Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Australian government supports local indie devs with $6M grant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/australian-government-supports-local-indie-devs-with-6m-grant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/australian-government-supports-local-indie-devs-with-6m-grant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/australian-government-supports-local-indie-devs-with-6m-grant/#commentsAustralian government supports local indie devs with $6M grant Australia's government-sponsored media funding body Screen Australia announced its support for local indie game developers, promising to pay out a $6 million grant over the next three years.

The stimulus arrives in response to a sharp decline in industry income and employment. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, local game industry employment dropped from 1,431 to 581 people between 2011 and 2012. Screen Australia announced its funding in the hopes that local developers will "grow the business, retain intellectual property, keep a skilled workforce and raise the necessary finance."

The following ten indie studios will share the grant:

Continue reading Australian government supports local indie devs with $6M grant

JoystiqAustralian government supports local indie devs with $6M grant originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafundingindieWed, 19 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crash 'n the Boys Australian rating hints at Wii U Virtual Console release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/crash-n-the-boys-australian-rating-hints-at-wii-u-virtual-conso/#commentsCrash 'n the Boys Australian rating hints at Wii U Virtual Console release An Australian Classification rating for the 1992 NES urban olympics title Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge has surfaced, hinting at an upcoming release for the Wii U's Virtual Console service.

Notably, Crash 'n the Boys is part of the same series as developer Technos' River City Ransom, a cult classic that ranks as an all-time favorite among many NES fans. While it arrived at retail late in the NES's lifespan and never gained much of a following, Street Challenge's appearance on the Wii U could potentially be followed by Virtual Console upgrades for Super Dodge Ball, Double Dragon, and other well-remembered titles from Technos' back catalog.

Crash 'n the Boys is rated PG for "mild violence" - a generous classification, as the game includes a swimming minigame in which players attempt to drown their opponents. Joystiq's David Hinkle took the game for a spin back when it first launched for the Wii's Virtual Console, calling it "fun, but tiring."

JoystiqCrash 'n the Boys Australian rating hints at Wii U Virtual Console release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian-classification-boardclassification-boardcrash-n-the-boys-street-challengenintendotechnosvirtual-consolewii-uThu, 09 May 2013 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthbound rated for Wii U in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/earthbound-rated-for-wii-u-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/earthbound-rated-for-wii-u-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/earthbound-rated-for-wii-u-in-australia/#commentsEarthbound rated for OFLC in Australia Nintendo has yet to announce a release date for Earthbound in North America or Europe, but did say the game is definitely on its way to the Wii U Virtual Console this year. That process is progressing, with a listing on the Australian Classification system direct from Nintendo. Earthbound is rated M in Australia for crude humor and sexual references. Ness, you've grown up so fast.

Earthbound never made it to the Wii's Virtual Console, even though Nintendo promised an appearance. Earthbound's existence on the Wii U satisfies our nostalgia - considering it actually launches this time - though we recognize the hilarity in using an 18-year-old game as a system seller. Only Nintendo.

JoystiqEarthbound rated for Wii U in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaEarthboundnintendovirtual-consolewii-uSun, 05 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Men's Room Mayhem' rated for Vita in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mens-room-mayhem-rated-for-vita-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mens-room-mayhem-rated-for-vita-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mens-room-mayhem-rated-for-vita-in-australia/#comments Men's Room Mayhem rated for VitaA Vita game called "Men's Room Mayhem" has been rated by the Classification Board in Australia. It's the work of developer Sawfly Studios, a group of four former Sony Liverpool employees.

Sawfly hasn't officially announced its game yet, but on the studio's website, art director Jon Eggelton said "We take a lot of inspiration from games like That Game Company's Journey, and Playdead's Limbo." Maybe Sawfly is working on two games? It's either that, or we're heading to a future in which something called "Men's Room Mayhem" surprises us with subtlety and beauty.

We've asked publisher Ripstone just what this is, because there's no way we can read that title and not have questions. Ripstone confirmed its existence, but is still waiting to make an official announcement. "What I can say is it's a game about mens rooms and what goes on behind closed cubicle doors (but not in a dodgy way!)" the publisher told us.

Joystiq'Men's Room Mayhem' rated for Vita in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaclassificationmens-room-mayhemplaystationplaystation-vitaripstonesawfly-studiosvitawhatFri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian government invests in game industry to halt job migration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/australian-government-invests-in-game-industry-to-halt-job-migra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/australian-government-invests-in-game-industry-to-halt-job-migra/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/australian-government-invests-in-game-industry-to-halt-job-migra/#comments Austalian government invests in games industry to halt job migrationAustralia's government-funded Screen Australia program plans on investing $20 million into the local video game industry. Gamasutra reports the organization will spend $4-5 million on games production and $2-3 million on supporting business sustainability over the next year.

The organization cites the American-owned Firemonkeys, studio-killing LA Noire and Halfbrick (Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride) as successful signs of Australian-developed games - hey, one legit shout-out to Halfbrick out of three ain't bad.

Australia has had to spend the past several years reinventing its place in the video game industry. Unfavorable exchange rates for foreign investors caused major publishers to pull console game development out of the country, causing severe job losses over a three-year period. The region has found success focusing on the mobile market.

JoystiqAustralian government invests in game industry to halt job migration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafiremonkeysfruit-ninjafruit-ninja-hdhalfbrickscreen-australiaMon, 18 Feb 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite pre-orders in EU, AU, NZ can get Steelbook case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-in-eu-au-nz-can-get-steelbook-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-in-eu-au-nz-can-get-steelbook-cas/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-in-eu-au-nz-can-get-steelbook-cas/#comments BioShock Infinite preorders in EU, AU, NZ can get Steelbook case via GamestopGameStop, EB Games and Micromania locations in Europe, Australia, and New Zeland will have a special, exclusive preorder item for the upcoming Bioshock Infinite. Players who pre-order the game at the specified retail chains in those regions will be rewarded with a special "Fink Manufacturing SteelBook case," emblazoned with the Fink Manufacturing logo.

In America, GameStop already offers the "Industrial Revolution" pack with a preorder, as well as a special in-game weapon. But it looks like the SteelBook case is just for GameStop International customers. Bioshock Infinite is due on March 26.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite pre-orders in EU, AU, NZ can get Steelbook case originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabioshockbioshock-infinitebonusbonusescaseeuropefink-manufacturinggamestopindustrial-revolutionmicrosoftnew-zealandpcplaystationpreorderps3steelbookxboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct skips Wii U in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-skips-wii-u-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-skips-wii-u-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-skips-wii-u-in-australia/#comments The Walking Dead Survival Instinct not coming to Wii U in AustraliaThe Walking Dead: Survival Instinct isn't coming to the Wii U in Australia, Activision tells Australian Nintendo website Vooks.

"As with every game release, publishers decide which platforms to release based on customer demand," Activision says. "Unfortunately it wasn't there for the Wii U SKU on The Walking Dead."

Survival Instinct for Wii U was previously listed on Australia's EB Games website, but the listing quietly disappeared, and Activision stopped mentioning the Wii U version in its Australian press releases. Survival Instinct is scheduled to hit Wii U in North America on March 26 and in Europe on March 29, and it comes to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on March 19 in North America.

JoystiqThe Walking Dead: Survival Instinct skips Wii U in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionaustralianintendothe-walking-dead-fpsthe-walking-dead-survival-instinctwii-uTue, 12 Feb 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/#comments Namco Bandai extends Codemasters PAL distribution deal through 2013Namco Bandai Europe is continuing to distribute British developer/publisher Codemasters' games throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this year. That distribution now covers "all key" EU territories, including the UK & Ireland. The new agreement represents both an extension and expansion of the two companies' distribution partnership, first cemented in 2010, and includes Grid 2 plus some "unannounced" Codemasters games.

The news follows the recent announcement of restructuring at Codemasters, with 80 people reportedly laid off as a result. As for this side of the ocean, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment handled Codemasters' distribution in the Americas throughout last year after taking over from THQ - we can't see Namco Bandai America going back, somehow.

Continue reading Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013

JoystiqNamco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacodemastersdistributioneuropenamco-bandainamco-bandai-europePALMon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Walking Dead classified for Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-walking-dead-classified-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-walking-dead-classified-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/the-walking-dead-classified-for-australia/#comments Despite being surrounded by water and populated with vicious crocodiles, Australia will still suffer the inevitable incursion of the undead. More specifically, Telltale's The Walking Dead has been classified in Australia. The game received an MA15+ rating for its "strong themes and horror violence." Sounds about right.

Telltale confirmed to IGN that the game will be available to download on both PlayStation Network and Xbox Live "very soon," with retail release dates for the console and PC versions expected "in the coming weeks."

JoystiqThe Walking Dead classified for Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftpcplaystationps3telltalethe-walking-deadxboxTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve exploring Left 4 Dead 2 with R18+ rating for Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/valve-exploring-left-4-dead-2-with-r18-rating-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/valve-exploring-left-4-dead-2-with-r18-rating-for-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/valve-exploring-left-4-dead-2-with-r18-rating-for-australia/#comments Valve's Linux Left 4 Dead outperforms Direct XValve is looking into its options for bringing the unedited version of Left 4 Dead 2 to Australia. Gamespot took note of a post on the Steam forums where Valve's Chet Faliszek stated the company is exploring the brave new world of R18+ ratings for video games in the region.

"No need to flood us with emails," wrote Faliszek. "We will have more information on this when we understand the issues fully and how we are moving forward but don't worry any cost associated with it doesn't worry us, this is something we want to do."

Left 4 Dead 2 was denied classification twice in its unedited form for Australia. The game was eventually classified in the region without zombie decapitation and limb dismemberment - a skillset that Australians would have learned is also helpful in dealing with necromorphs.

JoystiqValve exploring Left 4 Dead 2 with R18+ rating for Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaL4D2Left-4-Dead-2pcr18r18+valveThu, 17 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition seeking Australian classification]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-seeking-australian-classificatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-seeking-australian-classificatio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-seeking-australian-classificatio/#comments Warner Bros. will submit Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition for classification in Australia. GameSpot reports the fighter will seek a rating under the country's new R18+ classification for games. Mortal Kombat was refused classification in the region when it launched two years ago and also lost a subsequent appeal.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge will be Australia's first game classified as R18+. Australia finally relaxed its censorship laws last year to allow games intended for those over the age of 15 to be sold in the country.

JoystiqMortal Kombat: Komplete Edition seeking Australian classification originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-2011Mortal-Kombat-Komplete-Editionplaystationps3r18r18+wbiexboxTue, 15 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scribblenauts Unlimited not coming to Europe until 2013 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/scribblenauts-unlimited-not-coming-to-europe-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/scribblenauts-unlimited-not-coming-to-europe-until-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/scribblenauts-unlimited-not-coming-to-europe-until-2013/#comments Scribblenauts Unlimited not coming to Europe until 2013Scribblenauts Unlimited won't reach Europe until next year, developer 5th Cell revealed this week. Posting on Twitter, the developer noted "2013" is the European window for both the Wii U and PC versions.

With Unlimited being a Wii U launch arrival in North America, fans expected it to join the system in Europe on November 30. Posting on NeoGAF, 5th Cell CEO Jeremy Slaczka said the 2013 window for Europe is "due to things outside of development," and not related to localization issues.

There's also confusion over the Australian release, with 5th Cell and publisher Warner Bros. apparently contradicting each other. According to 5th Cell, Unlimited is actually limited to North America until 2013. However, Level Up Times reports it's coming to Australia on November 28, according to a Warner Bros. representative. We've reached out to the publisher for clarification and will update if we hear anything.

Update: A Warner Bros. representative tells us details on the European distribution of Scribblenauts Unlimited are coming soon.

JoystiqScribblenauts Unlimited not coming to Europe until 2013 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellaustraliadelaydelayseuropenintendopcrelease-datescribblenauts-unlimitedwarner-broswarner-bros-interactivewii-uFri, 23 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/quest-for-glory-creators-join-with-brawsome-to-launch-kickstarte/#comments Quest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for HeroUCorey and Lori Cole are the creators of Quest for Glory, a highly regarded series of role-playing adventure games that first arrived in 1989 and then continued as a series of sequels through 1998. Now, the couple is planning another game called Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption, and they've taken to Kickstarter to try and raise $400,000 to make it.

That's a tidy sum, but this is a substantial project: Not only are the Coles developing the title, but Australian game developer Brawsome is on board as well, having recently released its own puzzle/RPG game, MacGuffin's Curse. Hero-U is set to play like a tactical, top-down RPG, but it is also supposed to include the charm, puzzles, and story that the Coles and their games are known for.

If you're interested in contributing, the team is offering most of the usual Kickstarter bonuses, from a simple digital copy of the game and soundtrack, all the way up to the chance to get a personal D&D adventure from the Coles, or to appear in or help out with Hero-U's design yourself. The team's got about $290K left to earn and 26 days to get there, but given the pedigree of the folks behind this one we'd guess their chances are better than most.

JoystiqQuest for Glory creators join with Brawsome to launch Kickstarter for Hero-U originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2dadventureaustraliaaustralianbrawsomecorey-colegameshero-ukickstarterlori-colemacmoneypcraisingtop-downWed, 24 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ agrees Australian distribution deal, 18 jobs lost in AU closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/thq-agrees-australian-distribution-detail-18-jobs-lost-in-au-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/thq-agrees-australian-distribution-detail-18-jobs-lost-in-au-cl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/thq-agrees-australian-distribution-detail-18-jobs-lost-in-au-cl/#comments THQ closes Australian offices, 18 jobs lostTHQ today announced it's in the process of closing its Melbourne offices, and will be laying off 18 employees as a result. Speaking to Gamasutra, THQ revealed the company signed a new distribution agreement for Australia with All Interactive Entertainment, thereby making its Asia-Pacific office based in Melbourne defunct. The offices are to be closed across the coming months. 14 of the company's Australian employees had already lost their jobs earlier this year.

This is the latest in several rounds of layoffs made by the North American publisher this year. In February the company announced restructuring would force 240 of its employees to lose their jobs. Reports then came in that its Japanese office had closed down, then in the summer its San Diego office closed too. Soon after the company consolidated quality assurance into one Montreal office, with 57 employees affected and some laid off completely. Two months ago, THQ cut its marketing and production staff by 20 employees.

JoystiqTHQ agrees Australian distribution deal, 18 jobs lost in AU closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australialayoffsTHQWed, 10 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6 out early in Australia (this is how the infection begins)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/resident-evil-6-out-early-in-australia-this-is-how-the-infectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/resident-evil-6-out-early-in-australia-this-is-how-the-infectio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/resident-evil-6-out-early-in-australia-this-is-how-the-infectio/#comments Resident Evil 6 on sale early in Australia, so this is where the infection beginsResident Evil 6 is available in Australia for Xbox 360 and PS3, and has been since Thursday, Game Informer AU reports. The game technically has a release date of Tuesday, October 2, but hey, that's more of a guideline anyway.

Back in August, copies of Resident Evil 6 were let loose in Poland, though those turned out to be stolen. The Australian sales appear to be legit (or so EB Games makes it seem), so if you're in the area call up your local retailer and see if you can get lucky.

[Thanks, Blaise!]

JoystiqResident Evil 6 out early in Australia (this is how the infection begins) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaCapcomearlymicrosoftplaystationps3resident-evil-6street-datexboxSun, 30 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo maintains region-locking policy with Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/nintendo-maintains-region-locking-policy-with-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/nintendo-maintains-region-locking-policy-with-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/nintendo-maintains-region-locking-policy-with-wii-u/#comments Nintendo maintains regionlocking policy with Wii UNintendo today disclosed that the Wii U is region-locked. Speaking to CVG, the company confirmed the new console won't support games purchased outside of its region, meaning North American Wii U systems can only play games bought in North America. Nintendo then closed its arms and grumbled furiously under its breath, before finally blowing us an unnecessarily long raspberry (or so it seemed to us.)

While Sony and Microsoft leave the decision to region-lock games with publishers, Nintendo typically takes matters into its own hands. The GameCube, Wii, and 3DS are all region-locked, although the DS isn't. We should know, we've played plenty of Ouendan on ours. Such good times (sigh.)

JoystiqNintendo maintains region-locking policy with Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaeuropejapannintendoregion-lockingUSAwii-uMon, 24 Sep 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia's R18+ guidelines published, industry 'concerned']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/australias-r18-guidelines-published-industry-concerned/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/australias-r18-guidelines-published-industry-concerned/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/australias-r18-guidelines-published-industry-concerned/#comments Australia's R18 guidelines published, industry 'concerned'The Australian government today published its new guidelines for the classification of computer games, but those guidelines were met with concern by the country's games industry. The R18+ classification for video games comes into effect on January 1 2013, but Australia's Interactive Games & Entertainment Association responded to today's guidelines with only a "reserved and qualified welcome."

The IGEA's concern centers on a couple of the guidelines' assertions. Firstly, the guidelines state that similarly themed content is more impactful in video games than in film, and potentially more harmful. Secondly, the guidelines attribute this greater impact to the medium's interactive nature. In short, the new classification will hold games to a higher standard than film, and may see some games that were banned without the R18 classification stay banned despite its effectuation.

Shortly after the guidelines were announced, the IGEA released a statement. While that statement does express a welcome to the guidelines, the language is laced with skepticism and disappointment:
"Given the opposition to the introduction of an R18+ category from a vocal yet unrepresentative section of the community, along with a largely conservative group of Attorneys-General, it is no surprise the new guidelines hold video games to a higher standard across a number of categories compared to film and what originally existed for video games.

"As we have previously stated, we are concerned with the acknowledgment in the guidelines that interactivity has greater impact on players, despite the Federal Attorney-General's office publishing a literature review in September 2010 that found no evidence to support these claims. There will be continued debate about whether the interactivity of video games has a greater impact than other forms of media, and we will continue to refer to the lack of the evidence to support these claims."
There are four months to go until the R18+ classification comes to Australian video games, and this isn't the last we'll hear about it before then. You can find the government's guidelines here, and read the IGEA's response to them here.

JoystiqAustralia's R18+ guidelines published, industry 'concerned' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabansgovernmentr18r18+Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Straight Right building two Wii U games that aren't Mass Effect 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/straight-right-building-two-wii-u-games-that-arent-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/straight-right-building-two-wii-u-games-that-arent-mass-effect/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/straight-right-building-two-wii-u-games-that-arent-mass-effect/#comments Straight Right building two Wii U games that aren't Mass Effect 3Straight Right, the developer creating Mass Effect 3 for the Wii U, has two other Wii U games in its workshop, boss Tom Crago tells Eurogamer. One game is an original IP, while the other is "based on another big franchise," set to launch in 2013.

"We've made a number of bets on the Wii U, so we're certainly hoping that the platform comes strongly out of the gate," Crago says. "We've got two other titles in development. One of them is original, our own IP, and another is based on another big franchise that will come out in 2013. It's a big title and you will have heard of it."

Mass Effect 3 is slated to be a Wii U launch title, whenever that may be. Straight Right started work on the Wii U version months before Mass Effect 3 launched on other platforms in March.

"This is the biggest title we've worked on in a long time," Crago says. "There's a significant technical challenge bringing the game from its original format to the Wii U. It's a new, different and sophisticated piece of hardware, so there's a good deal of technical energy that's been expended making that happen."

JoystiqStraight Right building two Wii U games that aren't Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafranchisemass-effect-3nintendooriginal-ipstraight-rightwii-uSun, 09 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX coming to Australia, PAX Prime extended to 4 days next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/pax-coming-to-australia-pax-prime-extended-to-4-days-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/pax-coming-to-australia-pax-prime-extended-to-4-days-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/pax-coming-to-australia-pax-prime-extended-to-4-days-next-year/#comments PAX coming to Australia, PAX Prime extended to 4 days next yearDuring the Q&A session today, Penny Arcade proprietors Mike "Gabe" Krahulik and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins confirmed that PAX is indeed coming to Australia. On top of that, the duo announced that PAX Prime would last an extra day next year.

And for all of you hopeful for a UK stop on the PAX tour, it's something Penny Arcade is thinking about. "We want to go there," Krahulik responded when grilled by someone from the UK. Regardless, the duo doesn't have anything specific to announce right now.

JoystiqPAX coming to Australia, PAX Prime extended to 4 days next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiapaxpax-2012pax-australiapax-prime-2012penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expoFri, 31 Aug 2012 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 Wii U developed by Australian studio Straight Right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/mass-effect-3-wii-u-developed-by-australian-studio-straight-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/mass-effect-3-wii-u-developed-by-australian-studio-straight-righ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/mass-effect-3-wii-u-developed-by-australian-studio-straight-righ/#comments BioWare and EA have chosen their companion for the development of Mass Effect 3's Wii U iteration: Australian developer Straight Right, who has previously been responsible only for Shift 2: Unleashed on iOS.

According to a comment on Facebook, Straight Right considers itself a "sister company" to larger Melbourne developer Tantalus Media. "Part of the same group and sharing the same building," the company explained.

Mass Effect 3 is a launch game for Wii U, whenever that is. For more information on the exclusive features Straight Right is implementing for BioWare, check out our hands-on preview.

JoystiqMass Effect 3 Wii U developed by Australian studio Straight Right originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamass-effect-3nintendostraight-rightwii-uWed, 29 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/boxed-dark-souls-prepare-to-die-edition-heads-to-consoles-octob/#comments Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition will be released as a boxed product for consoles, Namco Bandai has announced. Launched (and modded!) this week on PC, the Prepare to Die Edition features all of the original Dark Souls content along with a new expansion called "Artorias of the Abyss" and brand new PVP matchmaking. This new console edition will launch in Europe and Australasia on October 26. For those who already own Dark Souls on console, the new content is slated for a downloadable release as well.

We've contacted Namco Bandai to see if the retail edition is headed to North America as well.

Continue reading Boxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia

JoystiqBoxed Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition heads to consoles October 26 in Europe, Australasia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australasiaaustraliadark-soulseuropefrom-softwaremicrosoftnamco-bandaiplaystationproject-darkps3xboxMon, 27 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One territory can now purchase R18+ games in Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/one-territory-can-now-purchase-r18-games-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/one-territory-can-now-purchase-r18-games-in-australia/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/one-territory-can-now-purchase-r18-games-in-australia/#comments ACT first Australian jurisdiction to pass R18 lawThe Australian Capital Territory this morning became the first state or territory to pass the R18+ law in Australia. In June, after a decade of political strife, all Australian states and territories agreed to a bill ending the country's much criticized ban on adult games. ACT is now the first to make it law for adults to have access to games rated 18+.

ACT is the smallest of Australia's self-governing internal territories, home to only 1.6% of the country's total population. Australian gamers should now hope the news results in a domino effect across the country. Despite the bill being passed by federal government, each state and territory must pass the law under its own jurisdiction.

JoystiqOne territory can now purchase R18+ games in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australialawr18r18+Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Remember Me's 'Neo-Paris' was a 'late choice,' US / AU both considered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/remember-mes-neo-paris-was-a-late-choice-us-au-both-cons/#comments Remember Me's 'NeoParis' was a 'late choice,' US AU both consideredThe art style of Dontnod Entertainment's "Neo-Paris" in Remember Me is stunning, and the vision of a futuristic Eiffel Tower glimmering in the background of many images gives the game a distinctive look - not dissimilar from the beauty of modern day Paris. The city may be a staple of the game now, but Remember Me's development saw Nilin potentially memory jacking foes in the United States or Australia before settling on the dev team's home base.

"Since the beginning, I really wanted to have Remember Me not being all French, for instance," Dontnod creative lead Jean-Maxime Moris told us in an interview this week at Gamescom. "Neo-Paris was a late choice, because we wanted to stay away from it. We had that global warming element to the game," Moris added, a reference to the concepts we saw last year when the game was still known as "Adrift."

"First we thought about Australia or the US, and then we were like, 'Well, let's just stick to Paris, because we have all the material, it's a great city, and it hasn't been done in the way we wanna do it,'" Moris said. Beyond just a thematic shift, the choice of Neo-Paris fits with the game having an international feel, he said.

"There are French elements to the game, but we wanted it to have some American appeal - kind of really extending the scope of the city, and the characters, and the scope of the robots. And at the same time, there is definitely a Japanese feel to it with the cyberpunk theme. Japanese have been eating cyberpunk for breakfast for 30 years now. Ghost in the Shell, and Akira and all those things," Moris added.

We might've followed up to that question, but we were too busy thinking about Japanese people eating cyberpunk for breakfast. What a dangerous proposition!

JoystiqRemember Me's 'Neo-Paris' was a 'late choice,' US / AU both considered originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adriftaustraliacapcomdontnoddontnod-entertainmentfrancegamescom-2012jean-maxime-morismicrosoftneo-parisparispcplaystationps3remember-meunited-statesxboxFri, 17 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ty the Tasmanian Tiger returning for his tenth anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/ty-the-tasmanian-tiger-returning-for-its-tenth-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/ty-the-tasmanian-tiger-returning-for-its-tenth-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/ty-the-tasmanian-tiger-returning-for-its-tenth-anniversary/#commentsFinally a new Ty the Tasmanian TigerKrome Studios has been relatively quiet since it scaled down in late 2010, but the Australian developer is ready to return to prominence in the most Krome Studios-y way possible, with a new Ty the Tasmanian Tiger game.

Ty, in case you missed his adventures, starred in three games last generation, a series of Australia-themed 3D platformers in which the title character throws boomerangs at enemies and searches for collectibles.

No details have been revealed about the new game, other than the presence of boomerangs, but if we were to speculate we'd guess the aspect ratio of the teaser image suggests a mobile game.

JoystiqTy the Tasmanian Tiger returning for his tenth anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiakrome-studiosty-the-tasmanian-tigerFri, 27 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil 6 Collector's Edition spreads to Europe and Australia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/resident-evil-6-collectors-edition-spreads-to-europe-and-austra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/resident-evil-6-collectors-edition-spreads-to-europe-and-austra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/resident-evil-6-collectors-edition-spreads-to-europe-and-austra/#comments Resident Evil 6 Collector's Edition infecting Europe and AustraliaThe Resident Evil 6 Collector's Edition is making its way to Europe and Australia, dragging the following juicy leftovers with it,: a zombie steel book; an exclusive hardback art book; an Ivy University, Tall Oaks hoodie; zinc alloy emblems of the three main protagonists' squad signs, framed, mounted and signed by senior producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi, producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi and director Eiichiro Sasaki; an avatar download code for Xbox 360 players or a dynamic theme for PS3.

All of this is thrown in the "Needle Bomb" collectors box, along with the game itself, of course.

A standalone, zombie-proof steelbook version of Resident Evil 6 is available today for pre-order as well, for "around the same price as the standard version," Capcom announced.

Continue reading Resident Evil 6 Collector's Edition spreads to Europe and Australia

JoystiqResident Evil 6 Collector's Edition spreads to Europe and Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaCapcomcollectors-editioneuropemicrosoftpcplaystationps3resident-evil-6xboxMon, 25 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australia finally passes R18+ rating for games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/australia-finally-passes-r18-rating-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/australia-finally-passes-r18-rating-for-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/18/australia-finally-passes-r18-rating-for-games/#comments
After years of back and forth political posturing and bickering, Australians will finally have the ability to legally purchase games intended for those over 15 years of age. Australia's R18+ video game classification, equivalent to the ESRB's "M" rating in the States and PEGI 18 in Europe, has passed the federal parliament.

"These are important reforms over 10 years in the making," Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said, as reported by News.com.au. "The R18+ category will inform consumers, parents and retailers about which games are not suitable for minors to play and will prevent minors from purchasing unsuitable material."

The classification law now puts games on equal footing as movies and other media forms.

[Thanks, Yetimilk]

JoystiqAustralia finally passes R18+ rating for games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3r18wii-uxboxMon, 18 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![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