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['Ice silver' Vita hits Asian markets on March 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/ice-silver-vita-hits-asian-markets-on-march-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/ice-silver-vita-hits-asian-markets-on-march-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/03/ice-silver-vita-hits-asian-markets-on-march-6/#comments 'Ice silver' Vita hits Asian markets on March 6Asia will get an "ice silver" PlayStation Vita on March 6, Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong announced. While those dwelling in other regions contend with fits of jealousy, remember that Sony has a "PlayStation 2013" event scheduled for February 20, during which the Wall Street Journal said the PS4 will be announced.

In the meantime, Western players still have a referral program to take advantage of, which grants trend-setters $20 for convincing a friend to buy a now less-exciting black Vita system.

[Thanks, Mohammed!]

Joystiq'Ice silver' Vita hits Asian markets on March 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaice-silverplaystationplaystation-vitascehscehksony-computer-entertainment-asiavitaSun, 03 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Retro City Rampage crashes into PSN in Europe, Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/psa-retro-city-rampage-crashes-psn-in-europe-asia/#comments PSA Retro City Rampage out on PSN in Europe, AsiaRetro City Rampage brings its retro looting allure to Europe and Asia, available now for one price, £8.99 (€11.25), on Vita and PS3 with Cross Play.

Retro City Rampage made its way to PS3 and Vita in the US back in October, and it hit XBLA on January 2. A WiiWare version is scheduled to launch this month. We think the PS3 and Vita versions represent "the perfect game for gamers, an experience carefully executed to appeal directly to them." And, of course, the game has "hilarious writing." Trust us.

JoystiqPSA: Retro City Rampage crashes into PSN in Europe, Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeuropeplaystationplaystation-vitaps3retro-city-rampagevitaSun, 20 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Civilization Online announced for Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/civilization-online-announced-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/civilization-online-announced-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/civilization-online-announced-for-asia/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/08/civ5korea530.jpgTake-Two Interactive announced Civilization Online this morning for Asia, another milestone in its continental market expansion. In partnership with Korean-based studio XLGAMES, the game is being built "from the ground up" as an online-only experiences for the Asian market.

Civilization studio Firaxis is mentioned as lending its expertise and vision, but the game is being created "under the leadership of " XLGAMES CEO and MMOG designer Jake Song, who helped create Lineage. A team of "more than 100" are working on the project in Seoul.

"Over the last four years, we have been focused on creating an ambitious portfolio of online and social games with some of the most revered companies in Asia such as Tencent in China, Nexon Korea Corporation and XLGAMES in Korea, GREE and CyberAgent in Japan," said Take-Two Asia president Hubert Larenaudie.

Take-Two notes that response in the region to NBA 2K Online, which launched yesterday after months of beta testing, has been very encouraging. It hopes to find that same success with the Nexon-partnered Pro Baseball 2K and Civilization Online.

Take-Two chief operating officer David Ismailer concluded today's announcement, "Civilization Online is an example of how 2K can leverage its successful franchises, beyond sports, to create entirely new experiences in genres that resonate with customers in this region."

JoystiqCivilization Online announced for Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacivilization-onlinekoreapcsouth-koreaTake-Two-InteractiveThu, 25 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/nexons-relationship-with-ea-is-much-less-exciting-than-we-heard/#comments US game publishing giant Electronic Arts isn't being purchased by South Korean social game company Nexon anytime soon, but the two companies are in talks. Not talks about an acquisition, mind you, but regarding Asian distribution of EA's FIFA Online series. Those two things are what we might call, "totally different," but Bloomberg's unnamed sources apparently didn't see a huge difference between the two when they informed the publication last week that Nexon was seeking a purchase of EA.

Bloomberg's backtracking on that report - which pretty much everyone called very unlikely at the time - is saying now that "three people with knowledge of the matter" tell the publication a deal is being brokered between Nexon and EA for distribution of the online-based soccer title in Asia. Specifically, EA could employ Nexon's "online servers and developers in Asia" to help bring FIFA Online to the continent. An announcement of the partnership is expected "as early as June," which, you know, would line up pretty well with E3 2012.

JoystiqNexon's relationship with EA is much less exciting than we heard before originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeaea-sportsea-sports-fifa-onlineea-sports-fifa-online-2electronic-artsfifa-onlinefifa-online-2nexonFri, 04 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexon, Valve announce Counter-Strike Online 2 for Asian territories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/nexon-valve-announce-counter-strike-online-2-for-asian-territor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/nexon-valve-announce-counter-strike-online-2-for-asian-territor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/nexon-valve-announce-counter-strike-online-2-for-asian-territor/#comments ImageSouth Korean developer Nexon this week announced Counter-Strike Online 2, a sequel to its successful made-for-Asian-gaming-cafes port of the original Counter-Strike. Developed under license from Valve, Counter-Strike Online 2 will launch in China, South Korea, Japan and "other areas in Southeast Asia" on a future date.

When it does launch, it'll run on an "enhanced" version of the Source Engine and feature "enhanced graphics, more realistic gameplay and powerful impact sensations," the latter of which troubles us slightly considering the game is primarily about bullets impacting squishy human bodies. We're not in a huge rush to experience that firsthand.

Continue reading Nexon, Valve announce Counter-Strike Online 2 for Asian territories

JoystiqNexon, Valve announce Counter-Strike Online 2 for Asian territories originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaChinaCounter-strikecounter-strike-online-2CS-online-2CSO2JapanNexonpcSouth-KoreaSoutheast-AsiaValveFri, 06 Apr 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Unity Technologies revenue up 258.7 percent, Asian pirates to blame (or thank)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/unity-technologies-revenue-up-258-7-percent-asian-pirates-to-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/unity-technologies-revenue-up-258-7-percent-asian-pirates-to-bl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/unity-technologies-revenue-up-258-7-percent-asian-pirates-to-bl/#comments Revenue for Unity Technologies, developer of the Unity 3D game-authoring tool, is up 258.7 percent year-over-year in Asian markets, with the most monthly users worldwide coming from Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai and Nei-Hu, Taiwan. Unity's general manager of Asia John Goodale is excited about the company's Asian prospects and the unexpected reason for the region's growth.

"In China, quite candidly, what is driving a lot of our growth, is piracy," Goodale said. "Even through a pirated version of Unity, we can still make revenue from that customer, for example through the Asset Store."

Korea's revenue pool grew 50 percent year-on-year, while China gained 280 percent and Japan exploded with 897 percent. Unity doesn't support piracy, of course, but it doesn't not support revenue growth, no matter the reason.

"We don't condone it, but it's also something we don't super-aggressively persue," Goodale said.

JoystiqUnity Technologies revenue up 258.7 percent, Asian pirates to blame (or thank) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaasian-marketpcpiracyrevenueunityunity-technologiesSat, 01 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Keiji Inafune's sights are on China, still down on Japanese game industry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/keiji-inafunes-sights-are-on-china-still-down-on-japanese-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/keiji-inafunes-sights-are-on-china-still-down-on-japanese-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/keiji-inafunes-sights-are-on-china-still-down-on-japanese-game/#comments At the tail end of a 1400-word diatribe detailing the myriad failures of the Japanese game industry, former Capcom all-star Keiji Inafune (who else?) gave us the first big hint about what he's going to be working on next. We know about his two new companies -- the multi-faceted Comcept and the game development house Intercept -- but what has been less clear is what kind of games he's going to make. As the creator of games like Mega Man and Dead Rising, Inafune is clearly able to appeal to Western tastes, so it's a bit surprising that he's not necessarily courting Western audiences.

We suppose it makes sense; for all this praise of Western game development, Inafune feels like competing there would be too difficult with a new company. "It may be too late - or too hard - to tackle the US market at this point," he writes. So instead of tackling the top spot, Inafune is looking towards the future. What's next? "The next big market is China. There I see many opportunities. My sights are on Asia," he concludes, wrapping up his essay.

Maybe this is selfish of us, but you've got to look out for number one, right? Here's the thing: We don't live in China, so we don't see any way to read this without acknowledging that Inafune won't be making games for us anymore. Is this because we said mean things about Lost Planet 2?

JoystiqKeiji Inafune's sights are on China, still down on Japanese game industry originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusinesschinacomceptinterceptJapanKeiji-InafuneThu, 30 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN service coming back in Asia tomorrow, Welcome Back package detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/psn-service-coming-back-in-asia-tomorrow-welcome-back-package-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/psn-service-coming-back-in-asia-tomorrow-welcome-back-package-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/psn-service-coming-back-in-asia-tomorrow-welcome-back-package-d/#comments While there were some extra ... hurdles before PlayStation Network services could be restored in Japan, Sony announced that the phased renewal of network services for Japan and other Asian territories will go through tomorrow -- except for Korea and Hong Kong, whose service renewal "will be announced as soon as ready." Like North America and Europe, the services coming back include online play, sign-in (with password change), and Home. The torne DVR thing will also be usable again.

When the PlayStation Store does return, PSN members in Asia will have their own PS3 and PSP Welcome Back packages, from which to choose two games for each system. And they're ... different. Instead of games like Dead Nation and Infamous, PS3 owners can choose from the following five games:
  • The Last Guy
  • LocoRoco Cocoreccho!
  • echochrome
  • WipEout HD
  • Hustler King
And for PSP, the choices include:
  • Yuhshanokuseninamaikida or2 PSP(R) the Best (What Did I Do to Deserve This, My Lord!? 2)
  • Everybody's Stress Buster (Hot Shots Shorties)
  • PATAPON2 PSP(R) the Best
  • LittleBigPlanet Portable
  • LocoRoco -Midnight Carnival-
Users also get 30 days free PlayStation Plus access, Home stuff, free "select" movie rentals, and a month of "Platinya" membership for the weekly news program/cat minigame collection Weekly Toro Station.

JoystiqPSN service coming back in Asia tomorrow, Welcome Back package detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiajapanplaystationps3psnpsn-outage-2011pspsonytornewelcome-backFri, 27 May 2011 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotick: Microtransaction-based Call of Duty 'just for China' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/call-of-duty-micro-transaction-game-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/call-of-duty-micro-transaction-game-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/call-of-duty-micro-transaction-game-china/#comments The microtransaction-based Call of Duty game Activision is making for China, first announced in a February investor conference call (and in the presentation that went along with it) is, at least for now, unlikely to leave China. Though, of course, the door's open.

Answering a question during an investor conference call, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick called the game "specific for the Chinese audiences," and clarified, "The product that we announced today is being developed just for China." Kotick added, "That's not to say it might not have applicability elsewhere, but what we're doing right now is focused on China."

The "applicability" could refer to integrating the free-to-play model with other, Western-focused iterations of Call of Duty (which would make sense given the Beachhead-developed "digital platform" in the works) -- or even an eventual localization of that game.

[Update: A previous iteration of this post, published before Kotick made these comments, presented the free-to-play Call of Duty as a new announcement, when it had actually been first announced in February.]

JoystiqKotick: Microtransaction-based Call of Duty 'just for China' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionasiabeachheadcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-onlinechinapcMon, 09 May 2011 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF China honors indie games from Asia and Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/igf-china-honors-indie-games-from-asia-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/igf-china-honors-indie-games-from-asia-and-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/igf-china-honors-indie-games-from-asia-and-australia/#comments The Chinese arm of the Independent Games Festival has announced its award winners for the year, and you can see all of them on its official blog. 2D platformer Sugar Cube (not to be confused with The Crying Sugar Cube Leprechaun game) walked away with the Best Game award and iOS App Store puzzler Train Conductor 2: USA won Best Mobile Game. Best Student Game went to a sandbox-style tower defense title called The White Laboratory, available in demo form on Google Code.

The IGF China awards honor games from both Asia and Australia, and are awarded every year at GDC China. Winners picked up a cash prize and will be shown off in Shanghai during the conference itself.

JoystiqIGF China honors indie games from Asia and Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaaustraliagdc-chinagdc-china-2010igf-chinaindependent-games-festivalindie-gamesmobilepcsugar-cubethe-white-laboratorytrain-conductor-2-usaWed, 08 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek puts on its Warface, launching free-to-play FPS in Asian markets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/crytek-puts-on-its-warface-launching-free-to-play-fps-in-asian/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/crytek-puts-on-its-warface-launching-free-to-play-fps-in-asian/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/crytek-puts-on-its-warface-launching-free-to-play-fps-in-asian/#comments Free-to-play in-your-face FPS news now, with Crytek's announcement of a new military shooter "especially dedicated" to Korean and other Asian markets. Powered by CryEngine 3, Warface will serve as the developer's entry into the freemium arena, and a chilling reminder of that poor kid you teased in high school about his terrible, uncontrollable acne.

That was me, by the way, and I know where you live now.

Warface is co-produced by Crytek Seoul, and will debut on PC in South Korea with class-based, player-versus-player modes, as well as "dramatic" multiplayer co-op missions. Just try to hold the tears back -- it ruins the camo face paint.

Gallery: Warface

Continue reading Crytek puts on its Warface, launching free-to-play FPS in Asian markets

JoystiqCrytek puts on its Warface, launching free-to-play FPS in Asian markets originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacryengine-3crytekfpsfree-to-playkoreapcwarfaceThu, 25 Nov 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 11 kicks off September 28 in North America, October 1 in Europe and Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/fifa-11-kicks-off-september-28-in-north-america-october-1-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/fifa-11-kicks-off-september-28-in-north-america-october-1-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/fifa-11-kicks-off-september-28-in-north-america-october-1-in-eu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

FIFA 11 will storm the North American retail pitch on September 28 for every major platform except the Wii, whose version will be called in on October 4. Additionally, Europe and Asia will don their shin pads for every platform on October 1.

The latest edition of the footie franchise adds the "Creation Centre" on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, allowing players to "craft your own football player and create the team of your dreams using a web-based application." The application will launch on the same day as the game.

As previously revealed, FIFA 11 will also feature the so-called "Personality+" system and "custom audio," enabling fans to assign custom sound clips (e.g., team chants saved on the hard drive) to play during "player introductions, halftime and after goals" -- no word yet on an "always" setting to enable the authentic, ever-present droning of the vuvuzela.

JoystiqFIFA 11 kicks off September 28 in North America, October 1 in Europe and Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiadsEAEA-CanadaElectronic-ArtsEuropeFIFA-11microsoftnintendoNorth-Americaplaystationps3release-datewiixboxWed, 07 Jul 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/#commentsNot only does the Game of the Year edition of Batman: Arkham Asylum add TriOviz 3D, it comes with Batman and Joker-themed 3D glasses. They're not exactly what you would imagine Batman and/or the Joker wearing to watch something in 3D, but they are decorated in the style of the two characters. They're like one of those old Halloween costumes with the picture of the character you're supposed to look like printed on the front.

In case you haven't heard about this Arkham Asylum thing until now, you can see a trailer for the Game of the Year edition after the break. You'll be able to pick it up on March 26 -- but only if you're in Europe, Asia, or Australia, as those are the only regions for which this edition has been announced.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dasiaaustraliabatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editioneidoseuropeMicrosoftrelease-daterocksteady-studiosXbox-360Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell: Conviction Collector's Edition revealed for the rest of the world [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/splinter-cell-conviction-collectors-edition-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/splinter-cell-conviction-collectors-edition-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/splinter-cell-conviction-collectors-edition-revealed/#comments
Click with conviction to see larger images Paying more for a fancier version of Splinter Cell: Conviction is no longer an exclusively North American privilege. Ubisoft just announced a Collector's Edition of the stealth sequel for "all" European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific territories -- and it comes with different stuff than the North American version!

The rest of the world's Collector's Edition will include the usual steel-book case and soundtrack, and also the distinguished-looking Sam Fisher statue seen above, frozen forever in the act of almost stepping on his night vision goggles. The pack also includes in-game bonuses like an Infiltration Mode, a special "Shadow Armor" skin, and "early access" to the SC300, SR2 and MP5 weapons.

Head into our gallery to see images of both the Xbox 360 and PC sets.

Update: See the new weapons and the other bonuses in a video after the break.

Gallery: Splinter Cell: Conviction Collector's Edition

Continue reading Splinter Cell: Conviction Collector's Edition revealed for the rest of the world [update]

JoystiqSplinter Cell: Conviction Collector's Edition revealed for the rest of the world [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacollectors-editioneuropeMicrosoftsplinter-cellsplinter-cell-convictionubisoftXbox-360Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai starts online gaming division]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/namco-bandai-starts-online-gaming-division/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/namco-bandai-starts-online-gaming-division/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/namco-bandai-starts-online-gaming-division/#comments We know that Namco Bandai is expanding further into the west, hiring three new North American executives, but apparently the company's extending its tendrils in all directions. According to Siliconera, the company has just opened a division to focus on online gaming with its sights set on conquering the rest of Asia.

Will you see the fruits of the new division coming westward, as well? Well, considering that the company's current online properties include Gundam Network Operation 2 and Pro Baseball Famista Online, we wouldn't cancel our WoW subscription just yet.

JoystiqNamco Bandai starts online gaming division originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asianamco-bandaionlineThu, 01 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Asia president discusses repercussions of piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/sony-asia-president-discusses-repercussions-of-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/sony-asia-president-discusses-repercussions-of-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/sony-asia-president-discusses-repercussions-of-piracy/#comments
During GC Asia's Sony keynote, SCE Asia president Tetsuhiko Yasuda delivered a keynote on piracy and how it's affecting his region. Piracy has always been a big deal in Asia, but Yasuda says it's getting to the point where it's deterring the gradual development of the Asian games industry.

Yasuda said that the loss of sales due to software piracy has affected employees at almost every level of development, from the producer who hasn't been able to receive royalties to the youth that dream of being a game developer. For producers, Yasuda says these royalties contribute "to the healthy development of the software business," but warned that, in the long run, students aspiring to be developers will "suffer the most" when they eventually release their first game and feel the pain of lost sales.

JoystiqSony Asia president discusses repercussions of piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiababypiratesgc-asiascesce-asiasony-computer-entertainment-asiatetsuhiko-yasudaSat, 19 Sep 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ and WindySoft sending Company of Heroes Online to South Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/thq-and-windysoft-sending-company-of-heroes-online-to-south-kore/#comments Yesterday, THQ and Shanda announced their intentions to bring upcoming free-to-play Company of Heroes Online to South Korea via publishing partner WindySoft. Like Relic's PC-only classic Company of Heroes, COHO is an RTS game set during the Second World War, but the additions of a persistent world and expanded player customization (read: microtransactions) aim to set the online iteration apart.

Currently, no release date is set nor have plans been announced to bring the game to the West. Between Shanda's other free-to-play MMO, King of Fighters World, Namco's Katamari Online, and now this, we're starting to feel like Asia's the rich kid down the block getting all the games we could never afford. Can we come over and play, Asia? Please?

JoystiqTHQ and WindySoft sending Company of Heroes Online to South Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusinesscompany-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-onlinedigital-distributionkatamari-onlineking-of-fighters-worldmicrotransactionsmmopcrelicshandathqwindysoftwwiiWed, 09 Sep 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[D.I.C.E. summit rolling to Singapore in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/d-i-c-e-summit-rolling-to-singapore-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/d-i-c-e-summit-rolling-to-singapore-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/d-i-c-e-summit-rolling-to-singapore-in-september/#comments The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences has announced today that its annual D.I.C.E. Summit will be going global. For the first time, the summit with be held in Asia, at Singapore's Suntec Center -- the same venue for Games Convention Asia. D.I.C.E. and GC Asia will open together on September 17.

Among those in the industry planning to head out to the Lion City for D.I.C.E. are Masaya Matsuura of PaRappa the Rapper fame and Chris Taylor, founder and creative director of Gas Powered Games. With both events running at the same time, it would seem like a rather good idea for regional game designers to stop by the Suntec Center this year.

JoystiqD.I.C.E. summit rolling to Singapore in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesasiadicedice-asiadice-summitgames-convention-asiagc-asiasingaporeWed, 29 Jul 2009 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two announces push into Asia with NBA 2K Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/take-two-announces-push-into-asia-with-nba-2k-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/take-two-announces-push-into-asia-with-nba-2k-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/23/take-two-announces-push-into-asia-with-nba-2k-online/#comments
Did you know that at 1.3 billion people, the mainland Chinese population encompasses around 1/6th of the world's population? It's true! This might help to explain why Take-Two Interactive announced today not just the launch of NBA 2K Online -- an online basketball game for the Asian market -- but also the creation of Take-Two Asia, a new satellite office for the BioShock publisher.

The game is being co-developed by Take-Two and Chinese game company Tencent Holdings Limited for distribution in China and "other key markets" (notably Taiwan, South Korea and Southeast Asia). Information on the game's pricing structure or what it looks like or, well, anything really is rather scant, though we do know that it will include "all of the NBA teams, as well as current and retired NBA players." Will the game be free-to-play with microtransactions? Will it ever be offered on this side of the Pacific? Will we be able to showboat our jersey in a raucous celebration of happiness a la Kobe Bryant when we dunk on fools? We just don't know.

JoystiqTake-Two announces push into Asia with NBA 2K Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabasketballbusinesschinakobe-bryantnbanba-2knba-2k-onlinesportstake-twotake-two-interactivetencenttencent-holdings-limitedTue, 23 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony gives away money in PlayStation Home ... in Hong Kong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/sony-gives-away-money-in-playstation-home-in-hong-kong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/sony-gives-away-money-in-playstation-home-in-hong-kong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/13/sony-gives-away-money-in-playstation-home-in-hong-kong/#commentsFiled under:


This is a promo we'd love to see in our region. Sony Computer Entertainment Asia is giving away HK$10 (about $1.30) in PlayStation Network credit to those that are able to find a "mysterious avatar" in Sony's virtual world. Clues can be found on posters in the service.

The money certainly isn't enough to buy anything significant, but it is enough to buy a trinket from the PlayStation Home's in-world store. Participate in a game and win free virtual pants? We like the sound of that. Hopefully, SCEA or SCEE will do something similar in the future.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqSony gives away money in PlayStation Home ... in Hong Kong originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiahomehong-kongplaystation-homeTue, 13 Jan 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under:


After getting the unfamiliar taste of profit out of its mouth, Infogrames is hungry for more. To this end, the parent of oft-addled Atari announced that it has cozied up to fellow publisher Namco Bandai to handle distribution of the latter's titles in both Europe and Asia. GI.biz writes that Infogrames' distribution activities in those regions will be consolidated as a result of the agreement, with Namco Bandai taking ownership of some 34 percent while leaving the remainder in the hands of Infogrames itself.

According to the report, Infogrames expects to find its wallet pleasantly filled with added revenue as a result of the deal thanks to added efficiency and every Economics major's favorite phrase -- economies of scale. The report further notes that Infogrames is also open to partnering with other companies over similar deals in the pursuit of greater profitability, no doubt helped when not weighed down by any pesky big budget monkeyshines.

JoystiqInfogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaataridistributioneuropeinfogramesnamco-bandaipartnershipprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Home beta extends to Asia this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/playstation-home-beta-extends-to-asia-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/playstation-home-beta-extends-to-asia-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/playstation-home-beta-extends-to-asia-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,


Those looking to help iron out the kinks in Sony's silicon-powered social gathering space, PlayStation Home, can now add Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan as valid entry locations for the program's closed beta. Sony's Hong Kong site (via Edge) is already asking readers to check back on August 29th for information on the test, which is expected to begin in mid-September.

Edge also notes that an open beta will commence this Fall, coinciding with similar events in Europe and the US. The more the merrier we say ... even if everybody in the virtual room is just whining about how a plain ol' menu would suffice.

JoystiqPlayStation Home beta extends to Asia this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiaBetaHomePS3PSNThu, 28 Aug 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII coming to Xbox 360 in Taiwan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

North America? Check. Europe? Check. Japan? We'll come back to that one. Microsoft can now add Taiwan to its list of territories to have Final Fantasy XIII grace the Xbox 360. At a game exhibition in Taipei (via GNN Gamer), Microsoft executive Grace Chou announced the Chinese territory would be getting the Xbox 360 version, although she said it was currently undecided which localized variant (i.e. Japanese voices, English voices or both) would be used. Also unclear is what other Asian countries, if any, would get the Xbox 360 version.

Our fingers are crossed that this news matters at all before the Mayan-predicted "spiritual transformation" (read: potential apocalypse) of 2012. Seriously, this game isn't coming for a long time.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII coming to Xbox 360 in Taiwan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinaff13ffxiiifinal-fantasy-13final-fantasy-xiiijapanPS3taiwanXbox-360Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 'localizes' DS systems for Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/#commentsFiled under:

We may not be getting a redesigned DS in the near future (if you believe the company line), but there will be some "localized" DS systems flooding the markets in the near future. We're not sure what the differences are between a "localized" handheld and a good old-fashioned DS Lite, as Nintendo hasn't offered any specifics. What we do know is this:
  • They'll be releasing in Taiwan, possibly South Korea, and (eventually) China
  • They'll be sold in mobile phone stores
  • They'll be available by the end of the month
We wonder if the fact that these redesigned localized DSes are being sold in phone stores is an indication of cell phone support (or, at the very least, connectivity). We think guessing "yes" is a pretty safe bet, but in any case, we're waiting to hear more details from Nintendo itself before going crazy with speculation. This is certainly an interesting move on the Big N's part, though, in the company's attempt to revive sales and fight the popular PC beast in Asia. Being the analyst wannabes that we are, we can't wait to see if this has any impact on the hardware market.

JoystiqNintendo 'localizes' DS systems for Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacell-phonechinalocalizationmobile-phonesouth-koreataiwanMon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii releases in Taiwan next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/#commentsFiled under:


Following its recent release to Korea, Nintendo has made an official announcement that the console will now also release in Taiwan. On July 12th, gamers will be able to nab a Wii of their very own. And, even better than the Japanese, their console will come bundled with Wii Sports.

Do you think sales will be as poor as Korea?

JoystiqWii releases in Taiwan next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusinessjapankoreasalesfigurestaiwanwii-sportswiisportsThu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Online to make up around 60% of Asian business in 5 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ea-online-to-be-around-60-of-asian-business-in-five-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ea-online-to-be-around-60-of-asian-business-in-five-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/ea-online-to-be-around-60-of-asian-business-in-five-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

After showing considerable interest in conquering Asia, Electronic Arts has been noticeably mum of late regarding its plans for the region, lurking like a rogue in the shadows, as if waiting to club the market on the back of the head with a fat bag of cash. Now EA has admitted as much, with EA Asia's vice president Chris Thompson telling Reuters that the company looks for the region to comprise some 15 to 20 percent of its total business by 2012. Compare this to the meager 5 percent of EA's wallet it's responsible for today.

Key to this expected growth is the Asian market's love affair with playing games online. According to Thompson, while online gaming represents a respectable 10-15 percent of the company's Asian footprint today, "five years from now, that the online portion of our business could be representing somewhere plus or minus around 60 pct of our business." Mama always said if you're gonna set a goal, make it lofty, though with Hellgate: London finding some rare success in Korea and Warhammer Online waiting in the wings, maybe there's method to EA's infatuation with Asia after all.

JoystiqEA: Online to make up around 60% of Asian business in 5 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaeaelectronic-artselectronicartsonlineWed, 18 Jun 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft drops price of Xbox 360 in Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has dropped the price of its Xbox 360 in four Asian markets: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan (via Bloomberg). According to Microsoft executive Jeff Bell, price reductions in Europe caused sales of the hardware there to almost double.

Here are the price drops reported by region:
  • Hong Kong: An 11 percent drop
  • Singapore: A 20 percent drop to S$499 (US $366)
  • South Korea: A 5.1 percent to 369,000 won (US $369)
  • Taiwan: A 17 percent drop to NT$10,360 (US $340)
According to a Microsoft spokesperson in Taipei, the Hong Kong and Taiwan price drops will come today. The Singapore and South Korea price drop confirmations came from separate emails with no confirmation as to the effective date.

JoystiqMicrosoft drops price of Xbox 360 in Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinahong-kongkoreamicrosoftsingaporesouth-koreataiwanXbox-360Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two plots expansion into Asian market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/take-two-plots-expansion-into-asian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/take-two-plots-expansion-into-asian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/14/take-two-plots-expansion-into-asian-market/#commentsFiled under:

Take-Two Interactive Software has announced a new initiative that will see it expand into the "rapidly growing" Asia Pacific region. To this end, the Grand Theft Auto publisher has secured the services of one Mr. Hubert Larenaudie, who will assume the position of President for Asia and set up an office in a ridiculously tall Singapore building. Larenaudie previously acted as President of Asia Online for pushy Take-Two wooer, EA, and before that, held a similar role at Vivendi Universal Games.

Take-Two notes that its "top priorities" in the region include the expansion of Asia Pacific distribution, the establishment of a greater presence in Japan and the creation of a "meaningful online game operation, especially in China and Korea." Might we suggest WOGTA (World of Grand Theft Auto) and ShockCraft?

JoystiqTake-Two plots expansion into Asian market originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsiaBreakingNewsJapanTake-TwoMon, 14 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii coming to South Korea by May 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/report-wii-coming-to-south-korea-by-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/report-wii-coming-to-south-korea-by-may-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/18/report-wii-coming-to-south-korea-by-may-5/#commentsFiled under:

We've known for a while now that Nintendo was planning to bring the Wii to PC-gaming mecca South Korea some time this year, but recent word has it that the system may be hitting the country's shores sooner than later. The Korea Times is reporting that Nintendo and Activision recently registered two Wii games each with Korea's Game Rating Board. The paper speculates this move means Nintendo Korea is looking to launch by Children's Day on May 5, a popular gift-giving holiday in the country. Though there's no official announcement from Nintendo, we can't think of a better holiday to launch for a system known for kid-friendly games like Super Mario Galaxy and Resident Evil 4.

JoystiqReport: Wii coming to South Korea by May 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaforeignkorealaunchmarketnintendosouth-koreaWiiTue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter Online ... with mouse controls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/street-fighter-online-with-mouse-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/street-fighter-online-with-mouse-controls/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/street-fighter-online-with-mouse-controls/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Japanese publisher Daletto, owned by Capcom and Games Arena, have announced (via IGN) Street Fighter Online: Mouse Generation. The PC title will have you control your characters completely via the mouse: sliding left and right moves the character, slide up jumps and left- and right-clicks give different attacks. Special moves, as you may guess, come via making combinations of slides and clicks. There will be community features based around fighting online.

What also makes the game unique and bizarre (aside from the random cat in the above picture - perhaps it's omnipotent) is the ability to interchange body parts on your character. The game is reportedly about fighting Revoltech toys, which is a line of actual toys planned to be sold alongside the game. As IGN predicts, you could have the head and torso of Chun-Li, the arms of Zangief and the legs of Ryu (the gender identity issues are plentiful).

The game is expected to go into beta February or March, with full service coming in April. No word on a version for non-Japanese gamers.

JoystiqStreet Fighter Online ... with mouse controls originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacapcomdalettojapankittehlolcatmousePCstree-fighterstreet-fighter-onlineWed, 16 Jan 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo, Monster Hunter score big in part one of Famitsu's end of year list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/nintendo-monster-hunter-score-big-in-part-one-of-famitsus-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/nintendo-monster-hunter-score-big-in-part-one-of-famitsus-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/24/nintendo-monster-hunter-score-big-in-part-one-of-famitsus-end/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Famitsu has published (via 1UP) the first part of its reader's choice awards looking back at the year in Japanese gaming. A number of gamers and retailers were given a questionnaire by the magazine, and this week's issue debuted the initial results.

The major winner is Nintendo, who topped the developer lists for both gamers and stores, the hardware lists (DS for retailers, the Wii for gamers), industry figures (Miyamoto), and even won the category for what kanji character represents 2007 best? (Readers picked "Nin," the first character of Nintendo's Japanese name.)

Capcom (thanks in no small part to the Monster Hunter series), Sony and Level 5 (Professor Layton) also placed high on the lists, and Mistwalker founder Hironobu Sakaguchi tied with Miyamoto on the stores' list of which industry figure put in the best showing. Conspicuously absent from the list? Microsoft. Okay, we're not that surprised.

JoystiqNintendo, Monster Hunter score big in part one of Famitsu's end of year list originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacapcomDSfamitsuiwatajapanmariomiyamotomonster-hunternintendoPS2PS3PSPsatoru-iwatashigeru-miyamotosonyWiiMon, 24 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's most bribe-filled video: NiGHTS Japan 'Toy Promo' TV ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/todays-most-bribe-filled-video-nights-japan-toy-promo-tv-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/todays-most-bribe-filled-video-nights-japan-toy-promo-tv-ad/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/todays-most-bribe-filled-video-nights-japan-toy-promo-tv-ad/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dear Japanese consumers,

Here is a television commercial for our upcoming Nintendo Wii title NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams. We know the reviews haven't hailed it as the Second Coming of Sega just yet, but we're hopeful Rip Van Winkle will visit each and every one of those critics tonight and send them off to a happy place. But let's move on from those nasty reviewers, shall we?

If we can put aside pesky written words for a minute, we'd like to show you a commercial for the new game that is sure to grab your attention. It's bright, colorful and full of tangible happiness. We even have our staple J-Pop soundtrack blasting in the background! But if that won't convince you to buy the game -- and how could it not?! -- we'd also like to let you know that you can get the most adorable NiGHTS toy with the game, which is sure to remind you of even the best years for the franchise.

Video embedded after the break. Hugs and Kisses,

Sega

Continue reading Today's most bribe-filled video: NiGHTS Japan 'Toy Promo' TV ad

JoystiqToday's most bribe-filled video: NiGHTS Japan 'Toy Promo' TV ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiahottestvideojapannightssegatoyWiiFri, 21 Dec 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan's Devil May Cry 4 PS3 bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/japans-devil-may-cry-4-ps3-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/japans-devil-may-cry-4-ps3-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/japans-devil-may-cry-4-ps3-bundle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gaze upon the latest bundle for Japanese PlayStation 3 gamers. The Devil May Cry 4 40GB PS3 bundle comes in either black or white and includes a copy of Devil May Cry 4 (obviously) and a Blu-ray of bonus content. It will retail for 47,800 yen (approx. US $422), which is about 7,800 yen (US $69) more than the standalone 40GB model.

What makes this bundle interesting is that DMC4 is not an exclusive title. We're going to assume Sony struck some exclusive deal for bundling the game, although we'd love to see Microsoft unveil a DMC4 Xbox 360 bundle. It might actually help their hardware sales to confuse Japanese consumers thinking they just picked up a PS3. Devil May Cry 4 is due out January 31, 2008, in Japan and February 5 in North America.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqJapan's Devil May Cry 4 PS3 bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabundlecapcomdevil-may-crydevil-may-cry-4japanPS3scesonyThu, 20 Dec 2007 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg: Persona 4 dev sticks with PS2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/bloomberg-persona-4-dev-sticks-with-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/bloomberg-persona-4-dev-sticks-with-ps2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/bloomberg-persona-4-dev-sticks-with-ps2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Already finding critical and commercial success with Persona 3 on a noticeably last-gen console, it looks like developer Atlus doesn't see any reason to jump ship for the sequel. An article at Bloomberg Japan (via Siliconera) listing upcoming Atlus titles has Persona 4 coming next fiscal year for the PlayStation 2. (Note: image above from Persona 3.)

The word doesn't come directly from Atlus, so there could be a typo or miscommunication (major news outlets are prone to mistakes every now and then). The platform, however, would not be surprising given the company's comfort with developing for the PS2 and Sony's continued success with the now value-priced system. As Siliconera notes, the timing of Persona 4's release could make it a tie-in with Persona -trinity soul-, an anime series due out next year.

JoystiqBloomberg: Persona 4 dev sticks with PS2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaatlusbloombergjapanjapanesepersonapersona-4PS2RPGShin-Megami-TenseiShin-Megami-Tensei-Persona-4Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit stretches its legs today in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-fit-stretches-its-legs-today-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-fit-stretches-its-legs-today-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/wii-fit-stretches-its-legs-today-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: ,

While American gamers still have some more time to wait before making themselves into contorted, balance-challenged fools, Japanese Wii owners can now pick up a copy of Wii Fit and stretch their way to reportedly fitter lifestyles (although deviance has been proven to work).

The game's official street date isn't until tomorrow, but that isn't stopping a handful of prominent online retailers from already accepting orders (that surely won't arrive until after tomorrow). U.S. gamers who don't feel like dealing with the hassle of importing will have to wait until early 2008 for their copy of Wii Fit.

[Via Engadget, Wii News]

Read - Buy at Play-Asia
Read - Buy at Amazon Japan
Read - Buy at Success-HK

JoystiqWii Fit stretches its legs today in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabalance-boardjapannintendoWiiwii-balance-boardwii-fitwiifitFri, 30 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE blueprints India studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/soe-blueprints-india-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/soe-blueprints-india-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/soe-blueprints-india-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EverQuest developer Sony Online Entertainment is seeking a summer home in India. Speaking at a conference in Mumbai, India (via Next-Gen), SOE VP of international operations Dave Christensen said that they are seeking local partners to help find creative talent and "chip in" towards founding a studio.

"We need to have Indian content for our games and we are looking for local partners," said Christensen. SOE announced in August plans to develop an MMO based on Ramayan 3392 A.D., itself based upon an Indian epic. While an Indian-based studio sounds like a perfect fit for the MMO, no announcements were made regarding what projects the India study will be working on.

SOE has already claimed land, with flags in tow, in Taiwan, Austin, Texas and Seattle Washington.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqSOE blueprints India studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaindiaPS2PS3PSPsoesonysony-onlineThu, 29 Nov 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 outsold Wii in Japan last week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-outsold-wii-in-japan-last-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Quick, grab your loved ones and head to that bomb shelter you built in the backyard just for such an occasion. (Apartment dwellers, find a local church or Wal-Mart and get nestled in.) Sony's PlayStation 3, after seeing its ego deflated a few weeks back when the Xbox 360 trumped it, has leapfrogged into third place for last week's hardware sales in Japan, dropping Wii to a meager fourth place by a margin of approximately 21,000 units (55,924 vs. 34,546).

In its acceptance speech, Sony thanked the newly-released 40GB model and assured the attending audience that upon arrival the Four Horseman will no doubt hail the PS3 as their console of choice.

But wait! Perhaps we spoke to hastily about this being a sign of imminent apocalypse. The Xbox 360 has moved back to its normal slot, between the PS2 and Game Boy Micro. "Phew," you say as you wipe the sweat from your brow, "that was a close one." Those with an ever-vigilant and watchful eye should look out for the following scenario:
  • PlayStation 3 beating Wii
  • Xbox 360 beating PS3 (and therefore, by chain rule transitive property, the Wii as well)
  • Nintendo DS in any position other than first
We have averted crisis thrice before today's scare, although the occurrences have happened more frequently as of late. We'll have more information later today.

[Image credit: roland]

JoystiqPS3 outsold Wii in Japan last week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseasiabreakingnewsDShardwarejapanjapanesehardwaresalesmicrosoftnintendoPS2PS3PSPsonyWiiXbox-360Fri, 16 Nov 2007 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy's quiet Japanese launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/super-mario-galaxys-quiet-japanese-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/super-mario-galaxys-quiet-japanese-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/super-mario-galaxys-quiet-japanese-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,

Although we still have a little less than two weeks to go until Super Mario Galaxy arrives in the US (and not much more for Europe), Japan got its taste of the game today. Was their mass hysteria, long lines and rabid fans skipping school and work to be the first to own a copy of the latest Plumber Platformer? Not exactly, according to anecdotal evidence from Siliconera.

Visiting Akihabara, arguably the mecca for video games in Tokyo, the folks at the site found no such hysteria or long lines, noting instead that most people waiting in queues were there for Xbox 360 games (no, really!) and pachinko machines.

We're still wagering, as does Siliconera, that Super Mario Galaxy will be a massive hit for Nintendo in all territories, and that plenty of people reserved the title and are planning to pick it up after school or work today. However, Mario's presences just doesn't seem to cite as much rabid enthusiasm as a Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. It'll be interesting to see how US and Europe handle the Mario Galaxy launches on November 12 and 16, respectively.

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy's quiet Japanese launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihabaraasiajapanmariomario-galaxynintendosuper-mario-galaxyWiiThu, 01 Nov 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii comes to China, South Korea in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/wii-comes-to-china-south-korea-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/wii-comes-to-china-south-korea-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/wii-comes-to-china-south-korea-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,

On the same day he decreed the Wii's price will not be lowered, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announced plans to bring its money-printing home console to China and South Korea next year, following this year's supposed holiday season console shortage.

"We suffer a global shortage of the Wii," said Iwata in a news conference (via Reuters). "Our responsibility now is to deliver as many consoles as we can to existing markets ... But next year, I think we can bring the Wii (to China)."

Though China received the Nintendo DS in a timely manner, South Korea didn't get an official launch of the portable until January of this year.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqWii comes to China, South Korea in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinanintendosouth-koreaWiiFri, 26 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST