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[New iPad sales surpass three million over weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/new-ipad-sales-surpass-three-million-over-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/new-ipad-sales-surpass-three-million-over-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/new-ipad-sales-surpass-three-million-over-weekend/#comments Apple's new iPad(3) has sold over three million units since going on sale last Friday. It was estimated that the iPad 2 had a million sales during its launch weekend last year. According to the Cupertino corporation, this is the "strongest iPad launch yet."

It's an impressive start for the tablet, which also moonlights as a gaming device, when not handling Netflix, Twitter updates, email or silly executives trying to take notes using the virtual keyboard. To compare with dedicated gaming handhelds: Sony announced the PlayStation Vita reached 1.2 million sales shortly after its launch in the States and Europe. Nintendo announced in January that the 3DS reached 15 million sales globally in 2011; regionally it reached 4.5 million units in the States on its first birthday.

Short version: Don't expect talk about universal apps and iOS gaming to slow down any time soon.

Continue reading New iPad sales surpass three million over weekend

JoystiqNew iPad sales surpass three million over weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadipad-3mobilenew-ipadsalesTue, 20 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Invader Zurp]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-invader-zurp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-invader-zurp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-invader-zurp/#comments Indie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. We at Joystiq believe no one deserves to starve, and many indie developers are entitled to a fridge full of tasty, fulfilling media coverage, right here. This week, Spencer Nielsen describes the benefits of simple mechanics with his iOS title Invader Zurp, a simple tap game with a deep, visually appealing strategy.


What's your game called and what's it about?

The game is a physics-based shooter called Invader Zurp. You play as Zurp (or formally "Zurp: Destroyer of Worlds"), a little alien critter tasked with raining down mighty destruction from planet to planet on his spaceship. You fly on a rail in first person toward structures made of blocks. By touching the screen you fire super-intelligent smart bombs that home in on buildings, defense turrets and incoming missiles. The "touch to shoot" mechanic is dead simple to pick up but there is a deeper strategy in balancing offense, defense and taking measured risks.

Why develop independently, rather than work for an established company?

The freedom to work on ideas I find interesting and be the person that calls the shots is the reason I left Apple after five years to work on my own projects. Being one part of a large team working on large projects was satisfying and rewarding in its own way but I would always get these crazy ideas that I wanted to explore. The ability to see my own vision through and ship these "crazy ideas" has a reward and personal fulfillment that I value more than a steady paycheck.

Continue reading The Joystiq Indie Pitch: Invader Zurp

JoystiqThe Joystiq Indie Pitch: Invader Zurp originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appledestroyer-of-worldsInvader-Zurpiosipadiphonejoystiq-indie-pitchmobilesimpleSpencer-NielsenSun, 18 Mar 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Sketch Nation Studio, publish title you created in-game, profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/play-sketch-nation-studio-publish-title-you-created-in-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/play-sketch-nation-studio-publish-title-you-created-in-game-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/play-sketch-nation-studio-publish-title-you-created-in-game-pr/#comments Making games is hard. Making games that make money is exponentially more difficult, but even that doomed opportunity isn't possible without first overcoming the initial problem -- making games is hard.

We've tracked the emotional and economic expense of making a game without a publisher, devoted backers or rich family members, and the personal sacrifice involved in devoting oneself to a passion of game creation is now in the glaring public light. Engineous Games wants to take some of the pain out of programming with its new app, Sketch Nation Studio, set to debut at the end of March for iOS devices, Engineous founder Nitzan Wilnai told Joystiq at GDC.

Studio is the follow-up to Sketch Nation Shooter, an app released in 2011 that allows users to draw their own creations and put them into a game instantly. Shooter sold 800,000 copies at $0.99 a pop, saw 100,000 games created and 10,000 available for sharing across the network. Studio takes the premise of Shooter one step further, and allows users to have their games published through Engineous on the App Store with a tap of a button.

Engineous will publish each applicable title for $0.99, and after Apple takes its standard 30 percent, Engineous and the Studio developer will split profits 50-50, each seeing $0.35 of every sale. Sell 1,000 copies and get $350; sell 10,000 and get $3,500. That's not a bad reward for simply playing a game, but it gets better -- Sketch Nation Studio is free.

Continue reading Play Sketch Nation Studio, publish title you created in-game, profit

JoystiqPlay Sketch Nation Studio, publish title you created in-game, profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleengineous-gamesgdc-2012iosipadiphonemobileNitzan-Wilnaisketch-nation-shooterSketch-Nation-StudioWed, 14 Mar 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/#comments
Epic Games president Mike Capps took the stage at Apple's iPad event today to reveal Infinity Blade: Dungeons. Capps noted that the game has players trying to craft the "ultimate weapon." Our friends at Engadget confirm that the game is "definitely a step up" graphically from its predecessors. Dungeons will feature new crafting system and, obviously, will look the best when played on the latest iPad (though presumably it will be compatible with other iOS devices as well). Infinity Blade: Dungeons is "coming soon."

Namco also showed off a new Sky Gamblers game, which bore a very strong resemblance to the company's Ace Combat series. Namco's Jim Sheldon noted that "the extra graphics performance lets​ us ​increase ​​the ​level​ of detail of everything in the game." Sky Gamblers will arrive exclusively on iOS later this month. See a shot of the game in action after the break.

Update: Epic has dropped a few more details on Infinity Blade: Dungeons. The game will see players "assume the role of an apprentice weaponsmith who serves the Master of the Forge," ultimately seeking to forge the Infinity Blade itself. It also features "a dynamic camera system that takes you in and out of battle, weapon crafting and exploration." You can view a trailer for Infinity Blade: Dungeons above.

Update 2: An Epic Games spokesperson tells Joystiq that Chair Entertainment is not behind the development of Infinity Blade: Dungeons, saying, "Infinity Blade: Dungeons is being developed by a team at the Epic Games headquarters in North Carolina, with some creative direction from Chair."

Continue reading Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]

JoystiqInfinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-dungeonsiosipadiphonemobileWed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[New iPad announced, features 2048 x 1566 resolution [update: pricing and availability]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-announced-features-full-1080p-capable-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-announced-features-full-1080p-capable-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-announced-features-full-1080p-capable-screen/#comments At an event in San Francisco, Apple has officially announced the new iPad, and our cohorts at Engadget are on the scene. The most notable new feature of the tablet is undeniably its screen, which is capable of full HD 1080p resolution. Well, technically the tablet has a resolution of 2048 x 1536, which is actually higher than the 1920 x 1080 required for 1080p. The new iPad also comes packing a quad-core A5X processor, which Apple claims is "twice as fast" and offers "four times the performance" of a Tegra 3 processor.

Naturally, full HD resolution and new processor will mean quite a bit for game development on the platform. More as we get it.

Update: The WiFi version comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavors for $499, $599 and $699, respectively. 4G connectivity will bump those prices up to $629, $729 and $829. The new iPad will go on sale starting March 16. Pre-orders are open today.

JoystiqNew iPad announced, features 2048 x 1566 resolution [update: pricing and availability] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadmobileWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Next OS X update blocks unsigned apps by default, unless security adjusted [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/next-os-x-update-blocks-unapproved-and-non-app-store-games-by-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/next-os-x-update-blocks-unapproved-and-non-app-store-games-by-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/next-os-x-update-blocks-unapproved-and-non-app-store-games-by-de/#comments
[Update: The original version of this article incorrectly conveyed the restrictiveness of the default security in this OS X update, and has been edited to reflect the scope of software affected. Joystiq apologizes for the error.]

Apple OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, which just started its "Developer Preview" period and will be released to the populous sometime this year, features a security protocol called Gatekeeper, which prevents unsigned applications from running, depending on user preferences. Gamasutra reports Gatekeeper is set to only allow applications from the Mac App Store and from developer who've registered with Apple.

This means that, for any games and apps made by designers who have not registered with Apple, you will have to adjust Gatekeeper's initial restrictions.

Since you can allow content from unidentified/non-App Store sources, it doesn't seem like the system itself is inherently malicious or anti-gaming. It is, however, prohibitive, and may affect off-store apps downloaded by users unfamiliar with Gatekeeper.

JoystiqNext OS X update blocks unsigned apps by default, unless security adjusted [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.8AppleGatekeepermacmac-app-storemountain-lionOS-XOSXOSX10.8OsX10.8-mountain-lionOsX10.8MountainLionThu, 16 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Center coming to OS X Mountain Lion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/#comments Since its introduction to iOS 4.1 back in 2010, Game Center hasn't evolved much. Other than dumping Game Center onto iPad later that same year, Apple has been content to just let it linger there. Now almost two years later, Game Center will finally be on every Apple product you own. There is no escaping it.

Our sister site Engadget got some hands-on time with the upcoming OS X update, OS X Mountain Lion, dissecting it down to the molecule. Of particular note to gamers is the availability of the Game Center app on the OS X platform, including all of its major features: voice chat, leaderboards and online multiplayer. The iOS service has over 100 million registered users.

JoystiqGame Center coming to OS X Mountain Lion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centermacmountain-lionos-xos-x-mountain-lionosx-mountain-lionThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Bot farming used to boost App Store ranking, Apple warns of punishment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/rumor-bot-farming-used-to-boost-app-store-ranking-apple-warns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/rumor-bot-farming-used-to-boost-app-store-ranking-apple-warns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/rumor-bot-farming-used-to-boost-app-store-ranking-apple-warns/#comments A Touch Arcade forum user is making allegations that a company is offering to boost the ranking of free App Store apps using bots. According to "walterkaman," the unnamed company will set up automated, repeated downloads of a client's app in order to push it into Apple's Top Free charts. A representative from the shady ad company pointed out eight games on the Top 25 Free chart that were promoted in this manner, walterkaman said.

The company was not named, and the forum user's story remains unverified. However, Apple is definitely upset about some kind of chart manipulation on the App Store. In a brief update on the Apple Developer site, the company warned developers against using ad services that guarantee placement. "Even if you are not personally engaged in manipulating App Store chart rankings or user reviews, employing services that do so on your behalf may result in the loss of your Apple Developer Program membership."

JoystiqRumor: Bot farming used to boost App Store ranking, Apple warns of punishment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplebot-farmingbotsfraudiosipadiphonemobileTue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple removes dozens of clone games from App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/apple-removes-dozens-of-clone-games-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/apple-removes-dozens-of-clone-games-from-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/apple-removes-dozens-of-clone-games-from-app-store/#commentsApple has removed 59 copycat games from its App Store, including Temple Run lookalike Temple Jump, Words with Friends contender Numbers with Friends, Angry Birds clones Tiny Birds and Angry Ninja Birds, and the self explanatory Plant vs. Zombie. All of the offending clones were developed by Anton Sinelnikov.

Temple Jump, specifically, had achieved incredible success on the App Store, surpassing its source material to reach the number 1 spot on the paid Apps list. "This was really upsetting to us and damaging to our brand, because we work really hard to put out very high quality polished games and win the love of our fans," said Natalia Luckyanova, co-founder of Temple Run dev Imangi, during an interview with Gamasutra. "We don't want them to think that we would put out crap to steal a dollar from them."

This App Store raid comes roughly one week after Triple Town developer Spry Fox sued 6Waves LOLAPPS over Yeti Town, another aggressively similar iOS title. We like to imagine Apple Store employees rappelling from the ceiling of a dank, filthy warehouse, shooting iPod Nanos out of high-powered slingshots with extreme prejudice.

JoystiqApple removes dozens of clone games from App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Angry-BirdsAppleclonecopycatcounterfeitiosipadiphonemacmobileTemple-JumpTemple-Runwords-with-friendsMon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer's Super Crate Box hits iOS on January 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/#comments We've been unabashed in our love for Vlambeer's Super Crate Box, so we were more than a little excited to discover that the incredibly difficult, multiplayer survival-shooter ... thing has a launch date for iOS: January 5, 2012. The news was revealed via Vlambeer's official site a little while back, actually, but we somehow missed it (we're gonna pin it on too much eggnog).

Vlambeer fans will no doubt be wondering whatever happened to the game's previously announced September 2011 launch window, as we were. It turns out that, between the Radical Fishing debacle and the PC/OS X version of Super Crate Box being a bit of a mess in terms of code, the porting took longer than expected. The game's launch is now officially official, though, as it's already been submitted to and approved by Apple for a January 5, 2012 launch. Vlambeer tells us it'll be a universal App (meaning one purchase works for both iPod Touch/iPhone as well as iPad), though pricing hasn't been set just yet.

JoystiqVlambeer's Super Crate Box hits iOS on January 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleiosipadiphonemobileq1-2012release-datesuper-crate-boxvlambeerThu, 29 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop iOS device trade-ins exceed expectations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/gamestop-ios-device-trade-ins-exceed-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/gamestop-ios-device-trade-ins-exceed-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/gamestop-ios-device-trade-ins-exceed-expectations/#comments
GameStop's iOS device trade-in program has been "successful," according to the company. The program, which began in September, allows customers to trade iDevices for hundreds in company credit. GameStop claims customers can receive up to $180 for an iPod Touch, up to $300 for an iPhone and up to $400 for an iPad.

"The velocity of this trade program has exceeded our expectations," said GameStop president Tony Bartel.

The company was unwilling to provide specific sales numbers or details on the program, but informed us it will have more to share with its holiday sales release, which regularly arrives during the first week of the new year. The company also expects to see more iDevice trade-ins as consumers upgrade their Apple products over the holiday.

GameStop is moving ahead and expanding the availability of "refurbished devices" in more stores and online in the coming year.

JoystiqGameStop iOS device trade-ins exceed expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleGameStopiosipadiphonemobileThu, 29 Dec 2011 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Business Software Alliance speaks out against SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/business-software-alliance-speaks-out-against-sopa/#commentsThe Business Software Alliance, a trade organization for the IT industry, has changed its tune regarding the controversial and terrible Stop Online Piracy Act. Though it issued a press release in October "commending" House Judiciary Committee chairman Lamar Smith for introducing the bill, BSA CEO Robert Holleyman wrote in a blog post this week that the BSA does not support the bill as it is.

SOPA will have to "balance key innovation, privacy and security considerations with the need to thwart the threat rogue websites pose" before the BSA, which counts Microsoft and Apple among its members, will officially endorse it.

Holleyman said that "definitions of who can be the subject of legal actions and what remedies are imposed must be tightened and narrowed. Due process, free speech, and privacy are rights cannot be compromised." Furthermore, "BSA has long stood against filtering or monitoring the Internet," which is a focus of SOPA.

It's nice to see some major software companies take the right stance with regards to widespread censorship -- at least through their trade organization.

JoystiqBusiness Software Alliance speaks out against SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusiness-software-alliancemicrosoftpcsopaWed, 23 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple allows Big Fish to offer subscription-based gaming on iPad [Update: and then changes its mind]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/apple-allows-big-fish-to-offer-subscription-based-gaming-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/apple-allows-big-fish-to-offer-subscription-based-gaming-on-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/apple-allows-big-fish-to-offer-subscription-based-gaming-on-ipad/#comments Apple has bestowed upon Big Fish Games the ability to offer customers access to dozens of its iPad titles for a monthly fee. This is the first time a subscription model has been implemented by a games publisher, as apps are regularly sold a la carte.

Big Fish Games told Bloomberg it will also offer a free version of its "all-you-can-eat" service, which limits play to 30 minutes a day and includes ads. The initial charge for the subscription service is $4.99 a month, with plans for an increase to $6.99 when more titles are added next year. Big Fish Games founder Paul Thelen says Apple will take a 30 percent cut.

Update: ...or not, Bloomberg reports the app has been removed by Apple. We're currently following up with Big Fish Games to find out what's going on.

JoystiqApple allows Big Fish to offer subscription-based gaming on iPad [Update: and then changes its mind] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBig-Fish-GamesiosipadmobileWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple and Microsoft join Nintendo et al in support of Internet-censorship bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/apple-and-microsoft-join-nintendo-et-al-in-support-of-internet-c/#comments Initially we though Apple and Microsoft had come out in support of sopaipillas, the delicious and flaky fried pastry treat served in parts of Central and South America, as well as the North American Southwest. Imagine our surprise when we discovered that what they're actually supporting is the far less scrumptious SOPA, or "Stop Online Piracy Act" which Nintendo, EA and Sony have already put their weight behind.

The supporting statement didn't come from Apple or Microsoft directly, but rather through the Business Software Alliance; a trade group that represents both Apple and Microsoft, as well as other tech giants such as Adobe, McAfee, Dell and Symantec. Meanwhile, Internet-technology companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter and Zynga have taken a vocal anti-sopaipilla anti-SOPA stance, going so far as to purchase a full-page ad in the New York Times.

We're pretty worried this bill is going to pass, truth be told, so we're going to take this opportunity to say everything we won't be able to say once Internet censorship becomes the norm. Okay, ready?

Hey Internet, [REMOVED].

JoystiqApple and Microsoft join Nintendo et al in support of Internet-censorship bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebilllawlegalmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcSOPAstop-online-piracy-actSun, 20 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple looking to add avatars to Game Center, patent filings show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/apple-looking-to-add-avatars-to-game-center-patent-filings-show/#comments Use Game Center much? Some potential patents Apple has filed for may hint at more robust features coming to the platform in the future -- specifically, avatars. Apple's documents (via AppleInsider) show customization options and fully animated avatars akin to Nintendo's Miis or Microsoft Xbox 360 avatars, which the company is apparently aiming to incorporate into Game Center.

The patents were originally filed in April of this year and talk about the usual rigmarole that comes with avatars, such as funny hats. There's also the possibility for these avatars to appear in games, Apple noted in the filings.

JoystiqApple looking to add avatars to Game Center, patent filings show originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegame-centeriosipadiphonemacmobilepatentThu, 13 Oct 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple founder Steve Jobs passes away at 56]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/apple-founder-steve-jobs-passes-away-at-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/apple-founder-steve-jobs-passes-away-at-56/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/apple-founder-steve-jobs-passes-away-at-56/#comments The Mac may have long since abdicated much of a claim to gaming, but you would need to be blind to have missed the marked effect on gaming made by the iPhone and iOS over the last three years. With that in mind, we'd be remiss in ignoring former Apple CEO and founder Steve Jobs passing today at the age of 56. Jobs stepped down from his CEO position earlier this year due to his waning health. Jobs is survived by his wife Laurene and his three children, and his biological sister Mona Simpson.

JoystiqApple founder Steve Jobs passes away at 56 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledeathiosiphonemacmobilesteve-jobsWed, 05 Oct 2011 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/#comments

After pulling down $20 million in revenue on Infinity Blade (no seriously) it should come as no surprise that Epic just announced Infinity Blade 2 during Apple's iPhone 4S announcement keynote. Better yet: It's coming December 1.

While Epic's Mike Capps insisted it's "only going to run like this on the iPhone 4S," it doesn't sound like the game will be exclusive to the new device.

Also of note: Need, want, please, now.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneiphone-4smike-cappsmobileTue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4S adds A5 processor, up to 7x graphics, arriving Oct. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-revealed-by-apple-japan-retail-site-arriving-oct-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-revealed-by-apple-japan-retail-site-arriving-oct-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/iphone-4s-revealed-by-apple-japan-retail-site-arriving-oct-14/#comments As much as we were already aware that Apple planned on announcing an all new iPhone today, the California-based computer and mobile giant managed to keep information on the forthcoming hardware update relatively quiet (for once). And then, just minutes before the company's big iPhone presser was about to start, one of Apple's Japanese retailer sites accidentally pushed the info early, and now here we are: the iPhone 4S will arrive at Japanese retail in just under two weeks, on October 14, with an expected US and EU launch the following Friday.

The mention has since been pulled, naturally, but not before our cohorts at Engadget snapped an image of the accidental announce. As the unveiling was premature, however, we've yet to see any official information on the new phone's specs. Reports on the hardware as recently as this morning pegged it as having the iPad 2's A5 chip set, 1GB of RAM, and a much improved 8 megapixel camera, though we won't find out for sure until, well, any minute now.

No, really, the liveblog is already going. We're talking any minute.

Update: And, as promised, the iPhone 4S is official, and here's what it's packing: an Apple-designer dual core A5 chip, which is up to 2 times faster, and "dual core graphics, which mean the graphics can be up to 7 times faster than in the previous iPhone." Apple's Phil Schiller added, "We see it scream on games." To show off said screaming, they debuted Infinity Blade 2 which we guess probably screamed.

Apple promises a healthy battery life, an improved antenna design, and both GSM and CDMA radios in the device, making the 4S a true world phone. The iPhone 4S also features a new 8 megapixel camera, that's "also a lot faster."

Update 2: Apple is finally finished showing off the iPhone 4S and here's what you can expect to pay for it: $199 for the 16GB variant; $299 for the 32GB variant; and $399 for the massive 64GB variant. The phone will be available on October 14, on Verizon, AT&T, and ... Sprint. Yup, Sprint's got itself the iPhone, finally.

JoystiqiPhone 4S adds A5 processor, up to 7x graphics, arriving Oct. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosiphoneiphone-4sjapanmobileq4-2011release-dateTue, 04 Oct 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco's 'Rise of Glory' is one of the first iOS 5 games, launching alongside new iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/namcos-rise-of-glory-is-one-of-the-first-ios-5-games-launchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/namcos-rise-of-glory-is-one-of-the-first-ios-5-games-launchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/namcos-rise-of-glory-is-one-of-the-first-ios-5-games-launchi/#comments
When Apple holds its big iPhone presser later today, one of the titles it'll be featuring as a showcase for the next iteration of iOS will be Namco's WWI-based dogfighter, "Rise of Glory." Despite being previously given a late September launch date, the game will now arrive "whenever Apple's next iPhone launches," Namco reps told me.

And not only will it arrive with some extra juice from the new tech, but it'll also have all the bells and whistles that iOS 5 adds to Apple's suite of iOS-powered devices, such as iCloud and AirPlay support -- as well as a few other new additions from iOS 5 that Namco couldn't speak about just yet.

I played the game briefly this morning at a Namco preview event on an iPad 2. Reps explained that it had been developed for iPad 2, the idea being that speculation on the next iPhone has it packing the tablet's A5 chipset (or something even more powerful). As the video above can attest to, Rise of Glory is a dogfighting game with tilt controls and some pretty swanky graphics. When it does eventually arrive on the App Store, it'll be available for a variety of iOS devices, but it'll shine on the still unannounced iPhone ... something.

Update: Apple's iPhone 4S has been unveiled, albeit accidentally, and is said to launch in Japan on October 14, with an expected launch in North America and Europe later that week.

JoystiqNamco's 'Rise of Glory' is one of the first iOS 5 games, launching alongside new iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplayappleicloudiosios-5ios5ipadiphoneiphone-4siphone-5mobilenamconamco-bandairise-of-gloryTue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop to start accepting (and reselling) iOS device trade-ins [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/report-gamestop-to-start-accepting-and-reselling-ios-device-t/#comments While we're sure you appreciate that iPod Nano your Nana got you for your birthday, it's not such a great gift compared to your current gen iPod Touch. Sure, you could possibly return it to Apple, but since Nana opened it first to "make sure it came with batteries," that might be a tough sell. If you're a frequenter of GameStop, however, you may be able to use that Nano to get yourself some sweet games.

According to "several sources" close to 9to5Mac, GameStop's all too eager to take your old iPod, iPhone or iPad -- and to sell it to somebody else, of course. These sources say that the announcement was made at GameStop's annual Managers Convention last week in Las Vegas.

Currently, GameStop accepts iOS devices for trade-in, but hasn't announced any plans to sell these old devices in-store or online. We've contacted the retailer for comment and will update accordingly.

Update: We called around to a few GameStops and were told by several people that GameStop will be taking trade-ins on iOS devices, though likely not for a week or two. We were also told by store employees that the plan is to re-sell the used iOS devices, but no pricing had been set. GameStop corporate has yet to comment.

JoystiqGameStop to start accepting (and reselling) iOS device trade-ins [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegamestopipadiphoneipodmacmobiletrade-inTue, 06 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peggle HD launches on the iPad tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/peggle-hd-launches-on-the-ipad-tomorrow/#comments You know how you promised to, like, do stuff tomorrow? Forget it, you've got new plans -- addictive, intoxicating plans. Popcap has announced via its Twitter account that Peggle HD launches on the App store tomorrow. No price was revealed but, honestly, does it matter? Of course it doesn't.

So, we suggest in light of this news that you start going around, stocking up on goodwill with the people in your life. Help them in these last few hours of Wednesday, August 24. Once it's the 25th, you're gonna need to use up some of that goodwill ignoring everything except your iPad.

JoystiqPeggle HD launches on the iPad tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleeaiosipadmobilePegglepeggle-hdpopcapWed, 24 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Decide-o-tron app from Penny Arcade will help you decide which games to buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/decide-o-tron-app-from-penny-arcade-will-help-you-decide-which-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/decide-o-tron-app-from-penny-arcade-will-help-you-decide-which-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/decide-o-tron-app-from-penny-arcade-will-help-you-decide-which-g/#comments With so many different games and platforms out there, deciding what to play is a tough task. We sympathize, we really do -- and now the Penny Arcade guys are looking to take some of the guess work out of the whole thing with a new iOS app.

The app will be free of charge when it launches next month and will suggest games based on your preferences. It'll also feature wishlists you can share and "play lists" of notable online and gaming personalities, beginning with Penny Arcade's Gabe and Tycho themselves, Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins.

Hit the jump for the full press release. There's also a website you can check out, if that's more your speed.

Continue reading Decide-o-tron app from Penny Arcade will help you decide which games to buy

JoystiqDecide-o-tron app from Penny Arcade will help you decide which games to buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappledecide-o-troniosipadiphoneitunesmacmobilepenny-arcadeMon, 22 Aug 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Machinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/machinarium-hopefully-coming-to-ipad-next-month/#comments Amanita Design's lovely little automated adventure title Machinarium seems like a natural fit for the iPad, which is in many respects also a tiny, helpful robot. The game hasn't made its way to the tablet due to its Apple-unfriendly Flash programming; however, Amanita founder Jakub Dvorsky recently told Pocket Gamer that the title's iPad iteration "should be ready during the next month ... hopefully."

We suppose we can excuse the ambiguity, considering how difficult it must be to rebuild a Flash-based game on a non-Flash-based platform. We only ask for one thing in return: Extra robots. We don't care who they are or what they do, we just need them to be adorable.

JoystiqMachinarium 'hopefully' coming to iPad next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamanita-designappleflashipadMachinariummobileTue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Harrison sees dominant Apple, biometric screens in the future]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/phil-harrison-sees-dominant-apple-biometric-screens-in-the-futu/#commentsEdge Online polled Phil Harrison, formerly of Sony and Atari, and now of Gaikai, about the future of gaming and technology in general. He very quickly identified one trend that it's hard not to see coming: continued growth for Apple's game platforms and the App Store. "At this trajectory, if you extrapolate the market-share gains that they are making, forward for ten years - if they carry on unrestrained in their growth, then there's a pretty good chance that Apple will be the games industry."

He had some predictions about the way games are presented, as well. Specifically, still on screens, but much fancier ones. Because of the declining cost of flat-panel displays, and the TV's place as a new "social hearth," those will continue to be in wide use, but in much higher resolutions and with both touch and biometric input. " I think there will be an industry that will appear out of 'personal biometrics' where as a human being you will take more control of your own health and well-being by getting data from your own body," he said. According to Harrison, private biometric data about the user's own lifestyle will be monetized by the game industry as soon as the healthcare industry delivers the technology. Vitality Sensors for all!

JoystiqPhil Harrison sees dominant Apple, biometric screens in the future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplebiometricsgaikaiiOSmobilephil-harrisonTue, 21 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gameloft-surpasses-200-million-downloads-on-the-app-store/#comments If you're a publisher of games for iOS devices and you've reached 200 million downloads, does Steve Jobs show up at your office and give you a hearty handshake? Gameloft would know.

The publisher and developer of mobile games can openly celebrate that feat, having just sold its 200 millionth game on the App store -- and currently has 20 more iOS games in development for 2011. Titles such as the N.O.V.A. series, Modern Combat and Asphalt are mentioned as having the greatest success in the App store in the release accompanying the news of this lofty achievement.

Continue reading Gameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store

JoystiqGameloft surpasses 200 million downloads on the App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplegameloftiosipadiphoneipodmobilesalesFri, 17 Jun 2011 05:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom unleashing Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting on iOS devices next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/capcom-unleashing-monster-hunter-dynamic-hunting-on-ios-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/capcom-unleashing-monster-hunter-dynamic-hunting-on-ios-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/18/capcom-unleashing-monster-hunter-dynamic-hunting-on-ios-devices/#comments The world of Monster Hunter will spread to another platform in June, franchise creator Capcom has announced. Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting is in development for iOS devices and will offer a "new intuitive control system...eschewing the typical D-pad" -- i.e., finger swipes and taps. It all looks a bit Infinity Blade-ish to us.

That's it for details, though more are sure to be revealed at next month's E3 ... just in time for the game to leap onto the App Store.

Gallery: Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting (5/18/11)

Continue reading Capcom unleashing Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting on iOS devices next month

JoystiqCapcom unleashing Monster Hunter: Dynamic Hunting on iOS devices next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionapplecapcomiosipadiphonemobilemonster-huntermonster-hunter-dynamic-huntingWed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unpleasant Horse rejected by Apple, 4th & Battery appealing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/unpleasant-horse-rejected-by-apple-4th-and-battery-appealing/#comments PopCap subsidiary 4th & Battery is so edgy its first game, Unpleasant Horse, has been rejected by Apple. On its official Twitter account, the company stated that the game was rejected for "mature content." Shortly thereafter, 4th & Battery said it was appealing the decision, and promptly deleted its initial Tweet announcing the rejection.

A studio rep tried to smooth things over by tweeting: "Anyhoo, we still love Apple. Honest. We even had (and liked!) a Newton back in the day. Hope we get an appropriate rating for the game!"

The game was intended to be available for free on iOS devices later this month. We've contacted PopCap for a statement on whether plans have changed, and will update when we hear back.

Update: A PopCap representative tells Joystiq that it is "not issuing any statement at this time." We've been told that 4th & Battery may make an official statement soon.

JoystiqUnpleasant Horse rejected by Apple, 4th & Battery appealing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-and-batteryappleiosmobilePopcap-gamesrejectionUnpleasant-HorseThu, 07 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/final-fantasy-3-now-out-for-ios-other-square-enix-titles-on-sal/#comments If you missed Square Enix's 3D remake of Final Fantasy 3 when it made its way to DS back in 2006, you can now catch it on an even tinier device. The RPG is now available on the iOS App Store for the somewhat prodigious price of $15.99 -- fairly high for an iPhone game, sure, but fairly low for a DS game. (That's how we're choosing to look at it, glass-half-full thinkers as we are.)

If your sorrowfully slim bank account is preventing you from grabbing Square's latest, you might be pleased to learn that most of its catalog of iOS titles (and art gallery apps?) has been discounted until March 31. Check out the list of price cuts after the jump, right below the trailer for the new Final Fantasy 3 port! Man, it's getting crowded down there.

Continue reading Final Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale

JoystiqFinal Fantasy 3 now out for iOS, other Square Enix titles on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleFF3Final-FantasyFinal-Fantasy-3iosiphonemobileportsquare-enixThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Dragon punches iOS in the gut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/double-dragon-punches-ios-in-the-gut/#comments Beat-'em-ups are woefully under-represented on the App Store, but one of the genre's earliest classics has arrived to help fill the void. Enter the ... Double Dragon. Aksys Games has released Taito's seminal scrapper in updated form, compliments of developer Brizo Interactive, for an "introductory price" of $3.99 -- steep, yes, but set to increase to $7.99 at an unspecified point.

App Store reviews of the game -- which is ported from the Zeebo platform -- are mixed so far, with most complaints focused on the unnecessarily large (and opaque) "control panel." Still, it's said to be faithful to the original's gameplay and features multiple unlockable characters. See Billy and Jimmy get their clobber on after the break.

Continue reading Double Dragon punches iOS in the gut

JoystiqDouble Dragon punches iOS in the gut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaksysapplebow-mobiledouble-dragondouble-dragon-iphoneiosipod-touchmobileMon, 07 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Eric Chahi's classic 'Another World' coming to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/another-world-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/another-world-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/another-world-ios/#comments Timed to coincide with the conclusion of Eric Chahi's GDC 2011 postmorterm on his adventure classic Another World, comes the announcement that the game is being ported to iPone and iPad, courtesy of DotEmu and publisher BulkyPix. The game won't hit iOS until later this year, but is evidently up-and-running according to Chahi himself. "The first prototype looks beautiful on iPad; they are doing a great job on it," he said in the announcement.

It's unclear whether the iOS version will be based on the 1991 original or the 2006 15th anniversary remastering (or both!), although DotEmu founder Xavier Liard promises his team will "put a lot of love and care to insure that the gamers get best user experience playing this game on iOS."

Continue reading Eric Chahi's classic 'Another World' coming to iOS

JoystiqEric Chahi's classic 'Another World' coming to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-worldapplebulkypixdotemueric-chahigdc-2011mobileThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad 2 to feature HDMI output]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-to-feature-hdmi-output/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-to-feature-hdmi-output/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-to-feature-hdmi-output/#comments While it seems that everyone got iPad fever in 2010, we can think of one sad soul who was left out of the fun: Your TV. Oh sure, he liked watching you play Angry Birds HD, he just wishes he could get in on the fun. He doesn't want you to buy one of those fancy adapters, mind you, it's not worth all the trouble and cost. He just misses you. He misses you and all the gaming fun the two of you used to have.

Imagine your personified, surprisingly needy TV's sheer delight when he learns the iPad 2 features HDMI output via a $40 cable! It goes up to 1080p and supports all your games and apps, as well as screen rotation -- heck, it even charges your pad!

Dear reader, meet your TV. It would seem the two of you have some catching up to do.

JoystiqiPad 2 to feature HDMI output originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehdmiipadipad-2mobileWed, 02 Mar 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple reveals iPad 2, coming March 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2/#comments Surprising literally no one on the entire planet (and that includes remote African tribes that lack running water, to say nothing of decent Wi-Fi access) Apple just announced the iPad 2.

The system features rear and front-facing cameras, a dual core processor -- the A5 chip -- and is 33 percent thinner than its predecessor; thinner even than the iPhone 4. There will be models for both AT&T and Verizon, and you can expect 10 hours of battery life from a single charge.

The pricing, however has not changed. The iPad 2 will run from $629 to $829 for units with 3G and $499 to $699 for those without, just like "iPad Prime."

The good news? It'll be here sooner than you think: March 11 in the US and in 26 other countries by March 25.

JoystiqApple reveals iPad 2, coming March 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleipadipad-2mobileWed, 02 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds getting St. Patrick's Day update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/angry-birds-getting-st-patricks-day-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/angry-birds-getting-st-patricks-day-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/angry-birds-getting-st-patricks-day-update/#comments Rovio's "Mighty Eagle," Peter Vesterbacka, announced during his day-one GDC panel that -- unsurprisingly -- all major holidays will eventually be worked into themed updates for the company's mega-hit Angry Birds, including the upcoming St. Patrick's Day. According to Vesterbacka, the new content will be "very green" and "filled with more pigs than ever." The millions of Angry Birds addicts should be tickled pink by this news.

Speaking of addicts, Vesterbacka says that you (yes, you!) really like the option to buy the Mighty Eagle power-up. He reports that 40 percent of all players who've purchased Angry Birds since the "smart bomb" style, level-skipping item was introduced last December have bought it at least once -- at 99 cents a pop.

JoystiqAngry Birds getting St. Patrick's Day update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsappledlcgdc-2011mobileroviost-patricks-dayMon, 28 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tapper World Tour trailer serves up gameplay, Don Bluth charm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/tapper-world-tour-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/tapper-world-tour-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/tapper-world-tour-trailer/#comments Part of why we're so excited for the iOS rebirth of Tapper is its look, created by animation legend Don Bluth (Dragon's Lair, Space Ace). As neat as Tapper World Tour has looked in screenshots, it's even lovelier in motion, as you'll see for yourself in this trailer.

Continue reading Tapper World Tour trailer serves up gameplay, Don Bluth charm

JoystiqTapper World Tour trailer serves up gameplay, Don Bluth charm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applearcadedon-bluthiosmobileretrosquare-onetappertrailerwarner-bros-digital-distributionTue, 15 Feb 2011 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[App Store apps and games can now charge subscriptions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/app-store-apps-and-games-can-now-charge-subscriptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/app-store-apps-and-games-can-now-charge-subscriptions/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/app-store-apps-and-games-can-now-charge-subscriptions/#comments We understand and appreciate the fact that we're your only source of important, relevant news and information -- but the launch of Rupert Murdoch's iPad-only newspaper The Daily is something that definitely deserves your attention. See, the publication requires an unprecedented in-App subscription to access; a feature that Apple has now enabled for developers of all apps, including iOS games.

The subscriptions are purchased in the same manner as in-app content, and publishers are free to set the price and length of subscription at whatever point they choose. Steve Jobs explained the revenue sharing system set in place for subscriptions in a press release, saying "when Apple brings a new subscriber to the app, Apple earns a 30 percent share; when the publisher brings an existing or new subscriber to the app, the publisher keeps 100 percent and Apple earns nothing." He says Apple requires publishers offering special deals on their subscriptions to have those deals reflected in-app as well.

So, how about it, gang? Any apps or games on your iOS devices that you'd drop a steady stream of bucks to play? We're not crazy about the idea, but if that's what it takes to get some more new boxes in Cut the Rope, we could be persuaded.

JoystiqApp Store apps and games can now charge subscriptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp-storeappleiosipadiphonemobilesubscriptionTue, 15 Feb 2011 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS 4.3 beta code hints at Apple TV games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/apple-tv-games-beta-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/apple-tv-games-beta-code/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/09/apple-tv-games-beta-code/#comments Apple has been making significant progress in the gaming sector since the inception of the iPhone. But, TV-based gaming has remained elusive to the team in Cupertino. Could that be changing with an upcoming update to Apple TV? A report on Engadget certainly suggests so. According to the report, the latest iOS beta code (4.3) contains references to "ATVGames" -- shorthand for Apple TV games, perhaps? Engadget alludes that the code suggests planned support for "a controller of some sort, leaderboards, a way to schedule games, and a store front."

While the current iteration of Apple TV is far from being competitive with today's consoles, the processor is on par with the iPhone 4 and iPad. Given the similarities between all the iOS devices, cross-platform development should be relatively effortless. Considering the success of the App Store's bite-sized games, it's not far-fetched to see Apple attempt to broaden its gaming efforts and tread on the home turf of Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.

JoystiqiOS 4.3 beta code hints at Apple TV games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-tvbetaiosmacWed, 09 Feb 2011 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Goo'd deal: Word of Goo for iPad is now half-price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/good-deal-word-of-goo-for-ipad-is-now-half-price/#comments World of Goo, 2D Boy's sticky-stretchy indie puzzle platformer, has been available on iPad for a month, and to celebrate the occasion the game is now $4.99 for a limited time. At half off, it's an absolute steal for an outstanding game we included in our 2010 iOS buyer's guide.

JoystiqGoo'd deal: Word of Goo for iPad is now half-price originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d-boyapp-storeappleiosipadmobilepuzzleWorld-of-GooSat, 15 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek seeking iOS developers, tries not to mention it's for games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/crytek-seeking-ios-developers-tries-not-to-mention-its-for-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/crytek-seeking-ios-developers-tries-not-to-mention-its-for-gam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/crytek-seeking-ios-developers-tries-not-to-mention-its-for-gam/#comments Crytek, a developer that's built a reputation for creating game engines that make even the highest-end PC gaming rigs weep, is making a move into ... mobile development? In a job posting on Develop, the company has put the word out that it's looking for people with experience making iOS apps, specifically candidates who've shipped at least one product on the App Store.

You've probably noticed that we haven't mentioned games yet, and there's a reason: In its posting, Crytek is pretty careful not to use any language that would suggest that successful applicants will go on to create games for iPhone, IPad or iPod touch. Well, except for one line near the end of the "requirements" section: "Passion for video games."

The fact that we haven't heard any rumblings regarding iOS games from Crytek before, and that it's just now sounding the call for applications, leads us to believe that any mobile projects the company has -- games or otherwise -- must be pretty early in development. That, or it's just really taking its time coming up with the absolute best way to bring your iPhone's PowerVR GPU to its knees.

JoystiqCrytek seeking iOS developers, tries not to mention it's for games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecrytekiosjobsmobileFri, 14 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doodle Jump creator backs off of other 'doodle' devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/doodle-jump-creator-backs-off-of-other-doodle-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/doodle-jump-creator-backs-off-of-other-doodle-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/doodle-jump-creator-backs-off-of-other-doodle-devs/#commentsWe wish more stories ended this way. Yesterday, we told you about warnings issued by Doodle Jump developer Lima Sky and Apple to App Store developers with "doodle" in the title of their games. Today, not only has the sketch hunt (zing!) been called off, but Lima Sky's Igor Pusenjak, who admits he was overreaching, has taken the time to write a lengthy explanation of the situation, submitted to PocketGamer.biz.

We're happy to see this particular situation resolved as well as it seems to be but we can't shake the feeling that, considering the clone-heavy nature of the App Store, this won't be the last story of this sort we'll be covering.

JoystiqDoodle Jump creator backs off of other 'doodle' devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleAppStoredoodledoodle-jumplegallima-skymobilepocket-gamer-ukThu, 13 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Doodle Jump dev and Apple warn other 'doodle' apps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/doodle-jump-dev-and-apple-warn-other-doodle-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/doodle-jump-dev-and-apple-warn-other-doodle-apps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/doodle-jump-dev-and-apple-warn-other-doodle-apps/#commentsIn what's sure to be the killing blow for Joystiq Publishing's upcoming Doodle Doodle: The Doodlin' Doodle Game, Doodle Jump dev Lima Sky and Apple have begun providing trademark warnings to developers of iOS with "doodle" in the title. As Pocket Gamer reports, the teams behind Doodle Monster and Doodle Hockey have received the missives, but there are almost certainly others on the way.
Lima Sky, it should be noted, does not have the rights to the word "doodle," but rather just trademarks for the full title "Doodle Jump" and its central character's design. Bryan Duke of Acceleroto (Doodle Hockey) is attempting to rally other doodlin' devs not to kowtow to Apple and Lima Sky, saying "If we all stand together on this, the little guy won't be so little. I'm fighting this. You should too."

You'd have to be pretty naive to think many of these devs aren't trying to piggyback off of Doodle Jump's success, but it's a tricky legal area with such a common word as "doodle." Our advice? Next time, stick a "Q" in there somewhere.

JoystiqDoodle Jump dev and Apple warn other 'doodle' apps originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledoodle-jumpiosipadiphonelima-skymobileWed, 12 Jan 2011 11:45:00 EST