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[Amnesia follow-up teased with ARG, more clues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/amnesia-follow-up-teased-with-arg-more-clues/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/amnesia-follow-up-teased-with-arg-more-clues/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/amnesia-follow-up-teased-with-arg-more-clues/#comments Fans have been working around the clock since a new teaser site appeared for Frictional Games' suspected follow-up to the acclaimed indie horror title, Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Not only has the blurred image been revealed as a freaky tunnel entrance, with what looks like a limbless corpse (ew), but fans have tracked down the latest hint, which leads to a tower in Seattle called Smith Tower. Inside that you'll find The Chinese Room, named after the furniture it houses, donated from the Empress of China herself. Speculation suggest the new game may have some connection to China and its history.

Fans have also uncovered an interactive feature on the site, which has since revealed the picture above (called "fragment_ebola.jpg"), and a coded series of letters: "P F C I N C M I O I S G G."

Some guess it to mean "GIF PICS COMING," which would suggest more clues are on the way. Research is being headed up on this forum thread, so have at it. Our contribution? The letters above can also be rearranged into "SICCING OF GIMP." You should probably download everyone's favorite image editor posthaste!

JoystiqAmnesia follow-up teased with ARG, more clues originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-reality-gameamnesiaamnesia-the-dark-descentargfrictional-gamesSat, 18 Feb 2012 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[What is Citizen Skywatch?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/what-is-citizen-skywatch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/what-is-citizen-skywatch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/what-is-citizen-skywatch/#comments Citizen Skywatch has all the earmarks of a placeholder site (zero information, zero content, great font, etc), but a placeholder for what? A whois search reveals that the domain is registered to Take-Two Interactive, and that its listed physical address is the same address listed for Rockstar's official site, so we can safely infer that it will at least be tangentially related to games. Probably.

What do you think? Is Citizen Skywatch an unannounced IP from the folks that gave us Red Dead Redemption? Perhaps it's the fledgling seed of an ARG, silently waiting to bombard us with quadruple-encrypted photos and cyphers? Only time will tell, but for now, join our rampant speculation by voting in this here poll:

View Poll

JoystiqWhat is Citizen Skywatch? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARGCitizen-SkywatchpollRockstarRockstar-GamesTake-twoTake-Two-InteractiveSun, 14 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/the-indie-origins-of-the-portal-2-potato-sack-arg/#comments For fans, the recent Portal 2 ARG began with the discovery of unexpected, hidden messages within the "Potato Sack" bundle of indie games. As it happens, the project's development also started with a mysterious missive -- to the developers of those games.

"Dude, it was so rad," Alex Neuse, CEO of Bit.Trip Beat developer Gaijin Games told Joystiq. "[Valve] contacted a bunch of independent developers -- like a whole bunch. They contacted a bunch of us and said, 'Hey, we're thinking of doing something wacky up here at Valve, and we were wondering if you'd be interested in coming up here and talking to us about it.' And that was about it."

Gallery: Bit.Trip Beat (Portal cameo)

Continue reading The indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG

JoystiqThe indie origins of the Portal 2 'Potato Sack' ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-neuseargbit-trip-beatgaijin-gamesmacpcportal-2potato-fools-daypotato-sacksteamvalveMon, 25 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-easter-egg-valve-never-meta-arg-it-didnt-like/#comments 164165162156040171157165162040163160145141153145162163040144157167156041040151164047163040162145141154154171040141156156157171151156147041 A hidden room somewhere within Portal 2 (see the video after the break for more information about its location, if you want) contains a mysterious message from "Adam Foster," which plays a really annoying sound file that turns out to hold three encoded images.

What do you find upon deciphering this hidden message? A brief history of hidden Portal-related messages. The three image files encoded in the sound turn out to be slides detailing the ARG that led to the reveal of some Portal 2 info -- also using SSTV-coded images.

It turns out that said ARG had a budget of just $100, and used a BBS that was running on a vintage computer with a genuine 2400 BPS modem. You can see all three images in full here, and see (and hear) the coded message in Portal 2 after the break.

Continue reading Portal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like

JoystiqPortal 2 Easter egg: Valve never meta-ARG it didn't like originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbbseaster-eggmacmicrosoftpcplaystationportalportal-2ps3valvexboxTue, 19 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 available right now (happy Potato Fool's Day!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-available-right-now-happy-potato-fools-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-available-right-now-happy-potato-fools-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/portal-2-available-right-now-happy-potato-fools-day/#comments The diligent Potato Sack players did their job, unlocking Portal 2 a bit early. The Steam version is unlockable right now. This hours-early release is the culmination of an insane ARG that's been leading players around since April 1. And maybe it didn't unlock the game days early, like we thought it would, but it has delivered one sleepless, stolen night of Portal 2 that is at least more convenient than one enabled by a midnight retail launch.

Oh, and one more little bonus: those who found every secret "potato" hidden within the Potato Sack games reportedly got a "Golden Potato" award -- and the complete Valve game collection. Including Portal 2.

Continue reading Portal 2 available right now (happy Potato Fool's Day!)

JoystiqPortal 2 available right now (happy Potato Fool's Day!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argpcportal-2potato-fools-daysteamvalveTue, 19 Apr 2011 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 unlocking early -- if you play the Potato Sack games long enough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/portal-2-unlocking-early-if-you-play-the-potato-sack-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/portal-2-unlocking-early-if-you-play-the-potato-sack-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/portal-2-unlocking-early-if-you-play-the-potato-sack-games/#comments If you thought the Portal 2 countdown clock would lead to an early release of the game, you were right about the concept, but maybe your timeline was a bit off. The countdown, upon elapsing, opened a site for "GLaDOS@Home," which claims to need your computational cycles to facilitate an early release of Portal 2.

Functionally, that means "the more time people spend playing the Potato Sack games, the sooner before its April 19 release date Portal 2 will come out." Don't have the Potato Sack -- a collection of 13 indie games, recently updated with Portal-themed content -- yet? Get it here for $38.65, And think of it this way -- you cleared your weekend to play Portal, so now you have time for these other 13 games.

JoystiqPortal 2 unlocking early -- if you play the Potato Sack games long enough originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argglados-at-homepcportal-2potato-fools-daypotato-sackvalveFri, 15 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[ARGhh, Portal 2 alternate reality game has final exam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/arghh-portal-2-alternate-reality-game-has-final-exam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/arghh-portal-2-alternate-reality-game-has-final-exam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/arghh-portal-2-alternate-reality-game-has-final-exam/#comments (Musical accompaniment for this post)

The Portal 2 ARG is coming to an end, but GLaDOS, much like Senor Chang, can never die. Also, she has something planned with a final countdown.

The Aperture Science page seems to imply that once the "final test" is solved Portal 2 will be unlocked early on Steam: "Tomorrow you will be given the final test. Then it will be entirely in your hands when I am freed."

Despite feeble math skills and general ineptitude with time, we've calculated that the countdown ends at noon Eastern (9AM Pacific, 5PM UK). Our advice? FAIL THE TEST, because some of us have to work today.

Update: There are more cryptic details being posted on the Valve forums that lead to the idea of an early PC release. "TWO HOURS TO NEXT TUESDAY (UNLESS OTHERWISE REDETERMINED)." Add that little log to the ARG fires, you monsters.

[Thanks, Mavus]

JoystiqARGhh, Portal 2 alternate reality game has final exam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2potato-fools-dayps3SteamValvexboxFri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 now pre-loading; Portal 2 stuff unlocking in Potato Sack games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/portal-2-now-pre-loading-portal-2-stuff-unlocking-in-potato-sac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/portal-2-now-pre-loading-portal-2-stuff-unlocking-in-potato-sac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/portal-2-now-pre-loading-portal-2-stuff-unlocking-in-potato-sac/#comments The countdown to next week's release of Portal 2 continues and, in this day of digitally delivered games, there's no better sign that it's really happening than this: the pre-load. For those of you eager to return to Aperture Science and reacquaint yourselves with GLaDOS as soon as possible, buy the game on Steam and get that client downloaded.

Speaking of downloading things through Steam, if you purchased the Potato Sack bundle -remember, "13 hit indie games, 75% off"? - you can expect many of those to prompt you for an update. You see, Valve and those sneaky indie devs have been planting Portal 2 hints all over those games; today, things get a little more explicit.

Bit.Trip Beat (above) has a Portal 2-themed level, GLaDOS and all; Killing Floor (gallery below) has some Portal 2-themed environments; and The Ball has seven new "test chambers" featuring the "Edgeless Artifact Cube." Also updated: Wonderful End of the World, Cogs, Defense Grid, RUSH, AaAaAA!!! - A Reckless Disregard for Gravity, AudioSurf, Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Toki Tori. You'll find a video of Bit.Trip Beat in action after the break. Got a video of another updated game? Share it in the comments and we'll update this post.

Gallery: Killing Floor (Portal content)

Continue reading Portal 2 now pre-loading; Portal 2 stuff unlocking in Potato Sack games

JoystiqPortal 2 now pre-loading; Portal 2 stuff unlocking in Potato Sack games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARGmicrosoftpcplaystationportal-2potato-fools-daypotato-sackps3SteamValvexboxTue, 12 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve ARG puzzle looks like a diving bell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/valve-arg-puzzle-looks-like-a-diving-bell/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/valve-arg-puzzle-looks-like-a-diving-bell/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/valve-arg-puzzle-looks-like-a-diving-bell/#comments Last night, we received a curious image emailed from Valve boss Gabe Newell: a tiny puzzle piece with some kind of code inscribed on it. Other sites received the same image or a different one, forming a set of nine square tiles (though one is still missing) that when fit together and inverted (of course) form the image above. The collective sleuths of the Valve ARG Wiki are certain enough to declare: "It is a bathysphere."

When inverted, the numbers form ASCII code, which has been translated (as best as possible) on the wiki into a rambling message that doesn't yet explain the image. Also of note, all of the puzzle pieces' filenames (e..g, "berets or scoop," "bee torso crops," "sorbet coopers" and "sort eco probes") are anagrams of each other. One particularly intriguing combination that's not been used -- "reboot process" -- could be the missing piece, as well as a reference to GLaDOS, which in turn could neatly tie this apparent ARG to marketing for this month's Portal 2. (This puzzle is just one part of an extensive game orchestrated by Valve that began on April Fools' Day -- catch up here.)

Of course, if the image is of a bathysphere (or diving bell), the next logical step leads us to the Borealis, an Aperture Science sea vessel first mentioned in Half-Life 2: Episode Two and speculated to be the subject of a Portal 2 Achievement. Now, if you really want to get your hopes up, you'll recall that the Borealis was also the apparent subject of early Half-Life 2: Episode Three concept art. Deep breath! Okay, now relax.

JoystiqValve ARG puzzle looks like a diving bell originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arggabe-newellportal-2potato-fools-dayFri, 08 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve Potato Sack bundle hides possible Portal 2 ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/valve-potato-sack-bundle-hides-possible-portal-2-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/valve-potato-sack-bundle-hides-possible-portal-2-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/valve-potato-sack-bundle-hides-possible-portal-2-arg/#comments It would appear that Valve's "potato sack" bundle is hiding something beneath the surface, much like the hidden ARG found in Portal after Valve updated it. A wiki page chronicles all of the discovered changes so far, which include some hidden glyphs and, if Razer equipment is detected, a message that reads "1...2...3...Drop That Beat (Like An Ugly Baby)." That odd phrase, of course, translates to "Secret Message."

Common speculation is that this has something to do with Portal 2 (the Razer tie-in lends credence to that). Nothing has been confirmed yet, and folks are still finding stuff -- if you discover more interesting info, feel free to contact us!

[Thanks, Arslan]

JoystiqValve Potato Sack bundle hides possible Portal 2 ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argindie-gamespcportal-2potato-fools-daypotato-sacksteamvalveThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitman ARG concludes with new Hitman image]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/hitman-arg-concludes-with-new-hitman-image/#comments When IO Interactive kicked off an ARG earlier this month for its Hitman series, all signs pointed to an E3 reveal of the long-rumored Hitman 5. Now that the gumshoe AR game has concluded, it seems downright obvious that said game will make its debut at this year's big LA gaming convention. The image you see above was unearthed by a group of mystery hitmen -- which is to say, "folks who secretly assassinate mysteries" -- and was confirmed by IO Interactive to be the final clue of the ARG.

Outside of a few cursory words on the image, the IO Interactive rep didn't reveal much else, though he did say "an even more awesome follow-up" is being planned now that HitmanForum.com members have uncovered everything this ARG has to offer. As previously indicated, the ARG points to an E3 reveal of the next Hitman game.

JoystiqHitman ARG concludes with new Hitman image originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arge3-2011hitman-5io-interactivemicrosoftpcplaystationps3square-enixxboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Potential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/potential-hitman-arg-suggest-new-announcement-is-coming-in-time/#comments Some subtle marketing suggests we'll be hearing about a new Hitman game soon. Well, okay, we have been hearing about it -- Hitman 5 isn't exactly a secret at this point, having been mentioned on IO Interactive resumes and namedropped by a voice actor. But things are heating up yet again, indicating a full-on reveal isn't far off.

Some potential subtle marketing is the source of this latest uptick in attention, starting with an ad from Faircount Media Group in a catalog at the Sundance Film Festival depicting a box of Hitman Series brand doughnuts with a bardcode ending in "47." When a Hitman Forum user tracked down the agency responsible for the ad and emailed them, he received a response from an account saying "you are on the right track," along with a new image showing a pair of black gloves, what appears to be a game script, and another barcode ending in "47." Forum users claim some of the random numbers, when deciphered, point to E3.

Add in the vague responses from an actual IO Interactive employee on the Hitman Forum boards (Nick@IO is his user name) and it would appear we've got the makings of an ARG -- that is, unless it's all just one big, very mean conspiracy.

JoystiqPotential Hitman ARG suggests new announcement is coming in time for E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-47argeidosfaircount-media-grouphitmanhitman-5io-interactivesquare-enixsquare-enix-europeWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA['Haunted' Majora's Mask story concludes in playable followup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/haunted-majoras-mask-story-concludes-in-playable-followup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/haunted-majoras-mask-story-concludes-in-playable-followup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/haunted-majoras-mask-story-concludes-in-playable-followup/#comments Last September, the curious story of the haunted Majora's Mask cartridge had us captivated. The compelling tale ended up being part of the larger, augmented reality game Within Hubris, which is set to end in a playable continuation of "the Haunted Cartridge" story.

"Players will finally get a chance to fight back against the 'entity' that haunted the protagonist in the original story," author Jadusable told us. "The game itself is not a traditional video game -- instead of being a standalone product, it's used as one of many tools players will have to use together to progress in the story." The playable conclusion is "close" to being released.

The transmedia experience is described as "symbiotic," with players unlocking new content on the website via the game. For example, the game may direct you to a URL with emails that will give you additional clues. "The catch is that, in order to defeat the entity, you have to download the game," said the author. "But if players download the game, they're inviting the entity into their computers just like 'Jadusable,' so expect some rather disturbing, fourth-wall breaking moments."

"I would compare it to Silent Hill 2 in terms of what kind of horror it is," Jadusable teased. Watch the debut teaser after the break.

Continue reading 'Haunted' Majora's Mask story concludes in playable followup

Joystiq'Haunted' Majora's Mask story concludes in playable followup originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argaugmented-realitylegend-of-zelda-majoras-maskmajoras-masknintendopcthe-haunted-cartridgewithin-hubrisMon, 28 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Haunted Majora's Mask' ARG brought back to life by players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/haunted-majoras-mask-arg-brought-back-to-life-by-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/haunted-majoras-mask-arg-brought-back-to-life-by-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/haunted-majoras-mask-arg-brought-back-to-life-by-players/#commentsJadusable's tale of a haunted copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask wasn't just a well-executed creepypasta. It was also an ARG! Coded messages in Jadusable's 'recent activity' log led players into a narrative in which the occupant of the cartridge escaped and trapped the character of the hapless person who found it. Players interacted with the game in part by leaving comments on the YouTube channel, including the magical songs from the game.

Or they did, until Jadusable declared that the game was on hiatus due to lack of funds. Instead of walking away from an amusing web game, players actually donated money to the project in order to keep it going. Jadusable plans to release the next chapter of the game this holiday season, along with " an interactive videogame for download in tandem with the final phase of the story." Get caught up with the game here if you're interested in jumping into this world.

Joystiq'Haunted Majora's Mask' ARG brought back to life by players originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argdshaunted-majoras-maskjadusablemajoras-masknintendopcwiiWed, 27 Oct 2010 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian Xbox News app actually a Halo: Reach ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/canadian-xbox-news-app-actually-a-halo-reach-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/canadian-xbox-news-app-actually-a-halo-reach-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/canadian-xbox-news-app-actually-a-halo-reach-arg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember the bizarrely out of place Xbox News app on the Canadian Xbox dashboard? It turns out that it was bizarrely out of place for a reason: it's actually part of a Halo: Reach alternate reality game. During the second episode of the program, a news ticker at the bottom of the screen clearly shows information related to Halo. According to Shacknews, the information was apparently meant to alert Canadian gamers to the existence of upcoming Halo: Reach preview events in the Toronto and Vancouver areas.

Somewhat more interesting, however, is that the Xbox News program was intended to run for several more episodes before the Halo connection was revealed. A source informed Shacknews that the marketing team behind the ARG skipped ahead to the first Halo-related episode, thanks to the generally negative reaction to the premiere episode. Marketing lesson of the day: make ARGs about something relevant to your audience. Like bees.

JoystiqCanadian Xbox News app actually a Halo: Reach ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesARGBungieCanadaHalo-ReachmicrosoftxboxXbox-NewsFri, 20 Aug 2010 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach live-action short goes on patrol]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/halo-reach-live-action-short-goes-on-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/halo-reach-live-action-short-goes-on-patrol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/halo-reach-live-action-short-goes-on-patrol/#comments Bungie fans -- and more specifically, Halo fans -- are feverish in their dedication. This tenacity is exemplified by the recent discovery of a hidden live-action short for the studio's forthcoming game, Halo: Reach. Bungie forum user "Canuckian" discovered the short (embedded after the break) by poring over the code from the "rememberreach" ARG, where a handful of Windows Media video file names were found. After replacing the first ARG video's URL with the names of the WMV files found in the code, only one video worked: "Patrol."

In the clip, a trio of UNSC troops engage in brief, hurried discussion about the civilian rebellion on Reach and Noble Team's efforts to calm the "insurgents." The other videos -- "balloon," "hybrid long," "hybrid short," "new life," and "spaceport" -- aren't functional as of right now, but presumably will go live as we draw closer to the Halo: Reach launch.

[Thanks, Zeridian]

Continue reading Halo: Reach live-action short goes on patrol

JoystiqHalo: Reach live-action short goes on patrol originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiebungie-studiosHaloHalo-Reachmicrosoftpatrolremember-reachxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ARG, we can't believe we wasted time on that]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/arg-we-cant-believe-we-wasted-time-on-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/arg-we-cant-believe-we-wasted-time-on-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/05/arg-we-cant-believe-we-wasted-time-on-that/#comments Sneaky marketers take note: Joystiq is likely to become entangled in elaborate and possibly regrettable alternate reality games on slow news days.

Today, we received an unmarked USB storage device in a mysterious, unmarked envelope. The drive held a simple text file, with the following words: Cryptography; Isotope; Philanthropy; Hydrogen; Ember; Rebirth. Oh, this one's easy! Cryptography; Isotope; Philanthropy; Hydrogen; Ember; Rebirth. Cipher! But for what?

An audio file embedded on the same drive offered only some electronic voices, a sequence of letters and numbers read by a female voice -- M O D [sound of 3 chimes] Z Z Z J N Q R Y D 3 F R P -- and some words spoken by a man: "What we wish, we readily believe, and what we ourselves think, we imagine others think also," followed by, "Don't believe everything you see."

The identity of the man speaking may be impossible to determine, but you might recognize the person he's quoting initially: Julius Caesar. Using a Caesar cipher, and assuming that "mod" and the sound of 3 chimes signaled a shift of 3 letters, we ended up with "W W W G K N O V A 6 COM." That led to a mysterious website, featuring a small, adjustable television set.

Continue reading ARG, we can't believe we wasted time on that

JoystiqARG, we can't believe we wasted time on that originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argciphergknova6mysteriousokay-you-got-usMon, 05 Apr 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve's viral plot thickens with Portal blue screen of death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/valves-viral-plot-thickens-with-portal-blue-screen-of-death/#comments Even though Portal 2 has been officially announced, it seems the clever Alternate Reality Game which gave it impetus hasn't yet come to a complete stop. Shortly after accepting a Pioneer Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in San Francisco on Thursday evening, Valve boss Gabe Newell launched into a slideshow detailing the company's expectations of future trends, only to have it "crash" to a blue error screen.

The final slide was meant to answer several infamous Valve mysteries -- Who is the G-Man? Why doesn't Valve support the PlayStation 3? -- and perhaps it did in some obfuscated way. According to seasoned ARG sleuths (posting on the Penny Arcade forums), the error code above can be read as: "S U S : P E N D ... U N T ( I ) L ... E E E." Suspend until E3?

It wouldn't be surprising to see Portal 2 at this year's E3 expo, which will run in Los Angeles from June 15 to 17, but if the above decryption is accurate Valve may have additional plans to unfurl (possibly including the long-awaited Half-Life 2: Episode 3).

[Thanks, Wince]

JoystiqValve's viral plot thickens with Portal blue screen of death originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argg-mangabe-newellgame-developers-choice-awardsgdc-2010gladoshalf-lifeportalportal-2valveviralFri, 12 Mar 2010 02:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal fans find secret images, BBS phone number in radio messages]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/portal-fans-find-secret-images-bbs-phone-number-in-radio-messag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/portal-fans-find-secret-images-bbs-phone-number-in-radio-messag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/portal-fans-find-secret-images-bbs-phone-number-in-radio-messag/#commentsEver since Portal was updated on Steam two days ago, fans have been busy finding the hidden Morse code messages added to the game, and deciphering them to unravel what appears to be some kind of ARG.

Early messages -- in plain Morse code as well as meta-Morse code that translated to written Morse code "beeps", revealed little but what seemed like jokes and internal bootup sequences from GlaDOS. Others were revealed as SSTV-coded images, low-res pictures of random items, all bearing the Aperture Science logo. Within those, fans quickly found a numeric code that turned out to lead to a BBS (remember those?) containing a series of Aperture-related ASCII images of GlaDOS, as well as a series of messages from fictional Aperture Science founder Cave Johnson, who apparently hates both witchcraft and safety.

Steam forum users are feverishly working through all the information to solve the overarching puzzle of what this all means. At this point, being a mere sequel tease, or connecting the Portal and Half-Life universes, would be a disappointment. We already knew there was a Portal 2 on the way, and we already knew that the storylines were loosely connected. Valve hiding a complex series of clues inside an old game is far more interesting than either of those things.

Source: Boing Boing
Source: Shacknews
Source: Steam forums

JoystiqPortal fans find secret images, BBS phone number in radio messages originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbbsfpsportalportal-2puzzlesteamvalveWed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's The Secret World gets a weird website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/#comments Since it was first revealed back in 2007, there really hasn't been a lot of information released about Funcom's upcoming MMO The Secret World. We've learned a bit about its factions, enjoyed a handful of screenshots and watched a couple of nifty trailers (embedded after the break, for your convenience). Now, Funcom has opened a website for one of the game's locations, a sleepy New England town (yes, another one) by the name of Kingsmouth. The website is designed as though it were made by an actual chamber of commerce, including plenty of low resolution photos and awkwardly placed Google ads. According to Joystiq's sister site Massively, the site is also full of references to H.P. Lovecraft, which seems appropriate given the otherworldly nature of the game.

There is what appears to be a handful of screenshots in the site's gallery section, and the news section also mentions planning for "Kingsmouth Day 2010," which is set to go down on Saturday, April 3. Whether or not anything will actually happen on that day is anyone's guess.

Gallery: The Secret World (screenshots)

tsw_screen_1tsw_screen_2tsw_screen_3tsw_screen_4

Continue reading Funcom's The Secret World gets a weird website

JoystiqFuncom's The Secret World gets a weird website originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argfuncomkingsmouthRagnar-Tornquistthe-secret-worldMon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smoking Gun teases original IP with preview of 'X' graphic novel, ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/smoking-gun-teases-original-ip-with-preview-of-x-graphic-novel/#comments
It's been two years since Relic staffers John Johnson and Drew Dunlop (producer and lead programmer on Company of Heroes, respectively) left the company to set up their own, Smoking Gun Interactive. As we reported back in May, the studio has teamed with cyberpunk trailblazer and author Douglas Rushkoff to create an array of multimedia products based on its yet-to-be-revealed premiere franchise. This week, we get a look at what they've been up to with the first of four sneak previews of X, a graphic novel launching next year that lays the foundation for Smoking Gun's new IP.

Hidden within the preview (on page 13, actually) is a link to a tie-in ARG that borrows the opening of the classic text adventure, Zork. This Easter egg is actually pretty appropriate, given that Rushkoff coined the term "viral media." We've gotten as far as "decoding" the Declaration of Independence, which, at least in the conspiracy-filled universe of X, contains warnings of aliens among us and a coming global tyranny. (As opposed to more modern government documents, which warn of a steep fine for filing your taxes late.)

JoystiqSmoking Gun teases original IP with preview of 'X' graphic novel, ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argcompany-of-heroesdouglas-rushkoffgraphic-novelsmoking-gun-interactivexWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Home's Xi ARG is now complete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/homes-xi-arg-is-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/homes-xi-arg-is-now-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/homes-xi-arg-is-now-complete/#comments Xi is done; it's finished. The alternative reality game found within PlayStation Home is now complete with an ending. Some of you may have already discovered the super secret finish to Xi, but some of you haven't yet. This doesn't mean those of you who haven't won't ever get to -- there's still time.

As detailed by the PlayStation Blog, all Xi-related spaces in Home will still remain active "for a few weeks." It looks like all you latecomers have some time to catch up. So get out there and start searching!

JoystiqHome's Xi ARG is now complete originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arghomeplaystation-homexiThu, 11 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch filmmakers whet our Half-Life 2 appetite with superb short]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/dutch-filmmakers-whet-our-half-life-2-movie-appetite-with-superb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/dutch-filmmakers-whet-our-half-life-2-movie-appetite-with-superb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/dutch-filmmakers-whet-our-half-life-2-movie-appetite-with-superb/#comments
A group of Dutch filmmakers is setting the internet ablaze with a nine-minute video titled What's In the Box? When it was first discovered online, many believed the video was a viral marketing ad for Half-Life 2: Episode 3 because of the use of Half-Life 2 sound clips and imagery -- like the Combine soldier chatter and the large, Citadel looking structure in the video. However, the video also includes other popular references, such as the music from Lost and the initial isolation found in 28 Days Later.

Two of the people involved, Tim Smit and Steven Roeters, recently won a film competition landing them a meet-and-greet with Discovery Channel's Mythbusters. In an article from their college campus paper following the competition, the pair mentioned they were hard at work on a film titled What's In the Box? So, unless they forgot to mention Valve contracted them for a viral marketing ad, this one remains labeled as an homage of sorts.

The official site for the short film seems to indicate the story isn't finished yet, and we honestly cannot wait to see what happens next. Watch the incredible short after the break.

[Thanks, enfo]

Continue reading Dutch filmmakers whet our Half-Life 2 appetite with superb short

JoystiqDutch filmmakers whet our Half-Life 2 appetite with superb short originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arghomageshort-filmsteven-roeterstim-smitwhats-in-the-boxFri, 20 Mar 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 2 ARG website is back! ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/resistance-2-arg-website-is-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/resistance-2-arg-website-is-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/resistance-2-arg-website-is-back/#commentsFiled under:

America First, America Only lives on. The Resistance 2 ARG website is now back in order after we all thought the Alliance was put out for good. We received a TELECORRESPONDENCE (e-mail would have just sufficed) notifying us of the return, though we currently don't know what's new over there -- it's been awhile. Maybe you could find out all the new tidbits, eh? Check after the break for the full e-mail transcription.

Continue reading Resistance 2 ARG website is back!

JoystiqResistance 2 ARG website is back! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arginsomniac-gamesresistance-2sceaMon, 27 Oct 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Pardon Bungie's Dust, Superintendent strikes again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/pardon-bungies-dust-superintendent-strikes-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/pardon-bungies-dust-superintendent-strikes-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/pardon-bungies-dust-superintendent-strikes-again/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a new encoded post on the official Bungie site a string of text teases what many anticipate was Bungie's canceled E3 reveal. Playing out like a snippet of a Hollywood script, the string of text details a conversation between a Captain - Codenamed: DARE.V.500341(S1) - following up on a squad request to an Admiral - Codenamed: SMN.ACTUAL - calling the shots from a location currently under siege.

At the time of this writing speculation continues to run wild within the Bungie Forums. Popular theories point to new campaign levels, a map pack retail disc with a new cinematic (as seen in Halo 2's map pack) or an entirely new title within the Halo Universe, specifically due to references of the MAC weapon. Some of the more interesting tidbits could easily be gleaned from scanning the string of text (available after the break). The primary, DARE, is given a code number which ends in S1 leading some to believe the string of text occurs prior to Covenant attacks during the SPARTAN-1 era (yr.2491) -- way before John-117 joins the program in 2517.

Which theory gets us excited? The mention of squads could point to a pre-Halo era tactical shooter in the original SPARTAN phase that led to the creation of Master Chief. Wild thinking and speculation but we can't wait to see where this one is going.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Pardon Bungie's Dust, Superintendent strikes again

JoystiqPardon Bungie's Dust, Superintendent strikes again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argbungiehalohalo-3halo-chronicleshalo3Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frank Gennaro performs self-surgery for Project Abraham]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/frank-gennaro-performs-self-surgery-for-project-abraham/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/frank-gennaro-performs-self-surgery-for-project-abraham/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/frank-gennaro-performs-self-surgery-for-project-abraham/#commentsFiled under:


The gambling addict and family man Frank Gennaro was injected this week on the Resistance 2 ARG site Project Abraham -- and the results ain't pretty. Word of warning: the injection video involves self-mutilation and is extremely graphic, even compared to previous Project Abraham videos. In other developments, Nathan Hale has awaken from his coma and according to his dossier, "seems like a new person ... It's almost as if the injection made him stronger." There's also no voting this week, since Danby is the only one remaining. Stay tuned next week to see what happens after all the subjects have been tested.

JoystiqFrank Gennaro performs self-surgery for Project Abraham originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARGinsomniacinsomniac-gamesproject-abrahamresistance-2Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Khaner dies for love in latest Resistance 2 viral video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/khaner-dies-for-love-in-latest-resistance-2-viral-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/khaner-dies-for-love-in-latest-resistance-2-viral-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/khaner-dies-for-love-in-latest-resistance-2-viral-video/#commentsFiled under:

Glenn Khaner, who was chosen for this week's injection on the Resistance 2 ARG website Project Abraham, dies a rather horrific death in the latest video. What is different about Khaner death is that it really tugs at your heartstrings; if you examine his dossier, it shows a transcribed conversation he had with Nathan Hale where Khaner admits he intentionally failed a placement exam in order to be sent to Alaska. Now, if you listen to Dr. Aklin's recordings, she alludes to a past relationship she had with Glenn where she "broke his heart" and talks about the guilt she currently feels as she is falling in love with Hale. It is at this point one realizes Khaner entered into Project Abraham just so he could be in the proximity of Alkin.

Hale's induction video is now viewable and he is one of the candidates for injection. Currently, 76% of votes currently going to him. Who are you voting for this week?

America First America Only's weekly newsletter uncovers more alleged secret government plans: the abandonment of US coastlines in the event of an invasion. Schematics of a fortress the government intents on sending people to in the case of an attack are presented to us. Accusations of brainwashing TV signals, as well a list of people who sent in tips last week can be seen on the back of the newsletter. Check it out here.

[Thanks, Chunky and DeforMAKulizer!]

JoystiqKhaner dies for love in latest Resistance 2 viral video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-first-america-onlyarginsomniacproject-abrahamresistanceresistance-2srpanetviralvideoTue, 12 Aug 2008 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Confused by the Resistance 2 ARG? Infinite Bits has you covered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/confused-by-the-resistance-2-arg-infinite-bits-has-you-covered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/confused-by-the-resistance-2-arg-infinite-bits-has-you-covered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/confused-by-the-resistance-2-arg-infinite-bits-has-you-covered/#commentsFiled under:


We've been trying to keep you as up to date with the Resistance 2 ARG as possible, but those of you who are new to the whole thing may still be understandably confused. Infinite Bits has a great article about how the ARG (Alternate Reality Game) has gone so far and how that links in to both Resistance 1 and its sequel. Sure, there's some conjecture involved, but it sounds pretty convincing to us!

ARGs are a great marketing tool, if done right, and it's rumored that the company behind this one is the best in the business. You may know 4orty 2wo from I Love Bees, The Beast and Last Call Poker, three of the biggest ARGs so far (with The Beast being widely considered to be the first of its kind). So don't be afraid to get involved in Dr. Aklin's tale. But please, suspend disbelief before taking part. It's way more fun that way.

JoystiqConfused by the Resistance 2 ARG? Infinite Bits has you covered originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARGARGsResistance-2Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! No injections on Project Abraham this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/surprise-no-injections-on-project-abraham-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/surprise-no-injections-on-project-abraham-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/surprise-no-injections-on-project-abraham-this-week/#commentsFiled under:


No injection took place on the Resistance 2 viral site, Project Abraham, this week. We are guessing the man who claimed he knew no fear met his match. Though no injection took place, Oster's video still contains violence and should be considered NSFW. Oster's dossier has also been updated to reflect his new status -- including a file number, which you can type into SrpaNet as "GET 938Stockmeyer773" to view a confrontation he had with our protagonist from the previous game. Dr. Alkin's inbox update included a Rorshchach inkblot test, along with a recommendation that Glenn Khaner be the next test subject.

America First America Only apparently received some tips from those of us who "hacked" into SrpaNet and published pictures of Chimeras and Cloven in their news weekly. The second page suggests that these "aliens" are from a watery planet; can that planet possibly be Earth itself?

Lastly, those of you who left your number with Project Abraham last week received a call. We missed ours, but thanks to NeoGAF, we have a partial recording of the phone call for you to listen to right here.

[Thanks, DeforMAKulizer and Dave!]

JoystiqSurprise! No injections on Project Abraham this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-first-america-onlyarginsomniacproject-abrahamresistanceresistance-2srpanetviralvideoWed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Channing Brown hurls on you in Resistance 2 ARG video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/channing-brown-hurls-on-you-in-resistance-2-arg-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/channing-brown-hurls-on-you-in-resistance-2-arg-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/31/channing-brown-hurls-on-you-in-resistance-2-arg-video/#commentsFiled under:

A rather gruesome video of Channing Brown's injection has been posted on projectabraham.com. The video is graphic and you need to enter your date of birth to view it. Word of advice: make sure you don't watch this during lunch. Like the last update, you can now vote for the next unfortunate soul to be experimented on -- Frank Gennaro, Kenneth Danby or Keith Oster. The upper left corner now contains a Rolodex card to fill out your name, phone number and e-mail. Also of note is this personality test and a tape recording of Dr. Aklin's sentiments.

We also found some new documents on SrpaNet via NeoGAF. We won't give everything away, but here's a hint -- type in "SEC howardp:belinda" and it will log you into the terminal. If you manage to access the right files, they contain a "Controlled" seal and a number. Other files contain pictures of Chimera.

One of the document numbers is "i2p8y0bynt2k" and you can head over to America First America Only and submit it into their tip box. The newsletter has also been updated. This is what we found so far after playing with it since last night, but if you guys find anything else, let us all know in the comments.

[Thanks, Mad-elph and Chunky!]

JoystiqChanning Brown hurls on you in Resistance 2 ARG video originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argproject-abrahamresistanceresistance-2Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You could win gold in the Velvet Assassin ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/you-could-win-gold-in-the-velvet-assassin-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/you-could-win-gold-in-the-velvet-assassin-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/you-could-win-gold-in-the-velvet-assassin-arg/#commentsFiled under:

We know that some of you out there are absolute alternate reality game nuts, so we wanted to turn you on to one that's just getting into full swing, part of a promotional effort for Gamecock's upcoming Velvet Assassin, we've been lead to believe.

The hunt is currently on for the second of three caches of gold, and clues have started appearing in the public announcements section of UK's The Times. Because we love you so very much, we've put all three after the jump. If you're ready to do some investigating, we'd suggest digging through this in-game blog or, if you're up for something less immersive, this thread about the game.

Continue reading You could win gold in the Velvet Assassin ARG

JoystiqYou could win gold in the Velvet Assassin ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-reality-gamearggamecockvelvet-assassinMon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance ARG expands: America First, America Only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/resistance-arg-expands-america-first-america-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/resistance-arg-expands-america-first-america-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/resistance-arg-expands-america-first-america-only/#commentsFiled under:


It looks like the Resistance 2 ARG (alternate reality game) should be taken quite seriously. An email from getawarjob.com (attached, after the break) sends interested users to yet another site: America First, America Only. The site features some heavy conspiracy theories about the now-familiar "Project Abraham." Each article featured on this printing press can be enlarged, and will undoubtedly give hints to the next step of this massive ARG.

[Thanks, Kenton for the tip. Thanks, Zach for the e-mail.]

Continue reading Resistance ARG expands: America First, America Only

JoystiqResistance ARG expands: America First, America Only originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-first-america-onlyargproject-abraharesistanceresistance-2Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Abraham countdown ends, features more videos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/project-abraham-countdown-ends-features-more-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/project-abraham-countdown-ends-features-more-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/project-abraham-countdown-ends-features-more-videos/#commentsFiled under:


The Project Abraham countdown has ended, and we haven't discovered an open beta quite yet. (Good job, Nick. You were right on the money!) There are, however, new videos for your perusal, many of which are quite disturbing. Looks like the tone of Resistance 2 will be rather dark, if this viral site is any indication. One of the creepier aspects of the site is the community's ability to vote on who will get injected next. Chances are, no matter who you vote for, the results will be quite ... disastrous. (Oh, and guess who else is on the list?)

[Thanks, Jonathan C. & raj!]

JoystiqProject Abraham countdown ends, features more videos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argproject-abrahamresistanceresistance-2Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Katee Sackhoff is Dr. Cassie Aklin in Resistance 2 ARG video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/katee-sackhoff-is-dr-cassie-aklin-in-resistance-2-arg-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/katee-sackhoff-is-dr-cassie-aklin-in-resistance-2-arg-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/09/katee-sackhoff-is-dr-cassie-aklin-in-resistance-2-arg-video/#commentsFiled under:

Following the previous video, both parts of the Resistance 2 ARG website projectabraham.com have been updated. It appears the female, identified as Cassie Aklin, is a government doctor. She speaks to another doctor about the man from the last video, about the influenza and experiments, warning she will not be "a counselor to a slaughter house." Before long, the doors begin slamming and Cassie runs off to get help.

The Blackout part of the site has also been updated with a letter from a Colonel Grant Thompson addressed to Cassie, aka Dr. Aklin. It informs her that the government has "suspended all injections until further notice" and that only six candidates remain in the Project Abraham because of "unexpected results to the first injection of the serum."

Some questions we are thinking about: Is Nathan Hale one of the remaining six subjects? Is this Project Abraham what turned him into what he is? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Thanks, Jonathan C.!]

JoystiqKatee Sackhoff is Dr. Cassie Aklin in Resistance 2 ARG video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arginsomniacinsomniac-gamesresistanceresistance-2Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ominous Resistance 2 ARG site Project Abraham uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ominous-resistance-2-arg-site-project-abraham-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ominous-resistance-2-arg-site-project-abraham-uncovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/ominous-resistance-2-arg-site-project-abraham-uncovered/#commentsFiled under:


We are not sure how they did it, but some very clever posters over at NeoGAF has found us another ARG website for Resistance 2. The website features a woman standing over you at what appears to be a hospital, concerned for your well-being, before she is forcibly removed and the video ends with a long beep.

What does this all mean? Is that actress Katee Sackhoff of Battlestar Galatica fame standing over us in this video? What is Project Abraham? Is that logo on her shirt the same as the one of the US military from getawarjob.com? The Morse code at the end of the video apparently spells "blackout" and leads you to another part of the site, with a picture of seven guys that you can move around on a table.

Is Nathan Hale one of these guys? Is the darkness on the sides moving? We noticed pressing tab will frame a yellow rectangle around the picture. You can also drag the picture all the way off screen on the bottom and the right, but not the top and the left, And what is that in the window on the left? Take a look around and post your thoughts on this. *hums The X-files theme*

[Via NeoGAF -- thanks, Noshino!]

JoystiqOminous Resistance 2 ARG site Project Abraham uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arginsomniacinsomniac-gamesresistanceresistance-2Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Brief History of Game Ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/a-brief-history-of-game-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/a-brief-history-of-game-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/a-brief-history-of-game-ads/#commentsFiled under:

As the technology and approach of gaming evolves one thing has stayed the same, advertisements suck. Sure ads aren't as ... uh ... flashy as they once were, but they still take up the pages our favorite magazines and disturb our search for news on our favorite websites.

Next-Gen.biz has taken a look at the evolution of game ads from the last three decades, including: the simplistic approach of the 80s, the radical colors of the 90s and the boring screenshot montages of the current generation.

While not Xbox specific, the feature teaches us a little about the evolution of marketing for games and how the new generation is breaking the mold wit Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) while still phoning in traditional advertisements. A worthy read for those looking for some gaming business knowledge.

JoystiqA Brief History of Game Ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementadvertisementsadvertisingalternate-reality-gameargnext-genMon, 02 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[End War & Splinter Cell sites redirect to Ghost Recon, countdown to April 2 appears [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ghost-recon-site-countdowns-to-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ghost-recon-site-countdowns-to-april-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/ghost-recon-site-countdowns-to-april-2/#commentsFiled under:


Update: At the time of this story the Rainbow Six website wasn't acting properly, however it has been reported that it too is pointing to the Ghost Recon website via a similar overlay. This story has been updated to include the Rainbow Six site.

In the early hours of the day this morning one of our readers helped us spot a strange overlay on the official Ghost Recon website. Visitors of the site were treated to a smoking dossier (which might be a black box after all) but nothing could be done other than close off the overlay and scratch your head.

Today, both the End War, Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six sites have received similar flash-based marketing treatments. Each site includes an overlay of smoking items that appear to be from a wreckage which, when clicked, redirects visitors to the official Ghost Recon website -- home of the original mystery.

While it could all end there, today the Ghost Recon site updated with new information and a mysterious countdown timer.

Continue reading End War & Splinter Cell sites redirect to Ghost Recon, countdown to April 2 appears [Update]

JoystiqEnd War & Splinter Cell sites redirect to Ghost Recon, countdown to April 2 appears [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argend-warghost-recongrawgraw3splinter-cellubisoftviral-marketingFri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted ARG spreads to Europe, includes awesome prizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/uncharted-arg-spreads-to-europe-includes-awesome-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/uncharted-arg-spreads-to-europe-includes-awesome-prizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/uncharted-arg-spreads-to-europe-includes-awesome-prizes/#commentsFiled under:


The Uncharted ARG has spread to Europe, just in time for the upcoming European launch of the game. Players will use Google Maps to track down the ever-elusive Nathan Drake for a chance to win some awesome prizes, such as an all-expenses paid trip to Cancun. Runners-up will score some free televisions.

This seems like a fun, engaging way to prep yourself for Uncharted. Those that have already played it know that it's a pretty damn good game.

[Via Three Speech]

JoystiqUncharted ARG spreads to Europe, includes awesome prizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argunchartedTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chain Factor: Addictive Puzzle Game, Numb3rs ARG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/chain-factor-addictive-puzzle-game-numb3rs-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/chain-factor-addictive-puzzle-game-numb3rs-arg/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/17/chain-factor-addictive-puzzle-game-numb3rs-arg/#commentsFiled under: ,


Casual gamers with some time to kill (actually, casual gamers are, by definition, people with time to kill) would be wise to check out the latest distraction taking the nation by storm - Chain Factor. This simple, Connect Four lookalike is enough to captivate numerophiles and puzzle enthusiasts for hours on end. But behind the pastel discs and perky staccato chimes, there's free advertising for CBS a pseudo-alternate reality game just waiting to be discovered.

Continue reading Chain Factor: Addictive Puzzle Game, Numb3rs ARG

JoystiqChain Factor: Addictive Puzzle Game, Numb3rs ARG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARGChain Factorchain-factorChainFactorNumb3rsPCSat, 17 Nov 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted ARG continues with video and viral posters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/uncharted-arg-continues-with-video-and-viral-posters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/uncharted-arg-continues-with-video-and-viral-posters/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/08/uncharted-arg-continues-with-video-and-viral-posters/#commentsFiled under:

The Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Alternate Reality Game has revealed some more clues. A video has been placed on Youtube (see above) showing Elena's travels to some Panama ruins, where she discovers an interesting artifact which may be of help to any of you who are playing along with the online quest.

Posters are also being found all over America which could easily contain clues to the next part of the story. These can be found after the break and will hopefully unlock their secrets to the close scrutiny given by all of you treasure hunters out there. To start the game from the beginning be sure to check out Sullivan's Stories and see what you can make of it.

Continue reading Uncharted ARG continues with video and viral posters

JoystiqUncharted ARG continues with video and viral posters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argsonyuncharteduncharted-drakes-fortuneThu, 08 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST