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[Assassin's Creed games make half-price dive in today's Xbox Live sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/assassins-creed-games-make-half-price-dive-in-todays-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/assassins-creed-games-make-half-price-dive-in-todays-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/assassins-creed-games-make-half-price-dive-in-todays-xbox-live/#comments Assassin's Creed games make halfprice dive in today's Xbox Live saleThe Assassin's Creed series is next up for some savin' in Xbox Live's week-long Ultimate Game Sale. Leaping into the half-price haystack for today only are the first four Creeds on Xbox 360, with Revelations at $14.99, and the others - AC1, AC2, and Brotherhood - $9.99.

A plethora of Games on Demand content is staying discounted until March 4, with some serious bargains up for acquirement. El Shaddai, for example, which JC gave four and a half stars to back in 2011, can be yours for just $2.99, a measly amount for a game that's "heavenly in both inspiration and execution."

JoystiqAssassin's Creed games make half-price dive in today's Xbox Live sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationsgames-on-demandmicrosoftubisoftXBLMxboxxbox-liveWed, 27 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Anthology is 'EMEA exclusive,' not coming to North America 'for now']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/assassins-creed-anthology-emea-exclusive-no-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/assassins-creed-anthology-emea-exclusive-no-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/assassins-creed-anthology-emea-exclusive-no-north-america/#comments Assassin's Creed Anthology is 'EMEAexclusive,' not coming to North AmericaUbisoft today confirmed Assassin's Creed Anthology for PS3 and Xbox 360 in Europe, but for now it's not coming to North America. Reached for comment, Ubisoft told us Anthology isn't currently confirmed for the US, and is only slated as an "EMEA" release, meaning it's only currently releasing in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We should mention Ubisoft did use hedging language like "exclusive for now" and "isn't currently confirmed for US release" in our follow-up.

The collection contains Assassin's Creed 1, 2, and 3, Brotherhood, and Revelations, along with all of those games' expansion packs and other DLC. Ubisoft confirmed that includes Assassin's Creed 3's Season Pass. Also bundled in are five lithographs, one for each game, and an exclusive steel book, all in a chunky-looking collector's box.

Anthology is priced at £119.99 in the UK, and €150.00 in Europe. It's exclusive to Amazon in the UK, and is being released there November 30. Based on listings on Amazon Germany and Amazon France (now taken down), it's coming to the rest of Europe November 29.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed Anthology is 'EMEA exclusive,' not coming to North America 'for now'

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Anthology is 'EMEA exclusive,' not coming to North America 'for now' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-3assassins-creed-anthologyassassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationscollectors-editionemeaeuropemicrosoftplaystationps3release-dateubisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxWed, 07 Nov 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Anthology listed on Amazon France, official unveiling this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/assassins-creed-anthology-listed-on-amazon-france-official-unv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/assassins-creed-anthology-listed-on-amazon-france-official-unv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/assassins-creed-anthology-listed-on-amazon-france-official-unv/#comments Assassin's Creed Anthology listed on Amazon France, official unveil this week'Assassin's Creed Anthology' is currently listed on Amazon France, possibly representing a collection of all the home console games in the series, along with all the DLC. It's priced at €150.00, which converts to around $191, and is coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 on November 29. There is no North American listing at present. Reached for comment, Ubisoft told us it should be making an official announcement further detailing the anthology later this week.

Based on the current Amazon France listing, the collection only includes Assassin's Creed, Assassin's Creed 2, and Assassin's Creed 3; but not AC2: Brotherhood or AC2: Revelations. However, Russian fan-site Assassin's Creed RU claims it pulled an image from the listing (now apparently taken down) which says the anthology includes all five games, and all available single-player and multiplayer "bonus content." The image also details lithographs for each game and a steelbook case.

Given that Amazon France is selling Assassin's Creed 1-3 separately on Xbox 360 for just under €76, a 3-in-1 collection at double the price would seem, to be kind, ambitious. To be less kind, it would be downright crazy, and very odd given the already announced Ezio Trilogy coming to PS3 next week. Once we confirm what's included in the anthology and where it's headed, we'll be sure to let you know.

[Image Source: Assassin's Creed Wiki]

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Anthology listed on Amazon France, official unveiling this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-3assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationsmicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftxboxTue, 06 Nov 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 'Ezio Trilogy' exclusive to PS3, launches November 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/assassins-creed-ezio-trilogy-exclusve-to-ps3-launches-novemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/assassins-creed-ezio-trilogy-exclusve-to-ps3-launches-novemb/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/assassins-creed-ezio-trilogy-exclusve-to-ps3-launches-novemb/#comments Assassin's Creed 'Ezio Trilogy' exclusve to PS3, launches November 14It's a day of trilogies! Hot on the heels of EA's Mass Effect Trilogy compilation announcement is word of a PS3-exclusive bundle from Ubisoft. Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy will launch on November 14 for $39.99, bundling Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Assassin's Creed Revelations.

In addition to the stock games, Assassin's Creed Ezio Trilogy also tosses in all of the Assassin's Creed 2 DLC, which should mean the Bonfire of the Vanities and additional Templar lairs. We've inquired with Ubisoft to confirm the precise DLC inclusions, and will update accordingly.

Update: Ubisoft says the Assassin's Creed 2 DLC included is Bonfire of the Vanities and Battle of Forli.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 'Ezio Trilogy' exclusive to PS3, launches November 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-ezio-trilogyassassins-creed-revelationsplaystationps3ubisoftWed, 26 Sep 2012 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Essentials announced for European PlayStation Network]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ps3-essentials-announced-for-PSN/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ps3-essentials-announced-for-PSN/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/ps3-essentials-announced-for-PSN/#comments PS3 Essentials coming to PSN EuropeSony announced the "PlayStation Essentials" program this morning for Europe, hot on the heels of yesterday's "PSN Day 1 Digital" program. The difference between the two PlayStation Network initiatives is that while Day 1 Digital is all launch titles, Essentials covers the classics - well, some are classics, others are just old and tired.

Highlights of the of program include the first three Assassin's Creed, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Far Cry 2 and Infamous. The prices begin at £9.99/€14.99, which may be a tough sell as a "bargain," since you can pick up many of these games for less by walking (ew, who wants to do that?) to the store. The main point here is that Sony continues drawing attention to its digital distribution of full games.

Check out the full list on the PlayStation EU blog, more games will be added this year to the current offerings.

JoystiqPS3 Essentials announced for European PlayStation Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermoveplaystationplaystation-essentialsPlayStation-Networkps3PS3-EssentialspsnWed, 26 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/psn-update-includes-some-sweet-sales-permanent-price-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/psn-update-includes-some-sweet-sales-permanent-price-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/psn-update-includes-some-sweet-sales-permanent-price-changes/#comments Sony has updated the PlayStation Network with a slew of semi-high-profile prices, on sale and with permanent price changes, including Resident Evil: Code Veronica X HD on sale for $10, the God of War: Origins Collection for $28, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood at $21, and Just Cause 2 with a permanent price drop to $20.

This has been a busy week for PSN, with Plus subscribers getting Journey one week early and a bunch of other goodies, and the PSN Gamers' Choice Awards announced and discounted. Peek the price fixes for PSN this week below:

Continue reading PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes

JoystiqPSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodgod-of-war-origins-collectionJust-Cause-2playstationprice-dropps3PSNPSN-updateresident-evil-code-veronica-x-hdsaleupdateWed, 07 Mar 2012 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: AC Revelations 'Mediterranean Traveler' DLC out today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-ac-revelations-mediterranean-traveler-dlc-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-ac-revelations-mediterranean-traveler-dlc-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psa-ac-revelations-mediterranean-traveler-dlc-out-today/#comments It's not unusual to feel as if you can't get enough of Ezio -- that's part of his legendary charm, after all -- and today you can break off a little more with the Assassin's Creed: Revelations Mediterranean Traveler DLC pack. Mediterranean Traveler includes new trophies/achievements, and three new and three fan-favorite maps from Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood: Jerusalem, Constantinople and Dyers for the new, and Firenze, San Donato and Siena for the old.

Mediterranean Traveler is part of the Revelations Season Pass for PC, a $23 deal that includes all DLC for 20 percent less than purchasing the packs individually. For those condemned to paying full price, Mediterranean Traveler is available to download for $9.99 on PSN and PC, and for 800 MS Points (while they last) on XBLM.

Gallery: Assassin's Creed: Revelations - Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack (1/24/12)

Continue reading PSA: AC Revelations 'Mediterranean Traveler' DLC out today

JoystiqPSA: AC Revelations 'Mediterranean Traveler' DLC out today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationsDLCdownloadable-contentMediterranean-Travelermicrosoftpcplaystationps3psapublic-service-announcementseason-passsteamubisoftxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon discounts the entire Assassin's Creed franchise for one day only]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/amazon-discounts-the-entire-assassins-creed-franchise-for-one-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/amazon-discounts-the-entire-assassins-creed-franchise-for-one-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/amazon-discounts-the-entire-assassins-creed-franchise-for-one-d/#comments We warned you yesterday, so if you picked up a copy of Assassin's Creed: Revelations yesterday afternoon and it wasn't severely discounted, that's kinda on you, dawg. Anyway, Amazon is holding a one-day-only sale on everything Assassin's Creed, from the first game all the way through to Ezio's closing act. That means Revelations for $36 (40 percent off), Brotherhood for $20 (that's half off), and AC1 and 2 for $15 a pop (pop, pop).

The PC versions offer similar discounts, though the DS and PSP games aren't discounted at all. Then again, let's not kid ourselves, you're really just looking for the major releases, aren't you? That's okay, we are too.

JoystiqAmazon discounts the entire Assassin's Creed franchise for one day only originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxTue, 13 Dec 2011 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Soulcalibur V launches on January 31, 2012; Ezio sneaks into the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soulcalibur-v-launches-on-january-31-2012-ezio-sneaks-into-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soulcalibur-v-launches-on-january-31-2012-ezio-sneaks-into-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soulcalibur-v-launches-on-january-31-2012-ezio-sneaks-into-the/#comments
The rumors are true! Assassin's Creed: Revelations protagonist Ezio Auditore de Firenze is the secret guest character in Soulcalibur V, the latest trailer reveals, and it looks like he's coming packed with all of his trusty pointy objects. And a crossbow!

Namco Bandai also revealed a January 31, 2012 launch date for Soulcalbur V, and handed over the above trailer. Hidden wrist-blade Soul Edge, anyone?

JoystiqSoulcalibur V launches on January 31, 2012; Ezio sneaks into the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-brotherhoodassassins-creed-revelationsmicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3q1-2012release-datesoulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vubisoftxboxFri, 21 Oct 2011 03:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood stealthily reduced to $25 on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-stealthily-reduced-to-25-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-stealthily-reduced-to-25-on-amazo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/assassins-creed-brotherhood-stealthily-reduced-to-25-on-amazo/#comments Stab stab If you've yet to partake in some of the most interesting multiplayer of 2010, you can now snag (and stab) Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for a mere $25 on PS3 or 360 (today only). We're not sure how many Florins $25 is, but it can't be much.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood stealthily reduced to $25 on Amazon today

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood stealthily reduced to $25 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon Lightning Deals get grounded today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/amazon-lightning-deals-get-grounded-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/amazon-lightning-deals-get-grounded-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/amazon-lightning-deals-get-grounded-today/#comments Amazon's Lightning Deals are generally super-effective, and today looks like no exception. Amazon has some some smokin'-hot goodies up for grabs this afternoon, including what appears to be the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Collector's Edition. Check out the schedule of game deals below, along with our interpretations of Amazon's oh-so-sneaky clues:

JoystiqAmazon Lightning Deals get grounded today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAssassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerlightning-dealsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Steam Summer Camp Sale ends today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/psa-steam-summer-camp-sale-ends-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/psa-steam-summer-camp-sale-ends-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/psa-steam-summer-camp-sale-ends-today/#comments It's time to strip down your bunks, throw your macaroni necklaces in a suitcase and get back to town -- it's the final day of the Steam Summer Camp Sale. Today Steam is featuring some of the sale's biggest titles (which means you probably already have them), including franchise deals on Fallout, Battlefield, Borderlands, Just Cause and Assassin's Creed.

One game you may not have bought yet, Terraria, is also 50 percent off today. If there's a better way of forming one last Summer Camp memory than a 2D, Minecraft-inspired sidescrolling goldmine of fun, we can't think of it.

JoystiqPSA: Steam Summer Camp Sale ends today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-MultiplayerBattlefield-Bad-Company-2BorderlandsBorderlands Game of the Year EditionFallout-New-VegasJust-Cause-2pcsteam-summer-sale-2011terrariaSun, 10 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA['UbiCollectibles' shop offers exclusive Assassin's Creed, Might & Magic swag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ubicollectibles-shop-offers-exclusive-assassins-creed-might/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ubicollectibles-shop-offers-exclusive-assassins-creed-might/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/ubicollectibles-shop-offers-exclusive-assassins-creed-might/#comments For die-hard fans of Ubisoft's major franchises, the company offers a new way to own physical totems of those fandoms. It just launched a line of exclusive "UbiCollectibles" available exclusively through its online shop (and, at the moment, exclusively in Europe).

For those of us outside of Europe who get redirected out of that region's online shop, Ubiworkshop posted images of two of the first offerings: an Assassin's Creed Brotherhood "Ezio's Fury" statue, limited to 2,000 units, that depicts Ezio furiously skipping on some broken columns, and a statue of Might & Magic Heroes VI's Archangel Michael, limited to 500. The shop will also sell Ghost Recon "Production Team" t-shirts, as seen on ... the Ghost Recon production team at E3.

Gallery: Ubicollectibles

Joystiq'UbiCollectibles' shop offers exclusive Assassin's Creed, Might & Magic swag originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayercollectibleseuropeghost-reconmicrosoftmight-and-magic-heroes-6pcplaystationps3ubicollectiblesubishopubisoftxboxFri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon offers buy one, get one half-off on select games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/amazon-offers-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-select-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/amazon-offers-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-select-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/15/amazon-offers-buy-one-get-one-half-off-on-select-games/#comments If last week's video game industry festivities filled you with an unquenchable thirst to buy more video games, you should turn your unhealthy impulses towards Amazon. For a limited time, the retailer's offering buy one, get one-half off on a beefy list of 186 titles across various platforms.

Continue reading Amazon offers buy one, get one half-off on select games

JoystiqAmazon offers buy one, get one half-off on select games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonassassins-creed-brotherhooddsheavy-rainkillzone-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 15 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Designing the Considerate Kill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/assassins-creed-brotherhood-designing-the-considerate-kill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/assassins-creed-brotherhood-designing-the-considerate-kill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/assassins-creed-brotherhood-designing-the-considerate-kill/#comments
Before playing the upcoming Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Joystiq looks back at the creation of the franchise's first multiplayer installment, Brotherhood.

"It was a very difficult game to design, and making it accessible was even harder. We were starting from scratch, with no benchmarks. It's not like a shooter where all you need to know is how to shoot the bad guys."

If there's one thing we get, in every way that anything can possibly be gotten, it's the shooting of the bad guys. Games don't even bother to include tutorials for that part anymore, and reviewers treat it as a begrudging axiom when they have to differentiate between the year's big multiplayer offerings.

When Damien Kieken, multiplayer game director for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, says it was difficult to make the game -- and then to make it accessible -- he's speaking to a peculiar and notable absence. If you're shooting the bad guys in Assassin's Creed, you're doing it a bit wrong.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Designing the Considerate Kill

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Brotherhood: Designing the Considerate Kill originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayeraymar-azaiziadamien-kiekenmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-annecyubisoft-montrealxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft continues to just dance around fiscal year losses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ubisoft-continues-to-just-dance-around-fiscal-year-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ubisoft-continues-to-just-dance-around-fiscal-year-losses/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ubisoft-continues-to-just-dance-around-fiscal-year-losses/#comments A year ago, as Ubisoft reported net losses of €43.671 million for its 2009-10 fiscal year (ending, March 31, 2010), CEO Yves Guillemot brushed aside concern, saying, "We forecast a return to profitable growth in 2010-11." Well, here we are -- and Ubisoft isn't exactly basking in the sun.

For the 2010-11 fiscal year ending March 31, 2011, the publisher's net losses slumped further to €52.120 million (about $74 million). Yet Guillemot again played the role of the optimistic fortuneteller as he looked to the company to "post further growth in both sales and current operating income in 2011-12 and 2012-13." (Notice how he didn't drop the P-word this time.)

He put a positive spin on the 2010-11 fiscal year, too, observing "a sharp upturn in revenue." Indeed, sales were up 19 percent over the previous fiscal year to €1.039 billion. In addition to "another success" with Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Guillemot attributed much of the sales growth to a rebounding casual market, which Ubisoft dominated with its (just) dance game segment, as well as strong support for the Kinect and 3DS launches. Notably, 38 percent of the publisher's game sales over the 12-month period came from Wii titles.

Ultimately, Ubisoft's bottom line suffered from reorganization costs, which amounted to €95.9 million in non-recurring charges, including unspecified project terminations (so, Am I Alive?). Presumably, if Ubisoft is now appropriately restructured, it can focus more effectively on making successful products again. "For example," Guillemot offered, "we plan to launch a free-to-play world based on our highly popular franchise for young girls, Imagine."

JoystiqUbisoft continues to just dance around fiscal year losses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsassassins-creed-brotherhooddancedsearningsfinancialfy-2010-11imaginekinectmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspq4salessonyubisoftwiixboxThu, 12 May 2011 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Chris Early on Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy and other 'companion games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/ubisofts-chris-early-on-assassins-creed-project-legacy-and-ot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/ubisofts-chris-early-on-assassins-creed-project-legacy-and-ot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/ubisofts-chris-early-on-assassins-creed-project-legacy-and-ot/#comments Ubisoft's VP of digital games, Chris Early, delivered a talk last week at SXSW Interactive on the rising phenomenon of "companion games"; small, downloadable or web games that use the same IP as and link in some way to a larger retail product. These games include Dragon Age Legends and Ubisoft's own Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy for Facebook, but also, he explained, titles like Dead Rising 2: Case Zero.

After the presentation, we talked with Early more about companion games, their value to core gamers, and how they can be used to completely dominate a player's life.

Continue reading Ubisoft's Chris Early on Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy and other 'companion games'

JoystiqUbisoft's Chris Early on Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy and other 'companion games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-Brotherhoodchris-earlycompanion-gamesfacebooksxsw-2011ubisoftuplayTue, 22 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft survey gauges interest in Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon films]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/ubisoft-survey-gauges-interest-in-assassins-creed-ghost-recon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/ubisoft-survey-gauges-interest-in-assassins-creed-ghost-recon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/ubisoft-survey-gauges-interest-in-assassins-creed-ghost-recon/#comments A survey floating around seems to suggest Ubisoft is entertaining the idea of bringing some of its franchises over to the big screen -- specifically, Assassin's Creed and Ghost Recon. The above image was submitted to Evil Avatar, which says the survey is geared the toward finding out what would most make those taking it want to see movies based on the franchises -- Ezio, Subject 16 and the like.

While we feel the world would probably be just fine without another war flick, we'd be all for an Assassin's Creed movie, granted that the project wasn't entirely about making money but also making a good movie. We're probably being a bit naive, though.

JoystiqUbisoft survey gauges interest in Assassin's Creed, Ghost Recon films originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedassassins-creed-2assassins-creed-brotherhoodGhost-Recon-Future-Soldierhollywoodmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationps3surveyubisoftxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Mortal Kombat demo, AC:B Da Vinci Disappearance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/psn-tuesday-mortal-kombat-demo-ac-b-da-vinci-disappearance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/psn-tuesday-mortal-kombat-demo-ac-b-da-vinci-disappearance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/psn-tuesday-mortal-kombat-demo-ac-b-da-vinci-disappearance/#comments The PSN update delivers the fatalities this week with the Mortal Kombat demo for PlayStation Plus members. If you're looking for a dash of the ultra-violence without the requirement of a subscription, enjoy some happy stabs at $10 with the "The Da Vinci Disappearance" for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.

Sneak on past the break for this week's full update.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:
(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading PSN Tuesday: Mortal Kombat demo, AC:B Da Vinci Disappearance

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Mortal Kombat demo, AC:B Da Vinci Disappearance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodmortal-kombat-2011playstationps3PSNPSN-Storepsn-tuesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyTue, 08 Mar 2011 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[AC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' multiplayer trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-multiplayer-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-multiplayer-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-multiplayer-trailer/#comments Oh, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, you really do know how to turn murder into art. This trailer for the "Da Vinci Disappearance" DLC, available next week for $10 on Xbox Live and PSN, shows off the multiplayer stages, four new characters and lays out the rules of the two new modes.

Continue reading AC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' multiplayer trailer

JoystiqAC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' multiplayer trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-Brotherhoodda-vinci-disappearancedlcmicrosoftplaystationps3UbisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[AC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC preview: Art snob]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-dlc-preview-art-snob/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-dlc-preview-art-snob/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/ac-brotherhood-da-vinci-disappearance-dlc-preview-art-snob/#comments The Da Vinci Disappearance is an ambitious piece of DLC for Ubisoft, granting players access to a large chunk of single-player content, but also some new modes, skins and a map for the multipayler side. At the February Games Showcase in San Francisco, I was able to play through two missions in an Xbox 360 build.

Gallery: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood -- The Da Vinci Disappearance (2/24/11)

Continue reading AC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC preview: Art snob

JoystiqAC: Brotherhood 'Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC preview: Art snob originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftmicrosoft-february-showcase-2011pcplaystationps3release-dateubisoftUbisoft-MontrealxboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/ac-brotherhood-murders-always-on-drm-stalks-pc-on-march-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/ac-brotherhood-murders-always-on-drm-stalks-pc-on-march-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/ac-brotherhood-murders-always-on-drm-stalks-pc-on-march-22/#comments Ubisoft has confirmed with Joystiq that the PC version of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood will be playable in offline single-player mode after an initial login, quelling fears that Brotherhood would employ the same restrictive DRM as Assassin's Creed 2. Additionally, the PC version of Brotherhood will arrive on March 22 (a few days later than the previously suggested date). You may want to use those few extra days to sharpen your cutlery and brush up on your Italiano -- or, like, go to the Olive Garden for dinner or something.

Ubisoft has also detailed the technical specifications (posted after the break) required to play Brotherhood on a PC, as well as two retail versions of the PC release: a standard edition for $50, which includes the two multiplayer updates and the Da Vinci Disappearance DLC; and a digital-only "Deluxe Edition" for $60 that adds two extra multiplayer characters, two single-player maps, an extra skin and "additional multimedia content."

Gallery: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (PC)

Continue reading AC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22

JoystiqAC: Brotherhood murders always-on DRM, stalks PC on March 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creedAssassins-Creed-Brotherhoodda-vinci-disappearancedigital-deluxe-editiondrmpcq1-2011release-datespecial-editionsystem-requirementsubisoftubisoft-montrealTue, 22 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood getting 'The Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-getting-the-da-vinci-disappearanc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-getting-the-da-vinci-disappearanc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-getting-the-da-vinci-disappearanc/#comments Ubisoft has announced a new, massive-sounding DLC pack for its well-received manhunter, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. The pack, titled "The Da Vinci Disappearance," is centered around just that -- following the events of the single-player storyline, Ezio's helpful, crafty companion Leonardo Da Vinci is kidnapped by the cult of the Hermeticists, who hope to pick his brain to bend the world to their seedy will. Ezio will have to locate his stolen painting across two new areas while exercising two new, undetailed "gameplay features" in order to emancipate the renowned inventor from his captors.

The DLC also includes a metric ton of content for the title's multiplayer component, including four new characters: The Dama Rossa, the Knight, the Marquis and the Pariah. The game's roster of maps will be expanded with "Alhambra," a lush quarter of a Spanish city, providing hunters and huntees with a multileveled indoor and outdoor environment to slink through. Also, two new modes will be added: Escort, where two teams of four players must assassinate the opposing team's VIP while protecting their own; and Assassinate, a straightforward, ten minute round of Deathmatch. See ya, subtlety!

The pack will be released at the "beginning of March 2011," and will run shoppers 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360 and the equivalent $9.99 on PS3. Check out some screens of the new map and its violent inhabitants in the gallery below, or check out the trailer after the jump for a preview of the new single-player missions!

Gallery: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood -- The Da Vinci Disappearance


Continue reading Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood getting 'The Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC next month

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood getting 'The Da Vinci Disappearance' DLC next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhooddlcmicrosoftsonythe-da-vinci-disappearanceubisoftubisoft-montrealThu, 17 Feb 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood hits PC March 17, Steam pre-orders include bonuses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-hits-pc-march-17-steam-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-hits-pc-march-17-steam-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-hits-pc-march-17-steam-pre-orders/#commentsPC-based assassins eager to join the Brotherhood will finally get the chance to unsheath their high-resolution, realistically lit blades next month. Ubisoft forum manager Mr_Shade announced the release dates for the PC version of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood on the game's UK board: March 17 for the US (and "certain EMEA territories") and March 18 for the UK.

Pre-ordering the game from Steam will earn you a free upgrade to the "Digital Deluxe Edition," which includes playable Harlequin and Officer characters, the "Trajan Market" and "Aqueduct" maps (they're similar to the linear "Lairs of Romulus" sections), the Assassin's Creed Lineage movie, and various other bonuses. Along with the full list of freebies, Steam also posted the required specs -- be sure to check those out before you place your order.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Brotherhood hits PC March 17, Steam pre-orders include bonuses originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodpcq1-2011release-datesteamubisoftWed, 16 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, Black Ops rack up BAFTA nominations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/assassins-creed-brotherhood-black-ops-rack-up-bafta-nomination/#commentsThe British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the nominees for its GAME British Academy Video Games Awards, which manage to be prestigious despite the inclusion of a sponsor's name in the title. Even before any winners are announced, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is representing well, with nominations in seven categories including Action, Artistic Achievement, Gameplay, Multiplayer, Technical Innovation, and, of course, Best Game. Call of Duty: Black Ops is also nominated in seven separate categories.

Other nominees include Heavy Rain (six nominations), Mass Effect 2 (five), and XBLA favorite Limbo, receiving nods for Audio and Artistic Achievement. Best Game nominee Super Mario Galaxy 2 is also nominated for Technical Innovation, an area in which that game is not typically lauded. In addition, the first Social Network Game award includes Bejeweled Blitz, Farmerama, FIFA Superstars, My Empire, Zoo Mumba, and Zuma Blitz as nominees.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 16. Until then, you can vote for the GAME Award winner online.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Brotherhood, Black Ops rack up BAFTA nominations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerbaftabaftas-2011dsgame-british-academy-video-game-awardsmass-effect-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 16 Feb 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood reaches 6.5 million shipped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/assassins-creed-brotherhood-reaches-6-5-million-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/assassins-creed-brotherhood-reaches-6-5-million-shipped/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/assassins-creed-brotherhood-reaches-6-5-million-shipped/#comments Ubisoft announced that it has surpassed its projected third-quarter sales performance -- partially due to its uber successful dancing-centric games, which sold-in a collective 10.5 million units in this past quarter alone, but also due to the strong performance of its historical murder title, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. According to the company's latest financial report, the game has reached 6.5 million units shipped to various and sundry retailers across the globe.

Time will tell how many of those units will be sold-through to consumers, but we don't foresee sneaky stabbings going out of style any time soon. Nor do we see random spurts of la bella, la lingua ricca d'Italia becoming any less fashionable.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood reaches 6.5 million shipped originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftpcplaystationps3salesubisoftubisoft-montrealxboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Jade Raymond optimistic of new studios, IP development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/jade-raymond-optimistic-of-new-studios-ip-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/jade-raymond-optimistic-of-new-studios-ip-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/jade-raymond-optimistic-of-new-studios-ip-development/#comments Ubisoft Toronto Managing Director Jade Raymond's presentation at DICE expressed her belief that despite the current upheaval in the industry, she believes now is a great time to start a studio. Referencing EA Sports boss Peter Moore's speech about the industry being on a "burning oil platform" -- the idea being that it only changes when it has to -- Raymond believes it's more like a burning oil tanker that can course correct. One would hope she'd be optimistic about current core development being viable, considering she manages, what will become in time, one of the biggest studios in the industry.

In terms of IP development, she explained that the Ubisoft team spent a year of pre-production building the foundations of the Assassin's Creed franchise. "We spent quite a bit of time during conception thinking about the franchise metastory and story arc. And, most importantly, thinking of how to make sandboxes that future game teams and future teams in other media would be able to experiment and come up with their own stuff in this franchise." Regarding the ability to do Assassin's Creed comics, TV or a movie down the road, "You'll never get the best out of people if you just hand them this stone tablet."

Clearly showing her roots working on The Sims Online, it's quite obvious Raymond is a disciple of Will Wright's ideas about fan involvement in franchises. "I think you need to rely on fans," believing that the fan community will identify the best ideas to work from. She Iterated a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson for the video game industry: Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small franchises.

Raymond made clear that Assassin's Creed was designed as a franchise that could be handed over to professionals to expand the world, she said that the next IP Ubisoft is creating in Toronto will hopefully be "handed over to fans."

JoystiqJade Raymond optimistic of new studios, IP development originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedassassins-creed-2Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-MultiplayerJade-Raymondmicrosoftpcplaystationps3UbisoftxboxSun, 13 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic issue three is out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-issue-three-is-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-issue-three-is-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-issue-three-is-out/#comments The third issue of Assassin's Creed: The Fall concludes the story arc and is now available in stores and on Ubisoft's website for $5. What will become of Daniel Cross? And of the results of the Tunguska event? We're not telling! We do have a pretty image from it after the break for you, though.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic issue three is out

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: The Fall comic issue three is out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerassassins-creed-the-fallcomicubisoftFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for PC gets 3D, multiple monitor support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/assassins-creed-brotherhood-for-pc-gets-3d-multiple-monitor-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/assassins-creed-brotherhood-for-pc-gets-3d-multiple-monitor-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/assassins-creed-brotherhood-for-pc-gets-3d-multiple-monitor-s/#comments Ubisoft Germany has posted a video detailing the new features included in the PC version of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. German site GameStar (translation) has also posted a breakdown of the unique features and improvements. Apart from some graphical enhancements over the console releases, the PC version will also add support for 3D displays and multiple monitors.

Specifically, the PC release will support Nvidia 3D Vision and AMD's Eyefinity tech. The latter allows players to link together multiple monitors for some really widescreen views of Renaissance Italy. Presumably, the technology also helps you feel better about purchasing so many monitors.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is slated to pounce onto PC sometime this quarter (before April).

[Thanks, Wlodi; image credit: GameStar]

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood for PC gets 3D, multiple monitor support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dAssassins-Creed-Brotherhoodeyefinitynvidia-3d-visionpcubisoftThu, 10 Feb 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood wins Writers Guild award]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/assassins-creed-brotherhood-wins-writers-guild-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/assassins-creed-brotherhood-wins-writers-guild-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/assassins-creed-brotherhood-wins-writers-guild-award/#comments The Writers Guild of America awarded Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood with the 2011 award for best video game writing -- which you may or may not agree with, but considering the nominees, at least Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 didn't win. The prize was given to Ethan Petty, Nicholas Grimwood and Matt Turner for Script Writing; and Jeffrey Yohalem, Corey May and Patrice Desilets for the story (hopefully someone at Ubisoft has Desilets' forwarding address over at THQ).

Past years' winners were Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Uncharted 2. The WGA stood up for itself this year regarding its nomination process, saying it can't nominate writers if a developer doesn't bother putting a name to a script. Hopefully we'll see more publishers and developers giving their game writers credit, so future nominees won't have us scratching our heads in utter befuddlement.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood wins Writers Guild award originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftplaystationps3UbisoftWGAWriters-Guild-of-AmericaxboxMon, 07 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood multiplayer map when Facebook page hits 1m fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/free-assassins-creed-brotherhood-multiplayer-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/free-assassins-creed-brotherhood-multiplayer-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/free-assassins-creed-brotherhood-multiplayer-map/#commentsAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood DLC Accept enough charity and, eventually, you're going to be asked for a favor. After handing out two free DLC packs in the forms of Animus Project Update 1.0 and Animus Project Update 2.0, Ubisoft is asking fans to give something back if they want another new multiplayer map in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood: simply "Like" the official Assassin's Creed Facebook page. Once it hits 1 million Facebook fans, Ubi will release a new t-shirt to "commemorate the event"; share a "THANK YOU" all-caps video, featuring AssCreedBroHo devs; honor a 24-hour, 15% discount at UbiWorkshop; conduct special giveaways on the Facebook page; and (finally!) release a new multiplayer map titled "Venezia by Night."

Right now, the Assassin's Creed series Facebook page has 952,177 fans. If you're not mathematically inclined, we'll do the hard work for you: 47,823 of you need to head to Facebook and give that Like button a real working over. Or don't. Simply take and take and take and never give anything back. Is that how you want people to think of you?

[Thanks, Josh]

JoystiqFree Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood multiplayer map when Facebook page hits 1m fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-MultiplayerDLCFacebookmicrosoftplaystationps3Venezia-by-NightxboxSun, 06 Feb 2011 22:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Space 2 engineers top entry on UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/dead-space-2-engineers-top-entry-on-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/dead-space-2-engineers-top-entry-on-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/dead-space-2-engineers-top-entry-on-uk-sales-chart/#comments Isaac Clarke's Necromorph nightmare is a dream for EA, as Dead Space 2 reached the top spot on the all formats UK sales chart last week. According to Chart-Track, launch sales of the intense sequel were up 70 percent from when Dead Space debuted at sixth in 2008.

Sackboy took a 48 percent sales tumble, dropping LittleBigPlanet 2 into second, while FIFA 11 enjoyed the top-seated action in third. The peanut-butter-and-jelly goodness of stabbing and shooting round out the top five with Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Call of Duty: Black Ops in fourth and fifth, respectively.

The week also saw the return of the original Just Dance into the top ten, meaning Ubisoft had the original and its sequel in the top ten just cha-cha-chinging away. Check out the top ten in UK sales after the break.

Continue reading Dead Space 2 engineers top entry on UK sales chart

JoystiqDead Space 2 engineers top entry on UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodBritaincall-of-duty-black-opschart-trackchart-track-weeklydead-space-2dsFIFA-11littlebigplanet-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 31 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood 'Animus Project Update 2.0' coming today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/assassins-creed-brotherhood-animus-project-update-2-0-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/assassins-creed-brotherhood-animus-project-update-2-0-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/assassins-creed-brotherhood-animus-project-update-2-0-coming/#comments Despite some recent hiccups in the multiplayer service for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, we have quite a serious crush on the game (as evidenced by our nod to it in 2010's GOTY list). And that's why we're so glad to hear of today's impending "Animus Project Update 2.0," said to add a new team-based multiplayer mode ("Chest Capture") and the Pienza map.

It appears that the free download isn't available just yet, but should be popping up on XBLM and PSN in the coming hours. In the meantime, we've got a trailer of the update's content in action. Join us just after the break ... but watch your back!

Continue reading Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood 'Animus Project Update 2.0' coming today

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood 'Animus Project Update 2.0' coming today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animus-project-update-2.0Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerdlcfreemicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnubisoftxblmxboxxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 18 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Xbox update glitch fixed [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-xbox-update-kills-the-online-multi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-xbox-update-kills-the-online-multi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/assassins-creed-brotherhood-xbox-update-kills-the-online-multi/#comments Good news, Abstergo Agents -- you've got the day off! Your rigorous training exercises on the online multiplayer portion of the Xbox 360 version of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood have been interrupted. That's not due to the current national holiday; rather, it's because some players seem to be having trouble downloading the game's latest title update, locking them out of any and all of Brotherhood's online offerings.

Ubisoft has acknowledged the error, and is currently working to repair the damage. We'll let you know when you can get back to your regularly scheduled murder and stuff.

Update: Whatever was causing the update hiccup has been remedied, according to Ubisoft. We just downloaded the patch with no problem, and would wager that you can now do the same.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood Xbox update glitch fixed [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftmultiplayertitle-updateubisoftxboxMon, 17 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2010: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/best-games-2010-assassins-creed-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/best-games-2010-assassins-creed-brotherhood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/best-games-2010-assassins-creed-brotherhood/#comments Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood took the single-player mechanics of one of our top games for 2009, Assassin's Creed 2, and sharpened them to a fine point; but that's not why Brotherhood clambered so high on our best of 2010 tower. The sequel is here for blindsiding us with a panic-fueled, engrossing multiplayer component.

Like many of you, we've grown cynical watching companies cram unnecessary multiplayer into games with solid single-player experiences. Upon its announcement, that's exactly what Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's stab-or-be-stabbed multiplayer sounded like: typical padding to a cash-in sequel, still riding high on the last game's wave of success. Wrong. Not only did Brotherhood's single-player campaign offer a focused, distilled romp through Rome, but its multiplayer gave us a unique experience that, refreshingly, didn't have shooting at its heart.

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2010: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2010: Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerjoystiq-best-of-2010microsoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-annecyubisoft-montrealxboxFri, 31 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AC: Brotherhood 'Rome by Night' map variant to be unlocked after 25M collective kills]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/ac-brotherhood-rome-by-night-map-variant-to-be-unlocked-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/ac-brotherhood-rome-by-night-map-variant-to-be-unlocked-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/ac-brotherhood-rome-by-night-map-variant-to-be-unlocked-after/#comments Rome is a beautiful place to sneak around, covertly murdering targets and avoiding pursuers, but perhaps you find the scorching Italian sun too much with that silly harlequin outfit on? You'll be glad to hear, then, that Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's Rome multiplayer level will be cloaked in darkness when a nighttime variant is unlocked as soon as the collective player base reaches 25 million kills (though it's unclear if the goal is platform-specific or truly collective). How's that for a brotherly bonding exercise?

Progress toward the unlock is being tracked on Ubisoft's Assassin's Network under the "Events" tab. While Ubisoft Germany claims that tracking has already begun, the count currently appears to be hidden -- as of publishing, the counter reads a single donut (pictured). That's okay though! It's only more incentive to hop back into AC: B's addictive multiplayer and sneak-stab some fools.

Update: Ubisoft confirmed that the 25 million number is across both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms.

JoystiqAC: Brotherhood 'Rome by Night' map variant to be unlocked after 25M collective kills originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-Brotherhooddlcmicrosoftmultiplayerplaystationps3psnrome-by-nightubisoftxboxxbox-liveThu, 23 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood patch to correct 'Animus bug']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/assassins-creed-brotherhood-patch-to-correct-animus-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/assassins-creed-brotherhood-patch-to-correct-animus-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/assassins-creed-brotherhood-patch-to-correct-animus-bug/#comments Ubisoft has announced an upcoming title update for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood that should spur stalled multiplayer matchmaking, restore PlayStation 3 Trophy acquisition and give the notorious Animus bug the boot. And that one's a detrimental glitch, mind you. If you've played Brotherhood's online component, you'll know that a lot of the bugs, cheats and exploits used by Abstergo employees in Animus simulations are features, first and foremost.

Due to arrive "very soon," Title Update 3 aims to free players who get stuck either during the match search process, or in the Animus seat when they visit the 2012 timeline in the single-player campaign. It'll also address a fast travel glitch in Rome and a bug that can prevent PS3 players from unlocking further trophies after a certain point in the game.

You can see a more detailed list of fixes after the break. We'll let you know as soon as the update becomes available on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood patch to correct 'Animus bug'

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood patch to correct 'Animus bug' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermicrosoftpatchplaystationps3psnubisoftubisoft-annecyubisoft-montrealxboxxbox-liveTue, 21 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood bonus mission free to European Uplay users [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/assassins-creed-brotherhood-bonus-mission-free-to-uplay-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/assassins-creed-brotherhood-bonus-mission-free-to-uplay-users/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/assassins-creed-brotherhood-bonus-mission-free-to-uplay-users/#comments
Launched last year with Assassin's Creed 2, Ubisoft's Uplay has served as an in-game rewards system on top of Xbox Live's Achievements and PlayStation Network's Trophies, letting those who sign up for it unlock bonus items using accrued points across supported games. Recently, these same folks got an email offering them a free bonus mission in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood called "The Trajan Market." The mission was originally available as part of the game's "Codex Edition" and sends Ezio into a marketplace in the middle of Rome, where he fights Borgia guards and discovers a treasure hidden in a ruined tower.

As you can see in the screen grab above, the code was even sent out to Uplay members who don't own the game. If you're not yet a Uplay member, you can sign up on the official site. Also, you didn't tell us there'd be free stuff, Ubisoft! Oh wait, maybe you did.

Update: Ubisoft has clarified that this offer is for European Uplay members.

[Thanks, RobLink and Jason]

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: Brotherhood bonus mission free to European Uplay users [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayermembershipmicrosoftplaystationps3the-trajan-marketubisoftuplayxboxMon, 20 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed: The Fall comic #2 out now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-2-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-2-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/assassins-creed-the-fall-comic-2-out-now/#commentsGood news for fans of stabbing and comic books (a bigger audience than you might think): Assassin's Creed: The Fall issue two is now available in comic shops.

Lest you haven't been keeping up, The Fall tells the story of mustachioed assassin Nikolai Orelov, who operates during the Russian revolution. Look out -- he'll stab you right in your warm, furry hat.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed: The Fall comic #2 out now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-CreedAssassins-Creed-BrotherhoodAssassins-Creed-Multiplayerassassins-creed-the-fallcomicsdcdc-comicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftxboxThu, 16 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart offers 12 months of Xbox Live and a (good) game for $81]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/#comments Walmart has a pretty spectacular deal going on for Xbox owners. The chain is currently offering one year of Xbox Live Gold and a select game for $79. SlickDeals notes that shipping is only $1.97. Don't fret about that "select game" business in the previous sentence either, as the eligible games are actually pretty good, including Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and many, many others.

Considering a 12 month Xbox Live sub usually runs for $60 on its own, you might as well toss in a $20 game (that also usually runs for $60), right?

JoystiqWalmart offers 12 months of Xbox Live and a (good) game for $81 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodcall-of-duty-black-opscastlevania-lords-of-shadowhalo-reachmicrosoftwalmartxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldWed, 15 Dec 2010 16:20:00 EST