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[SOCOM: Confrontation 1.30 patch finally brings Trophies, Party system, bug fixes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/socom-confrontation-1-30-patch-finally-brings-trophies-party-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/socom-confrontation-1-30-patch-finally-brings-trophies-party-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/socom-confrontation-1-30-patch-finally-brings-trophies-party-s/#commentsFiled under:


If you've been putting off SOCOM: Confrontation until developer Slant Six worked out all the bugs (oh, and added a Quick Match/Party system ... and Trophies), then today's your lucky day, friend. The long anticipated 1.30 update was pushed out early this morning, bringing with it the aforementioned features and fixes. Will it be enough to restore Sony's once-proud franchise to the top of your multiplayer shooter-heap? We won't pretend to know the answer to that, so we'll ask you. Is SOCOM back in action?

JoystiqSOCOM: Confrontation 1.30 patch finally brings Trophies, Party system, bug fixes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsPS3PSNSCEASlant-SixSOCOM-ConfrontationSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaFri, 09 Jan 2009 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Microsoft wants to increase the 100-friend Xbox Live limit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-microsoft-wants-to-increase-the-100-friend-live-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-microsoft-wants-to-increase-the-100-friend-live-limit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/ces-2009-microsoft-wants-to-increase-the-100-friend-live-limit/#commentsFiled under: ,


So, it's not quite the "ZOMG Friends List Increase Confirmed" announcement that we hoped for but Xbox director Aaron Greenberg came as close as we've heard to revealing that it's in the works.

When we spoke to him at CES today (more on that later) Greenberg told us "I can't commit to when that will happen, but that is something we want to do. It's definitely something we're looking at expanding and, as this social network grows, we've absolutely heard the pleas for that. It's on the list."

Greenberg explained that original Xbox games were coded to be limited to 100 friends, and that limit was brought into the current generation. But now that Live is built in to the system, they've got a little more flexibility. We, and the thousands of potential friends we turn away daily, can't wait to hear more.

JoystiqCES 2009: Microsoft wants to increase the 100-friend Xbox Live limit originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsCESces-2009microsoftnxeXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 09 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Burnout DLC adds Ecto-1, KITT & The General Lee ... 'parodies']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/burnout-dlc-adds-ecto-1-kitt-and-the-general-lee-parodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/burnout-dlc-adds-ecto-1-kitt-and-the-general-lee-parodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/burnout-dlc-adds-ecto-1-kitt-and-the-general-lee-parodies/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just click: Hop inside our gallery tour of Legendary Cars!
You've seen Criterion's hovering DeLorean 88 Special in action. Now meet the rest of the Burnout Paradise "Legendary Cars." They're, like, totally original, we swear:

Gallery: Burnout Paradise: Legendary Cars

Jansen 88 SpecialJansen 88 Special vs. DeLorean time machineManhattan SpiritManhattan Spirit vs. Ecto-1Carson Nighthawk

Update: Gallery now features Burnout vs. "real" cars comparison pics -- plus video reveal after the break!

[Thanks Travis!]

Continue reading Burnout DLC adds Ecto-1, KITT & The General Lee ... 'parodies'

JoystiqBurnout DLC adds Ecto-1, KITT & The General Lee ... 'parodies' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsburnoutburnout-dlcburnout-paradiseburnout-paradise-dlccriterionlegendary-carsPS3Xbox-360Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports coming to PlayStation Home with dedicated space, games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ea-sports-coming-to-home-with-dedicated-space-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ea-sports-coming-to-home-with-dedicated-space-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ea-sports-coming-to-home-with-dedicated-space-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Electronic Arts has announced its first foray into PlayStation Home with a dedicated EA Sports label game space, the EA Sports Complex. Set to appear in the Home open beta this spring, the space will contain live leaderboards for all of the EA Sports label's titles, along with games designed specifically for the space (multiplayer poker and an arcade-style Formula 1 racer have been revealed thus far).

EA Sports president Peter Moore said in a press release, "As part of our continued commitment to the connected experience and the digitization of our business, the EA SPORTS Complex is a rich new online environment that presents a compelling and immersive social gaming experience for the global sports audience." Come again, Peter? English.

As you can see in the first released image of the space, there will be ads aplenty. In addition to banners and other signage, the space will feature multiple video walls displaying ads trailers for upcoming EA Sports titles. EA has confirmed that it is working with SCEA on additional Home spaces for its Games and Casual labels. Check out a video walkthrough of the EA Sports Complex after the break.

Continue reading EA Sports coming to PlayStation Home with dedicated space, games

JoystiqEA Sports coming to PlayStation Home with dedicated space, games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsCESces-2009eaea-sportselectronic-artshomeplaystation-homePS3sceaSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 08 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Sony fires off PSN stats, MTV adds content to video service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-fires-off-psn-stats/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-fires-off-psn-stats/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/ces-2009-sony-fires-off-psn-stats/#commentsFiled under: ,


We here at Joystiq absolutely revel in statistics and can think of nothing better than smothering ourselves in warm, moist data. Did you know that approximately 54% of all posts written on our site contain frequently unnecessary statistics? And did you know that the only thing we like more than reporting on numbers is to make them up on the spot? Oh well. Here are some real ones, straight from Sony's CES 2009 keynote:
  • 17 million! The number of PlayStation Network accounts ... accounted for. 17 million is a really popular number for online networking, apparently.
  • 330 million! Numbering the pieces of digital content that have been downloaded through PSN.
  • 2 million! That's how many users the Life with PlayStation service has. An updated version will be coming this Spring.
  • 2,000 hours! The answer to the question, "How much video content is MTV Networks adding to Sony's video delivery service?" The deal, which manifests in February, includes shows such as "MTV's The City, Comedy Central's Emmy and Peabody-Award winning South Park, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants and VH1's Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels."
  • 4! The number of bullet points which encapsulate all that information! This one doesn't count.

JoystiqCES 2009: Sony fires off PSN stats, MTV adds content to video service originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsCES-2009PlayStation-NetworkPlayStation-StorePS3PSNPSPSonyThu, 08 Jan 2009 13:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Kodu is the new Boku: Xbox Live's 'LittleBigPlanet']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/kodu-is-the-new-boku-xbox-lives-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/kodu-is-the-new-boku-xbox-lives-littlebigplanet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/kodu-is-the-new-boku-xbox-lives-littlebigplanet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft pulled no punches during its CES keynote, shuffling an "actual 12-year-old girl" onstage to demonstrate its newly renamed Xbox Live Community Game "Kodu." Apparently too reminiscent of the failed 80s-era adult juice, the former name, Boku, was dropped in favor of the less associable two-syllabler. But we digress. Kodu is still easily described as a LittleBigPlanet-esque effort, but on a much simpler scale -- and probably far less "brilliant," in the Brits' all-purpose sense of the word.

Sparrow, that 12-year-old we mentioned, apparently did create a "pretty impressive" game using Kodu, described by Engadget as, "Katamari meets light-cycles from Tron. It's totally bizarre -- now her and Robbie [Bach] are using cycles to steal rocks from each other." Actually, sounds brilliant to us.

Kodu was originally designed as a learning tool for kids, but Microsoft promises it's compatible with people ages "seven to 70." Players reportedly create their game worlds in mere minutes using a pool of 200 building blocks designed to drive simple gameplay concepts like vision, hearing and time. Kodu is scheduled for release this spring and has yet to be priced.

Update: Video after the break, and more details here. [Thanks EvilDud!]

Continue reading Kodu is the new Boku: Xbox Live's 'LittleBigPlanet'

JoystiqKodu is the new Boku: Xbox Live's 'LittleBigPlanet' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsCESces-2009community-gameskoduPCXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-community-gamesThu, 08 Jan 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Primetime coming springtime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/xbox-live-primetime-coming-springtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/xbox-live-primetime-coming-springtime/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/xbox-live-primetime-coming-springtime/#commentsFiled under: ,

With arms raised, Xbox head Robbie Bach declared during Microsoft's CES keynote address, "This Spring we'll launch the Primetime channel on Xbox!" While the announcement didn't exactly elicit an ovation from the crowd, it does put a relative timestamp on the arrival of another, delayed piece of the NXE puzzle (we're still waiting on word about movie sharing). The Primetime channel's complete lineup remains a vague concept of "scheduled social events," but we do have 1 vs. 100 -- and its limitless chest of real prizes -- to look forward to.

The game-show-turned-game-show was briefly demoed during the keynote, ostensibly confirming 102-player support (The One versus the 100-count Mob -- plus one host). Players will be represented by their Avatars and will answer questions "about really, really recent pop-culture," according to Engadget. The demonstration asked: "In 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' who plays a character that ages in reverse?" Three potential answers were offered. Clock's ticking!

Continue reading Xbox Live Primetime coming springtime

JoystiqXbox Live Primetime coming springtime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100breakingnewsCESces-2009primetimeXbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-primetimeThu, 08 Jan 2009 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Alert 3 expanding in March with 'Uprising']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/red-alert-3-expanding-in-march-with-uprising/#commentsFiled under: ,


Don't count the filthy Reds out yet, as Electronic Arts has detailed Uprising, an upcoming expansion to Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. The add-on will send players back to the front lines with a new single-player campaign, new units and a greater quantity of live-action cutscenes, just in case the original's love affair with camp left you wanting more.

Uprising will also include a new mode, dubbed 'Commander's Challenge', which will allow players to test their strategic skills across 50 different stages with different rules and conditions. However, while Red Alert 3 is available for the Xbox 360 and a PS3 version should arrive ... someday ... only those playing on computers will be able to come away with bragging rights. Uprising will be a PC exclusive when it is released as a digital download in March.

JoystiqRed Alert 3 expanding in March with 'Uprising' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewscommand-and-conquereaelectronic-artsexpansionjs-twitterPCred-alertred-alert-3red-alert-3-uprisingThu, 08 Jan 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2's Knothole Island add-on coming Jan. 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/fable-2s-knothole-island-add-on-coming-jan-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/fable-2s-knothole-island-add-on-coming-jan-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/fable-2s-knothole-island-add-on-coming-jan-13/#commentsFiled under: ,


click for high-res Knothole Island gallery

Those who have uncovered every treasure, bludgeoned every bandit and cracked every wisecracking gargoyle in Albion will be pleased to note that Fable 2's Knothole Island add-on (800), initially delayed due to technical issues, is now scheduled to arrive on Xbox Live Marketplace next Tuesday, January 13th. The downloadable detour will add an isle's worth of quests, items and specialty shops for you to uncover and / or fart at.

Lionhead's community blog notes that January 13th will also bring a free title update which fans -- and Oakfield's abbot -- have been eagerly awaiting. You can look forward to new items, clothing and leaderboards being patched in along with the, uh, patch.

Gallery: Fable 2: Knothole Island (DLC)

JoystiqFable 2's Knothole Island add-on coming Jan. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionBreakingNewsDLCfablefable-2JS-TwitterKnothole-IslandLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiosRPGTitle-UpdateXBLMXbox-360Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Halo Wars demo coming to Xbox Live on Feb. 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-halo-wars-demo-coming-to-live-on-feb-5/#commentsFiled under: ,


Microsoft's entertainment and devices boss, Robbie Bach, revealed during the company's CES 2009 keynote that a demo of Ensemble Studios' Halo Wars will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on February 5th. Additionally, Bach announced a February 28th ship date for the full game, which fits nicely with what Microsoft had previously announced. If the demo is anything like most others -- i.e., the earliest parts of the game -- it will likely contain a lot of what we played just a couple of months back.

Gallery: Halo Wars

JoystiqCES 2009: Halo Wars demo coming to Xbox Live on Feb. 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsces-2009demoensemble-studioshalo-warsjs-twittermicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:38:00 EST<![CDATA[UGO boss tells his side of the story; world listens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ugo-boss-tells-his-side-of-the-story-world-listens/#commentsFiled under:


It's like this: there are two sides to every story (even stories about things with more than two sides, apparently). Take last night's 1UP / UGO situation (UGO-gate? 1UP-ton?). On the surface, that certainly appeared to be a gruesome bloodletting, with the entirety of EGM's staff let go, the magazine shuttered, and much of 1UP's popular media production teams sent packing. That's certainly not good news for any of the affected, including Ziff's community.

But, inversely, it's no secret that EGM and other video game mags (not to mention the entire print journalism industry in general) aren't doing so well - one need only peruse themediaisdying for a moment to get the idea. From UGO's point of view, they weren't laying people off, but hiring 24 new employees and expanding the UGO workforce by 33%. Speaking with MTV Multiplayer, UGO chief J Moses says that "the simple reality is that we only wanted to buy 1UP and related sites" and that "closing EGM has absolutely nothing to do with UGO."

What about all those podcasts and video shows? 1UP's Sam Kennedy - who agrees that UGO is not the bad guy - tells MTV that "the Retronauts podcast will continue" and there are "some possibilities" regarding the future of the 1UP Yours podcast. As for the The 1UP Show video podcast? It's "more up in the air," according to MTV. So, dear readers (and angry 1UP / EGM fans), does this help you understand the situation? Empathize with UGO? Still gwumpy? Sound off in the comments.

JoystiqUGO boss tells his side of the story; world listens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1UPbreakingnewsUGOWed, 07 Jan 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: No Rock Band 3 in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-no-rock-band-3-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-no-rock-band-3-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/ces-2009-no-rock-band-3-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We were wondering why EA would pit an upcoming Beatles/Rock Band hybrid against the next numbered iteration of the series this fall, and now we have our answer: It won't. According to Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopolous, who spoke at a Billboard CES session today, the company will be breaking the annual release cycle and avoid releasing Rock Band 3 this year.

Are we alone in hoping Harmonix avoids releasing it in 2010 also?

JoystiqCES 2009: No Rock Band 3 in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsces-2009js-twitterPS2PS3rock-band-3WiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Level-5: White Knight Chronicles riding into North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/level-5-white-knight-chronicles-riding-into-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/level-5-white-knight-chronicles-riding-into-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/level-5-white-knight-chronicles-riding-into-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,


Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has confirmed that the PS3's White Knight Chronicles is coming to North America, though no release window has been announced. This should come as good news to JRPG fans, especially those who like having "Chronicles" in their titles.

In an interview with GameTrailers, Hino also dances around the issue of the game's online features and whether cross-region play will be possible. Check out the full interview after the break.

Gallery: White Knight Chronicles TGS 2008


[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Continue reading Level-5: White Knight Chronicles riding into North America

JoystiqLevel-5: White Knight Chronicles riding into North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiro-hinoBreakingNewsJRPGlevel-5PS3white-knight-chroniclesWed, 07 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/official-ugo-buys-1up-egm-dead/#commentsFiled under: ,


Within hours of our earlier post regarding 1UP's reported sale to the Hearst-owned UGO network, the deal was confirmed in individual press releases from both entities. Additionally, Ziff-Davis has made official the closure of EGM after nearly 20 years of publication. It's January issue -- currently on sale -- will be its last.

1UP editorial director, Sam Kennedy, is quoted in the release, saying that the site's staff is "extremely excited to join the UGO team." UGO's release states that 1UP.com will operate as a separate entity and implies that its current staff will remain in place. The sale to Hearst also includes GameVideos.com, MyCheats.com and GameTab.com.

The shuttering of EGM -- the oldest multi-platform games magazine in the US -- leaves GamePro and Game Informer as the last bastions of what, with today's news, continues to be the dying breed of print media.

Update: There's not much in the way of new info, but Gamasutra got their mitts on an internal email from Ziff CEO Jason Young, who tells the staff that "more scale is necessary to effectively compete in this market segment." So UGO's planning to keep growing 1UP? Then why kill off the 1UP Show and layoff 30+ people? One other note: Ziff "will continue to operate the Filefront business as a part of the PCMag Digital Network." More as we hear it.

Source - Ziff-Davis press release
Source - UGO press release

JoystiqOfficial: UGO buys 1UP, EGM dead [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingnewsegmelectronic-gaming-monthlyhearstjs-twitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[PaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/paidcontent-org-reports-egms-death-pulls-story/#commentsFiled under:


Update: As you can see here, it's official.

Earlier today, media business site paidContent.org reported that video game media hub 1UP had been sold to Hearst (which runs competing hub UGO), and that the organization would be shuttering Electronic Gaming Monthly. You may remember that we reported that both moves were under discussion last month. PaidContent's report has since been pulled, but the full details were related by former 1UPer John Davison's What They Play. WTP then reported that sources had told them that the story would be validated or denied tomorrow.

If this is on the level (and we have no reason to think it's not), it's a sad day for fans of video game magazines and game journalism in general. If it comes to pass, here's hoping everyone affected lands on their feet.

JoystiqPaidContent.org reports EGM's death, pulls story [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upBreakingNewsegmJS-TwitterugoTue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Warning: New StarCraft 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/warning-new-starcraft-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/warning-new-starcraft-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/warning-new-starcraft-2-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,


click to embiggen (it's your funeral)
We're posting these new StarCraft II screens (we count six) with much reservation. After all, someone out there woke up this morning with no intention to die. But, having seen these new depictions of war-waging micro machines, this someone has triggered an inescapable obsession. Our friend will sit and stare until the eyes bleed, the throat dries and the body wavers. Eventually, this poor soul will keel over and, yes, drop dead. The doctors will call it many things: dehydration, exhaustion, heart failure. But we know the true cause. Love.

Gallery: Starcraft 2


[Via Big Download]

JoystiqWarning: New StarCraft 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardbreakingnewsMacPCrtsstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sony 'on brink of upheaval' - factory, division closures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/report-sony-on-brink-of-upheaval-factory-division-closures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/report-sony-on-brink-of-upheaval-factory-division-closures/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/report-sony-on-brink-of-upheaval-factory-division-closures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Look, we know the economy is in shambles; a perambulating corpse, gnawing its way through the hopes and dreams of the global populace ... but this is getting ridiculous. Reports of "drastic cost cuts" at Sony have us really spooked - think not only "factory closures" but also "the abolition of several major divisions," according to the Times of London. (In response to the report, Sony told Reuters, "We don't have any such plan.")

While there's no mention of specifics (will the PlayStation brand/division be affected?), the Times does quote a Credit Suisse analyst who says that, unless Sony takes aggressive steps to consolidate power in the hands of prez Howard Stringer - it will be unable to "close the gap with competitors such as Apple and Nintendo." Perhaps more evident to those of us watching the gaming industry specifically is the mention of "frustrations ... and a clear internal cultural clash between Japanese Sony and its US and European operations." We thought Kaz was going to bring some of that good, ol-fashioned American can-do attitude to Japan back in ought-six? Nevertheless, we want to talk to the investors directly:

Listen guys, we know Sony's got some problems. We know that. But you've got to just chill out and relax - chillax even - and wait until the Big S shows off whatever Team ICO's got in the oven. Not buying it? How about this: Microsoft is feeling the economic pinch also, but the grapevine seems to think the Xbox division will be spared. Nintendo isn't the only competition out there, you know?

JoystiqReport: Sony 'on brink of upheaval' - factory, division closures originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHoward-StringerPlayStationPS2PS3PSPSonyMon, 05 Jan 2009 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 Games of 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-games-of-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-games-of-2008/#comments
Our very favorite game of the year is a sequel. There's a hideous number appended to its title, a numeric symbol meant to conjure up lukewarm reassurance and a promise of something familiar, proven and agreeable. Odd then, that another number -- 2008 -- evokes something else entirely.

If anything, 2008 was a year marked by unpredictability, polarization and ... whatever fancy word that adequately encapsulates people yelling at each other on the internet. For every refined sequel we loved, there was an ambitious experiment to be loathed. And for every disappointing been-there-done-that, somebody was taking us to places we'd never been to nor done.

This mix of new and old (Did you know? Our ten picks this year contain 50% new IP!) made our selection process particularly tumultuous, with many a flared temper and obnoxious remark clashing in the echoing realm of the blogosphere. And it's not because we liked a lot of games. It's because we loved a lot of games, whether they were brave, bigger, bold or more badass.

Besides, it's not like we can make it a top seventeen or something. That's just a weird number.

First: Only the reviews made us throw up.

JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 Games of 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2008BreakingNewsJoystiqFeaturesJS-TwitterThu, 01 Jan 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Free Radical lays off 140, 'For Sale' sign posted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/confirmed-free-radical-lays-off-140-for-sale-sign-posted/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's now official: As of December 31, Free Radical will be 140 employees smaller, which is just over 75% of its workforce. The company and its remaining 40 or so members are now on sale with several companies showing "strong interest," according to the firm brought in to help with downsizing (who in our minds look a lot like the Bobs from Office Space). With the industry death toll rising, our hearts go out to all the developers (and everyone else, for that matter) who faced the tragic, proverbial / literal pink slip this year.

JoystiqConfirmed: Free Radical lays off 140, 'For Sale' sign posted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfree-radicalhazelayofflayoffsFri, 26 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video service coming to Wii, says Nikkei]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/video-service-coming-to-wii-says-nikkei/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/video-service-coming-to-wii-says-nikkei/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/video-service-coming-to-wii-says-nikkei/#commentsFiled under:


A video distribution service is coming to Nintendo Wii, according to Nikkei business daily (via Reuters). Working with ad agency Dentsu, Inc., the service will offer original content in the form of cartoons and "other entertainment programs" and is seen as a "new revenue stream" for the company (read: our large vault of money needs a diving board made from diamonds). Not much else is known at the moment. The service will first launch in Japan early 2009 and overseas later in the year.

JoystiqVideo service coming to Wii, says Nikkei originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdentsujs-twitternikkeinintendovideovodWiiWed, 24 Dec 2008 20:54:00 EST<![CDATA[LocoRoco 2 coming to North America on Feb. 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/locoroco-2-coming-to-north-america-on-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/locoroco-2-coming-to-north-america-on-feb-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/locoroco-2-coming-to-north-america-on-feb-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, this news is sure to leave you smiling ear to ear for the next week -- a tad awkward if you're meant to be at a funeral in the near future, but that's just how LocoRoco rolls. The giggling explosion of euphoric colors, more elegantly dubbed "LocoRoco 2," is officially slated to arrive in North America on Feb 10, 2009.

The PlayStation Blog notes that the anticipated sequel will be available then on UMD, but we hope to see a version of LocoRoco 2 arrive on the PlayStation Store as well (Japan's doing it!). It'll save us the trip into the outside world, which we hear is a rather dour place.

Gallery: LocoRoco 2

JoystiqLocoRoco 2 coming to North America on Feb. 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsFebruary-GamesJS-TwitterLocoRoco-2PSPSCEASCEJSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaSony-Computer-Entertainment-JapanWed, 24 Dec 2008 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers Title Update now available ... finally!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/castle-crashers-title-update-now-available-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/castle-crashers-title-update-now-available-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/castle-crashers-title-update-now-available-finally/#commentsFiled under:

Can it really be? Are our eyes deceiving us? Even when The Behemoth said last night that the long-long-awaited Castle Crashers Title Update would launch today, we didn't believe it -- but sure enough, the patch is live. We don't know the exact size, but the update took mere seconds to install. We just tried a four-player online match and it ran flawlessly. No official patch notes are out yet, but let us know if your castle crashing issues have been resolved.

Update: Partial list of patch notes here.

JoystiqCastle Crashers Title Update now available ... finally! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothbreakingnewscastle-crashersjs-twitterpatchthe-behemothtitle-updateXbox-360Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[EA details restructuring plan, laying off 10% of employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-details-restructuring-plan-laying-off-10-of-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-details-restructuring-plan-laying-off-10-of-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ea-details-restructuring-plan-laying-off-10-of-employees/#commentsFiled under:


Sad news from EA: The company plans to lay off 10% of its workforce, representing about 1,000 jobs, by March 31, 2009. The new figure represents a 4% increase from the previously stated layoffs announced in October. EA's restructuring plan, which also includes "consolidating facilities," is expected to cut annual costs by $120 million.

Nine studios and publishing locations will be closed by the company, including Black Box Studio (Need for Speed) in Vancouver, British Columbia, which will move its remaining staff to EA's studio in Burnaby, BC -- the company recently killed plans for a third Canadian studio. The publisher also states it plans to focus on hit games with "higher margin opportunities." Although EA claims it's "committed to taking creative risks," there's nothing more that gamers gobble up like a good sequel ... year, after year, after year.

JoystiqEA details restructuring plan, laying off 10% of employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewseaea-black-boxElectronic-ArtslayoffsrestructuringFri, 19 Dec 2008 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: PS3 going 3-D, 4th dimension untapped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/report-ps3-going-3-d-4th-dimension-untapped/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/report-ps3-going-3-d-4th-dimension-untapped/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/report-ps3-going-3-d-4th-dimension-untapped/#commentsFiled under:

As it turns out, stereoscopic 3-D technology isn't just reserved for the fabulously bored ... of making flat, $1.8 billion-grossing Hollywood weepies. No, 3-D, like "put on those big, goofy glasses" 3D, can be the work of mere mortals. Like these two fellers above, from Blitz Games Studios.

In what's been billed as an MTBS exclusive (that's: "Meant To Be Seen"), Blitz has reportedly confirmed that Sony "fully intends" to update PlayStation 3 to support stereoscopic 3-D gaming and Blu-ray watching next year (presumably, in time for Ubisoft's 3-D Avatar game). What's more, MTBS suggests that the ability to upgrade to 3-D via a firmware update could be unique to PS3 (the console is a 4D concept, after all) -- potentially leaving current Xbox 360 owners to endure gaming life in a veritable stone age.

Blitz, famous for its trio of Burger King Xbox games, has its hands in the forthcoming movement, developing its own "BlitzTech" 3-D engine, which debuted earlier this month at the 3D Entertainment Summit in LA. Well then Blitz, we can't wait to see it in Hell, er, Hall, Kentia Hall -- next June.

[Thanks, Heavytoka]

JoystiqReport: PS3 going 3-D, 4th dimension untapped originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dblitz-gamesblitz-games-studiosblitztechbreakingnewsPS3stereoscopic-3dThu, 18 Dec 2008 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 'temporarily' suspends voice chat in Home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sony-temporarily-suspends-voice-chat-in-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sony-temporarily-suspends-voice-chat-in-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/sony-temporarily-suspends-voice-chat-in-home/#commentsFiled under: ,


As part of today's PlayStation Home 1.04 patch (13 MB), the PlayStation Blog notes that voice chat will be temporarily disabled in the virtual lifestyle program. "This is a step towards ensuring greater connectivity for all users," explains Home's Message of the Day. Unfortunately, the door to "greater connectivity" appears to be one giant step backwards.

Sony recommends using the wireless keypad or a USB/Bluetooth keyboard to text chat in the program. But who really needs voice communication in Home? Just find a "Running Man" dance line and let the days effortlessly pass by.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqSony 'temporarily' suspends voice chat in Home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewshomeplaystation-homeplaystation-home-patchPS3Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Radical closes shop [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/rumor-free-radical-closes-shop/#commentsFiled under: ,


The haze is lifting and numerous UK gaming outlets are reporting that Free Radical, based in Nottingham, England, has shut down. The studio has yet to confirm, but according to sources: the doors are locked, phones aren't being answered, and the staff met at a nearby hotel today for a "final company meeting."

Free Radical's last project was the critical and commercial failure, Haze. TimeSplitters 4 and an unannounced project (believed to be Star Wars: Battlefront III) were currently in development at the studio. We'll update as soon as the studio makes a statement.

Update: Confirmed. [Via videogaming247]

JoystiqFree Radical closes shop [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsfree-radicalfree-radical-designhazetime-splitters-4Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two cements long-term agreement with Rockstar 'senior creative talent']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/take-two-cements-long-term-agreement-with-rockstar-senior-creat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/take-two-cements-long-term-agreement-with-rockstar-senior-creat/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/take-two-cements-long-term-agreement-with-rockstar-senior-creat/#commentsFiled under:


The Houser brothers aren't going anywhere -- at least not anywhere that's out of the reach of Grand Theft Auto publisher Take-Two. The company has announced a new long-term employment agreement with "key members of the creative team" behind Grand Theft Auto IV, including Rockstar rockstars, Sam and Dan Houser. The initial term of the agreement runs out on January 31, 2012 -- and by then the world will be close to ending for everyone, not just Take-Two.

Also noted in the agreement is a new incentive compensation program for the Rockstar Games label, as well as Take-Two's intention to fund a new intellectual property "to be owned by a newly formed company controlled by key Rockstar Games team members." Whatever this mystery property entails, it will be published exclusively by Take-Two. Do we detect shades of Bungie and Microsoft?

JoystiqTake-Two cements long-term agreement with Rockstar 'senior creative talent' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDan-HouserGrand-Theft-AutoGrand-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVJS-TwitterRockstarRockstar-GamesTake-TwoWed, 17 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Four Konami games coming to iPhone, including Metal Gear, Silent Hill]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/four-konami-games-coming-to-iphone-including-metal-gear-silent/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/four-konami-games-coming-to-iphone-including-metal-gear-silent/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/four-konami-games-coming-to-iphone-including-metal-gear-silent/#commentsFiled under: , ,


And Dance Dance Revolution, if you can believe it. Konami has announced the impending arrival of four downloadable iPhone games, with all but one scheduled to arrive "from late December." The genres covered are "Music," "Action," "3D Shooting" and the slightly provocative "Touch Shooting." As for the corresponding titles:
  • Dance Dance Revolution S Lite, "a music game where you tap the arrow icons that appear at the bottom of the screen in time with music."
  • Silent Hill: The Escape, "a first-person 3D shooting game that lets players utilize the control features only found on the iPhone and iPod touch ..."
  • Frogger, "a simple game" which probably doesn't require any further explanation.
  • Metal Gear Solid Touch, "an original game that brings to life the world and characters" of MGS4. Eight "touch shooting" levels will be available in the initial release, with more to follow.
MGST is currently slated for a Spring 2009 release. All the games are coming to North America, Japan and Europe, with the exception of Dance Dance Revolution, which is apparently too hip for the electronic rectangles in Europe.

JoystiqFour Konami games coming to iPhone, including Metal Gear, Silent Hill originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 04:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDance-Dance-Revolution-S-LiteFroggeriPhoneJS-TwitterKonami-TouchMetal-Gear-Solid-TouchMobileSilent-Hill-The-EscapeWed, 17 Dec 2008 04:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Club Nintendo back up, accepting NA members [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/club-nintendo-briefly-up-accepting-na-members-now-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After years of chanting "Let us in, let us in!," the doors to Club Nintendo have finally been opened to those living in North America. The service, which was announced this summer, takes the place of NOA's previous My Nintendo site. Nice to join you, Japan and Europe.

Already have your Nintendo gear and games registered on My Nintendo? Not to worry. Logging into the Club Nintendo site automagically converts your old account and - most importantly - makes sure Club Nintendo knows about all the stuff you've bought. So you can, y'know, start saving up for exclusive merchandise and other rewards, including the (now official) US version of Game & Watch Collection.

There's just one problem - after seeing the site with our very own eyes (!) it ... disappeared, and was replaced with placeholder art assuring us that Club Nintendo was "Coming Soon!" Lucky for us then that one NeoGAF user thought to grab a screenshot (seen above). Don't worry, you take the night off. We've got our clicking finger on the Reload button and we'll let you know when everything's back up. Now go have a drink, you look tired.

[Update: It seems - seems - that Club Nintendo is now live for good and all. Yep, it's up.]

[Thanks, Fernando]

JoystiqClub Nintendo back up, accepting NA members [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsclub-nintendoDSjs-twittermy-nintendorewardsWiiMon, 15 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grand Theft Auto IV crowned Game of the Year at Spike VGAs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/grand-theft-auto-iv-crowned-spike-vgas-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/grand-theft-auto-iv-crowned-spike-vgas-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/grand-theft-auto-iv-crowned-spike-vgas-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems like Spike Video Game Award judges and Time magazine now have something in common. The Spike VGA Game of the Year was just announced and it was ... wait for it ... drumroll please ... more drumroll, please ... that's better ... Grand Theft Auto IV. The announcement was preceded by the latest Brutal Legend trailer, so we almost missed it basking in the awesomeness of Tim freaking Schafer. Congratulations to Rockstar.

Curious which games won - and, by proxy, which ones lost - in the rest of the categories? Find the full list of winners after the break.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto IV crowned Game of the Year at Spike VGAs

JoystiqGrand Theft Auto IV crowned Game of the Year at Spike VGAs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2008breakingnewsgrand-theft-auto-ivgtaivjs-twitterPS3spike-vga-2008Xbox-360Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Pearl Jam's 'Ten' album coming to Rock Band in March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/pearl-jams-ten-album-coming-to-rock-band-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/pearl-jams-ten-album-coming-to-rock-band-in-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/pearl-jams-ten-album-coming-to-rock-band-in-march/#commentsFiled under: , ,

An "exclusive" from Geoff Keighley, who likely read that line from a teleprompter while presenting live from the Spike VGAs: Pearl Jam's "Ten" album is coming as a Rock Band downloadable album in March. That should be just enough time for you to find the appropriate amount of flannel to wear while you play.

JoystiqPearl Jam's 'Ten' album coming to Rock Band in March originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdlcjs-twitterpearl-jamPS3rock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-dlcspike-vga-2008Xbox-360Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack available 3AM ET tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/gears-of-war-2-combustible-map-pack-available-3am-et-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/gears-of-war-2-combustible-map-pack-available-3am-et-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/14/gears-of-war-2-combustible-map-pack-available-3am-et-tonight/#commentsFiled under: ,

This just in from the Spike VGA Awards: Gears of War 2 Combustible map pack, which includes Flood, Gold Rush and Fuel Station, will be available tonight at 3AM ET. No price mentioned. Now back to the liveblog ... Update: According to a source speaking to X3F, the map pack will be 800 points / $10.

Gallery: Gears of War 2 - Imulsion Map DLC

JoystiqGears of War 2 Combustible Map Pack available 3AM ET tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewscombustible-map-packcompulsiondlcgears-of-war-2gears-of-war-2-dlcgow2js-twitterspike-vga-2008Xbox-360Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:16:00 EST<![CDATA[First Star Wars: The Old Republic gameplay footage debuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-star-wars-the-old-republic-gameplay-footage-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-star-wars-the-old-republic-gameplay-footage-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-star-wars-the-old-republic-gameplay-footage-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BioWare has unleashed the first in-game footage from its upcoming Star Wars MMO, The Old Republic. Presented in documentary format, it's quite heavy on lightsaber dueling (thankfully with ones less chubby than those in the above screenshot).

The footage also shows a few brief glimpses of world traversal and combat against NPC creatures, including a K'lor'slug. Unfortunately, the video quality doesn't show off the game's visual nuances all that well, but LucasArts has told us that an HD version of the documentary will arrive on Monday, December 15.

You can watch the current video after the break. And for the deep analysis, head over to Massively.

Gallery: Star Wars: The Old Republic

Platform Lightsaber Duel Force Choke

Continue reading First Star Wars: The Old Republic gameplay footage debuts

JoystiqFirst Star Wars: The Old Republic gameplay footage debuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsjs-twitterPCstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicvideoFri, 12 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA is the Brütal Legend publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/ea-looks-likely-for-brutal-legend-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/ea-looks-likely-for-brutal-legend-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/ea-looks-likely-for-brutal-legend-publisher/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We don't know exactly but there are really strong indications that EA will come to Brütal Legend's rescue. Most notably, www.brutallegend.com points to a non-existent EA domain, as noted by fan-site Brutal!. And if you tweak the address and plug in brutallegend.ea.com, you'll spot the above image. Seriously, try it for yourself, it'll do your spirit good after all the waiting.

We're likely to hear something more official later today as Double Fine mastermind (and perennial Joystiq crush) Tim Schafer wrote on the company's blog that "Santa may be putting some sort of publisher news in our stocking during the night."

For those about to rock ... well, you know.

[Update: We just got the confirmation in our mailbox. The game is coming in fall of 2009 to 360 and PS3.]

JoystiqEA is the Brütal Legend publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsbrutal-legenddouble-fineeaElectronic-ArtsPS3tim-schaferXbox-360Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[November NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/november-npd-wii-breaks-2m-gears-2-breaks-1-5m-what-recess/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Despite all the talk of recessions and global economic crises (crisises?), the video game industry once again seems unfazed. According to the NPD Group, North American industry sales totaled $2.91 billion for November, approximately 10% higher than the same month last year. Of that, $1.45b came from software while hardware took in $1.21b and accessories $255.4 million. As you can see below, the big winners of the month were the Wii (average to 68K sold per day!) followed by the DS (avg. 52K daily). For the fourth month in a row, the Xbox 360 has outsold the PlayStation 3, and has sold double that of Sony's console for the eighth month in the two-year battle.

On the software side of things, Gears of War 2 must be very pleased with itself, with Marcus Fenix and the gang selling 1.56 million units - that's four times as many copies as Nathan Hale's Resistance 2 - securing the top spot for November. But not so fast, Delta Squad! Factoring in both "next-gen" platforms, Call of Duty: World at War sold an incredible 2 million units, with the Xbox 360 release commanding an impressive 70% of those numbers. Check full software sales numbers after the break.

- Wii: 2.04m 1.237m (154%)
- DS: 1.57m 1.079m (220%)
- Xbox 360: 836K 465K (125%)
- PSP: 421K 228K (118%)
- PS3: 378K 188K (99%)
- PS2: 206K 70K (51%)

Continue reading November NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession?

JoystiqNovember NPD: Wii breaks 2m, Gears 2 breaks 1.5m ... what recession? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsDShardwaresalesjs-twitternorth-america-salesnpdnpd-groupPCPS2PS3PSPus-salesWiiXbox-360Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Welcome Home: PlayStation Home Beta is live!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/welcome-home-playstation-home-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/welcome-home-playstation-home-beta-is-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/welcome-home-playstation-home-beta-is-live/#commentsFiled under: ,


The PlayStation Home Beta is now live and public for all world regions. Fire up your PS3, navigate to the PSN icon and scroll down to PlayStation Home -- yup it's there! One 77 MB download later and you're ... almost Home! (You need to install the software* and agree to the necessary legalese first.) So, how's your first day of your new second life treatin' you?

4:25PM ET - The PlayStation Home "Message of the Day" invites everyone to a "huge dance party" in the Central Plaza at 6 pm tonight. "This party just might last throughout the night, so come on in and meet your new friends." (We'll bring the stuff to spike the punch!) You gonna be there?

4:30PM ET - Doh! "Network Error: The connection to the server was lost (C-991)." (Twice.)

4:40PM ET - We're still unable to connect (from NYC, San Fran and Oklahoma), but PS3 Fanboy's Jem Alexander reports Home is up and running "flawlessly" in the UK. Anyone else have a status update? Please post in the comments.

4:55PM ET - New error! "Request timed out: /HUBPS3_SVML/unity/start.jsp" -- we'll keep trying ...

10:25PM ET - We're Home! Finally.

*Note: "To use PlayStation Home, 3077 MB of HDD space will need to be reserved."

JoystiqWelcome Home: PlayStation Home Beta is live! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewshomeplaystation-homeplaystation-home-betaPS3Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shares post-NXE stats: Marketplace sales up, more friends online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/microsoft-shares-post-nxe-stats-marketplace-sales-up-more-frie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/microsoft-shares-post-nxe-stats-marketplace-sales-up-more-frie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/microsoft-shares-post-nxe-stats-marketplace-sales-up-more-frie/#commentsFiled under:


Just three weeks after the - by all accounts, very successful - launch of the New Xbox Experience, Microsoft is ready to trumpet some statistics related to the new interface. To help us navigate this panoply of numbers, Microsoft lent us the services of one Mr. Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360, who served as our tour guide through the press release.

First, with 14 million folks suddenly using an entirely new interface designed to make content easier to find, you'd wonder how successful it is in that regard. Well, glad you asked! Microsoft reports that Marketplace downloads of TV episodes were up 30% and movie downloads an impressive 49% the week after the NXE launch. This is in spite of competition from Netflix's ample on-demand offerings in both areas. Wondering how many folks are using Netflix? Yeah, so were we ... Greenberg told us they're not providing that data just yet, but we wouldn't be surprised to hear them noting that as a success during next month's CES.

Continue reading Microsoft shares post-NXE stats: Marketplace sales up, more friends online

JoystiqMicrosoft shares post-NXE stats: Marketplace sales up, more friends online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-GreenbergBreakingNewsNew-Xbox-ExperienceNXEXbox-360Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Home beta launching Dec. 11 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scee-playstation-home-beta-launching-dec-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scee-playstation-home-beta-launching-dec-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/scee-playstation-home-beta-launching-dec-11/#commentsFiled under: ,


At last, the future has arrived. Threatening to thrust our flabby, pitifully organic bodies into a virtual playground and significantly dull the allure of boring ol' reality, PlayStation Home is set to deliver the online utopia we thought we wanted after reading Snow Crash all those years ago. Sony has confirmed that Home's public online beta -- sans samurai haxorz -- will launch tomorrow, December 11th. (Update: Announced by SCEA, too.) With some minor caveats.

As the press release dutifully notes, the service will become available for "all PS3 users around the world," except for those who find themselves in "some regions." You'll find the service nestled under the PlayStation Network bar of the XMB. The beta will include all the basic services and features, save for some content (like designer pants) which will, in fact, be charged for. Partially among those is the "Club," a social umbrella you can set up for your like-minded friends. Of course, it's bad luck to open an umbrella inside the Home, so you'll be asked to buy an "entitlement" if you want also want a "clubhouse."

According to SCEE, several activities in Home will hinge on the content provided by Diesel (clothes!), Ligne Roset (furniture!), Red Bull (wings!), Hexus TV (video!), Eurogamer (witticisms!) and Paramount Pictures (trailers and movie merchandise!). Perhaps we should plan our day around all this stuff -- we should totally hang out tomorrow (virtually!).

JoystiqPlayStation Home beta launching Dec. 11 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BetabreakingnewsHomeHome-BetaJS-TwitterPlayStation-HomePS3PSNSCEESony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeWed, 10 Dec 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest X coming to Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/dragon-quest-x-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/dragon-quest-x-coming-to-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/dragon-quest-x-coming-to-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Even before the release of Dragon Quest IX, Square Enix is already talking about its inevitable future. Yuji Horii, the series creator, revealed at a recent press conference that the upcoming Dragon Quest X will appear on Wii. This will be the first official entry of the ultra-popular RPG series (at least in Japan) on a current-generation console. (Dragon Quest VIII for PS2, pictured.) Other than that remark, no other details were revealed.

Square Enix also revealed the Japanese release date for the upcoming Dragon Quest IX. The Nintendo DS RPG will be in stores on March 28th for 5980 yen. That means the hardcore Japanese fans out there will only have to wait in line for 108 more days. Good luck guys.

JoystiqDragon Quest X coming to Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsdragon-questdragon-quest-10dragon-quest-xWiiWed, 10 Dec 2008 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/activisions-protoype-site-breaks-spills-some-assets-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Prototype, better known as Crackdown + The Matrix + Superman seems to have a busted website that confronts you with an age gate, and then gives up all of its secrets like the wimpy kid during recess. It appears that these are images and videos they are assembling for a presentation at CES in January, but Happy Holidaze! You get it a few weeks early.

Check out the new images from the game in the gallery below, and there are four new videos waiting for you after the break. Just hurry and do it now before someone comes to their senses and flips the switch. Either this is a brilliant marketing ploy, or someone's asleep at the keyboard.

Gallery: Prototype: 12/09/08



[Thanks Johnny Nobody]

Continue reading Activision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web

JoystiqActivision's Prototype site breaks, spills some assets on web originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionbreakingnewsjs-twitterPCPrototypePS3RadicalRadical-EntertainmentSandboxSierraXbox-360Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:15:00 EST