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[iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ios-and-android-enter-final-fantasy-dimensions-this-summer/#comments ImageSquare Enix's E3 lineup is packed with unannounced iOS and Android games (packed), but the one that seems most noteworthy is Final Fantasy Dimensions, due this summer on both iOS and Android. "Drawing upon the roots of the series with such features as beautiful 2D pixel art, job-driven character growth, additional scenarios in which to inherit the jobs of your adventuring companions, and a classic story of light, darkness, and crystals," the description reads, "FINAL FANTASY DIMENSIONS delivers the best of FINAL FANTASY, retro and fresh alike, directly to your smartphone."

It sounds like a new game in the classic Final Fantasy style. Judging by the logo, we're guessing it's a smartphone conversion and localization of the Japanese cell phone game, Final Fantasy Legends, which was released episodically in 2010.

The other newly announced game that piqued our interest the most was "Demons' Score", an Unreal Engine 3-powered "breakbeat action game that seamlessly fuses music and battles."

Continue reading iOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer

JoystiqiOS and Android enter 'Final Fantasy Dimensions' this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddemons-scorefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-dimensionsiosiphonemobilesquare-enixWed, 30 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Trip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/trip-hawkins-steps-down-as-digital-chocolate-ceo-layoffs-report/#comments ImageMobile and social games publisher Digital Chocolate may be in danger of melting. Noted industry veteran Trip Hawkins has stepped down as CEO, noting on the Digital Chocolate blog that he is "transitioning now into a consulting and advisory relationship" with the company. He added that Digital Chocolate is "narrowing its focus and it made sense to get more streamlined."

Meanwhile, Digital Chocolate president Marc Metis will step in as interim CEO while the company will also lay off up to 180 across the company's offices in Russia, San Mateo and India, according to a TechCrunch report. The site reports that the San Mateo and Bangalore have had their staffs reduced by half, while offices in Mexico, Armenia, Washington and Russia have been closed entirely.

While Digital Chocolate has yet to confirm the news, Francisco Casanova, general manager of Digital Chocolate Mexico, has tweeted that his branch has closed its doors.

JoystiqTrip Hawkins steps down as Digital Chocolate CEO, layoffs reported originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonelayoffsmobilepcreportMon, 28 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Android tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/android-tablets-now-available-at-1-600-gamestops-include-free-g/#comments ImageIt looks like that clandestine photo of a Gamestop computer replete with entries for Android devices has proven to be accurate, at least as far as tablets are concerned. Rather than stocking Samsung products exclusively, however, 1,600 Gamestops now carry Android tablets from Acer, Asus and Samsung; specifically the Asus Transformer and Transformer Prime, the Acer Iconia (both 7 and 10.1 versions), and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Each tablet comes pre-loaded with "a hand-picked selection of free games, like Sonic CD and Riptide, the Kongregate Arcade gaming app and a free issue of Game Informer Digital," according to the PR available after the break. Naturally, trade-in credit can be applied towards the purchase of one of these devices. Find out if one of your several dozen local Gamestops is a member of that 1,600-store collective by entering your zip-code here, and don't forget to do your research before plopping down several hundred clams on an iPad alternative.

Continue reading Android tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games

JoystiqAndroid tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcerandroidasusgamestopmobileSamsungtabletsSat, 26 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/xperia-play-will-not-receive-ice-cream-sandwich-upgrade/#comments Sony's Xperia Play phone will not be updating to Android version 4.0, also known as "Ice Cream Sandwich," as noted on a recent product blog entry. Sony cites consistency and stability in its decision to withhold the phone from the list of devices receiving the upgrade, which was initially planned to release at the end of May/early June.

Sony explained that "after extensive in house testing with our developer teams and working with our partners, we have concluded that a consistent and stable experience, particularly with gaming, cannot be guaranteed for this smartphone on Ice Cream Sandwich." Its decision appears bolstered by feedback from advanced users and game developers that used a beta ROM of the Android version on their Xperia Play devices.

While instability in the software could compromise a "quality gaming experience" on the phone, we secretly want to believe that a patent unveiled in late April indicates a dual-keyboard device is on the way.

JoystiqXperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAndroid4.0ice-cream-sandwichSonyxperiaxperia-playSat, 26 May 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/minecraft-sells-6-million-on-pc-around-9-million-across-all-p/#comments Minecraft's ability to churn through the bank accounts of all the cosmos continues unabated, having sold six million copies on PC to date, according to a tweet from Mojang mogul Markus Persson. Factoring in XBLA, Android and iOS sales, the figure is "around nine million," according to Persson, a number that Mojang's Daniel Kaplan puts a tiny bit more specifically as "maybe 9.2" million.

If you've been affected by Minecraft's unwavering grasp on the gaming universe, make sure to listed to the Mailbag portion of this week's Super Joystiq Podcast, wherein Joystiq's feature content director Xav de Matos, managing editor JC Fletcher and editor in chief Ludwig Kietzmann discuss various methods for breaking Minecraft addictions.

JoystiqMinecraft sells 6 million on PC, 'around 9 million' across all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemacMarkus-PerssonmicrosoftMinecraftmobilemojangnotchpcsales-figuresxboxFri, 25 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play adds in-app subscription support for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/google-play-adds-in-app-subscription-support-for-android/#comments ImageGoogle Play (formerly Android Market) now supports in-app subscriptions, so developers can optionally accept recurring payments for their apps. Subscriptions can be monthly or annual, and ... are all auto-renewing by default. Good news, developers! You'll get at least one accidental payment from a user.

First out of the gate to support this is Glu Mobile, which appears to be using it for recurring conversions of money to in-game credits in games like Frontline Commando. There's even API functionality allowing developers to use in-app subscriptions to determine access to non-Android-based properties, like websites - allowing an Android app to serve as the subscription system.

JoystiqGoogle Play adds in-app subscription support for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle-playin-app-purchasesin-app-subscriptionsmobileFri, 25 May 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Because We May sale starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/because-we-may-sale-starts-today/#comments Image
"Because We May" is a brand new video game sale put together by a whole gang of indie game developers, who say they want to promote both their games and the online stores that let them control pricing. To that end, they've placed almost every great indie game from the last few years (no kidding) on sale, on the various app and game stores that you see above. Whether you're looking for games direct from their developers, on iOS or Android, or on the Mac App Store or Steam, there are tons of great sales for you to take advantage of, and probably more coming.

Let's spend $15, for example: Buy Bit Trip Runner from the developers for $3.99, pick up Waking Mars on the iPad for $1.99, grab Psychonauts on the Mac for five bucks, and pick up both Penny Arcade titles for $3.99. That's five great games for less than the price of a movie ticket.

JoystiqBecause We May sale starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcheapdealsgamesindieiosipadmacmobilepcsalesThu, 24 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/gamefly-to-publish-ios-and-android-games-launch-gamestore-for/#comments GameFly is moving forward with its plan to "help good games get made" by not only publishing said games on both iOS and Android platforms, but by opening its own "expertly curated" marketplace on Google's mobile operating system.

GameFly's "GameStore" for Android is set to debut sometime this holiday season and will cater to both smartphone and tablet Android users, supplying games for both formats. The app will also support social discovery mechanisms such as friend recommendations and ratings/reviews from other users. Whether GameStore will exclusively stock GameFly-published titles is still unknown, but considering that the app will reportedly house "thousands of the best games," we expect content from other publishers to be present.

As far as GameFly's in-house publishing prospects are concerned, the company expects to release its first game sometime this summer. Mobile developers interested in being published by GameFly should send an email to GameDev at GameFly dawt com.

JoystiqGameFly to publish iOS and Android games, launch 'GameStore' for Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidGameFlyGameStoreiosipadiphonemobileThu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/mass-effect-infiltrator-available-on-android-today/#comments Mass Effect: Infiltrator - developed by the same team responsible for the mobile version of Dead Space - is now available for download in the Google Play store for $6.99.

In Mass Effect: Infiltrator, players take on the role of Cerberus defector Randall Ezno as he attempts to flee from a Cerberus base with intel for the Alliance. Progress in Mass Effect: Infiltrator affects your Galactic Readiness level in Mass Effect 3. And if you've been meaning to go back to the portable game, the latest update (version 1.0.3) added a new character and mission.

JoystiqMass Effect: Infiltrator available on Android today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowareeaea-gamesgoogle-playmass-effect-3mass-effect-infiltratormobileWed, 23 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/squids-wild-west-hits-this-summer-free-preview-update-for-ios-o/#comments ImageThe Game Bakers' mobile, PC and Mac RPG title Squids is getting a rough 'n rowdy update this summer with a new chapter: the Wild West.

To prepare players for the Wild West, Game Bakers launched a free update on the App Store today, featuring three western-ized levels in Seawood, a new Squid hero named Cleef and a new enemy, the Buffalo Shrimp. The update also brings a higher level cap, a new Game Center achievement and improved social media functionality.

We hope it also demonstrates how tumbleweeds blow across a dry dirt street in a fully underwater environment.

Continue reading Squids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now

JoystiqSquids Wild West hits this summer, free preview update for iOS out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfreegame-bakersiosipadiphonemacmobilepcsquidsthe-game-bakersupdatewild-westWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 app for Android checks server status]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/diablo-3-app-for-android-checks-server-status/#comments Those dying to play Diablo 3 online don't need to sit by their PCs to see if the servers are up and running anymore. A Diablo 3 server-checking app, aptly named "Diablo 3 Server Checker," is now available for free (ad-supported) on Google Play for Android devices.

Developed by Eluamous, creator of other server-checking apps for games like World of Warcraft, the app pulls status messages from US.Battle.net to view updates from Diablo 3 servers in the US, Europe, and Asia. The app also includes a widget for use on the home screen of Android devices.

The app is in obvious response to the recent server issues Blizzard has been dealing with.

JoystiqDiablo 3 app for Android checks server status originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidBlizzardDiablo-3diablo-3-server-checkermobileServer-MaintenanceSat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/zynga-shares-close-at-record-low-following-lackluster-facebook-i/#comments Facebook went public yesterday, and its unexpectedly less-than-stellar performance on the trading floor has had powerful ramifications for its social soul sister Zynga, which finished the day's trading at a record low of $7.16 a share.

It's possible that Facebook's unimpressive IPO, closing out Friday at $38.23 a share - four dollars less than its $42.05 opening price - caused Zynga's value to drop in tandem, as the two platforms are inexorably intertwined in the public mindset. It's also possible that Zynga share holders jumped ship in favor of that new Facebook hotness, no longer having to settle for social second best.

Regardless, the severe downturn in value lead to two trading halts on Zynga shares over the course of the day; once after reaching $7.17 a share, and once again after a slight increase in market value. Despite this, share values eventually dropped to as little as $6.93 before finally settling at $7.16.

JoystiqZynga shares close at record low following lackluster Facebook IPO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfacebookiosipadiphoneIPOmacmobileNASDAQpcstock-marketzyngaSat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/19/psa-ea-shutting-down-dragon-age-legends-servers-june-18/#comments Electronic Arts and BioWare's social soiree in Ferelden will be coming to an end on June 18, 2012, according to the official Dragon Age Legends website. E-commerce for the title ended yesterday, meaning that while the game it still active for the time being, it's no longer possible to convert your real-life dollars into fake Dragon Dollars crowns for use in Ferelden's many shops.

BioWare has also initiated a "massive fire sale" on all in-game items until the servers go down, so anyone with stockpiles of fake internet money can get their fake internet money's worth, at least for a few weeks. If the thought of living without a weird Facebook adaptation of the Dragon Age world is too much to handle, take heart: A single-player version of the game will be made available on the official site "shortly after the current version of the game shuts down."

JoystiqPSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbiowarebioware-socialdragon-agedragon-age-legendsEAelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcPSASat, 19 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/dozens-of-indies-putting-their-games-on-sale-next-week-because/#comments ImageIn celebration of stores like Steam and the App Store that allow developers to price their games at whatever they feel like, a group of indies are putting their games on sale next week for ... whatever they feel like.

The "Because We May" sale will run from May 24 through June 1, and will feature sales on the iOS and Mac App Stores, Steam, Google Play, direct downloads from developers, and assorted other venues. The participating games include World of Goo, Osmos, Eets, Bit.Trip Beat and Runner, Canabalt, Waking Mars, Super Meat Boy, Cave Story, the Double Fine Bundle ... basically, you'll find something to buy. As for the prices, it would appear nobody has decided yet.

JoystiqDozens of indies putting their games on sale next week 'Because We May' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbecause-we-mayindieiosipadiphonemacmobilepcFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/leisure-suit-larry-creator-talks-dirty-about-the-past-and-future/#comments ImageAfter seeing success, both Leisure Suit Larry and his creator Al Lowe fell upon dark times. Lowe and his polyester-clad protagonist have lived through the rise and fall of Sierra On-Line, multiple intellectual property changes, and two very poor attempts at bringing Larry to a new generation of gamers.

"It was like seeing a video from your son's kidnappers!" Lowe told Joystiq. "On one hand he's still alive but it's like, 'Oh God, what are they doing to him!' And it just pained me to watch it happen. You know I put ten years of my life into that guy and he was very good to me."

Leisure Suit Larry starred in seven titles under the Sierra banner, turning it into a billion dollar business for founders Ken and Roberta Williams. But success would be bittersweet for both Lowe and the Williams family, as Sierra On-Line found itself ensnared in the middle of a hostile takeover that would evolve into one of most infamous scams in video game business history.

Continue reading Leisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series

JoystiqLeisure Suit Larry creator talks dirty about the past and future of the mature series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-LoweandroidiosipadKickstarterleisure-suit-larrymobilepcSierra-OnlineVivendi-UniversalWalter-ForbesThu, 10 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds downloaded a billion times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/angry-birds-downloaded-a-billion-times/#comments
The Angry Birds franchise has hurtled past a billion downloads. The number covers free and paid downloads of Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio and Angry Birds Space. The news comes a couple days after Rovio revealed revenues of $106.3 million in 2011, with approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit.

There's one curiosity in today's video announcing the milestone: the closing moments highlight physics-based Rube Goldberg puzzler Casey's Contraptions. As Gamasutra notes, Rovio has not officially purchased Snappy Touch or Mystery Coconut, the developers of the game. The connection between Rovio and the Casey's Contraptions team is currently unclear.

JoystiqAngry Birds downloaded a billion times originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioWed, 09 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/prototype-2-mutates-with-fresh-dlc-ios-and-android-companion-ap/#comments Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

Continue reading Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

JoystiqPrototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroiddlciosiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-Entertainmentxboxxbox-liveWed, 09 May 2012 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Guys from Andromeda Kickstart their 'SpaceVenture']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/two-guys-from-andromeda-kickstart-their-spaceventure/#comments ImageWhen the "Two Guys from Andromeda," designers of the Space Quest series, announced their plans to reunite for a new sci-fi adventure game, we noted the surprising lack of a Kickstarter drive. Well, surprise! There's a Kickstarter drive now.

The Guys (Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy) are seeking the increasingly industry-standard $500,000 for their PC, Mac, Linux, iPad, and Android Tablet game. They've already gathered an impressive array of voice actors they'd like to be able to pay, including narrator Gary Owens, Rob Paulsen ("NARF!") and Ellen "GLaDOS" McLain.

Rewards for the drive include phyical "special edition" boxes, your name in the credits, t-shirts, collectible Buckazoid coins, and, in the highest tiers, your likeness in alien form on the box and/or in the game. You can even vote on hilarious death sequences.

[Thanks, Jess]

JoystiqTwo Guys from Andromeda Kickstart their 'SpaceVenture' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadkickstartermacmobilepcspaceventuretwo-guys-from-andromedaWed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/alien-hominid-has-been-played-20-million-times-on-newgrounds/#comments ImageBefore there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

JoystiqAlien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsAlien-Hominidandroiddsfree-to-playgamecubeiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewgroundsnintendopcplaystationps3the-behemothwiiwii-uxblaxboxWed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/portable-gamings-race-to-zero/#comments Despite their occasional protests to the contrary, both Nintendo and Sony have seen the pervasive mobile market take chunks of the portable gaming industry. The mobile app space burgeoned as game developers undercut each other constantly, in a race toward 99 cents that set a buck as the de facto price point for the new marketplace. This, in turn, made a massive price disparity between mobile games and their handheld competition, which tends to retail for much more. Why buy a $30 DS game, when you can buy 30 games for the same price?

However, we're now seeing yet another race all the way to the bottom: free. Even as the PC space is largely adopting a free-to-play, microtransaction-driven business model, the shift is similarly occurring in the mobile market. Recent F2P hits have started a run of similar titles, with some paid apps adopting a free-to-play option.

The change began subtly. Rovio's breakout hit Angry Birds may have stuck near the top of the Top Paid Apps charts, but the Top Grossing arena was ruled by little blue men early last year. Smurfs Village spent months as the Top Grossing app, no doubt bolstered by co-marketing for the then-upcoming film. Still, the free app had an inviting price point, and even a few 99 cent purchases per user would easily push it above the revenue for a one-time dollar fee. Then, Tiny Tower became the talk of the iOS App Store blogosphere, using a similar model inspired by social gaming on Facebook, even garnering recognition as Apple's official Game of the Year.

Continue reading Portable gaming's 'Race to Zero'

JoystiqPortable gaming's 'Race to Zero' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidandroid-marketapp-storeblackberry-app-worldiosipadiphonemobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitavitawindows-phone-7Tue, 08 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play passes 15 billion downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/google-play-passes-15-billion-downloads/#comments ImageGoogle Play, the download service formerly known as Android Market, crossed 15 billion downloads "a few weeks ago," Google told TechCrunch.

There's no information about what percentage of that 15 billion is games, but we can at least look at this as a handy comparison to the nearest competitor: Google has served up 15 billion since October 2008, while iOS apps have been downloaded (as of March) 25 billion times since July 2008.

There's also no information on how many of those downloads have been since the rebranding - we hope the name change hasn't been too confusing for Android users, leaving them desperately searching for the Android Market.

JoystiqGoogle Play passes 15 billion downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle-playmobileTue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/skylanders-cloud-patrol-now-supports-more-skylanders-retina-dis/#comments A new update for Skylanders Cloud Patrol, the arcade shooting gallery tie-in for iOS, is available for download right now. The biggest feature of this new update is Retina Display support for the latest iPad.

The other major feature of this update is allowing more Skylanders. Activision specifically calls out "Warnado, Wham-Shell, Camo and all of the Legendary Skylanders collection" in the update notes, though the full list of now-supported Skylanders is something we're trying to track down right now.

JoystiqSkylanders Cloud Patrol now supports more Skylanders, Retina Display for new iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionandroidiosipadiphonemobileskylanders-cloud-patrolupdateMon, 07 May 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/rovio-employing-a-growing-percentage-of-finland/#comments ImageOut of the variety of numbers included in this morning's Rovio 2011 financial report, one line stuck out to us as particularly insane: the employee count. Rovio wasn't a very large company before Angry Birds exploded in late 2009, having only produced a couple dozen under-the-radar mobile titles. But by 2011, the need for expansion was clearly there.

Resultantly, employee numbers similarly exploded - from just 28 employees in early 2011 to a whopping 224 at year's end. In case that isn't a dramatic enough statement unto itself, Valve Software employs 293 people, and Valve has quite a few more things to manage. Our biggest fear - a fear that many Rovio employees likely echo - is that the massive upscaling of jobs will result in a massive downscaling should the Angry Birds franchise lose its foothold as king of mobile distractions. Not exactly a new business model in the game industry, unfortunately.

For now at least, Rovio's employing a ton of Finnish devs to craft its bird flingers and related products. Someone's gotta think of these clever marketing vices, you know!

Continue reading Rovio employing a growing percentage of Finland

JoystiqRovio employing a growing percentage of Finland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsemployeesemploymentfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcroviorovio-entertainmentrovio-mobileMon, 07 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-angry-birds-earned-rovio-quite-a-bit-of-chicken-scratch-in-2/#comments ImageThe Angry Birds are quite a catch, it seems. Franchise creator Rovio announced this morning that earnings in 2011 topped $100 million, which it owes solely to sales of the Angry Birds franchise. "The heavy investments made in 2011 to all business areas will be seen in future products," Rovio CEO Mikael Hed noted in the press release. "To ensure continuous success we need to be creative and stay focused on entertaining our millions of fans by continuously developing new and innovative products and services." The company earned approximately $67.6 million in pre-tax profit in 2011, or about 64 percent of total revenue.

Hed doesn't necessarily mean branching out from his company's most popular franchise, of course. Especially not after such a big year for merchandising surrounding the Angry Birds - Rovio's "consumer products" unit took in "about 30 percent" of 2011's total earnings (approximately $31.9 million). That's a lot of Angry Birds gummy snacks!

Rovio's $106.3 million in revenue (not profit, mind you, but revenue) is owed primarily to growth in the Finnish company's Angry Birds games catalog, which expanded by just one game in 2011: a movie tie-in named "Angry Birds Rio." The games have been downloaded approximately 648 million times across all platforms as of Dec. 31, 2011, and have a monthly user base of approximately 200 million.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'Nearsoft']

Continue reading The Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011

JoystiqThe Angry Birds earned Rovio quite a bit of chicken scratch in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-rioearningsfinancialsfinlandiosipadiphonemacmikael-hedmobilepcrovioMon, 07 May 2012 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Draw Something daily users declining rapidly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/report-draw-something-daily-users-declining-rapidly/#comments ImageDraw Something users may be finding a new distraction, according to conclusions drawn by a new report from WebMediaBrands. As reported by the BBC, WebMediaBrands tracks Facebook usage as it relates to mobile applications. According to the data, the number of daily users that log in to Draw Something via Facebook dropped from 14.3 million 10.4 million from April 2 to May 2, suggesting that the game may be losing its death-like grip on the masses.

Zynga acquired Draw Something developer OMGPOP in March for a cool $200 million. It's important to note that the report doesn't include all Draw Something users, as it's also possible to connect with just an email address. Still, assuming the report is accurate, a decline of nearly 4 million daily users probably isn't the best news for the company after making such a large investment.

JoystiqReport: Draw Something daily users declining rapidly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddraw-somethingiosipadiphonemobileWed, 02 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy mobile to be twitch-based, but 'not about memorization']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/super-meat-boy-mobile-to-be-twitch-based-but-not-about-memoriz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/super-meat-boy-mobile-to-be-twitch-based-but-not-about-memoriz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/super-meat-boy-mobile-to-be-twitch-based-but-not-about-memoriz/#comments Team Meat's Edmund McMillen has made some more comments as he goes mobile with a completely new version of Super Meat Boy. According to McMillen, Canabalt is providing some basic inspiration for development.

"Canabalt is closer to what we're thinking about. But Canabalt is very surface-level stuff," McMillen told Polygon. "[The original] Meat Boy was a twitch-based game about memorizing things. [iOS] Meat Boy is the opposite. That's the foundation of its design. But it's also on a touch device, so there's that as well. We want to make a twitch-based platformer that's not about memorization."

As for the art style - the mobile version forgoes the pixels for a more hand-drawn look - McMillen says the more "gentle" approach allows Team Meat to lull players in, only to surprise them with some shocking visuals. "I'm happy about the art style. The more gentle and nice we make it look, the more vicious the story can be. Wouldn't it be so awesome to bait kids in with this happy little Meat Boy thing and then, the ending of the first chapter, instead of the squirrel getting his head knocked off, Meat Boy gets his face sawed in half? Like a skinned looking face looking at the screen?"

Ultimately, McMillen said, "My goal is to scare the shit out of my three-year-old nephew."

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy mobile to be twitch-based, but 'not about memorization' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosipadiphonemobilesuper-meat-boyteam-meatMon, 30 Apr 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Pinball mobile tables unite for sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/marvel-pinball-mobile-tables-unite-for-sale/#comments ImageWith Marvel's The Avengers movie imminent, Zen Studios is dropping the price of its Marvel-themed tables. Until May 7, all of the proficient virtual pinball maker's Marvel tables are half-off for a dollar.

This means some super enjoyable tables - as pinball experiences, not just for the Marvel tie-in - will be discounted on iOS and Android. Captain America, Wolverine and Thor will head up team iOS, while Fantastic Four, Wolverine and Thor tables will be available on Android.

JoystiqMarvel Pinball mobile tables unite for sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidiosiphonemarvel-pinballmobilezen-pinballMon, 30 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadowrun Returns concludes Kickstarter at $1.8 million in contributions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/shadowrun-returns-concludes-kickstarter-at-1-8-million-in-contr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/shadowrun-returns-concludes-kickstarter-at-1-8-million-in-contr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/shadowrun-returns-concludes-kickstarter-at-1-8-million-in-contr/#comments Image
Shadowrun Returns finished its Kickstarter funding round with a total of $1,895,772 in donations to the cause. Announced earlier this month, the project was hoping to raise $400,000 to bring a Shadowrun sequel to PC, iOS and Android as a "graphically rich 2D turn-based single player game."

After hitting some funding milestones, developer Harebrained Schemes and Shadowrun creator Jordan Weisman will include Mac and Linux support, and dole out some physical rewards for contributions. Next, Harebrained Schemes has to make the game and meet some high expectations.

JoystiqShadowrun Returns concludes Kickstarter at $1.8 million in contributions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidharebrained-schemesiosipadiphonekickstartermacmobilepcshadowrun-returnsMon, 30 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Space floats to 50 million devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/angry-birds-space-floats-to-50-million-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/angry-birds-space-floats-to-50-million-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/angry-birds-space-floats-to-50-million-devices/#comments In space, barring any obstructions, there's nothing to stop momentum. Rovio has announced that Angry Birds Space has been downloaded over 50 million times. In Rovio's own words, Angry Birds Space is now "the fastest growing mobile game yet" and breaks the company's records.

Rovio thanked its fans for the game's success, hinting that "something even bigger is on its way." Even bigger than a Mighty Eagle?

JoystiqAngry Birds Space floats to 50 million devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birds-spaceiosipadiphonemacmobilepcroviosalesMon, 30 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Gamestop to add Samsung Android devices to trade-in list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/report-gamestop-to-add-samsung-android-devices-to-trade-in-list/#comments ImageGamestop's plodding metamorphosis from pseudo-pawn shop to actual pawn shop continues, as the massive retailer/reseller is poised to begin accepting four specific Samsung-made, Android-powered devices as trade-ins, according to a report from Gadget Experts.

In addition to the iPhones and iPads already accepted for trade-in, "select stores" will begin accepting the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung Nexus S and Samsung Infuse sometime this summer, with a nation-wide roll out expected before the 2012 holiday season, Gadget Experts writes. None of this news is particularly surprising, considering that smartphones and tablets continue to gain ground as portable gaming devices. Also, Android devices are a thing that Gamestop isn't selling you that they totally could be, which obviously must be corrected.

JoystiqReport: Gamestop to add Samsung Android devices to trade-in list originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgamestopmobilereportSamsung-Galaxy-Tab-10.1Samsung-InfuseSamsung-Nexus-Strade-inSun, 29 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/#comments ImageBeamdog has announced the writer for all of that new content coming in the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate: Dave Gross. A very experienced fantasy and D&D writer, Gross has worked for TSR in the past, as well as having written two Forgotten Realms novels. More recently, he says, he was "sitting in a coffee shop complaining about the lack of classic RPGs for the iPad, when [Beamdog's] Trent [Oster] appeared in a sulphurous cloud and said, 'Have I got a job for you.'" Gross will presumably work to update the old game, as well as oversee all the writing on the new content as well.

Elsewhere on that team, artist Nat Jones has also joined up. He's got a background in fantasy and horror comics, and has worked on some story elements in Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer comic series as well. Good to hear there's some substantial talent working on this much-anticipated revival.

JoystiqDave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidartistbaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editioniosipadiphonemobilepcwriterSun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Now you can have your own Metroid-style Android UI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/now-you-can-have-your-own-metroid-style-android-ui/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/now-you-can-have-your-own-metroid-style-android-ui/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/now-you-can-have-your-own-metroid-style-android-ui/#commentsImageRemember way back in the olden days of yesterday, when "telekinetic's" Super Metroid-inspired Android battery widget was just something you could look at online? Welcome to the future, where you can download it yourself.

A free version is available, as is a version attached to a .99 donation - should you want to support telekinetic and co-developer T.J. Simmons' continued efforts to make your phone look like different stuff. Simmons told Joystiq they plan to do similar apps in tribute to "other '90s games."

In either case, we'd recommend putting on your Speed Booster and acting quickly, as we suspect this app's home could collapse at any time once the Space Pirates lawyers begin their assault.

JoystiqNow you can have your own Metroid-style Android UI originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbattery-gaugemobiletelekinetictj-simmonsFri, 27 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Angry Birds devs start new studio to make 'the next Angry Birds']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/two-angry-birds-devs-start-new-studio-to-make-the-next-angry-bi/#comments ImageAntti Stén and Tuomas Erikoinen have broken free of Angry Birds developer Rovio to start their own studio, Boomlagoon. Stén, Rovio's former lead server architect, and Erikoinen, former lead artist, want to make "convivial and intriguing games," according to Boomlagoon's motto. We bet they were tempted to throw "non-fowl-related" in there, too, but figured it was unnecessary.

Stén is chief executive officer while Erikoinen is chief creative officer; they refer to themselves as "Mr. Plan" and "Mr. Action," respectively. They plan to make games for web and mobile platforms, starting with HTML 5 titles.

"If we play our cards right, we just might end up with the next Angry Birds," Stén told Venture Beat.

JoystiqTwo Angry Birds devs start new studio to make 'the next Angry Birds' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsboomlagoonfinlandiosipadiphonemacmobilepcRovioFri, 27 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/ea-montreal-reorganizing-some-teams-letting-a-small-number/#comments EA Montreal is restructuring its workforce. Some individuals are being moved to digital projects, including mobile and social games, while others will be dismissed.

"These are routine changes which address the cyclical nature of the game industry," an EA spokesperson told GI.biz. "A very small number of employees will be impacted - many will be assigned to new projects at EA, others will leave the company."

Just last week, EA told Joystiq that it's growing and plans to hire hundreds this year. EA expects headcount to be up by the end of 2012.

JoystiqEA Montreal 'reorganizing some teams,' letting a 'small number' go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroiddsiosipadiphonelayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxThu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redditor got 'a little carried away' and made this Android Metroid gauge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/redditor-got-a-little-carried-away-and-made-this-android-metro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/redditor-got-a-little-carried-away-and-made-this-android-metro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/redditor-got-a-little-carried-away-and-made-this-android-metro/#commentsImageWe've all had those days, when we sit down, say to ourselves, "Hey, self. We're going to create something amazing today," and then we spend hours browsing the Internet or playing Borderlands, and most decidedly not making anything amazing that day.

Redditor telekinetic overcame this rite of procrastination (while Reddit was right there the whole time) and created this Super Metroid battery gauge for his Android phone, viewable to the left. Telekinetic modded various widgets and programs, such as the ADW Launcher EX and the Ultimate Custom Clock Widget, hacking his way through to reveal this final, super product.

Telekinetic is talking with excited developers on his Reddit post about making this gauge a gettable thing for the larger Android audience, and there is a tutorial on its creation in a separate post.

As telekinetic puts it, he "got a little carried away," but as we see it, he got carried away just enough. Carry on, telekinetic. Carry on.

JoystiqRedditor got 'a little carried away' and made this Android Metroid gauge originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilesuper-androidsuper-metroidWidgetsThu, 26 Apr 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds Space 'Fry Me To The Moon' pack adds 10 levels for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/angry-birds-space-fry-me-to-the-moon-pack-adds-10-level-for-fr/#comments ImageA fresh infusion of frustration-focused fowl flinging has made its way into the iOS and Android versions of Rovio's immensely popular game, Angry Birds Space. The free "Fry Me To The Moon" pack adds 10 new icy planets and, if you're an iOS user, 20 complimentary space eagles.

iOS users also receive one additional free space eagle every day for an unspecified amount of days, meaning that while both iOS and Android users were equally important in making Angry Birds Space "the most popular Angry Birds game yet," iOS users are more equal.

JoystiqAngry Birds Space 'Fry Me To The Moon' pack adds 10 levels for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidangry-birdsangry-birds-spacefry-me-to-the-mooniosipadiphonemobileroviospace-eagleWed, 25 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Pocket Edition adds simplified, touch-based crafting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/minecraft-pocket-edition-adds-simplifed-touch-based-crafting/#comments ImageThe world of Minecraft - Pocket Edition was pretty boring up to this point - just mines and mines, everywhere, as far as the eye can see. But finally, the other half of the game has been added in an update: Crafting is now available on the iOS and Android mobile versions of the popular sandbox title.

The crafting system for the mobile interface is called MATTIS, as in the Minecraft Advanced Touch Technology Interface System. All you need to do is open your inventory, choose what you want to make, and as long as you have the necessary components, it's made. Other additions in this update include better AI for zombies, cows and ducks, and descriptions of items in your inventory. We're really looking forward to the next update, though: Hopefully Mojang will put Pockets or Editions in the game next.

JoystiqMinecraft Pocket Edition adds simplified, touch-based crafting originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcraftingiosiphonemattisMinecraftmobilesystemtouchupdateWed, 25 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Total ArKade makes mobile word game 'AbraWordabra' appear]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/total-arkade-makes-mobile-word-game-abrawordabra-appear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/total-arkade-makes-mobile-word-game-abrawordabra-appear/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/total-arkade-makes-mobile-word-game-abrawordabra-appear/#comments Image
The first game from Total ArKade, the company started by ex-Halfbrick employee Tony Takoushi, is "AbraWordabra" for iOS, Android, and Bada, a title that shows the studio's commitment to camel case.

It's also a collection of word games built around the concept of grabbing animate letter-block people as they amble around the bottom of the screen - they're normal people who have been transformed into letter blocks by an evil magician, naturally. You'll put those people to good use by first dropping them into a magic book to turn them to letters, then filling in missing letters from words, rewriting misspelled words, coming up with the biggest word you can in a limited time, and guiding floating letters to safety by tilting the phone.

You'll be able to pull AbraWordabra out of a hat (by which we mean your phone's app store) on May 2. A free "lite" version will be released the same day.

JoystiqTotal ArKade makes mobile word game 'AbraWordabra' appear originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abrawordabraandroidiosipadiphonemobileq2-2012release-datetotal-arkadeWed, 25 Apr 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/definitely-panic-if-theres-caviar-a-guide-to-working-at-valv/#comments Image
"If you stop on the way back from your massage to play darts or work out in the Valve gym or whatever, it's not a sign that this place is going to come crumbling down like some 1999-era dot-com start-up. If we ever institute caviar-catered lunches, though, then maybe something's wrong. Definitely panic if there's caviar."
Those few sentences, culled from page 19 of Valve Software's "Handbook for New Employees," are perfectly emblematic of the rest of the uniquely Valve book. The above illustration is pulled from early on in the handbook, where the company's much discussed "flat" hierarchy is detailed. A Valve rep confirmed the book's legitimacy to Joystiq after it leaked this weekend on Flamehaus.

Seen above everyone else, of course, is company co-founder and president Gabe Newell. But even Newell isn't beyond being overridden. "We do have a founder/president, but even he isn't your manager," the book states.

"We want innovators, and that means maintaining an environment where they'll flourish," it reads. "That's why Valve is flat. It's our shorthand way of saying that we don't have any management, and nobody 'reports to' anybody else." Bizarre? Yes. Successful? Apparently! A timeline depicting Valve's birth in 1996 shows the company's steady growth into the powerhouse it is today across a variety of projects, all the while espousing Valve's adherence to lack of structure.

Gallery: Valve Handbook for New Employees (2012)

Continue reading 'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software

Joystiq'Definitely panic if there's caviar': A guide to working at Valve Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgabe-newelliosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3steamvalvevalve-softwarexboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: 40% of Free-to-play players have bought something]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/npd-40-of-free-to-play-players-have-bought-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/npd-40-of-free-to-play-players-have-bought-something/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/npd-40-of-free-to-play-players-have-bought-something/#comments A hefty chunk of free-to-play or "freemium" gamers have spent real dinero on their hobby of choice, according to a new report from the NPD Group. An online survey conducted by the group determined that four out of ten free-to-play gamers have made an in-game payment of some kind. Males are more likely to make such purchases, though females are more likely to have played free-to-play titles.

The report contains a few other interesting tidbits. For one, those who make an in-game payment tend to do so within the first month of playing, and those who try free-to-play titles tend to keep playing them, with 84 percent continuing to play after first trying them. Among those who abandon free-to-play titles, men aged 13 to 34 are most likely, while women in general are more likely to stay.

Perhaps the most interesting (horrifying?) statistic: data for the survey was gathered from 6,416 respondents aged two and older. Please, keep your two-year-olds away from the smurfberries.

Continue reading NPD: 40% of Free-to-play players have bought something

JoystiqNPD: 40% of Free-to-play players have bought something originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidfree-to-playfreemiumiosipadiphonemacmobilenpdpcMon, 23 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST