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[Midway Austin hit with 'minor layoff']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/midway-austin-hit-with-minor-layoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/midway-austin-hit-with-minor-layoff/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/midway-austin-hit-with-minor-layoff/#commentsFiled under:


It seems yesterday's news of two Midway executives bailing out didn't mark the only departures from the publisher this week. According to GamesIndustry.biz, Midway has confirmed a number of layoffs at its Austin studio, classifying it as a "minor" and "routine" move following the completion of a project. Midway insisted that its numerous other teams and studios will continue to grow according to the needs of its current developments.

Hopefully, such developments won't have to endure "f*cked up" processes and chilly commercial receptions.

JoystiqMidway Austin hit with 'minor layoff' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlacksiteLayoffsMidwayMidway-AustinWed, 16 Jan 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Thursday: Trials of Hawkish, Mesmerizing Snakeballs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/psn-thursday-trials-of-hawkish-mesmerizing-snakeballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/psn-thursday-trials-of-hawkish-mesmerizing-snakeballs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/psn-thursday-trials-of-hawkish-mesmerizing-snakeballs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's batch of PlayStation Network content is pretty massive - "our biggest ever," according to the official US PlayStation blog. There's a catch, of course, in that PSN will not be updated next Thursday (also known as Christmas Eve). Enough pouting, let's open our presents a week early!

Warhawk fans have the most gifts under the tree this week, with the already-opened Omega Dawn expansion, a free theme, a game video of the expansion and (gasp!) the original Warhawk PS One title downloadable as a classic for play on either the PS3 or PSP. Rhythm fans also get a tasty sampler of the usual Rock Band DLC and a free Guitar Hero III song, the holiday-themed "We Three Kings" (strangely absent from the list: the premium GH3 songs for this week).

Downloadable games include Toy Home, Snakeball and two PS Eye games: Trials of Topoq and Mesmerize: Distort. A demo for Blacksite: Area 51 is also out, and those looking for more festive updates can check out the free Folklore DLC and PAIN wallpaper. Full update list after the break; check out our sister site PS3 Fanboy for European PSN update info.

Update: So apparently we have two fewer days to shop for Christmas gifts than we thought. Hmph.

Continue reading PSN Thursday: Trials of Hawkish, Mesmerizing Snakeballs

JoystiqPSN Thursday: Trials of Hawkish, Mesmerizing Snakeballs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area-51blacksitefolkloregh3guitar-hero-iiimesmerizemotorstormomega-dawnpainplaystation-networkps-networkPS3psnpsn-thursdayPSProck-bandsnakeballtoy-hometrials-of-topoqwarhawkThu, 20 Dec 2007 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Smith and Midway split after BlackSite comments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-split-after-blacksite-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-split-after-blacksite-comments/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-split-after-blacksite-comments/#commentsFiled under:


Harvey Smith, who recently made a stink about the "f*cked up" development of Blacksite: Area 51, has parted ways with Midway. According to GameTap, the separation was a mutual decision between Midway and Smith. Word on the street, according to Joystiq, is that Smith actually made the BlackSite comments in order to get fired in the first place. The purely speculative reason he did this: so he could join Eidos to work on the recently announced Deus Ex 3. Smith has worked on previous Deus Ex titles for the now defunct Ion Storm game studio, so it makes sense (speculatively, mind you). We're glad it's Friday because, frankly, all the firings, rants, and ad agency shuffling is getting confusing.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSmith and Midway split after BlackSite comments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksiteblacksite-area-51blacksitearea51harvey-smithmidwayFri, 30 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smith and Midway part following BlackSite's 'f*cked up' development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-part-following-blacksites-f-cked-up-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-part-following-blacksites-f-cked-up-developm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/smith-and-midway-part-following-blacksites-f-cked-up-developm/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's only so many times in a week one can make a "so long and thanks for all the fish" joke. GameTap is reporting Harvey Smith has left Midway Austin after making some very public waves in Montreal, calling Blacksite: Area 51's production "f*cked up." Although he took "personal accountability," he also pointed at Midway saying the project went from alpha to final in a "completely reprehensible" fashion.

GameTap says their source confirmed Smith's departure was "by mutual agreement between Harvey and the studio." Smith became creative director at Midway Austin after previously working at the now defunct Ion Storm on Deus Ex. Conspiracy theorists believe Smith made his statements to get fired by Midway so he could try and work on the recently announced Deus Ex 3 at Eidos Montreal. Yeah, the same Eidos implicated in the Kane & Lynch shenanigans. Look at that, we've come full circle. Best 'o luck Mr. Smith. (Also, call us when you want to talk Deus Ex).

JoystiqSmith and Midway part following BlackSite's 'f*cked up' development originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Area51BlackSiteBreakingNewsDE3Deus-Ex-3Harvey-SmithMidwayFri, 30 Nov 2007 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackSite designer says low scores "no surprise"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-designer-says-low-scores-no-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-designer-says-low-scores-no-surprise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-designer-says-low-scores-no-surprise/#commentsFiled under:


In the financially driven world of the video game industry, honesty can sometimes be hard to come by. From sycophantic game reviewers to gab-gifted PR reps that constantly spin crap into gold (no easy feat), finding a bit of real honesty is refreshing. Kind of like politics. For today's bit of honesty we turn to Harvey Smith, designer of the recently released Midway shooter BlackSite: Area 51. You may recall the game not wowing critics upon release. So, how honest is Smith about BlackSite? Take this quote for a spin: "This project was so f*cked up." Of course, he didn't go to the trouble of injecting an asterisk into his statement. No, he really said it. Smith went on to say that development was hampered with multiple problems, noting that one (unnamed) aspect of the game took eight months to implement. Furthermore, the development team didn't have adequate time to test and polish the game, and Smith said that the project went directly from alpha to final (ouch). He concluded that he was upset that many failed to see the game's subversive and satirical nature -- he would have given the game an 80 -- but said the low scores were "no surprise."

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqBlackSite designer says low scores "no surprise" originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksiteblacksite-area-51blacksitearea51businessmidwayThu, 29 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacksite: Area 51 director says development was 'f*cked up']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-area-51-director-says-development-was-f-cked-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-area-51-director-says-development-was-f-cked-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/blacksite-area-51-director-says-development-was-f-cked-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Blacksite: Area 51's creative director Harvey Smith let loose about the title's "f*cked up" development during the Montreal Inernational Game Summit. Reported by Wired, he says he wasn't too interested in the project to begin with and the game was "disastrously off rails" a year before finishing. He also says the game went from alpha to final in a "completely reprehensible" fashion. The critics agree.

Smith says his openness about the problems is due to "personal accountability." It's pretty obvious that publisher Midway just wanted the game out and maybe get some daft holiday shopper purchases, rather than hold off and do the title justice with a Spring '08 release -- like many publishers opted for this year. Remember Midway, don't ruin your name (more) by just pushing cow pies out the door -- go ask Atari how that ends.

[Via NextGen]

JoystiqBlacksite: Area 51 director says development was 'f*cked up' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksiteblacksitearea51midwayPCPS3smithXbox-360Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: find the BlackSite alien petting zoo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/video-find-the-blacksite-alien-petting-zoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/video-find-the-blacksite-alien-petting-zoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/video-find-the-blacksite-alien-petting-zoo/#commentsFiled under:

You gotta love Easter eggs. They just make things more fun. They bring extra joy to DVDs, video games, and, well, Easter. The video above contains an easter egg for BlackSite: Area 51 which was released last week to hungry alien hunters everywhere. It's a drawn out process which requires players to find a hidden sequence of numbers in order to unlock ... a petting zoo. Okay, so it's not a petting zoo per se, seeing as it's filled with half decayed alien goats instead of non-decayed normal goats, but it's close. We particularly enjoy the vulture actively eating one of the goats. The goat, for its part, seems completely oblivious.

JoystiqVideo: find the BlackSite alien petting zoo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksiteblacksite-area-51blacksitearea51midwayTue, 27 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New BlackSite demo invades XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/new-blacksite-demo-invades-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/new-blacksite-demo-invades-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/new-blacksite-demo-invades-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hey, remember BlackSite? What's that? You don't? Allow us to refresh your memory: Unreal Engine 3, aliens, rain, Clancy-esque squad controls. Ringing any bells? There we go. It seems BlackSite is hoping to make more of an impression, as a new demo has been released on Xbox Live Marketplace. We haven't gotten a chance to take it for a spin yet (it's nearly a gig, so the download is taking its sweet time), but the description lets us know two things. One, it is a new demo, and two, you'll be fighting your way through "the streets and backyards of a small American town." As you well know, there aren't nearly enough backyards in FPS games, so you should probably give BlackSite a try.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNew BlackSite demo invades XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksitedemodemosmidwayxblmWed, 21 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A new Area 51: BlackSite demo hits Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/a-new-area-51-blacksite-demo-hits-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/a-new-area-51-blacksite-demo-hits-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/a-new-area-51-blacksite-demo-hits-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


Back when BlackSite: Area 51 was originally slated to be released in the same time frame as Halo 3, it was hard not to pull for it. It was like Rocky going up against Apollo Creed in the first movie, except if Rocky had crutches and was blind. But after it (wisely, we guess) relocated, it kind of just shuffled off into the pack, and the lackluster demo of the game certainly didn't help it build any buzz.

Now, the game is vying for your intention once again with a brand-new demo on Xbox Live where you'll "battle against a strange insurgency through the streets and backyards of a small American town." We're still too swamped with this month's releases to give it a whirl. What about you?

JoystiqA new Area 51: BlackSite demo hits Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitedemoshalo3midwayXbox-360Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Shipping this week: leap of faith edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/shipping-this-week-leap-of-faith-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/shipping-this-week-leap-of-faith-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/12/shipping-this-week-leap-of-faith-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


The holiday onslaught continues this week with nine new games for the Xbox 360. Assassin's Creed is arguably the most anticipated of the bunch -- and it's likely many gamers will be buying a copy on faith alone -- but we're sure there are plenty of people out there interested in the likes of BlackSite, Kane & Lynch, and Need for Speed Pro Street. And there are five more games aside from those. What the hell is a frugal gamer to do? Just take a look at all these games.
We hope you've paid the bills already.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqShipping this week: leap of faith edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americas-armyassassins-creedbeowulfblacksitekane-and-lynchneedforspeedprostreetshipping-this-weekshippingthisweeksoldier-of-fortunewwe-smackdown-vs-raw-08Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacksite: Area 51 goes gold, releases Nov. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/blacksite-area-51-goes-gold-releases-nov-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/blacksite-area-51-goes-gold-releases-nov-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/blacksite-area-51-goes-gold-releases-nov-12/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been a bumpy road for BlackSite: Area 51, but now the game is gold and ready to invade PC and Xbox 360 Nov. 12. The PS3 version is currently caught in a temporal vortex and is expected to release before "the holidays." The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions sport different features, so figure out what's important to you before buying.

BlackSite is actually best known at this point for its delays and developer comments -- one of which involved it being a good idea to release BlackSite the same week as Halo 3. Well, good luck to BlackSite, the pool is looking awfully full this holiday.

JoystiqBlacksite: Area 51 goes gold, releases Nov. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitePCXbox-360Fri, 02 Nov 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Midway expects no more PS3 delays in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/midway-expects-no-more-ps3-delays-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/midway-expects-no-more-ps3-delays-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/midway-expects-no-more-ps3-delays-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Did you know that the American PS3 version of Stranglehold slow-mo dived out the door this week? Midway's destructive Hard Boiled follow-up, like several PS3 games in the past few months, had been pushed off the edge of the calendar so many times that many eventually lost sight of it, played it on competing platforms or just moved on to other things. Midway CEO David F. Zucker recently discussed the predicament following a Top Secret! financial conference call, noting that technical hurdles on Sony's platform initially slowed them down.

"For our first wave of next-gen games... lead development has been on the Xbox 360, due to its earlier introduction and larger installed base," said Zucker. "We ran into some technical issues developing for the PlayStation 3 that have taken more time to finalize than we expected." He now considers said issues resolved, however, and expects "PS3 versions of [Midway] titles to ship day and date" with those on other platforms beginning next year. As for Unreal Tournament III, PS3 owners should look for it "as soon as it's ready."

Finally, with development hassles supposedly out of the way, Midway can continue work on a soon-to-be-announced title described by Zucker as an "ambitious open-world game." We certainly hope he means the Psi-Ops meets Crackdown adventure we just envisioned.

JoystiqMidway expects no more PS3 delays in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlacksiteMidwayPCPS3StrangleholdUnrealTournamentUT3Xbox-360Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Blacksite picks on innocent children]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-blacksite-picks-on-innocent-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-blacksite-picks-on-innocent-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-blacksite-picks-on-innocent-children/#commentsFiled under: ,


We have beef with the aliens of Blacksite: Area 51. In their latest television commercial we see one of them picking on an innocent little girl who's minding her business, singing "Ring Around the Rosy" by here lonesome. Her school bus is broken down, her house is on fire and her yellow dress is a filthy mess. And these insidious Area 51 aliens have nothing better to do then scare the poor girl and get all up in her face, seriously ... what do they want with her? Don't they know messing with a child is universally unacceptable? And to you Midway, do you expect us to reward such blatant commercial wrong doing with a Blacksite pre-order? Well, okay ... maybe this once.

JoystiqVideo: Blacksite picks on innocent children originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area-51blacksiteblacksite-area-51midwayTue, 30 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackSite loses online co-op, PS3 version lacks voice support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/blacksite-loses-online-co-op-ps3-version-lacks-voice-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/blacksite-loses-online-co-op-ps3-version-lacks-voice-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/23/blacksite-loses-online-co-op-ps3-version-lacks-voice-support/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


IGN's preview of Area 51: BlackSite is sort of a mixed bag. Sure, we loved hearing new game modes like Abduction and how weapons would affect running speed, but imagine how disheartened we were when the preview ended with the news that online co-op had been cut from the game. It was like an awesome birthday party with a cake made of SARS.

In other disappointing news, the article says that while the 360 version will feature ranked and unranked play as well as constant chatter for teammates, the PS3 version won't, and the PC version is still a question mark. Sure, there's cause for concern, but, luckily for Midway, we really, really hate aliens.

JoystiqBlackSite loses online co-op, PS3 version lacks voice support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitemidwayPCps3Xbox-360xbox360Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackSite online support limited on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/blacksite-online-support-limited-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/blacksite-online-support-limited-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/blacksite-online-support-limited-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,


BlackSite: Area 51, Midway's upcoming Unreal Engine-powered shooter, is going to have a fairly robust online mode. According to IGN: "With the Xbox 360 version of the game, players will be able to play ranked and unranked matches, and voice support will have constant chatter for teammates while everyone will be able to hear each other if they're close enough, regardless of which team they're on."

Wait, but that's not the case for PS3! Most of these features are being cut for Sony's version. According to a Midway representative: "Basically, the PS3 supports the ability to host, search, and join - that's it. All of the other functionality did not make it to PS3: ranked / leader boards, match making, voice chat, private slots, etc." Essentially, expect a fairly bare-bones online mode for the PS3 version of BlackSite. This seems like a strange omission from Midway, especially considering the robust online features their upcoming Unreal Tournament will have.

[Thanks, Amphlett!]

JoystiqBlackSite online support limited on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksitemidwayMon, 22 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Area 51 trailer looking damn good -- and just a bit freaky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/new-area-51-trailer-looking-damn-good-and-just-a-bit-freaky/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/new-area-51-trailer-looking-damn-good-and-just-a-bit-freaky/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/new-area-51-trailer-looking-damn-good-and-just-a-bit-freaky/#commentsFiled under:

Straight from the Leipzig Game Convention comes a new Blacksite: Area 51 trailer, which highlights some impressive graphics and freaky looking alien weirdness. While not as hot looking as Killzone 2 or Call of Duty 4 (few games are), the trailer shows off some impressive Unreal Engine-powered set pieces and some really nice lighting. Watching the town get ripped to shreds by 80 foot tall aliens is damn cool, and it looks like the gameplay holds its own as well.

JoystiqNew Area 51 trailer looking damn good -- and just a bit freaky originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksiteWed, 22 Aug 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Kevin Kelly talks delays on G4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/joystiqs-kevin-kelly-talks-delays-on-g4/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/joystiqs-kevin-kelly-talks-delays-on-g4/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/joystiqs-kevin-kelly-talks-delays-on-g4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Have all the game delays got you down? Put a relaxing cap on your Tuesday workday by watching Joystiq's own Kevin Kelly explain why Uncle Niko won't be able to visit this Halloween, why Blacksite might be here for Thanksgiving and why nothing short of a Christmas miracle will get Spore out the door before the end of linear time, generally speaking.

If you're still not cheered, you can thrill as Kelly storms into the G4 studios and beats the intellectual bejeezus out of Rebecca Swanner, Senior Videogames Editor for Penthouse Magazine! ... And by "beats the intellectual bejeezus out of" we mean "politely disagrees with." Sorry for any confusion. Check the small-ish video out after the jump.

Continue reading Joystiq's Kevin Kelly talks delays on G4

JoystiqJoystiq's Kevin Kelly talks delays on G4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacksitedelaysg4gtaivPCPS3sporeWiiXbox-360Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacksite gets delayed into November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/blacksite-gets-delayed-into-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/blacksite-gets-delayed-into-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/blacksite-gets-delayed-into-november/#commentsFiled under:

During a Q2 earnings call, Midway confirmed the news that Area 51: Blacksite has been delayed and its release date will be moved back into this Fall. The new release dates for Blacksite are November 5th for North America and October 6th for Europe, which is a step back from the rough "Summer" release it was slated for previously and the September release date retailers were telling customers.

And allow us to express our opinion on this whole "delayed game" thing that has been going on lately. Simply put, we're thinking all this delayed video game madness is the cause of a rare virus. Seriously, here us out. This uber rare virus lives in the dirty kitchens of major game studios, feeds off cheesy puff crumbs and ends up messing with developers' minds, causing them to experience violent mood swings and act out in fits of rage. This ultimately delays their game as the virus makes everyone "moody". How else can we explain both GTA IV and Blacksite delays? And no, we don't believe the whole "we simply need more time" marketing mumbo jumbo either. All we're saying is that Microsoft better wrap Bungie HQ in aluminum foil and spread anti-bacterial soap all over it, because we refuse to get our Halo 3 any later than September 25th (26th for our European friends). Delayed game virus be damned!

JoystiqBlacksite gets delayed into November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksiteblacksitemidwayFri, 03 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacksite: Area 51 delayed until November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/blacksite-area-51-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/blacksite-area-51-delayed-until-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/blacksite-area-51-delayed-until-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This has to be the best bit of news today. Midway has announced that Blacksite: Area 51 has been delayed, and will ship out to North America on November 5th and to Europe on October 26. "But wait," you ask, "how can this be the best news of the day?" Well, for those who've put blood, sweat and code into the game, we'd bet that any move away from Blacksite's previous launch date during September is very good news indeed.

Sure, they've put on a brave face, even claiming at one point that launching near a certain other sci-fi FPS would actually make them stronger. As sweet as the attempt was, we're happy to see Blacksite back in a position where it's free of competition ... if you're not counting Haze, Assassin's Creed and Army of Two, of course.

JoystiqBlacksite: Area 51 delayed until November originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitehalo3midwayPCPS3Xbox-360Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Blacksite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-blacksite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-blacksite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/joystiq-impressions-blacksite/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Blacksite: Area 51 is traversing into controversial territory. Harvey Smith, game designer of Blacksite, has received a ton of flak for his attempts at making a story that tackles modern political issues. He's unabashedly left-wing, and is willing to make obvious remarks about the current Bush administration in his game. We love seeing game storytelling pushed to new, unexplored territories, but we wonder -- is an alien invasion really an appropriate backdrop for serious commentary on politics?

Unfortunately, we don't think so. This Unreal Engine-powered FPS certainly looks good, featuring the same sheen that Unreal games tend to. However, it doesn't feel as visceral as the myriad of other FPS games available at the show. The squad-based mechanics seem inspired by Gears of War: your partners are rough commando types that seem fearless. Commanding them is easy, with everything assigned to one button. Smith promises a morale system that intrigues us: performing as a leader will have your allies acting more confident, but poor leadership will lead to low morale. They'll become sluggish, and take more cover. Their shots will become less accurate, and they'll become far less aggressive. It's certainly a novel concept, but we weren't able to see it in action.

Other than the morale system, we haven't seen anything that looks extraordinarily original. The game will feature online co-op (no split-screen co-op, unfortunately). Hopefully, with more time with the game, we'll see some of its more original features, but for now, it feels like just-another-shooter.

Gallery: BlackSite: Area 51

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Blacksite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksiteE3e307PS3Xbox-360Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New BlackSite trailer (temporarily) excites us again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-blacksite-trailer-temporarily-excites-us-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-blacksite-trailer-temporarily-excites-us-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/new-blacksite-trailer-temporarily-excites-us-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We'll be honest, we're going back and forth on BlackSite: Area 51. Sometimes we'll get excited, then something like the recent demo will come along and we'll be convinced that the game is excruciatingly pedestrian. Then, a trailer like the above one gets posted, and we get re-convinced that the thing might be pretty good, if not as Duchovony-rich as its predecessor.

Inevitably, these internal tete-a-tetes end with us remembering what other game is being released in September. Then we decide our feelings on the game are probably moot.

JoystiqNew BlackSite trailer (temporarily) excites us again originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitePCPS3Xbox-360Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Blacksite trailer is all about being home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/video-blacksite-trailer-is-all-about-being-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/video-blacksite-trailer-is-all-about-being-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/05/video-blacksite-trailer-is-all-about-being-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's a new Blacksite: Area 51 trailer in town and it's all about the pretty visuals and those rascally aliens landing on our home turf. Embedded above is Midway's latest Blacksite trailer aptly named "Followed Home" featuring an entire gamut of aliens including tall ones with skinny legs, wormy ones, spider ones and aliens that shoot rockets. Yup, when you're followed home by these aliens we recommend putting on your running shoes and taking off. That is unless you are military trained. Which, luckily for us, we are.

JoystiqVideo: Blacksite trailer is all about being home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area 51Area51blacksiteblacksite area 51BlacksiteArea51midwayThu, 05 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Sector removed from 'crowded' holiday season, due early 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/dark-sector-removed-from-crowded-holiday-season-due-early-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/dark-sector-removed-from-crowded-holiday-season-due-early-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/13/dark-sector-removed-from-crowded-holiday-season-due-early-200/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digital Extremes' Dark Sector, one of the first games to brandish the unnaturally shiny "next-gen" label, has been shoved out of its proposed holiday season release period and into the first quarter of 2008. A representative from D3Publishing tells FiringSquad, "We've decided to pull Dark Sector out of a very crowded holiday season and it is now slated for release in Q1 2008."

Apparently, the publisher believes that releasing a third-person sci-fi title into a throbbing crowd of anticipated games is a mistake. Of course, where D3 sees Dark Sector getting trampled, Midway sees Blacksite: Area 51 being hoisted up by Halo 3 and surfing the crowd. We'll see which decision fares better soon enough.

JoystiqDark Sector removed from 'crowded' holiday season, due early 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlacksiteDark SectorDarkSectorMidwayPCPS3Xbox-360Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 will boost BlackSite sales, dev prays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/halo-3-will-boost-blacksite-sales-dev-prays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/halo-3-will-boost-blacksite-sales-dev-prays/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/halo-3-will-boost-blacksite-sales-dev-prays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

good one.
According to BlackSite designer Ricardo Bare, there are two "schools of thought" among developers who must release their games alongside Halo. The first, and most obvious, is the understanding that your game is doomed, and therefore you should curse your publisher for scheduling an imbecilic release date and quickly settle into the realization that you won't be receiving a bonus for all those sleepless hours spent smoothing out the buggy corridor in that damned missile silo near the end of level four. But then, there are those, like Midway (who has no publisher to blame), who believe that blockbusters like Halo 3 help to spur sales of like-genred alien shooters. (Note our reaction to this theory in the image above.)

"Whenever you go and see a really bad ass action movie like X-Men, it just makes you want to go and see Spider-Man 3, right? You usually want more of the same," Bare told CVG, adding, "when something really huge comes out, it helps the other two or three really good games that also come out, because you want more FPS action." But Bare was also quick to draw a distinction between Halo 3 and his team's Area 51 follow-up, which adds squad-based tactics and political commentary to the alien extermination plot. So whether you want "more of the same" or something a bit different, BlackSite has you covered? Have we got the slogan right? Midway had best launch a stronger marketing campaign than that (and start reaching out to the PC and PS3 crowds) and, even more importantly, beat Halo 3 to store shelves. In other words, stop cannibalizing resources for another demo (this time with multiplayer) and don't waste any more time pondering the BlackSite sequel -- Halo 3 is here September 25th. Guys, maybe it's time to consider a 'strategic' delay?

JoystiqHalo 3 will boost BlackSite sales, dev prays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360area 51Area51blacksitedemofpsmidwaymultiplayerPCps3xbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Tue, 12 Jun 2007 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[New multiplayer BlackSite demo on the way, sequel rumored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/new-multiplayer-blacksite-demo-on-the-way-sequel-rumored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/new-multiplayer-blacksite-demo-on-the-way-sequel-rumored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/12/new-multiplayer-blacksite-demo-on-the-way-sequel-rumored/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Eurogamer, Midway's Harvey Smith, creative director for BlackSite: Area 51, admitted that he's already thinking of ways to expand the next game in the series. While he doesn't officially confirm a sequel is in development, it seems at least that he's hoping for one. More intriguing to those of us who exist in the here and now, Smith intimates that Midway is considering another demo in addition to the one already available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Smith notes that it may be longer than the (very short) demo already available. Also, the new demo should include some multiplayer elements from the game. The retail game is expected to include deathmatch, CTF, and co-op modes, so a multiplayer demo would certainly be welcome. No date for the new demo has been announced

JoystiqNew multiplayer BlackSite demo on the way, sequel rumored originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area 51Area51blacksiteblacksite area 51BlacksiteArea51midwayTue, 12 Jun 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Live Top Ten: It's the demos stupid]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/live-top-ten-its-the-demos-stupid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/live-top-ten-its-the-demos-stupid/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/live-top-ten-its-the-demos-stupid/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week's Live Top Ten features the same big hitters that have been around for the past few months, but it is also sprinkled with a few demos that hit the Marketplace this past week. Both the Forza 2 and Area 51: Blacksite demos made it on the list at number two and four beating out games like Rainbow Six Vegas and Guitar Hero II. Also spurred into action was Crackdown which jumped to the number three spot probably due to its new content and the Halo 3 beta fanfare. Speaking of the Halo 3 beta, it didn't show up on the Live Top Ten list due to it being released later in the week, but you can nearly guarantee it'll be making an appearance next week. The complete top ten list is posted after the break for your viewing pleasure.

Continue reading Live Top Ten: It's the demos stupid

JoystiqLive Top Ten: It's the demos stupid originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionblacksitecrackdowndemogears of warGearsOfWargowlive top tenLiveTopTenMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxxbox liveXboxLiveMon, 21 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Area 51: BlackSite demo Live, government still denying existence]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/area-51-blacksite-demo-live-government-still-denying-existence/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You don't know, man! I've been living in a trailer in southern Nevada for nigh on 27 years, and I've seen some things. Things that Uncle Sam ain't exactly thrilled to be talking about sort of things. Just last night, I was laying in the back of my El Camino peering through my Advanced Ritchey-Chretien Telescope with UHTC Coatings when I saw it: A brilliant blue light, hovering right above Groom Lake. It was what Area 51 junkies like myself had been waiting for for since Art Bell was in short pants: Real proof.

So, I tell my harpy of a wife this morning, what does she do? She says I never even made it outside last night. She says I blacked out on the Davenport after my 13th (possibly 17th) PBR. She says the kids were up all night playing the "new demo for BlackSite: Area 51," whatever the hell that means. Now, I'm not as concerned about another sighting going tits up as I am about the kids playing their AxeBox 360 without their foil hats. How can I protect them if they're not willing to save themselves?

Gallery: BlackSite: Area 51

JoystiqArea 51: BlackSite demo Live, government still denying existence originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area51blacksitedemomajornelsonmidwayxblXbox-360xbox360Fri, 11 May 2007 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Friday! Area 51 demo on Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/happy-friday-area-51-demo-on-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/happy-friday-area-51-demo-on-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/11/happy-friday-area-51-demo-on-marketplace/#commentsFiled under:


There are few things better than an unexpected Friday demo. We were delighted to see a demo for BlackSite: Area 51 sitting quietly on Marketplace this morning. After a few minutes we had the demo downloaded and took it for a spin. Upon firing up the demo, you will be quickly greeted by some impressive Unreal Engine 3 visuals. The character models are top notch, and the lighting effects (particularly the wet, reflective surfaces) look fantastic. Not only does it look great, but most of the environment is destructible. The gameplay is sort of a streamlined version of Rainbow Six Vegas, with one button squad commands (you start with two team members) and tactical firefights. You won't be issuing any complicated commands, it's all basic things like "go there" or "open that door," so it's not overwhelming. The demo is very short, you basically make your way through three firefights and that's it. The closing screens of the demo promise more tactical gameplay, lots of vehicles, levels based in US cities, and a robust multiplayer component.

All in all the demo is sweet but just a little too short. Hopefully, we'll see a multiplayer demo before the game hits retail this year.

JoystiqHappy Friday! Area 51 demo on Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 May 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>area 51Area51blacksiteblacksite area 51BlacksiteArea51midwaymidway gamesmidway studiosMidwayGamesMidwayStudiosFri, 11 May 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Area 51 being renovated at Hollywood's Paramount Pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/area-51-being-renovated-at-hollywoods-paramount-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/area-51-being-renovated-at-hollywoods-paramount-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/area-51-being-renovated-at-hollywoods-paramount-pictures/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As far as game-to-film adaptations go, Midway's Area 51 is almost certainly one of the easiest ones to pitch; the equivalent of a limp-wristed grandma flinging a roll of film at an executive producer sitting five inches away. Ticking nearly all of the boxes on Hollywood's quality assurance list, namely "aliens," "guns" and (this one is crucial) "aliens being killed by guns," Area 51 seems like a natural property for Paramount Pictures to abduct and perform hideous experiments on.

Variety reports that comic book writer and artist, Grant Morrison, has been handed the task of adapting the 2005 first-person shooter (which was itself loosely based on the 90's light gun game) into a piece of cinema. Morrison's list of published works includes issues of Judge Dredd, New X-Men, Batman, JLA and Fantastic Four. If completed and released (Paramount has reportedly been sitting on the rights since 2004), Area 51 will mark his first produced film project. Hollywood monster guru, Stan Winston, is also attached as producer.

Hopefully, the production team will gather some inspiration from forthcoming Area 51 sequel, Blacksite, which is said to be more politically charged and thoughtful than the first. Then again, perhaps Hollywood should concentrate on getting the basics right first.

[Via FirstShowing.net]

JoystiqArea 51 being renovated at Hollywood's Paramount Pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Area 51Area51BlacksiteMidwayParamount StudiosParamountStudiosWed, 04 Apr 2007 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[BlackSite: Midway investigates Area 51 again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/29/blacksite-midway-investigates-area-51-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/29/blacksite-midway-investigates-area-51-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/29/blacksite-midway-investigates-area-51-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

blacksiteMidway has cracked the lid off of its Area 51 sequel, now known as BlackSite: Area 51 (no longer Area 52). As a sequel, BlackSite shares little in common with its predecessor beyond the general setting of hidden military facilities in Nevada and a pervasive alien threat. While Area 51 was deliberately campy, BlackSite is fear driven. It's squad-based too (with online co-op likely); and will utilize Midway's Massive D system, the same technology that drives the fragile environments in Stranglehold.

GameSpy wasn't moved by a short BlackSite demo featured during a recent Midway junket in Las Vegas. We don't blame 'em. BlackSite, like Area 51 before it, looks to nail the formula without taking risks. Mediocrity can still drive sales.

Continue reading BlackSite: Midway investigates Area 51 again

JoystiqBlackSite: Midway investigates Area 51 again originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360Area 51Area51BlackSiteFPSMassive DMassiveDMidwayPCPS3SquadSquad-basedXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[A new Area 51 game emerges for certain!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/29/a-new-area-51-game-emerges-for-certain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/29/a-new-area-51-game-emerges-for-certain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/29/a-new-area-51-game-emerges-for-certain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How many of you remember that classic Midway arcade title, Area 51? With that weird 3-D live action characters and the fairly wonky, but cool as hell, aiming system (I swear I missed completely, yet I nailed many a creature more often than not)? If so, get excited, since it seems the rumors of an Area 51 sequel are true -- enter the trailer for Area 51: BlackSite. It's a PS3 game for sure. In the trailer at least, no other platform is mentioned, but there will probably be word on that later on. Not much else to say about this -- check out the trailer on IGN and see for yourself if this brings back memories or if I've gotten some Area 51's mixed up in my distant arcade-rocking past.

JoystiqA new Area 51 game emerges for certain! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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