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[New Batman Arkham game coming this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/new-batman-arkham-game-coming-this-year/#comments A new Batman Arkham game is being released this year, although it's unknown if series developer Rocksteady Studios is behind it. The news comes courtesy of the Time Warner Q4 2012 earnings call, as posted by Yahoo! Finance.

"And we also have a strong games release this year, which will include the next release in the Batman Arkham franchise," said John K. Martin, Time Warner chief financial officer and chief administrative officer.

Warner Bros. Interactive and Rocksteady Studios released Batman: Arkham Asylum in 2009, followed by Arkham City in 2011. In that sense, a new Arkham game in 2013 adds up.

According to a Variety report from last year, Rocksteady is developing another Batman game, but it's set in the Silver Age of comic history, and isn't expected to be released until 2014. Maybe Variety and Warner are talking about the same game, but it sounds like they may not be. In any case, we've reached out to Warner Bros. Interactive for more info.

JoystiqNew Batman Arkham game coming this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkhambatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-cityfinancialsrocksteady-studioswarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentWBIETue, 12 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec. 18 [Update: Rage DLC also on 360/PC, details confirmed]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/14/rage-sleeping-dogs-dlc-packs-firing-up-on-psn-dec-18/#comments Rage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec 18Rage and Sleeping Dogs are getting new DLC expansions on PSN via next week's North American store update. As revealed by this week's PlayStation Blogcast, December 18 sees Rage receive the long-rumored "The Scorchers" content, while Sleeping Dogs receives its second gameplay-extending DLC with the "Zodiac Tournament Pack."

Rage publisher Bethesda and developer id haven't disclosed any details on The Scorchers, although uncovered trophies suggest it brings a new job path and "Ultra Nightmare Difficulty" to the shooter. As for Zodiac Tournament Pack, publisher Square Enix revealed it introduces a new island area to Sleeping Dogs, along with two unlockable outfits and some extra fighting moves to unleash.

The podcast also revealed Karateka makes the jump to PSN on December 18, along with PS3 digital downloads of Lego Lord of the Rings and Batman: Arkham Asylum.

We've reached out to publishers Square Enix and Bethesda for more information on the Sleeping Dogs and Rage DLC packs respectively.

Update: Bethesda has officially announced The Scorchers over on its official blog, confirming the addition of an "Ultra Nightmare" difficulty level, as well as six new areas, new mini-games and a new Nailgun weapon. The DLC pack will also arrive on Xbox 360 and PC this Tuesday.

JoystiqRage, Sleeping Dogs DLC packs firing up on PSN Dec. 18 [Update: Rage DLC also on 360/PC, details confirmed] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumbethesdabethesda-softworksDLCid-softwarekaratekalego-lord-of-the-ringsplaystationps3PSNragerelease-datesleeping-dogssquare-enixsquare-enix-london-studiosunited-front-gamesFri, 14 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gallery: The Tokyo Game Show 2012 Square Enix/Play Arts Booth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/gallery-the-tokyo-game-show-2012-square-enix-play-arts-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/gallery-the-tokyo-game-show-2012-square-enix-play-arts-booth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/22/gallery-the-tokyo-game-show-2012-square-enix-play-arts-booth/#comments Gallery The Tokyo Game Show 2012 Square EnixPlay Arts BoothSo, I'm not a professional photographer or a professional action-figure critic or anything, but I am a professional Video Games Person, so I was duty bound by my strict code of VGP ethics to take a lot of pictures of some pretty awesome looking stuff at Square Enix's Play Arts booth during this year's Tokyo Game Show.

Prototype figures from upcoming Halo, Batman and Mass Effect figure series can all be seen in the gallery below, as can my inadvertently-captured pasty reflection and a few bonus slimes that were thrown for good measure.

Gallery: Play Arts (TGS 2012)

JoystiqGallery: The Tokyo Game Show 2012 Square Enix/Play Arts Booth originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresanne-hathawaybatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylumcowboy-bebopdevil-may-crydollsfigurehaloheath-ledgermass-effectmetal-gearplay-artsslimessquare-enixstreet-fightertekkenthe-jokertomb-raidertoysSat, 22 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paul Dini explains absence from next Batman game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/paul-dini-explains-absence-from-next-batman-game/#comments Here's how Paul Dini got removed from writing more Batman gamesBatman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City writer Paul Dini isn't working on the next Batman game from Rocksteady, but we already knew that much. However, other than some vague tweets, we didn't know why that was the case. The reason turns out to be much less thrilling than any of his Batman scripts:
"The last talk I had with Warner Interactive about future games was while I was doing promotion for Arkham City last September. Naturally as there was such a rush of interest about Arkham City, everyone was asking me about a third game, and frankly, I had been wondering about that myself. When I asked about the possibility of working on a third game I was told that as Rocksteady had just finished wrapping the second one, it would be a while before everyone was ready to sit down and discuss future plans. That said, it was intimated that for future games, Warner and Rocksteady might not be looking as much to freelance writers, the message being, that if I had something else interesting coming my way, I might want to take it."
Dini says he wasn't included in Arkham City's DLC projects, and he hasn't been tapped for work on the rumored Silver Age-themed Batman game, said to be Rocksteady's next project. He's since taken on other work that makes him "unavailable to take on anything new until 2013." He's not bitter, though, even noting that "If we wind up working together again at some point, that would be cool, too."

JoystiqPaul Dini explains absence from next Batman game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citypaul-dinirocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwarner-brothers-interactivewbwbieMon, 06 Aug 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/big-batman-deals-on-steam-this-weekend-small-batman-not-on-sale/#comments Image
The Steam signal burns in the night sky and Batman answers the call, probably because he isn't wearing his glasses and the clouds make the Steam logo look like a diagonal bat if he squints. Batman: Arkham City is half off ($15) and Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition is 66 percent off ($7) this weekend on Steam, sale ending Monday, May 7.

You'd think Bruce would have the money to get Lasik, wouldn't you?

JoystiqBig Batman deals on Steam this weekend, small Batman not on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editionBatman-Arkham-CitylasikpcsaleSTEAMsteam-saleThu, 03 May 2012 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/arkham-asylum-action-figures-coming-to-japan/#comments Not to be confused with the upcoming line of DC figures based on the Caped Crusader's escapades through Gotham and its related institutions, these new figures from Square Enix recreate Batman: Arkham Asylum's Harley Quinn, who happens to come with her own little Scarface, as well as a new armored Batman variant.

Each toy comes with interchangeable hands and accessories and will be available in Japan this May for ¥5,800, or about $76.

Gallery: Batman: Arkham Aslyum (Square Enix Figures 2)

JoystiqArkham Asylum action figures coming to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresBatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylumdollsharley-quinnjapanRocksteady-Studiosscarfacesquare-enixtoysSat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive Labor Day sale includes $0.99 Batman: Arkham Asylum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/onlive-labor-day-sale-includes-0-99-batman-arkham-asylum/#comments Harvey Batman, Salesman of the Month If you've yet to play Batman: Arkham Asylum, or if you've wanted to try OnLive, today might be the day to pull the trigger. Having reached 45,000 "Likes" on Facebook, the service is now offering the game at the criminally insane price of $0.99 as part of its Labor Day Sale. Simply enter the code "99cents" at checkout and Arkham Asylum is yours. Act fast though, the batty offer is only available today.

Additionally, having reached its goal, OnLive will now donate $1 to Child's Play for any more "Likes" received for the rest of the day.

Now, if you haven't played Arkham Asylum and you've been itching to try out OnLive, try to remember this day, because it's all down hill from here.

JoystiqOnLive Labor Day sale includes $0.99 Batman: Arkham Asylum originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylummacpcRocksteady-StudiosWarner-BrosMon, 05 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/onlive-celebrates-indie-pendence-day-with-an-explosive-sale/#comments OnLive is celebrating "Indie-pendence" Day with a massive sale on -- you guessed it -- a random selection of mainstream blockbusters and popular underground games.

The sale includes Batman: Arkham Asylum, Darksiders, Just Cause 2, a pre-order deal on Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and of course an inundation of hit indie titles such as Braid, The Maw, Osmos and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. OnLive's "Indie-pendence" Day Sale runs through the completely unrelated day of July 4, so hurry and check out your options after the jump before this thing vanishes like smoke after a firework.

Update: OnLive is sending all PlayPack subscribers a free game of their choice this Tuesday, and as long as you sign up for the monthly unlimited-gaming service before midnight Pacific on July 4, you can snag a free game too. Thanks, Silent Killer01!

Continue reading OnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale

JoystiqOnLive celebrates Indie-pendence Day with an explosive sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentBatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumBraidDarksidersDarksiders-Wrath-of-Wardeus-ex-human-revolutionfireworksIndiependence-Day-SaleJust-Cause-2OnLivepcThe-MawSun, 03 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Would-be Batman: Arkham City trailer is fishy, let's take a closer look]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/would-be-batman-arkham-city-trailer-is-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/would-be-batman-arkham-city-trailer-is-fishy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/would-be-batman-arkham-city-trailer-is-fishy/#commentsBatman: Arkham City debunk This is fun! A supposedly leaked trailer billing itself as "Batman: Arkham City - Warner Bros - Trailer Fight" has made its way to French video-sharing site Kewego. The approximately 2-minute clip features our fearless Dark Knight beating up baddies with ... the Joker? Putting aside our canonical concerns about the caped crusader clobbering criminals with the clown prince of crime, a few other things raise immediate bat signals.

Join us after the break for our best world's greatest detective impersonation as we piece together the clues and reveal the truth about this "Trailer Fight."

Continue reading Would-be Batman: Arkham City trailer is fishy, let's take a closer look

JoystiqWould-be Batman: Arkham City trailer is fishy, let's take a closer look originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-AsylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymachinimamicrosoftplaystationps3Rocksteady-StudiosWBIExboxWed, 26 Jan 2011 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam deals today include Batman, Audiosurf, Deathspank, Kane & Lynch 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/steam-deals-today-include-batman-audiosurf-deathspank-kane-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/steam-deals-today-include-batman-audiosurf-deathspank-kane-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/steam-deals-today-include-batman-audiosurf-deathspank-kane-and/#comments Steam has a big "Give and Get" sale going on throughout the weekend, with a couple of daily deals mixed in for good measure (and your post-download pleasure). Musical racer Audiosurf is a steal at $2.50, and we can't imagine hiring better heroes than DeathSpank and Batman for just over $10 each. Have a look at the full list:
  • Audiosurf -- $2.50
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition -- $10.20
  • DeathSpank -- $10.04
  • Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days -- $5
  • Indie Story Pack (includes Gish, And Yet It Moves, Jolly Rover, Puzzle Agent and Recettear!) -- $4.99
  • EVE Online: Tyrannis -- $5
  • Defense Grid: The Awakening -- $2.50
  • Cities XL 2011 -- $29.99
As of 10PM EST, you have 15 hours left before the daily deal concludes. This counts for Steam's nifty gift packs too, which offer several copies of a game to be distributed amongst your pals.

JoystiqSteam deals today include Batman, Audiosurf, Deathspank, Kane & Lynch 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiosurfBatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylumblack-friday-2010kane-and-lynch-2-dog-dayspcsteamThu, 25 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Direct's NY Comic Con offerings full of gaming all-stars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/dc-directs-ny-comic-con-offerings-full-of-gaming-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/dc-directs-ny-comic-con-offerings-full-of-gaming-all-stars/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/dc-directs-ny-comic-con-offerings-full-of-gaming-all-stars/#comments Wondering what those announced, but mostly unseen DC Direct gaming figures look like? We spotted them this morning at the NY Comic Con, casually posing in a glass case. Most of the items aren't for sale until later this year -- we might find that more troubling if it weren't bank account depletion season (read: Q4).

Gallery: DC Direct at New York Comic Con 2010

JoystiqDC Direct's NY Comic Con offerings full of gaming all-stars originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-Asylumdc-comicsdc-directnew-york-comic-connew-york-comic-con-2010nyccnycc-2010Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum contains hidden clues about Arkham City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/batman-arkham-asylum-contains-hidden-clues-about-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/batman-arkham-asylum-contains-hidden-clues-about-arkham-city/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/batman-arkham-asylum-contains-hidden-clues-about-arkham-city/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It turns out the new Batman: Arkham City game recently announced by Rocksteady in Game Informer has been in the planning stages for a while -- there are hints in Batman: Arkham Asylum that the cape and cowl adventure would expand its borders. A secret room hidden in the back of Warden Quincy Sharp's office has actually held concept art and a map of the upcoming sequel this whole time.

Players who finished the Spirit of Arkham quest to 100 percent the game will also know that Sharp has some extra agendas goin -- and don't forget that one of the domains registered by Warner Bros. for the sequel is "StopMayorSharp.com." So it appears that Rocksteady has already built story ties between the two titles.

Lead narrative designer Paul Crocker also tells GI that the second game will "shed new light on the events you saw in Arkham Asylum," too. Hopefully that means we'll (spoiler!) finally find out what's up with that little surprise scene after the credits.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum contains hidden clues about Arkham City originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumBatman-Arkham-Citygame-informermicrosoftpaul-crockerpcplaystationps3quincy-sharpxboxMon, 09 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman, Phantasy Star Universe hit XBL Games on Demand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/batman-phantasy-star-universe-hit-xbl-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/batman-phantasy-star-universe-hit-xbl-games-on-demand/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/04/batman-phantasy-star-universe-hit-xbl-games-on-demand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're not sure how it happened. We could have sworn that Too Human was the only new release on Xbox Live Games on Demand this week (it was the only one listed by Major Nelson, after all). And yet, somehow, Batman: Arkham Asylum has appropriately emerged from the shadows as well. Joining the Dark Knight is Phantasy Star Universe, which recently received a shot in the arm thanks to a new update and a free expansion. Arkham Asylum can be had for a steep $40 (the GOTY Edition costs $50 in-store), while Phantasy Star Universe is $20. As usual, pricing and availability vary by region.


Xbox.com: Add Batman: Arkham Asylum to your Xbox 360 download queue ($39.99)
Xbox.com: Add Phantasy Star Universe to your Xbox 360 download queue ($19.99)

JoystiqBatman, Phantasy Star Universe hit XBL Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumGames-On-DemandmicrosoftPhantasy-Star-UniverseXBLMxboxWed, 04 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Possible Arkham Asylum sequel names dropped in domain registrations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/possible-batman-arkham-asylum-sequel-names-dropped-in-domain-reg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/possible-batman-arkham-asylum-sequel-names-dropped-in-domain-reg/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/possible-batman-arkham-asylum-sequel-names-dropped-in-domain-reg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It appears Warner Bros. went on a little domain-shopping spree for its Batman: Arkham Asylum sequel. Domain digger Superannuation has unearthed over a dozen new registrations by the publisher that reference the Dark Knight or events in the first Arkham Asylum game.

Several of the domain names suggest a range of possible "Arkham" titles for the sequel, including: Arkham City, New Arkham, Rise of Arkham and City of Arkham. There's also one domain that references Warden Sharp and his run for mayor. We've listed all the new domain names after the break.

Continue reading Possible Arkham Asylum sequel names dropped in domain registrations

JoystiqPossible Arkham Asylum sequel names dropped in domain registrations originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batman-Arkham-AsylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citymicrosoftpcplaystationps3rocksteadyRocksteady-StudiosWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentwbiexboxMon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Hamill plans to retire from Joker role after Batman: Arkham Asylum 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/mark-hamill-plans-to-retire-from-joker-role-after-batman-arkham/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/mark-hamill-plans-to-retire-from-joker-role-after-batman-arkham/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/mark-hamill-plans-to-retire-from-joker-role-after-batman-arkham/#comments In an interview with IGN UK, voice actor extraordinaire Mark Hamill -- also involved with something called Star Wars, we're told -- revealed that he won't be revisiting the role of Joker after the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum 2. According to Hamill, he was reticent to take up the mantle for the sequel, saying, "My answer to [developer Rocksteady] for the sequel was, 'Guys, we're never going to be able to top the original.'" He added that he had intended to leave the role on "a high note" with his work on the original Arkham Asylum.

However, once Rocksteady told Hamill of its intentions for the sequel -- swearing him to secrecy in the process -- he agreed to reprise the role, though he's adamant this will be the last time. "This will be my last, there's no question about that," said Hamill, "but it's the last hurrah." Whatever Rocksteady has planned, it was obviously enough to get Hamill back on board, and that's reason enough to be excited, right?

JoystiqMark Hamill plans to retire from Joker role after Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-CityeidosMicrosoftrocksteady-studioswarner-brosXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum action figures available Jan. 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/batman-arkham-asylum-action-figures-available-jan-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/batman-arkham-asylum-action-figures-available-jan-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/batman-arkham-asylum-action-figures-available-jan-2011/#comments Didn't like the ending to Batman: Arkham Asylum? Well, grab a stop-motion camera and make a whole new one with the action figures when they release January 12, 2011. The "Series 1" figures include Batman, Joker with Scarface, Scarecrow and Harley Quinn. Each figure has "multiple points of articulation," comes with display base and stands between six and seven inches tall.

There's currently no price on the dolls, but can one really put a price on creating a better Arkham Asylum finale in stop-motion?

[Via BigDownload, ComicsContinuum]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum action figures available Jan. 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresbatmanbatman-arkham-asylumBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2dollsMicrosofttoysXbox-360Tue, 18 May 2010 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII, Dragon Quest IX, Batman sales lead Square Enix fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/final-fantasy-xiii-dragon-quest-ix-batman-sales-lead-square-en/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/final-fantasy-xiii-dragon-quest-ix-batman-sales-lead-square-en/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/final-fantasy-xiii-dragon-quest-ix-batman-sales-lead-square-en/#comments Square Enix had a good fiscal year (ended March 31, 2010), but its games division had a very good year. Final Fantasy XIII sold over five million units globally during the period, with the Japan-only release of Dragon Quest IX coming in second with 4.26 million units. Thanks to the company's acquisition of Eidos last year, the company could count on some Batman: Arkham Asylum cash, with the pointy-eared detective's critically acclaimed title selling 3.24 million units -- it's a shame Square won't get a piece of the sequel.

Squenix's games division had sales of ¥109.9 billion ($1.18 billion) in the last fiscal year, up an impressive 128 percent over last year. With the Dark Knight out of the picture, Square Enix will have to depend on its other western franchises, including Kane & Lynch, Deus Ex and the games of Ms. Croft.

Source [PDF link] -- Results Briefing Session for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2010

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII, Dragon Quest IX, Batman sales lead Square Enix fiscal year

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII, Dragon Quest IX, Batman sales lead Square Enix fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumDQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSeidosfinal-fantasy-xiiiFinancial-ResultsJRPGLevel-5MicrosoftNintendoRPGsalessquare-enixXbox-360Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LG and Microsoft announce South Korean partnership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/lg-and-microsoft-announce-south-korean-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/lg-and-microsoft-announce-south-korean-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/lg-and-microsoft-announce-south-korean-partnership/#comments Korean television manufacturer LG and Microsoft have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding representing a new partnership in South Korea between the TV maker's 3D sets and Microsoft's Xbox 360 consoles, Engadget reports. A press release on the subject (wobbily translated from Korean) seems to say that the 360 will be sold in the region with 3D games in-tow and an LG 55/47LX9500 LED, possibly starting in June. Unfortunately, no details of the partnership could be confirmed with Microsoft or LG reps in the States as of this publishing.

That said, a Microsoft rep told us: "As we've said before, 3D games are available today on Xbox 360 and will continue to evolve. Today, you can buy a 3DTV and wear glasses to play games like Avatar, and more titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum are on the way. The promotional partnership with LG announced in South Korea today is specific to the South Korean market, but is further evidence that as 3D adoption grows, Xbox 360 will support 3D games and entertainment."

Given that statement, we don't see the partnership having global implications just yet -- not to mention the game being played above is Avatar and the two games mentioned by Microsoft are known to be 3D enabled. But hey, at least we got this hilariously awkward image of Microsoft's Alan Bowman playing games with LG's marketing strategy lead, right?

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqLG and Microsoft announce South Korean partnership originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvalan-bowmanavatar-the-gamebatman-arkham-asylumbusinesslglg-electronicsmemorandum-of-understandingMicrosoftXbox-360Tue, 11 May 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/3d-gaming-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/3d-gaming-summit/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/3d-gaming-summit/#comments A small crowd of movie and game producers met this week at Universal City in Los Angeles for the first-ever 3D Gaming Summit, to sit down and discuss the trend of 3D imaging in gaming and film. Much of the talk at the summit was speculative -- with almost no actual consumer devices on the market and nearly none within price range of the average consumer anyway, gaming in 3D isn't much more than an idea at this point. Most of the technology companies in attendance are still working to get content producers to use their systems to create games and films rather than selling hardware directly to consumers.

Still, the panels and discussions at the summit offered an interesting look at what many believe to be the eventual future of the industry. From a lunchtime interview with Mortal Kombat and Resident Evil director Paul W.S. Anderson to a Playstation Move demo (and a panel moderated by a Joystiq editor), the 3D Gaming Summit showed off a lot of guesswork, a few interesting demos, and a few big holes that will need to be filled if 3D gaming is going to ever take off.

Continue reading Finding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit

JoystiqFinding a new dimension for gaming at the 3D Gaming Summit originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-gaming-summit3d-gaming-summit-2010batman-arkham-asylumdave-perrydavid-coombesDSepic-gameseverquest-2gran-turismoinsomniacluis-gigliotimajesco-entertainmentmark-reinmetro-2033michael-pachtermike-actonmlb-10-the-showmortal-kombatNintendonintendo-3dspaul-ws-andersonplaystation-3resident-evilsonythqSat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Mr. Freeze and Talia al Ghul to appear in Arkham Asylum 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/rumor-mr-freeze-and-talia-al-ghul-to-appear-in-arkham-asylum-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/rumor-mr-freeze-and-talia-al-ghul-to-appear-in-arkham-asylum-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/20/rumor-mr-freeze-and-talia-al-ghul-to-appear-in-arkham-asylum-2/#comments The original Batman: Arkham Asylum's large cast of antagonists was awfully daunting for any detective to face off against -- even if that detective has pointy ears and is equipped with exploding Vaseline. Two reports have begun to circulate about the first pair of villains we'll be buffeting with all manner of bat-shaped weaponry in Arkham Asylum 2: Talia al Ghul (daughter of immortal mastermind Ra's al Ghul), and everyone's favorite horrible pun-smith, Mr. Freeze.

According to Gaming Target, Talia's appearance was confirmed on Twitter by her apparent voice actor, "Castle" star Stana Katic -- though any Tweets to that effect have since been pulled. Freeze was similarly confirmed by voice actor Maurice LaMarche (who voiced the latter half of "Pinky and the Brain") in an interview with the GeekCast Radio Network. These certainly seem like reasonable choices for the next game's cast -- however, we're going to pray that if Mr. Freeze is actually included in the game (in a capacity greater than his cameo in the first Arkham Asylum), his dialogue won't sound anything like, well, you know.

[Thanks John!]

JoystiqRumor: Mr. Freeze and Talia al Ghul to appear in Arkham Asylum 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citybatman-arkham-citycomicsdceidosmaurice-lamarcheMicrosoftmr-freezerocksteady-studiosrumorstana-katictalia-al-ghulXbox-360Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum for $27 at Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/batman-arkham-asylum-for-27-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/batman-arkham-asylum-for-27-at-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/13/batman-arkham-asylum-for-27-at-amazon/#comments
At this point, it should be pretty clear that God wants you to have Batman: Arkham Asylum. The game has frequently been subject to some killer deals and Amazon is adding another one to the pile today. At this very moment, the online retailer is offloading Xbox 360 and PS3 copies for the sanitarium-sent price of $26.99.

If you still don't have the game and refuse to buy it at that price, well, maybe you belong in Arkham with the Joker. Unless you're holding out for the Game of the Year Edition, in which case maybe you could be forgiven. Maybe.

[Thanks, Henrique]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum for $27 at Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbatman-arkham-asylumeidosMicrosoftrocksteady-studioswarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveXbox-360Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum ... the action figures!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/batman-arkham-asylum-the-action-figures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/batman-arkham-asylum-the-action-figures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/10/batman-arkham-asylum-the-action-figures/#comments Holy late money grab, Batman! It appears that in the June 2010 issue of Toyfare magazine will reveal a cadre of the Batman: Arkham Asylum characters in action figure form (as pointed out by Previews). Though the issue will miss the May release date of Bats' Game of the Year edition, it'll arrive on store shelves by early June.

June's issue is said to feature "a sneak peek at some of 2010's hottest video games and hottest video game toys," including the Dark Knight, among others. The listing also notes that DC Direct, makers of, well, lots of other video game action figures, will apparently be tasked with putting little Bats and crew together. It probably doesn't hurt that the "DC" in DC Direct is of the DC Comics variety, owners of the Batman IP. All will be revealed on June 9, so get your Bat Credit Card at the ready, folks!

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum ... the action figures! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-figuresarkham-asylumbatmanbatman-arkham-asylumdc-directmerchandiserocksteadyrocksteady-studiostoyfarewarner-bros-interactivewarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwbieSat, 10 Apr 2010 02:35:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly sale: Bionic Batman and the Brutal Beatles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/gamefly-sale-bionic-batman-and-the-brutal-beatles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/gamefly-sale-bionic-batman-and-the-brutal-beatles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/gamefly-sale-bionic-batman-and-the-brutal-beatles/#comments Here's the good news: According to our budget-minded buddies (budgies?) at CAG, GameFly has a sale on several appealing Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 titles, including Batman: Arkham Asylum (360 / $19.99), Bionic Commando (360 / PS3 / $9.99), Brütal Legend (360 / $14.99) and The Beatles: Rock Band (360 / $21.99). We also spy some stellar deals on Red Faction: Guerrilla (360 / PS3 / under $15) and 2D fighter BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger ($19.99 / $24.99). GameFly games are guaranteed to be in working condition and include manuals and cases.

And here's the bad news: The sale comes to an end on March 30. Also, our industry is woefully ill-equipped to produce a product called "Bionic Batman and the Brütal Beatles" and will succumb to creative and financial bankruptcy long before you ever get to play something of such magnificent magnitude. Oh well.

JoystiqGameFly sale: Bionic Batman and the Brutal Beatles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumbionic-commandoblazblueblazblue-calamity-triggerbrutal-legendcagdealsgameflyMicrosoftred-faction-guerrillasaleXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA announces 2010 Video Games Awards winners, goes batty for Batman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bafta-announces-2010-video-games-awards-winners-goes-batty-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bafta-announces-2010-video-games-awards-winners-goes-batty-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bafta-announces-2010-video-games-awards-winners-goes-batty-for/#comments The British Academy of Film and Television Arts handed out its 2010 Video Games Awards in London this evening, but it was a resident of Gotham City who came away the big winner. Although Uncharted 2 bagged yet more trophies -- Best Action Game, Best Use of Audio, Best Story and Best Original Score -- Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum came away as the Academy's choice for Best Game of 2009.

Other notable winners include Flower (Artistic Achievement), LittleBigPlanet PSP (Best Handheld Game) and Wii Sports Resort (Best Family Game). You can see the full list of winners by category after the break. Congrats, Bats!

Continue reading BAFTA announces 2010 Video Games Awards winners, goes batty for Batman

JoystiqBAFTA announces 2010 Video Games Awards winners, goes batty for Batman originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardsbaftabatman-arkham-asylumeidosenglandnaughty-dogrocksteady-studiossonyuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWarner-Bros-InteractiveFri, 19 Mar 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition coming to NA in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-coming-to-na-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-coming-to-na-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-coming-to-na-in-may/#comments Whew, that was a close one. We were really hoping to get another opportunity to purchase Batman: Arkham Asylum again, but it seemed Rocksteady and Eidos had planned to keep the game's Game of the Year edition exclusively overseas. Fortunately, it seems they've changed their minds -- an Eidos press release just confirmed that the expanded version of the game (which includes four extra challenge maps and 3D support) will be getting a stateside release.

Whether you missed out on 2009's surprise superhero smash hit, or whether you were just disappointed by its lack of extra dimensions, you'll be able to get your fix when Batman GOTY ships sometime in May.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition coming to NA in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editioneidosgame-of-the-yearMicrosoftrelease-daterocksteadyusXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/15/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-editions-packaging-trailer-revealed/#commentsNot only does the Game of the Year edition of Batman: Arkham Asylum add TriOviz 3D, it comes with Batman and Joker-themed 3D glasses. They're not exactly what you would imagine Batman and/or the Joker wearing to watch something in 3D, but they are decorated in the style of the two characters. They're like one of those old Halloween costumes with the picture of the character you're supposed to look like printed on the front.

In case you haven't heard about this Arkham Asylum thing until now, you can see a trailer for the Game of the Year edition after the break. You'll be able to pick it up on March 26 -- but only if you're in Europe, Asia, or Australia, as those are the only regions for which this edition has been announced.

Continue reading Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition's packaging, trailer revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dasiaaustraliabatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editioneidoseuropeMicrosoftrelease-daterocksteady-studiosXbox-360Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition not coming to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-not-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-not-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-not-coming-to-north-america/#comments Uh, remember how we kind of got your hopes up with the promise of Batman in 3D earlier today? Well, we hope you North American readers didn't rush to your local game emporium to pre-order the "Game of the Year" edition, as you probably would have gotten laughed at. Warner Bros. confirmed to Joystiq that Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition -- with the 3D feature -- is only coming to Europe, Asia and Australia.

We also learned that, no matter what territory you live in, 3D is not a feature that's being added to existing copies of the game. If you want all three dimensions, you're going to have to pony up for the GOTY edition. This may seem tough now, but if you, Charlie Bucket-style, convince yourself that it's better just by itself (the third dimension standing in for golden Wonka ticket here, of course) we're sure you'll pull through.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition not coming to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dbatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-editioneidosgotygoty-editionMicrosoftnorth-americarocksteady-studiostriovizwarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveXbox-360Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition includes 3D glasses]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-includes-3d-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-includes-3d-glasses/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/batman-arkham-asylum-goty-edition-includes-3d-glasses/#comments If you were planning to ignore the Batman: Arkham Asylum "Game of the Year Edition" (perhaps you're still stinging from the disappointing collector's release) you may not want to stop caring just yet. While we're unexcited by the promise of "six additional maps" on the disc (there are six available for download at the moment -- we have to assume those are the same ones), we're intrigued by CVG's report that the box will include special glasses for use with a newly added TriOviz 3D effect.

The TriOviz tech, if you're unfamiliar, works with regular HD and SD sets, and doesn't rely on red and blue lenses, meaning colors are preserved. We'd love to give it a shot, but not so much that we'd re-buy Arkham Asylum to do so. Here's hoping there's a way for us early adopters to check out this new dimension of institutional insanity.

[Update: Sadly, it sounds like this isn't gliding into North America.]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY Edition includes 3D glasses originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dbatman-arkham-asylumeidosgotyMicrosoftrocksteady-studiostriovizWarner-Bros-InteractivewbieXbox-360Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PC version of Batman: Arkham Asylum on sale for $12.49]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/pc-version-of-batman-arkham-asylum-on-sale-for-12-49/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/pc-version-of-batman-arkham-asylum-on-sale-for-12-49/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/pc-version-of-batman-arkham-asylum-on-sale-for-12-49/#comments We're going to need you to find some way to weasel out of that lunch date you have planned for tomorrow. See, the $12.49 you were planning on spending on that cucumber and cream cheese panini with Italian cream soda? It's about to go towards a much more virtuous cause: Purchasing Batman: Arkham Asylum through Games For Windows' Games on Demand platform, which until March 1, will only cost you $12.49.

It may not be as delicious as the aforementioned sandwich, but it will take you longer to finish. Unless you're the world's slowest eater. Or the world's fastest game-tape solver. Or if it's the world's biggest panini.

JoystiqPC version of Batman: Arkham Asylum on sale for $12.49 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumdealgames-for-windows-livegames-on-demandrocksteady-studiossalewarner-brosThu, 25 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. acquires Batman dev Rocksteady Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/warner-bros-acquires-majority-stake-in-rocksteady-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/warner-bros-acquires-majority-stake-in-rocksteady-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/warner-bros-acquires-majority-stake-in-rocksteady-studios/#comments Holy strategic acquisition, predictable Batman reference! Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group has announced its purchase of a majority stake in Rocksteady Studios, the developer responsible for towing Batman's star vehicle out of a muddy Gotham ditch. Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum debuted in 2009 to critical applause and has since shipped over three million copies.

Jamie Walker, studio director of Rocksteady Games, expressed pride in the deal -- the cost of which has not been disclosed. "We are proud to strengthen our association with WBIE, a world class publisher that we have enjoyed working with since we began developing Batman: Arkham Asylum," he said. In addition, games director and excellent sniper position Sefton Hill noted, "The Rocksteady team is very much looking forward to creating more great games based on widely recognized Warner Bros. brands like Batman."

What Warner license will Rocksteady revive next? Whatever it is, it'll have to wait until construction is completed on the unnamed Arkham Asylum sequel.

[Update: Square Enix Europe (Eidos) has confirmed that it still retains a 25.1 percent stake in Rocksteady.]

JoystiqWarner Bros. acquires Batman dev Rocksteady Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbatmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-cityMicrosoftrocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-brosXbox-360Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA video game award nominees announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/bafta-video-game-award-nominees-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/bafta-video-game-award-nominees-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/bafta-video-game-award-nominees-announced/#commentsThe BAFTA awards represent a rare opportunity to get the thrill of watching your favorite high-profile games rack up more plaudits long after the end of the year. They also represent the opinions of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, but whatever. The nominations for the 2009 awards have been released, with mostly unsurprising games occupying the "Best Game" category -- Batman, Assassin's Creed II, Modern Warfare 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Joystiq.com Game of the Year 2009 Uncharted 2 -- and FIFA 2009.

In the "people's choice" GAME Awards, all of the Best Game nominees but Left 4 Dead 2 make repeat appearances, joined by The Beatles: Rock Band, GTA Chinatown Wars, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Street Fighter IV, and Wii Sports Resort. "Everyone's" tastes are much more diverse! See more nominations for specific genres and achievements at the BAFTA site. The winners will be revealed in an award ceremony on March 19.

JoystiqBAFTA video game award nominees announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2baftabafta-awardsbatman-arkham-asylumDSfifa-09Grand-Theft-Auto-Chinatown-Warsleft-4-dead-2Microsoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendothe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More GDC talks: Yamaoka, Deus Ex 3, Arkham Asylum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/more-gdc-talks-yamaoka-deus-ex-3-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/more-gdc-talks-yamaoka-deus-ex-3-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/more-gdc-talks-yamaoka-deus-ex-3-arkham-asylum/#commentsThe GDC organizers have just announced a few more of the Game Developers who will be Conferring at next month's event. Eidos Montreal art director Jonathan Jacques-Belletete will offer some rare info about the upcoming Deus Ex 3 in his talk, "The Successes and Failures of Creating a Near-Future Cyberpunk Setting with a Renaissance Twist in Deus Ex 3", while new Grasshopper Manufacture hire (and former Silent Hill producer and composer) Akira Yamaoka will present a retrospective of his career at Konami.

Other new lectures include Rocksteady's David Hego on the art direction of Batman: Arkham Asylum and ngmoco's Neil Young on "Things to Unlearn Moving From Traditional Development to the New Digital World". GDC will take place in San Francisco from March 9-13.

JoystiqMore GDC talks: Yamaoka, Deus Ex 3, Arkham Asylum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokabatman-arkham-asylumdeus-ex-3eidosgdcgdc-2010rocksteadyrocksteady-studiosFri, 12 Feb 2010 06:37:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/#comments Do you live in the UK and dream every night about the possibility of one day voting on a people's choice game of the year award? Right, us neither, but if you're into that kinda thing, UK retailer GAME is holding the second annual GAME British Academy Video Games Awards at the London Hilton on March 19 and you can vote for the awards show's top "honour." Sure, you can't actually buy tickets and attend or anything crazy like that (the event is live-streamed online, in fairness), but you still have just over a month to put in your vote for one of the 10 games in the running -- games that were chosen from a list comprising "the top selling games of the year sold in GAME stores."

At the very least, voters will automatically be entered into a contest to win a "Sony Home Entertainment Package," so, if nothing else, there's always the possibility of winning a Sony ... something (or somethings). Click through or glance a few inches up for the people's choice award contestant list.

Continue reading BAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open

JoystiqBAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2baftabatman-arkham-asylumchinatown-warsDSgame-awardsgame-british-academy-video-games-awardsMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendostreet-fighter-ivthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWiiwii-sports-resortXbox-360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix summons strong sales for first nine months of fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-summons-strong-sales-for-first-nine-months-of-fiscal/#comments According to Square Enix's financial report covering the first nine months (ending this past December) of its fiscal year, the company is going to finish its annual business cycle with plenty of glistening gil. Overall, the company's profits are up 48 percent from the same period last year, and it forecasts a profit of ¥10 billion (which is far less shocking when converted to $112 million) for the fiscal year ending in March 2010.

The company's games division saw limit breaker sales and profits during the period due to Dragon Quest IX, Final Fantasy XIII, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and Batman: Arkham Asylum -- which it obtained as part of the Eidos buyout. Square Enix's games group saw sales of ¥72 billion ($806 million, a 97 percent increase over last year), along with a profit of ¥18 billion ($202 million, a 99 percent increase during the same time). Kupos to you, Square Enix.

JoystiqSquare Enix summons strong sales for first nine months of fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumbusinessDQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDSeidosfinal-fantasy-xiiifinancialsfy-2009fy-2009-2010fy-2010JRPGkingdom-heartsLevel-5Nintendoq1q2q3rpgsquare-enixMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nathan Drake hoping to take home more shiny trinkets at AIAS awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nathan-drake-hoping-to-take-home-more-shiny-trinkets-at-aias-awa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nathan-drake-hoping-to-take-home-more-shiny-trinkets-at-aias-awa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nathan-drake-hoping-to-take-home-more-shiny-trinkets-at-aias-awa/#comments We're in the thick of awards season, and video games are no exception. The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has announced its finalists for the 13th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards ("The 'Racties" -- we're kidding but that's what they should be called), and, as you might have guessed, award hog Uncharted 2: Among Thieves leads the pack with 15 nominations. The rest of the nominees include more of the usual suspects from 2009: Assassin's Creed II with 10 noms, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with nine and Batman: Arkham Asylum with eight. This year's awards also features three new categories, including Outstanding Achievement in Game Design and Portable and Social Networking Games of the Year.

You can find a list of selected categories and their nominees after the break, or check out the Academy's full list in PDF form. The awards will be given out at the DICE Summit on February 18 in Las Vegas, where Activision's Bobby Kotick is scheduled to keynote. We can only guess that he'll go all Kanye on the podium if Modern Warfare 2 doesn't win.

Continue reading Nathan Drake hoping to take home more shiny trinkets at AIAS awards

JoystiqNathan Drake hoping to take home more shiny trinkets at AIAS awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academy-of-interactive-arts-and-sciencesaiasassassins-creed-2batman-arkham-asylumbobby-kotickcall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2dice-2010dice-summitdice-summit-2010gyromancer-got-robbedinteractive-achievement-awardsthe-ractiesuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesThu, 21 Jan 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition outed by BBFC listing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-edition-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-edition-listing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/batman-arkham-asylum-game-of-the-year-edition-listing/#comments A BBFC classification for a "Game of the Year" edition of Batman: Arkham Asylum has popped up online, causing quite a stir here at Joystiq HQ. While we all agree that Batman was "a game of the year," the listing offers no clues as to what would be included in a GOTY package. So, allow us to activate detective mode:

First, there are the two DLC packs for the game to consider: the "Insane Night" Map Pack (free for everyone) and "Prey In The Darkness," available on PS3 in the US and on both PS3 and Xbox 360 in Europe. Also, those who pre-ordered the original release from GameStop received access to the challenge map "Dem Bones," while those that snagged the fancy Collector's Edition got their own unique challenge map in "Crime Alley" -- both could certainly be included in a special edition re-release. Considering all the DLC out there (but c'mon, we want more Rocksteady!), there's a valid GOTY edition in the making here. And how about a batarang upgrade, too? (That cheap plastic one just didn't cut it.)

We've turned on our 'stiq signal in the hopes of attracting Warner Bros., Eidos and Rocksteady for clarification. We'll let you know just as soon as they show up on our rooftop.

[Thanks, C.A.]

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Asylum GOTY edition outed by BBFC listing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumbbfceidosMicrosoftrocksteadyrocksteady-studioswarner-bros-interactiveXbox-360Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Hamill talks about game voice acting, Batman role]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mark-hamill-talks-about-game-voice-acting-batman-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mark-hamill-talks-about-game-voice-acting-batman-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/mark-hamill-talks-about-game-voice-acting-batman-role/#commentsMark Hamill has made a name for himself over the years with his game work, with high-profile roles in games like Full Throttle and Wing Commander 3. Not to mention his legendary performance as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, which he reprised for Arkham Asylum. But Mark Hamill already had a name, and it was "Luke Skywalker."

An interview with CVG suggests that the move was intentional. Hamill described the attitudes he faced when he started working in games. "I'm sure there's a range of opinions, from 'You're slumming it', or 'Can't you get more legitimate work?'," he said. "But that snobbishness comes with the business." He relished the opportunity to merge his animation and game careers with a return to Joker's smarmy mania. "I thought this will be one last chance to play Joker. And it was so much fun to play a character who is clearly insane."

Here's a surprise: the reason Hamill hasn't performed Luke Skywalker's voice in one of about a million Star Wars games isn't because he's not interested in reprising the role (though he isn't): nobody ever asked him to. How has that never happened? So many games have been made based on the three movies that an established video game voice actor starred in, and it just never came up?

JoystiqMark Hamill talks about game voice acting, Batman role originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actorbatman-arkham-asylummark-hamillvoice-actingvoice-actorWed, 06 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Batman: Arkham Asylum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-batman-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-batman-arkham-asylum/#comments What happens when you combine the potent Batman license, the rich backdrop of Arkham Asylum, the stellar voice-cast from Batman: The Animated Series, an unproven (and even more unknown) developer from the North London suburb of Highgate, and a once-great but down-on-its-luck publisher? The very first comment on our very first post no doubt reflected many of our concerns: "Eidos? Really?" With dozens of shoddy licensed superhero games coming before it, we all knew a video game deserving of Batman's popularity was unlikely.

So it's all the more impressive that Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the best games of the year, one of the best superhero games of all time, and one of the best licensed games ever made. With the failure of Pandemic's ambitious Dark Knight movie tie-in game still fresh in our minds, Arkham Asylum's strategy for success should have been obvious: simplicity. Instead of building an open-world Gotham City, they built an intimate (and immediately captivating) Arkham Asylum, as full of history and lore as you'd expect the comic book icon to be. There are no driving levels, no flying levels; really, there aren't any levels at all. Just Arkham Island.

The clever script, penned by longtime Batman scribe Paul Dini, propels Batman through a series of elaborate traps laid out by Mark Hamill's expertly voiced Joker, battling beefy baddies along the way with the game's excellent "FreeFlow" combat system, solving dozens of the Riddler's pesky riddles, and learning about the entire decades-deep mythology of the Batman universe, worn into every rock on Arkham Island. This isn't some licensed beat-em-up starring The World's Greatest Detective; this is a Batman simulator. Stealth, strength, and smarts (and a belt full of wonderful toys) are your tools.

Perhaps the greatest compliment one can pay to Rocksteady is this: it reached into the oft-abused Batman license, brushed off our lowered expectations, and pulled out a classic that doesn't simply trade on Batman's name but does something far more difficult: enhances it.

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JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Batman: Arkham Asylum originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatman-Arkham-AsylumEidosjoystiq-best-of-2009MicrosoftRocksteady-StudiosXbox-360Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksteady: publishers fully backed Batman: Arkham Asylum delay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/rocksteady-publishers-fully-backed-batman-arkham-asylum-delay/#comments Boy, Rocksteady has WAY better bosses than we do. When we say we need two more months to finish a post, our higher-ups open a whole barrel of complaints: "There's no way it could take you that long to write a post," or, "It won't be anywhere near relevant anymore." We've heard them all. But when Rocksteady said it needed two more months for Batman: Arkham Asylum, pushing the release from June to August, it was apparently backed completely by the game's publishers, Eidos and Warner Bros.

Speaking with Kotaku, game director Sefton Hill said the secret is to have "confidence in the game" and "be able to show that [added] time is going to be well spent."

So, in closing, we'd like to tell AOL that we're confident the extra five months we're spending on that PS3 Slim rumor post you asked about will be well spent. Thank you.

JoystiqRocksteady: publishers fully backed Batman: Arkham Asylum delay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-asylumdelayeidosMicrosoftrocksteadysefton-hillXbox-360Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pop-Block uncovers Arkham 2 teaser's mysteries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/20/pop-block-uncovers-arkham-2-teasers-mysteries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/20/pop-block-uncovers-arkham-2-teasers-mysteries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/20/pop-block-uncovers-arkham-2-teasers-mysteries/#comments During the most recent Spike VGAs, we were treated to a teaserific Batman Arkham Asylum 2 trailer from the folks at Rocksteady Studios. Lo and behold, the teaser contained far more info that our time-constrained brains could catch during the game's unveiling -- info later picked up on by GameTrailers.com's Pop-Block (found after the break).

Did you spot the Penguin's famous Iceberg Lounge around the :43 mark? How about the fact that Joker's control center resides on the upper floor of a Roman Sionis-owned (aka "Black Mask") building? And look, if you caught the black cat stalking the bedlam of the street from an overlooking catwalk (which Pop-Block postulates is a Catwoman reference), we're downright impressed. If only you could apply that kind of focus and attention to your schoolwork, young man!

Continue reading Pop-Block uncovers Arkham 2 teaser's mysteries

JoystiqPop-Block uncovers Arkham 2 teaser's mysteries originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Cityblack-maskcatwomanpop-blockrocksteadyrocksteady-studiosroman-sionisthe-penguinwarner-brosSun, 20 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST