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[Patent points to possible Kinect-based parental controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/patent-points-to-possible-kinect-based-parental-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/patent-points-to-possible-kinect-based-parental-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/patent-points-to-possible-kinect-based-parental-controls/#comments Tech blog Geekwire recently uncovered a U.S. patent for software which uses the Kinect to scan a potential player's body size, and restrict mature content based on their estimated age. It does so not just by examining their height, but the proportions of their body parts -- still, we think it would have an awfully difficult time detecting the age of a little person, or an unnaturally, horrifyingly gigantic teenager.

According to the filing, "output content can be replaced by substitute content when a person in a lower age group enters the field of view." This could mean that if an adult was playing Rise of Nightmares, and then their child walks into the room, the console would temporarily switch over to Kinectimals until junior left the room, returning the player to adult time. "Don't look at that, Johnny," the father would say to his curious offspring. "That's grown-up Kinectimals."

JoystiqPatent points to possible Kinect-based parental controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agekinectmicrosoftparental-controlspatentxboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Average social gamer age is only 29 in the US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/study-average-social-gamer-age-is-only-27-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/study-average-social-gamer-age-is-only-27-in-the-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/study-average-social-gamer-age-is-only-27-in-the-us/#comments If you think that those silly social games like Farmville and Mafia Wars are full of teenagers, you're only half right. The average player of social games is actually younger than previously believed, according to a new study, but a little older than teenage: 29 in the US and 27 in the EU. That's an interesting conclusion, especially since the average gamer is actually a little older than that (s/he was 30 a few years ago and has been getting steadily older since then), and most people believe that social gamers on Facebook tend to skew even older.

This survey by GamesIndustry.com, however, goes against that grain, and claims that while there are more females playing these games than males, they tend to be younger than expected. Peter Warman of that site says that the reason for this is that most such surveys don't poll any lower than age 18: "It is therefore not at all surprising that their average age is extraordinarily high ... Data from kids and teens is vital and should always be taken into account."

If these surveys aren't representing anyone below age 18, then it's possible gamers, especially those playing social games on Facebook and elsewhere, are even younger than anyone's guessed previously.

JoystiqStudy: Average social gamer age is only 29 in the US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ageaverageaverage-gamereufacebookfarmvillegamergamesindustrygamingmafia-warsoldersocial-gamingsurveyusyoungerFri, 26 Mar 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy Poll: Only for kids?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-fanboy-poll-only-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-fanboy-poll-only-for-kids/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/ds-fanboy-poll-only-for-kids/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday's New York Times article featuring the heartening words of our own Reggie Fils-Aime also included a few choice tidbits from analyst Michael Pachter, who still seems to think that the Nintendo DS is "a kid's device." Despite the release of a mature game last year, the move toward media and other DS uses in Japan, and the thriving all-ages homebrew community, the DS just can't seem to shake the image. Of course, we turn to you to give us the truth. Our best guess is that we've got readers who run the gamut of ages. Is that the case?

View Poll

JoystiqDS Fanboy Poll: Only for kids? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agemichael-pachterTue, 01 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nicole Kidman enjoys Nintendo products*]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/nicole-kidman-enjoys-nintendo-products/#commentsFiled under:

Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman has joined the ranks of the brain-trained. The star of Practical Magic, Batman Forever, and Days of Thunder has agreed to become the official face of More Brain Training (well, the other official face) in a series of print and television advertisements to be shown across Europe.

"I love the concept that Nintendo is reaching out to new audiences with their self improvement products like Brain Training," Kidman said. "Most importantly, I've quickly found that training my brain is a great way to keep my mind young." Maybe now Nintendo and Brain Age will finally be able to achieve some success.

*For money.

JoystiqNicole Kidman enjoys Nintendo products* originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsagebrainbrain agebrain trainingBrainAgeBrainTrainingcommercialcommercialsdseuropekidmannicole kidmanNicoleKidmannintendonintendo dsNintendoDstrainingMon, 25 Jun 2007 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age 2 boxart is BLUUUUUUUUUE]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/brain-age-2-boxart-is-bluuuuuuuuue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/brain-age-2-boxart-is-bluuuuuuuuue/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/18/brain-age-2-boxart-is-bluuuuuuuuue/#commentsFiled under:

We don't necessarily make a post about the box design for every new game, but we pretty much had to for Brain Age 2, for the following reasons:
  1. It's a huge game
  2. We are too weak to resist the obvious joke (see title)
  3. hahahaha bluuuuuuuue
We don't know if it's possible to be as excited about the return of Brain Age as the Japanese public continues to be, but we eagerly await the return of our teacher, friend and constant source of Photoshop inspiration, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima's Disembodied Polygonal Head.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqBrain Age 2 boxart is BLUUUUUUUUUE originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebluebrainbrain agebrain trainingBrainAgeBrainTrainingdskawashimanintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnongamestrainingMon, 18 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R Us summer toys list contains up to one video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/toys-r-us-summer-toys-list-contains-up-to-one-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/toys-r-us-summer-toys-list-contains-up-to-one-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/toys-r-us-summer-toys-list-contains-up-to-one-video-game/#commentsFiled under:


Toys R Us has put out their list of the top 24 hottest toys for this summer, and, surprisingly, there is only one video game on the list-- and even that one's kind of a non-game, according to some people's definitions. Nintendo's brain-teasin' hit Brain Age represents the entirety of our hobby in Toys R Us's summer marketing campaign, despite being a game about math problems, and despite being over a year old. Technically, they also advertise the Leapster, but ... don't worry about the Leapster..

Are we seeing early signs of a Japan-style Brain Age phenomenon? Should we start hoarding DS Lites?
[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqToys R Us summer toys list contains up to one video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrain ageBrainAgedsds liteDsLitekawashimalitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon-gamenongamessummertoys r usToysRUstruWed, 13 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Young gamers smoking the game pipe earlier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/young-gamers-smoking-the-game-pipe-earlier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/young-gamers-smoking-the-game-pipe-earlier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/young-gamers-smoking-the-game-pipe-earlier/#commentsFiled under:

We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control. Kids are adopting gaming at younger ages according the the latest NPD group research data. The first time kids take the red pill has dropped from 8.1 years of age to 6.7 in 2007. Doesn't mean they like what they play. Just that they're indoctrinated.

Portable game systems lead the pack in child adoption rates with 39%. Console systems come in at 29%. Given the sales of the Nintendo DS and the Pokémons, that doesn't seem very surprising. Anita Frazier, industry analyst for The NPD Group, says, "[Children] appear to have no fear of technology and adopt it easily and without fanfare, making these devices a part of their everyday lives." Now if only their parents weren't so frightened of the "pokemans".

JoystiqYoung gamers smoking the game pipe earlier originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agegamersnpdyoungeryouthTue, 05 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Did it work?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/ds-daily-did-it-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/ds-daily-did-it-work/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/ds-daily-did-it-work/#commentsFiled under:


So we've all had a while to mess with Brain Age. We've Stroop tested and memorized lists of words and been yelled at by a floating head. Did it work? Do you feel smarter ... more aggressive ... like you could take on the world?

Or can you at least do division a little more quickly? That's pretty good too.

JoystiqDS Daily: Did it work? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrain ageBrainAgedsds litedsdDsLitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsMon, 28 May 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Non-games selling non-poorly in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/non-games-selling-non-poorly-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no secret that Japan has got Brain Age on the brain. Brain Age and its sequel, which was just now (kind of) announced for the US, have broken all kinds of sales records and been pretty much the sole motivator for the insane success of the DS.

But what is less well-known is that, in addition to driving the creation of a ton of copycat software, training fever is pervasive enough to drive sales of that stuff. In other words, Brain Age has created a market for non-games, just like Nintendo hoped it would.

Gpara compiled a list of 95 DS non-games ordered by Media Create sales numbers, and NeoGAFfer Jonnyram has translated the first ten. These things don't cost much to make, and they are bringing in stacks of money. That's Economics Training at work. Or it would be if that existed. Give it a couple of weeks.
  1. Brain Age 2: 4,266,000
  2. Brain Age: 3,403,000
  3. Eigo Zuke (English Training): 1,937,000
  4. Big Brain Academy 1,519,000
  5. General Knowledge Training/Common Sense Training:1,381,000
  6. Cooking Navi: 815,000
  7. Kanji Test: 523,000
  8. Tokoton Kanji Brain: 406, 000
  9. IQ Suppli DS: 219,000
[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqNon-games selling non-poorly in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebig brain academyBigBrainAcademybrainbrain ageBrainAgedsds liteDsLitelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon gameNonGamenongamestrainingWed, 23 May 2007 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[My Word Coach lets you be like us (plus DS-to-Wii connectivity!) [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/my-word-coach-lets-you-be-like-us-plus-ds-to-wii-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/my-word-coach-lets-you-be-like-us-plus-ds-to-wii-connectivity/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/23/my-word-coach-lets-you-be-like-us-plus-ds-to-wii-connectivity/#commentsFiled under:

FallibLe.
[Update: Fixed broken link.]

Surely you've thought at some point, hunched over your keyboard because that damned essay is due tomorrow morning, that words could flow glibly and beautifully from your fingertips, as they do so often at Nintendo Wii Fanboy.

All right, that was a little arrogant. We're sorry.

Anyway. As you very well may know, Brain Age focused fairly heavily on the numerical side of things. Equations = sadness. Did it teach you how to express, or to inspire? Hell no. And so Ubisoft jumps into the brain training genre, with both Wii and DS versions of their literary inculcator, My Word Coach.

There's an in-depth preview over at IGN, and we highly encourage you to peruse their hands-on experience. We'd also like to point out that this game features a simple and effective DS-to-Wii communication feature, in which handwriting performed via stylus is instantly translated into the Wii title, which coincidentally happens to have a far more robust handwriting recognition system than did Brain Age. Is your brain tingling in excitement? We certainly hope so.

JoystiqMy Word Coach lets you be like us (plus DS-to-Wii connectivity!) [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AgeBrainConnectivityDSKawashimaMy Word CoachMyWordCoachTrainingWed, 23 May 2007 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Summon Night coming to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/summon-night-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/summon-night-coming-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/22/summon-night-coming-to-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Banpresto's Summon Night series of RPG's finally made it to the U.S. last year on the Game Boy Advance. Fans of the GBA action-RPG's will be happy to know that Summon Night is getting a new entry on the DS: Summon Night: Twin Age.

The original Summon Night games were strategy RPG's similar to Tactics Ogre, but this, like the GBA games, is more action-oriented. It stars two plucky youths named Aldo and Leeha who want to become great summoners-- you know, standard RPG stuff. They want to be the very best, like no one ever was. To find gems is their real test-- to use them to summon monsters is their cause.

Twin Age will be released in Japan in August. No word on if Atlus will pick it up for localization.

JoystiqSummon Night coming to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action rpgActionRpgagearpgatlusbanprestodsds liteDsLitenightnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrpgsrpgstrategy rpgStrategyRpgsummonsummon nightSummonNighttacticstwintwin ageTwinAgeTue, 22 May 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age for $14: a smart move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/brain-age-for-14-a-smart-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/brain-age-for-14-a-smart-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/brain-age-for-14-a-smart-move/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're not one of the approximately 12 million people training their brains in minutes a day, then you aren't truly participating in the DS cultural phenomenon. We won't put a value judgment on that decision-- some people just aren't interested in brain training, or non-traditional gaming, or math. But if you have yet to get into Brain Age for financial reasons, we may be able to help you.

Circuit City is offering the game this week for $13.99, which, as anyone who has played it will tell you, is less than $19.99. Also available: Zoo Tycoon and, uh, some unknown media for other devices.

Now is a great time to pick up Brain Age and see what all the fuss is about (it's about short, brain-teasing minigames!) It would make Satoru Iwata happy, and isn't that what it's really all about-- the smile on one absurdly rich man's face?

JoystiqBrain Age for $14: a smart move originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrain agebrainagedealdealsdsds liteDsLitelitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDssalestycoonzoo tycoonZooTycoonWed, 16 May 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata reminds Nintendo of America who's boss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/iwata-reminds-nintendo-of-america-whos-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/iwata-reminds-nintendo-of-america-whos-boss/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/04/iwata-reminds-nintendo-of-america-whos-boss/#commentsFiled under:




(Hint: it's Iwata. Iwata is boss.) Nintendo just released their financial results briefing, which contains a transcript of a question-and-answer session with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. Ever wondered what it would be like to work for Iwata? This quote should replace that wonder with terror: "When I received a report from the U.S. that they sold 1 million Pokémon Diamond & Pearl already, I asked them, 'why did you sell only 10,000 Brain Age last week, when Europe sold through 30,000?' This is a typical example of how I communicate with our people in the U.S."

Why would Iwata be so mean in the face of ostensibly great news? Because he's a huge jerk? Probably not. For one thing, Pokémon selling a million copies doesn't mean that anyone at Nintendo of America did anything particularly well. All they had to do was release it, making sure that the word "Pokémon" was clearly visible on the box.

But more importantly, Iwata isn't looking just to sell a bunch of games. He wants to expand the gaming market in the US like the DS has in Japan, and for that, Brain Age needs to get into non-gamers' hands. Then Nintendo can sell a bunch of games to them as well as to Nintendo fans. As Iwata notes in the report, 500,000 DS systems were sold in the US in March, which is a large number, but not as large as the 600,000 to 700,000 sold in Japan each month.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqIwata reminds Nintendo of America who's boss originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrain ageBrainAgediamonddsds liteDsLiteeuropefinancesfinancialinvestorsiwatalitenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnoapearlpokemonsalesFri, 04 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBFC publishes research on gamer demographics, perception]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/bbfc-publishes-research-on-gamer-demographics-perception/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/bbfc-publishes-research-on-gamer-demographics-perception/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/17/bbfc-publishes-research-on-gamer-demographics-perception/#commentsFiled under:

The British Board of Film Classification published today research that they have conducted concerning video games. The report covers a wide aspect of gaming culture. Highlights include:
  • Age: "Although children are beginning to start playing games at a younger age, the overall age of players is getting older. Younger games players are influenced to play particular games by peer pressure and word of mouth, but negative press coverage for a game will significantly increase its take up."
  • Gender: "There is a sharp divide between male and female games players in their taste in games and how long they spend playing. Female games players tend to prefer 'strategic life simulation' games like The Sims and puzzle games and spend less time playing than their male counterparts; male players favour first 'person shooters' [sic] and sports games and are much more likely to become deeply absorbed in the play."
  • Benefits of gaming: "People play games to escape from every day life and to escape to a world of adventure without risk which is under the control of the gamer, unlike the real world. Games provide a sense of achievement and are active, unlike television and films which are passive. However, games are better at developing action than building character and as such gamers tend to care less about the storyline than making progress in the game. Gamers claim that playing games is mentally stimulating and that playing develops hand eye coordination."

Continue reading BBFC publishes research on gamer demographics, perception

JoystiqBBFC publishes research on gamer demographics, perception originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebbfcbritish board of film classificationBritishBoardOfFilmClassificationdemographicgaming cultureGamingCulturegenderperceptionTue, 17 Apr 2007 18:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age works, it really really works!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/brain-age-works-it-really-really-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/brain-age-works-it-really-really-works/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/brain-age-works-it-really-really-works/#commentsFiled under:

And with a scientific headline such as that, who's to argue, amirite?

But seriously, according to some Israeli scientists the brain-training exercises found in the game MindFit (very much like Brain Age), when compared against classic computer games such as Tetris, actually improve brain power more. Using a total of 121 volunteers over the age of 50, the study spanned over 3 months and, at the end, when each group was divided the scientists found that both groups had improved, but the group playing MindFit actually had better spatial short-term memory, spatial learning and focused attention.

[Thanks, Andrew!]

JoystiqBrain Age works, it really really works! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrainagedsdslitekawashimalitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteMon, 19 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: New horizons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/ds-daily-new-horizons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/ds-daily-new-horizons/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/04/ds-daily-new-horizons/#commentsFiled under: ,

There have been a lot of familiar franchises on the DS, and we love them! But, and this is where a lot of the system's publicity comes from, there has also been an explosion of new genres and new experiences, as well as revivals of past trends. So, as hardcore gamers (the kind who read game blogs), has your gaming universe been expanded by the DS? Have you taken part in any completely new experiences? Played your first graphical text adventure? Minigame collection? Whatever Brain Age was?

Or maybe what you discovered on the DS is something popular that you just missed out on for some reason, like Final Fantasy or Castlevania. We want to hear about your experiences! We want to know how the DS has affected your gaming tastes! We want to know how you classify Brain Age!

JoystiqDS Daily: New horizons originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrain agebrainagedailydsds dailyds litedsdDsDailyDsLiteduskfantasyfinalfinalfantasyhotelhotel duskhotelduskmarionintendonintendo dsNintendoDsphoenixphoenix wrightphoenixwrightwrightSun, 04 Mar 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at some unsung DS villains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/a-look-at-some-unsung-ds-villains/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/a-look-at-some-unsung-ds-villains/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/a-look-at-some-unsung-ds-villains/#commentsFiled under:

Modojo's Ryan Morgan took a trip into the underworld of DS games, finding the meanest of the mean villains and delivering stern warnings about them. These aren't the everyday spiny, cloaked, "NOOOOOOO"-bellowing villains we know, the kind that telegraph their evilness to the world, but some more insidious cads who, while they look innocuous enough, will strike and attempt to force you to feed their twisted, evil obsessions.

The biggest offender? The color blue, who Nintendo seems to have collaborated with to render Brain Age players hoarse or even mute from repeated attempts at the Stroop test. Bluuuuuuuuuuuue!

JoystiqA look at some unsung DS villains originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebluebowserbrainbrainagedsdsliteganonganondorflistlitemodojonintendonintendo dsnintendo ds liteNintendoDsnintendodslitenoooooooovillainvillainsTue, 27 Feb 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EU Commission looks to harmonize game age restrictions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/eu-commision-looks-to-harmonize-game-age-restrictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/eu-commision-looks-to-harmonize-game-age-restrictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/eu-commision-looks-to-harmonize-game-age-restrictions/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you thinking about selling little Francois Quatorze (that's "fourteen" in French) that copy of Dead Rising he keeps eyeballing? Think again. European Union Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini is seeking to harmonize the rules concerning the sale of video games to minors.

The Reuters article specifically cites 16 as the age in question, as Europe ratings board PEGI uses a 16+ rating for games typically rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. Frattini opines that under current EU-wide rules, retailers still do not consistently check the consumer's age when selling 16-rated video games.

Said Frattini, "I do want to harmonise rules ... punishing people illegally selling products, people not controlling and checking identity."

The key element here is that Frattini does not want to universal agreement as to which games receive what age restrictions, as the tolerance of certain content factors differ amongst the EU's 27 nations. Germany, for example, recently banned (by means of ratings refusal) a handful of high-profile titles such as Gears of War, Dead Rising, and Crackdown.

JoystiqEU Commission looks to harmonize game age restrictions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agecultureeueuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUniongermanyleipzigrating systemratingsRatingSystemrestrictionsThu, 11 Jan 2007 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports: Training and Fitness modes documented]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/wii-sports-training-and-fitness-modes-documented/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/wii-sports-training-and-fitness-modes-documented/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/wii-sports-training-and-fitness-modes-documented/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've been spending tons of time with Wii Sports and we never took the chance to check out the Fitness and Training modes. In correcting the situation, we found that each are fairly straight forward and just how you would imagine them; Fitness is a kind of Brain Age semi-clone, yet instead of a brain age you are given a fitness age, and with Training you are taken through several scenarios in each of the sports. Fitness mode is a good deal more in-depth, so initially you'd want to head into Training mode before checking that out so that you can train up before committing yourself to a fitness age the system is looking to label you with.


Continue reading for our first ever Wii Sports Fitness mode trial!

Continue reading Wii Sports: Training and Fitness modes documented

JoystiqWii Sports: Training and Fitness modes documented originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ageblogblogathon06brainbrainagedsdslitefitnessfitnessagelitenintendonintendodsnintendowiiwiiwiisportswiisportsfitnessSun, 12 Nov 2006 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kawashima ditches the DS for the PSP in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/kawashima-ditches-the-ds-for-the-psp-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/kawashima-ditches-the-ds-for-the-psp-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/04/kawashima-ditches-the-ds-for-the-psp-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Dr. Kawashima, the jovial floating head accompanying you on your travels through swift mathematics problems and furiously shouting "brew!" at your DS whilst playing Brain Age, has decided to float on over to the competition with Mind Quiz for the PSP in Europe.

Ubisoft, the publisher behind Mind Quiz, looks to bring the same experience to Sony's handheld, sans touch-screen capable and voice-recognizing gameplay. One thing that makes Mind Quiz stand out from its Brain Age cousin is that it will feature online gameplay and mock exams to quiz your mind.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqKawashima ditches the DS for the PSP in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindskawashimamindnintendonintendodsplaystationportablepspquiztrainingWed, 04 Oct 2006 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age math challenge exploit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/brain-age-math-challenge-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/brain-age-math-challenge-exploit/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/19/brain-age-math-challenge-exploit/#commentsFiled under:


We're pretty sure that at least one of you have solved the 10 math problems exercise in Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. We aren't sure, however, that some of you have done it in 8 or less seconds. Considering this individual is exploiting the system a tad through the use of chicken scratch writing, we can't give him much credit.

OK, maybe we're just jealous...

As always, video is embedded into the post after the break.

Continue reading Brain Age math challenge exploit

JoystiqBrain Age math challenge exploit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainbrainagedsnintendoTue, 19 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age sells 4 million worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/brain-age-sells-4-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/brain-age-sells-4-million-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/brain-age-sells-4-million-worldwide/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo recently sent out a press release where they went over the latest numbers for their popular brain-trainer DS title Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. In revealing the numbers for the three major regions of North and South America, Europe, and Japan, Nintendo stated they have sold over 4 million units worldwide. 600,000 of the units were sold in the Americas, 500,000 total in Europe, and an insane 3 million units have been sold in Japan.

"Brain Age is so easy to pick up and play, regardless of your experience level," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "You can play it for 10 minutes or an hour and keep yourself feeling sharp. As a baby boomer, it's like a treadmill for my mind."

[Source: Nintendo Press Release]

JoystiqBrain Age sells 4 million worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindaydsgeorgeharrisonminutesnintendotrainThu, 10 Aug 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Touch Generations slogan ideas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/touch-generations-slogan-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/touch-generations-slogan-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/07/touch-generations-slogan-ideas/#commentsFiled under:


We don't normally post about advertisements, instead leaving that up to the ad critics, but this Touch Generations ad just brought some hilarious commentary to our mind. We envision a nice evening out, maybe the couple's 23rd anniversary, and after a few glasses of wine, the husband is feeling a bit frisky once the couple arrive home. "Not right now," she says, shouting "brew" into her DS Lite during an intense round of Brain Age. "I have to get my brain's age down," she quickly follows with. The husband, upset, rolls over and firmly fixes a frown upon his face, falling asleep.

In the spirit of cruelty, we decided we'd come up with our own ad slogans for the Touch Generations brand. Here goes:
  • Touch Generations: Now having a headache doesn't have to be your only excuse.
  • Touch Generations: Because you're too old for most stuff anyway.
  • Touch Generations: "Paddles" are too complicated nowadays.
  • Touch Generations: You'll be damned if you're paying for another dog from the pound. 6 is quite enough!
  • Touch Generations: Because reading is for dummies.
  • Touch Generations: Because you should at least be able to kick your kid's ass in one game.
What kind of brilliant marketing ideas are swimming around in your noggin?

JoystiqTouch Generations slogan ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindsgenerationslitenintendotouchMon, 07 Aug 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age striking it rich in the mainstream media]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/brain-age-striking-it-rich-in-the-mainstream-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/brain-age-striking-it-rich-in-the-mainstream-media/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/brain-age-striking-it-rich-in-the-mainstream-media/#commentsFiled under:

First up, CBS News has some rather extensive coverage, both in article and video form, on Nintendo's brain-tickling title Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. With the focal point of the piece being that these types of "brain games" are excellent for senior citizens, allowing them to keep a nimble mind through continuous use of the title, it paints one excellent picture overall. The debate as to whether these types of games actually can benefit your health is one that is sure to be without resolution for some time to come, but getting seniors and those who would otherwise be disinterested in games, playing and enjoying themselves, is a huge win for Nintendo.

CBS isn't the only news affiliate covering the Brain Age story, however, as a local Arizona news team also covered the game. This local Fox News team actually took the game to the streets and got it into the hands of average citizens, recording their reactions. What's also surprising is that the team even brought up the voice recognition problems that so many of us have had, which shows they really put their time in with the game.

Embedded video after the link.

Continue reading Brain Age striking it rich in the mainstream media

JoystiqBrain Age striking it rich in the mainstream media originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraincbsdsfoxnintendoWed, 21 Jun 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Lite and Brain Age not playing well together]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/ds-lite-and-brain-age-not-playing-well-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/ds-lite-and-brain-age-not-playing-well-together/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/ds-lite-and-brain-age-not-playing-well-together/#commentsFiled under:


No doubt you're too occupied with charting your brain's age and calculating simple arithmetic with the quickness of a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to read this post. That's OK, we'll forgive you and just post this blog here for when you encounter this most horrible issue while playing on your newly-acquired DS Lite. Seems the device doesn't recognize the word blue, a word that is so critical to success in the "game." Reader Sean even went so far as to knock upon the doors of Nintendo, demanding an answer to this most heinous issue. The response he received was:

Hi Sean,

Thanks for your e-mail.  We appreciate your comments.  The problem that you are describing is very likely because the Nintendo DS Lite is not designed for use in North America.  That means that we have not tested it for use here.  I will be sure to forward your e-mail along for further review, just in case.

So far, the redesigned Nintendo DS has only been released in Japan.  Look for any further announcements on this product by checking  the news section of our website at the following address:

www.nintendo.com/newsmain

Keep checking our website at www.nintendo.com for the latest on Nintendo games, systems, and promotions.  And, while on our site, also check out the My Nintendo program.  With this program, not only can you check on the status of a
subscription, part order or repair order, but you can also register your games and systems, and participate in the Nintendo Forums.

Nintendo of America Inc.
Lauren Taylor

The funny thing is, the "game" can hardly recognize when I say blue either, and that's on an original phat DS. Maybe it's my rough Philly accent, which makes me say "wooter" instead of "water."

JoystiqDS Lite and Brain Age not playing well together originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebrainnintendo'dsWed, 19 Apr 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age site launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/brain-age-site-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/brain-age-site-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/15/brain-age-site-launches/#commentsFiled under: ,

The website for Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! has launched, and in following with Nintendo's goals for the game, features a lot of different types of people, young and old, having at it with DS in hand and commenting on their own performance. The website also showcases a comprehensive how-to on playing the game, taking the viewer through the motions and undoubtedly causing their mouth to salivate with the wish to taste the succulent delicacies the game will soon have to offer. Do yourself a favor and go check the site out to tide you over these next few days until you can get your hands on your own copy (unless you were one of the lucky in attendance at GDC).

[Thanks Josh!]

JoystiqBrain Age site launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Apr 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindsgdcnintendoSat, 15 Apr 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smarter gamers pre-ordering Brain Age?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/smarter-gamers-pre-ordering-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/smarter-gamers-pre-ordering-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/smarter-gamers-pre-ordering-brain-age/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday's Amazon.com computer and video games sales chart showed Nintendo's upcoming mental-massaging Brain Age : Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day for the DS jump from the abysmal rank of #135 to that of a fit #5. Looks like gamers with a thirst for mental acuity are thinking this game will be hard to acquire once it is released. The idea isn't that far-fetched considering the game has sold 3.3 million copies to date in Japan. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day releases on the 17th.

[Via Infendo]

JoystiqSmarter gamers pre-ordering Brain Age? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ageamazon.combraindsnintendoTue, 11 Apr 2006 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brain Age footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/02/brain-age-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/02/brain-age-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/02/brain-age-footage/#commentsFiled under:

Etoychest has a video up of Jason Dobson taking a crack at the upcoming Brain Age. The video shows him explaining the interface of the game and going through some drawing and calculation exercises. While Jason admits his Brain Age is not very high, it's likely due to his lack of stylus use (seriously, you'd draw a lot better and get more numbers right it you used the stylus). So while upon start his Brain Age is only in the 40s, it's very possible this could be improved by switching that finger with a stylus on the touch screen. Regardless, the video has a lot of information and should interest everyone looking forward to getting their brain in shape come later in April.

[Note: the video requires Quicktime]

JoystiqBrain Age footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Apr 2006 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindsnintendoquicktimestylusSun, 02 Apr 2006 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Information on Brain Age]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/16/information-on-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/16/information-on-brain-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/16/information-on-brain-age/#commentsFiled under: ,

DS-X2 has some additional information on the forthcoming Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. The upcoming title aims to energize your mind through various minigames and improving your overall "brain age."

"When users start a new game, they will take a series of tests and get a score that shows how old their brains are. This number is called the "Brain Age." As they use the software over a series weeks and months, their mental acuity will improve and the Brain Age will drop, indicating a younger, healthier brain. Progress is charted in graph form."

Also included is a list of some of the minigames included in Brain Age. Such tasks charged to the player are memorizing words, quickly counting people in a crowd, and reading classical literature aloud as fast as possible.

JoystiqInformation on Brain Age originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Mar 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agebraindsminigametrainThu, 16 Mar 2006 14:45:00 EST