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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Apple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/#comments Apple patent turns ingame choices into a customized comic bookIn 2009, Apple filed a patent to transfer players' unique video game story paths, choices and customized characters to book form, available automatically after the game was finished as an e-book, book or graphic novel. The USPTO granted Apple that patent today and made it public, complete with scores of Mass Effect-themed mock-ups demonstrating how the system would work.

Today, we can see this program working well with a narrative-driven game such as Telltale's The Walking Dead: At the end of each episode, Apple's system would spit out a single-issue comic populated with each player's individual choices, dialogue trees and screenshots, shown directly on the console or PC and transferrable to tablets or other mobile devices. It's the circle of undead life, according to The Walking Dead - comic to game and back to comic, with some other lucrative multimedia stops along the way.

Of course there's no telling if Apple is still interested in its patent, or how it would implement the system if it were. It could, however, prove a nice fit for those iPads people seem so fond of.

JoystiqApple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebookbookscomic-booke-bookgraphic-noveliosipadiphonemacmobilepatentUSPTOTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: Valve isn't a threat to consoles; everyone is wary of Apple]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/microsoft-valve-isnt-a-threat-to-consoles-everyone-is-wary-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/microsoft-valve-isnt-a-threat-to-consoles-everyone-is-wary-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/microsoft-valve-isnt-a-threat-to-consoles-everyone-is-wary-of/#comments Microsoft doesn't view Valve as a competitor in the console universe, Microsoft President of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick said during Microsoft's TechForum. Valve is "doing some innovative stuff," Mattrick says, but when it comes to direct competition, "no."

"The scale of products and things that are being brought to market are probably a little bit richer when I look at Sony, Nintendo, Apple and Google," Mattrick says.

Valve boss Gabe Newell recently noted that Apple is the Steam Box's biggest threat, since it already controls such a large portion of the market with the App Store. Nat Brown, the man who gave the original Xbox its name and former Microsoft leader, also sees Apple's potential to own the console game.

"Apple, if it chooses to do so, will simply kill PlayStation, Wii U and Xbox by introducing an open 30 percent-cut app/game ecosystem for Apple TV," Brown writes.

Valve's foray into the console space includes an emphasis on cheap, in-home streaming systems and Linux. Valve's PC distribution client, Steam, launched its Linux service in February and during that month it claimed 2.02 percent of all Steam users. By comparison, Mac users accounted for 3.07 percent in February.

JoystiqMicrosoft: Valve isn't a threat to consoles; everyone is wary of Apple originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleconsoleiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenext-genpcsteam-boxsteam-linuxxboxxbox-nextTue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs. Zombies goes free on iOS this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/plants-vs-zombies-goes-free-on-ios-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/plants-vs-zombies-goes-free-on-ios-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/plants-vs-zombies-goes-free-on-ios-this-week/#comments Plants vs Zombies goes free on iOS this weekFor the first time in the game's history on iOS, Plants vs. Zombies has dropped to the low price of completely free. On either the iPhone or in HD on the iPad, you can grab the full-featured app for free through the rest of this week.

Statistically, given how many copies of the game have sold already, you probably already own it on at least one of your gaming devices, but just in case that list doesn't include iOS just yet, there you go. And now that PvZ has finally and truly achieved total platform domination, PopCap can start it on the sequel; It's due out sometime this spring.

JoystiqPlants vs. Zombies goes free on iOS this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-of-the-weekappledealdownloadeafreefree-appiosipadiphonemobileplants-vs-zombiespopcapreleaseThu, 21 Feb 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Jordan Mechner compares Karateka on the Apple 2 and the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/jordan-mechner-compares-karateka-on-the-apple-2-and-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/jordan-mechner-compares-karateka-on-the-apple-2-and-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/jordan-mechner-compares-karateka-on-the-apple-2-and-the-iphone/#comments

Wherein Jordan Mechner, the creator of Karateka and the Prince of Persia series, asks, "How do you like them Apples?"

JoystiqJordan Mechner compares Karateka on the Apple 2 and the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple-iiiosiphoneJordan-MechnerkaratekamobileThu, 20 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rayman Jungle Run grabs App Store GOTY award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rayman-jungle-run-grabs-app-store-goty-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rayman-jungle-run-grabs-app-store-goty-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rayman-jungle-run-grabs-app-store-goty-award/#comments Rayman Jungle Run grabs App Store's GOTY awardAccomplished auto-run platformer Rayman Jungle Run is the App Store Game of the Year 2012. Ubisoft's iOS evolution of Rayman Origins, which received 10 free bonus levels earlier this month, pipped word game Letterpress to the award.

On the iPad-specific front, Fireproof's 3D puzzler The Room came away with the main prize. The runner-up spot went to IGF finalist and Joystiq favorite Waking Mars.

There are at least a few pairs of raised Joystiq eyebrows at Super Hexagon being omitted, but Terry Cavanagh's twitch game did at least pick up the Runner-Up award from the App Store's UK branch. To celebrate, Cavanagh slashed 66 percent off the game's price, making it available for a limited time at a bargainous $0.99.

JoystiqRayman Jungle Run grabs App Store GOTY award originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleawardsiosipadiphoneitunesmobilerayman-jungle-runsuper-hexagonFri, 14 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/toys-r-us-offers-buy-one-get-one-for-1-game-sale-lots-mor/#comments Toys R Us offers 'buy one get one for one cent' game sale, lots more on Black FridayToys 'R' Us' Black Friday ad is 32 pages of red and green deals, and as usual, the toy store's got plenty of gaming deals ready for purchase, including a few deals on consoles.

The biggest hook is a big "buy one, get one for $1" sale going on, with dozens of games available for a buck each when you buy one at a standard price. In addition to lots of great DSi games, even modern Xbox 360 and PS3 games are on the list, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and more current titles like Dishonored and Need for Speed: Most Wanted. All Wii U games are also "buy one, get one 40% off," so if you want to fill out your library for Nintendo's new console, there you go.

Read on for more choice Black Friday offerings. For the complete list of Toys 'R' Us deals, check out the retailer's Black Friday flyer.

Continue reading Toys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday

JoystiqToys 'R' Us offers 'buy one, get one for $1' game sale, lots more on Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblack-fridayblack-friday-2012black-friday-salesdealsetch-a-sketchgamesmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-3ps3salestoys-r-uswiiwii-uxboxxbox-360Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple sold 3 million iPads over the weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/apple-sold-3-million-ipads-over-the-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/apple-sold-3-million-ipads-over-the-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/apple-sold-3-million-ipads-over-the-weekend/#comments iPad fever continues unabated, it seems, as Apple has announced the iPad 4 and iPad Mini sold a combined 3 million iPad units over the weekend following their Friday launch. The company hasn't broken down the specifics of how many units each model sold, however.

Apple notes that it sold only 1.5 million Wi-Fi only models during the launch of the iPad 3 earlier this year. Throw in the 4G iPad 3, however, and that number climbs to 3 million. Had 4G models of the iPad 4 and Mini been available over the weekend, it's likely sales would have been higher.

While Apple hasn't provide specific numbers for the iPad Mini, though CEO Tim Cook states that the device is "practically sold out."


Continue reading Apple sold 3 million iPads over the weekend

JoystiqApple sold 3 million iPads over the weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadmobilesalesMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Play up to 700,000 apps for Android, closing in on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/google-play-up-to-700-000-apps-for-android-closing-in-on-app-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/google-play-up-to-700-000-apps-for-android-closing-in-on-app-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/google-play-up-to-700-000-apps-for-android-closing-in-on-app-st/#comments Google Play up to 700,000 apps for Android, closing in on App StoreThere are now around 700,000 apps on Google Play, the same number Apple revealed last month as being on the App Store. Speaking to Bloomberg, Google divulged the new amount of available Android apps, having announced last month it was up to 675,000.

Google Play is apparently closing in when it comes to available apps, but there's a way to go yet in terms of app downloads. At its recent press event, Apple revealed a figure of 35 billion downloads on the App Store. That compares to 25 billion downloads on Google Play at last count.

Using those figures, there have been 8.5 Android and iOS app downloads per person on the planet. That's crazy to think about, even if it sounds relatively meager compared to the number of apps we've stuffed onto our devices.

JoystiqGoogle Play up to 700,000 apps for Android, closing in on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleappsfiguresgoogle-playiosipadiphonemobileWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad '4th generation' revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ipad-4th-generation-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ipad-4th-generation-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/ipad-4th-generation-revealed/#comments During a press event today, Apple revealed the "4th generation" iPad, built around a new "A6X" processor, which doubles the CPU and graphics performance of the iPad, which Engadget says brings the iPad line to parity with iPhone 5 - the connector has been changed to Lightning as well. The FaceTime camera is now 720p.

The 16gb Wi-Fi device will sell for $499. 4G LTE versions will cost $629 to start.

In addition, Apple announced that 100 million iPads have been sold to date.

JoystiqiPad '4th generation' revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-generation-ipadappleiosipadmobileTue, 23 Oct 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's what Real Racing 3 looks like on iPhone 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/heres-what-real-racing-3-looks-like-on-iphone-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/heres-what-real-racing-3-looks-like-on-iphone-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/heres-what-real-racing-3-looks-like-on-iphone-5/#comments Real Racing 3 coming to iPhone 5 sometime this year, here's a screenshotTake a good look at the screen above, because it's from today's live demo of Real Racing 3 at Apple's press conference event for the iPhone 5. The EA Firemonkeys game, announced last month for iPad, will be optimized for the upcoming Apple device later this year.

EA's press release also mentions "time-shifted" asynchronous multiplayer for the game, which uses Game Center iOS 6 challenges. Regardless, hot racing action on a four-inch retina display sounds just fine to us. Now about those controls ...

Continue reading Here's what Real Racing 3 looks like on iPhone 5

JoystiqHere's what Real Racing 3 looks like on iPhone 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleEAfiremonkeysiosipadiphoneiphone-5mobileWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 5 announced and priced, available September 21]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/iphone-5-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/iphone-5-reveal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/iphone-5-reveal/#comments iPhone 5 announcedApple has announced the iPhone 5, ending two years of face melting anxiety for that cocooned iPhone 4 to turn into a beautiful iPhone 5 butterfly. Fancy tech talk time: It's a 326 pixels per inch Retina display, four-inches. 1136 x 640 resolution. Same width as iPhone 4S, but taller. 7.6mm thick, 18 percent thinner than before. 112 grams, 20 percent lighter than the 4S. Old apps will run letterboxed.

For communication, the device's radio chip broadcasts across all of the legacy protocols like EV-DO and HSPA/+, as well as the latest, fastest system called LTE, which enables faster downloads and uploads. The iPhone 5 isn't the first LTE device by a long shot, but it's the first iPhone with LTE. Since Apple likes to avoid technical jargon in its branding, its calling it "Ultrafast Wireless."

Engadget is currently live blogging the event.

The iPhone, along with cousins iPad and iPod, has proven itself as a gaming device. A study late last year found 48 percent of total App Store revenue came from in-app transactions of free titles, with 24 percent derived from in-app purchases on paid titles. 1+1+2+1... that means 28 percent of iOS revenue came from normal paid apps.

The iPhone 5 has the same on-contract pricing as last year's 4S: $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB variant and $399 for 64GB version. It will be available September 21 in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.

JoystiqiPhone 5 announced and priced, available September 21 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosiphonemobileWed, 12 Sep 2012 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple sells 84 million iPads through June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/apple-sells-84-million-ipads-through-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/apple-sells-84-million-ipads-through-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/apple-sells-84-million-ipads-through-june/#comments Apple sells 84 million iPads through JuneApple iPad sales hit 84 million as of this June, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced today.

Apple sold 17 million iPads last quarter, a new record for the company. The iPad accounts for 91 percent of all tablet web traffic and now has a 68 percent market share, compared with last year's 62 percent.

"I don't know what these other tablets are doing," Cook said. "They must be in warehouses or store shelves or maybe in peoples' bottom drawer."

The number of mobile gamers surpassed the number of core gamers in the US this year, rising to take 22 percent of the market, which includes 211.5 million people.

JoystiqApple sells 84 million iPads through June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleiosipadmobiletim-cookWed, 12 Sep 2012 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Middle Manager of Justice's accidental launch becomes beta test]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/middle-manager-of-justices-accidental-launch-becomes-beta-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/middle-manager-of-justices-accidental-launch-becomes-beta-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/middle-manager-of-justices-accidental-launch-becomes-beta-test/#comments Middle Manager of Justice's accidental launch turned to lemonadeDouble Fine's free-to-play iOS game Middle Manager of Justice accidentally launched on the App Store on September 5, as an incomplete, buggy version of the final game. Double Fine pulled it quickly, but not before potential players caught wind and downloaded it. Lead developer Kee Chi explains to Gamasutra how this all went down, and why it's not so bad in the end.

"Yeah, it was totally my fault," Chi says. "With the way you submit things on the App Store, you have to specify what the release date is, and a while back we had set the date to September, but at the time we didn't know if that would be final or not.

"Once we submitted the game, we realized we had a lot of things we still needed to tweak and fix, but at the same time, we didn't want to remove it from the [submission] process in case Apple catches other things we need to take care of, and we didn't want to do a double submission."

Chi's tech director called him on his way to work last week, saying Middle Manager was live in every territory. It appears Apple took that September release window to heart. "I just went 'What?'" Chi recalls. "At Double Fine, we pride ourselves on putting a solid product out there, so having something out there that was buggy and not quite ready yet was really frustrating."

This is Double Fine's first foray into full-on mobile gaming and it anticipated surprises. Chi and Double Fine decided to turn these accidental players into beta testers, reaching out on various forums to encourage feedback.

"I guess it kind of just turned into a beta test," Chi says. "I mean, if people find bugs that we haven't found internally, I'd love to know about them so I can fix them."

JoystiqMiddle Manager of Justice's accidental launch becomes beta test originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppledouble-fineiosipadiphonekee-chimiddle-manager-of-justicemobileSun, 09 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/#comments Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThingsApple has been issued a patent (this one) that outlines virtually every conceivable way in which an iProduct equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) could wirelessly interface and control a similarly NFC-equipped gadget, doodad or whatsit.

Many examples are given in the documentation -- everything from using your iPhone to control your house's thermostat to its automated sprinkler system -- but we're mostly interested in its applications as a gaming interface, of which two main methods are shown.

First, figure 44 shows how an iPhone can be linked with a familiar looking NFC-equipped controller by tapping the two devices together. Once paired, the iPhone can then be used to play the game rather than the controller itself, via on-screen controls. The phone recognizes the game being played (in this case, Prince of Persia) and displays three controller layout options: Classic, Custom or Game Developer Recommended. Selecting one of the three options causes a button layout to appear on the screen.

In the other gaming-centric example given, the iPhone is shown skipping the controller and interfacing directly with a gaming console via infrared, wireless internet or NFC. If NFC is present, tapping the iDevice to the console initiates the link; alternatively an RFID tag or QR code may be substituted to establish the connection.

For the system to be functional, everyone involved in every step of each device and piece of software will need to be on board. Console manufacturers will have to put NFC chips in their wares, game developers will have to code iOS device support into their products, and Apple themselves will have to release a version of iOS that actually does all this stuff.

Gallery: Apple NFC patents

JoystiqApple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadiphonemacmobileNFCpatentpatentsRFIDUSPTOThu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First episode of The Walking Dead comes to iOS this Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/first-episode-of-the-walking-dead-comes-to-ios-this-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/first-episode-of-the-walking-dead-comes-to-ios-this-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/first-episode-of-the-walking-dead-comes-to-ios-this-thursday/#comments The Walking Dead hits iOS this thursdayIf you've been holding out for the iOS version of Telltale's The Walking Dead, this Thursday sees the debut of the first episode on the App Store. The Walking Dead's "A New Day" will be available on your compatible iDevice on July 26 for $4.99 - fourth generation or greater iPods, iPad 2 and 3, iPhone 4 and above.

Once you purchase the first episode, you can either purchase corresponding episodes individually for the same price or reserve episodes two through five for $14.99. There's no launch date currently set for the second episode, "Starved for Help."

JoystiqFirst episode of The Walking Dead comes to iOS this Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadiphonemobiletelltaleTellTale-Gamesthe-walking-deadTue, 24 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple fixing in-app purchasing hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/apple-fixing-in-app-purchasing-hack/#comments Apple fixes inapp purchasing hackApple has given some developers access to its private APIs in order to plug an in-app purchasing exploit. The Guardian reports the action was required due to a Russian hacker who enabled 8.4 million fake in-app purchases. Over 115 games were affected, including all the big iOS dogs like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja, Infinity Blade and Plants vs Zombies HD.

The fix will check whether in-app downloads were valid, while faked purchases will be wiped from the device. However, consumers who used the exploit will need to update their apps to shut themselves out. The hacker who promoted the exploit, Alexey Borodin, is now attempting similar tricks on Apple's Newsstand and OSX. The Guardian goes into greater detail on how Borodin spoofed the system. Apple says the hack will be fixed by iOS 6 this fall.

[Mkabakov via Shutterstock]

JoystiqApple fixing in-app purchasing hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexey-Borodinangry-birdsappleiosipadiphonemacmobileTue, 24 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Wozniak secretly submitted Tetris scores to Nintendo Power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steve-wozniak-secretly-submitted-tetris-scores-to-nintendo-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steve-wozniak-secretly-submitted-tetris-scores-to-nintendo-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/steve-wozniak-secretly-submitted-tetris-scores-to-nintendo-power/#comments Wozniak secretly submitted Tetris scores to Nintendo PowerAside from his tech eminence having helped found Apple, Steve Wozniak is apparently also a pretty sick Tetris player. He only plays the original Game Boy port, and admits he submitted his scores to Nintendo Power back in the day.

"I was always #1 in the Nintendo Power listings in 1988, and after they said my name had been in there too many times and wouldn't print it again, I spelled my name backwards (Evets Kainzow) and sent in a photo of my score," Wozniak said in a comment on a Gizmodo piece about him. "When I got the magazine, I'd forgotten doing this and was worried that a foreigner from the next city over (I used Saratoga instead of Los Gatos so they wouldn't catch on) had a score up in my range. I got worried but then remembered my joke. Whew! It's in some old issue of Nintendo Power magazine."

Reddit user polar0ids was quick to call Woz's bluff, but it (unsurprisingly) turns out to be a true story. As seen here in this thread, the story checks out. There's Evets Kainzow's score: 546,145 points.

[Image credit]

JoystiqSteve Wozniak secretly submitted Tetris scores to Nintendo Power originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledsgame-boynintendonintendo-powersteve-wozniaktetristetris-game-boywiiwii-uFri, 20 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight art found in iOS MMO; MMO dev denies theft against strong evidence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/torchlight-art-found-in-ios-mmo-mmo-dev-denies-theft-against-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/torchlight-art-found-in-ios-mmo-mmo-dev-denies-theft-against-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/torchlight-art-found-in-ios-mmo-mmo-dev-denies-theft-against-st/#comments Torchlight art found in iOS MMO, MMO dev denies theft against strong evidenceArt assets from Runic Games' Torchlight franchise bear more than a passing resemblance to those used in iOS MMO Armed Heroes Online, from Chinese developer Entertainment Game Labs ("EGLS"). And Runic Games head Travis Baldree is calling foul, taking to Twitter this week to say, "So, wow - this game is releasing on the app store. They wholesale stole most of the assets from Torchlight," and linking to the EGLS game website.

Baldree made the image seen above as well, comparing the two games' art assets from source material he found in YouTube clips of Armed Heroes Online with those of his company's game. Beyond talking, Baldree tells us that Runic "have contacted Apple with a takedown request but haven't heard back yet." The company's goal at the moment is "simply to get the game removed from the App Store until it no longer infringes upon our copyright." It's unclear if representatives from Runic's parent company, Chinese MMO company Perfect World, have been in contact with EGLS separately.

Baldree says Runic "have been unable to directly contact the company," but a rep from EGLS posted on Touch Arcade's forums with a lengthy public statement today. "We can hardly agree with Mr. Travis Baldree who judged that EGLS 'wholesale stole most of the assets from Torchlight!' only based on the similarity between several small monsters. The judgment is simply untenable," the post reads.

It goes on to say that some EGLS employees "are both crazy game fans and ecstatic movie lovers," alleging that the comparisons drawn are nothing more than an accident at best. Bizarrely, the statement then compares Torchlight to WildTangent's PC RPG Fate, as well as Diablo 2 - both games that Runic employees were instrumental in developing.

Armed Heroes Online remains available via iTunes for now, but we don't expect it'll be there for much longer. The game is free-to-play with in-app purchases (read: microtransactions). An EGLS rep didn't respond to request for comment as of publishing.

JoystiqTorchlight art found in iOS MMO; MMO dev denies theft against strong evidence originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeapplechinaeglsentertainment-game-labsfree-to-playin-app-purchasesiosipadiphoneitunes-app-storemacmicrosoftmicrotransactionsmmomobilepcperfect-worldrunicrunic-gamesserena-zhangthefttorchlighttravis-baldreexboxTue, 17 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My Xbox Live iPad update fast forwards to new content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/my-xbox-live-ipad-update-fast-forwards-to-new-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/my-xbox-live-ipad-update-fast-forwards-to-new-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/my-xbox-live-ipad-update-fast-forwards-to-new-content/#comments My Xbox Live now available on iPadAn update to the My Xbox Live iPad app offers a new control scheme for certain Live content, including launching and controlling videos with pause, forward, rewind and play functions.

Update 1.6 also adds access to the Discover tab, where users can find and stream new content. There is no word on an update to the Android app since the previous one on June 13. Each mobile update gives us a better glimpse into what Microsoft's Smartglass may offer in terms of control, play and additional features for Xbox applications when it launches this fall.

JoystiqMy Xbox Live iPad update fast forwards to new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appAppleiosipadmicrosoftmobilemy-xbox-livexboxXbox-LiveTue, 17 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops makes a run at Mac this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/28/call-of-duty-black-ops-makes-a-run-at-mac-this-fall/#comments Call of Duty Black Ops rises again on Mac this fallWhile Treyarch is hard at work on Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for this year, its previous game is getting ready to hit the Mac.

A Mac port of the hugely popular FPS is currently underway at Texas-based Aspyr Media. You may recall Aspyr's previous efforts porting Windows games to Apple's platform, including 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. System specs for Black Ops aren't known right now, but we can't imagine they'll be much different from Modern Warfare's requirements.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops makes a run at Mac this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionappleaspyraspyr-mediaCall-of-Duty-Black-OpsmactreyarchzombiesThu, 28 Jun 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Microsoft considered OnLive acquisition, thinks the next PlayStation will be a GoogleTV box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/rumor-xbox-720-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/rumor-xbox-720-onlive/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/16/rumor-xbox-720-onlive/#comments Details continue to spew forth from the supposed leaked 52-page "Xbox 720" presentation that came to light a few hours ago. Buried deep within the bowels of the slideshow's fifth seventh slide, an examination of the next Xbox's potential competition potentially reveals some interesting tidbits about Microsoft's thinking back in 2010 (the slideshow dates back to August 2010).

Most notably, the document not only lists OnLive's MicroConsole as competition (along with the AppleTV and GoogleTV platforms, among others), but it also notes OnLive itself as a "potential acquisition target" - which makes sense considering frequent mentions of cloud gaming in the rest of the document.

The presentation also makes several assumptions about the Wii U (dubbed "Wii2" in the piece, showing its age) and Sony's eventual next console, specifically claiming that the Wii U will cost around $249, and that the "PS4" will be some kind of GoogleTV device, on top of being a Sony console.

JoystiqRumor: Microsoft considered OnLive acquisition, thinks the next PlayStation will be a GoogleTV box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappleAppleTvdurangogoogleGoogleTVmicrosoftmobilenintendoonliveplaystationPS4wii-uxboxXbox-720Sat, 16 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brainsss: What Apple considers an App Store 'success' may be a developer's nightmare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/brainsss-what-apple-considers-an-app-store-success-may-be-a-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/brainsss-what-apple-considers-an-app-store-success-may-be-a-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/brainsss-what-apple-considers-an-app-store-success-may-be-a-d/#comments Brainsss What Apple considers an App Store 'success' is really a developer's nightmareIn 2010, Rod Green and Yeong-Hao Han left lucrative, steady jobs in the mainstream gaming industry to enter the erratic world of indie development with their own studio, Lonely Few. They assumed making a complex yet accessible, high-quality zombie game for iPad would do well on Apple's App Store, and they were right.

Brainsss, Lonely Few's breakout title, became a featured app, generated a fair amount of media buzz and received stellar user reviews when it launched last month, and it is what Apple would consider a "success."

Unfortunately, Green and Yeong-Hao would consider it something else entirely.

The pair put $20,000 into the development of Brainsss, and at the end of the first month, after its launch-sales spike and the end of its "featured" spot, the game has generated $31,000. This has to cover the initial development costs -- which included paying for the engine license and Apple SDK -- and their salaries for the year.

Continue reading Brainsss: What Apple considers an App Store 'success' may be a developer's nightmare

JoystiqBrainsss: What Apple considers an App Store 'success' may be a developer's nightmare originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeAppleBrainsssIndieiosipadiphoneLonely-FewmobileRod-Greentim-cookYeong-Hao-HanTue, 12 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 updated with Retina display support for 'next generation' MacBook Pro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/diablo-3-updated-with-retina-display-support-for-next-generatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/diablo-3-updated-with-retina-display-support-for-next-generatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/diablo-3-updated-with-retina-display-support-for-next-generatio/#comments Diablo 3 updated for Retina display for MacBook Pro refreshApple revealed the "next generation" of its MacBook Pro laptops this afternoon, along with a refresh of its current line of Pro products. One particular standout of the Nvidia Kepler-powered Pro: Apple's decision to use its gorgeous Retina display, as revealed during the company's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote.

Like the last iPad refresh, however, applications and games will have to be updated to utilize the new Retina screen. During his keynote, Apple's Phil Schiller revealed Diablo 3, Blizzard's latest addiction, will be updated for the upcoming laptop model.

The new MacBook Pro line begins shipping today, but if you wanna get your hands on that fancy new Retina display, you'll be shelling out a minimum of $2,200. Blizzard has yet to reveal when the game will be updated for use with the new display, but we'll be sure to ask. For information on models and pricing, and everything else during Apple's WWDC, check out Engadget's ongoing live blog.

JoystiqDiablo 3 updated with Retina display support for 'next generation' MacBook Pro originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleBlizzardDiablo-3keplermacmacbookmacbook-pronext-generationnext-generation-macbookretinaretina-displayupdateWWDC-2012Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![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