Joystiq

Kongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST

Kongregate now hosts downloadable, free games, as well as its standard fare of browser-based titles. The first three downloadable games on Kongregate are Super Monday Night Combat, Bomb Buddies and Smashmuck Champions, all available right now.

Kongregate will drop more downloadable games in the "coming weeks," and they are all integrated into existing social services. Players must sign into Kongregate to launch the games, and each one now available earns players 10 points.

"Our players are looking for increasingly sophisticated games," says Jim Greer, Kongregate CEO and co-founder. "Adding downloadable titles brings a new level of gaming to hardcore players looking for high-definition graphics with more options and content to select from."

What previously set Kongregate apart from digital distributors is its focus on in-browser entertainment. Now it's inching closer to Steam territory, but still has its own flair in offering only free games for download. It's kind of like a tomcat slowly slinking into another's alleyway, and now we just wait for the hissing to begin.

Continue reading Kongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster

Kongregate adds downloadable, free games to browser-based roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Dec 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances now playable in your browser

Mike Schramm — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST

EA's latest free-to-play title, Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances, has gone live in a browser near you. Aeria Games has turned the popular RTS franchise into a browser-based game, which means you can grow your base, play PvP and PvE scenarios, and even build social alliances and partnerships with other players, playing as the Global Defense Initiative or the Nod factions in any browser you happen to have handy.

This is just the latest online, free-to-play title that Aeria Games is launching for EA, after the success of Battlefield Heroes and Need for Speed World. Like those other games, it's supported with microtransactions and freemium items, and is probably destined to be profitable.

Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances now playable in your browser originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeon Fighter Live punches up XBLA on July 13

Mike Schramm — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 05:30:00 EST

Early last year, we heard that Nexon was bringing its immensely popular free-to-play beat-em-up, Dungeon Fighter Online, to Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, but the wait's been long and quiet since then. Now, finally, there's a light at the end of the tunnel: The game will arrive on July 13.

The full title is Dungeon Fighter Live: Fall of Hendon Myre, and it's a condensed version of the browser game that's claimed over 200 million players worldwide already. There will be three classes, as opposed to eight in the full game, but the XBLA title will have the added benefit of both local multiplayer and even offline play.

The game will also include new HD graphics and a new storyline, along with the crazy itemization and combo-driven action gameplay of the original.

Dungeon Fighter Live punches up XBLA on July 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Namco's Tales series going on a browser-based 'Dice Adventure'

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

If you are enthralled by the addictive world of high-stakes gambling and the even-more-addictive world of social games, Namco Bandai has a soul-crushingly-addictive announcement for you. According to Siliconera, the publisher's Tales series of role-playing games is making the jump to the free-to-play browser-based realm with Tales of the World: Dice Adventure.

The game, which will hit Japanese browsers next Spring, will let players team up with characters from the prolific Tales series, assumedly entering into games of chance using numbered cubes. (Or numbered Icosahedrons, if they go the Dungeons and Dragons route.) Little else is known about the title -- until Namco reveals more information, the whole thing is going to be a crapshoot.

Namco's Tales series going on a browser-based 'Dice Adventure' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poleriders: The new browser game from QWOP creator

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:00:00 EST

If you've just finished Dark Souls and are looking for an entirely new method of torturing yourself through video games, this new project from QWOP developer Bennet Foddy should suit your needs quite well. It's called Poleriders, and it's a competitive, two-player pole vaulting game. Only, instead of trying to use a pole to clear a raised bar, you're trying to either kick a ball through your opponent's goal, or kick your opponent's head, which is also tantalizingly ball-shaped.

Truth be told, we didn't find it nearly as difficult as QWOP -- though, we suppose difficulty will change based on the relative pole vaulting skill of your adversary. Vaulting against your roommate? No problem. Vaulting against four-time US Nation Outdoor Champion vaulter Jeff Hartwig? Well then, buster, you're in for a world of hurt.

Poleriders: The new browser game from QWOP creator originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gameforge lays off 100, Star Trek: Infinite Space looking shaky

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST

Gameforge is set to cut a little over 20 percent of its staff. GI.biz reports that the German browser-based games company, which bought a majority share in Frogster last year, will cut 100 of its 450 employees.

The publisher previously canceled Mythos and Hellbreed, and is now reportedly struggling to finish Star Trek: Infinite Space unless a co-publishing agreement is signed.

"Through a more efficient organizational structure, we can optimize our use of resources and great potential for further growth increase," said CEO Alexander Roesner in a statement. "This will strengthen our long term position in the dynamic market for online games."

Gameforge lays off 100, Star Trek: Infinite Space looking shaky originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft announces free-to-play strategy title 'Castle Empire'

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST

If you're keen on using your web browser less for watching videos of Zombies Ate My Neighbors speed runs and more for conquering the world, Ubisoft's ready to help you shift your aspirations. The publisher recently announced Castle Empire, a free-to-play, browser-based strategy title that went into beta in Europe under the title The Settlers Online. The game is currently in closed beta in North America. Unless you luck into a golden ticket, you'll have to stick a pin in your plan for global domination.

You can check out a trailer for Castle Empire above, though it doesn't do much to show what the game itself looks like (it certainly doesn't look like an Esurance commercial). For a more accurate look at the game, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Castle Empire (7/20/11)

Ubisoft announces free-to-play strategy title 'Castle Empire' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PixelJunk Monsters migrating to browsers

Justin McElroy — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST

As the nation's nerd and nerd-adjacent humans sully themselves with the masses at Comic-Con, attractive casual game developers are wining and dining at Casual Connect in Seattle. Sandwiched in between said wining and simultaneous dining are talks like the one today from Q-Games designer Jesse Venbrux. As promised last week, Venbrux unveiled the new Q-Games project: A browser-based PixelJunk Monsters game.

According to PSN Stores, the new version of the tower defense title will feature a less linear design, smaller levels, new towers and monsters and, of course, additional social features to compliment services like Facebook. From what little information is available, it seems like there's little that won't be revamped in the browser that is, for the moment, untitled.

PixelJunk Monsters migrating to browsers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-LucasArts devs form November Software, aim to 'elevate social gaming'

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST

Three former Force Unleashed series developers and an ex-EA Sports programmer have joined up to form November Software, an indie studio with lofty ambitions: "to elevate social gaming to a new standard and deliver high-end 3D content to the web, iPhone and iPad." The team's first project, Inemeri: A Familiar World, will be a free-to-play social game for browsers and iOS devices.

"We are striving to hit a quality bar higher than any game running directly in your browser, iPhone or iPad," declares a statement on the game site's About page. The team claims to "have collectively invented a new way to build games from the ground up," with Inemeri said to feature a "new engine and plugin based around a concept of 'streaming'" powering a "challenging and inspiring 3D world that can be explored creatively." Yes, that's a hot air ... balloon.

November Software plans to launch a closed beta test of Inemeri this summer. Volunteers are currently being accepted through this signup page.

Ex-LucasArts devs form November Software, aim to 'elevate social gaming' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pica Pic resurrects classic LCD handhelds ... that you should play right now

Randy Nelson — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST

Long before there was a 3DS, there was the Game & Watch series of LCD games from Nintendo. It wasn't alone: numerous other companies produced single-game handhelds that may look primitive when compared with today's portables, but still manage to out-fun some modern games. It's excellent, then, that Pica Pic exists. This slick site is home to a dozen or so fully playable recreations of classics such as Donkey Kong Jr. and Sub Attack, with the promise of more to come.

Designed by Hipopotam, the site may not be entirely legal due to its, er ... reproduction of copyrighted games, but we certainly won't tell if you want to give it a visit. Which you should. Now.

Pica Pic resurrects classic LCD handhelds ... that you should play right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more

Randy Nelson — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST

Following more than a year of media demos and beta testing, cloud gaming startup Gaikai is letting the public try out the fruits of its efforts: Demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2, Spore and The Sims 3 are all playable from within your web browser. That is, if you have the bandwidth -- we don't, apparently. (Granted, we're on gratis Wi-Fi here at GDC.)

You might have better luck at home: You can visit Gaikai's site where you'll be prompted to launch Mass Effect 2. "Just wait and if your connection quality to our Server is fast enough," instructs CEO David Perry, "one of several pop-up designs will appear."

Additionally, taking a survey about the service will grant you access to the Dead Space 2 demo. Spore and The Sims 3 trials can be found here and here, respectively.

Gaikai is live with streaming demos of Mass Effect 2, Dead Space 2 and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Sarien.net, "the portal that once stood for reliving classic Sierra On-Line adventure games" (for free), has been shut down following a cease-and-desist order issued by IP owner Activision. The site's creator, Mr. Kool (real name!), has posted the letter from Activision's legal counsel on the Sarien homepage.

"While we appreciate your dedication to the Sierra classic library and understand that you are a fan of these games, Activision has not authorized the development or distribution of these games via your Website," the order reads. "Accordingly, we must demand that you immediately cease any further distribution or exploitation of the Sierra Games on your Website."

Kool launched Sarien way back in April 2009, but it seemingly took this month's implementation of iPhone and iPad browser support (for all of the site's AGI-powered games) for Activision to take notice. "Wait till you see my new World of Warcraft in javascript," Kool quipped in a tweet. "Oh wait, that's Activision too..."

[Thanks, Ryan; image source: MobyGames]

Unauthorized Sierra adventure games portal Sarien.net ceases upon Activision order originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waste your Friday playing Fotonica

Justin McElroy — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST

C'mon, it's Friday. You know everybody else in the office is taking it easy. Check out Debbie, you think she's working on next week's ad budget? Nope. She's looking at pictures of her sister's birthday party on Facebook and wondering how she stays so skinny. Look at Rick in HR over there, you just know he's catching up on the scores from last night's [insert prominent sporting events here].

Why don't you head over to Kongregate and check out Fotonica, Santa Ragione's extremely cool new first-person running game you play with just one button. As you'll see in a trailer after the break, the game features a gorgeous wireframe aesthetic, so maybe you can convince your boss that you're making 3D ... work ... models, or something. Heck, he probably won't look up from The View long enough to notice.

Continue reading Waste your Friday playing Fotonica

Waste your Friday playing Fotonica originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Chance: The adventure game you can only play once

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

Sometimes, Flash-based games catch our collective attention thanks to an innovation so simple it's puzzling that it took a designer so long to put it into practice. That's the case with Awkward Silence Games' One Chance, a simple, side-scrolling adventure title that puts you in the shoes of Dr. Pilgrim. The good doctor has invented a cure for cancer that -- oops! -- will kill every living thing on Earth in six days.

Here's the twist: After you beat the game, you're stuck with the ending you get on your first playthrough (so long as you play along with the limitations of the platform and don't go deleting your browser cache). You don't get a second chance. Hence the name.

There's only a handful of decisions you can make during the last six days on Earth, but each one has an impact on your final, final destination. Choose wisely! Wait, what are you doing? No, don't do that! You'll regret it forever!

One Chance: The adventure game you can only play once originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FPS Trainer seeks to enlighten your gaming illiterate loved ones

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST

Next time your Dad's all, "I wanna play Halo with you, little Billy, but I just can't get a grip on the controls of these crazy new games!", there could be a better answer than "Eff off, Dad!": FPS Trainer. The browser-based first-person shooter is designed to improve FPS players' skills by offering coaching tips and providing a detailed rundown of player strengths and weaknesses.

Developed by Play2Improve, the game is described as "a series of mini-games to practice various FPS techniques and skills utilizing a real-time coach to provide constant feedback and advice, along with an online multiplayer mode that also includes coaching and the use of Microsoft's Xbox Live Avatars (not shown in playable demo)." Play2Improve reps explained the odd inclusion of Xbox 360 Avatars to Joystiq this afternoon, saying, "We were previously developing FPS Trainer for consoles, following a successful concept pitch at GDC last year; however, after developing a playable demo, we decided to take the product in a different direction and are going down the browser-based/online route initially, prior to a potential port to consoles early next year."

FPS Trainer's visuals are stylized along the lines of Quake Live or Team Fortress 2, with the intention of giving it a "trainer" look, we're told. You can head past the break and get your eyes on the game's introductory trailer, or give the game (in pre-Alpha state) a shot right now -- we like to offer you options. The game arrives in beta form this coming January, and is planned for a full release in April.

Continue reading FPS Trainer seeks to enlighten your gaming illiterate loved ones

FPS Trainer seeks to enlighten your gaming illiterate loved ones originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adult Swim's latest Flash game climbs the corporate ladder

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST

Continuing its tradition of putting out quality, humorous browser-based games, Adult Swim recently launched its latest pixelated onus: Corporate Climber. The game's a simple platformer where the player ascends through the ranks of a major, criminally unsafe business by literally ascending through said business' corporate headquarters. Basically, it's like an episode of The Office, only it's way more violent, and way, way less awkward.

Check it out over on Adult Swim's game portal -- that is, assuming you can resist the siren call of Robot Unicorn Attack. You're playing it right now, aren't you? You monster.

Adult Swim's latest Flash game climbs the corporate ladder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Casual games competition site to offer college scholarships

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST

Unlike other competitions that might, say, award efforts to design games for the greater good, ScholarGamers.com hopes to attract teens who simply excel at beating their peers in video games. It's a simple but effective pitch:

"The concept of winning student scholarships for being an ultimate gamer should come as no surprise. After all, young athletes -- even bowlers -- can win scholarships for college based on their ability to play, score and outperform others. It's no different at ScholarGamers.com."

Beginning November 1, when the site launches its first 2011 scholarship contest, Scholar Gamers promises to award "big cash for college" (first place nabs 10Gs) to several contestants who must work their way up from at-home Flash game phenoms to The Wizard-like big stage at Disney's BoardWalk Resort.

But, you know, if you're that good at clicking smiley faces, why even bother with college? Just go pro.

Continue reading Casual games competition site to offer college scholarships

Casual games competition site to offer college scholarships originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox.com makeover to add browser-based Avatar Editor, multiplayer web games

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST

A "massive" redesign of Xbox.com will launch tomorrow, Major Nelson has announced. Beginning at 5AM ET on October 20, Xbox.com and the Xbox Forums will go offline for "a short period of time" to integrate the update. Once live again, the site will be all tidy and clean (pictured; more images here) and introduce several browser-based activities.

Notably, a full Avatar Editor will be added to Xbox.com, allowing users to create, edit and start all over with their Avatars, as well as try on Avatar Marketplace items before purchasing them -- take note: "It just looked so fresh on the mannequin" will no longer be a valid excuse for spending 4 bucks on a Flashy Suit. The Major also teases the new ability to "play web games with your Xbox Live friends on the web or on Windows Phone 7" (but do we get Achievements for that?).

The update will also improve messaging functionality on the site and provide access to Xbox Live usage data for family accounts -- you know, to track your kids' hours. We don't have to remind you how critical it is for the little ones to keep up with their Modern Warfare 2 regimen to ensure a strong start in Black Ops competition this November -- gotta keep those K/D ratios up! The 12-year-old might have trouble juggling multiplayer and school work, sure, but it's not like the fourth grader has that much homework getting in the way of a real shot to go pro one day.

Xbox.com makeover to add browser-based Avatar Editor, multiplayer web games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blast the internet with 'Asteroids' applet

James Ransom-Wiley — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST

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

Andy writes to tell us his buddy has completed work on the new American Eagle site. No, we aren't directing you to seasonal Zelda jammies (would you wear those?) -- the update includes a "hidden" Asteroids mode! Just add "?mode=asteroids" to the end of any page url to crack this Easter egg open.

Continue reading Blast the internet with 'Asteroids' applet

Blast the internet with 'Asteroids' applet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Trek: Infinite Space explores browser-based gaming in 2011

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST

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

Star Trek: Infinite Space is a free-to-play, casual browser-based game launching in the summer of 2011. Published by Gameforge (don't worry, you've likely never heard of 'em) and developed by Keen (What's Cooking? With Jamie Oliver, Anno on Wii and DS), it's set during the Deep Space Nine timeline.

Keen Games creative director Antony Christoulakis says, "We consider ourselves very lucky to have this opportunity and we are highly committed to delivering a Star Trek experience fans can be proud of." Wouldn't it be awkward if this freemium game ends up being more compelling than the for-pay (for-now) Star Trek Online?

Star Trek: Infinite Space explores browser-based gaming in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Room adventure game is tearing us apart, Lisa

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST

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

So, here's the thing: If you're not in on the cosmic joke that is Tommy Wiseau's impossibly bad masterpiece The Room, you're probably not going to grok anything we're about to talk about. Everyone else, brace yourself: Newgrounds founder Tom Fulp released The Room Tribute earlier this morning -- an adventure game which recreates the aforementioned film scene for scene from the perspective of its nigh-unintelligible protagonist.

What could have been a quick and easy Flash game is actually a pretty lengthy experience, with collectibles (like hidden spoons tucked all throughout San Francisco) and expansions of The Room universe not present in the film, such as the haunting interior of Denny's apartment. Oh, also much like the film upon which it's based, The Room Tribute features frequent, thoroughly unerotic nudity -- so don't play it at work. But do play it at your earliest convenience. It is simply wonderful.

Unless, of course, you haven't seen the movie. You monster.

The Room adventure game is tearing us apart, Lisa originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Browse these new details and screens from Battlestar Galactica Online

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST

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

Our MMO-centric sister site Massively received a whole mess of gameplay details and screenshots from Bigpoint's promising browser-based MMO, Battlestar Galactica Online. Players will be able to choose between the Human and Cylon factions, will be able to create their own out-of-ship avatars, and will progress through individual quests and story-based missions exclusive to their own factions. For instance, Cylons might be tasked with preparing a fresh slice of toast. (Because Cylons look like toasters. Obviously.)

For more details, check out the info Massively managed to glean from Bigpoint. For visual images you can see with your eyes, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Battlestar Galactica Online (7/23/10)

Browse these new details and screens from Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Expendables gets retro-inspired Facebook game

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST

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

The film which critics are hailing as "the muscliest video escapade in the whole of cinematic history" now has a similarly masculine video game adaptation. The Expendables - an upcoming summer blockbuster starring Sly Stallone, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, Brock Stonejaw and Mickey Rourke - now has a free-to-play Contra clone on its official Facebook fan page. (Also, one of the actors listed above isn't real. Can you guess which one?)

Take heed: You'll have to "Like" the Expendables fan page in order to gain access to the game. We realize that some people might not feel comfortable broadcasting their endorsement for what is clearly the movie of the decade, though, for the life of us, we can't imagine why.

Expendables gets retro-inspired Facebook game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coma: A playable essay on things that are pretty

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:58:00 EST

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

Though a game simply titled Coma likely doesn't sound like the most engaging ludological venture, you must take a few minutes to check out Thomas Brush's beautiful little browser-based platformer. It's short and sweet, featuring hand-drawn graphics, a lovely soundtrack and a plotline that's absolutely pregnant with artistic ambiguity.

Though that last sentence was also pregnant with pretentiousness, Coma is not. It's just a pretty, simple game, and it's free to play on Newgrounds right now. If you've got a half-hour to kill, we strongly advise you go check it out.

Coma: A playable essay on things that are pretty originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zynga's Frontierville already has 5 million daily active users

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:30:00 EST

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

Zynga recently learned a very profitable lesson from the launch of its newest casual networking game -- people aren't obsessed with Farms, as it turns out. What they can't get enough of are Villes. The player base for Frontierville, a browser-based family-raising (and, yes, farming) sim set in the Wild West, is evidence of this assertion -- Zynga emailed us earlier today, announcing the game has racked up over 5 million "daily active users" since going live June 9.

Now that we know the keyword capable of attracting millions of potential consumers, we're wondering how we can cash in on its potential. We know we just went through a pretty major relaunch, but we're wondering if its too late to rebrand our humble news site as 'Stiqville. We'll talk to the people upstairs.

Zynga's Frontierville already has 5 million daily active users originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario Crossover update coming June 25

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST

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

We've been flipping through the ol' Joystiq archives, trying to find precedent to post about an update to a Flash-based game, but, well, we came up empty-handed. No matter -- we wouldn't be able to sleep tonight knowing that we'd kept the news of Super Mario Crossover's upcoming additions to ourselves. On June 25 the game will be updated, adding some new features and new equipment for each hero, and introducing Ryu Hayabusa as a playable character.

Check out all the new features and abilities coming in the update in the video posted after the break -- or, if you've yet to experience the magic of Crossover, you can see what all the fuss is about over at Newgrounds.

Continue reading Super Mario Crossover update coming June 25

Super Mario Crossover update coming June 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Browser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST

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

Browser game developer Quick Hit, Inc. has announced that it has secured the rights to use NFL teams, logos, uniforms and all other trademarks associated with the league during the next "season" of its flagship online sports title, QuickHit Football. The game will also feature current NFL coaches and players, as well as legends, like Barry Sanders.

When the license goes into effect this fall, users will be able to play through a season or go head-to-head using their favorite professional teams and will have the ability to customize the rosters and sign new -- and old -- players using Coaching Points they've accrued over their careers. You can check out the current version of QuickHit for free on the game's official site.

Clarifying that Quick Hit's deal does not violate EA Sports' exclusivity agreement with the NFL, an EA representative told Joystiq that "the exclusivity agreements we have with the NFL and NFLPA have always been specific to football simulations on video game consoles."

Hopefully 2K will get this message and start working on one of those electric, vibrating football board games.

Browser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bigpoint turning The Mummy franchise into browser MMO

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST

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

In what may be the most puzzling film-to-video game adaptation partnerships in the history of mankind, free-to-play game developer Bigpoint and Universal Studios have announced plans to create a browser-based MMO set in The Mummy film franchise. We've been sitting here, staring at that sentence for a good ten minutes now, and we still don't know what to make of it.

A recent press release announcement describes The Mummy Online as "a free-to-play Action-RPG MMO game" where players "take on heroic roles as adventure seekers," all the while exploring the tombs and crypts of Egypt in the early 20th century. Players will interact with characters from the films, will engage in battle against "ancient evil," and, presumably, will periodically be forced to exclaim some variation on the following:

Bigpoint turning The Mummy franchise into browser MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yahoo and Zynga announce yet another partnership

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:00:00 EST

A joint press release from Yahoo and Farmville creator Zynga has announced that the two have entered into a ... wait just a darn minute. Didn't we already write this post? We swear, we wrote this very post just last week. Oh, that was when Zynga partnered with Facebook? Now it's hopping in bed with Yahoo? Man, this casual developer certainly gets around, doesn't it?

Anyway, according to the presser, Zynga's games will be distributed through Yahoo's network of online properties in the coming months, including "the Homepage, Yahoo! Games, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Messenger and others." It also gives Zynga access to the Yahoo! Application Platform, which will allow them to develop games specifically for use on Yahoo's various web portals. We hope they take the relationship one step further, merging their names into one completely ridiculous moniker. Maybe Yahooga? Or, perhaps, Zyngoo?

Yahoo and Zynga announce yet another partnership originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia Flash game is better than you think

Justin McElroy — Wed, 12 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

For all the vitriol we hurl at Wii shovelware and farming-centric Facebook games, we often forget the class of electronic entertainment most deserving of scorn: The Flash promotional game. No, not a game promoting The Flash (honestly, dude could use some love right now) but rather those diminutive, ugly trifles that litter official sites of movies and (in some cases) fast food restaurants.

So understand that when we say, "This Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Flash game is actually kind of good!" it comes from people who expect the worst from this particular breed. That said ... it is kind of good, right? In an overly complicated Canabalt sort of way?

Prince of Persia Flash game is better than you think originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'FIFA Superstars' Facebook game is first big EA-brand social game created by Playfish

Randy Nelson — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:29:00 EST

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

EA Sports head Peter Moore has announced on his company blog that the label will be bringing FIFA Superstars to Facebook. The game is being created by social games developer Playfish, which EA purchased for a cool $300 million last fall. Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that the developer was working with a "well-known EA brand" for social networking platforms, and FIFA would certainly qualify as that project (despite The Sims being the best guess at the time).

Moore didn't offer up any concrete details about FIFA Superstars' gameplay in his post, but did comment that additional information would be coming "soon." Seeing as how the World Cup kicks off in just a month, on June 11, it's reasonable to assume we'll hear more from Moore on the topic before then.

'FIFA Superstars' Facebook game is first big EA-brand social game created by Playfish originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA's Lord of Ultima browser-based MMO officially launches next week

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

EA's latest attempt to rejuvenate the Ultima franchise, the browser-based MMORTS Lord of Ultima, will exit open beta and go fully live on Tuesday, April 20. The game breaks from the franchise's usual norm of medieval vigilante heroism, and places you in the fur-lined boots of an up-and-coming ruler, who must build his kingdom through trade, diplomacy and neighborly acts of sabotage.

If you're curious how the game operates, you can check out some gameplay clips from the beta on YouTube. Or, alternatively, you could just hop into the beta yourself. Or you could just be patient -- it's coming out in a week. Can't you wait a single week? Geez.

EA's Lord of Ultima browser-based MMO officially launches next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pre-teen FarmVille player racks up $1,300 in charges

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

No, no, no. This simply will not do. There are so, so many things in this world worth buying with money you don't technically have, that we can't sympathize with a 12-year-old boy who, according to the Guardian, ran up a £905 tab (something like $1,380) by purchasing FarmVille funny money through developer Zynga. Since the boy lives with his (unknowing) mother, the company reportedly refused to refund the money, leaving the boy's life savings and the mother's credit card account in a world of hurt.

There are a handful of burning questions at the forefront of our minds with this story, the most pressing being: What was the endgame, here, kid? Was your sizable initial investment going to be completely recouped with this season's bumper crop harvest of virtual soybeans?

Pre-teen FarmVille player racks up $1,300 in charges originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We now understand why everyone loves Cream Wolf

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST

Cream Wolf, the most recent release on the prestigious Adult Swim line of browser-based games, might just be the first surprise smash hit of 2010 so far. It's been sweeping through the gaming press, swooning everyone who comes in contact with it. After spending a half hour with the game, we completely understand why -- and we wager you will too. Seriously, go play it.

We're not going to spoil the game by going into too much detail about it, though we will say that you're a werewolf who sells ice cream to kids. That's a good enough jumping off point for your imagination, we think.

We now understand why everyone loves Cream Wolf originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FarmVille community surpasses 80 million players

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST

According to information collected by AppData, the FarmVille player base passed the 80 million mark yesterday. We'll give you a second to soak that in. It might help you digest it if we present the number numerically: 80,920,421. Or, perhaps you need another point of reference: That's almost the population of Germany. If you tried to orally count the number of people currently playing FarmVille, it would take you close to four years. And God only knows how large the player base would be then.

In related news, Zynga CEO Mark Pincus recently bought a yacht for his yacht. It's just a smaller yacht, that rests precariously on the bow of the larger yacht, in case the larger yacht breaks down. A lifeyacht, if you will.

[Via Destructoid]

FarmVille community surpasses 80 million players originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix wants to get down with the browser game market

Justin McElroy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST

Square Enix sees you over there, browser-based social games. President Yoichi Wada sees you working that lower barrier to entry and typically lower development costs. He sees and ... well, to put it to you straight: He likey. In fact, he's been talking to his boys over at Develop about you, stuff like "I believe that these types of games are going to be spreading and growing dramatically" and "the potential size of the market is enormous." You don't need a dictionary to know he is down.

In fact, he's already got a team in Tokyo developing some games to help him break into you. That's a little aggressive for our style, but you gotta hand it to our boy: Wada is hungry like the wolf.

Square Enix wants to get down with the browser game market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BioWare's Facebook game gives to charity, takes $10 off Dragon Age for PC

Randy Nelson — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:28:00 EST

BioWare has launched a browser-based game on Facebook that benefits charity ... and gamers looking to save some scratch on the PC version of Dragon Age: Origins. Called Gift of the Yeti, it's a simple yet surprisingly fun arcade-style dash to deliver presents ... as a yeti subbing for Santa Clause.

Outside of the game, BioWare is playing the part of old St. Nick for hospitalized children, donating $10,000 to the Child's Play charity. And by simply loading up the game, players are presented with a link to the EA Store, where they're automagically given a $10 discount off of Dragon Age for Windows.

The press release announcing the game indicates that it's just the tip of the iceberg for the company's foray into social gaming. BioWare co-founder, Dr. Ray Mazuyka, said of the endeavor, "Gift of the Yeti is a fun, engaging holiday present from BioWare to our fans, the first in a series of compelling social experiences from BioWare Labs." Sure, they likely won't be for consoles -- but who are we to look a gift yeti in the mouth?

BioWare's Facebook game gives to charity, takes $10 off Dragon Age for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Age: Journeys bonus items transfer to Origins

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST

You may have scoffed at the prospect of a flash-based, 2D version of BioWare's upcoming RPG epic, Dragon Age: Origins. "A browser game meant to simulate the deep, immersive emotions that arise when one plays roles," you may have said, mid-scoff. "Who would play something like that?" As it turns out, if you're looking forward to the full, three-dimensional version of Dragon Age, the answer to your query is simply: You.

A short Q&A on the Dragon Age: Journeys developers' blog cultivated an enticing bit of info about the browser adventure: if you play through it while logged into your EA account, you can gain access to three items that will transfer over to your Dragon Age: Origins save file on Xbox 360, PS3 or PC. No details were given about the items in question, but we're imagining they'll either be used to help you slay dragons, or to help you become a more profound lover.

Dragon Age: Journeys bonus items transfer to Origins originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragon Age journeys to browsers in Flash-based tactical RPG

Randy Nelson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

BioWare and EA2D, a web game team at Electronic Arts, have announced their collaboration on Dragon Age Journeys: The Deep Roads, a browser-based tactical RPG set in the world of Dragon Age: Origins. Early details on the planned three-chapter game are laid out on BioWare's blog, along with a roster of the indie Flash devs contributing to the project. Development is being led by Daniel Stradwick, creator of the web-based strategy RPG The Monster's Den.

According to EA2D, "The Deep Roads features character classes, talent trees, sound effects, music and user interface taken directly from Dragon Age: Origins," and that it's getting "invaluable feedback and insight on the game from members of the Dragon Age team, including Drs. Ray [Muzyka] and Greg Zeschuk]." The confines of a browser seems like an odd place to play a game from a maker of epic RPGs like BioWare but, then again, the studio recently released an iPhone title -- so we're thinking any platform's fair game. Next up: Dragon Age for graphing calculators.

[Via VideoGamer.com]

Dragon Age journeys to browsers in Flash-based tactical RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser

Randy Nelson — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST

Now here's some ... creative marketing. Maxis has launched a Flash-based browser version of the Spore Creature Creator that mimics the customization found in the retail game fairly closely. Only, y'know, in 2D. All 250 parts found in the 3D creator are available and there's even the option to import creatures from millions found in the Sporepedia (although we found many are "not supported" at this time).

The app is promoting the impending October 6 release of Spore Hero on Wii (and Spore Hero Arena for DS), but, even if you're not juiced about either game, it's great for creating loving, extremely flattering versions of your friends, family and co-workers -- which must then be placed on their Facebook feeds, of course.

Spore Creature Creator 2-D set free in your browser originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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