Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Far Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/far-cry-3-kicks-off-a-two-week-closed-beta-this-summer-on-ps3-x/#comments GameStop PowerUp Rewards members who pick up Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on May 22 at, well, GameStop, will receive a code to participate in a planned closed multiplayer beta for Far Cry 3, Ubisoft announced today. The beta will kick off this summer and last two weeks on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

If you don't want to buy Ghost Recon, Ubisoft will also be giving away 500 codes through Facebook. It sounds like this is going to be a pretty big beta, so best of luck to those looking for entry. Ubisoft will announce the specific window for Far Cry 3's closed beta at a later date.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Far Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360

JoystiqFar Cry 3 kicks off a two-week closed beta this summer on PS3, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafar-cry-3far-cry-3-betagamestopgamestop-powerup-rewardsmicrosoftplaystationps3ubisoftxboxThu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/bringing-a-chinese-shooter-to-the-west-with-mercenary-ops/#comments ImageMercenary Ops is something of a rarity. While there are quite a few Western-developed games being published in Asia by Chinese and Korean companies, there aren't a lot of Chinese-developed online titles being published by Western companies.

Developed in China by Yingpei Games, which used to be called Epic Games China, the shooter is being distributed by the San Francisco-based outfit Kalends, a group of developers who've decided to try their hand at publishing on their own.

As for the game itself, Kalends has announced that Mercenary Ops will be released as a free-to-play, microtransaction-based title - a business plan that has deep roots in China, but is only just breaking ground stateside.

Gallery: Mercenary Ops

Continue reading Bringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops

JoystiqBringing a Chinese shooter to the west with Mercenary Ops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetaeasternfree-to-playjason-sharpkalendsmarketsmercenary-opspcshooterthird-personuswesternying-peiTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Hundreds of thousands' have already bought Guild Wars 2, played beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/hundreds-of-thousands-have-already-bought-guild-wars-2-played/#comments ImageThe Guild Wars 2 beta opened the weekend of April 27 to anyone who had pre-purchased the title, free from NDAs or embargoes, and "hundreds of thousands" of people signed on to test it out, ArenaNet president Mike O'Brien writes. ArenaNet couldn't handle all of the potential players, but as any practiced spokesman would, O'Brien frames the insufficient server capacity in its most positive form:

"The number of people who pre-purchased the game far exceeded our expectations, and we had to temporarily disable pre-purchases," O'Brien says. "In the end that wasn't enough, and even with 48 worlds we didn't have enough server capacity to meet the huge demand. Fortunately, the vast majority of players were able to get into the game and experience Guild Wars 2 in all its glory."

If a developer has to have a problem, we think "too many people want to play our game" is a pretty good one. ArenaNet will host a stress test tomorrow, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT, again open to anyone (including us) who's pre-purchased Guild Wars 2.

Joystiq'Hundreds of thousands' have already bought Guild Wars 2, played beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetbetaGuild-Wars-2mike-obrienpcSun, 13 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet Vita beta now accepting applications]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/littlebigplanet-vita-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/littlebigplanet-vita-beta-now-accepting-applications/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/littlebigplanet-vita-beta-now-accepting-applications/#comments ImageThe beta for LittleBigPlanet on Vita is gearing up, and Sony is inviting interested players to enroll in the test run right here. Sony promises "many of you" will have the opportunity to participate in the beta. The enrollment form consists of simple questions, such as "Which LittleBigPlanet games have you played before?" and asks if you've created levels in any of the LittleBigPlanet titles.

It also asks, "Do you own a PS Vita?" For those looking to get in the Vita beta, we think that may be the only question with a wrong answer.

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet Vita beta now accepting applications originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applicationbetadouble-11double-elevenenrollmentlittlebigplanet-vitaplaystationplaystation-vitasackboyvitaWed, 09 May 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/diablo-3-open-beta-nets-2-million-participants/#comments We can't imagine how many clicks it takes to get to the center of a Diablo 3 open beta, but Activision has told us how many men and women have braved the potential carpal tunnel syndrome. Blizzard president Michael Morhaime revealed in Activision's annual earnings call today that a total of two million players took Diablo 3 for a spin.

"We recently conducted an open beta stress test for Diablo 3, where anyone could download and try out the game. The response we got was huge, with more than two million people worldwide participating in the open beta." A lot of the testing, Morhaime said on the call, was beneficial to Diablo 3's development - particularly to the Auction House feature.

Of course, the beta suffered its fair share of hiccups, and 300,000 concurrent users marked the high point of the weekend open beta event. We just hope Blizzard is prepared for more than that, because we feel a touch of the flu coming on.

JoystiqDiablo 3 open beta nets 2 million participants originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetablizzardDiablo-3michael-morhaimepcWed, 09 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk beta participants get extra cosmetic options for their service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/starhawk-beta-participants-get-extra-cosmetic-options-for-their/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/starhawk-beta-participants-get-extra-cosmetic-options-for-their/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/starhawk-beta-participants-get-extra-cosmetic-options-for-their/#comments
The Hand of the Founder is a glowing glove you can affix to your right or left hand, provided you played in the Starhawk beta. If you played Warhawk and the beta, you'll also get some exclusive paint schemes for all of your rides.

JoystiqStarhawk beta participants get extra cosmetic options for their service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalightbox-interactiveplaystationps3starhawkWed, 02 May 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk 4am beta now available to non-NA PS Plus subscribers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pixeljunk-4am-beta-now-available-to-non-na-ps-plus-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pixeljunk-4am-beta-now-available-to-non-na-ps-plus-subscribers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pixeljunk-4am-beta-now-available-to-non-na-ps-plus-subscribers/#comments ImagePixelJunk 4am is live in early access beta in the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland with a trimmed-down version available exclusively for PS Plus members. The beta offers one song and one visualizer as a test for the full seven songs, six visualizers with 38 variations, 10 events and more than 190 sounds that hit with the game on May 15.

4am requires Move to play, but anyone with eyeballs or eardrums can enjoy it. Early access includes the Live Beta Viewer, which allows Plus members to stream other players' performances, including from Japan's DJ Baiyon, who will stream his playtime during the beta.

JoystiqPixelJunk 4am beta now available to non-NA PS Plus subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaeuropemovepixeljunk-4amplaystationps3Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hybrid will cost $15; beta to kick off at 'the end of this month']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hybrid-will-cost-15-beta-to-kick-off-at-the-end-of-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hybrid-will-cost-15-beta-to-kick-off-at-the-end-of-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/hybrid-will-cost-15-beta-to-kick-off-at-the-end-of-this-month/#comments 5th Cell's XBLA-exclusive shooter, Hybrid, now has a price point: 1200 MS Points ($15). Producer Caleb Arseneaux confirmed the pricing with Joystiq during a preview session earlier this week.

Arseneaux also narrowed down the beta timeline. Initially set to launch the game sometime following GDC, 5th Cell is now targeting a live date by "the end of this month." Arseneaux wouldn't go into more detail, but reinforced how essential the beta would be to Hybrid's successful launch.

If you signed up for the closed beta, you should receive an email with your download code soon.

JoystiqHybrid will cost $15; beta to kick off at 'the end of this month' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbetademohybridhybrid-xblamicrosoftxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta pulled 300K simultaneous players into its special little hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/diablo-3-beta-pulled-300k-simultaneous-players-into-its-special/#comments ImageDiablo 3's weekend beta went about as smoothly as a hamster in a ball rolling down an erupting volcano - which is to say it was completely normal for a high-profile beta test. Saturday saw a peak of 300,000 concurrent players, Blizzard community manager Micah Whipple (Bashiok) tweeted, reporting the full number of testers for the weekend was "a lot."

Testers reported login and server errors as early as Friday, and a few complaints centered on the skill UI and other tweakable usability issues. The beta hit its main points, allowing people to play the full demo, leveling their characters to 13 and fighting the Skeleton King. All testing data will be wiped and players will start fresh when Diablo 3 launches on May 15.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta pulled 300K simultaneous players into its special little hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-weekendDiablo-3pcstress-testtestTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PixelJunk 4am launching May 15, includes visualizers for your music]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/pixeljunk-4am-launching-may-15-includes-visualizers-for-your-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/pixeljunk-4am-launching-may-15-includes-visualizers-for-your-mu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/pixeljunk-4am-launching-may-15-includes-visualizers-for-your-mu/#comments ImageQ-Games' three-dimensional music performance visualizer ... experience PixelJunk 4am, which we can neither describe nor play without some handwaving, will be released on May 15, the company announced today. The free Pixeljunk 4am Viewer, which allows you to watch others' 4am performances live, will also be out that day.

Before the official release, a beta will be distributed to some PlayStation Plus members on May 1. During this time, Q will host special live performances including one by DJ and 4am producer Baiyon.

Even if you're not a Move owner or musician, there's a feature that may appeal to you. In the PlayStation Blog post announcing the release date, lead designer Rowan Parker announced that "PixelJunk 4am can be used as a stand-alone music visualizer to play your favorite music from your PS3." Five visualizers will be available right away, and you can unlock more by playing the game.

Gallery: PixelJunk 4am

JoystiqPixelJunk 4am launching May 15, includes visualizers for your music originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betamovepixeljunk-4amplaystationplaystation-plusps3psnq-gamesrelease-dateFri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta open to all this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/diablo-3-beta-open-to-all-this-weekend/#comments Not only will the Diablo 3 beta be back online this weekend, it'll be open to everyone with a Battle.net account - intentionally, this time. Starting today at 12:01pm PDT (3:01pm EDT), Blizzard is hosting an open beta weekend to stress test the servers.

If you have a job that keeps you away from your computer on early Friday afternoons, don't despair: the event runs through Monday at 10am PDT (1pm EDT). Download the client now so you can start clicking as soon as possible.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta open to all this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3macopen-betapcFri, 20 Apr 2012 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/diablo-3-beta-servers-down-after-accidental-starter-edition-re/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers have been temporarily taken offline, after users discovered a glitch allowing free access to anyone with a Battle.net account. Community manager "Nethaera" said an update on the outages will be issued at approximately 11am PDT (2pm EDT). The beta is currently "unavailable until further notice."

Ars Technica reports that starting around 6am EDT, a glitch inadvertently allowed free access to something called the "Starter Edition" of Diablo 3 to anyone with a Battle.net account, whether or not they had access to the Diablo 3 beta.

Here's where it gets really interesting, as if free Diablo 3 weren't already interesting. The previously unannounced "Starter Edition" that was distributed in this manner had all the features of the beta, Ars reports, but occasionally asked players to buy the complete game. In other words, it was a free-to-play version of Diablo 3, or a feature-rich demo. Those are kind of the same thing.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers down after accidental 'Starter Edition' release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbetablizzardDiablo-3leakpcstarter-editionWed, 18 Apr 2012 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/diablo-3-beta-servers-go-down-for-good-on-may-1/#comments ImageThe Diablo 3 beta servers, running on and off for testing since last September, are coming down for good on May 1. At that point, all of the characters currently in the game will disappear forever. You'll be able to being the full quest anew when when Diablo 3 launches on May 15.

The forums for the game are also being locked down. To post there after May 1, you'll need to either have pre-purchased Diablo 3, or have an active StarCraft 2 or World of Warcraft account. So, if you have complaints about Diablo 3 but don't meet that criteria, you'll have to go, oh, you know, anywhere else on the internet.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta servers go down for good on May 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-serversblizzardDiablo-3forumsofflinepcstarcraft-2world-of-warcraftTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/warhammer-online-wrath-of-heroes-is-open-for-business-er-be/#comments ImageWarhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes entered open beta today, available through the Wrath of Heroes website. Wrath of Heroes is a free-to-play PVP title based on BioWare's MMO of the same-ish title, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

Wrath of Heroes offers three-sided, six-player arena combat (for a total of 18 players), each battle lasting an "intense" 15 minutes, the press release promises. We're not sure how minutes can be intense, but we assume counting each second in audible caps lock does the trick.

Continue reading Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta

JoystiqWarhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is open for business... er, beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBioWareEAopen-betapcwarhammer-online-wrath-of-heroesTue, 10 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Website live, beta applications underway for Audiosurf Air]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/website-live-beta-applications-underway-for-audiosurf-air/#comments Music/racing game Audiosurf never made it to the iPhone, unfortunately, but its developers are apparently hard at work anyway. They've launched a website for something called Audiosurf Air, which is presumably a sequel to the tune-riding title.

There are a few screenshots on the site, and while there is a disclaimer that they're not final at all, they do look about like you'd imagine a sequel to Audiosurf to look. There's also a beta signup, so if you're interested, you can enter your email and presumably get a chance to play it at some point. We'll keep our ears open and our headphones plugged in for more news to come.

JoystiqWebsite live, beta applications underway for Audiosurf Air originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiosurfaudiosurf-airbetadylan-fittererpcTue, 27 Mar 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/try-phantasy-star-online-2s-character-creation-april-5/#comments On April 5, PC gamers will be able to indulge any cautious optimism they may have about Phantasy Star Online 2 with a character creation demo. Of course, it'll be in Japanese, but we don't anticipate too many problems adjusting hair color on a slider.

That'll be open to all; a beta test held later in April will be capped at 100,000 participants. It might be less exciting to build a character and then not do anything with it, but it's more exciting than being fully shut out of the game.

JoystiqTry Phantasy Star Online 2's character creation April 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacharacter-creationclosed-betademopcphantasy-star-online-2segaMon, 26 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sign up for the Hybrid beta right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/sign-up-for-the-hybrid-beta-right-now/#comments
5th Cell has opened registration for the beta of its upcoming XBLA game Hybrid -- true to its word, shortly after GDC. By going to the Hybrid site and signing up, you get a chance to receive one of a limited number of keys for the closed beta, which begins in "late April." Regardless of whether or not you get in -- or whether or not you sign up -- there's an exciting new trailer above.

The developer must be confident that every beta player won't find obnoxious glitches, because it holds firm to its summer 2012 release window.

Gallery: Hybrid (3/20/12)

Continue reading Sign up for the Hybrid beta right now

JoystiqSign up for the Hybrid beta right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbetaclosed-betahybridhybrid-xblamicrosoftxboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Command and Conquer F2P title enters open beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-f2p-title-enters-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-f2p-title-enters-open-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/command-and-conquer-f2p-title-enters-open-beta/#comments
EA's "play4free" Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances will roll out into open beta today, following the game's closed beta period which began late last year. Developed by Phenomic, the browser- and mobile-based strategy MMO can be accessed today at the official site.

Updates planned for the title in the coming coming months include cloud saves for play across desktop and mobile.

The publisher also reiterated Command and Conquer: Generals 2 is currently in production at BioWare Victory for launch on PC in 2013.

Gallery: Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances

JoystiqCommand and Conquer F2P title enters open beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacommand-and-conquer-tiberium-alliancesEAElectronic-Artsfree-to-playpcPhenomicThu, 15 Mar 2012 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 beta bug opens three secret gates of Hell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/diablo-3-beta-bug-opens-three-secret-gates-of-hell/#comments
The Diablo 3 beta is well underway with hundreds of thousands of players delving into the dungeons of Sanctuary, and with so many deviants roaming the deadlands, there was bound to be some mischief. A bug in the beta granted access to three areas not yet intended for public play: the Festering Woods, Drowned Temple and Fields of Misery.

The three bugged levels are mostly playable, featuring larger, more diverse beasts than in the released beta levels, including goatmen, violent trees, ghouls, spirits and more, incgamers reports. Blizzard pulled the servers to lock the areas out again, according to ubergizmo, but not before a few players recorded their adventures -- watch one romp through the Fields of Misery above.

JoystiqDiablo 3 beta bug opens three secret gates of Hell originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-bugsBlizzardbugDiablo-3Drowned-TempleFestering-WoodsFields-of-MiserypcsecretunlockTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[There is no Halo 4 beta or Halo4beta site]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/there-is-no-halo-4-beta-or-halo4beta-site/#comments There are no plans for Halo 4 to receive a public beta, 343 Industries announced in a Q&A with franchise development director Frank O' Connor. He answered a slew of fan questions about Halo 4, revealing that it would be possible to play Grifball, that there would not be a color-blind mode (though considerations for that audience have been made in art decisions), and a few other tidbits. Check out the full factsheet here.

In related Halo 4 news, Microsoft recently won a legal battle against the bogus website Halo4beta.net, but as there won't be a Halo 4 beta we don't expect it to be put back into official use any time soon. Microsoft has also filed a complaint against Halo4beta.biz.

JoystiqThere is no Halo 4 beta or Halo4beta site originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbetafrankieHalohalo-4legalmicrosoftxboxSun, 11 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk beta adds 32-player map, tanks, jetbikes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/starhawk-beta-adds-32-player-map-tanks-jetbikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/starhawk-beta-adds-32-player-map-tanks-jetbikes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/starhawk-beta-adds-32-player-map-tanks-jetbikes/#comments The Starhawk beta has been updated to version 1.3, and the update comes packing lots of new goodies. First up is the Sidewinder Jetbike, a vehicle focused on speed an maneuverability. Next is the Ox Heavy Tank, a vehicle focused on being a tank. Finally, the update adds a new map, Planet Dust. Did we mention Planet Dust can accommodate 32 players? Because it can. See the update in action in the video above.

If that gets you all excited for some Starhawk, you might be interested in the limited edition trailer after the break.

Continue reading Starhawk beta adds 32-player map, tanks, jetbikes

JoystiqStarhawk beta adds 32-player map, tanks, jetbikes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalightboxplaystationps3psnsceastarhawkFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face off against The Showdown Effect beta this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/face-off-against-the-showdown-effect-beta-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/face-off-against-the-showdown-effect-beta-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/face-off-against-the-showdown-effect-beta-this-summer/#comments We certainly don't blame you for wanting to play The Showdown Effect. Thankfully, here at GDC, Paradox Interactive was more than happy to oblige and sat me down in front of a PC next to Emil Englund, Design Director at Arrowhead Game Studios. But before I could place my fingers over the WASD keys and start shooting everything in sight, I had to ask one question: Will there be a beta?

"Beta in the summer," Englund quickly responded. As for how the beta will work and who will get in, Englund says "that's still being decided" by publisher Paradox Interactive, and that more would be revealed later.

Another question I had was in regards to controller support -- Magicka on the PC is compatible with Microsoft's Xbox 360 controller, and when asked if The Showdown Effect would support it too, Englund told me that the earliest testing on The Showdown Effect was done with controllers. "The first months of development we actually only used game pads so, yeah, it should be in there," he told me.

The Showdown Effect is currently slated to launch "when it's done -- in 2012."

Gallery: The Showdown Effect (GDC 2012)

JoystiqFace off against The Showdown Effect beta this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosbetagdc-2012macparadox-interactivepcpixeldiet-entertainmentthe-showdown-effectThu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive loses cross-play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/#comments A lot can change in six months. As of last summer, Valve had planned to offer cross-play for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive on the PC, Mac, and PS3. But based on what it's learned from the beta, Valve has decided to strip the functionality in favor of offering constant updates for players on the PC and Mac.

"The beta has proved we want to update not just the beta, but the game itself post-launch frequently on the PC," Valve's Chet Faliszek revealed to Joystiq. "To do that we need to separate the platforms so one doesn't hamstring the other. So for that, we have removed the idea of cross-platform play -- essentially make all platforms stronger by not mixing them."

If you would like to get into the ongoing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive beta, fill out Valve's survey. If you want cross-play back in the game, wait to sign one of the dozens of online petitions currently being created.

JoystiqCounter-Strike: Global Offensive loses cross-play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betachet-faliszekcounter-strike-global-offensivemacpcplaystationps3steamvalvexbox-showcase-2012Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hybrid beta test begins on XBLA 'shortly after GDC']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/hybrid-beta-test-begins-on-xbla-shortly-after-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/hybrid-beta-test-begins-on-xbla-shortly-after-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/hybrid-beta-test-begins-on-xbla-shortly-after-gdc/#comments 5th Cell's XBLA shooter Hybrid is ready for a semi-public debut. The developer announced an XBLA beta test this morning, with signups taking place "shortly after GDC" (which runs next week, March 5-9).

This may not be as welcome as news of a release date, but it does mean that the game is in a state to be played by at least a subset of the community, which strikes us as a positive development. Now, if you get into the beta, make sure you find all the bugs immediately so 5th Cell can release the game.

JoystiqHybrid beta test begins on XBLA 'shortly after GDC' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbetahybridhybrid-xblamicrosoftxblaxboxThu, 01 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fill out a survey, get beta access to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/fill-out-a-survey-get-beta-access-to-counter-strike-global-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/fill-out-a-survey-get-beta-access-to-counter-strike-global-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/fill-out-a-survey-get-beta-access-to-counter-strike-global-off/#comments Thousands of players already have their hot little hands on the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive beta, but Valve is just itching to give out more to those willing to fill out a survey. The survey is broken into two parts, a hardware survey conducted via Steam and a short questionnaire. The questions revolve around expected topics -- FPS experience, favorite Counter-Strike version, weapons and maps, etc.

Starting next week, Valve will award beta keys to a batch of survey respondents. There are no "wrong" answers to the survey, according to Valve, so we're really hoping no one looks into our 12.9 K/D ratio. You can find the survey on the Counter-Strike blog.

JoystiqFill out a survey, get beta access to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacounter-strike-global-offensivepcvalveThu, 23 Feb 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/#comments So far, 300,000 have played Tribes: Ascend in its closed beta state, Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris revealed. But Hi-Rez wants more players and this Friday, the Tribes: Ascend beta will be open to all.

Before the launch of the open beta, Hi-Rez will add some additional maps and customization options to Tribes: Ascend, plus a new game mode: Arena Deathmatch. These will all be added in a patch coming, well, before Friday, we guess. Hi-Rez hasn't really said when the patch will be live.

If you're worried about player progress, don't sweat it. Your progress and unlocks will carry over to the open beta.

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (2/22/12)

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24

JoystiqTribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betahi-rez-studiosopen-betapctribestribes-ascendWed, 22 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/skyrim-beta-update-1-4-26-live-on-steam/#comments Bethesda's approach to avoiding "latest patch does horrible thing," which is to publicly beta test its updates, is paying off. Skyrim version 1.4.26 is now downloadable from Steam, and the general working theory is: if it breaks the game, it's almost your fault for downloading it in the first place. (We jest!)

Bethesda warns that only players affected by the issues found after the break should download the update. Remember to back up any save files if you plan to go down the beta route.

Continue reading Skyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam

JoystiqSkyrim beta update 1.4.26 live on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5pcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimMon, 20 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon Online closed beta starts March 5, check out the classes now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/ghost-recon-online-closed-beta-starts-march-5-check-out-the-cla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/ghost-recon-online-closed-beta-starts-march-5-check-out-the-cla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/ghost-recon-online-closed-beta-starts-march-5-check-out-the-cla/#comments
You might think that Ghost Recon Online's three classes are Ghost, Recon, and Online, but you'd be wrong! They're actually the more commonly named Assault, Specialist, and Recon, and the video above will walk you through the different weapons, abilities, and upgrades that each class has available. You actually earn experience for each class as you play, so if you really want to master the game, you'll need to choose and play all three.

Ubisoft has also shared that the free-to-play game is getting a closed beta, starting on March 5, which you can sign up for by applying over on the official website.

JoystiqGhost Recon Online closed beta starts March 5, check out the classes now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultbetaclassesghost-recon-onlinegropcreconubisoftvideoFri, 10 Feb 2012 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites sent out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-100-000-more-diablo-3-beta-invites-sent-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-100-000-more-diablo-3-beta-invites-sent-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/04/psa-100-000-more-diablo-3-beta-invites-sent-out/#comments Blizzard has announced that 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites have been sent out in North America, so if you opted in to beta access with your Battle.net account, you should log in and see if you've gotten a notification. Blizzard warns that phishing activity may increase with this new wave of invites, so take care.

If you weren't one of the lucky one hundred thousand, don't fret: Blizzard promises to send out more invites eventually. You can go back to rolling classes now!

JoystiqPSA: 100,000 more Diablo 3 beta invites sent out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbetabeta-inviteblizzardDiablo-3pcSat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Skyrim 1.4 passed its beta test, out on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/psa-skyrim-1-4-passed-its-beta-test-out-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/psa-skyrim-1-4-passed-its-beta-test-out-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/psa-skyrim-1-4-passed-its-beta-test-out-on-steam/#comments Skyrim's monster of a patch, update 1.4, is available now on Steam following its beta test last week. Update 1.4 adds support for the Skyrim Workshop, which opens up modding to the wider (Brony and otherwise) community. For the full list of fixes, check out our details post.

If you participated in the beta, your account should be automatically updated.

JoystiqPSA: Skyrim 1.4 passed its beta test, out on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabethesdaBethesda-Softworkselder-scrolls-5pcskyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimupdate-1.4Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk lifts off on May 8, PS Plus beta starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/starhawk-lifts-off-on-may-8-ps-plus-beta-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/starhawk-lifts-off-on-may-8-ps-plus-beta-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/starhawk-lifts-off-on-may-8-ps-plus-beta-starts-today/#comments Starhawk will engage in all-out war on May 8, the PlayStation Blog announced today. It also reiterated that the game's "public beta" begins today for PlayStation Plus subscribers.

Those who purchased Uncharted 3 can fly into the beta January 31 in the US and February 1 in Europe. Normal ol' PSN accounts can try it out February 21, with Europe receiving access the following day. There are also opportunities to obtain beta codes from GameStop and IGN on February 7 and 14, respectively.

Sony also reminds: "a Beta is a real world 'in the wild' test of the core game systems and gameplay. It is NOT a demo. Most of the final game features are not included."

JoystiqStarhawk lifts off on May 8, PS Plus beta starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalightboxplaystationps3release-datescea-santa-monicastarhawkTue, 17 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk beta goes public starting with PSN Plus subscribers next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/starhawk-beta-goes-public-starting-with-psn-plus-subscribers-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/starhawk-beta-goes-public-starting-with-psn-plus-subscribers-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/starhawk-beta-goes-public-starting-with-psn-plus-subscribers-nex/#comments
For the last few month, LightBox has been running a Starhawk private beta, which just concluded on January 3. Like a big bouncer guarding the door of your city's hot new club, the developer barred entry to all Joe and Jane Schmoes looking to get their taste of what's to come. Boys and girls, soon you'll have your chance: the beta's going public.

PlayStation Plus subscribers get first crack at the public demo starting next week on January 17 for the US and January 18 for Europe, PlayStation Blog reports. If you picked up Uncharted 3, you'll get a crack at the public beta two weeks later: January 31 in the US and February 1 in Europe. Finally, if you've got a regular ol' free PSN account, you can jump in on February 21, when the beta is open to all US users; European users get in on the following day.

If you were one of the lucky few to get into the private beta, you'll have access to the public beta starting next week, granted you didn't erase your original beta files.

JoystiqStarhawk beta goes public starting with PSN Plus subscribers next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalightboxplaystationplaystation-plusps3psnpublic-betasceascea-santa-monicastarhawkuncharted-3Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk beta flies away January 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/starhawk-beta-flies-away-january-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/starhawk-beta-flies-away-january-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/starhawk-beta-flies-away-january-3/#comments The Starhawk private beta will end its run on January 3, according to an announcement from the European PlayStation Blog. If you haven't had the chance to take part in a giant robot fight over space oil, we suggest checking it out now while you still can, as Sony and LightBox are kindly keeping it running through the holidays.

However, that might be easier said than done. We happened to try to play a round today, only to be greeted by a "server connection error." At least after January 3, we'll know ahead of time that the beta won't work.

JoystiqStarhawk beta flies away January 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaplaystationps3starhawkWed, 21 Dec 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Blacklight Retribution beta key!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/get-your-blacklight-retribution-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/get-your-blacklight-retribution-beta-key/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/get-your-blacklight-retribution-beta-key/#comments You know the classic scene in A Christmas Story when Flick gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole? Sure, we all do. But many (including some top film historians) are unaware that Flick performs the stunt on the promise that he'll be rewarded with entry into the PC Blacklight Retribution closed beta. It's true!

You remember when the Grinch stole all the gifts from Whoville? New research shows that the only one he was really trying to nab was a Blacklight Retribution beta invite, the rest were just a smokescreen.

Oh, and had he not arrived so late as to not be included in the Christian Bible, you'd know that the fourth king from the East brought unto the baby Jesus ... OK, so we're making this one up, but you get the idea.

Here's the great news: You PC owners don't have to steal from a village of diminutive pure-hearts or lick anything to start playing the Blacklight Retribution beta. Just claim your code and redeem it here!

JoystiqGet your Blacklight Retribution beta key! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-key-giveawayblacklight-retributionpcperfect-worldzombie-studiosFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Flight accepting beta applications, fasten seatbelt sign on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/microsoft-flight-accepting-beta-applications-fasten-seatbelt-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/microsoft-flight-accepting-beta-applications-fasten-seatbelt-si/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/microsoft-flight-accepting-beta-applications-fasten-seatbelt-si/#comments

Microsoft Flight, a revamped, streamlined flight simulator-slash-game, is accepting applications for its beta program right now. The Microsoft Flight beta is scheduled to begin in January, and the dev team is accepting applications via Microsoft Connect for some brave pilots to try it before everyone else rides it. Applications sent to the Microsoft Flight email will not be reviewed for the beta, so do it right, or don't do it at all. Remember, when you're handling a 100-foot steel tube 32,000 feet above the earth, you only get one chance to get it perfect.

JoystiqMicrosoft Flight accepting beta applications, fasten seatbelt sign on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-applicationflight-simulatorMicrosoftmicrosoft-flightpcSat, 03 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Counter-Strike: GO beta arrives just in time for Winston Churchill's birthday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/counter-strike-go-beta-arrives-just-in-time-for-winston-churchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/counter-strike-go-beta-arrives-just-in-time-for-winston-churchi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/counter-strike-go-beta-arrives-just-in-time-for-winston-churchi/#comments After a brief delay, it seems that the Counter-Srike: Global Offensive beta will launch on PC at the end of November. The game's Twitter feed revealed a November 30 launch date for the game's pre-launch trial run late last week, as spotted by VideoGamer.com. The feed also noted that "de_Dust and "de_Dust2" will kick off the beta, which only allows "current key holders" entry at launch.

Valve previously stated that CS: GO's beta period would initially roll out with around 10,000 players, and will grow "in steps" as the company tests stability and server structure. The full game is expected to launch sometime in "early 2012," but don't expect a hard date anytime soon -- between the developer being Valve (see: "Valve Time") and the approach the company has taken to launch (the beta will eventually just turn into the final product), we don't expect a solid release date until the game is already upon us.

JoystiqCounter-Strike: GO beta arrives just in time for Winston Churchill's birthday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacounter-strike-global-offensivemacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datevalvexboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Starhawk beta invites start rolling out on Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/starhawk-beta-invites-start-rolling-out-on-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/starhawk-beta-invites-start-rolling-out-on-tuesday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/starhawk-beta-invites-start-rolling-out-on-tuesday/#comments
You're only a few short days away from sampling Starhawk, folks! Well, okay, you have to be a veteran Warhawk player and have opted-in for the beta, but we're sure you already did that, right? At the very least, we're sure you'll get to check out some videos on YouTube.

But we digress. The PlayStation Blog reveals that Tuesday beta keys should be hitting anxious inboxes for the select few who'll be in the semi-private beta. If you don't see a key on Tuesday, don't fret: SCEA's Harvard Bonin says this will be a "slow rolled" beta -- as the beta chugs along, Sony will slowly be adding more players. So try to be patient!

JoystiqStarhawk beta invites start rolling out on Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betalightboxlightbox-interactiveplaystationps3sceastarhawkSat, 19 Nov 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham City Impostors outed on Jan. 10, open beta starts in Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/gotham-city-impostors-outed-on-jan-10-open-beta-starts-in-dec/#comments With Batman wholly occupied in dismantling disastrously conceived punitive institutions, it's up to a gang of loyal imitators to clean up Gotham City proper. Starting the week of January 10 on PC, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade, you'll be able to assist either The Bats or -- if you can tolerate their edgy substitution of "s" -- The Jokerz in 12-player online battles for the unusually coveted, crime-ridden city.

Gotham City Impostors will undergo an open beta in December, so if you're interested in the game's premise, character customization or odd weaponry, visit the official site and sign up for a WB ID. With a bit of luck you'll get an early tour of what Condé Nast calls "a gloomy, demented place that should have been razed by an orphan."

JoystiqGotham City Impostors outed on Jan. 10, open beta starts in Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbetagotham-city-impostorsmicrosoftmonolithpcplaystationps3psnq1-2012release-datewarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentxblaxboxThu, 10 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect 3 Private Beta live now for some Xbox Live users (Update: more pictures, more users)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/rumor-mass-effect-3-private-beta-live-now-for-some-xbox-live-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/rumor-mass-effect-3-private-beta-live-now-for-some-xbox-live-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/rumor-mass-effect-3-private-beta-live-now-for-some-xbox-live-us/#comments According to a tipster, some Xbox Live users who received access to the Dashboard Preview Program today had another surprise waiting for them: early access to the Mass Effect 3 Beta. We haven't gotten official confirmation from EA yet, so we can't confirm with one hundred percent certainty whether or not this is really-real. The picture is, um, pretty convincing, though.

EA announced the Mass Effect 3 Beta/demo a short time ago, specifying that it would eventually be open to all, but available early to purchasers of Battlefield 3. We guess it didn't mean available earlier-est.

Update: Well, that didn't take long. Lightning fast posters over at NeoGAF have downloaded the client and have started posting pictures.

Continue reading Mass Effect 3 Private Beta live now for some Xbox Live users (Update: more pictures, more users)

JoystiqMass Effect 3 Private Beta live now for some Xbox Live users (Update: more pictures, more users) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadashboard-updatedemomass-effect-3mass-effect-3-betamass-effect-3-demomicrosoftrumorxboxFri, 04 Nov 2011 21:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom: No plans for an Operation Raccoon City beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/capcom-no-plans-for-an-operation-raccoon-city-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/capcom-no-plans-for-an-operation-raccoon-city-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/capcom-no-plans-for-an-operation-raccoon-city-beta/#comments At Capcom's Gamer's Day event last month, following a presentation on Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, producer Mike Jones made some statements that this writer took as intent to launch a public beta early next year. "Obviously there are some camera issues and stuff," he said of the build we just watched his colleague play through, "but we're nearing a pretty solid beta, which will be out early next year."

Today, Capcom posted this statement on its Capcom-Unity site dismissing the notion. So, as it stands right now, there will not be a public demo or beta for Operation Raccoon City. We here at Joystiq apologize for any confusion and strive to offer you only the facts. And the occasional Photoshop day, of course.

JoystiqCapcom: No plans for an Operation Raccoon City beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacapcommicrosoftpcplaystationps3resident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityxboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST