Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Atari says Eden Games isn't closed, plans to continue supporting the studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/atari-shuts-down-test-drive-series-developer-eden-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/atari-shuts-down-test-drive-series-developer-eden-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/atari-shuts-down-test-drive-series-developer-eden-games/#comments [Update] A few hours ago, we reported that Eden Games had been shuttered - you can read our original report below. An Atari representative has told Joystiq that despite the "divestiture process" wording in the financial statement sourced below suggesting closure of the studio, Eden Games has not been fully liquidated. Eden Games still exists, and Atari plans to support the studio moving forward.

"Our earnings statement contained a report about the divestment of Eden Games. We want to make it clear that the studio has not closed and that we will continue to support the console and PC games of Eden Games, notably Test Drive Unlimited 2, while this process is underway. The divestment is in line with our previously stated strategy of exploiting our popular intellectual property library on mobile devices, where he have seen strong initial success, and via online games and licensing."

[Original story] Eden Games is no more. Last year Eden Games engaged in a "symbolic" one-day strike in response to a first wave of layoffs, and today Atari has shut down what was left of the French studio responsible for the Test Drive series of racing sims.

"Eden Games has been accounted for as 'Discontinued Operations' under IFRS 5, as the Company has started a divestiture process of the studio," Atari's earnings report reads. (That's business speak explaining Eden Games has been dissolved.) Earnings for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 show Atari made $51.3 million - a 44% decline compared to last year's $77.8 million in revenue.

Last year, when the first round of Eden Games employees were dismissed, some went on to found Blossom Minds.

JoystiqAtari says Eden Games isn't closed, plans to continue supporting the studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarieden-gameslayoffsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Test-Drive-Unlimited-2xboxFri, 11 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Commodore founder and former Atari owner Jack Tramiel passes away]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/commodore-founder-and-former-atari-owner-jack-tramiel-passes-awa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/commodore-founder-and-former-atari-owner-jack-tramiel-passes-awa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/commodore-founder-and-former-atari-owner-jack-tramiel-passes-awa/#commentsComputer and video game industry pioneer Jack Tramiel died today at the age of 83, his family reported. Tramiel, a Holocaust survivor, is best known for two achievements in the industry: the founding of Commodore International and the 1984 purchase of Atari Inc.'s post-crash consumer division from Warner.

Tramiel helped (re)revive Atari by starting a computer business there, launching the Atari ST and other desktop computers alongside new video game hardware like the Atari 7800 and Lynx.

JoystiqCommodore founder and former Atari owner Jack Tramiel passes away originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricommodorejack-tramielobituaryMon, 09 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition trailer channels the encyclopedia britannica]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/new-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-trailer-channels-the-encyclopedi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/new-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-trailer-channels-the-encyclopedi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/new-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-trailer-channels-the-encyclopedi/#comments
The question posed by this by this latest Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition trailer ("What is a Witcher?") could easily be answered by visiting Wikipedia, both regular and Witcher-flavored. Getting your information that way, however, prevents you from seeing a dude's face ripped open by tiny shovels.

JoystiqNew Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition trailer channels the encyclopedia britannica originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariCD-Projektmicrosoftpcthe-witcher-2Warner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwhat-is-a-witcherxboxSat, 31 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/#comments Nope, we still don't really know what this Baldur's Gate announcement business is, but we sure do know its name now: "Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition." Huzzah! As previously reported, Beamdog is working on the Baldur's Gate project, though the developer's Overhaul Games division is taking lead. Atari is handling publishing duties, and Wizards of the Coast is licensing its (D&D-based) IP.

From the few details we have, the project sounds an awful lot like an HD remake to us - especially given the fancier logo and "Enhanced Edition" subtitle. We've reached out to Beamdog for clarity on what the game actually is, and what platforms it'll end up on (among other things). For now, know that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will land on whatever those platforms are at some point this summer. We're gonna take a wild guess that it'll be on PC at the very least.

Update: Beamdog reps tell us that the team at Overhaul is adding "new, original content" to the original game to make up the Enhanced Edition. "This is the Enhanced Edition, it's not a repackage. We have the original source code and are doing a significant update." He also confirms that no platforms have been announced just yet.

Update 2: A Beamdog rep also confirms that the company is self-publishing. Though he wouldn't go into detail regarding the new content, he says that "it's being lovingly crafted in the spirit of the original with the help of some of the original developers." Additionally, Cameron Tofer and Trent Oster have been working on the project ("planning and organizing") for "over a year now." We'll also hear more soon, as the team is planning "regular announcements every week with more details."

Continue reading Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]

JoystiqBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdogoverhaul-gamesremakewizards-of-the-coastThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Alone in the Dark creator hopes for an HD remake one day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/alone-in-the-dark-creator-would-love-an-hd-remake/#comments HD remakes are becoming more prevalent in the video games industry, as a means of introducing a new generation of gamers to something they may have otherwise never played. Frédérick Raynal, designer of the original survival-horror game, Alone in the Dark, said he's totally on board with an HD remake.

"I would love an HD remake one day and I hope it will happen, one day," Raynal responded when asked about the possibility at the conclusion of his GDC postmortem. "I think Infogrames holds the rights; I'm not sure about that."

Atari published the last entry in the Alone in the Dark series back in 2008. If someone wants to get a remake out in time for the 20th Anniversary of the original game, they'll have to get it out within the next nine months.

JoystiqAlone in the Dark creator hopes for an HD remake one day originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarifrederick-raynalgdc-2012hd-remakeinfogramespcFri, 09 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends announced by Atari]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/test-drive-ferrari-racing-legends-announced-by-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/test-drive-ferrari-racing-legends-announced-by-atari/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/test-drive-ferrari-racing-legends-announced-by-atari/#comments
Atari has announced a new version of Test Drive, but instead of the open-world, tropical setting of the two Unlimited iterations, this time the franchise is headed back to the race track. Test Drive Ferrari Racing Legends will focus on Ferrari's history across almost all of the racing disciplines, including Formula One, rally racing, and GT. There will be over 50 different Ferrari vehicles to drive, and each will show off full realistic interior and exterior models, as well as damage effects, which means Atari didn't skimp on the Ferrari licensing budget.

The game should be out for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC later on this spring. Too bad the company didn't stick with the more fantasy-based version of the Test Drive series, this time based exclusively on night drives in Africa; They could have named the game the Starry Atari Ferrari Safari. Don't like that joke? Sorry.

JoystiqTest Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends announced by Atari originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaannouncementatarimicrosoftpcplaystationps3safaritest-drive-ferraritest-drive-ferrari-challengexboxSat, 04 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/#comments Someone in Germany -- perhaps even some people -- illegally pirated a copy of Prison Break: The Conspiracy. Hard to believe as it may be, it appears to be the case according to TorrentFreak, who delved into German public records looking for game publishers who have employed German law to track down (and demand money from) people who allegedly pirated various games. In Germany, Koch Media publishes the Prison Break game, and has been demanding settlements of "several hundred Euros" from offending IP addresses.

The records indicate that several major publishers, either directly or through subsidiaries/secondary parties, have been sending out letters to German citizens requesting varying levels of payment in return for not being sued. Where things get murky, however, is how the publishers are seeking out the accused pirates, using not always reliable "IP address-only evidence" -- easily circumvented with proxy domains and such. You know, hacker stuff.

TorrentFreak's report indicates that a variety of publishers and distributors are involved, including (but not limited to): Atari, Koch Media (representing Techland's Dead Island and Prison Break, and Eidos/Square Enix's Deus Ex: Human Revolution as well as Dungeon Siege 3 and various Final Fantasy titles), Daedalic Entertainment (representing LucasArts), Codemasters, BitComposer, Ubisoft, Kalypso Media, dtp entertainment, and Aerosoft. It is currently unclear how many settlement notices have been sent out by each company, or if any will continue doing so after these actions have been brought to light.

Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt Red was recently pursuing similar cases in Germany until it announced the end of the practice last week.

JoystiqReport: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosoftataribabypiratesbitcomposercodemastersdaedalicdtp-entertainmenteidoseidos-interactivegermanykalypso-mediakoch-medialegallucasartsmacmicrosoftpcpiracypiratesplaystationps3square-enixtechlandubisoftxboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie: Atari claiming copyright infringement on 'hundreds' of iOS games, Atari responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/atari-allegedly-claiming-copyright-infringement-on-hundreds-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/atari-allegedly-claiming-copyright-infringement-on-hundreds-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/atari-allegedly-claiming-copyright-infringement-on-hundreds-of/#comments

Vector Tanks and Vector Tanks Extreme, two iOS games from Black Powder Media, have been pulled from the App Store after receiving a copyright-infringement claim from Atari. "Atari appears to be paving the way for a reissuing of their classics by putting the squeeze on hundreds of apps!" Black Powder Media's Kickstarter page reads. "Anything that has even a passing resemblance to an Atari classic has been issued a copyright infringement claim."

Atari recently released updated versions of Breakout and Asteroids, and has had an Atari arcade app for some time. And a new Battlezone isn't a ludicrous thought, which is one reason Vector Tanks programmer Peter Hirschberg previously tried to secure Atari's permission to make a game inspired by Battlezone. Atari never responded, Hirschberg told Edge. "Now this," he said. "It's very depressing."

When asked for comment, Atari released the following statement to Joystiq:
"For companies like Atari, our intellectual property portfolio is our most valued asset. While we have great respect for the indie developer community and greatly appreciate the enthusiasm that they have for our renowned properties, we need to vigorously protect our intellectual property and ensure that it is represented in highly innovative games. We have been actively engaging with numerous established and up and coming developers to help us re-imagine our iconic franchises, and outside app developers have already helped us produce two top 10 mobile game successes in Asteroids: Gunner and Breakout: Boost. We look forward to further developing strong relationships with the indie app development community through additional games that we will be releasing in the future."
Black Powder Media is now working on The Visceral Adventures of Vic Vector, a game that it believes "cannot fall under the Atari claw."

JoystiqIndie: Atari claiming copyright infringement on 'hundreds' of iOS games, Atari responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroidsAtaribattlezoneBlack-Powder-Mediabreakout-boostiosipadiphonemobileVector-TanksVector-Tanks-ExtremeTue, 03 Jan 2012 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[cTrix's gATARI2600 chiptune "guitar"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/01/ctrixs-gatari2600-chiptune-guitar/#comments
The chiptune music scene is known for its creative use of antiquated gaming hardware, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better example of "antiquated" than 1977's Atari 2600. Through a clever mix of custom software, handmade cartridges and three Boss stomp boxes, chiptune artist/modder cTrix has created the gATARI2600, an instrument as massive as it is massively impressive.

Check out the video above for cTrix's explanation of the device's components, as well as footage of the monstrosity (the instrument, not cTrix) in action at Blip Fest 2011. Personally, we're still holding out for an Intellivision viola.

JoystiqcTrix's gATARI2600 chiptune "guitar" originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariatari-2600chiptunecTrixgatarigATARI2600hackmodSun, 01 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive Unlimited 2's DLC 2 planned for February, adds bikes and new content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/test-drive-unlimited-2s-dlc-2-planned-for-february-adds-bikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/test-drive-unlimited-2s-dlc-2-planned-for-february-adds-bikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/test-drive-unlimited-2s-dlc-2-planned-for-february-adds-bikes/#comments As predicted way back before the game's release, Test Drive Unlimited 2 is indeed getting some bikes to play around with. In a post on the game's official forums, a community manager for Atari says the game's second DLC pack is scheduled for February 2012. It will bring three bikes, including a Harley and two Ducatis, as well as six new cars, new missions and locations to explore.

You'll also receive new clothes and furniture to buy, and notice some minor enhancements to the game, like the ability to change car positions in the garage or control headlights. Finally, Test Drive 2 will offer support for some more driving wheel accessories.

The first DLC for the game ended up arriving at no cost thanks to a buggy launch, but it's been a while -- about nine months -- since TDU2 has seen new content. Eden Games has, after all, been dealing with other issues.

JoystiqTest Drive Unlimited 2's DLC 2 planned for February, adds bikes and new content originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridlcdlc2eden-gamespcrelease-datetdutdu-2Test-Drive-Unlimited-2Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari announces Breakout: Boost for iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/atari-announces-breakout-boost-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/atari-announces-breakout-boost-for-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/atari-announces-breakout-boost-for-ios/#comments Breakout Atari is bringing a new version of Breakout to iOS devices. Titled Breakout Boost, it adds plenty of modern features to the classic brick-breaker, including power-ups, special bricks and - the most modern feature of all - in-app purchases.

Yes, in addition to grenade balls, exploding bricks and the like, Breakout Boost will contain five (five) free levels and "over 200 more unique brick layouts available via in-app purchase." Specific prices and levels aren't mentioned, but here's hoping Atari opts for the popular "here's a ton of stuff for 99 cents" model.

Gallery: Breakout: Boost (iOS)

Continue reading Atari announces Breakout: Boost for iOS

JoystiqAtari announces Breakout: Boost for iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakout-boostiosipadiphonemobileThu, 01 Dec 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/#comments

Jason Brockert is traditionally a landscape painter, but one day he noticed a Star Wars Stormtrooper figurine sitting on his shelf, and decided to try painting it. "The first one came out terrible," he says. "A week later, I was like I'll try again. The second one, I was like oh, that's kind of cool. And it was a lot of fun, too. I had more fun doing that then I'd had in six months."

He finished the Stormtrooper painting a little while after that, and then decided to do more figures, and then old game consoles and cartridges, collecting them on eBay and then painting them in his elaborate, almost idealistic way. "Those were the two things I loved as a kid," says Brockert, "and the things I wanted to recollect, that my mother had thrown away I don't know how long ago."

Brockert's work is currently on display in a show called "American Icons" at the iam8bit gallery in Los Angeles' Echo Park. All of his works and prints are available for purchase, and the Exhibition (most of which you can see below) runs through December 18.

Gallery: American Icons at iam8bit

Continue reading iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles

Joystiqiam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-iconsartataricolecovisionexhibitiongalleryiam8bitjason-brockertnesSat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[(Rock) breaking news: new Asteroids game, more progress on Asteroids movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/rock-breaking-news-new-asteroids-game-more-progress-on-aster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/rock-breaking-news-new-asteroids-game-more-progress-on-aster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/rock-breaking-news-new-asteroids-game-more-progress-on-aster/#comments
Last time we checked, it was 2011, and yet we have two news items about Asteroids for you. First, Atari has released a new free-to-play Asteroids game to the iOS App Store called Asteroids Gunner, which adds multiple selectable ships, power-ups, upgrade shopping, achievements, dual-stick controls and other modern amenities to the well-known game of shooting big rocks to make them smaller rocks.

In other news, Slashfilm reports that Universal has just hired Evan Spiliotopoulos to write a new script for the Asteroids movie, which tenaciously continues existing despite the objection of everyone on Earth with some common sense.

Gallery: Asteroids Gunner (iOS)

Continue reading (Rock) breaking news: new Asteroids game, more progress on Asteroids movie

Joystiq(Rock) breaking news: new Asteroids game, more progress on Asteroids movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeasteriods-gunnerasteroidsasteroids-gunnerasteroids-movieatariiosiphonemobileThu, 10 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neverwinter brings D&D combat to Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-brings-dandd-combat-to-facebook/#comments
The actual Neverwinter MMO isn't set to come out until later on next year, but Heroes of Neverwinter is a new social game that's available to play right now on Facebook. According to the trailer above, it offers the "deepest RPG experience Facebook has ever seen," with some strategy-accented, turn-based combat based on the D&D system, and even a dungeon creation tool to play with. As you might imagine, the game is heavily microtransaction-based, so your journey through the Forgotten Realms will likely be punctuated with plenty of pitches to spend some real-life dough on the title.

But if you've been waiting for Facebook games to actually show a little more complexity (more complexity, at least, than those wooden animations in the trailer), Heroes of Neverwinter does up the ante. It's available for free right now on the big blue social network.

JoystiqHeroes of Neverwinter brings D&D combat to Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwintergameheroes-of-neverwintermicrotransactionspcsocialwizards-of-the-coastTue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rollercoaster Tycoon takes a thrill ride to 3DS in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/rollercoaster-tycoon-takes-a-thrill-ride-to-3ds-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/rollercoaster-tycoon-takes-a-thrill-ride-to-3ds-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/rollercoaster-tycoon-takes-a-thrill-ride-to-3ds-in-2012/#comments
The latest Rollercoaster Tycoon game will let you manage an amusement park, build the craziest coaster you can imagine, and then get super sick while riding it virtually. That's because it's for 3DS, and thus has the ability to immerse you in a stereoscopic 3D roller coaster experience.

Developed by n-Space, the 3DS version of the classic PC franchise includes Coaster Creator as well as a "compressed" form of the traditional amusement park operation simulation. The "Coaster Story" mode delivers a series of park challenges as part of a storyline. "Park Sandbox" allows you to just build the park however you want, and share your creations with the system's "advanced networking capabilities." StreetPass park trading, perhaps?

Atari will release Rollercoaster Tycoon 3D sometime next year. Stock up on Dramamine.

Continue reading Rollercoaster Tycoon takes a thrill ride to 3DS in 2012

JoystiqRollercoaster Tycoon takes a thrill ride to 3DS in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsataridsn-spacenintendorollercoaster-tycoonrollercoaster-tycoon-3dWed, 07 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/atari-appoints-new-cfo-digital-and-mobile-vps/#comments After what we can only imagine was the most intense game of musical chairs the Atari conference room has ever seen, the company has announced it's appointed new executives at key positions. Robert Mattes is now the CFO, Owais Farooqui has taken over as senior VP of digital publishing and Maria Pacheco is now the new VP of mobile.

This appointment of new blood follows the company's focus on digital for the last year or so -- these appointments will help Atari to "shift its core focus to casual gaming experiences designed for mobile, social networks and emerging platforms," the press release reads. Atari will apparently use the expertise of its new VPs to aggressively target Atari.com, Facebook, Google+ (it has games now!), browser-based gaming and tablets and smartphone devices, leveraging classic Atari franchises such as Asteroid, Missile Command, Centipede, Breakout and Pong. First up is Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter, expected to launch on Facebook this fall.

Continue reading Atari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs

JoystiqAtari appoints new CFO, digital and mobile VPs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdigital-distributiondungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwinterheroes-of-neverwintermacMaria-PachecomicrosoftmobileOwais-Farooquipcplaystationps3Robert-MattesxboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect World completes Cryptic Studios acquisition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/perfect-world-completes-cryptic-studios-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/perfect-world-completes-cryptic-studios-acquisition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/perfect-world-completes-cryptic-studios-acquisition/#comments Atari announced earlier this year that it was trying to sell off City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios, and it's now essentially done just that, according to the company. Chinese MMO developer Perfect World recently bought an equity interest in the studio, and Atari has now divested its own interest, meaning that Cryptic is in the hands of the same company that also owns a majority interest in Torchlight developer Runic Games.

Perfect World reportedly paid $49.8 million for the sale, and Atari says it will put $30.7 million of that total right back into its own debt, leaving the rest for investment in other deals and programs. Cryptic was working on Neverwinter, as well as developing content for Star Trek Online and the free-to-play Champions Online, but any other titles the company was working on with Atari are probably done for. We'll have to see just how the fate of these games plays out as Perfect World oversees things going forward.

Perfect World has said the purchase will use Cryptic's experience in the MMO space to "strengthen our well-established R&D capabilities," as well as "add [the aforementioned] attractive game titles to our portfolio."

JoystiqPerfect World completes Cryptic Studios acquisition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinesscryptic-studiosdealneverwinterpcperfect-worldsaleTue, 09 Aug 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Learning to play Warlords isn't as easy as you'd expect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/learning-to-play-warlords-isnt-as-easy-as-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/learning-to-play-warlords-isnt-as-easy-as-youd-expect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/learning-to-play-warlords-isnt-as-easy-as-youd-expect/#comments

We considered ourselves pretty good at the Atari 2600 version of Warlords, but that boast required only proficiency at swinging a paddle around to hit a ball into our opponents' corners. So we questioned the necessity for a "how to play" video for the update, until we watched it and remembered this update is ... an update.

This thing's got actual strategy in it! You have to lead a "Rally Snoot" character to a control point -- a control point! -- and then have him wait for another to arrive in order to capture it. You can boost the shields around your castle, and even aim shots. In other words, there's stuff do do other than frantically moving a paddle around to deflect a single giant pixel.

JoystiqLearning to play Warlords isn't as easy as you'd expect originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarigriptonite-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnwarlordsxblaxboxSat, 06 Aug 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The battle for Breakout's copyright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-battle-for-breakouts-copyright/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-battle-for-breakouts-copyright/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/the-battle-for-breakouts-copyright/#comments Were we to say the word "Breakout" you'd probably get a pretty clear image in your head -- the image of Atari's 1976 block-breaking game (which both Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak played significant roles in designing!) It may be totally distinctive, but it was once not seen as copyrightable.

In 1989, Atari brought legal action against Register of Copyrights Ralph Oman over the fact that he wouldn't give Atari a copyright on the game. The register, Patent Arcade reports, said that the elements of the game were "simple geometric shapes and coloring" and not enough "authorship" went into their production to be copyrightable. " "The idea . . . could have been expressed in expressive ways," a Register lawyer said during oral arguments for the case. "They could have added graphics to it. They could have had a brick wall that looked like a brick wall. They could have added ivy that was expressive."

It was future Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who threw out that argument, citing the ball's variable, non-realistic-physics-based trajectory as a creative element of the game. And with that in mind, it was sent back to the Register for reconsideration. And thus Atari got the copyright that it could then use against other block-breaking games.

JoystiqThe battle for Breakout's copyright originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakoutcopyrightretroFri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ to publish The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in several international regions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/thq-to-publish-the-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-several-internation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/thq-to-publish-the-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-several-internation/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/thq-to-publish-the-witcher-2-for-xbox-360-in-several-internation/#comments
The Witcher 2 is coming to Xbox 360, and not since EA's landmark Skitchin' have we been so excited for a game with a made-up "itch" word in the title. But what of our friends in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East? Will they have to live with an itcher they can't scratcher? Not if THQ has anything to say about it.

And it does. Because it publishes games.

The company announced this morning that it will be bringing the game to 360 in the aforementioned territories. We'd still argue that North American publisher Atari is a better fit for a game about prestidigitation (as its continued existence as an operating entity almost certainly required use of the dark arts), but we'll take what we can get.

Continue reading THQ to publish The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in several international regions

JoystiqTHQ to publish The Witcher 2 for Xbox 360 in several international regions originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariCD-Projektcd-projekt-redmicrosoftthe-witcher-2thqxboxThu, 30 Jun 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-limps-onto-the-pc/#comments Atari has announced that Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale is now available for the PC. We didn't really like the hack-and-slash title, calling it "a terrible use of Wizards of the Coast's timeless license" (ouch), but hey, maybe you're a huge completist and absolutely must play through anything and everything having to do Forgotten Realms. If that's the case, you can pick up the game for $14.99 at a fine e-tailer near you.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale lands on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridDdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalepcretailwizards-of-the-coastTue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/11/heroes-of-neverwinter-preview-facebook-fantasy/#comments I didn't see a Facebook game on the E3 show floor that I would consider passing along to you, honored readers, whose time I value more than my own -- with one noteworthy exception. Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter represents a project which fans of its tabletop predecessor have been pulling for for a good, long time: An actual adaptation of the game's 4th Edition, complete with dungeon tiles, character progression and the move/minor/standard turn layout.

It is, of course, a simplified version of the robust RPG -- most of the series' constituent features are represented in some form or another, but in a limited capacity. Still, even with this one conceit, Heroes of Neverwinter looks like one of the beefiest titles on the platform; not to mention a dungeoneer's dream come true.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter (E3 2011)

Continue reading Heroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy

JoystiqHeroes of Neverwinter preview: Facebook fantasy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-heroes-of-neverwinterfacebookheroes-of-neverwinterliquid-entertainmentpcsocial-gameswizards-of-the-coastSat, 11 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/dungeons-and-dragons-neverwinter-preview-the-neverending-story/#comments Cryptic and Atari's upcoming relaunch of the Neverwinter Nights franchise is a multiplayer online game with infinite content. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around what this means -- and I think its creators are, too.

The infinite-ness is provided by the Foundry system, a returning (and far more refined) feature which Cryptic implemented in one of its other flagship MMOs, Star Trek Online. Rather than patching in the campaign-crafting tools after launch, however, Cryptic is making the Foundry the keystone of the Neverwinter experience -- an appropriate callback to Nights' UGC-centric success.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Neverwinter preview: The NeverEnding Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticmmommorpgneverwinterpcFri, 10 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter revealed in new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/neverwinter-revealed-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/neverwinter-revealed-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/neverwinter-revealed-in-new-trailer/#comments We've got an appointment to see Neverwinter at E3 this week, but to tide all of us over until then, we've got a trailer showing off the new Cryptic-developed RPG. We like how colorful the world is, but doesn't the aesthetic seem a little done to death? Here's hoping there's something we're missing.

Continue reading Neverwinter revealed in new trailer

JoystiqNeverwinter revealed in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticDungeons-and-DragonsneverwinterpcWed, 08 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 drops to $40 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-drops-to-40-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-drops-to-40-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-drops-to-40-on-amazon/#comments Look, we get it: You don't want to buy a game until you know it's good enough for the President of the United States. We hear you, bud, and you're in luck! The Witcher 2 is totally a game in the Presidential library!

Thus we'd like to inform you of a sale at Amazon. The game is available right now at a reduced cost of $40, both as physical media and a direct download. And if you're looking for further reason why you should care, know that we liked the game and stuff. We're no President by any means, but we're constantly asked to furnish a birth certificate to prove our citizenship. It doesn't help that it's our parents who keep requesting it, but still. That basically makes us President, right?

If you're not into that whole smiling logo thing, Steam also has the game on sale for $40.

[Thanks, Tyler C]

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 drops to $40 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonataricd-projektpcrpgthe-witcher-2Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-casting-spells-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-casting-spells-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-witcher-2-casting-spells-on-xbox-360/#comments During its "Summer Days" presentation in Los Angeles this afternoon, developer CD Projekt Red announced intentions to release critically acclaimed The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011. The confirmation comes after months of back-and-forth over the possibility of a console release, and hot off the bewitched heels of an ESRB rating for the game on Xbox 360.

Little is known about how exactly the title's gameplay, not to mention its impressive graphics engine, will translate to 360, but we're sure to find out more in the coming weeks. We'll keep an eye ... er ... ear on the streaming press conference as well and update this story as it develops.

Update: During the stage presentation, CD Projekt Red representatives pointed out that the Xbox 360 version will include all PC updates that have taken place since the game's launch. A teaser was also shown off (which we'll have for you soon), though no gameplay has been revealed as of yet -- it'll be shown off during E3. The reps also pointed out that the 360 version will look close or on par with the PC version, and also called it an "adaptation, not a port."

Update 2: The teaser is now live after the break!

Continue reading The Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 casting spells on Xbox 360 by the end of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricd-projektcd-projekt-redcd-projekt-summer-dayse3-2011los-angelesmicrosoftq3-2011q4-2011release-datesummer-daysthe-witcher-2xboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari: Daggerdale to miss May 31 PSN launch, game may fall into publishing queue [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/atari-daggerdale-to-miss-may-31-psn-launch-network-not-gonna/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/atari-daggerdale-to-miss-may-31-psn-launch-network-not-gonna/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/atari-daggerdale-to-miss-may-31-psn-launch-network-not-gonna/#comments Atari addressed fans waiting for the PS3 version of Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale today, announcing on Twitter that the game would miss its planned May 31 launch on the platform. The reason stated, however, is far more interesting than the news of a delay -- according to Atari, it "looks like Playstation Network is not gonna be ready for #Daggerdale release on 5/31."

Despite an internal memo from Sony stating that the PS Store would be up as early as this past Tuesday (which clearly didn't happen), and statements from the company that "all services" would be restored by the end of May, it seems (at least for this publisher) that the PS Store may remain offline longer than expected. The tweet also says to "Stay tuned for more details today." We've reached out to both Sony and Atari for comment, but had yet to hear back as of publishing.

Update: The PlayStation Store's revival might not miss its targeted launch date after all. An Atari representative responded to us, explaining, "Our recent tweet was not intended to speak to Sony's service coming back online or being delayed, but to inform our fans that we expect Daggerdale to be placed in PSN's publishing queue behind other titles that were meant to launch during the service outage and that it might not hit the May 31 date."

JoystiqAtari: Daggerdale to miss May 31 PSN launch, game may fall into publishing queue [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridungeons-and-dragons-daggerdaleplaystationplaystation-networkplaystation-storeps-storeps3psnpsn-outage-2011Fri, 27 May 2011 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-review/#comments Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition represents one of the most drastic facelifts the long-running tabletop RPG franchise has ever undergone. The game's once ethereal elements have been turned tangible, its mechanics made far less punishing for new players, and its every component finely tuned to a state of balance that few other tabletop developers can match. It is as accessible as the game has ever been -- and, as a result, as adaptable as the game has ever been.

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale has been promoted as an opportunity for Bedlam Games and Atari to bring "an accessible version of Dungeons & Dragons: 4th Edition to life," a task at which they have failed in a huge, huge way. Some of the tabletop game's terminology and a few superficial concepts show up in Daggerdale, but the rest has been sacrificed to create a monotonous, hideously buggy hack-and-slash RPG.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale review: Critical miss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribedlam-gamesdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalemicrosoftpcplaystationps3psnsteamWizards-of-the-CoastxblaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dandd-daggerdale-launches-may-25-psn-a-week-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dandd-daggerdale-launches-may-25-psn-a-week-later/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/dandd-daggerdale-launches-may-25-psn-a-week-later/#comments Atari intends to send adventurers into the grimy world of Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale on PC and Xbox Live Arcade on May 25 (that's this Wednesday). The PSN version is optimistically expected to be available next Tuesday, May 31.

The loot-whoring dungeon crawler by Scratch: The Ultimate DJ dev Bedlam Games supports up to four players. We don't really know much about the game beyond "loot and co-op," but that seems to be all some people need from a game.

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale

Continue reading D&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later

JoystiqD&D: Daggerdale launches May 25, PSN a week later originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribedlam-gamesdaggerdaleDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 23 May 2011 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale trailer shows off its loot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-shows-off-its-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-shows-off-its-loot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-shows-off-its-loot/#comments Atari and Bedlam Games know what we really care about when it comes to fantasy action-RPGs: getting new stuff. The newest trailer for Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale shows off a lot of the game's stuff, which we anticipate we'll be able to use to fight more monsters, who will drop even more stuff.

Continue reading Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale trailer shows off its loot

JoystiqDungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale trailer shows off its loot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribedlam-gamesdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 20 May 2011 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 trailer details the four kings and kingdoms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-witcher-2-trailer-details-the-four-kings-and-kingdoms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-witcher-2-trailer-details-the-four-kings-and-kingdoms/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-witcher-2-trailer-details-the-four-kings-and-kingdoms/#comments The world of The Witcher 2 is a politically tumultuous place, pockmarked by warring kingdoms, corrupt kings and -- judging by the game's subtitle -- a handful of king-assassins. Check out the trailer after the jump for a rundown of the game's four major monarchs.

Continue reading The Witcher 2 trailer details the four kings and kingdoms

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 trailer details the four kings and kingdoms originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariCD-Projektcd-projekt-redpcrpgthe-witcher-2the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kingsTue, 17 May 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari seeking to sell Cryptic Studios as another fiscal year ends in losses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/atari-seeking-to-sell-cryptic-studios-as-another-fiscal-year-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/atari-seeking-to-sell-cryptic-studios-as-another-fiscal-year-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/atari-seeking-to-sell-cryptic-studios-as-another-fiscal-year-end/#comments In its 2010-11 fiscal year earnings report today, Atari announced it will be dropping, er, "divesting" MMO developer Cryptic Studios. The publisher accounted for the studio under its "discontinued operations" in the report. In other words, it's trying to sell Cryptic.

Overall, Atari reported a net loss of €6.2 million ($8.8 million) for this fiscal year that ended March 31, 2011 -- an admitted improvement over the €19.4 million lost in the previous fiscal year. Cryptic alone was responsible for €5.3 million ($7.5 million) in losses during fiscal 2010-11.

Representatives for Atari and Cryptic declined to offer any statements beyond those in today's financial report. Cryptic's Champions Online went free-to-play earlier this year, and the studio is currently working on a Neverwinter MMO and "Season 4" of Star Trek Online. Atari purchased the developer in 2008 during an optimistic period for the publisher.

JoystiqAtari seeking to sell Cryptic Studios as another fiscal year ends in losses originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdivestmentearningsfinancialfy-2010-11pcq4Tue, 17 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive dev Eden Games goes on 'symbolic' one day strike]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/test-drive-dev-eden-games-goes-on-symbolic-one-day-strike/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/test-drive-dev-eden-games-goes-on-symbolic-one-day-strike/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/test-drive-dev-eden-games-goes-on-symbolic-one-day-strike/#commentsIn response to previously unknown plans at Atari to lay off approximately 51 of Eden Games' 80 total employees, the Test Drive Unlimited developer is staging a "Symbolic Day Strike" today. A statement sent to Gamasutra from an unnamed Eden Games employee explains the act as a response to what the studio believes is "mismanagement" on the part of its parent company and publisher, Atari, and an effort to engage Atari president Jim Wilson directly. The Eden Games message claims that Wilson has "never introduced himself to his employees."

The proposed cuts at Eden, said to be taking place this coming June, are supposedly the result of a change in Atari's focus, as it moves away from packaged retail goods and towards MMOs and games with online-based business models. Eden Games' latest projects -- the Test Drive Unlimited series and Alone in the Dark -- have all been retail-centric, potentially spurring the decision by Atari to cut staff at the studio.

An Eden employee clarified that the strike was in direct response to stalled negotiations with Atari, and said that Eden "didn't receive at this time any information or feedback from Atari management." The representative also noted that internal projections put the studio's latest effort, Test Drive Unlimited 2, at around 900K units sold to date.

JoystiqTest Drive dev Eden Games goes on 'symbolic' one day strike originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarieden-gamesjim-wilsonlayoffssalesstrikeTest-Drive-Unlimited-2Wed, 11 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warlords screens are fairly full of fireballs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/warlords-screens-are-fairly-full-of-fireballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/warlords-screens-are-fairly-full-of-fireballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/warlords-screens-are-fairly-full-of-fireballs/#comments The constituent elements in the latest batch of screenshots for Atari's Warlords remake are just what you'd expect: Castles, tiny soldiers and more fireballs than could possibly be numbered by anyone, even if they're using some kind of sophisticated fireball-counting apparatus.

Continue reading Warlords screens are fairly full of fireballs

JoystiqWarlords screens are fairly full of fireballs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariGriptonite-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnremakewarlordsxblaxboxWed, 11 May 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive Unlimited 2 free DLC out on PC, coming soon to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/test-drive-unlimited-2-free-dlc-out-on-pc-coming-soon-to-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/test-drive-unlimited-2-free-dlc-out-on-pc-coming-soon-to-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/test-drive-unlimited-2-free-dlc-out-on-pc-coming-soon-to-consol/#comments Though it may lack the apologetic punch of a Hallmark card featuring doe-eyed kittens telling us how "sowwy" they are, Eden Games and Atari have released a pretty thorough make-up patch for its bug riddled racer, Test Drive Unlimited 2. The free Exploration DLC pack, which adds a number of new events, cars and outfits (as well as a plethora of much-needed bug fixes) is available today on PC, and is coming "very soon" to consoles.

You can check out the extensive list of updates after the jump, and spend the rest of the day wondering how this game made it to store shelves with problems like "Cars sometimes turn invisible." That seems like the kind of thing you'd notice in QA, right? Actually, since the cars were invisible, they wouldn't notice them? We need to think about that one.

Continue reading Test Drive Unlimited 2 free DLC out on PC, coming soon to consoles

JoystiqTest Drive Unlimited 2 free DLC out on PC, coming soon to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariEden-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Test-Drive-Unlimited-2xboxSat, 07 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2 video slideshow takes the scenic route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/witcher-2-video-slideshow-takes-the-scenic-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/witcher-2-video-slideshow-takes-the-scenic-route/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/witcher-2-video-slideshow-takes-the-scenic-route/#comments It may not have all the excitement of a prison break, but the latest trailer for The Witcher 2 certainly is scenic. It ought to be, considering it's composed entirely of environment screenshots. Still, it's nice to take a break from all the bloodshed and explosions every once in awhile, right?

Continue reading Witcher 2 video slideshow takes the scenic route

JoystiqWitcher 2 video slideshow takes the scenic route originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariCD-Projektpcthe-witcher-2Wed, 04 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 takes a stab at combat in latest dev walkthrough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-takes-a-stab-at-combat-in-latest-dev-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-takes-a-stab-at-combat-in-latest-dev-walkthrough/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-takes-a-stab-at-combat-in-latest-dev-walkthrough/#comments It's very likely that your "people jumping around stabbing dudes" limit for today is well below what you expected and, frankly, that's a bunch of hogswallop. Let's fix that with a healthy dose of jumping stabs, courtesy of The Witcher 2.

Continue reading The Witcher 2 takes a stab at combat in latest dev walkthrough

JoystiqThe Witcher 2 takes a stab at combat in latest dev walkthrough originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricd-projektcd-projekt-redpcthe-witcher-2Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale trailer will remind you of the Forgotten Realms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-will-remind-you-of-the-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-will-remind-you-of-the-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/dungeons-and-dragons-daggerdale-trailer-will-remind-you-of-the-fo/#comments The latest trailer from Atari's Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale downloadable title doesn't disappoint -- there is a dungeon (Tethyamar, for those of you who know your Forgotten Realms setting) and a dragon, as well as a look at baddie Rezlus. For Cormyr!

Continue reading Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale trailer will remind you of the Forgotten Realms

JoystiqDungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale trailer will remind you of the Forgotten Realms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribedlamdungeons-and-dragons-daggerdalemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 24 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Centipede: Infestation invades 3DS and Wii this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/centipede-infestation-invades-3ds-and-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/centipede-infestation-invades-3ds-and-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/centipede-infestation-invades-3ds-and-wii-this-fall/#comments This is one of those times when we'd normally bemoan the "re-imagining" of classic games, but Atari's freshly announced rebirth of legendary trackball-based shooter Centipede, for 3DS and Wii, has us holding onto hope because of its developer. Due this fall, the title has been placed into the (capable) hands of WayForward Technologies, which has brought us the likes of Contra 4 and A Boy and His Blob.

Granted, Centipede: Infestation is definitely more of a reinterpretation of the original than either of those titles. It's evolved into a story-driven action game with dual-stick shooter mechanics, casting players as a orphaned boy in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He's joined by a female partner character who possesses the ability to make plants grow -- exactly how that ability will translate into gameplay hasn't been fully revealed. Two-player co-op is planned on console and handheld, with the latter supporting local wireless play and StreetPass functionality.

Based on the first gameplay footage released by Atari and WayForward's track record, we're unusually optimistic about this one. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Centipede: Infestation invades 3DS and Wii this fall

JoystiqCentipede: Infestation invades 3DS and Wii this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsactionataricentipedecentipede-infestationdsfall-2011nintendoWayForwardwiiTue, 19 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Atari's Greatest Hits' app brings 100 new old games to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/ataris-greatest-hits-app-brings-100-new-old-games-to-ios/#comments A new universal iOS app from Atari is making the standard App Store rounds today, starting in New Zealand and propagating worldwide throughout the day. The Atari's Greatest Hits app is a free download that provides paid access to 100 games from Atari's arcade and 2600 library, including classics like Yars Revenge, Haunted House and Asteroids, weird games like Circus Atari, and even rarities like Quadrun.

The app comes bundled with Pong, with additional titles available in four-game packs for $1 each, or $15 for the whole collection. Some of the games, including the whole RealSports series, Warlords and Breakout, have been updated with Bluetooth multiplayer.

This is the latest in a recent Atari effort to repackage its classics once again. Atari's Greatest Hits: Volume 1 was released as a retail cartridge on DS in November 2010.

Joystiq'Atari's Greatest Hits' app brings 100 new old games to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2600atariataris-greatest-hitsiphonemobilepongretroWed, 06 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST