Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fighting game marathon tonight to raise funds for Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/#comments Boston's fighting game community is hosting a 26-hour gaming marathon to raise money for The One Fund Boston, benefiting those who were affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

Starting today at 8 PM Eastern time and running through 10 PM on Saturday, participants will stream tournaments, speed runs, and requested games at Game Underground's retail store and arcade in Framingham, Massachusetts. Local admission is $10, and all marathon content will be streamed at Game Underground's Twitch channel.

The marathon will showcase competitive play for Injustice: Gods Among Us, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition. A full schedule of events is here.

JoystiqFighting game marathon tonight to raise funds for Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostoncharitygame-undergroundmarathonplaystationps3Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Festival of Indie Games offers PC game bundle as Kickstarter incentive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/boston-festival-of-indie-games-offers-pc-game-bundle-as-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/boston-festival-of-indie-games-offers-pc-game-bundle-as-kickstar/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/boston-festival-of-indie-games-offers-pc-game-bundle-as-kickstar/#comments Boston Festival of Indie Games offers PC game bundle as Kickstarter incentiveThe Boston Festival of Indie Games will return to MIT's campus in September, and organizers hope to make this year's show bigger, better, and less sweltering than last year's event with help from Kickstarter backers.

Showcasing tabletop games, interactive art, and video games developed by local studios like Owlchemy Labs (Snuggle Truck) and Wadjet Eye Games (Resonance), the inaugural Boston Festival of Indie Games was a bigger success than its creators anticipated, attracting an estimated 2,000 attendees.

"[Last year's] festival was a lot of fun, but it was cramped and hot," the Kickstarter pitch notes. "MIT's Stratton Student Center and Johnson Athletic Center will better accommodate the crowds, exhibitors and game developers at Boston Festival of Indie Games. Our goal is to have plenty of room for all the great features that come with the festival, like the game developer showcase, tabletop game play, art gallery, game jam, keynote speakers, films and much more."

Backers who pledge $25 or more will receive an advance pass to 2013's event, along with the "Figgie Bundle," a downloadable PC game compilation that includes Subatomic Studios' Fieldrunners, Fire Hose Games' Go Home Dinosaurs, Popcannibal's Fish Listening to the Radio, and Binary Takeover's Lost Marbles. More titles will be added to the bundle as money continues to roll in.

JoystiqBoston Festival of Indie Games offers PC game bundle as Kickstarter incentive originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonboston-festival-of-indie-gamesindiekickstarterpcThu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Festival of Indie Games returns in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-returns-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-returns-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-returns-in-september/#comments Boston Festival of Indie Games returnsThe Boston Festival of Indie Games is back for round two this year, taking place on September 14 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the MIT campus. The Boston Festival of Indie Games is a free event, open to the public, and last year included 36 showcase games, such as Resonance, Cognition, Snapshot, Fieldrunners 2 and Go Home Dinosaurs. Look at how much fun all of the attendees had in this photo album.

Last year, Festival had attendees voted on their favorite showcase games and handed out prizes in five categories. Games don't have to be from the Boston area, but can come from anywhere as long as developers attend the show to demo it (and, from the look of those pictures, drink if they're of age). Categories include digital, board and card games, and the festival is live-action roleplay friendly. It doesn't appear that game registration for this year has opened yet, but when it does it will be at the Boston Festival of Indie Games site.

JoystiqBoston Festival of Indie Games returns in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbostonboston-festival-of-indie-gamesIndieiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 16 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Festival of Indie Games starts on Sept. 22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-starts-on-sept-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-starts-on-sept-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/16/boston-festival-of-indie-games-starts-on-sept-22/#commentsA new show centered around the indie scene is set to kick off in Boston on September 22. The Boston Festival of Indie Games is taking submissions right now, gathering aspiring developers looking to show off their wares on the MIT campus this fall.

Organized by MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies at the MIT Campus, the Boston Festival of Indie Games is open to the public and, aside from giving indie developers a soapbox to stand on, will present a digital art exhibit, film screenings, a 12-hour game jam session, guest speaker presentations and a special area to showcase games made within the MIT Game Lab. Some of the names to already sign on and judge submissions are Harmonix Senior Designer Tim Stellmach, Fire Hose Games Creative Director Eitan Glinert, Zynga Boston Creative Director Paul Neurath, and Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab US Executive Director Philip Tan.

Awards will be given during the show based on public voting once cleared by the panel above. Those interested in submitting their digital game for showcase will have to pay a $10 fee if they are a student, or a $15 fee if they are a professional, by no later than August 10. If you're making something that doesn't fall into the digital category, you can submit it free of charge. Good luck!

JoystiqBoston Festival of Indie Games starts on Sept. 22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonboston-festival-of-indieboston-figboston-indiesfire-hose-gamesharmonixmitmit-campusmit-game-labzynga-bostonMon, 16 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a guided tour through the Boston of Assassin's Creed 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/take-a-guided-tour-through-the-boston-of-assassins-creed-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/take-a-guided-tour-through-the-boston-of-assassins-creed-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/take-a-guided-tour-through-the-boston-of-assassins-creed-3/#comments
You may have seen Assassin's Creed 3's Boston level demoed before, but you've certainly never seen it with the game's creative director walking you through every little detail. Ubisoft offers just that in the video we've dropped above.

Continue reading Take a guided tour through the Boston of Assassin's Creed 3

JoystiqTake a guided tour through the Boston of Assassin's Creed 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-hutchinsonassassins-creed-3bostongameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3ubisoftubisoft-montrealxboxFri, 13 Jul 2012 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Festival of Indie Games coming from MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies this Sept.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/boston-festival-of-indie-games-coming-from-mit-game-lab-and-bost/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/boston-festival-of-indie-games-coming-from-mit-game-lab-and-bost/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/24/boston-festival-of-indie-games-coming-from-mit-game-lab-and-bost/#commentsBoston Festival of Indie Games coming from MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies this SeptOn September 22, MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies will host the Boston Festival of Indie Games, on site at MIT. The day-long event will encompass all manner of homegrown gaming projects, from traditional video games, to board games, "live action games" and "interactive fiction." The festival will also include a 12-hour game jam, film screenings, a digital art exhibit and guest speakers. Naturally, games developed by the MIT Game Lab will also be showcased.

Developers interested in having their wares on display at the festival can submit their games here once registration has opened, which should happen "soon." A $15 submission fee is required unless you're a student, in which case you can toss your hat in the ring for $10.

The event itself, however, is free and open to the public.

Continue reading Boston Festival of Indie Games coming from MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies this Sept.

JoystiqBoston Festival of Indie Games coming from MIT Game Lab and Boston Indies this Sept. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonboston-festival-of-indie-gamesboston-figboston-indiesindieMITMIT-Game-LabSun, 24 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/#comments Massachusetts is the fifth largest state for game industry employment in spite of better developer incentives in other states. Nearly 1,300 industry jobs exist in the Commonwealth, but a recent profile of Irrational Games by The Improper Bostonian covers how the state's grip on gaming could slip if it doesn't step up studio stimulus.

A bill for game developer incentives has been floating around the Mass. legislature for about a year, but hasn't gained traction with lawmakers. The state currently provides heavy cuts for the movie industry, despite the game industry pumping more cash into local economies.

"It's ironic," Irrational Games' director of product development Tim Gerritsen said. "If you look at it, where do you want to put your money? We've got 120 permanent employees. They spend all their money here. They pay their rent here. They pay their taxes here. Do you want Dane Cook? He's here for two weeks doing a film, and he's gone."

"When you talk about tax incentives, that's less revenue that you're receiving, so I think any kind of incentive would have to be linked to hard commitments from the private sector," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, who is coming off a win by keeping PAX East in Boston until 2023. The convention will also make donations totaling $325,000 over the next 11 years to MassDiGI.

The state did lose a major studio last year when former Red Sox player Curt Schilling's 38 Studios moved to neighboring Rhode Island for a $75 million loan. The state isn't likely to lose established studios like Harmonix, Demiurge and Turbine. The problem comes founding or incubating new studios without concessions.

JoystiqMass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studiosbioshock-infiniteBostonDemiurgeHarmonixIrrationalIrrational-GamesMassachusettsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TaxTax-incentivesTim-MurrayTurbinexboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East commits to Boston until 2023]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pax-east-commits-to-boston-until-2023/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pax-east-commits-to-boston-until-2023/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/pax-east-commits-to-boston-until-2023/#comments
PAX East organizers and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) announced this morning that the popular video game convention will remain in Boston until 2023. Show organizers are hoping to grow attendance of the three-day show to 100,000, making it easily one of the largest public gaming conventions in the world (behind Gamescom and TGS).

PAX East will also make a sizable donation to digital games education. Massachusetts Digital Games Institute (MassDiGI) will receive a $50,000 contribution this year, along with an annual $25,000, for a total of $325,000 over the next 11 years.

"Over the last year, MassDiGI has worked towards building a strong public-private partnership across industry, academia, and government in support of the state's digital games cluster," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "PAX East's commitment to bringing the largest East Coast video gaming convention to Boston and providing an annual donation to MassDiGI complements ongoing collaboration to increase economic activity within the state and foster knowledge-transfer between Massachusetts and the rest of the world."

Beyond the academic cash, PAX East naturally brings in buckets of cash to the city through hotels and dining.

"We're thrilled to host PAX East for at least 10 more years," said James E. Rooney, executive director of the MCCA. "Hosting an event for the next decade that draws gamers from around the globe to Boston is fantastic, but the international attention it brings to the incredible technological advancements coming out of the Commonwealth is a win-win."

JoystiqPAX East commits to Boston until 2023 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BostonPAX-EastPAX-East-2012penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expoWed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Vita meetups begin next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/psa-vita-meetups-begin-next-week/#comments We don't want you to miss your date with the PlayStation Vita, after it's gone to all the trouble of prettying up, polishing its screen and ... all right, this is getting creepy quick. We'll cut to the chase: the Vita "Social Club" events begin next Tuesday, January 17 in Chicago, Miami and NYC.

Continue reading PSA: Vita meetups begin next week

JoystiqPSA: Vita meetups begin next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantabostonchicagomiaminycplaystationplaystation-vitapsavitavita-hill-social-clubThu, 12 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocksmith adds Radiohead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Keys; more DLC coming Nov. 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/rocksmith-adds-radiohead-lynyrd-skynyrd-and-the-black-keys-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/rocksmith-adds-radiohead-lynyrd-skynyrd-and-the-black-keys-mor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/rocksmith-adds-radiohead-lynyrd-skynyrd-and-the-black-keys-mor/#comments
Fret not, ye who have mastered all of the licks and diddies found in Ubisoft's Rocksmith: DLC is incoming. Today, Ubisoft has announced that select Radiohead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Black Keys jams are available for download today.

It's mostly what you'd expect -- well, in the case of Lynyrd Skynyrd, anyway: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Body Snatchers" by Radiohead and "Tighten Up" by The Black Keys are available for 240 MS Points ($3) or $2.99 on PlayStation Network each. On November 15, the Rock Hits 1970's Pack makes available Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," Boston's "More Than a Feeling" and The Allman Brothers Band's "Jessica," all of which will follow the same pricing scheme.

Ubisoft promises "new music packs will be released on a regular basis." So, every two weeks then?

Continue reading Rocksmith adds Radiohead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Keys; more DLC coming Nov. 15

JoystiqRocksmith adds Radiohead, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Keys; more DLC coming Nov. 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostondeep-purpledlclynyrd-skynyrdmicrosoftplaystationps3radioheadrocksmiththe-allman-brothers-bandthe-black-keysubisoftxboxTue, 01 Nov 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011 attendance 69,500; officially becomes biggest PAX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/pax-east-2011-attendance-69-500-officially-becomes-biggest-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/pax-east-2011-attendance-69-500-officially-becomes-biggest-pax/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/pax-east-2011-attendance-69-500-officially-becomes-biggest-pax/#comments PAX East organizers have told Joystiq that the show's attendance at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center was 69,500, making it the biggest PAX convention yet. Last year's inaugural PAX East show welcomed 52,290 revelers to the smaller Hynes Convention Center.

Penny Arcade business honcho, Robert Khoo, told Big Download: "The venue we have this year is massive - it's legitimately 2-3x larger than last year's venue, so the amount of breathing room was fantastic. I didn't hear a single complaint about overcrowding. I never thought I would see the day."

PAX East 2012 is scheduled for April 6-8. Start booking those hotel rooms now ... we'd be surprised if it wasn't another sold-out show.

JoystiqPAX East 2011 attendance 69,500; officially becomes biggest PAX originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostondsmicrosoftnintendopax-east-2011pax-east-2012pcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 14 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chiptune festival bleepin' and bloopin' at PAX East]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/chiptune-festival-bleepin-and-bloopin-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/chiptune-festival-bleepin-and-bloopin-at-pax-east/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/chiptune-festival-bleepin-and-bloopin-at-pax-east/#comments Boston8Bit has teamed up with Magfest to bring three days of chiptune concerts to this year's PAX East. Notable chiptune artists (Animal Style and The Engadget Show's own Zen Albatross, among others) will be performing daily in PAX's "Jamspace" area daily from 11AM until 2PM EST -- we've been told the space is not full of jam, despite previous reports to the contrary.

Interested parties should head to the event-within-an-event's Facebook page to confirm attendance, or simply to find additional information. The entire list of performances broken down by day can be found after the break.

Continue reading Chiptune festival bleepin' and bloopin' at PAX East

JoystiqChiptune festival bleepin' and bloopin' at PAX East originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitbostonboston8bitchiptunepax-eastpax-east-2011zen-albatrossFri, 11 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We're live from PAX East, in not-so-sunny Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/were-live-from-pax-east-in-not-so-sunny-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/were-live-from-pax-east-in-not-so-sunny-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/were-live-from-pax-east-in-not-so-sunny-boston/#comments Given that so, so many of us Joystiq writers call the American Northeast our home, it shouldn't surprise you that we're in Boston en masse for the second annual PAX East. Rather than returning to the Hynes, PAX is expanding this year into the larger Boston Convention Center, though it doesn't appear to have had a huge impact on the event's ability to sell out of tickets well ahead of time.

If you haven't already planned out your entire weekend with the free Conventionist App, allow us to suggest a few notable, 'Stiq-centric panels over the next few days: the second annual live Joystiq Podcast recording this evening, tomorrow morning's delicious (and free) Blueberry Muffintops Breakfast meetup, the first annual live X3F Fancast recording tomorrow evening, and two separate panels with our fearless leader, Chris Grant. Follow our Twitter accounts (listed after the break) for up to the minute info on what's going on. And if you see us, say hello!

Update: We're totally soaked. If you say "hello" to us at the show, please pardon our moistness.

Update 2: Actually Ben, us smart guys took a cab from the hotel, so we're dry as a popcorn fart.-Justin

Continue reading We're live from PAX East, in not-so-sunny Boston

JoystiqWe're live from PAX East, in not-so-sunny Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonlive-frompax-eastpax-east-2011Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Slam Bolt Scrappers devs looking for beta testers in Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/slam-bolt-scrappers-devs-looking-for-beta-testers-in-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/slam-bolt-scrappers-devs-looking-for-beta-testers-in-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/slam-bolt-scrappers-devs-looking-for-beta-testers-in-boston/#comments If you like fighting, tower defense, Bruins, Celtics, and playing video games before they're released, you're probably the perfect candidate for developer Fire Hose Games' call to arms. The studio is looking for gamers in the Boston area to beta test its genre-mashing PSN title, Slam Bolt Scrappers.

Continue reading Slam Bolt Scrappers devs looking for beta testers in Boston

JoystiqSlam Bolt Scrappers devs looking for beta testers in Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabostonfire-hose-gamesplaystationps3slam-bolt-scrappersTue, 09 Nov 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZUG takes live-action Lemmings tribute to Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/zug-takes-live-action-lemmings-tribute-to-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/zug-takes-live-action-lemmings-tribute-to-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/zug-takes-live-action-lemmings-tribute-to-boston/#comments The very same mall we walked through to enter the inaugural PAX East this past March just saw a heavy influx of Lemmings, care of the folks at ZUG and "a few dozen" of their "closest friends." The video contains at least one water-based Lemming fatality -- you've been warned!

Continue reading ZUG takes live-action Lemmings tribute to Boston

JoystiqZUG takes live-action Lemmings tribute to Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostoncopley-squarecosplaylemmingsprankzugThu, 09 Sep 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Warner Bros-Turbine deal worth $160 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/rumor-warner-bros-turbine-deal-worth-160-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/rumor-warner-bros-turbine-deal-worth-160-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/rumor-warner-bros-turbine-deal-worth-160-million/#comments
The surprising news that Warner Bros. has acquired Turbine just might have a price tag now, if rumors are correct. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed when the news broke earlier this week, Boston.com notes that "a source close to the negotiations" values the deal at up to $160 million. Reportedly, that amount also includes "sums to be paid to Turbine shareholders in future years if the company meets certain financial targets."

It's unknown what those targets are, but it's worth noting that Dungeons & Dragons Online received a sizable shot in the arm when it went free-to-play last year. In fact, Turbine's Jim Crowley noted that the game now hosts over 1 million players, though he didn't elaborate on how many are paying customers.

The article also notes that the acquisition gives Warner Bros. the complete rights to the Lord of the Rings universe, as Turbine owns the rights for online games, while WB already had the offline rights. However, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment president Martin Tremblay expects more than Lord of the Rings games from Turbine in the future. According to Tremblay, WBIE hopes to open its online games platform to "much more new product" in the future.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqRumor: Warner Bros-Turbine deal worth $160 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonMartin-TremblayMMOturbinewarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEFri, 23 Apr 2010 00:13:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East returns to Boston in 2011 and 2012, in bigger venue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-returns-to-boston-in-2011-and-2012-with-bigger-venue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-returns-to-boston-in-2011-and-2012-with-bigger-venue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/pax-east-returns-to-boston-in-2011-and-2012-with-bigger-venue/#comments It appears the East Coast has an annual gaming mega-convention to call its own, as the Penny Arcade Expo East officially locks into Boston for two years. The wildly successful inaugural year had an estimated 60,000 attendees (twice the number originally planned for), which has led organizers to move the show from the Hynes Convention Center to the much larger Boston Convention & Exhibition Center for 2011 and 2012. Although the extra space will be welcomed by publishers and attendees, the other convention center is inconveniently located (especially by Boston standards) down by the harbor. While the Hynes, which is located downtown by Copley, may have been a little cramped, it's surrounded by shops and restaurants for meetups.

Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik told Joystiq, "We had assumed we would be in [the Hynes] for what? Three years, I think? That was our initial idea. And already this will be our only year here. We have to move it next year."

It'll be interesting to see how publishers treat PAX East in 2011. With no other major show in the first half of the year except for the Game Developers Conference, which attendees have complained for years has lost its way by having a larger media presence, PAX East could be the new place to make announcements. Especially if this year-round major game release calendar we've seen in 2010 becomes permanent.

Penny Arcade's Jerry Holkins spoke about PAX East's place in the industry and the recent occurrence of major releases outside the fourth quarter saying, "I think the problem is [publishers] never had a place to promote those releases, and if they're given a place to promote those releases - this is what [Penny Arcade's business guru] Robert [Khoo] has heard when he talks to the people he talks to to get the show going - they need a place that can attract you and can attract the people who play games ... enthusiasts in general, not industry observers."

Gallery: PAX East 2010 Megagallery

JoystiqPAX East returns to Boston in 2011 and 2012, in bigger venue originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonjerry-holkinsmike-krahulikpax-eastpax-east-2010pax-east-2011pax-east-2012penny-arcade-exporobert-khooMon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PAX East warns it'll sell out, get badges now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/psa-pax-east-warns-itll-sell-out-get-badges-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/psa-pax-east-warns-itll-sell-out-get-badges-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/psa-pax-east-warns-itll-sell-out-get-badges-now/#comments In very clear and certain terms, the PAX East site states: "FACT. We will sell out of badges for PAX East Coast 2010." What this means is that there will, oh wait, they get all caps-locky about this one too: "There will be NO BADGES AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR."

For those who plan to attend and don't want to be left out in the cold (literally, it's freakin' March 26-28 in Boston), get registered now!

Update: Robert Khoo, Penny Arcade, Inc. President of Operations and Business Development: "Sorry guys - no marketing ploy here. We were able to make the announcement about the sellout because our daily rate of tickets sales alone, with no announcement, would have sold our allotment of badges. What we're trying to prevent here are people coming up to the door and being disappointed that they can't get in. We tried to prevent this with PAX 2009 as well, and still some people flew in from out of town without getting badges beforehand."

JoystiqPSA: PAX East warns it'll sell out, get badges now originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonPAXpax-eastpax-east-2010pax-east-coastFri, 22 Jan 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mom calls 911 over son's gaming habit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/mom-calls-911-over-sons-gaming-habit/#commentsLook, we totally get it. Video games are evil -- they're turning your kid into some kind of arsonist or blood-obsessed psycho killer or -- in the case of one Boston area mom -- a rebellious little rabble-rouser. A frustrated mother called police about her son's overzealous gaming this past weekend, complaining the kid wouldn't shut off his console and go to bed.

The call came in on 2:30 a.m. Saturday, when the mother complained her son was walking about the house, turning on all of the lights and failing to comply with her wishes. Two officers responded to the call and were able to diffuse the situation.

The Boston Herald -- the outlet which broke the news -- said the kid was apparently playing "Grand Theft Auto."

JoystiqMom calls 911 over son's gaming habit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apassociated-pressbostonboston-heraldgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivTue, 22 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East open for panel, speaker submissions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/pax-east-open-for-panel-speaker-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/pax-east-open-for-panel-speaker-submissions/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/pax-east-open-for-panel-speaker-submissions/#comments The team behind the Penny Arcade Expo's journey to Boston has announced an open call for panel and speaker submissions that will run until January 11, 2010. In order to qualify for an open panel or speaker slot, submissions need to both entertain and inform. "We're looking for the kind of presentations that invoke intense reactions and discussion in the community," said Penny Arcade's Robert Khoo.

Have a crazy or interesting idea of something you'd like to see at PAX East? Submit it. With plans to fill the event with up to 90 hours of content, there's plenty of room for submissions (provided they don't stink). PAX East is setting up shop in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 26 to 28, 2010. Make sure to register if you plan to join the party.

JoystiqPAX East open for panel, speaker submissions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcade-expopenny-arcade-expo-bostonpenny-arcade-expo-eastWed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Early bird special on PAX East tickets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/early-bird-special-on-pax-east-tickets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/early-bird-special-on-pax-east-tickets/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/early-bird-special-on-pax-east-tickets/#comments
Although registration has been open since April, it appears that PAX East tickets are now discounted until the end of the year. The day pass currently costs $25, while the three-day pass is $45, which is a $5 savings off the previous pre-purchase price -- and a $10 cut off the door prices.

It appears that hotel information is also up on the PAX East site. Although several of those hotels are definitely within tolerable "Boston in late-March walking distance," the Holiday Inn in Brookline, which appears to be the best value on the list, is a straight shot on the C line to the convention center.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqEarly bird special on PAX East tickets originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonpax-eastpenny-arcade-expopenny-arcade-expo-eastWed, 21 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton is in Boston today ... somewhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/professor-layton-is-in-boston-today-somewhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/professor-layton-is-in-boston-today-somewhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/professor-layton-is-in-boston-today-somewhere/#comments
It appears that Professor Layton is in Boston today, working the streets to promote his latest adventure, The Diabolical Box. Those who track down the professor will receive a "fun Nintendo gift," as well as entry into a draw for five Nintendo DSi systems. Check out the official rules for all the details.

The latest clue at 11AM EST states: "Professor Layton is wandering on a cobblestone promenade similar to the one in Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and watching a street performer." That means the professor is very likely right outside of Quincy Market. If you get a lock on Layton, holla back. Also, send us pics! The professor will hop on a flight and be in Seattle tomorrow.

JoystiqProfessor Layton is in Boston today ... somewhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxTue, 29 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East registration is open ... only 356 days to go until show]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/pax-east-registration-is-open-only-356-days-to-go-until-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/pax-east-registration-is-open-only-356-days-to-go-until-show/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/pax-east-registration-is-open-only-356-days-to-go-until-show/#comments
With a little under a year to go, PAX East registration is now open. Taking place March 26-28 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, a three-day pass will cost $50, while individual day passes are $30 -- add $5 if you're planning on picking up your tickets the day of the show. So far, no exhibitors, participating hotels or schedule of events are posted. Take it from a Bostonian, you can stay in any hotel near a T stop (we should probably do a post detailing this) and make it to the convention center in under an hour.

If you're planning on going to GDC, don't worry, that show takes place March 9-13 in San Francisco. It'll certainly be interesting to see how game marketing and PR treat this new high-profile East Coast gaming convention. Team Joystiq will be there in full force ... considering a third of our staff is within driving range.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqPAX East registration is open ... only 356 days to go until show originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonpaxpax-eastpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-expoSat, 04 Apr 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston mayor forms game development expansion committee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/boston-mayor-forms-game-development-expansion-committee/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/boston-mayor-forms-game-development-expansion-committee/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/boston-mayor-forms-game-development-expansion-committee/#comments
Thomas Menino, who has served as mayor of Boston for nearly 16 years, is one of the most intriguing political figures in the gaming realm. He first antagonized the gaming industry in 2007 by endorsing a Jack Thompson-authored bill that would treat the retail practices of mature games (as deemed by the state) like the retail practices of pornography. It failed miserably, and we doubt any of the many Boston-based game studios sent him any fruit baskets to console him.

In the midst of this political blunder, Mayor Menino announced he was interested bringing more game developers to work in the city. We thought it was solely a political soundbite -- but the city recently formed an advisory "Steering Committee," composed of local industry figures, to inform the mayor on how to bring further game development to Boston. In addition, the city launched PoweringUpBoston.com, which provides info and resources to Boston's game studios and potential new developers. Wicked Ahhhsome!

JoystiqBoston mayor forms game development expansion committee originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostondevelopersindustrymassachusettsmayormeninopoliticsSat, 14 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero World Tour launch DLC now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/guitar-hero-world-tour-launch-dlc-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/guitar-hero-world-tour-launch-dlc-now-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/guitar-hero-world-tour-launch-dlc-now-on-xbla/#commentsFiled under: ,

Preparing for Sunday's official launch of Guitar Hero World Tour, the franchise's foray into multi-instrument virtual rocking, Neversoft has released the first three track packs to Xbox Live. Best of all, they're competitively priced with Rock Band's DLC. Although we take issue with "Jessie's Girl" being in a "classic rock" pack, we jump at any opportunity to put Ricky's glamor shot on Joystiq.

Classic Rock Track Pack (440 / $5.50)
  • "Rock and Roll Band" - Boston (160 / $2)
  • "Jessie's Girl" - Rick Springfield (160 / $2)
  • "Hot Blooded" - Foreigner (160 / $2)
Neversoft Track Pack (Free)
  • "Anything" - Endless Sporadic
  • "Electrorock" - Sworn
Guitar Duel Track Pack (Free)
  • Zakk Wylde guitar duel
  • Ted Nugent guitar duel
The verdict is still out on how consistent Guitar Hero World Tour's release schedule will be. No word yet on the tracks' availability for Wii or PlayStation 3.

JoystiqGuitar Hero World Tour launch DLC now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostondlcforeignerguitar-heroguitar-hero-dlcguitar-hero-weeklyguitar-hero-world-tourrick-springfieldXbox-360Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East coming late March 2010, venue revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-east-coming-late-march-2010-venue-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-east-coming-late-march-2010-venue-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/pax-east-coming-late-march-2010-venue-revealed/#commentsFiled under:

Well, that was fast. After revealing that the East Coast iteration of Penny Arcade Expo is heading to Boston in 2010, we now have more specific details care of BigDownload and PA director of sales Mike Fehlauer. In an interview with BigD, Fehlauer confirmed that the window is "late March 2010" and will be at John B Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, a venue with 193,000 square feet of exhibit space, roughly the same amount as this year's PAX. However, Fehlauer noted that the first PAX EC will not be planned as a huge vent first, with growth planned every year.

Penny Arcade will handle exhibitor booking, event planning and other content, while the grunt work (labor unions, hotels, etc.) will be done by Reed Exhibitions (New York Comic-Con). When asked if there are any potential conflicts with the Game Developers Conference, Fehlauer explained that they feel the audiences are disparate (industry vs. consumer) and both events are very different.

JoystiqPAX East coming late March 2010, venue revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonbreakingnewspaxpax-eastpax-east-coastpax-ecSat, 30 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First East Coast PAX coming to Boston in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/first-east-coast-pax-coming-to-boston-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/first-east-coast-pax-coming-to-boston-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/29/first-east-coast-pax-coming-to-boston-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:


Straight out of the mouths of Tycho and Gabe (Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins) to Joystiq: The first East Coast PAX is coming to Boston in 2010. Check back later for our full interview with the Penny Arcade duo!

JoystiqFirst East Coast PAX coming to Boston in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonbreakingnewspaxpax-08pax-eastpax-east-coastFri, 29 Aug 2008 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Weekly: Boston six-pack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-weekly-boston-six-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-weekly-boston-six-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/rock-band-weekly-boston-six-pack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've got more than a feeling that next week's Rock Band DLC is bringing a six-pack of songs by Boston. All the tracks hail from the band's self-titled debut album which has sold over 17 million copies. Not bad for a bunch of guys from the small Minnesota town of Lake Wobegon -- no, they're actually from Boston.

Boston pack (800 MS points / $9.99)
  • Hitch a Ride (160 MS points/ $2)
  • More Than a Feeling (160 MS points/ $2)
  • Peace of Mind (160 MS Points / $2)
  • Rock & Roll Band (160 MS Points / $2)
  • Smokin' (160 MS Points / $2)
  • Something About You (160 MS Points / $2)
Videos for this week's Rock Band DLC can be found after the break and this may be our last week doing them as audio previews are now available through the Rock Band music store patch available now. The Boston songs will be available next Tuesday and Thursday for Xbox 360 and PS3 respectively.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Boston six-pack

JoystiqRock Band Weekly: Boston six-pack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonPS3rockrock-bandrock-band-weeklyrockbandXbox-360Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass. legislators considering 'games-as-porn' bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/mass-legislators-considering-games-as-porn-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/mass-legislators-considering-games-as-porn-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/mass-legislators-considering-games-as-porn-bill/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tomorrow the Massachusetts legislature will discuss a bill that would make it illegal for minors to buy video games deemed too violent by the state (not through ESRB ratings such as M or AO). No similar law exists for movies, music or books. House Bill 1423 is dubbed a "games-as-porn" bill because the rationale used to prevent minors from buying violent video games is the same used on porn. The original bill was drafted by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino (pictured) with assistance from Jack Thompson and legislative sponsor Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry (D).

GamePolitics points out HB1423 is based on a failed Utah bill and, given the history of other similar bills, it seems odd that Massachusetts would potentially be putting itself (and taxpayer dollars) at risk of repaying the ESA for fighting this bill in court.

JoystiqMass. legislators considering 'games-as-porn' bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonesaesrbforrygame-billgame-lawgamelawhb1423jack-thompsonmassmassachusettsmeninothompsonMon, 17 Mar 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[We wait for the Halo 3 (Boston edition): aka failure to launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/we-wait-for-the-halo-3-boston-edition-aka-failure-to-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/we-wait-for-the-halo-3-boston-edition-aka-failure-to-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/we-wait-for-the-halo-3-boston-edition-aka-failure-to-launch/#commentsFiled under:


Don't see much in the picture above? Don't worry about it because there's nothing to see. Remember how there were those midnight Wal-Mart launches for Halo 3? Well apparently that didn't apply to the Wal-Mart in Walpole, Mass. Quick timeline of the events leading to midnight:
  • 11:43PM - Arrive to an almost empty parking lot at Wal-Mart.
  • 11:43:30 - Realize there is nothing going on here as I watch a woman cleaning inside.
  • 11:44 - Two guys pull up asking what's the deal with the midnight launch? Tell them it looks like it's not happening here.
  • 11:48 - Call up Ross who's apparently in a really great launch line waiting for his copy. Ask him if he can easily find a 7-Eleven on his internet-enabled phone that has a midnight launch. He can't hear me, but the two guys in the car know of a local store. It'll be a roll of the dice whether they're selling Halo.
  • 11:50 - Follow the two guys to the nearest 7-Eleven. That's at least where I hoped we were going.
  • 11:55 - Arrive at the local 7-Eleven and in a very awkward exchange that involves me pointing at the Slurpee machine and asking if they are selling, "The Halo 3." The clerk politely responds and laughs, "No, no, no, no."
  • 11:57 - Say goodbye to the two strangers who say they're off to bed. They say they'll just pick it up tomorrow morning.
  • 12:01AM - Standing in the empty 7-Eleven parking lot and accepting the fact that there won't be the Haloz tonight. Begin the drive home.
So, what's the point of this post? Did you try and get a copy of the game tonight and have no luck? Share your stories below.

JoystiqWe wait for the Halo 3 (Boston edition): aka failure to launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonfailurehalo3launchTue, 25 Sep 2007 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CCFC advocacy group demands Manhunt 2 ratings review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/ccfc-advocacy-group-demands-manhunt-2-ratings-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/ccfc-advocacy-group-demands-manhunt-2-ratings-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/25/ccfc-advocacy-group-demands-manhunt-2-ratings-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Campaign For a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), the group that successfully disturbingly pulled-off getting GTA Vice City ads removed from the Boston metro system, has begun their Manhunt 2 marketing campaign. Sure one could view it as they're trying to stop the game, but these groups seem to only help generate sales, so let us call a spade a spade.

As reported by GamePolitics, back in the day the CCFC demanded Manhunt 2 be rated AO just as the ESRB beat them to the punch. Then came the saga of Manhunt 2, with the latest twist coming this week that the game would be out by Halloween. The CCFC is saying, "Despite industry claims to the contrary, M-rated games continue to be marketed and sold to children under seventeen ... We call upon Rockstar Games to allow the content of Manhunt 2 to be reviewed by an independent review board with no ties to the video game industry ... We ask the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the process by which Manhunt 2's rating was downgraded from AO to M."

Hmm, so the CCFC is demanding a ratings organization allow an outside group to tell them how to do their job, wonder how the MPAA would feel about that for movies? And as if the FTC didn't already have to deal with enough video game related silliness this week. Maybe the Boston-based CCFC can get the city's Mayor Tom Menino to help them out while he's trying to court the video game industry at the same time.

JoystiqCCFC advocacy group demands Manhunt 2 ratings review originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advocacybanbostonccfcmanhunt2marketingmeninoPS2WiiSat, 25 Aug 2007 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's hungriest video: Aqua Teens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/todays-hungriest-video-aqua-teens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The half-baked, non sequitur style of Adult Swim prevails in this trailer for Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am. They couldn't even resize footage from different sources to be the same resolution. That's the Adult Swim seal of approval.

Strangely -- like some of those cartoon shows the kids are into -- the trailer comes off as engaging and funny. There's golf cart racing, a helpless Carl taking the detectives' abuse, Mooninites, and very little actual golf. Hopefully the actual game will strike a similar balance.

See the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Today's hungriest video: Aqua Teens

JoystiqToday's hungriest video: Aqua Teens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adultswimaquateenhungerforceaquateensathfbostoncartcartoonnetworkgolfhottestvideokartmidwaymooniniteps2raceTue, 31 Jul 2007 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston mayor wants more developers, but backs Jack Thompson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/boston-mayor-wants-more-developers-but-backs-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/boston-mayor-wants-more-developers-but-backs-jack-thompson/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/boston-mayor-wants-more-developers-but-backs-jack-thompson/#commentsFiled under:

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino really can't seem to craft a clear message on the video game industry. Despite numerous attacks against the industry, including his full support to pull GTA ads on the T for purely political reasons and supporting a Jack Thompson drafted bill, he wants to bring more gaming companies to the city.

The city of Boston currently has no notable game companies within its borders. The best up-and-coming companies (meaning they aren't Blizzard, EA, Activision or Ubisoft just yet) like Turbine (Lord of the Rings Online), Harmonix (Guitar Hero, Rock Band) and Blue Fang Games (Zoo Tycoon) are all located outside the city in Westwood, Cambridge and Waltham respectively. Meaning they bring neither tax revenue or help "creative industries flourish" within the city.

It would be great to see some creative energy be injected into the city with tax incentives given to game companies. This is also part of the mayor's plan to retain young professionals, which the city continues to hemorrhage after the students leave university due to cost of living. Now if the mayor could just be schooled that one of the ways to attract game companies is not to align yourself with Jack Thompson there might be hope for the city yet. Looks like Thompson is leaving more than a few politicians looking stupid in his wake.

[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqBoston mayor wants more developers, but backs Jack Thompson originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluefangbostonharmonixjack thompsonmeninoturbineMon, 14 May 2007 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online midnight launch in Beantown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/lord-of-the-rings-online-midnight-launch-in-beantown/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/lord-of-the-rings-online-midnight-launch-in-beantown/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/24/lord-of-the-rings-online-midnight-launch-in-beantown/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the Prudential Mall in Boston last night, Turbine and Gamestop held a midnight launch for the Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar, this was one of the five sites across the country where LoTRO fans could get their MMORPG on early. The game is going into a very different MMORPG climate post-World of Warcraft and is doing its best to compete, with the first free content update already expected in June.

We had a chance to speak with Jeff Anderson, president of Turbine at the event, and he was looking forward to showing players who never experienced a Turbine produced game the company's strength, "Most companies throw a project out there and don't update for six months to sometimes over a year. Turbine has been good at episodic content and we're looking to launch strong and keep adding content every quarter."

The little gallery we put together of last night's event was supposed to be up this morning, but due to some technical difficulties that we're blaming on fat hobbits, we can now show off some images that survived the melee. We now wait to see if LoTRO can fair better than every other MMO that's entered the market over the last two years.


Gallery: GameStop Boston LoTRO Launch

When leg guitar goes wrongThe developers pose seriousQuestions were asked for prizesIt's launch time!Meet the wife?

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online midnight launch in Beantown originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonlord of the rings onlineLordOfTheRingsOnlinemidnight launchprudentialturbineTue, 24 Apr 2007 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massachusetts tries Jack Thompson's failed Utah game bill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/massachusetts-tries-jack-thompsons-failed-utah-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/massachusetts-tries-jack-thompsons-failed-utah-game-bill/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/massachusetts-tries-jack-thompsons-failed-utah-game-bill/#commentsFiled under: ,

Massachusetts' legislators have been offered up HB 1423, a game bill which seeks to "restrict the sale of video games wih [sic] violent content to minors." "Harmful to minors" is defined as content describing or representing nudity, sexual conduct or sexual excitement, "so as to appeal predominantly to the prurient interest of minors." Section four of the bill is where the civil rights lawyers are going to have a field day. It states a game is harmful to minors if it "lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors." That's about as broad as making brush strokes with Mr. Fantastic's super powers.

Why does this all seem oddly familiar? This bill was created with the assistance of Jack Thompson and similar versions were shot down in Utah and deemed unconstitutional in Louisiana. Mayor Thomas Menino, one of the petitioners of the bill, was one of those who pushed through a ban on M rated game advertisements on the subway and got very upset during the infamous Aqua Teen Hunger Force bomb incident. Hopefully this bill will die somewhere along the path, because we're sure the citizens of Massachusetts aren't looking to pay back the ESA when this bill is deemed unconstitutional in the courts ... again.

JoystiqMassachusetts tries Jack Thompson's failed Utah game bill originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonfailuregame billmassachusettsutahWed, 11 Apr 2007 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Denver votes to allow M-rated games on mass transit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/denver-votes-to-allow-m-rated-games-on-mass-transit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/denver-votes-to-allow-m-rated-games-on-mass-transit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/28/denver-votes-to-allow-m-rated-games-on-mass-transit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In a move sure to land on Jack Thompson's blunt "to do" spindle, Denver transit directors voted to allow M-rated games to be advertised on public transportation around the city. The vote was prompted by that pesky GTA series, namely ads for Vice City Stories that already earned a ban in Boston.

Currently, the Denver RTD only bans ads for tobacco products, given the large number of young riders throughout the city, but don't place restrictions on R-rated or NC-17-rated films like some other transit systems do. Of course, they haven't even talked about banning ads for for Oprah's Book Club, but that's another insidious story altogether.

Peggi O'Keefe from the Entertainment Software Association provided us with the most perplexing quote for the story: "Such restrictions are constitutionally impermissible." Now we want to make impermissible the word of the day.

JoystiqDenver votes to allow M-rated games on mass transit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsBostonbusDenverESRBM-ratedPS2PSPRockstarUKVice City Stories: GTA: Grand Theft AutoViceCityStories:Gta:GrandTheftAutoWed, 28 Mar 2007 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: February 27, 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/today-in-joystiq-february-27-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/today-in-joystiq-february-27-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/27/today-in-joystiq-february-27-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,


Joystiq reader Realn0whereman sent in this pseudo mod, taking apart a poor defenseless Nintendo Entertainment System (also known as 'NES,' in some circles) and turning into a digital clock. We hope Heck doesn't feel threatened -- heck, with LED lighting we hope Boston doesn't feel threatened. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
Joystiq interviews Brenda Brathwaite about sex and games
Joyswag: Free 1-year subscription to Games for Windows magazine
NYCC: Hands-on with TMNT
Readers pick best webcomic, now with Google
Today's worldliest game video: Xbox 360 Controller + Virtual Earth
Videogame Style Guide writes the book on game journalism

News
Telltale Games talks Xbox Live Arcade and Sam & Max
PSP still hasn't reversed Nintendo's handheld dominance
Capcom licenses Unreal Engine for US developed title
Video Games Live holding 14 shows at 10 North American cities
Mortal Kombat II heading to Playstation Network this March
Finally: Worms XBLA is certified
'GameTap Indies' launches lil' guys into cyberspace
Raiden IV scrolling onto Xbox 360, Raiden III on PS2 in March
Everytime you play a video game, a comic book dies
MGS3 Subsistence soon to be offline-only
Mass Effect to fit snugly onto one disc

Rumors & Speculation
Xbox 360 to embrace motion controls? Probably not.

Culture & Community
PSP hackers Dark Alex and Fanjita unmasked
Insider secrets from a retail video game salesman
Cnet maintains dismay with PS3, lists 10 items for improvement
Giant enemy crabs: The story behind the meme
Machine used to unlock Xbox 360 Achievement Points
Blowin' on Nintendo games
Movies theaters to become arcades of the future?

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: February 27, 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostondaily recapDailyRecaphackhacksledmodnesnintendoTue, 27 Feb 2007 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Public transportation and GTA: Vice City Stories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/public-transportation-and-gta-vice-city-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/public-transportation-and-gta-vice-city-stories/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/public-transportation-and-gta-vice-city-stories/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamePolitics has a roundup of the Portland, Oregon public transportation system removing GTA: Vice City Stories advertisements. They've also linked to The Oregonian's columnist Jerry Boone's editorial about how GTA might cause a small percentage of gamers to go on "stealing, killing and raping binges." At the end Boone says the transit system lost $71,250 removing the ads, but the value of a cop's life is "priceless." Boone is right, a small percentage of gamers might kill cops, because it never happens the other way around. Wonder how much the life of a dead unarmed kid and his bullet filled dog are worth?

On the other coast, the head of Boston's public transportation system told the politicians to go take a long walk off a short Boston pier. The GTA ads are staying up. The outrage in Boston was pretty faux and created by the local tabloid paper The Boston Herald. Maybe The Oregonian made the whole crisis up to sell papers like The Boston Herald did. Sadly, the Portland public transportation directors have no spines and blew over like a house of cards to "media issue of the week" pressure.

Meanwhile, in England ... GTA: Vice City Stories is advertised on a double-decker bus.

JoystiqPublic transportation and GTA: Vice City Stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostongame politicsgtaoregonpoliticsPSPvice city storiesMon, 04 Dec 2006 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[The Political Game: Banned in Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-political-game-banned-in-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-political-game-banned-in-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/24/the-political-game-banned-in-boston/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Dennis McCauley contributes The Political Game, a column on the collision of politics and video games:

Suddenly, the video game violence debate is big news in Beantown.

The controversy began on Monday when a local advocacy group, the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, delivered a letter to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which operates Boston's public transit system. The letter demanded that the MBTA remove poster ads for Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories from subway cars on Boston's Green Line.

Sixty influential locals signed on, including the mayors of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts legislators, religious leaders, top healthcare professionals, children's advocates and academics. Collectively, the signatories called it "unconscionable" to display the Vice City Stories ad on the train, saying, "Advertising on the MBTA enables Rockstar Games to reach countless children -- those who ride the trains and those whose neighborhoods the trains pass through."

Continue reading The Political Game: Banned in Boston

JoystiqThe Political Game: Banned in Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BostonGrand Theft AutoGrandTheftAutoMBTApolitical gamePoliticalGameRockstarFri, 24 Nov 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston mayor billing Sony for Copley chaos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/18/boston-mayor-billing-sony-for-copley-chaos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/18/boston-mayor-billing-sony-for-copley-chaos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/18/boston-mayor-billing-sony-for-copley-chaos/#commentsFiled under: ,

WHDH reports Boston's mayor, Thomas Menino, plans to bill Sony for the chaos caused at Copley Place yesterday. According to WHDH it took 12 police officers to clear the "crazed gamers" and the city blames the Sony Style store. Unlike the Landmark Center Best Buy, which prevented a bad situation from occuring, the Sony Style store provoked it by withholding launch numbers, not allowing pre-orders and having a laissez-faire system in place for launch. Billing for police time could happen across the country with stores that withheld launch details causing a preventable situation to turn ugly.

JoystiqBoston mayor billing Sony for Copley chaos originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Nov 2006 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostonlaunchmeninoplaystation 3PS3sonySat, 18 Nov 2006 20:25:00 EST