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[60 GAME Australia stores to close]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/26/60-game-australia-stores-to-close/#comments GAME Australia administrators announced plans to close 60 retail stores at the cost of 264 jobs, GamesIndustry International reported Friday. An additional 17 head office positions will be terminated at the company.

In a media release, Kate Warwick of PricewaterhouseCoopers said, "this is a difficult time for employees and closing the stores was not a decision we made easily. However it is not financially viable to continue to operate at this level at this time." Warwick was appointed as voluntary administrator of GAME Australia on May 14.

The Australian Financial Review posted a list of the 60 stores that have closed.

Joystiq60 GAME Australia stores to close originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclosuregamegame-australiaretailSat, 26 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/blizzard-offering-refunds-for-au-diablo-3-pre-orders-unserved-by/#comments Just because you're far away from Blizzard, Australia, doesn't mean that the publisher doesn't love you. Case in point: after hearing about the issue with Australia's GAME retail chain and how that could affect Diablo 3 pre-orders (it would effectively cancel them without refund), Blizzard took to action.

On its forums, Blizzard reps explained how Australians affected by the issue could submit their receipt for a GAME Diablo 3 pre-order (purchased before May 15, 2012) directly to Blizzard for a refund. That "refund" only goes through after you've purchased the game directly from the official Diablo 3 site, as Blizzard's handling refunds via whatever payment method was used for the pre-order. In so many words, after paying for the game twice, Blizzard will refund your original pre-order expenditure with GAME.

Blizzard doesn't list the final instruction, perhaps out of kindness, which is to send a sharply worded letter to GAME's Australian reps. More details on how to submit your pre-order receipt to Blizzard will be posted "as soon as possible."

JoystiqBlizzard offering refunds for AU Diablo 3 pre-orders unserved by GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardaustraliablizzardblizzard-entertainmentDiablo-3gamemacpcTue, 15 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME Australia enters voluntary administration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/game-australia-enters-voluntary-administration/#comments ImageRetailer GAME's Australian arm has entered voluntary administration (i.e. "bankruptcy"), with stores continuing to operate as normal for the time being.

The company wrote on its Facebook page: "We are still trading in all stores and will operate in a business as usual mode while the Administrators obtain a clearer understanding of the current state of the business and actively pursue options to secure its future."

According to VG247, GAME has approximately 500 employees in Australia. GAME's immediate troubles in the UK concluded last month when the company was bought, but that was after it shut nearly 300 stores and cut thousands of jobs.

JoystiqGAME Australia enters voluntary administration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaGameMon, 14 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: Australian Classification Board rates 'Rabbids Rumble']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-australian-classification/#comments ImageThe Australian Classification Board has issued a rating of "G" to Rabbids Rumble from Ubisoft, which doesn't exist. Okay, well, not officially anyway. We're sure something exists, and that the Australian Classification Board rated it, but Ubisoft has yet to publicly acknowledge its existence, whatever it is. Just like every other time we've been present with a leak that completely lacks context, Rampant Speculation Theatre has some ludicrous, baseless guesses totally reasonable ideas about what Rabbids Rumble might be.
  • Not to miss the brawler gravy train, Rabbids Rumble will be a Smash Bros.-esque fighter starring all the extremely recognizable characters we all know and love from the Rabbids franchise, like, uhm, the white one, or the one with the ears. Launch is tentatively set for "whenever PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale comes out."
  • Other entirely made up sources claim that Rabbids Rumble is actually a hyper serious seismology simulator, wherein the player takes control of a Rabbid Seismologist that must analyze tectonic recordings from around the globe. Microtransactional progression is implemented via seismometer upgrades that can either be earned in-game, or purchased as DLC.

JoystiqRampant Speculation Theatre presents: Australian Classification Board rates 'Rabbids Rumble' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardrabbidsrabbids-rumblerampant-speculation-theatreubisoftSun, 06 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red PS3 lands on Australian shores at the end of May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-ps3-lands-on-australian-shores-at-the-end-of-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-ps3-lands-on-australian-shores-at-the-end-of-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/red-ps3-lands-on-australian-shores-at-the-end-of-may/#comments ImageSony has selected Australia as the next worthy recipient of the red PS3, after it debuted in Japan last year and waits to hit the UK on May 11, according to its current Amazon listing. Australia's scarlet PS3 will be available in select stores on May 31 for AU$460 (US$470). This is the 320GB version that comes with two matching Dualshock 3 controllers.

No word yet on the burnt eggshell yellow PS3s coming to any region of the world, ever.

JoystiqRed PS3 lands on Australian shores at the end of May originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaplaystationps3redred-ps3scarletThu, 03 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead won't head down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-walking-dead-wont-head-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-walking-dead-wont-head-down-under/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/the-walking-dead-wont-head-down-under/#comments Australian and Kiwi zombie enthusiasts looking forward to the first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead have been infected with something even more dangerous than a dead-raising mutagen: Disappointment.

While a listing for the title reportedly exists on the Australian PSN, The Walking Dead cannot actually be purchased or accessed in any fashion, according to a thread on the official Telltale forums. As it turns out, things are a bit worse than a broken listing: "Due to the OFLC ratings laws in Australia and New Zealand, and the fact that this is a mature game, we do not currently have plans to release the game there on consoles," so sayeth Telltale forums rep Mike.

For those of you not mired in the intricacies of Australian censorship politics, "OFLC" stands for the Office of Film and Literature Classification, which was the Australian Classification Board's parent agency until it was dissolved in 2006. Currently, the Classification Board belongs to the Attorney-General's Department, where it is responsible for assigning ratings to movies and video games.

At any rate, it must be reassuring to our friends down under that their island nations are apparently completely immune to zombie invasion.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead won't head down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australianew-zealandplaystationps3PSNthe-walking-deadThu, 26 Apr 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/australian-government-finally-introduces-r18-bill-to-go-into-e/#comments Australia's game rating woes are almost over. After years of debate and legal discussion about an R18+ rating for video games there (that would allow for the equivalent of the ESRB's M-rated games to be released without, you know, being illegal), the government has finally agreed to the new rating, aiming to enact it as early as next year. A bill setting up the extra rating was introduced to the Federal Parliament this week, and is expected to pass easily through the House and Senate.

The bill would go into effect sooner, but the Federal Minister for Home Affairs says the government needs time to finish all of the paperwork on the new regulation, and to allow each state and territory to draft its own laws enforcing the rating. The bill wouldn't mandate a nationwide rating, but simply allow each territory to create its own.

But that shouldn't be an issue, according to those in the know. Apparently, there's plenty of public support already. There were almost 60,000 submissions from the public responding to a discussion paper from 2010, and 98% of those were strongly in support of games rated R18+. As soon as the laws go into effect, retailers will be free to sell games as needed to anyone old enough to buy them.

JoystiqAustralian government finally introduces R18+ bill, to go into effect next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachildrenfederal-parliamentgameslegislationmaturer18ratingrulingThu, 16 Feb 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crimson Dragon rated in Australia, features markings of 'Project Draco']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/crimson-dragon-rated-in-australia-features-markings-of-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/crimson-dragon-rated-in-australia-features-markings-of-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/crimson-dragon-rated-in-australia-features-markings-of-project/#comments Neverending storiesIt would appear the final name of "Project Draco" will be Crimson Dragon, if the pieces of a recent Australian classification fit neatly together. The author of the classification is listed as Grounding Inc., with Microsoft as publisher. Also, the game is called Crimson Dragon, which seems to perfectly describe the flying reptilian protagonist of the game.

Project Draco, a Kinect-based dragon shooter, is heavily inspired by the Panzer Dragoon series. This observation is totally cool since the game is under the direction of Panzer Dragoon creator Yukio Futatsugi and many of the game's original team members. Project Draco is expected to fly sometime this year.

JoystiqCrimson Dragon rated in Australia, features markings of 'Project Draco' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardclassification-boardcrimson-dragongrounding-inckinectmicrosoftOFLCProject-DracoxboxTue, 14 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/european-retailer-game-puts-a-plaster-over-its-money-wound/#comments Earlier this week Game met with lenders to discuss its credit problems and options for staying in business, and now Game reports it will operate "with lower limits" and under "revised terms for its facilities." As of November 2011, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but has hinted that it could sell off more than half of its overseas locations, and it plans to close 60 stores by 2013. It closed 39 locations last year.

Game's economic problems aren't an issue solely for retailers, but can affect the larger gaming industry as well -- both EA and Take-Two discussed Game's position during their Q3 financial calls.

JoystiqEuropean retailer Game puts a plaster over its money wound originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaclosuredseuropefinancialgamemicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspretailsonyvitawiixboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/#comments One "anonymous source" speaking to Kotaku's Australian arm believes that more layoffs are affecting THQ, this time specifically targeting 14 AU-based employees and the remainders of the company's Japan-based office. As has been the company line throughout the the past week of intermittent layoffs, "THQ's five internal studios have not ben affected," the piece says, referencing THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

The rumor seemingly falls in step with last week's news of "administrative and publishing departments" being affected, as THQ's Australian and Japanese presence amounts to little more than distribution offices. The rumors follow two confirmed rounds of layoffs at the ailing publisher, whose stock price is trading at roughly $.70 currently.

THQ had yet to return request for comment as of publishing, but we'll update this post as we hear more. The publisher will report its financial third quarter results this Thursday, where it's promising more information about recent restructuring.

Update: THQ issued a response to Joystiq, which reads: "The actions in APAC [Asia-Pacific] are related to our reduction in force from last week - same statement applies. However, 'closing' is not accurate as we still have staff on the ground there and our OZ office has always handled our business relationships in APAC."

JoystiqRumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanlayoffsreportrumorthqthq-australiathq-japanMon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[R18+ bill goes before Australian parliament in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/r18-bill-goes-before-australian-parliament-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/r18-bill-goes-before-australian-parliament-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/r18-bill-goes-before-australian-parliament-in-february/#comments
A bill to allow an R18+ rating for games in Australia will be introduced to the parliament in February, Gamespot AU reports. Federal Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare plans to introduce the bill during the first session in parliament this year, expected to commence February 7.

Once introduced, the bill has to make its way through both houses, which have shown support for the bill. Even after all that, depending on the speed of the Classification Board, the R18+ rating could take some time to be in use. The point of the R18+ rating is to create an equivalent to the United States' ESRB "M" and Europe's "PEGI 18," allowing games deemed unsuitable for those under 15 years-of-age to be sold in the country. The current classifications regularly result in the outright banning of games in Australia, or massively toned down versions being produced for the continent.

JoystiqR18+ bill goes before Australian parliament in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardpoliticsR18ratingsTue, 24 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Chop' and 'Mad Riders' rated in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/chop-and-mad-riders-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/chop-and-mad-riders-rated-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/chop-and-mad-riders-rated-in-australia/#comments Two mysterious games have appeared on Australia's Ratings Board, one published by Ubisoft for PS3, and one published by Microsoft for an unspecified platform.

The PS3 game in question is called Mad Riders, and carries a G classification, suggesting that nobody is too mad. Microsoft has the Microsoft Studios-made Chop, whose violent title also belies a G rating. Chop was rated concurrently with Grasshopper Manufacture's baseball-action Kinect game Diabolical Pitch and its collaborative shmup Sine Mora, which both earned M ratings.

We've checked in with both Microsoft and Ubisoft, and we'll let you know when we find out what all the chopping and riding is about.

Joystiq'Chop' and 'Mad Riders' rated in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachopmad-ridersmicrosoft-studiosplaystationps3ratingsratings-boardubisoftThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 and Vita game 'Malicious' classified in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/ps3-and-vita-game-malicious-classified-in-australia/#comments
Malicious, a PSN-exclusive boss rush action game (genre: "I'd like to speak to the manager, and then stab him."), may bring its concentrated quest and weaponized cloak to territories beyond Japan. The Alvion-developed project has been classified in Australia and attached to publisher Sony Computer Entertainment, making a localized version likely.

The game's move to other markets could coincide with the upcoming Vita port, which was announced in August after the original launched on PlayStation 3. We've yet to hear any official details about a Malicious localization, but we've already started begging Sony to change the name and prevent confusion with our homoerotic "Firefly" fan novel.

JoystiqPS3 and Vita game 'Malicious' classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alvionaustraliaMaliciousoflcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnratingsonyvitaFri, 23 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Syndicate refused classification in Australia, called 'unsuitable for a minor' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/syndicate-refused-classification-in-australia-called-unsuitabl/#comments Syndicate has been refused classification in Australia, due to being "unsuitable for a minor to see or play." The current Australian classification standards still reject classification (i.e. ban) for any game that is only suitable for citizens over the age of 15.

"Combatants take locational damage and can be explicitly dismembered, decapitated or bisected by the force of the gunfire. The depictions are accompanied by copious bloodspray and injuries are shown realistically and with detail," reads the Classification report obtained by VG24/7. "Flesh and bone are often exposed while arterial sprays of blood continue to spurt from wounds at regular intervals," the report states, discussing an example mission."

The most high-profile Aussie rejection in 2011 was Mortal Kombat, which tried to appeal the decision and lost. The Witcher 2 avoided the issue with a small edit to pass the board. We've contacted EA to find out if the publisher will appeal or resubmit the title with alterations.

Update: EA not releasing Syndicate in Australia, notes "arcane censorship."

JoystiqSyndicate refused classification in Australia, called 'unsuitable for a minor' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaEAElectronic-Artsmicrosoftplaystationproject-redlimeps3starbreezestarbreeze-studiossyndicatexboxTue, 20 Dec 2011 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA['Prince of Persia' for Wii and 3DS, 'Rayman' for 3DS rated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/prince-of-persia-for-wii-and-3ds-rayman-for-3ds-rated/#comments Ratings have popped up in Australia for 3DS games called simply "Rayman" and "Prince of Persia," along with a Wii "Prince of Persia." Ubisoft has done plenty with both of these franchises, ensuring that we can't know for sure exactly what's been revealed here.

The simplest explanation is that these listings are all for Virtual Console downloads. Prince of Persia was released on both the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, making it eligible for the 3DS Virtual Console -- and it was made for almost all of the platforms supported by the Wii Virtual Console. In addition, a game called "Rayman" was released on Game Boy Color, which was a combination of elements from Rayman 1 and 2 -- and thus providing an example of why we'd have a hard time knowing what the plain "Rayman" title referred to.

[Image: GameFAQs]

Joystiq'Prince of Persia' for Wii and 3DS, 'Rayman' for 3DS rated originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaeshopnintendoprince-of-persiaratingraymanubisoftvirtual-consolewiiMon, 19 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS becomes Australia's fastest selling console ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/3ds-becomes-australias-fastest-selling-console-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/3ds-becomes-australias-fastest-selling-console-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/3ds-becomes-australias-fastest-selling-console-ever/#comments It's a 3DS, mate. "That's not a handheld ... this is a handheld." We can only imagine this sentiment is being echoed around Australia, as new 3DS owners show off their console to the poor souls still clinging to their PSP or DS. Gamasutra reports that Nintendo has revealed that its new 3D handheld has become Australia's fastest selling console in history, selling through 200,000 units in 37 weeks. Previous Australian records belonged to the DS family and, before that, the Xbox 360.

Another Australian record of note: Men At Work's seminal Business As Usual.

Joystiq3DS becomes Australia's fastest selling console ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustralianintendoThu, 15 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visceral Melbourne vets form mobile dev 'Playside']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/visceral-melbourne-vets-form-mobile-dev-playside/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/visceral-melbourne-vets-form-mobile-dev-playside/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/visceral-melbourne-vets-form-mobile-dev-playside/#comments PlaySide is a new mobile-focused Australian studio, founded from the remains of EA's Visceral Melbourne. Former Visceral game designer Gerry Sakkas founded PlaySide with other former staffers of the shuttered studio. PlaySide is looking to begin development of its first game next month.

"We are all about making a completely tailored experience for the mobile platform, with the added quality and polish of a console game," Sakkas told Kotaku AU. "Our biggest goals are to create unique and loveable characters and to make a real impact on the mobile games industry."

Australia's development scene has definitely taken a turn for the small and scrappy, following the closure or severe downsizing of the mega studios. Even massive publishers like EA are focusing on quality mobile development with Australian developers.

JoystiqVisceral Melbourne vets form mobile dev 'Playside' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaEAElectronic-ArtsPlaySideVisceral-GamesVisceral-MelbourneWed, 14 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ listed as Nexuiz publisher [update: it won't be Capcom]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/capcom-to-publish-nexuiz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/capcom-to-publish-nexuiz/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/capcom-to-publish-nexuiz/#comments It looks like grassroots-turned-XBLA/PSN CryEngine 3 arena shooter Nexuiz has found itself a publisher, bringing it one step closer to meeting the winter 2011 release window originally slated for the title. According to an Australian Classification Board filing, Capcom has landed the gig of bringing multiplayer mayhem to American living rooms, while its international publishing partner THQ will handle the legwork in the land down under.

Update: It seems THQ may be the publisher after all. Capcom USA told Joystiq this was an error in the listing. "Capcom does work with THQ Australia on a number of our titles, so this may have just been an easy mistake. We are not working on this." We're told THQ Australia is working to correct the information.

We still don't know any release date or pricing information, but ratings filings are usually a good indication of logistical specifics in our near future.

JoystiqTHQ listed as Nexuiz publisher [update: it won't be Capcom] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardcapcomillfonicmicrosoftnexuizpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 05 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/#comments Australia has one of the most lenient video-game-rating systems in the world.

No, really -- despite its reputation as an ultra-conservative, mature-rating hating government, "the reality is that many more games that are restricted to 17-year-olds in the U.S. or 18-year-olds in Europe are available without edit for 15-year-olds in Australia," said Chris Wright, former marketing head for THQ's two Australian studios, Blue Tongue and Studio Australia. "On balance, Australia is probably the most lenient country in the world for access to mature games."

No, really -- Wright was the man who presented Saints Row to the Australian classification board and he prepared plenty of ratings submissions in the country, both as head of THQ Asia Pacific and its two Australian studios. He knows the system, meaning he knows what it has and what it doesn't, such as an R18+ rating.

"I believe passionately that Australia needs an R18+ rating," Wright said. "But for me the R18+ rating is not about access to games, but parity with other entertainment forms and the acknowledgement of gaming as an adult pursuit. The R18+ rating will have a net effect of greater overall restrictions on access to games -- many games that would have previously been available to 15-year-olds will now only be available for 18-year-olds and above -- but will mean that a few games at the top end of the maturity scale are allowed to be released."

Legislation in Australia recently approved the R18+ rating (though it may take a few years to be enacted) and its Law Reform Commission is attempting to revamp the country's video-game rating system to acknowledge its adult audience. But recently, Australia has had more than ratings to worry about.

Continue reading Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive

JoystiqAustralian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaChris-WrightclosureDe-BlobDestroy-All-HumansIndieLA-Noirelayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ratingsSaints-RowTHQwiixboxSun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian Classification Branch: R18+ not ready for 'another couple of years']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/australian-classification-branch-r18-not-ready-for-another-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/australian-classification-branch-r18-not-ready-for-another-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/australian-classification-branch-r18-not-ready-for-another-co/#comments Though Australian minister for home affairs Brendan O'Connor told press that the R18+ games rating would be available for new titles "a couple of months" after its ratification by the nation's federal government, we might have to wait just a bit longer than that. According to Australian Classification Branch Manager of Applications David Emery, "it'll probably be another couple of years before we'll be able to accept an application for an R18 game."

"It's got to go to Parliament, then there's changes that have to be made subsequent to that," Emery explained -- changes that also need to be applied to the classification systems of each state and territory, as well. Try not to get too discouraged, Australian gamers: At least your children will be able to buy Resident Evil 11. Oh, wait, they'll need to be adults, first. Okay, Resident Evil 19.

JoystiqAustralian Classification Branch: R18+ not ready for 'another couple of years' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3r18ratingswiixboxFri, 28 Oct 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Stuff vs. Stuff' being published by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/stuff-vs-stuff-being-published-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/stuff-vs-stuff-being-published-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/stuff-vs-stuff-being-published-by-microsoft/#comments
Microsoft will publish Stuff vs. Stuff, according to the Australian Classification Board. What is it? Well, it's ... um, you see, it's stuff versus stuff. Maybe it's like random object Fight Club? Honestly, we don't have a clue.

The game is being developed by Smoking Gun Interactive, a Canadian outfit made up of ex-Relic and Company of Heroes veterans. So, they should know their stuff. If successful, we already see the sequel: Stuff vs. Stuff... now with bears.

Joystiq'Stuff vs. Stuff' being published by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardmicrosoftOFLCStuff-vs-StuffxboxThu, 27 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/rumor-2k-marin-in-australia-hit-by-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/rumor-2k-marin-in-australia-hit-by-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/rumor-2k-marin-in-australia-hit-by-layoffs/#comments 2K Marin's studio in Canberra, Australia, has allegedly gone through a round of layoffs. Kotaku AU reports that the studio, previously known as 2K Australia, cut 15 employees. The studio is currently assisting in the development of XCOM, which is scheduled to launch March 6, 2012. Requests for 2K to reconfirm that date, especially in light of recent announcements that would have titles from the same publisher competing against one another, have gone unanswered.

We contacted 2K to confirm the layoffs, but were informed it's company "policy not to comment on rumors or speculation"

If true, this is just the latest in a string of bad news for Australia's troubled development scene.

JoystiqRumor: 2K Marin in Australia hit by layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Australia2K-Games2K-Marinaustralialayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractivexboxXCOMThu, 20 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/fruit-ninja-dev-opening-new-studio-in-sydney/#comments Australian developer Halfbrick is opening up a studio in Sydney, which likely comes as welcome news for the nation's troubled development scene. Gamasutra took note of the job listings for the new Sydney office for the Brisbane-based studio.

Halfbrick is best known for Fruit Ninja, which has made the studio so much money, it sponsored an orchard as reparations for all the virtual fruit waste. It is also going to make more coin going the Angry Birds movie tie-in route, with the upcoming Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots. We're particularly fond of Halfbrick's Jetpack Joyride.

Asked if Halfbrick would change its name to "Fullbrick" after opening a second studio, Marketing Director Phil Larsen told us, "No. A logical question nonetheless."

JoystiqFruit Ninja dev opening new studio in Sydney originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidAustraliafruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdHalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemicrosoftmobileSydneyxboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Last Story classified in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/the-last-story-classified-in-australia/#comments We're happy to have some good news about a new regional release of The Last Story, even if it's not the region we would have picked. The Classification Board has rated Mistwalker's Wii action RPG for release in Australia, where its "fantasy violence and mature themes" have earned it an M rating.

The Last Story, of course, is one of the games for which "Operation Rainfall" is campaigning. Depending on your outlook (and your location), evidence of an Australian release can either be an encouraging sign of worldwide plans, or a version of the game in yet another region that isn't North America.

JoystiqThe Last Story classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamistwalkernintendooflcthe-last-storywiiMon, 10 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3 'Multiplayer Experience' live for PS Plus members in EMEA, AU/NZ this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/uncharted-3-multiplayer-experience-live-for-ps-plus-members-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/uncharted-3-multiplayer-experience-live-for-ps-plus-members-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/uncharted-3-multiplayer-experience-live-for-ps-plus-members-in/#comments It seems that Subway and Naughty Dog's bizarre "Taste for Adventure" campaign doesn't extend past US borders, as Uncharted 3's "Multiplayer Experience" heads to other parts of the world this Wednesday without help from the sandwich chain. The only caveat? You must have a subscription to PlayStation Plus to join in.

Sony's EU blog announced as much this morning, detailing the "Multiplayer Experience" as a chance for gamers in "Europe, South Africa, The Middle East, Australia and New Zealand" to check out U3's multiplayer -- post-beta -- for a full month before the game's early November launch. Don't fret, frugal non-PS Plus subscriber, as the announce additionally teases "other ways to gain access" to the multiplayer... thing via the PS blog and community forums.

Like the US version, participants will be able to carry over "key aspects" of their multiplayer experience to the retail version, such as XP. Other details are unfortunately scant, but Sony promises more soon.

Gallery: Uncharted 3 (multiplayer)

JoystiqUncharted 3 'Multiplayer Experience' live for PS Plus members in EMEA, AU/NZ this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaeuropemultiplayermultiplayer-experiencenew-zealandplaystationplaystation-plusps-plusps3south-africathe-middle-eastuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionMon, 03 Oct 2011 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/australian-government-begins-the-process-of-games-reform-with-a/#comments The Australian Law Reform Commission has been listening, and after hours of bureaucratic thought, research, filing papers, losing papers, rewriting those papers, finding the originals and sobbing quietly at their cubicles, the Australian government has proposed a Discussion Paper to revamp media classification ratings, including those for video games. The paper addresses issues of hypocrisy in its games-rating system, citing how long it took for the R18+ rating to be implemented, and how its absence was restrictive to adults in the country:

"Major inconsistencies exist in the application of classification guidelines across media platforms. The major anomaly has been in the treatment of computer games as compared to films and publications, with the absence of an R 18+ classification for computer games," the paper reads.

"This decision, which has only recently been reversed, can be seen as overly restricting the rights of adults to access content on a particular media platform, and as marking a reversion to earlier censorship-based understandings of the role of government."

Continue reading Australian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper

JoystiqAustralian government begins the process of games reform with a Discussion Paper originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliaAustralian-Law-Reform-CommissiondsL4D2Left-4-Dead-2macmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiixboxSat, 01 Oct 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut cleared for Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-cleared-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-cleared-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-cleared-for-australia/#comments House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut, the enhanced, Move-enabled PS3 version of the on-rails shooter originally released on Wii, has won its Australian classification appeal and will be available on October 27 in the region.

"It is with great pleasure that we announce the success of our appeal," said Darren MacBeth, managing director of Sega Australia. "We are proud to confirm that the game will be released in Australia in its original entirety, with no content altered or removed in any way."

The Board previously refused classification after it concluded that "the additional modes included in this modified version and the interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence." That point that didn't quite stand up to the simple rebuttal: "But it's almost the same thing on the Wii!"

JoystiqHouse of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut cleared for Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Australiaaustralian-classification-boardOFLCplaystationps3release-dateSegaThe-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillTue, 27 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[White PS3 coming to Europe and Australia this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/#comments If you're currently taking up residence in Europe or Australia and don't already possess a PlayStation 3, you might want to hold off on making the big purchase until the holiday season. According to retailer listings in the two continents, Sony will launch the 320GB Ceramic White PS3 model (which has been available in Japan for almost a year) in November for €300/£250 or AUD$448.

Why would you wait? Isn't this particular SKU of the consoles functionally identical to those currently available? Well, sure, but don't you want as many options available to you as is possible? Do you prefer if someone makes all your decisions for you? You've really gotta start thinking outside the box, man.

JoystiqWhite PS3 coming to Europe and Australia this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaceramic-whiteeuropeirelandplaystationps3skuukwhiteFri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Carnival Games: Wild West' called out by Australian ratings board]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/carnival-games-wild-west-called-out-by-australian-ratings-boa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/carnival-games-wild-west-called-out-by-australian-ratings-boa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/carnival-games-wild-west-called-out-by-australian-ratings-boa/#comments Did they even have carnivals in the Old West days? We thought people's time was all taken up by gunfights and being thrown through bar windows back then. 2K and Cat Daddy Games are indulging in either a bit of historical revisionism or actual history (again, we're fuzzy on the details of the time period), with Carnival Games: Wild West, an upcoming game spotted on Australia's ratings board.

The game is listed as "multi platform," which is the board's generic term (and doesn't necessarily mean the game is actually multiplatform.) At the moment, then, we don't know whether you'll be controlling the old-timey minigames with Kinect, Move, or the good old-fashioned Wiimote.

Oh, hey, horseshoes! That's something that people might have played back then, maybe. People had horses, anyway.

Joystiq'Carnival Games: Wild West' called out by Australian ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaustraliacarnival-gamescarnival-games-wild-westCat-Daddy-GamesratingsMon, 05 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Mutation Station' rated for Xbox in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/mutation-station-rated-for-xbox-in-australia/#comments Mutation Station, what's your classification? "General," according to Australia's ratings board. Something under that title is being published for Xbox 360 by Microsoft, as the rating reveals.

No details about the title have been officially announced, but a safe guess would be that it's another Kinect Fun Labs widget, one that lets you alter the appearance of anything you put in front of the camera, either by warping it or tacking on virtual tentacles and stuff.

An unsafe guess would be that it's an app that causes your Xbox 360 to overheat, and then directs you to get closer to it and soak up the radiation it emits.

[Thanks, Sacra.]

Joystiq'Mutation Station' rated for Xbox in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclassification-boardkinectkinect-fun-labsmicrosoftmutation-stationratingxboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Avengers: The Video Game leaks, cancelled by THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-avengers-the-video-game-leaks-cancelled-by-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-avengers-the-video-game-leaks-cancelled-by-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/the-avengers-the-video-game-leaks-cancelled-by-thq/#comments Concept from Avengers video game cancelled by THQ Early last month, THQ shuttered a few Australian studios that were working on licensed titles. A leak seems to reveal what one of those titles could have been: A video game tie-in to the upcoming Avengers movie. WouldYouKindly poked around on a few websites of concept artists formerly employed by THQ, and found some concept art and even a test animation (which has since been hidden) showing off Thor, Captain America, and Hawkeye all beating up on some Skrull enemies. One concept also shows Hulk and Iron Man in the mix.

The Avengers: The Video Game was at least being pitched, if not actually developed, for PS3, Xbox 360, and the PC. According to the LinkedIn profile of at least one developer, the game has been completely canceled, though we're not sure about the status of the license -- presumably, if THQ isn't making the game, Marvel could try shopping it to another developer or publisher.

JoystiqThe Avengers: The Video Game leaks, cancelled by THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaavengerscaptain-americaconceptiron-manmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thorthqxboxTue, 30 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Extended Cut' content keeping House of the Dead out of Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/extended-cut-content-keeping-house-of-the-dead-out-of-australi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/extended-cut-content-keeping-house-of-the-dead-out-of-australi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/extended-cut-content-keeping-house-of-the-dead-out-of-australi/#comments Overkill refused Down Under Yesterday, we postulated that the extra content in House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut could be the reason the game was refused classification in Australia. It turns out that's exactly what happened, according to a Classification Board decision report obtained by Joystiq.

The report specifically cites the new Hardcore mode contained in Extended Cut, which requires players to make headshots and evidently ratchets the violence into territory that is "unsuitable for a minor to see or play." The report also mentions Extra Mutants mode which is ... well, it's pretty self-explanatory. Somewhat puzzling, however, is the fact that Extra Mutants mode was also available in the original Wii version of the game.

The Board concludes that "the additional modes included in this modified version and the interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence." So there you have it: Classification refused.

Joystiq has yet to receive comment on the matter from Sega, the game's publisher.

Joystiq'Extended Cut' content keeping House of the Dead out of Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardoflcplaystationplaystation-moveps3segaThe-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillWed, 24 Aug 2011 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[House of the Dead Overkill 'Extended Cut' refused classification in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/house-of-the-dead-overkill-extended-cut-refused-classification/#comments The new content in the "Extended Cut" of The House of the Dead: Overkill has resulted in the game itself being cut from Australian release. The Classification Board has refused classification of the PS3 update of the Wii game. The R18 rating has yet to go into effect, meaning that material considered too "adult" is still refused classification.

The original potty-mouthed zombie shooting game was released in Australia in 2009, though there was some controversy at the time about the rating lacking notification about the vast, prolific use of profane language. Perhaps, then, it's not that this version is much more objectionable -- it could just be that the board wasn't paying close enough attention the last time.

We've contacted both Sega and the Classification Board to learn more about the (expletive) situation.

JoystiqHouse of the Dead Overkill 'Extended Cut' refused classification in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacensorshipclassification-boardheadstrong-gamesplaystationplaystation-moveps3The-House-of-the-Dead-OverkillTue, 23 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Saints Row: Money Shot' rated, alleged screens posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/saints-row-money-shot-rated-alleged-screens-posted/#comments Over the weekend, a rating for something under the super classy title "Saints Row: Money Shot" appeared on the Australian Ratings Board database. All we know officially is that it's developed by THQ Digital Phoenix and earned an MA15 rating.

Unofficially, however, we have some screenshots posted by MSXboxWorld, which look to us like grabs from a video. The screens reveal what looks like a Saints Row-themed light gun game or rail shooter. Achievements also posted on the site, worth 200 points, suggest that this is an XBLA game (or Saints Row: The Third DLC). There's even a description of the premise: "You are Cypher, a deadly assassin in the world of Saints Row, and you hunt the most elusive targets with the most sophisticated weaponry that Ultor has to offer." You can apparently control the movement of each bullet to weave its way to the intended target.

Officially, the planned Saints Row XBLA/PSN/3DS game, Saints Row: Drive By, was cancelled. But, to engage in a bit of conjecture for a moment, the concept and appearance of this game seem tailor-made for 3D. Could the project have been resurrected? Or is this all just media for a cancelled game, with the Australian rating a vestige of its former development?

Joystiq'Saints Row: Money Shot' rated, alleged screens posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftratingsaints-rowsaints-row-money-shotthqthq-digital-phoenixxblaxboxMon, 22 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Old Republic will not be region locked at launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/the-old-republic-will-not-be-region-locked-at-launch/#comments If you're a Star Wars buff who happens to be Australian, or an arctic explorer, or a space-pilgrim on your way to colonize Hyperion, know that BioWare has totally got your back. In order to ensure that gamers in exotic locations still have access to the highest number of droids possible, BioWare has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will not be region or IP locked at launch.

Fresh-faced padawans and burgeoning sith lords will still have latency to content with, as no amount of midi-chlorians can break the laws of physics, but a little inconvenience never killed anyone. What has killed people, however, are the ice-tusked burrowing monstroliths of Hyperion. Be safe, brave explorers.

JoystiqThe Old Republic will not be region locked at launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaIPIP-lockedpcRegion-lockedStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicSun, 14 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gargoyle's Quest heading West on 3DS Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/gargoyles-quest-heading-west-on-3ds-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/gargoyles-quest-heading-west-on-3ds-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/gargoyles-quest-heading-west-on-3ds-virtual-console/#comments Gargoyle's Quest, Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins spinoff -- about the flying red devil Firebrand (who you may know as that awful thing that kills you in most Ghosts 'n Goblins games) saving the Ghoul Realm, was one of the first Game Boy games to be released on the 3DS eShop in Japan, a fact of which we have been super jealous for quite some time.

The side-scrolling platformer/RPG is headed to the west -- at least, it's headed to Australia, according to a rating in that country. It's safe to assume that if it shows up on Virtual Console there, it will in the rest of the world as well. There are no localization barriers in this case: Gargoyle's Quest came out on Game Boy in North America back in 1990.

[Image: GameSpite]

JoystiqGargoyle's Quest heading West on 3DS Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaustraliacapcomdsgargoyles-questnintendovirtual-consoleFri, 12 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Australia boss shows interest in acquiring ex-THQ talent down under]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/sega-australia-boss-shows-interest-in-acquiring-ex-thq-talent-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/sega-australia-boss-shows-interest-in-acquiring-ex-thq-talent-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/sega-australia-boss-shows-interest-in-acquiring-ex-thq-talent-do/#comments Two days ago, THQ announced it's realigning its resources, shutting down two of its Australia-based studios: the Melbourne-based Blue Tongue Entertainment and the Brisbane-based THQ Studio Australia. Today, Sega Studios Australia's head honcho, Marcus Fielding, has shown interest in THQ's dismissed devs.

Fielding told MCV that Sega is looking to "explore our short term hiring strategy to reflect the sudden influx of talent in Australia." He added that he hopes to "announce the potential for taking on more staff soon."

Sega Studios Australia is currently the largest video game development studio in Brisbane, and is busy working on London 2012 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms. Over the last several years, Australia has lost a handful of Brisbane-based studios including Pandemic Australia, Auran, and most of Krome.

JoystiqSega Australia boss shows interest in acquiring ex-THQ talent down under originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiablue-tongue-entertainmentbrisbanelondon-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3segasega-studios-australiathqthq-studio-australiaxboxThu, 11 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't be alarmed: SNK's Shock Troopers is coming to PS3 and PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/dont-be-alarmed-snks-shock-troopers-is-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/dont-be-alarmed-snks-shock-troopers-is-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/dont-be-alarmed-snks-shock-troopers-is-coming-to-ps3-and-psp/#comments Another SNK classic is due to pull into the PS3 and PSP "NeoGeo Station." Officially coming to Japan on August 25 (alongside World Heroes), the top-down run-and-gunner Shock Troopers was also rated for release in Australia, indicating plans for SNK to release it elsewhere in the world.

In Shock Troopers, players control one of eight squad members to fight through the forces of the evil "Bloody Scorpions" faction and rescue a scientist and his granddaughter. It was never officially released for the Neo Geo home system, available only as an arcade "MVS" cartridge -- and on the SNK Arcade Classics disc years later.

JoystiqDon't be alarmed: SNK's Shock Troopers is coming to PS3 and PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanneogeo-stationplaystationps3pspsaurusshock-trooperssonyWed, 10 Aug 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia finally getting its R18+ rating]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/australia-finally-getting-its-r18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/australia-finally-getting-its-r18-rating/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/australia-finally-getting-its-r18-rating/#comments
Australia is finally getting an R18+ classification for video games, meaning that games deemed unacceptable for minors under 15 can be sold in the country. Minister for Justice Brendan O'Connor announced today that the New South Wales Attorney-General, who was the only censorship minister to abstain from last month's vote, has given his "in-principle support" for the new rating.

"I am delighted that NSW has decided to support what is not just a practical public policy, but a very popular policy," said O'Connor. "Once introduced, the new classification will also afford adults the opportunity to view material designed for adults."

Draft guidelines presented at the prior meeting have since been amended, requiring approvals from some jurisdiction's cabinets. The government is moving forward to introduce the new classification, which it had previously hoped to have available by year's end.

[Thanks, Shane.]

JoystiqAustralia finally getting its R18+ rating originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australialawmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3r18wiixboxWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resistance 3 heads to the Outback in 'Alice Springs' multiplayer map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/resistance-3-heads-to-the-outback-in-alice-springs-multiplayer/#comments
What's more important than getting a look at the just revealed "Alice Springs" map for Resistance 3 set in Northern Australia? To us, that answer is clearly "learning how to kill, like, a million chimera in a row." Luckily, this latest gameplay clip does both.

JoystiqResistance 3 heads to the Outback in 'Alice Springs' multiplayer map originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alice-springsaustraliagameplayinsomniacinsomniac-gamesmultiplayerplaystationps3Resistance-3scesceasony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-americaTue, 09 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST