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[GOG shows you how to 'enhance' old Baldur's Gate games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/gog-shows-you-how-to-enhance-old-baldurs-gate-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/gog-shows-you-how-to-enhance-old-baldurs-gate-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/gog-shows-you-how-to-enhance-old-baldurs-gate-games/#comments How to make your own Baldur's Gate Enhanced EditionFollowing the delay of Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition, GOG.com swooped in with a guide for how to make your own enhanced versions of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. While the dow noted the delay to the update from Trent Oster's Beamdog, the distributor saw that as an opportunity to post the step-by-step guide to enhance the games' graphics. Credit goes to GOG.com forum user GoJays2025 for putting the guide together.

For the record, the enhancement requires six mods, and both of the games. It's convenient, then, that GOG.com has them on sale at $3.49 each. Meanwhile, Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition is scheduled to hit November 30.

JoystiqGOG shows you how to 'enhance' old Baldur's Gate games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2baldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdoggog.compctrent-osterWed, 19 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/dungeons-and-dragons-games-on-sale-through-gog/#comments Dungeons and Dragons games on crazy sale through GOGLook, playing actual Dungeons & Dragons takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to find a group of people you don't hate to play with, and then you have to spend days constructing a campaign for them to adventure through. And then, when you finally get down to playing, that one guy decides to be a maverick a pull some crazy stunt that breaks the encounter.

Thankfully, there are alternatives for people who want the lore without actually having to play Dungeons & Dragons, and said alternatives just happen to be on sale at GOG for the next six days. Baldur's Gate: The Original Saga, Baldur's Gate 2 Complete, Neverwinter Nights Diamond Edition, Icewind Dale Complete, Icewind Dale 2 Complete, Dungeons & Dragons: Dragonshard, The Temple of Elemental Evil, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone and Planescape: Torment are all available for less than five bucks, or in one big bundle for $30.01.

JoystiqDungeons & Dragons games on sale through GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2Baldurs-Gate-2-CompleteBaldurs-Gate-The-Original-SagaBioWareblack-isle-studiosdungeons-and-dragonsDungeons-and-Dragons-DragonshardForgotten-Realms-Demon-StonegoghasbroIcewind-Dale-2-CompleteIcewind-Dale-CompleteLiquid-EntertainmentNeverwinter-NightsNeverwinter-Nights-Diamond-EditionpcPlanescape-Tormentstormfront-studiosThe-Temple-of-Elemental-Eviltroika-gamesFri, 14 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition pushed to Nov. 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-pushed-to-nov-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-pushed-to-nov-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-pushed-to-nov-30/#comments It looks like fans will have to wait for Baldur's Gate to swing open once again, as Beamdog head Trent Oster has revealed that Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition has been delayed. Writing in the Baldur's Gate forums, Oster noted that the overwhelming response to the project - and the resulting influx of volunteers, additions and fixes - has lead Beamdog to push the project back from September 18 to November 30.

In other words, it sounds as if the project has grown larger than Beamdog originally intended. "The suggestions, fixes, and translations continue, and more volunteers keep joining," wrote Oster, adding that Beamdog has delayed the project to provide "the best possible product on launch."

Oster asks for patience from fans, promising "something a little extra" is in the works for those who have already pre-ordered.

JoystiqBaldur's Gate Enhanced Edition pushed to Nov. 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdogdelaypcrelease-dateTrent-OsterFri, 14 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/dave-gross-nat-jones-join-baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-team/#comments ImageBeamdog has announced the writer for all of that new content coming in the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate: Dave Gross. A very experienced fantasy and D&D writer, Gross has worked for TSR in the past, as well as having written two Forgotten Realms novels. More recently, he says, he was "sitting in a coffee shop complaining about the lack of classic RPGs for the iPad, when [Beamdog's] Trent [Oster] appeared in a sulphurous cloud and said, 'Have I got a job for you.'" Gross will presumably work to update the old game, as well as oversee all the writing on the new content as well.

Elsewhere on that team, artist Nat Jones has also joined up. He's got a background in fantasy and horror comics, and has worked on some story elements in Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer comic series as well. Good to hear there's some substantial talent working on this much-anticipated revival.

JoystiqDave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidartistbaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editioniosipadiphonemobilepcwriterSun, 29 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ventures to iPad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-ipad/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-ipad/#comments One of the advertised augmentations in Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition is that it has an iPad port. Developer Overhaul Games has revealed some images of Baldur's Gate running on the iPad, but that's about it. Other than it existing, nothing else is known about the iPad version.

Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition will launch this summer with the original game, Tales of the Sword Coast expansion pack, and "a new adventure and new party member." See the original announcement for more information, and see our gallery below for images of how you might lounge around and tap through the game when it launches this summer.

Gallery: Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition (iPad)

JoystiqBaldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition ventures to iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdogiosipadipad-3mobileoverhaul-gamesthe-new-ipadThu, 22 Mar 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition also in the works (plus bonus BG:EE details)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-2-enhanced-edition-also-in-the-works-plus-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-2-enhanced-edition-also-in-the-works-plus-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-2-enhanced-edition-also-in-the-works-plus-bonus/#comments Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition hasn't even been an official thing for 24 hours, and yet its sequel is already in the plan, according to the above tweet from Beamdog's creative director Trent Oster. Beyond the fact that it exists, precise information regarding Baldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition is even slimmer than what we've got on Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition.

What we do know, however, is that both games will also include their respective expansion packs: Tales of the Sword Coast for Baldur's Gate and Throne of Bhaal for Baldur's Gate 2. The team at Overhaul Games is correcting issues with Baldur's Gate's multiplayer, and there may even be a chance that your original save file could still work.

JoystiqBaldur's Gate 2: Enhanced Edition also in the works (plus bonus BG:EE details) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2baldurs-gate-2-enhanced-editionbaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionBeamdogOverhaul-GamespcTales-of-the-Sword-CoastThrone-of-BahlThu, 15 Mar 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition arrives this summer [update: more news!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-enhanced-edition-arrives-this-summer/#comments Nope, we still don't really know what this Baldur's Gate announcement business is, but we sure do know its name now: "Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition." Huzzah! As previously reported, Beamdog is working on the Baldur's Gate project, though the developer's Overhaul Games division is taking lead. Atari is handling publishing duties, and Wizards of the Coast is licensing its (D&D-based) IP.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-enhanced-editionbeamdogoverhaul-gamesremakewizards-of-the-coastThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Baldur's Gate teaser site gets a countdown and a soundtrack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/baldurs-gate-teaser-site-gets-a-countdown-and-a-soundtrack/#comments
BaldursGate.com just appeared back at the end of February with naught more than a poem and a rumor, and it's lain dormant since then -- until now. Just this evening, a countdown has appeared on the site, along with a tune (more on that in a second), both that seem to be hinting at a big reveal coming up in just about twelve hours from now, at 11am Pacific on Thursday morning.

The music, which is reminiscent of the theme from the legendary singleplayer RPG (and sounds great) is indeed linked to a file on Beamdog.com, which is former BioWare designer Trent Oster's website, and has previously published an enhanced remake of BioWare's MDK2. Considering that the sound file is actually located at "files/overhaul/theme.mp3," it's probably a good bet that the announcement is some sort of Baldur's Gate remake from Oster's studio, Overhaul Games.

For exactly what platforms however (PC, iOS, or even consoles), we'll have to wait until the official word arrives. The good news is that there's not too long to wait. If you hurry, you can listen to the minute-long theme music about 720 more times before the big reveal arrives.

JoystiqBaldur's Gate teaser site gets a countdown and a soundtrack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebaldurs-gate-2beamdogbiowareclassiccountdownmdk-2overhaul-gamesremakerumorthemetrent-osterThu, 15 Mar 2012 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Baldur's Gate site teases Beamdog-developed franchise project [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/report-baldurs-gate-site-teases-beamdog-developed-franchise-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/report-baldurs-gate-site-teases-beamdog-developed-franchise-pr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/report-baldurs-gate-site-teases-beamdog-developed-franchise-pr/#comments What's going on at BaldursGate.com? We're not 100 percent sure, honestly, but it sure looks like a teaser site for some form of new entry in the BioWare franchise. And Game Banshee seems to know more, claiming to have solidified news that the site was put together by former BioWare designer Trent Oster and his cohorts at Beamdog. "We're not related to the Steam Complete Edition," Oster said, referring to a recently discovered Baldur's Gate Complete Edition. "I can tell you that much. Other than that, we're hoping to announce something soon."

What that "something" is remains to be seen, but from the various Baldur's Gate accoutrement on the teaser site, it sure looks like a Baldur's Gate something is in the works over at Beamdog. Considering that Beamdog handled the HD port of BioWare's MDK 2, it stands to reason that an HD port of Baldur's Gate could be in the works. Regardless, we've yet to find out for sure.

An adorable little poem was also found in the site's source code, which we've dropped after the break. And hey, do us a quick solid -- if you're way into the Baldur's Gate franchise and spot something especially notable on that site, don't hesitate to shoot us a note.

Continue reading Report: Baldur's Gate site teases Beamdog-developed franchise project [Update]

JoystiqReport: Baldur's Gate site teases Beamdog-developed franchise project [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gatebeamdogbiowareteaser-sitetrent-osterWed, 29 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/aias-hall-of-fame-game-changers-confess-pro-mistakes/#comments Kicking off DICE 2011, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences invited Hall of Fame "game changers" to speak on a variety of topics, moderated by New York Times writer Seth Schiesel. Things got introspective when the panel discussed design decisions they wish they could take back, or a plan that didn't work out as well as they thought it would.

BioWare's Dr. Greg Zeschuk, who will be inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame this year with business partner Dr. Ray Muzyka, said that about 10 or 12 years ago he made a pitch video for Five Fingers of Death. It was going to be a kung-fu game set in the Baldur's Gate universe. Cutscenes would have have been too expensive to produce, so Zeschuk spent several weeks re-dubbing old kung-fu movies using his own voice. When the tape went out he recalls several companies laughed them off.

If anyone happens to have a copy of that tape, there are several video upload sites we'd be more than happy to recommend.

Continue reading AIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes

JoystiqAIAS Hall of Fame 'Game Changers' confess pro mistakes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiasaias-hall-of-famebaldurs-gatebiowarebruce-shelleydice-2011five-fingers-of-deathgreg-zeschukmark-cernymike-morhaimepcray-muzykaThu, 10 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoG not dead, relaunching with new site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/gog-not-dead-relaunching-with-new-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/gog-not-dead-relaunching-with-new-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/22/gog-not-dead-relaunching-with-new-site/#comments So Good Old Games finally put an end to its wretched "we're pretending to close" stunt today. In a bizarre announcement, for which the company's leaders appeared in monk's robes, it was announced that the service will relaunch with a revamped website.

There were also plenty of (much-needed) apologies from the company for its hoax, which turned mourning for the site's demise into waves of vitriol from a jilted fan base.

Update: So, here are the broad strokes of the new GoG.com:
  • Facebook integration that allows you to "Like" games
  • A new recommendation system based on games you've bought and rated
  • A download calculator
  • GoGmixes: user-created lists of titles grouped around a single theme
  • Baldur's Gate will be added to the service when it relaunches tomorrow at 9AM ET

JoystiqGoG not dead, relaunching with new site originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gategoggog.comgood-old-gameshoaxmacmarketingpcWed, 22 Sep 2010 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/atari-reveals-plans-to-revisit-baldurs-gate-others/#commentsFiled under: ,

Infogrames President Phil Harrison announced today at a publisher event that the company plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter Nights and Test Drive Unlimited -- but not until after 2009 (via Eurogamer). Three of those franchises have had recent releases (NWN2: Storm of the Zehir last month, TDU and D&D Tactics in February 2007).

As for Baldur's Gate, a follow-up to BG2: Throne of Bhaal has been rumored since 2001 from now-defunct Black Isle Studios. It was reportedly mentioned again by a PC Gamer UK editor as recently as January 2008.

JoystiqAtari reveals plans to revisit Baldur's Gate, others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribaldurs-gateinfogramesneverwinter-nightsphil-harrisontest-drive-unlimitedTue, 02 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay resurrection report: new website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/interplay-resurrection-report-new-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/interplay-resurrection-report-new-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/interplay-resurrection-report-new-website/#commentsFiled under:


Well, calling it a "website" might be a bit of a stretch. It's more of a digital poster really. Still, it looks like the rebirth of Interplay is officially underway. Fastidious X3F readers will recall that the company submitted an SEC filing late last year that detailed plans to return to the video game development business, largely in thanks to the profits made in the sale of the Fallout IP to Bethesda. Said plans included the revival of several of Interplay's well-known franchises including Earthworm Jim, MDK, and Baldur's Gate. It seems that Interplay is moving forward with its plans, as the new website will attest. Consisting solely of the image seen above, Interplay.com clearly references all three of the franchises mentioned above as well as Fallout (most likely the MMO Interplay has been talking about since 2006). Let's hope we see some details sooner rather than later.

[Thanks, Boff]

JoystiqInterplay resurrection report: new website originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baldurs-gateearthworm-jimfalloutinterplaymdkWed, 12 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EST