slots.

hose still on the fence about playing Bungie's latest FPS can check out the game's trial, which launched this week with the ability to transfer players' demo progress to the full version of the game, should they choose to upgrade.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Destiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks

JoystiqDestiny's Dark Below DLC trailer leaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionadd-onBungiecinematicdestinydestiny-the-dark-belowdlcdownloadable-contentexpansionleakleakedmicrosoftplaystationps3ps4the-dark-belowtrailervideoxboxxbox-oneThu, 20 Nov 2014 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/buy-destiny-expansion-get-a-sparrow-that-lets-you-do-tricks/#comments To make the first Destiny expansion, The Dark Below, just a bit more attractive to prospective buyers, developer Bungie has decided to throw in a new Sparrow, one specifically designed for awesome stunts.

While its possible to surf on Destiny's current class of Sparrows, the new EV-30 Tumbler handles like a futuristic, floating ATV, allowing players to pull off jumping aileron rolls, flips and other stunts usually reserved for Trials Fusion. Granted, these aerial maneuvers won't help you kill any of the local moon wizards, but only half the battle is about gunplay. The other half is about looking cool in front of a robotic Peter Dinklage.

Getting your hands on a virtual Tumbler is simple: Just purchase either the Destiny Expansion Pass or Destiny Expansion 1: The Dark Below by January 15. If you've already purchased one of these items, your Tumbler will be distributed via the in-game Postmaster starting on December 9. Beyond the break you'll find footage of the EV-30 Tumbler in action.
[Image: Activision]

Continue reading Buy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks

JoystiqBuy Destiny expansion, get a Sparrow that lets you do tricks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4xboxxbox-oneThu, 20 Nov 2014 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty franchise tops $10 billion in sales, Advanced Warfare biggest digital console launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/call-of-duty-franchise-tops-10-billion-in-sales-advanced-warfa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/call-of-duty-franchise-tops-10-billion-in-sales-advanced-warfa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/call-of-duty-franchise-tops-10-billion-in-sales-advanced-warfa/#comments
Activision announced this morning that Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is the "biggest entertainment launch of the year." Believable, since the overall franchise has reached sales of $10 billion worldwide and making money is what Call of Duty does. Curiously, no Advanced Warfare sales data accompanied this announcement like in prior years.

Analysts have speculated the franchise is in decline, but Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg previously deflected this by saying, "Preorders are a good barometer for day one, but I don't think they reflect the overall demand for the product."

Continue reading Call of Duty franchise tops $10 billion in sales, Advanced Warfare biggest digital console launch

JoystiqCall of Duty franchise tops $10 billion in sales, Advanced Warfare biggest digital console launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardcall-of-duty-advanced-warfaremicrosoftpcplaystationps4xbox-oneThu, 20 Nov 2014 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny's free trial transfers your characters to the full game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/destinys-free-trial-transfers-your-characters-to-the-full-game/#comments A trial version of Destiny is now available for players to freely check out, Bungie revealed. Unlike Destiny's July beta program, the trial version offers players a taste of the first-person shooter as well as the ability to transfer their character's progress to the full version of the game. Players will only be able to transfer their characters between consoles of the same family, however (PS4 and PS3, Xbox One and Xbox 360).

Bungie noted that the trial takes up roughly the same amount of space on each system's internal hard drive as the full game does; 20 GB for the PS4 and Xbox One trial and 6 GB for the PS3 and Xbox 360 demo. Conveniently, Activision's servers handle the character transferring functions automatically, no action is required on the part of players. Destiny's Reforged Iron Banner event started this week and runs until Monday.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny's free trial transfers your characters to the full game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbungiecharacter-transfercharactersdemodestinymicrosoftplaystationps3ps4transfertrialxboxxbox-oneWed, 19 Nov 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/iron-man-destinys-reforged-iron-banner-2-0-goes-live/#comments It's hammer-time for Destiny, now that the game's "Reforged" Iron Banner event is up and running until Monday, November 24. Hammer-time, get it? You know... forges... hammers... can't touch this? Oh, never mind.

Bungie pitched the first Iron Banner as a limited-time PVP event in which "power matters." It was designed to remove the level playing field of the regular Crucible competitive multiplayer mode. In reality, the level-enabled advantages weren't that advantageous.

This time, Bungie knowingly introduced the tweaked Iron Banner by saying, "Power. Does. Matter! (no, really)." According to the developer, players within three levels of each other will be competitive, while "players out of your league will seem like a boss."

Continue reading Iron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live

JoystiqIron, man - Destiny's 'reforged' Iron Banner 2.0 goes live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-Blizzardbungiedestinyiron-bannermicrosoftplaystationps3ps4release-datexboxxbox-oneTue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One round of Hearthstone, 784 cards drawn, 312,417 damage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/one-round-of-hearthstone-784-cards-drawn-312-417-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/one-round-of-hearthstone-784-cards-drawn-312-417-damage/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/one-round-of-hearthstone-784-cards-drawn-312-417-damage/#comments

Relying on the increased damage players receive when they run out of cards to draw and a few key, complex nuances of the Hearthstone rule set, card sharp HysteriA forces his opponent to draw a ludicrous number of cards while absorbing more than 15,000 times the damage necessary to end the game. The video is almost certainly staged, but impressive nonetheless.
[Image: Activision Blizzard]

JoystiqOne round of Hearthstone, 784 cards drawn, 312,417 damage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionhearthstonehearthstone-heroes-of-warcraftiosipadmobilepcMon, 17 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Destiny picks up voice chat options in 1.0.3 update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/11/17/destiny-picks-up-voice-chat-options-in-1-0-3-update/#comments Bungie has issued a new update for Destiny designed to prepare the shooter for its upcoming Dark Below expansion, though it also brings with it long-awaited voice chat options that should make hunting moon wizards much easier.

According to Bungie, once the 1.0.3 update is installed, players will find a new voice chat channel dedicated to communicating with their team. Players will also be able to converse with whichever random strangers they are linked with in Strikes and team-based Crucible matches. Destiny still lacks large group voice chat and there's no way to broadcast messages across an entire "zone," but these additions go a long way toward enhancing the social aspects of the otherwise lonely multiplayer game.

Not just auditory additions, the 1.0.3 update also tweaks dozens of Destiny features, introduces new rules for the second Iron Banner event and increases the frequency of public events by "10 to 15 percent." For a full rundown of everything 1.0.3 brings to the table, see the Destiny blog.
[Image: Activision]

JoystiqDestiny picks up voice chat options in 1.0.3 update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbungiedestinymicrosoftpatchplaystationps3ps4updatexboxxbox-oneMon, 17 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST