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[Rumor: 'Wii Select' budget line launching this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/rumor-wii-select-budget-line-launching-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/rumor-wii-select-budget-line-launching-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/rumor-wii-select-budget-line-launching-this-month/#comments After only four and a half years, it looks like Nintendo is finally ready to introduce a line of budget titles in North America. Kotaku reports that the "Wii Select" line will launch alongside the newly discounted Wii, which is rumored to drop to $150 two weeks from now. The first titles reported to be part of the $20 lineup include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Super Sluggers and Wii Sports.

Yes, Wii Sports is supposedly being removed from its position as the longstanding pack-in for Wii console bundles. Taking the bundle's place will be a Mario Kart Wii bundle, which will be sold at the rumored $150 price point.

JoystiqRumor: 'Wii Select' budget line launching this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetmario-super-sluggersnintendoprice-dropsuper-smash-bros-brawlthe-legend-of-zelda-twilight-princessTwilight-Princesswiiwii-selectwii-sportsTue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former InstantAction CEO Lou Castle goes to Zynga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/former-instantaction-ceo-lou-castle-goes-to-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/former-instantaction-ceo-lou-castle-goes-to-zynga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/former-instantaction-ceo-lou-castle-goes-to-zynga/#comments Lou Castle once founded the legendary Westwood Studios, and had worked with EA for a while on games like Boom Blox before moving on to browser-based gaming service InstantAction. Now that that service has shut its doors, what's a developer with an extensive game design background and experience in social and browser gaming to do? Go to Zynga, of course. Castle has joined the company as a VP of Studios, and will presumably oversee the various development studios at the social giant.

Castle says that InstantAction was on its way to turning itself around, and would have done so in "another six months or so," but that the cost of the operation was too much. Castle says InstantAction wanted to "bridge downloadable and browser-based games," and that "it's understandable that it took a lot of time and energy, but it's also understandable when someone is writing a lot of burn money every month and they don't want to do it anymore."

JoystiqFormer InstantAction CEO Lou Castle goes to Zynga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetexecutiveinstantactionlou-castlepczyngaTue, 08 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvelous caps 3DS game development at $1.8M per title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/marvelous-caps-3ds-game-development-at-1-8m-per-title/#comments During a recent investor call, Marvelous Entertainment, the publisher best known for its Harvest Moon games, revealed its budget range for 3DS game development. According to the transcription of the call's Q&A session (as translated by 1UP), a Marvelous representative said that, "while costs vary based on game content," the company would spend an estimated ¥50 million to ¥150 million ($600K to $1.8M) on the development of a single 3DS game. Currently, Marvelous has two 3DS projects in the works, a Harvest Moon game and a zoo sim called Animal Resort.

Not surprisingly, Marvelous' 3DS spending money is significantly higher than the ¥4.4 million to ¥43.9 million per title (roughly $50K-525K) Japanese companies spent on developing (regular) DS games last year, according to data gathered by TGS sponsor and promotional organization CESA. More interestingly, Marvelous' ¥150-million cap for a 3DS game represents a figure more than double the cost of the last year's most expensive Japanese PSP title, which, while unnamed, cost ¥59.2 million to develop by CESA's account. (The cheapest PSP game cost its maker just ¥3 million.)

If Marvelous' budget is indicative of other companies' 3DS game costs -- and, certainly, some of these guys are likely to splurge -- then developing for the platform could prove more expensive than for Wii, where last year's most expensive Japanese project topped out at ¥116 million. In an era when budget gaming is dominating the handheld market, and following the disastrous combination of costly PSP game development and rampant piracy, the 3DS could be as ill-fated as the 3D technology that requires you to wear glasses.

Well, that, or it'll just "print money" ... in 3D.

JoystiqMarvelous caps 3DS game development at $1.8M per title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsanimal-resortbudgetcesacostsdevelopmentdsharvest-moonharvest-moon-3dsmarvelousmarvelous-entertainmentnintendoFri, 19 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MAG joins PS3 'Greatest Hits' library this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/25/mag-joins-ps3-greatest-hits-library-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Haven't picked up a copy of PS3's massively multiplayer first person shooter, MAG? If you wait just a few more days, you'll be able to get the Greatest Hits version for only $29.99. Available on September 28th, the budget re-release comes just in time for the big 2.0 patch, which adds support for PlayStation Move motion controls and a whole slew of online fixes and tweaks. Considering Zipper's upcoming game, SOCOM 4, won't be available until 2011, this may be a good way of satiating your tactical shooting urges.

[Thanks, frank!]

JoystiqMAG joins PS3 'Greatest Hits' library this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgreatest-hitsMAGplaystationps3zipperZipper-InteractiveSat, 25 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach marketing campaign flexes giant robo-arm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/halo-reach-marketing-campaign-flexes-giant-robo-arm/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What's gonna give Halo: Reach the best shot at topping Modern Warfare 2's $310 million in day-one sales? Marketing. Much to no one's surprise, Microsoft is splurging on its biggest game campaign to date, according to Advertising Age. While Reach's marketing budget has not been disclosed, it's expected to easily top Halo 3's reported $6.5 million bill.

The ad campaign, which began in earnest with a big-budget plug ... for the multiplayer beta (way back in April), will continue to use live-action segments to attempt to forge an emotional connection with a broad audience across TV and the web. "We're trying to get people to connect back to their lives, not computer graphics or something overly sci-fi," Taylor Smith, director of global marketing communications for Xbox, told Ad Age. "Live action is a way to capture that." In particular, director Noam Murro (Smart People) has created three live-action short films that depict life on planet Reach before the Covenant invasion.

Meanwhile, potential buyers will be urged to "remember Reach" as they consume Pepsi products. A renewed partnership between Microsoft and the snack-time mogul will put Halo branding on some 300 million Mountain Dew bottles and 30 million Doritos bags beginning next month. Of course, to top past efforts, Microsoft will expand the Reach campaign beyond these somewhat pedestrian reminders: Cue massive KUKA KR 140 robotic arm!

The viral site RememberReach.com, which becomes fully operational at 3AM ET tomorrow, features a user-generated light sculpture of Reach's Noble Team, created by the robo-arm and some fancy camera equipment. Typically used to assemble cars, this KUKA bot has been outfitted with an LED and stationed in an undisclosed San Francisco warehouse. As detailed by GameLife, visitors will direct the machine to plot the 54,000 points of light that will form this Noble Team "monument." Bizarre.

Halo: Reach launches on September 14.

JoystiqHalo: Reach marketing campaign flexes giant robo-arm originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingbudgetdoritosfacebookHaloHalo-ReachKuka-KR-140marketingmicrosoftmountain-dewNoam-Murropepsiremeber-reachrobotsculptureviralxboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[UK govt cancels plans for video game tax relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/uk-govt-cancels-plans-for-video-game-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/uk-govt-cancels-plans-for-video-game-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/23/uk-govt-cancels-plans-for-video-game-tax-relief/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TIGA's years-long campaign to bring tax relief to the UK video game industry has come to a rather disappointing conclusion. Chancellor George Osbourne (pictured above) revealed the nation's budget plans earlier today during a speech at Westminster, announcing that "planned tax relief for the video games industry will be canceled." According to TIGA CEO Richard Wilson, this surprising omission flies in the face of "pre-election pledges made by the Conservative Party and by the Liberal Democrats to support and introduce Games Tax Relief."

GamesIndustry.biz points out that Osbourne's proposed budget still benefits smaller, start-up developers in select parts of England, who will receive exemptions for £5,000 (about $7,400) of National Insurance contributions for each of their first 10 new hires; though this doesn't come close to the sweeping tax reform promised to the UK games industry just a little over a month ago.

[Image credit: Auto Express]

JoystiqUK govt cancels plans for video game tax relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetenglandeuropegeorge-osbornetax-relieftigaukWed, 23 Jun 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Europe launches 'PSP Essentials' budget line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/sony-europe-launches-psp-essentials-budget-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/sony-europe-launches-psp-essentials-budget-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/sony-europe-launches-psp-essentials-budget-line/#commentsSony is encouraging European PSP owners to take a trip through the console's back catalogue, with a new line of budget games priced at just €9.99. The new "PSP Essentials" line is launching June 2 with a selection of 20 games, including Daxter, Patapon 2, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, LocoRoco and more. They'll be available at the same price on UMD and as downloads on PSN.

In the PlayStation Blog post announcing the line, SCEE's Mayumi Donovan indicated that in addition to these 20 games, "there will be more games to follow." The line is slated to launch in Australia and New Zealand later in 2010. See the launch lineup after the break.

Continue reading Sony Europe launches 'PSP Essentials' budget line

JoystiqSony Europe launches 'PSP Essentials' budget line originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetdaxtereuropehot-shots-golfpsp-essentialsratchet-and-clankwipeout-pulseFri, 14 May 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. government asks Steve Ballmer to create budget-balancing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/u-s-government-asks-steve-ballmer-to-create-budget-balancing-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/u-s-government-asks-steve-ballmer-to-create-budget-balancing-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/14/u-s-government-asks-steve-ballmer-to-create-budget-balancing-ga/#comments
The budget deficit had better run
Erskine Bowles, co-chair of President Obama's fiscal commission, is turning to games to educate the public about the difficulty of reducing the U.S. budget deficit. Specifically, he's turning to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, USA Today reports.

Bowles has reportedly been communicating with Ballmer about creating a video game that allows anyone to attempt to balance the budget. Bob Kerrey, co-chair of 1994's Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform, spoke of the need to gain the public's understanding: "What you could get is support among the populace for the exceptionally unpopular things you need to do to solve this problem," adding that a budget-balancing game could "go viral ," though it would be hard to imagine anything created by Microsoft and distributed by the U.S. government as "viral."

As bizarre an idea as this seems, Bowles is not the first to try it. in 1989 the National Economic Commission distributed Hard Choices on floppies for $20 a copy (which in itself might have helped). Kerrey's own 1994 commission also released a game with the thrilling title Budget Shadows.

[Thanks, Gerry]

JoystiqU.S. government asks Steve Ballmer to create budget-balancing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudget-shadowserskine-bowlesgovernmenthard-choicesmicrosoftsteve-ballmerWed, 14 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare boss: Devs take 'naive approach' when estimating game budgets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/rare-boss-devs-take-naive-approach-when-estimating-game-budge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/rare-boss-devs-take-naive-approach-when-estimating-game-budge/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/22/rare-boss-devs-take-naive-approach-when-estimating-game-budge/#comments Speaking to Develop, Rare's Mark Betteridge has claimed that developers need to do a better job of estimating the cost for game projects. He noted that development problems often arise as the result of underestimated budgets, saying, "I still think the industry takes a naive approach to estimating budgets when compared to other industries." Betteridge advised studios not to rush into production before a game's core concepts are set in stone. "You might have artists or coders getting paid as employees with little to do because a game isn't yet in production," said Betteridge.

Betteridge's comments come as part of a Develop report on the "sudden decline" in video game budgets. According to the report, the poor global financial climate has caused publishers to slash budgets of any unproven game properties. The report cites a few other reasons for declining budgets, including the longer console cycle. Betteridge also points to increasing mobile development, more prevalent middleware and a rising number of sequels -- which often reuse existing code and assets -- as reasons for declining costs.

The comments also reflect Rare's changing development philosophy. The company recently announced plans to open a new studio specifically to overcome the "boom and bust cycle" of game development staffing. The developer hopes to adopt a method akin to the film industry, hiring contract staff for the duration of a project, rather than trying to maintain a large, consistent workforce.

JoystiqRare boss: Devs take 'naive approach' when estimating game budgets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbusinessdevelopmentmark-betteridgeMicrosoftrareXbox-360Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR is EA's most expensive project yet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-most-expensive-ea-project-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-most-expensive-ea-project-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-is-most-expensive-ea-project-yet/#comments Surprise! Major MMOs cost batty-bonkers-cuckoo amounts of money to produce. Eurogamer reports that Electronic Arts CFO Eric Brown said as much today, describing Star Wars: The Old Republic as the "largest ever development project, period, in the history of the company." EA is apparently betting big on having something like Activision Blizzard's World of Warcraft with The Old Republic. Brown guesstimates that WoW cost about $100 million to launch back in 2004 -- the game makes something like that now in a month.

The executive explained that the average game costs about $30 million to produce, but that "any MMO costs significantly more than that." With an expected spring 2011 release, hopefully EA will start making a return at that time on its investment in a galaxy far, far away. Otherwise, the gaping maw of the Rancor would be preferable to what investors will do.

JoystiqSWTOR is EA's most expensive project yet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebudgetdevelopmenteaelectronic-artsmmostar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorThu, 11 Mar 2010 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War 3 'right within budget' -- a $44 million budget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/god-of-war-3-has-44-million-dollar-budget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/god-of-war-3-has-44-million-dollar-budget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/god-of-war-3-has-44-million-dollar-budget/#comments Anger management simulator God of War III cost $44 million to create, according to director of production development John Hight, which is "right within budget." Speaking with Giant Bomb, Hight revealed that the team of 132 staff required to finish the third installment was more than double the crew (of about 60) on hand to wrap up God of War II, with the biggest growth occurring in the graphics and art departments.

Considering the ultimate Kratos adventure will likely go on to become a phenomenal sales hit, the $44 million budget isn't as ridiculous as it might seem. Consider that Gran Turismo 5's budget, at last count, had reportedly ballooned to around the $60 million mark. On the other hand, Ken Levine previously put the first BioShock's budget at about $15 million. With such variation in current-gen development costs, in the end, the price is just a number -- and in the case of God of War III, it was certainly worth the dough.

Gallery: God of War 3


[Via Edge]

JoystiqGod of War 3 'right within budget' -- a $44 million budget originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgod-of-wargod-of-war-3god-of-war-iiijohn-hightsanta-monica-studiosony-santa-monicaTue, 09 Mar 2010 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo releases budget line in Japan based on Nintendo Channel rankings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nintendo-releases-budget-line-in-japan-based-on-nintendo-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nintendo-releases-budget-line-in-japan-based-on-nintendo-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/nintendo-releases-budget-line-in-japan-based-on-nintendo-channel/#commentsNintendo of Japan just launched a line of budget Wii re-releases -- something that hasn't happened out of Nintendo in a long time. The Minna no Osusume Selection (Everyone's Recommendation Selection) is a series of third-party games marked down to ¥2,800 ($30.53), and given new box art that pretty much obscures the original image, making it really difficult to tell which game it is.

Since the best-selling Wii games are all still selling at full price, Nintendo determined the titles to be released in this collection in a really smart way: with user recommendations from the Nintendo Channel. Each of the games is given a "medal" rank based on the user response, with the most recommended game on the list being Chunsoft's visual novel 428. Other titles in the collection include Muramasa, Arc Rise Fantasia, We Ski & Snowboard, and One Piece and Dragon Ball Z games. See the full list of initial releases after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo releases budget line in Japan based on Nintendo Channel rankings

JoystiqNintendo releases budget line in Japan based on Nintendo Channel rankings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>428arc-rise-fantasiabudgetjapanminna-no-osusume-selectionmuramasanintendo-channeltales-of-symphoniaThu, 21 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie devs struggle to find the perfect iPhone price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/indie-devs-struggle-to-find-the-perfect-iphone-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/indie-devs-struggle-to-find-the-perfect-iphone-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/indie-devs-struggle-to-find-the-perfect-iphone-price/#comments The ease of getting your game onto the iPhone is something of a double-edged sword for indie devs. On the one hand, it's an amazing opportunity to get your pride and joy in front of millions. On the other, though, the amount of competition is pushing prices way lower than some devs are comfortable with. Or as Nathan Vella, co-founder of Toronto-based Critter Crunch/Clash of Heroes developer Capybara Games, so directly put it to Gamasutra "The push to 99 cents is the single most frustrating and terrible thing about App Store pricing." Read the full piece if you'd like a better understanding of why indies are pricing they way they do.

Though we understand their frustration, we're surprised there's not more hand wringing about all those free games littering the App Store, since we know so many people who refuse to pay cash for any game on the mobile platform. Do you have any purchasing guidelines you try to stick by?

JoystiqIndie devs struggle to find the perfect iPhone price originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99-centsapp-storeApplebudgetCapycapybaracapybara-gamesindieiPodpricingThu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 cost roughly $60 million to develop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gran-turismo-5-cost-roughly-60-million-to-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gran-turismo-5-cost-roughly-60-million-to-develop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/gran-turismo-5-cost-roughly-60-million-to-develop/#comments
At the annual SEMA car show in Las Vegas this week, Gran Turismo 5 creative lead Kazunori Yamauchi was on-hand demoing his game for showgoers and talking to the press. Amidst a torrent of questions from Autoweek, Yamauchi roughly calculated the cost of creating Gran Turismo 5: a cool $60 million. That's what five years of development on a single game has cost Polyphony Digital thus far, an amount Yamauchi says was totally justified in order to "get it right."

"We threw away the legacy code from GT4 and started from scratch ... It's been five years from [the release of] GT4, and that's the same amount of time it took to develop the first GT4." And rather than dodging the reasoning behind the lack of a solid GT5 release date anywhere outside of Japan, Yamauchi flatly offered, "That's more depending on SCEA marketing decisions." Allow us to venture a guess - first half of 2010, perhaps?

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5


[Via VGChartz]

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 cost roughly $60 million to develop originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetdevelopmentgran-turismogran-turismo-5gt5kazunori-yamauchimoneypolyphony-digitalsceasemasonySony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Initial Modern Warfare 2 budget was 'ridiculous' ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/initial-modern-warfare-2-budget-was-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/initial-modern-warfare-2-budget-was-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/initial-modern-warfare-2-budget-was-ridiculous/#comments
 During an interview with Develop, Infinity Ward's front-line man, Robert "fourzerotwo" Bowling, recalled the early planning stages of Modern Warfare 2. Unsurprisingly, publisher and owner Activision was eager to pour money into the development of the COD4 sequel, following the basic business formula: more money = better product = more sales = more money. Infinity Ward followed another school of thought: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

"Much like we don't let ourselves get distracted by hype, if you have excess you feel like you should use excess," Bowling said. Even though Activision "estimated out a ridiculous budget" early on, Infinity Ward "didn't let the budget affect [its] mentality." Since Infinity Ward apparently didn't take the money (or, at least, all of it), we do have a pretty good idea of what Activision spent it on: night-vision goggles for everyone!

JoystiqInitial Modern Warfare 2 budget was 'ridiculous' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbudgetcall-of-dutyfourzerotwoinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfaremodern-warfare-2robert-bowlingXbox-360Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Pricing and social features most important factors for game success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/study-pricing-and-social-features-most-important-factors-for-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/study-pricing-and-social-features-most-important-factors-for-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/study-pricing-and-social-features-most-important-factors-for-ga/#comments Prepare yourselves, dear readers, to be blinded with science! Russell Beale and Matthew Bond, two industry analysts from the University of Birmingham, UK, recently conducted a study to see what factors mattered the most when determining video game review scores. What they found was that graphical fidelity and storytelling actually took a backseat to budget pricing, social networking features and family accessibility when it comes to racking up the ten-out-of-tens.

The article on NewScientist which reports on the study gives us no indication as to how it was conducted -- still, it's inspired us to create a casual video game based on MySpace, which will hit retail shelves at a cool $9.99. All that left to do now is drown in sweet, published accolades.

JoystiqStudy: Pricing and social features most important factors for game success originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetnewscientistpricingreviewsocial-networkingstudyukuniversity-of-birminghamSat, 12 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEE Platinum line expands, includes Resistance 2, Killzone 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/scee-platinum-line-expands-includes-resistance-2-killzone-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/scee-platinum-line-expands-includes-resistance-2-killzone-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/scee-platinum-line-expands-includes-resistance-2-killzone-2/#comments
The European budget line of "Platinum" titles has expanded quite significantly, adding four new titles for the low price of £19.99 / €29.99. The collection now includes Metal Gear Solid 4, MotorStorm: Pacific Rift, Resistance 2 and Killzone 2.

We're a bit jealous of our European friends, as games rarely get the "Greatest Hits" label so soon. Killzone 2, for example, released just a little over six months ago. However, it makes sense to drop the price of these games, especially Killzone 2, so soon -- there are a lot of new PS3 owners out there, hungry to try out the system's greatest games.

JoystiqSCEE Platinum line expands, includes Resistance 2, Killzone 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetkillzone-2metal-gear-solid-4motorstorm-pacific-riftplatinumresistance-2sceeTue, 08 Sep 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Going to Afrika will be affordable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/going-to-afrika-will-be-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/going-to-afrika-will-be-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/going-to-afrika-will-be-affordable/#comments
Natsume is finally bringing the long-delayed Afrika to American audiences this year. The nature-themed photography game is very much a niche title, but its production values are far beyond what a typical budget game offers. Pricing is a tricky subject for the publisher to handle, as its games aren't meant really for casual gamers. "We are not so interested in the so-called 'value' titles," Yasuhiro Maekawa explained to Gamasutra. "Most of the Natsume games I'd say are about in the middle. Sort of normal retail price titles with normal graphical levels."

So what will the publisher pursue for Afrika? "For a PlayStation 3 title, this will probably be $49.99. That's what we're thinking. Between $39.99 and $49.99. $59.99 is probably too much." At $50, Afrika isn't really a "budget" game, but it's still cheaper than the average new PS3 game. Is that low enough for you to consider purchasing the game? Or should it drop down to $40?

JoystiqGoing to Afrika will be affordable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afrikabudgetnatsumeThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Krome CEO: Developer budgets have increased more than games market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/krome-ceo-developer-budgets-have-increased-more-than-games-mark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/krome-ceo-developer-budgets-have-increased-more-than-games-mark/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/krome-ceo-developer-budgets-have-increased-more-than-games-mark/#comments
Sure, everything's all sunshine and daffodils in the ever-expanding video game market, right? Wrong. Dead wrong, mister. While stories to that effect might seem to inspire hope in the gaming industry's seemingly impervious leaders, indie developer Krome's CEO Robert Walsh thinks the gaming press has missed out on an important fact impacting the modern development scene -- developer's budgets "have probably doubled or tripled during the console transition."

To put Walsh's entire argument (which he made in an interview with Develop) into simple terms, the gaming industry is raking in a bajillion dollars annually, but the current console generation has made developing games astronomically more expensive than it has been in the past. Like, a hojillion dollars more expensive. Seeing as how a hojillion is more than a bajillion (of course), developers aren't really seeing a major financial boon from the burgeoning industry. Which really sucks for them.

JoystiqKrome CEO: Developer budgets have increased more than games market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetdeveloperfinanceindustrykromemarketrobert-walshTue, 26 May 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA posts profits loss, cuts jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-posts-profits-loss-cuts-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-posts-profits-loss-cuts-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/ea-posts-profits-loss-cuts-jobs/#commentsFiled under:

It's no secret that EA has their hands in some interesting projects coming down the pipe. Skate It, Rock Band 2, and that horror game we're waiting for are just a few that immediately come to mind. Whether these will be a big success for the company or not, we will have to wait and see (well, you can pretty much guess the second game in that brief list will make them a bunch of cash).

They could use some success, though. The company is apparently at a loss for profits, as they're down during Q2 of this year, forcing the company to cut some jobs. Around 500 to 600 across all functions and locations, to be exact, as the company posted a loss of $310 million during Q2.

"Considering the slowdown at retail we've seen in October, we are cautious in the short term," said John Riccitiello. "Longer term, we are very bullish on the game sector overall and on EA in particular."

JoystiqEA posts profits loss, cuts jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbusinesseaholidayholidaysjob-cutsjob-losssalesfiguresMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision calls in the budget Secret Service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/activision-calls-in-the-budget-secret-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/activision-calls-in-the-budget-secret-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/11/activision-calls-in-the-budget-secret-service/#commentsFiled under:


Looking for a shooter to fill the genre's void on the Xbox 360? Luckily Activision has revealed their recently announced, bargain-priced shooter Secret Service. As an agent of the presidential protection unit your duty will be to eliminate a terrorist organization who decides attacking Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day is a good idea. Which seems about as smart as attacking a Dunkin' Donuts next to a police station during a 2-for-1 sale. We kid.

Interested parties may enlist on the Xbox 360 "later this year" for the budget price of $39.99.

JoystiqActivision calls in the budget Secret Service originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbudgetsecret-serviceSat, 11 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Budget hits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/wii-warm-up-budget-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/wii-warm-up-budget-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/wii-warm-up-budget-hits/#commentsFiled under:

There was some recent discussion at MCV about a budget label of Wii games, and we can't help but think it's past time someone rolled out a line of reduced-price games. While it's true that many of the system's games are typically available at budget prices, we still think it might be an excellent idea to give some of the system's games a second chance on retail shelves. What would you choose for a budget line?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Budget hits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgreatest-hitsMon, 29 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 20 PSP games for under $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/top-20-psp-games-for-under-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/top-20-psp-games-for-under-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/top-20-psp-games-for-under-20/#commentsFiled under:


Love your PSP but you are on a tight budget? Worry not, for we have compiled a selection of twenty PSP games that will satisfy your hunger for quality gaming without breaking the bank. Seven of them are under $10 and five of them are between $10 and $15. We've listed our recommendations along with its lowest price from a reputable retailer. ProTip: If you shop from GameStop, use coupon code CAG16 and SAVER to get 16% off the used game price and free shipping. [Via CAG]

Check it out here.

JoystiqTop 20 PSP games for under $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetjoystiqfeaturespspTue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Poke around the Abandoned Building (website)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/poke-around-the-abandoned-building-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/poke-around-the-abandoned-building-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/18/poke-around-the-abandoned-building-website/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, that's cooked puppy.

This is just one of the rather gruesome sights that can be found over at the new site for D3's budget survival-horror Simple DS Series Vol. 42: THE Haioku Byoutou (Simple DS Series: Vol. 42 - The Abandoned Building). Even though our chances of seeing this game in the west are as good as Fido there ever fetching a frisbee again, we still spent an enjoyable fifteen minutes scouting around the site, taking in loads of screens and some genuinely eerie footage of the game.

Hit up our gallery and see some of the sights for yourself, but keep your flashlight close.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqPoke around the Abandoned Building (website) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetd3horrorjapansimplethe-abandoned-buildingFri, 18 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More like Complicated 2000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/more-like-complicated-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/more-like-complicated-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/more-like-complicated-2000/#commentsFiled under: ,

D3 Publisher has its Simple Wii series, which consists of cheap, original Wii games designed on a low budget. The company also has its Simple 2000 Series Wii, which consists of cheap Wii games designed on a low budget. The difference, aside from the extra number? The new Simple 2000 Wii games are actually ports of old Simple 2000 series games for the PS2.

The first two Simple 2000 Series Wii games have both been enhanced with new features: Simple 2000 Wii Vol. 1 THE Table Games, which includes Solitaire, Reversi, Go, Mahjong, and other games, now has online play; Vol. 2 THE Party Games, which includes Sasuke-like athletic challenges, plate spinning, and sports-based minigames, now has waggle.

JoystiqMore like Complicated 2000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetd3party-gamessimplesimple-2000table-gamesTue, 08 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 platinum range dons yellow in Spain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ps3-platinum-range-dons-yellow-in-spain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ps3-platinum-range-dons-yellow-in-spain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ps3-platinum-range-dons-yellow-in-spain/#commentsFiled under:


We knew Europe was getting a Platinum budget range for PS3 games. However, we didn't know they'd be donning such cheap-looking box art. The Spanish line of box art (which may expand to the rest of Europe) features a heavy coat of yellow paint. It reminds us a lot of Japan's budget line of games. Budget repackaging of popular games have always featured less-than-ideal box work. But, how can we complain when we're getting excellent games at lower prices? If some yellow ink is the price to pay for cheap prices, we say bring it on.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqPS3 platinum range dons yellow in Spain originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetplatinumps3Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple frights await you in this Abandoned Building]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/simple-frights-await-you-in-this-abandoned-building/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/simple-frights-await-you-in-this-abandoned-building/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/simple-frights-await-you-in-this-abandoned-building/#commentsFiled under: ,

Abandoned buildings (in this case a hospital), spooky little child spirits -- sometimes the most popular horror clichés can still be highly effective. D3 clearly thinks so, anyway, because it's included both of the above in its latest Simple game, Simple DS Series: Vol. 42 - The Abandoned Building.

From what we could gather from machine translation, you play as journalist Akira Kashiwagi, who sets out to an old, closed-down hospital to investigate the murder of four youngsters twenty years ago. It's played from a first-person perspective, you can hide in various spots throughout the hospital (lockers, for example), and it looks scary.

Needless to say, that first shot past the break (of the little girl peering through the elevator doors) will stay with us for our next few sleepless nights.

Continue reading Simple frights await you in this Abandoned Building

JoystiqSimple frights await you in this Abandoned Building originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetd3horrorjapansimplethe-abandoned-buildingThu, 15 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/19/call-for-heroes-pompolic-wars-no-longer-vaporware-possibly-sho/#commentsFiled under:


Did you forget about Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars? Don't worry, so did we.

This PC port was supposed to come out at the end of last year, but disappeared off the face of the earth instead. We know many of you are RPG starved, though, so you may be glad to know that media for the game has finally surfaced.

IGN has some screens of Data Design Interactive's upcoming Wii game, but we're not sure when to expect the title. As you can probably deduce from the images, Call for Heroes also fits into the fantasy genre, and involves fighting demonic hordes to save the world -- your usual fantasy fare.

Yet, you may find yourselves weary of this game; after all, DDI is the company responsible for traumatic titles such as Ninjabread Man and other shovelware. The PC version (which released last summer) also got an average score of 25% on Metacritic, which is a pretty bad sign.

You can judge for yourself whether or not this game looks good, though, by checking out the screens posted after the break.

Continue reading Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware

JoystiqCall for Heroes: Pompolic Wars no longer vaporware, possibly shovelware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcall-for-heroesdata-design-interactiveddifantasypompolic-warsrpgWed, 19 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: We Ski to be cheap enough for non-skiers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/rumor-we-ski-to-be-cheap-enough-for-non-skiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/rumor-we-ski-to-be-cheap-enough-for-non-skiers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/06/rumor-we-ski-to-be-cheap-enough-for-non-skiers/#commentsFiled under:



Yep, the sport itself might be the preserve of those wealthy enough to blow $800 on a jacket, but it looks like Namco Bandai may have paupers like us in mind when it comes to We Ski. The game just appeared on GameStop sporting a bargain-basement price of $29.99. That's our kind of sport!

Of course, in skiing it's the extras which really hit your wallet, and that seems to hold true in the case of Namco Bandai's game. Throw in a Balance Board and enough Wiimotes and Nunchuks for all the family to get involved, and suddenly We Ski starts to sound about as expensive as skiing again. Oh well.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqRumor: We Ski to be cheap enough for non-skiers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardbudgetfamily-skinamco-bandaiskiingsportswe-skiThu, 06 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix plans twelve games to avoid this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/phoenix-plans-twelve-games-to-avoid-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/phoenix-plans-twelve-games-to-avoid-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/phoenix-plans-twelve-games-to-avoid-this-year/#comments
Generally, when it comes to the DS, we tend to associate the name "Phoenix" with good things. European publisher Phoenix Games, though, is determined to break the mold, tainting the name we've come to know and love on our handhelds. The company is bringing twelve games to the DS this year (with twelve Wii titles to match), none of which sound fun unless you like the sound of Jungle Crew, Love Heart, and Dalmatians 4.

Grabbed from the bowels of the "rejected game ideas" pile, these twelve games probably never even had a chance. Of course, if they're developed with care, we'd be able to overlook some bad concept decisions. Seeing how Phoenix is popping them out faster than an over-sexed rabbit, though, we doubt this is the case.

Even though these games are budget titles and obviously marketed to kids, we don't think we're being too harsh. Phoenix has a track record for releasing awful titles, and we wouldn't recommend subjecting children to these horrors.

For a list of what games to expect from Phoenix, check out the company's website here.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqPhoenix plans twelve games to avoid this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetdalmatians-4jungle-crewlove-heartphoenixphoenix-gamesshovelwareThu, 28 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan gets cheap Phoenix Wright]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/japan-gets-cheap-phoenix-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/japan-gets-cheap-phoenix-wright/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/japan-gets-cheap-phoenix-wright/#commentsFiled under:

Our initial reaction to hearing that Capcom was slashing the price of the Gyakuten Saiban series in Japan can be summed up by the picture to the right. It was only after we had sulked for a few minutes that we remembered how every one of those games comes in both Japanese and perfect English!

In other words, if you're thinking of picking up one of the four Phoenix Wright titles in the near future, then we strongly advise you to, well, hold it! From April 17th, the games will become part of Capcom's new budget lineup, "NEW Best Price! 2000," and cost a piffling ¥2,100 (just under $20) after tax.

See also: 2008's Biggest Blips -- Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqJapan gets cheap Phoenix Wright originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcapcomGyakuten-Saibanjapanphoenix-wrightWed, 27 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget prices colored yellow in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/budget-prices-colored-yellow-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/budget-prices-colored-yellow-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/05/budget-prices-colored-yellow-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

The biggest problem with "Greatest Hits" line-ups is their insistence on marring perfectly good box art in horrible ways. In the US, a red banner went on top of PS2 boxes, obnoxiously highlighting their budget status. Could Japan's upcoming PS3 budget line be an aesthetic indicator for the rest of the world? We hope not, because these boxes are ugly.

As seen by FolksSoul (Folklore in the US), the packaging will feature a gaudy yellow banner on the left. This is actually similar to the way PSP budget games are managed -- and neither platforms seem to benefit. We're hoping the rest of the world will get something classier. A sticker perhaps? A paper sleeve? Anything that doesn't obnoxiously reveal how cheap we are.

JoystiqBudget prices colored yellow in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artbudgetjapanps3Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: Platinum PS3 titles likely coming to Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sony-platinum-ps3-titles-likely-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sony-platinum-ps3-titles-likely-coming-to-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/sony-platinum-ps3-titles-likely-coming-to-europe/#commentsFiled under:

After learning of Sony's plans to release a budget lineup in Japan, the most shocking news of the day appears to be that Sony also plans on doing the same throughout other regions, as well.

A Sony representative told GamesIndustry.biz that,"we have introduced a Platinum range of best-selling titles for all of our platforms to date, and it is likely that we will do so in the future for PS3. However, no decisions have yet been made on timing or line-up."

Of course, we all knew it was just a matter of time before Sony released it's PlayStation 3 the Best, Platinum, Greatest Hits or whatever else it chooses to call them throughout the world. Now, the questions that remain are when they'll arrive, how much they'll be priced at and if the same games will get selected across all major regions.

JoystiqSony: Platinum PS3 titles likely coming to Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgreatest-hitsplatinumMon, 04 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 budget lineup heading to Japan, 'likely' Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ps3-budget-lineup-heading-to-japan-likely-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ps3-budget-lineup-heading-to-japan-likely-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/ps3-budget-lineup-heading-to-japan-likely-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Savior of stingy spenders and bane of box art, the budget lineup, is set to incorporate several PlayStation 3 titles in Japan next month. IGN reports that the official "PlayStation 3 the Best" branding will highlight familiar titles at friendlier prices, with Resistance: Fall of Man, FolksSoul (aka Folklore), Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight, and Ridge Racer 7 pinching the first pennies -- or, uh, yanking the first yen. The "Best" games will sell for ¥3,800 ($36), which represents a saving of roughly ¥2,200 ($21) for Sony-published games and ¥3,200 ($30) for third-party titles.

On the other side of the ocean, Sony told GamesIndustry.biz that a similar "Platinum" range of budget games would likely arrive in Europe. "We have introduced a Platinum range of best-selling titles for all of our platforms to date, and it is likely that we will do so in the future for PS3," said a spokesman, noting that the timing and lineup had yet to be finalized.

We'll let you know what Sony America has to say about a budget lineup as soon as they accept our collect call.

Read -- "PlayStation 3 the Best" for Japan
Read -- "Platinum" for Europe

JoystiqPS3 budget lineup heading to Japan, 'likely' Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BudgetFolkloreFolksSoulGreatest-HitsGundamJapanNinja-GaidenNinja-Gaiden-SigmaPlatinumPlaystation-3-the-bestPS3ResistanceRidge-Racer-7RidgeRacerMon, 04 Feb 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget-priced PS3 titles on their way to Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/budget-priced-ps3-titles-on-their-way-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/budget-priced-ps3-titles-on-their-way-to-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/03/budget-priced-ps3-titles-on-their-way-to-japan/#commentsFiled under:

It appears that Sony is set to launch a PlayStation budget line in Japan titled "PlayStation 3 the Best." A Japanese retailer posted the first lineup, which includes Resistance: Fall of Man, FolksSoul, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Gundam: Target in Sight and Ridge Racer 7 priced at 3,800 yen with a March 19 ship date.

Like the Xbox 360's Platinum Hits, PlayStation 3 the Best line will be more expensive than the last generation, and while there's been no official announcement, it's probably fair to reason that once the budget titles come stateside, they'll be priced at $30.

It's about time the Greatest Hits comes our way, and we think it's a great way for Sony to continue the positive momentum it gained over the holidays.

JoystiqBudget-priced PS3 titles on their way to Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetgreatest-hitsplaystation-3-the-bestSun, 03 Feb 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Chess looks comfortingly like the real thing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/wii-chess-looks-comfortingly-like-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/wii-chess-looks-comfortingly-like-the-real-thing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/20/wii-chess-looks-comfortingly-like-the-real-thing/#commentsFiled under:


We find it inherently amusing that Wii Chess is -- minus a few frills -- the same game as countless other titles on the market, many of which can be bought with a small handful of spare change. Despite this, we still suspect Wii Chess' no-nonsense approach to the world's favorite strategy game could be a commercial hit for Nintendo; certainly, the budget price tag won't harm its chances.

There's a couple of things to note about the above video, however. One: that elevator music is freakin' hideous (and on that note, we'd really like MP3 support in this please, Nintendo). And two: where are the optional Nintendo-themed pieces?! To have Mario and Peach playing the king and queen would have been an excellent little touch. Other Nintendo games get outstanding fan service, so why not this? Two words: Missed. Opportunity.

[Thanks, Troy!]

JoystiqWii Chess looks comfortingly like the real thing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameboardgamebudgetstrategytouchgenerationswii-chessThu, 20 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New details on Wii Chess remind us that the game exists]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/new-details-on-wii-chess-remind-us-that-the-game-exists/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/new-details-on-wii-chess-remind-us-that-the-game-exists/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/12/new-details-on-wii-chess-remind-us-that-the-game-exists/#commentsFiled under: ,

Considering it's a Nintendo game, there's been astoundingly little fanfare for Wii Chess. The game's Wikipedia page is absolutely barren, while a release date has only just appeared (January 18th), and then only for Europe. Despite the lack of information, Nintendo obviously reckons this could have broad appeal, as it's slapped the "Touch! Generations" logo on the corner of the box, which roughly translates as: "Your Gran and her friends will like this."

Anyway, further details finally emerged on the title today, with CVG reporting that Wii Chess is to retail for a budget price of £20 / €30 (we'd presume the game's budget status will be preserved if and when it reaches other markets -- our educated guess would be $30 for the U.S.), and that it will support both local multiplayer and games played over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. We're also promised a number of graphical styles, which hopefully means Nintendo-themed boards and pieces, including Goomba pawns and knights that look like Yoshi.

And yes, that is the German boxart. We travelled the seven seas of the internet searching for an English version, but returned empty-handed. Still, at least you now know the German word for "chess." Never know when that might come in handy.

JoystiqNew details on Wii Chess remind us that the game exists originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gameboardgamebudgeteuropeonlinestrategytouchgenerationswi-fiwii-chessWed, 12 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tasuke prepares another round of 1500 DS Spirits games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/31/tasuke-prepares-another-round-of-1500-ds-spirits-games/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just three months after the last round of 1500 DS Spirits games, Japanese publisher Tasuke is getting ready to launch another barrage of cheapo games at the Japanese public. It's all the kind of stuff you'd expect from a budget game line, too: Vol. 6 Trump, Vol. 7 Chess, Vol. 8 Darts, and Vol. 9 Futari Uchi Mahjongg (Two-player Mahjongg) are the newest offerings in the line. While we supported Tasuke last time in the battle with D3 over cheap games, we find ourselves feeling that D3's weirder offerings, like driving education and, on the PS2, The Daibijin, make their Simple series line much more interesting overall than Tasuke's vanilla lineup. D3's got that kind of stuff too, but they also have the hilarious games. To Tasuke's credit, the character art (which is shared in all four games) is nice, with shading reminiscent of Falcoon's work on recent King of Fighters games.

We'd like to see this kind of thing in the U.S. regardless of our lack of interest in these specific games. We have cheap games, but we don't really have games that self-identify as cheap.

JoystiqTasuke prepares another round of 1500 DS Spirits games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1500budgetchessdartsds-spiritsmahjongtasuketrumpWed, 31 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Tabletop style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/wii-warm-up-tabletop-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/wii-warm-up-tabletop-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/wii-warm-up-tabletop-style/#commentsFiled under:

With the news that Jenga is coming to the Wii, and with the Wii so perfect for certain other games (DS/Wii Pictionary, maybe?), we're curious what else you might possibly be interested in. One of the best parts about board games on XBLA, for example, is the lack of setup or cleanup (which is always nice), but how many games really translate well? Also, are such games better suited for download services or budget titles?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Tabletop style originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board gameBoardGamebudgetdownload serviceDownloadServicejengapictionarywii wareWiiWarewwuMon, 09 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari confirms Jenga for Wii, DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/atari-confirms-jenga-for-wii-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/atari-confirms-jenga-for-wii-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/atari-confirms-jenga-for-wii-ds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Atari today dribbled out screenshots along with a press release confirming the existence of a Jenga game for the Wii and DS to be released in November. The game doesn't appear to be much more than a stylized table-top Jenga with exotic backgrounds and textures, but according to Atari it features a "wealth of exciting new enhancements, power-ups and twists that are possible only in the videogame world". Bombs? Gravity-defying bricks? We'll have to wait and see. Jenga could be a lot more exciting with the right power-ups.

Gallery: Jenga (Wii, DS)

JoystiqAtari confirms Jenga for Wii, DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariboardgamebudgetdsjenganintendowiiFri, 06 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST