Joystiq

GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST

GameFly and publisher 2K Games have expanded their partnership for the rental services' "Unlimited PC Play," adding several titles that have high-profile sequels or expansions launching this year. BioShock, Civilization 4 and X-Com: Enforcer are available now for free to members.

"With our upcoming releases of BioShock Infinite, Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings and XCOM: Enemy Unknown on the horizon, we're taking this opportunity to introduce or re-introduce fans to these beloved franchises," said 2K Games marketing senior VP Sarah Anderson.

Here's a chance for GameFly members with PCs to check out some of the best PC games available... along with X-Com: Enforcer.

GameFly adds BioShock, Civ 4 and X-Com: Enforcer to unlimited PC service originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bioshock film adaptation loses director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST

It's been a couple years since we've caught wind of any movement on the Bioshock movie adaptation announced back in 2008. Last we heard, pre-production on the film had been halted while discussions were held regarding the project's necessary budget and potential rating upon release.

Those talks are still ongoing, but once-attached director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has apparently run out of patience. "To be honest, by now, I'm completely out of that, and developing other stuff," Fresnadillo said in a statement to The Playlist. "Right now it's on hold. The studio and the video game company, they have to reach some kind of agreement about the budget and the rating."

Here, Hollywood, allow us to resolve four years' worth of negotiations in four seconds: Make Bioshock's budget "all of the money" and let it have an R rating. Problem solved.

Bioshock film adaptation loses director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it

Xav de Matos — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

"It's something completely different that we're crafting," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me as I press him for details on BioShock for the PlayStation Vita. Levine revealed during Sony's media briefing at E3 2011 (pictured) that the new handheld would be home to a unique experience set in the BioShock universe.

"It's not BioShock Infinite ported to the Vita," he reiterates.

Moments earlier, Levine highlighted a point of frustration that comes with making announcements. While happy to discuss BioShock Infinite's October 16 release date, his Twitter feed immediately filled with questions about the "next thing, or the 'Collector's Edition,' or the Vita game." And here I am, falling into the same trap as his Twitter followers -- asking new questions when old ones are answered.

When might we hear more about the portable experience? "Look," he says with an emerging laugh in his voice, "we're working on it. We're trying to figure that [announcement timing] out. I ideally wouldn't have talked about the Vita game when I did. It was understandably important that, you know, Sony wanted us to share that information."

Continue reading Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it

Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

2K Marin is busy busting some alien assignations with the first-person version of XCOM, but apparently it has plenty of artillery to throw around. J.R. Hogarth de la Plante, one of the founders of 2K Marin in 2007 and the lead artist/level architect on the BioShock series, lists an "Unannounced Title" for which he is the art director, right on his resume.

Hogarth de la Plante doesn't describe the new title itself, but does explain that it's a brand new IP that he and four other directors are inventing and pitching internally. If it's still open to improvisation, Mr. Hogarth, may we suggest a stylized, top-down 2D adventure, played as a Little Sister as she fights her way through the terrifying realm of 1980s high school? You're welcome.

2K Marin co-founder, BioShock artist lists unannounced IP on his resume originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012

Jessica Conditt — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

The Steam Holiday Sale doesn't stop for anyone or anything -- not the end of a year, an era or the world -- and today, New Year's Eve 2011, is no different. The 13th day of the Steam Holiday Sale offers 75 percent off L.A. Noire, Bit.Trip Runner, the Hitman franchise, Magicka, both BioShocks, Hoard, GRID and the Counter-Strike series, and more titles at various other deduction rates.

Check out all the deals before the year ~~and our life as we know it~~ ends.

Final Steam Sale of 2011 predicts zombie apocalypse, crime in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fan-made BioShock movie trailer is as real as it gets (for now)

David Hinkle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:32:00 EST

Even though we keep hearing about this BioShock movie thing, we're reluctant to believe it'll ever make it to the cineplex. It's almost a shame, then, that this short and sweet teaser for a proposed fan-film has just reinvigorated our interest.

Fan-made BioShock movie trailer is as real as it gets (for now) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grandpa Aaron loves Bioshock, can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST

It's getting to be that time of year where mushy, sentimental and "awww"-inducing chatter overwhelms all channels of media and fills your heart with a warm sense of home, whether you like it or not. For example: Reddit user Jungleradio gave his 80 year-old grandfather copies of Bioshock, Red Dead Redemption, Braid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for his birthday, with quaint, heartwarming results.

Jump past the break for Grandpa Aaron's take on each game, and don't forget to tell your Aunt Suzy to bring Nana's twice-baked potato recipe to the next family reunion.

Continue reading Grandpa Aaron loves Bioshock, can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving

Grandpa Aaron loves Bioshock, can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST

When it comes to the development behind BioShock 1 and BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games studio head Ken Levine described his role as that of "editor of a magazine ... but I'm also a writer for the magazine," putting things into terms that my word-addled brain could understand. "I believe more in editorship. Auteur sounds like you do everything," he began, making a point to preface his following description with a nod to the other 100-ish folks employed at his Massachusetts studio.

That aside, Levine was clear that his role on Infinite is absolutely that of creative lead, not just creative oversight. "This is my game. And I love the fact that we sit down and chat with each other [Levine and other game devs outside of Irrational], but at the end of the day ... this thing's gotta be my decision."

When it came to the translation of BioShock 1 from game to film, however, Levine's role changed -- even though he had been creative lead (head editor?) during the game's development. "If I were to make a game that was based on somebody else's franchise, you need somebody there who's going to say, 'This is true to the franchise, this isn't true to the franchise.' So that was more my role in the film," he explained.

Continue reading Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film

Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse'

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST

"So every game we make, we always say to ourselves -- back on BioShock 1, we had that terrible showdown fight at the end -- we're not good at that, let's not do that again. And then somehow, we end up ... it's like ... 'Baby I'll never hit you again, I'm changed, I'm changed!' And then we did it!"

Irrational Games head and BioShock 1 creative lead Ken Levine struggled through that explanation this past weekend, pausing often, sighing a lot, and doubling back to be extra clear. His sentiment was certainly definitive, though: even he wasn't a big fan of the game's final boss fight with Atlas. "I think the boss battle in BioShock 1 -- the real boss battle -- is Andrew Ryan."

I had asked about how BioShock Infinite, the studio's next game, would deal with boss fights, as the Atlas battle in the first BioShock title was seen by many as the lowest point in an otherwise spectacular experience. "I think we need to stay in our wheelhouse," he explained. "We're not Shadow of the Colossus. Those guys have a genius for that. We don't have that particular genius." Without getting into anything specific, and recognizing that it would be a "missed opportunity" not to do something with Songbird (Infinite's airborne antagonist), Levine said gamers should expect something more akin to the Andrew Ryan resolution in BioShock 1.

Continue reading Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse'

Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms

Jordan Mallory — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST

PAX can be a fantastic catalyst for news and breaking information about upcoming games, but it also provides a unique window into the development process that we as consumers don't often get a chance to see. This year's BioShock Infinite panel, for instance, dove into the art of voice-acting, the challenges associated with dynamic story telling in a first person environment, and the benefits associated with crying in a 5-by-6 closet while strangers viciously berate you.

The panel, hosted by G4's Adam Sessler, starred Irrational Games' Creative Director Ken Levine, as well as voice actors Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper, who voice Infinite's Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, respectively. The group covered a wide range of topics regarding Infinite's lead characters, their motivations, and the somewhat unorthodox techniques used to extract such emotional performances from the actors.

Despite being fairly F-bomb heavy, the above video doesn't disclose any information we weren't already aware of, so the spoiler-cautious among you need not worry.

BioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: BioShock: Rapture novel surfaces at retail

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:20:00 EST

Just a quick reminder that the new novel, BioShock: Rapture, is now available from your bookseller of choice (well, maybe not all of them). Penned by sci-fi and fantasy author John Shirley, the book tells the story of Andrew Ryan and the beginnings of his underwater metropolis. If you would (kindly) like to add it to your collection, BioShock: Rapture is available in both paperback and hardcover.

In addition, Shirley will host a panel at Comic-Con this Friday. Entitled "Writing in Videogames," the panel begins at 10am in room 32AB. Shirley will also be on hand to sign copies of BioShock: Rapture at the Tor Books booth (#2707) from 12pm to 1pm.

Continue reading PSA: BioShock: Rapture novel surfaces at retail

PSA: BioShock: Rapture novel surfaces at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artist transforms famous games into book covers

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

Artist A.J. Hateley has spent the last several months creating classic book covers inspired by the themes, characters or iconography of video games. She began the cool project earlier this year and has slowly updated with new pieces. Check out Unreality for larger versions in a convenient column.

If you want to view more games reimagined using classic and modern art styles, check out the deviantART "art jam" of classic NES covers and the Koopa propaganda posters.

Artist transforms famous games into book covers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Levine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST

In a recent IGN interview, Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine discussed how he made that demo for BioShock Infinite so very, very good. Of course, we all know the answer to that is "witchcraft" -- however, Levine also talked about the game's Move functionality, a feature first announced at E3. He explains it will be entirely optional to the experience, saying, "my hope is that we'll succeed in the experiment and people will like it. But if they don't like it, they'll never know it's there. And that's cool."

As for the franchise's future, Levine reiterated that the BioShock title planned for the Vita will be "a new game," which is going to be "strange and surprising to people." As for E3's other hot-ticket piece of hardware, the Wii U, Levine explained, "I'm not saying it can't happen, but we have no plans to do any games for that platform." That's a shame -- we bet that tiny screen would be perfect for an upsettingly visceral EVE Hypo-injecting metagame.

Levine talks BioShock Infinite's Move functionality, no plans for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brace yourself to watch the BioShock Infinite demo

Justin McElroy — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:47:00 EST

Just above, you'll find about 15 minutes of BioShock Infinite gameplay that was shown on GameTrailers TV last night. But before you watch the demo ... well, you need to steel your resolve.

Keep in mind, this is the Infinite footage that left jaded game journalists slack-jawed at E3 as they fell over one another to heap "Best of Show" awards on it. Do you really think you're strong enough to resist the hypnotic love thrall that so ensorcelled all of game writerdom? Actually, you may be ... we weren't getting enough sleep and green vegetables are hard to come by on the show floor. But you probably won't be.

If you're unmoved by our warnings, prepare yourself for some touching moments with your partner and charge Elizabeth, a bizarre journey into an alternate dimension and some of the most impressive, high-flying combat ever rendered.

Just don't blame us when that other game you were anticipating (whatever that may be) looks a little less enticing.

Brace yourself to watch the BioShock Infinite demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get an early taste of the BioShock: Rapture novel

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:00 EST

Announced in a partnership back in 2009, the Tor and Take-Two undertaking of BioShock: Rapture, a novel detailing the events of Rapture prior to the original game, is finally making its way to bookshelves on July 19. Tor, in anticipation of this event, has published the first excerpt of the novel to the public, taken from the book's first chapter.

The prequel novel is written by John Shirley, an accomplished screen and songwriter, as well as the Bram Stoker-award winning author of Black Butterflies. He also wrote the script for The Crow, so Brandon Lee fans take note. To read the excerpt, hit up the source link below.

Get an early taste of the BioShock: Rapture novel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos

David Hinkle — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST

And here we thought our AT-ATs and 55 Central Park (you know, the Ghostbusters' building) Lego diddies were neat ideas -- not even close. Turns out Lego sculptor Imagine Rigney has the game on lock, evidenced by this amazing recreation of Rapture, which can be seen in full past the break.

Continue reading No Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos

No Gods or Kings, only Blocks: BioShock's Rapture made out of Legos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lead artist Shawn Robertson talks the aesthetic evolution of BioShock Infinite

Justin McElroy — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST

It doesn't take long looking at screens or video from BioShock Infinite for you to realize it looks like nothing else on the market. We talked with lead artist Shawn Robertson about how the game's unique aesthetic evolved.

When you were building the world, what were some of your aesthetic influences? For me, I kept flashing back to Main Street at Disney World, you know, when you first walk in?

Good call, that's the period, that Gilded Age of America, the early 1900s when everybody's so full of hope and optimism. We didn't start there, it's definitely a journey. When we started, when we had the idea of a city in the sky, we were looking a lot at Art Nouveau, and Art Nouveau is kind of a dark, goth movement of the time, swirlies, very organic. The first few maps we built might as well have been Rapture. We brought the clouds in, it was dark and stormy, the clouds had a greenish tinge to them, it was very claustrophobic. Then we started pushing the clouds out.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (E3 2011)

Continue reading Lead artist Shawn Robertson talks the aesthetic evolution of BioShock Infinite

Lead artist Shawn Robertson talks the aesthetic evolution of BioShock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite features Move functionality, free BioShock 1 on PS3

JC Fletcher — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:14:00 EST

Ken Levine from from Irrational Games has just revealed that the latest in the alternate-history, deeply narrative-focused BioShock series will add a bit of hand-waving to the story -- because the PS3 version of BioShock Infinite will support PlayStation Move motion controls.

"We're gonna have PlayStation Move on BioShock Infinite," he said clearly. But the team is still working on exactly how that will be implemented. Another nice bonus implemented in the PS3 version: a free copy of the first BioShock, right on the Blu-Ray!

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (E3 2011)

BioShock Infinite features Move functionality, free BioShock 1 on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST

If you've got a fiver, a decent computer and the steely nerves required to navigate a subaquatic, mutant-filled labyrinth, you should turn your eyes to Steam today. The digital retailer has both BioShock and BioShock 2 on sale for $4.99 a piece as part of its "2K Week" promotion.

Continue reading BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today

BioShock 1 and 2 prices take a dive to $5 on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The many hats of Demiurge Studios

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Shoot Many Robots is Boston-based Demiurge Studios' first original game, and my hands-on with it at GDC was the first time that anyone at the developer ever gave a press demo. Studio head Albert Reed was, unsurprisingly, excited to delve into the studio's origins. "We got our start doing mods for Unreal Tournament. It was me and two other college buddies doing mods in the frickin' computer cluster at Carnegie Mellon. I'm not kidding!" Reed told me before showing off Shoot Many Robots last week. "Then one thing lead to another and those companies that were licensing Unreal Engine started hiring us," Reed added humbly.

It turns out that the folks hiring Demiurge were developers like Gearbox Software, Irrational Games, BioWare, and Harmonix. "We did some work on the first level -- the lighthouse and that sort of descent into Rapture," Reed told me, casually explaining that his studio clandestinely assisted with one of gaming's most iconic openings: the beginning of BioShock.

Continue reading The many hats of Demiurge Studios

The many hats of Demiurge Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games

Randy Nelson — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

After a couple of months in beta, OnLive's PlayPack plan, which offers unlimited access to a selection of titles on the service for $10 a month, has officially launched. Saying that "the meteoric growth of Netflix reflects the enormous consumer demand for flat-rate instant-play media," company CEO and founder Steve Perlman made no secret of the company's inspiration for PlayPack when commenting on its official debut.

OnLive hopes to grow the PlayPack selection with "premium, indie and classic games" on "a regular basis," with new additions being selected in part based on feedback from subscribers to the plan. The day one lineup of 38 games can be found after the break, and includes some titles that are entirely new to the service, most notably the original BioShock.

Continue reading OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games

OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Extra, Extra: Big Daddy marries Little Sister in Toronto!

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST

Perhaps the underwater utopia was already booked when Anna and Jon decided to get married in the backyard of his aunt's (really nice) place in Toronto. Nevertheless, the couple tied the knot last May with plenty of inspiration taken from their "favorite video game," BioShock, in a totally ~~geeky~~ hip wedding.

The cupcakes served at the celebration featured edible blue morpho butterflies, "a reference to the game," Anna confirmed in a recent account of the wedding on Offbeat Bride. "Topping the tower of cupcakes were two figurines from the game" (pictured).

The ceremony programs, designed by Jon, also featured nods to the Art Deco shooter, though the choice in music -- "We walked in to 'Strangers' by The Kinks, played 'Loving Cup' by the Rolling Stones while we signed the register, and walked out to 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,'" recalled Anna -- was a bit unorthodox.

Congratulations, you two! May you love, honor, comfort and rapture each other in splicing and in health.

[Image credit: WyseVegan]

Extra, Extra: Big Daddy marries Little Sister in Toronto! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eve Hypo sales sure to shoot up after fan-made commercial

Justin McElroy — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST

One of the most puzzling moments of BioShock was when our new-to-Rapture hero jams a Plasmid into his arm with little-to-no prompting. Now, had adorable Vampy (Linda Le) been urging him to inject the power goo as she does in the fan-made ad after the break, we might almost have bought it. Almost.

Continue reading Eve Hypo sales sure to shoot up after fan-made commercial

Eve Hypo sales sure to shoot up after fan-made commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST

Direct2Drive has launched a promotion in which it designates a "Publisher of the Week," and then takes a different game from said publisher and cuts its price in twain (or more) each weekday. This week, it's 2K's turn, resulting in mad price cuts on gems like Borderlands and BioShock 2.

Continue reading Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week

Direct2Drive lights a fire sale on 2K titles this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock marked down to two freaking dollars on Games For Windows today

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST

This is just silly. If you're a PC Gamer who has brought immeasurable amounts of shame upon yourself and your immediate family by having not played BioShock yet, then you can rectify your terrible mistake for just $1.99 today, thanks to a Games for Windows weekend sale.

Continue reading BioShock marked down to two freaking dollars on Games For Windows today

BioShock marked down to two freaking dollars on Games For Windows today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stunning BioShock PC case mod proves utopia is not underwater

James Ransom-Wiley — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST

Most people who order 5 gallons of mineral oil are looking to help a constipated horse make a BM. Not this dude: He used the stuff to create one of the most impressive PC case mods we've ever seen.

Continue reading Stunning BioShock PC case mod proves utopia is not underwater

Stunning BioShock PC case mod proves utopia is not underwater originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock Infinite propaganda implores your patriotism

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

What will you say when little Sally asks, "Daddy, what did you do during the Siege of Columbia?" Will you tell her that you stood with your Ultranationalist compatriots against the foreign hordes, or that you rejected your floating paradise in favor of the common man?

BioShock Infinite proposes just such questions with the recent release of a handful of propaganda art pulled directly from Columbia's walls. Game Informer has them exclusively as part of coverage of the game leading up to the Saturday Evening Post-style cover story in its next issue. We absolutely suggest you check out the pics, but try not to be swayed by the WWII-esque sentiments.

BioShock Infinite propaganda implores your patriotism originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irrational interviews Marvel's Brian Michael Bendis on writing

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Moving from game development to multidisciplinary writing, Irrational Games' Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott chat with Amazing Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis on the second episode of Irrational Interviews, released this week. Did you know that what became BioShock was heavily seeded by a trip Levine and his wife took to Rockefeller Center? You would've if you'd already listened to the episode! What're you waiting for, dummy?

Direct Download / iTunes Feed / Irrational Interviews RSS Feed

[Image credit: Pinguino]

Irrational interviews Marvel's Brian Michael Bendis on writing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take-Two loses legal fight over BioShock.com

Justin McElroy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Take-Two: Would you kindly give us Bioshock.com?

Name Administration: ... Umm, no. We're a domain squatter in the Cayman Islands, not giving companies domains is kind of what we do.

Take-Two: Oh, WIPO? Would you kindly tell them to give us back Bioshock.com?

World Intellectual Property Organisation: Well, we talked about it, and ... no. For starters, they registered it before you got any trademarks on the "BioShock" name. Besides, that phrase could apply to other stuff besides your game.

Take-Two: Alright then, would you kindl--

Name Administration: Look, just stop it, OK? You've been saying "would you kindly" every 20 seconds during this hearing and frankly, it's starting to creep us out. And why is it whenever you say it you have to ... oh, what would you call it, WIPO?

WIPO: Glowering. You're glowering.

Name Administration: Yes! You're glowering, and it's weird. And while we're at it, what's up with the golf club?

Take-Two loses legal fight over BioShock.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Levine keeping mum on BioShock Universe continuity

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

For those who've been wondering how the recently announced BioShock Infinite's universe relates (if at all) to the original BioShock ... well, it would seem that answer isn't coming anytime soon.

Irrational Studios' big daddy, Ken Levine, told Joystiq at Gamescom today, "You can see from the gameplay perspective connections between the games, how it's a BioShock game. I think we'll learn over time about what and if the other connections are. But it's really important to me that the same way if I had talked to people about 'would you kindly' or anything like that ahead of time, it would have taken away a lot of the experience. We want to protect the experience."

When we politely pointed out that he had avoided answering the question on whether the game is set in the same universe, he simply reiterated, "We want to protect the experience." He did eventually note regarding criticisms of the game's name: "More will be understood in time. The name will become far less mysterious once you finish the game." Yeah, great -- that's two agonizing years from now!

Ken Levine keeping mum on BioShock Universe continuity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Levine explains why BioShock Infinite isn't photorealistic

Justin McElroy — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

There's a lot to process in the debut trailer and screens for BioShock Infinite, not the least of which is the look of the characters, which have a slightly exaggerated look to them. In a discussion with Gamers With Jobs on their 200th podcast, Irrational Games boss Ken Levine explained.

"A movie uses photorealism quite often because it's free. We don't get a cost benefit for being photorealistic, it's the same reason Pixar's not photorealistic, you just end up creepy," he said. "There's no need to be photorealistic and I think it's kind of a cop out. I'd much rather play a game that's stylized."

Or maybe by 2012, we'll all look like Pixar characters and that will be the new photorealism. See, it's hard to say, because that's so long from now.

Ken Levine explains why BioShock Infinite isn't photorealistic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gears of War, Max Payne and Bioshock added to GFWL Games on Demand

David Hinkle — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Better late than never, right? Gears of War ($20), Bioshock ($20) and Max Payne ($10) have been added to Games for Windows Live's Games on Demand service.

[Thanks, TheWeaponeer]

Gears of War, Max Payne and Bioshock added to GFWL Games on Demand originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verbinski and co. trying to trim BioShock movie budget

Justin McElroy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Speaking of BioShock, the Gore Verbinski-produced film adaptation of the game is apparently still in the works, despite being halted for budgetary concerns more than a year ago. IGN got word straight from Verbinski: "The problem with BioShock was: R-rated movie, underwater, horror. It's a really expensive R-rated movie. So we're trying to figure out a way working with [director] Juan Carlos [Fresnadillo] to get the budget down and still keep so it's true to the core audience, you know? The thing is it has to be R, a hard R."

So we now know three things: (1) nobody's going to spend a lot of money to make that, (2) it sounds like it would be really awesome if they did and (3) seriously, nobody's going to spend a lot of money to make that.

... But, again -- would be awesome.

Verbinski and co. trying to trim BioShock movie budget originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 on sale for $30 on Amazon today

David Hinkle — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST

There are plenty of ways to get to Rapture: You could survive a plane crash in the middle of an ocean; or be abducted by one of its citizens as a child. Heck, if you're a really good swimmer and can hold your breath for a long time, you probably have a decent shot. We're in favor of a safer, more practical alternative: Buy a copy of Bioshock 2.

We're also in favor of the most frugal alternative: Amazon's Deal of the Day. Bioshock 2 is half-off today from the online retailer, available for $30 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 -- and the PC version is even cheaper: $26.

Now, there's our idea of the perfect summer vacation: babysitting our little sister.

BioShock 2 on sale for $30 on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC coming to PC tomorrow

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:15:00 EST

The expansive (and somewhat irreverent) "Metro Pack" DLC for the multiplayer portion of BioShock 2 will be available for the PC version of the game tomorrow. The pack includes six new maps, three new Achievements and a "Rebirth" feature which lets level 50 players restart their careers, and will be available on the Games for Windows Live Marketplace for 800 ($10). Players can also grab two new multiplayer characters for 160 ($2), and all players can grab the (sigh) golf clubs-only "Kill'Em Kindly" deathmatch mode for free.

Of course, this expansion caused a handful of game-crashing issues for folks who purchased it on 360 and PS3 two weeks ago. Not to worry -- a patch for the game is also set to go live tomorrow, which we hope will preempt these issues.

[Via Big Download]

BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC coming to PC tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irrational releases the original BioShock pitch document

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

Every once in a while, our very plane of existence will be split into two by a major decision affecting the course of history, creating what scientists refer to as a "parallel universe." Less frequently, a window will open up which lets us catch a quick glimpse into the world of what might have been. Irrational Games threw open just such a window yesterday by releasing the pitch document for BioShock, which was planned to be a very different monster from the game we all know and love. Specifically, a sea monster.

Some things in the document stayed true -- genetic modification was a major aspect of the pitch. Most of it ... well, let's just say we're glad things changed the way they did. We're not sure the story of Carlos Cuello, who must infiltrate a remote island run by cultists to rescue a wealthy heiress, would be quite so memorable. Also, those aforementioned genetic modifications give you traits of different sea creatures instead of regular ol' superpowers.

Also, there was supposed to be multiplayer. Multiplayer! In BioShock! Have you ever heard of anything so preposterous?

Irrational releases the original BioShock pitch document originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 'Metro Pack' DLC re-dated May 11

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:30:00 EST

2K has announced that the erroneously dated BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC now has an actual release date: Tuesday, May 11. The Metro Pack adds six maps to the multiplayer mode and will be available on PSN and Xbox Live for $10. 2K is also releasing some additional DLC alongside the Metro Pack. First up is a $2 character pack, which adds two new characters to multiplayer. In addition, players can also grab the free download for "Kill'Em'Kindly," a new multiplayer mode that has players "fight to the death with golf clubs."

That disturbing, guttural sound you just heard was the collective "ugh" of everyone who has ever played the original BioShock.

BioShock 2 'Metro Pack' DLC re-dated May 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:29:00 EST

Are you sick and tired of all the freezing and crashing going on while you're freezing and smashing opponents in BioShock 2 multiplayer? We can't say that we blame you. Fortunately, 2K is rolling out patches for the all three -- Xbox 360, PS3 and PC -- versions of the game that should alleviate connectivity issues, as well as a few other miscellaneous snafus. The patches are currently "in the final stages of testing," meaning we should be seeing them fairly soon. Click past the jump to see the full list of changes for each platform.

[Via CVG]

Continue reading BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms

BioShock 2 multiplayer patch coming soon to all platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2K on the challenge of marketing BioShock 2

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 08 May 2010 06:02:00 EST

Speaking with the[a]listdaily, 2K Games' Matt Gorman and Tom Bass discussed the marketing strategy behind BioShock 2. With BioShock being one of the best games of 2007, Bass saw its legacy as both "a blessing and a curse" for the sequel. The challenge was twofold, according to Bass, who said that 2K had to sell the game to fans who "weren't convinced that they needed a sequel" and also to newcomers who might not have been familiar with the original.

At the same time, BioShock 2 was given much more attention from retailers thanks to the success of its predecessor. "With the second one, retail was super stoked for it and just the level of presence we were given was amazing," said Gorman, adding that the community built around the original helped to "evangelize" the sequel. Finally, Gorman said that the team was happy with the reception of BioShock 2, noting, "There were few times you could turn around and not see BioShock 2 during February."

2K on the challenge of marketing BioShock 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 May 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST

2K Games is currently holding a contest to see who can capture the "craziest" occurrences while playing BioShock 2. Mind you, the contest's definition of "crazy" isn't referring to that time you found a hilarious bug, or that time you got a 20-kill streak while playing online. Rather, the contest is looking for "I froze a Big Daddy, levitated him into the air, stuck a rocket on him, and sent him flying into a group of unaware Splicers." For a hint as to what your entries should look like, watch the video posted after the jump.

The prize for the craziest video is a crisp, presumably novelty-sized check for $5,000, as well as a life-sized Big Daddy suit. Yes, the suit from this video. Yes, it's probably covered in the blood of 2K Marin's programmers. No, they probably won't clean that off for you.

Continue reading Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever

Make an in-game BioShock 2 video, win the most dangerous prize ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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