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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Toys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/toys-r-us-lucario-amiibo-pre-orders-not-being-canceled/#comments Numerous Toys R Us customers received emails from the retailer this morning, seemingly canceling their pre-orders for the Lucario amiibo figure. As a Toys R Us spokesperson told Joystiq in a phone conversation today, the emails were part of a "technical issue," and pre-orders for the figure will not be canceled.

Toys R Us added via email, "we apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused pertaining to customers' amiibo pre-orders. Please know that we are working on an email communication to all customers effected, which will provide instructions on how we plan to fulfill their order." The Lucario amiibo was revealed in November as a Toys R Us-exclusive figure, though the retailer's listing for the figure is currently missing from its storefront. Toys R Us was unable to offer specific inventory data for amiibo, but assured that the issue was unrelated to its supply of the figures.

Continue reading Toys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled

JoystiqToys R Us: Lucario amiibo pre-orders not being canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2014 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amiibocanceledinventorylucarionintendopre-ordersuper-smash-bros-2014super-smash-bros-for-wii-utechnical-issuestoys-r-uswii-uFri, 19 Dec 2014 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Uber axes Human Resources Kickstarter campaign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/uber-axes-human-resources-kickstarter-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/uber-axes-human-resources-kickstarter-campaign/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/21/uber-axes-human-resources-kickstarter-campaign/#comments Planetary Annihilation developer Uber Entertainment canceled its Kickstarter campaign for Human Resources, the developer's human-harvesting, apocalyptic real-time strategy game. "Every Kickstarter prediction model is showing that we will come up woefully short of our goal," the developer wrote in an update on its funding page, adding that it can't continue spending time and money on a project that won't get funded. "One thing is for sure, Human Resources, as pitched in this Kickstarter, is over. But we adore the world of Human Resources and will endeavor to do what we can to bring it to life in some form."

The developer raised $384,358 of its $1.4 million goal on the funding platform. The lofty goal would have been difficult for any aspiring developer to overcome; just four of the 341 Kickstarter games tracked in our one-year Crowdfund Bookie research series earned that much money in their campaigns. Even the $844,127 hauled in by Harmonix for Amplitude in May was an anomaly in a funding space that scarcely supports big-budget projects like it once did. Human Resources was planned to end in two weeks on Tuesday, November 4.
[Image: Uber Entertainment]

JoystiqUber axes Human Resources Kickstarter campaign originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelcanceledCrowdFundinghuman-resourcesIndiekickstarterpcplanetary-annihilationreal-time-strategyRTSstrategyuber-entertainmentTue, 21 Oct 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Here's what a Kinect-powered Gears of War looked like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/rumor-heres-what-a-kinect-powered-gears-of-war-looked-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/rumor-heres-what-a-kinect-powered-gears-of-war-looked-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/rumor-heres-what-a-kinect-powered-gears-of-war-looked-like/#comments A Kinect-controlled RTS spinoff in Microsoft's Gears of War franchise made it to the prototyping stage on the Xbox 360 before it was quietly canceled, a newly released gameplay video at VGLeaks suggests.

The video demonstrates motion-controlled gameplay presented from an overhead perspective. Players use gesture controls to target enemies as they guide a four-person team through destroyed urban environments, making use of environmental cover throughout.

Given that Kinect 1.0's gesture recognition and response was sporadic even under the best conditions, an action-focused RTS seems like a poor fit for the peripheral. Apparently Microsoft and developer Epic Games agreed, as Gears of War: Tactics was never officially announced. The game's current development status is unknown.

[Image: Microsoft / Epic Games / VGLeaks]

JoystiqRumor: Here's what a Kinect-powered Gears of War looked like originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledepic-gamesgears-of-wargears-of-war-tacticskinectmicrosoftvgleaksxboxFri, 12 Sep 2014 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[See Ninja Theory's canceled game, Razer, in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/18/see-ninja-theorys-canceled-game-razer-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/18/see-ninja-theorys-canceled-game-razer-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/18/see-ninja-theorys-canceled-game-razer-in-action/#comments Yesterday, we told you about Razer, a game in development at Ninja Theory that had no luck finding a publisher and was canceled in favor of the newly-revealed Hellblade. Today, we bring you internal footage of what could have been.

According to a series of Ninja Theory tweets, the trailer found below the break is "genuine pitch materials," meaning it depicts a game that is far from completion. Despite this, we can see a few novel ideas in play. Apparently Razer would have allowed for multiplayer cooperation between players within the game itself and those using tablets to observe the battle, not unlike the Commander mode in Battlefield 4. Where EA's game is a first-person shooter, however, Razer is closer to a third-person action game both gunplay and melee combat in close quarters.

Unfortunately, since no publisher agreed to fund Razer, it's unlikely the game will ever see the light of day. That said, if any budding developers want to take up the task of completing what Ninja Theory has begun, the developer has announced plans to release the game's development materials to the public.
[Image: Ninja Theory]

Continue reading See Ninja Theory's canceled game, Razer, in action

JoystiqSee Ninja Theory's canceled game, Razer, in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledhellbladeninja-theoryrazerMon, 18 Aug 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars 1313 production art is a beautiful, painful reminder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/04/star-wars-1313-production-art-is-a-beautiful-painful-reminder/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/04/star-wars-1313-production-art-is-a-beautiful-painful-reminder/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/04/star-wars-1313-production-art-is-a-beautiful-painful-reminder/#comments Like a certain Mandalorian bounty hunter crawling out from the belly of a sarlacc, images from the canceled Star Wars 1313 game have defied death and are once more flying about, ready to be admired. Brazilian artist Bruno Werneck's work on the game has been spotted over at Filmpaint Studio, and if you were heartbroken about the game's cancellation before, just take a look at what could have been.

Gaze ye upon Hoth, Tatooine, Coruscant ... and despair. Or be happy to have something to remember 1313 by. Whichever way you want to spin it.
[Image: Bruno Werneck]

JoystiqStar Wars 1313 production art is a beautiful, painful reminder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 May 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcanceledconcept-artlucasartsstar-warsstar-wars-1313Sun, 04 May 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Human Element set for Nov. 2015, Ouya prequel canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/human-element-set-for-nov-2015-ouya-prequel-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/human-element-set-for-nov-2015-ouya-prequel-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/24/human-element-set-for-nov-2015-ouya-prequel-canceled/#comments Human Element, the first-personal survival game from Robert Bowling's studio, Robotoki, will launch in November 2015 on PC, Bowling confirmed on Twitter. He added that the Ouya-bound prequel to the game was canceled "early on" as the developer shifted its focus to the CryEngine-based PS4 and Xbox One versions of the open-world game, which don't currently have a release date.

Bowling left Call of Duty developer Infinity Ward in April 2012 to open Robotoki and announced Human Element in June 2012. The Ouya prequel was revealed soon after in July, at which point Bowling donated $10,000 to the microconsole manufacturer. The Human Element prequel was also slated to be the first console exclusive game for Ouya.
[Image: Robotoki]

JoystiqHuman Element set for Nov. 2015, Ouya prequel canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcanceledcancelledhuman-elementmobileopen-worldouyapcprequelrelease-daterelease-windowrobert-bowlingrobotokirpgsurvivorMon, 24 Mar 2014 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No Titanfall in South Africa]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/no-titanfall-in-south-africa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/no-titanfall-in-south-africa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/no-titanfall-in-south-africa/#comments Once upon a time in South Africa, a young video game journalist named Ludwig Kietzmann collapsed for no apparent reason, falling to the floor in a heap of stylish dark-wash jeans and almonds. Seconds later, he awoke and knew something was desperately wrong. Something horrible was coming, and there was only one thing he could do to avoid catastrophe. He had to get out of South Africa.

EA South Africa will not launch Titanfall in the region, attributing the decision to poor internet performance rates. The post on EA South Africa's Facebook reads as follows:

"After conducting recent online tests for Titanfall, we found that the performance rates in South Africa were not as high as we need to guarantee a great experience, so we have decided not to release Titanfall in South Africa at this time.

"We understand this is a disappointment for local fans and will keep fans posted on any future plans regarding the release of Titanfall in South Africa."

In February, EA delayed the Titanfall beta in South Africa, but overall it marketed the game as per standard protocol. Reviews of the South African beta noted a ping in the 200ms range, but added that the game's built-in latency tolerance worked well and made it playable.
[Image: Titanfall]

JoystiqNo Titanfall in South Africa originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancelledEAmicrosoftpcRespawn-Entertainmentsouth-africatitanfallxboxxbox-oneFri, 07 Mar 2014 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled Diddy Kong Racing sequel details emerge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/01/canceled-diddy-kong-racing-sequel-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/01/canceled-diddy-kong-racing-sequel-details-emerge/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/01/canceled-diddy-kong-racing-sequel-details-emerge/#comments

Diddy Kong Racing, developer Rare's take on the kart, hovercraft and airplane-racing genre, is fondly remembered by many Nintendo 64 fans. Unfortunately the game's canceled successor, Donkey Kong Racing, never had a chance at earning the same sort of reputation. It's always interesting to learn more about projects that never reached the public though, and Nintendo Life's recent interview with Donkey Kong Racing Lead Designer Lee Musgrave shares details on what the game began and ended as.

Musgrave explained that Donkey Kong Racing swapped out standard vehicles for animals, which the above trailer suggests included Rambi the Rhino, Engaurde the Swordish and Ellie the Elephant from the Donkey Kong Country series. Players could swap out animals mid-race, which would let the player smash through obstacles or offer better handling depending on the animal's size.

When Rare was purchased by Microsoft, Musgrave said the Donkey Kong license was dropped as Rare made the racer an "open-world game with Tamagotchi-style features, in which nurturing your animal became a key mechanic." Musgrave explained that the animal-raising mechanic eventually became the game's main feature, resulting in a "cute version of Grand Theft Auto set in Africa."

This open-world adaption of Donkey Kong Racing was called Sabreman Stampede, but its development "went off into the woods a little bit," Musgrave explained. Sabreman Stampede was never released, but Musgrave added that despite the effort put into its development, he feels the final product would not have been worth the resources.
[Image: Nintendo]

JoystiqCanceled Diddy Kong Racing sequel details emerge originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceleddiddy-kong-racingdonkey-kong-racingnintendoraresabreman-stampedesequelSat, 01 Mar 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Santa Monica's unannounced IP canceled, says laid off dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/sony-santa-monicas-unannounced-ip-canceled-says-laid-off-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/sony-santa-monicas-unannounced-ip-canceled-says-laid-off-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/27/sony-santa-monicas-unannounced-ip-canceled-says-laid-off-dev/#comments An unannounced new property at God of War studio Sony Santa Monica is canceled, according to ex-employee Jonathan Hawkins. The former lead level designer, who lost his job in yesterday's round of layoffs, took to Twitter to reveal the IP had been in development "since God of War 3," and indicated it was connected to that game's director, Stig Asmussen.

It's speculated the project in question was a AAA sci-fi game, and that certainly matches with what Battlestar Galactica writer Michael Angeli said at last year's E3. Angeli revealed he was working with Sony Santa Monica on a new and unannounced project, telling Polygon he'd been writing for the game across the prior two and a half years, and that the studio's full team transitioned to work on it after God of War: Ascension.

Sony has yet to confirm any details on the project, and for his part, Hawkins said he couldn't say too much about the situation. However, he did share his frustration over what had happened in a heartfelt series of tweets:

"Yesterday, I was laid off. It was a good 10-year run and I got to make three 90+ games. I lived the dream and got to accomplish all of my goals. Except one... making something out of nothing and creating a new AAA IP. Secondly, the pain that I feel for my friends who have lost their jobs. The saddest and most important part is the game I was creating for the player that will never be played. I'm sorry that I've failed you."
[Image: Sony Santa Monica]

JoystiqSony Santa Monica's unannounced IP canceled, says laid off dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Feb 2014 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationjonathan-hawkinslayoffssony-santa-monicastig-asmussenThu, 27 Feb 2014 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Batman: Arkham Origins story campaign DLC canceled on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/31/batman-arkham-origins-story-campaign-dlc-canceled-on-wii-u/#comments Wii U owners won't be getting the upcoming Arkham Origins story campaign DLC, after Warner Bros. made the decision to cancel it due to a lack of demand. WB confirmed the news in a statement given to VG247, after GoNintendo published a supposed Nintendo of America email spilling the bat-beans.

The Nintendo system and the latest Batman haven't been a dynamic duo, starting with WB not bringing multiplayer to the Wii U version for similarly quantitative reasons. WB's belated call to not give the Wii U further single-player content is curious, especially since there's other DLC from the game on the eShop, such as skins and challenge packs.

The one ray of good in today's news is that, going by the email published by GoNintendo, Nintendo of America is issuing a full refund to those who bought the season pass, despite some of the DLC it covers already being out. Whether that decision is WB's or Nintendo's, it is at least the right one.

JoystiqBatman: Arkham Origins story campaign DLC canceled on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-originscanceledcancellationDLCnintendowarner-brosWarner-Bros-Interactivewarner-bros-montrealWBWBIEwii-uFri, 31 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GameStop Italy refusing pre-orders on Watch Dogs on Wii U [update 2]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/24/report-gamestop-italy-refusing-pre-orders-on-watch-dogs-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/24/report-gamestop-italy-refusing-pre-orders-on-watch-dogs-on-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/24/report-gamestop-italy-refusing-pre-orders-on-watch-dogs-on-wii/#comments Update 2: The canceled pre-orders were a glitch, and Watch Dogs will be available on Wii U again in the US and Italy, GameStop Italy and a US "source" tells Kotaku. Why didn't you just say so, Ubisoft?

Update: By means of an email from GameStop Italy's customer service, we're told that in regards to Wiitalia's report, "This information is wrong, tomorrow the reservation[s] of Watch Dogs will restart." We're reaching out to GameStop Italy for clarification, and will continue to update the story as we learn more.

Original story: An Italian report pours doubt over Watch Dogs reaching the Wii U, and Ubisoft hasn't stepped in to deny rumors of a cancelation for the platform. Wiitalia claimed GameStop Italy is refusing to take Wii U pre-orders of the open-world hacking adventure, after a reader was told by a store employee that Ubisoft had dropped the Wii U version. Wiitalia said it then called other GameStop stores and was unable to order the Wii U version at any of them. We've reached out to GameStop Italy to clarify the situation.

Continue reading Report: GameStop Italy refusing pre-orders on Watch Dogs on Wii U [update 2]

JoystiqReport: GameStop Italy refusing pre-orders on Watch Dogs on Wii U [update 2] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelednintendoubisoftUbisoft-Montrealwatch-dogswii-uFri, 24 Jan 2014 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Rune Factory 4 isn't coming to Europe after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/rune-factory-4-isnt-coming-to-europe-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/rune-factory-4-isnt-coming-to-europe-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/rune-factory-4-isnt-coming-to-europe-after-all/#comments The European production line for Rune Factory 4 churned to a stop this morning, after publisher MarvelousAQL canceled the game for the continent. The first 3DS entry in the Harvest Moon spin-off series was due in Europe this spring, having already been released in Japan and North America. Of course, that announcement came before the bankruptcy and closure of RF4 developer Neverland.

"We regret to inform you that the European release of Rune Factory 4 for Nintendo 3DS has been canceled," reads a MAQL Europe statement on distributor Zen United's Rice Digital site. "While MarvelousAQL has made every effort to secure the title's release for this territory, it is, unfortunately, not possible to do so at this time. MAQL and MAQL Europe would like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm for their European releases. Please look forward to announcements on new MAQL titles over the coming months."

We've reached out to MAQL Europe for more info. As for the Rune Factory series, there's been no news since Neverland's closure in November. Beforehand, MAQL series producer Yoshifumi Hashimoto exclaimed RF4 performed well enough to greenlight RF5. After the closure, Hashimoto said (via Siliconera), "As of now, it'll still remain a secret as to what kind of title we'll be releasing next, but I can say that the staff members are still doing great."

JoystiqRune Factory 4 isn't coming to Europe after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jan 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscanceledcancelledmarvelous-aqlmarvelous-aql-europeNeverlandnintendorune-factory-4zen-unitedMon, 20 Jan 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NES Remix contest canceled due to exploit, director apologizes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/nes-remix-contest-canceled-due-to-exploit-director-apologizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/nes-remix-contest-canceled-due-to-exploit-director-apologizes/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/nes-remix-contest-canceled-due-to-exploit-director-apologizes/#comments File this under "A Few Bad Apples Ruining The Bunch:" A time attack contest for NES Remix has been canceled due to players utilizing an exploit to decrease their times. The winner of the contest was set to have their run officially recorded by Nintendo, which obviously won't be happening.

In a comment on one of the game's Miiverse posts, the game's director, Koichi Hayashida, apologized for the inconvenience and thanked players for their time. "In the interest of being as fair as possible, we decided to terminate the event without recognizing the fastest time," Hayashida wrote. "We sincerely apologize for this matter, particularly because the vast majority of people played fairly."

The exploit seems to be related to repeatedly pausing the game, as there is a short delay between when gameplay resumes and the clock resumes. In other words: wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey.

JoystiqNES Remix contest canceled due to exploit, director apologizes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jan 2014 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcontestexploitnes-remixnintendowii-uSun, 05 Jan 2014 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T ditches U-verse on Xbox 360 on December 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/atandt-ditches-u-verse-on-xbox-360-on-december-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/atandt-ditches-u-verse-on-xbox-360-on-december-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/26/atandt-ditches-u-verse-on-xbox-360-on-december-31/#comments AT&T is discontinuing U-verse, its streaming TV service, on Xbox 360 starting December 31, the company announced. AT&T will issue a $99 credit to Xbox 360 U-verse customers to cover the cost of a year's Xbox Live Gold, which was required for the service, and then some. The refund should show up within two billing cycles, AT&T said.

U-verse hit Xbox 360 in October 2010. Anyone in need of an additional U-verse receiver to replace the Xbox 360 can hit up AT&T here or call 800-288-2020.

JoystiqAT&T ditches U-verse on Xbox 360 on December 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Nov 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcanceleddiscontinuedmicrosoftstreamingtvu-versexboxTue, 26 Nov 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA gives FIFA Manager the boot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/ea-gives-fifa-manager-the-boot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/ea-gives-fifa-manager-the-boot/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/25/ea-gives-fifa-manager-the-boot/#comments The recently released FIFA Manager 14 is the last in the series, after founder Gerald Köhler admitted EA and developer Bright Future weren't prepared to take the series forward. In a frank post published on the FIFA Manager blog, Köhler admitted the 12-year series needed too much investment to be worth continuing.

"The football manager genre at this level of sophistication is highly specialized and primarily played in two countries (England and Germany)," Köhler wrote, "In which - on top of everything - one game has practically dominated the market in recent years. The niche market and general trend toward online and mobile games were also contributing factors. Moreover, FM had reached a crossroads at which a new engine and/or corresponding online technology would be the only way to give the series a boost. When all these factors were evaluated, it led us to the decision to blow the final whistle."

While EA supported the FIFA Manager series across a decade, it never made a significant impact against the genre steamroller that is Sega's Football Manager. Last year's entry, Football Manager 2013, became the series' best-seller after shifting more than 1 million copies, despite being pirated more than 10 million times.

JoystiqEA gives FIFA Manager the boot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Nov 2013 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bright-lightscanceledcancelledEAEA-Sportsfifa-managerfifa-manager-14pcMon, 25 Nov 2013 08:10:00 EST<![CDATA[InSomnia sleeps until January, current Kickstarter canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/16/insomnia-sleeps-until-january-current-kickstarter-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/16/insomnia-sleeps-until-january-current-kickstarter-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/16/insomnia-sleeps-until-january-current-kickstarter-canceled/#comments The engines are running on empty for InSomnia, an online "dieselpunk" RPG. Developer Studio Mono has pulled the plug on its Kickstarter campaign to fund the game so that the team may regroup and rework their presentation. "We want to make it absolutely clear that this isn't the end of InSomnia," a Kickstarter update for the game reads. The team plans to return late January of next year with an improved campaign.

The post thanks backers who had already pledged to help bring InSomnia to fruition, but notes that "it soon became apparent based on that feedback that there were key components in our campaign that we had overlooked, that we needed to reveal a lot more about certain aspects of the game and to ultimately provide a much better explanation of what InSomnia is and what it is not." The post notes, for example, the common misconception that the game is an MMORPG, which it is not.

Although the game's Kickstarter page has been effectively closed down, the InSomnia Facebook page and Twitter profile are still up, should you wish to follow Studio Mono and show support.

JoystiqInSomnia sleeps until January, current Kickstarter canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Nov 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledinsomniakickstartermacpcstudio-monoSat, 16 Nov 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Young Justice: Legacy canceled for Wii U, Wii because of 'several factors']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/young-justice-legacy-canceled-for-wii-u-wii-because-of-severa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/young-justice-legacy-canceled-for-wii-u-wii-because-of-severa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/young-justice-legacy-canceled-for-wii-u-wii-because-of-severa/#commentsYoung Justice Legacy canceled for Wii U, Wii because of 'several factors' Cartoon Network's Young Justice won't be leaving a Legacy on Wii U or Wii, after developer Little Orbit and publisher Warner Bros. opted to cancel the spin-off for the two Nintendo consoles. According to a statement on the game's Facebook page, the decision was made because of "several factors," including quality issues and low interest from retailers.

The cancellation comes in the month before Young Justice: Legacy is due, but the action-RPG remains set for PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and 3DS. The game will star the show's league of precocious heroes, chronicling the events between the first and second series.

JoystiqYoung Justice: Legacy canceled for Wii U, Wii because of 'several factors' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancelledlittle-orbitnintendoWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveWBIEwiiwii-uyoung-justice-legacyMon, 28 Oct 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ouya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/ouya-removes-family-funded-kickstarter-game-from-free-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/ouya-removes-family-funded-kickstarter-game-from-free-the-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/09/18/ouya-removes-family-funded-kickstarter-game-from-free-the-games/#comments When Golden Axe-inspired Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus met its funding goal thanks to help from a family member and was just two days from seeing the end of its Kickstarter campaign, Ouya removed the project from its Free the Games Fund program. In an update on the project's page, SuckerFree Games developer William McDonald wrote, "If we had remained silent we very likely would have received the funds, our transparency and honesty apparently was our undoing."

That transparency came from a backers-only update on the project last week, which explained how the project ultimately reached $54,067 with donations from just 180 people. McDonald states in the update that although his family and friends initially refused to offer financial support, his father spent a large retirement check to help fund Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus' three episodes, thereby making it eligible for rewards earned from Ouya's Free the Games Fund.

"It appears we were thrown under the FTG bus. Ouya gets their fall guy and Grid Iron keeps their money," McDonald wrote regarding Ouya's decision, referencing Gridiron Thunder, a game that received $171,009 on Kickstarter from just 183 backers as part of Ouya's program. Due to Ouya's decision, McDonald said the team opted to cancel the Kickstarter project, noting that the developer has "no plans to develop for Ouya further."

This isn't the first time Dungeons: The Eye of Draconus has received funding, as it earned $5,177 on Kickstarter back in May 2011. In an August 18 update on that project's page, McDonald notified backers of his plans to enter Ouya's funding program, and that the developer had invested over $10,000 of its own money into the project since the first Kickstarter campaign ended.

We've reached out to McDonald and Ouya, and will update as we learn more. For a brief summary on the Ouya Free the Games Fund's issues so far, check out our recap video.

Continue reading Ouya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program

JoystiqOuya removes family-funded Kickstarter game from Free the Games program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Sep 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcanceledcrowdfundingdungeons-the-eye-of-draconusfree-the-games-fundfundingkickstartermacmobileouyapcsuckerfree-gameswilliam-mcdonaldWed, 18 Sep 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fez 2 canceled [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/27/fez-2-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/27/fez-2-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/27/fez-2-canceled/#comments Development on Fez 2 has ceased. The announcement was made earlier today by a tweet on the official Polytron account, which we then corroborated and verified with creator Phil Fish. "It's true," Fish told Joystiq in an email.

Fez 2 was originally announced during last month's E3-concurrent Horizon conference, where it was the surprise, show-ending reveal of the event, following a cavalcade of other new indie developments from different developers. Beyond the fact that it existed, however, and that Fez composer Disasterpiece was also involved in production, nothing specific was known about the project.

Update: The official Polytron Corporation website has been updated with a short, candid message reiterating the game's cancellation.

JoystiqFez 2 canceled [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationcancelledfezfez-2phil-fishpolytronSat, 27 Jul 2013 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadows of the Eternals crowdfunding drives to be canceled this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/precursor-games-cancelling-kickstarter-and-self-powered-crowdsou/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/precursor-games-cancelling-kickstarter-and-self-powered-crowdsou/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/precursor-games-cancelling-kickstarter-and-self-powered-crowdsou/#comments Precursor Games, the development studio of ex-SIlicon Knights employees that has been attempting to fund a spiritual successor to Eternal Darkness dubbed Shadow of the Eternals, will cancel both its Kickstarter campaign and its self-powered crowdfunding campaign through PayPal this Thursday, June 6. Precursor plans to re-launch the Kickstarter campaign in "just a few short weeks," at which point "exciting new developments" will be revealed.

"Since we announced this Kickstarter campaign we have seen more support from our community than we had ever hoped for," the announcement reads. "Along with this support has come a host of a new exciting opportunities that will make the game better than we envisioned. As a result, we have chosen to temporarily take down the Shadow of the Eternals crowdfunding campaigns on both Kickstarter and our own website on Thursday, June 6."

Due to Kickstarter's architecture, no one that donated to the fundraising drive will be charged for their contributions. Likewise, the studio says that anyone who donated via the official Shadow of the Eternals website will receive a full refund through PayPal. As of press time, the still-active Kickstarter campaign has raised $127,364 of its $1.35 million goal. Meanwhile, donations through the game's official site have totalled at $157,545, for a combined $284,959.

JoystiqShadows of the Eternals crowdfunding drives to be canceled this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcrowdfundingeternal-darknessKickstarternintendopcPrecursor-Gamesshadow-of-the-eternalswii-uTue, 04 Jun 2013 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Awakened on hold due to 'alternate funding options,' donors receiving refunds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/project-awakened-on-hold-due-to-alternate-funding-options-don/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/project-awakened-on-hold-due-to-alternate-funding-options-don/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/project-awakened-on-hold-due-to-alternate-funding-options-don/#comments Phosphor Games has cancelled its self-powered crowdfunding initiative for Project Awakened and will be issuing refunds to everyone that has contributed to the drive thus far, according to a missive of the game's official website.

"At this time we need to put our funding endeavor on hold effective immediately. Everyone who pledged money will be receiving a full refund," the message reads. "There have been some alternative funding options that have recently been presented to us, so please continue to keep an eye out on our Facebook page for future updates."

Phosphor turned to DIY crowdfunding after its initial efforts to raise capital on Kickstarter fell short of the company's goal.

JoystiqProject Awakened on hold due to 'alternate funding options,' donors receiving refunds originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationcrowdfundingfinancefundingkickstarterpcphosphor-gamesproject-awakenedrefundSat, 04 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Glitch cancels 3,000 BioShock Infinite pre-orders at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/report-glitch-cancels-3-000-bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-at-bes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/report-glitch-cancels-3-000-bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-at-bes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/report-glitch-cancels-3-000-bioshock-infinite-pre-orders-at-bes/#comments Report Glitch cancels 3,000 BioShock Infinite preorders at Best BuyLast night an issue struck 3,000 customers who pre-ordered BioShock Infinite at Best Buy, effectively canceling their orders, Side Questing reports. The glitch hit pre-orders for both PS3 and Xbox 360, predominantly online transactions.

It's a fixable problem; Best Buy asks anyone who pre-ordered to check their emails and call customer service if their order is canceled. Best Buy offers a $10 gift card to each affected customer, so make sure to ask for that if you run into the problem. After your heart settles back into a normal rhythm and you stop screaming about how you'll miss all the sweet Sky-Hook action this March, of course.

JoystiqReport: Glitch cancels 3,000 BioShock Infinite pre-orders at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-Buybioshock-infinitecanceledmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderpre-ordersps3xboxTue, 05 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare was working on a spy game, 'Agent,' in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bioware-was-working-on-a-spy-game-agent-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bioware-was-working-on-a-spy-game-agent-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bioware-was-working-on-a-spy-game-agent-in-2009/#comments BioWare was working on a spy game, 'Agent,' in 2009Way back in the olden days of 2009, BioWare co-founder Trent Oster started work on a new, PS3-exclusive spy game called Agent, which "failed to survive the recession," Oster told Eurogamer. Agent was a mix of Jason Bourne and 007, Oster said, though we detected a hint of Deus Ex in his description as well:

"The concept was to do the other half of GoldenEye," Oster said. "The idea being that James Bond isn't just a gun that walks around the world and shoots people. He's a suave manipulator, he's a talented martial artist, he's a secret agent. We wanted to cross that 007 with Jason Bourne, where he's been modified in some way; you're not sure what, but he's definitely deadly.

"We really wanted to push the acting side, the digital acting. We really wanted to be very high drama, very intense scenes. I always think of the scene in the second Bourne movie where Jason Bourne's choking the guy out with a book and he's right in his face and it's this very intense moment. That was one of the key things we wanted to carry off."

No, Agent didn't have anything to do with the PS3-exclusive game that Rockstar announced in 2009, also dubbed Agent. EA "didn't believe in the concept" for BioWare's game and Agent was sent off on a mission from which it'd never return: counting all the grains of sand on a windy beach. Or just the recycle bin.

JoystiqBioWare was working on a spy game, 'Agent,' in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007agentBioWarecanceledGoldenEyeJason-Bourneplaystationps3Trent-OsterThu, 06 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Redemption' appears to be Crytek's canceled PS3, Xbox 360 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/redemption-appears-to-be-cryteks-canceled-ps3-xbox-360-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/redemption-appears-to-be-cryteks-canceled-ps3-xbox-360-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/redemption-appears-to-be-cryteks-canceled-ps3-xbox-360-game/#comments HIT 1ST Crytek was apparently making this game called 'Redemption'Art director Eric Cochonneau worked at Crytek from 2005 to 2009, during which time he was "responsible for the art direction on an undisclosed AAA title for Xbox 360 and PS3," and not many other games, according to his resume. That in mind, Cochonneau's portfolio shows off a large batch of detailed screenshots and concept art for a canceled PS3 and Xbox 360 game called Redemption.

Redemption appears to be a forest-bound, gun-loaded romp featuring scary men and a young girl as a companion character. It's set in eastern Europe, if the cars are anything to judge by. The main character, a surly middle-aged man, has a custom pistol and his enemies have an arsenal of high-powered weaponry.

While the characters are all in concept stages, the environments are at "visual benchmark" stages, complete with 3D renders of the game's water particle effects.

We've contacted Crytek for more information about Redemption. Check out the entire gallery for yourself at Cochonneau's portfolio.

Joystiq'Redemption' appears to be Crytek's canceled PS3, Xbox 360 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledCrytekeastern-europeforestmicrosoftplaystationps3redemptionxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled Mojang project was a first-person shooter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/canceled-mojang-project-was-a-first-person-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/canceled-mojang-project-was-a-first-person-shooter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/canceled-mojang-project-was-a-first-person-shooter/#comments That project Mojang canceled was a firstperson shooterMojang, the studio in front of the man behind Minecraft, was working on a first-person shooter with another company, Markus "Notch" Persson tells Joystiq. The collaboration and the project itself is now completely dead, Notch confirms, following today's news of a mysterious cancellation.

The FPS was killed off in the prototype stage, not because it wasn't turning into a good game, but because Mojang "did not want more external dependencies," Notch says. "The success of Minecraft meant we could focus on projects fully owned by us."

Future collaborations aren't out of the question for Mojang, as long as they're "not to make money. If there are other reasons to collaborate, maybe!"

Here's a reason: Portal guns in Minecraft.

JoystiqCanceled Mojang project was a first-person shooter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcollaborationfirst-person-shooterfpsmacmicrosoftMinecraftmojangpcxboxThu, 26 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Canned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/canned-sony-projects-including-the-getaway-3-heavenly-sword-2-f/#comments
Image
Former Sony lead artist Martin Binfield touched a few projects that never saw fruition, including The Getaway 3, and his showreel shows off bits of these before they were shelved. The Getaway 3 footage in Binfield's above reel is pulled from the game's E3 trailer, while canceled PS3 science-fiction and lifestyle projects demonstrate rocket-fueled space travel and the joys of being a single father, respectively.

Heavenly Sword 2 is listed on Binfield's CV as canceled in 2008. He was the character animation team lead on the first Heavenly Sword.

JoystiqCanned Sony projects including The Getaway 3, Heavenly Sword 2 found in artist's reel, CV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcannedHeavenly-Swordheavenly-sword-2martin-binfieldplaystationps3pspsonythe-getaway-3Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3's discarded level ideas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/uncharted-3s-discarded-level-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/uncharted-3s-discarded-level-ideas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/uncharted-3s-discarded-level-ideas/#comments ImageUncharted 3 didn't just pop out of Naughty Dog's studio, polished and fully formed, without any work from the developers themselves. Part of that "work" process involves pitching and sometimes discarding a level idea or two -- or 12. Naughty Dog has released a dozen images of the Uncharted 3 that could have been, along with a brief description of each, to IGN.

One canceled level is the "Foggy Forest," pictured above, which transformed into the French Chateau setting in the final game, with less mist and early-morning light. "The Sand Pit" had Sandlantis hidden in a desert sinkhole and the "Floating Reservoir" would have seen Drake fight his way up the inside of an oil reservoir in the shipyard.

Check out all of the would-have-been, could-have-been ideas here.

JoystiqUncharted 3's discarded level ideas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceleddevelopmentdiscarded-featuresLevelsplaystationps3uncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionWed, 11 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Insomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/insomniac-reveals-canceled-1080pinball-the-most-realistic-pin/#comments Insomniac has posted a timeline entry on its Facebook page detailing a pinball game it worked on, but never released. 1080Pinball was the name attached to the project-in-progress, and one of the featured tables was named Captain Starfire, after the handsome chap above. You can see what looks like an in-game screenshot on the official timeline post, along with some concept art.

The blurb says the game was designed to be "the most realistic pinball simulation ever," complete with actual material physics and graphics running at in 60fps at 1080p (as you might have guessed from the title). There was also going to be a "Gran Turismo level of progression," designed to build as much replay value as possible.

This, says Insomniac, also explains the whole (pin)Ballz phenomenon, and the company's fascination with pinball in general. The developer will discuss the abandoned game on a future podcast. As for whether it'll ever return, Insomniac says, "The Zen Pinball games do a fantastic job anyways."

JoystiqInsomniac reveals canceled 1080Pinball, 'the most realistic pinball simulation ever' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pinballcanceledcompanydesigngameinsomniac-gamespinballpinballzplaystationps3Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda has no comment on Prey 2 cancellation rumor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/bethesda-has-no-comment-on-prey-2-cancellation-rumor/#comments Publisher Bethesda has no statement on the rumor that Prey 2 has been canceled, a story which gained significant traction yesterday. Dutch site PSFocus reported that the game, in development at Human Head Studios, was kaput and that an official announcement would be made next week.

The last time Prey 2 showed up on our radar in a significant capacity was around GamesCom last August. As IGN notes, GDC talks planned for the game were cut a few weeks before the show.

This isn't the first time this year a high-profile Bethesda title made its way into the rumored cancellation mill, as DOOM 4 went through the experience twice in six month. The difference? Bethesda flat-out stated "DOOM 4 isn't cancelled."

Gallery: Prey 2 (Gamescom 2011)

JoystiqBethesda has no comment on Prey 2 cancellation rumor originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworkscanceledcancellationhuman-head-studiosprey-2zenimax-mediaSat, 24 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Mass Effect Team Assault' was a canned multiplayer FPS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/mass-effect-team-assault-was-a-canned-multiplayer-fps/#comments In 2010, BioWare Montreal was developing a competitive, multiplayer first-person shooter called Mass Effect Team Assault, but it was reshaped into the third-person co-op mode that shipped in Mass Effect 3, according to a Kotaku report based on the iPad app The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3.

Mass Effect Team Assault saw four months of production before being presented to the Mass Effect hierarchy and transforming into Mass Effect 3's multiplayer skirmish mode.

Joystiq'Mass Effect Team Assault' was a canned multiplayer FPS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecanceledfpsmass-effect-3Mass-Effect-Team-Assaultmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion's canceled feature: 'Find a shoe? Plant it.']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/bastions-canceled-feature-find-a-shoe-plant-it/#comments Supergiant Games spent one year working on a "rich gardening feature" for Bastion that the entire team was "really excited about," but was eventually cut from the game, designer Amir Rao said at GDC. The final version of Bastion demonstrates the team's obsession with plants, but gardening itself was set to play a pivotal role in exploration and players' overall sense of accomplishment, Rao said, breaking it down into four functions:
  1. Players would find seeds for story items and worlds
  2. Planters on the Bastion would open up gradually, limiting how many seeds could be planted
  3. Plants would be watered with blue "cores"
  4. They would sprout and the fruit would offer its item, world, etc.
Gardening in Bastion faced a slew of problems, but mostly the seeds had no aesthetic connection to the final plant -- "What does a 'hammer plant' look like?" Rao asked -- and Supergiant eventually realized that they were solving the wrong problem. What Bastion really needed was a menu.

JoystiqBastion's canceled feature: 'Find a shoe? Plant it.' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amir-Raobastioncanceledgardeninggdc-2012microsoftpcsupergiant-gamesxboxTue, 06 Mar 2012 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/gotham-by-gaslight-featured-beefy-london-batman-gameplay-vid-re/#comments It must be terrifying to be a developer on a game that's just barely greenlit, facing down publisher meetings that could make or break all the hard work you've put into a particular project. Come to think of it, the stress and constant panicked feeling would probably be similar to how the prostitutes in London felt every nightfall during Jack the Ripper's heyday. Maybe.

F.3.A.R. developer Day 1 Studios knows how both of those things feel, to some extent, having begun work on Gotham by Gaslight, a steampunk-inspired adaptation of a one-shot Batman graphic novel, only to have it canceled shortly after. We previously got a peek at some concept art for the title, and now Siliconera has uncovered an animation test that it says comes from someone at Day 1.

Check out the burly Batman's flowing cloak as he strides around a dark London setting right here.

JoystiqGotham by Gaslight featured beefy London Batman, gameplay vid reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationBatmancanceledDay-1-Studiosgotham-by-gaslightmicrosofttestWarner-BrosxboxMon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone PSN version 'delayed indefinitely' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/killzone-remake-shot-down-as-delayed-indefinitely/#comments[Update: This post erroneously referred to this version of Killzone as a "remake" for PS3, but it was intended to refer to the PSN re-release of the PlayStation 2 game. We apologize for contributing to the 'ghastly confusion.]

Killzone the First was scheduled to become a downloadable PSN game in late January, but has since been "delayed indefinitely," according to the official Killzone Twitter account.

Killzone franchise creators Guerrilla Games are currently working on the next entry in the series, as well as a still-unnamed "new IP."

JoystiqKillzone PSN version 'delayed indefinitely' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledguerrilla-gameshd-remakeKillzoneplaystationps3remaketwitterWed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/the-rpg-rts-that-irrational-never-made-dungeon-duel/#comments Back in 2002, the folks leading up development of next year's highly anticipated, high-flying FPS, BioShock Infinite, were hard at work on a game that never made it off the ground. It was a role-playing game crossed with a real-time strategy title, and it was aimed at consoles. As revealed on the Irrational Games blog, the game was known as "Dungeon Duel" never got past the concept stage.

The gameplay seems to be a mix of dungeon crawl and card-based strategy, with cards representing actual monsters and spells rather than operating on a numbers level. Combat was described as both "fast-paced" and "real-time," though the design doc fails to go into too much detail -- it's an early pitch, after all. A handful of concept art shots and in-game artwork were also made available, which you can see over on the Irrational blog.

JoystiqThe RPG/RTS that Irrational never made: 'Dungeon Duel' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamescanceledcancelleddungeon-duelirrationalirrational-gamesrpgrtsFri, 23 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Urgent help needed to resurrect Mega Man Legends 3, says local paper ad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/urgent-help-needed-to-resurrect-mega-man-legends-3-says-local-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/urgent-help-needed-to-resurrect-mega-man-legends-3-says-local-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/urgent-help-needed-to-resurrect-mega-man-legends-3-says-local-p/#comments You can't squash the spirit of "100,000 Strong for Bringing Back Mega Man Legends 3," an online activist group that hasn't yet amassed its titular display of quantitative strength. The message is already reaching far and wide through a dedicated blog, Facebook page and coverage on outlets like this one, but what of the inattentive, uninformed supporters-to-be in Lagrange, Topeka and Shipshewana, Michigan?

Group member Paul Barrett posted a photo of his own grassroots effort to override Capcom's culling of Mega Man projects. "Urgent help needed!" reads the ad, placed in Tuesday's issue of The Gateway Shopper, a paper local to Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana. It politely asks for help in undoing the events of "the worst day in gaming history."

Even if only an (utterly optimistic) eighth of newspaper readers join the cause -- it appears The Gateway Shopper has a current circulation of 9,838 -- the group must still inch its way toward the halfway mark of 50,000 supporters. Of course, now that the paper's online, its effect has been considerably magnified.

Hey, don't blame us for digging out a speck of hope. We're already disheartened that, for many people, MML is gradually devolving into FML.

Continue reading Urgent help needed to resurrect Mega Man Legends 3, says local paper ad

JoystiqUrgent help needed to resurrect Mega Man Legends 3, says local paper ad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscanceledcapcommega-man-legends-3mega-man-legends-3-projectnintendopetitionWed, 21 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Puzzle Quest 2 canceled for PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/puzzle-quest-2-canceled-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/puzzle-quest-2-canceled-for-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/puzzle-quest-2-canceled-for-psp/#comments From PSN-only to the void, Puzzle Quest 2 for PSP has met with the ultimate skull chain combo. Steve Fawkner, CEO and president of Infinite Interactive, confirms on his Facebook account that the PSP version has been canceled.

"After Firemint's acquisition of Infinite, and EA's acquisition of Firemint, so many people have moved around, that I find myself without enough manpower to finish it," Fawkner writes. "I would also like to point out that it was nothing to do with EA and/or Firemint that it has been cancelled - they have been excellent in giving me enough time and freedom to get it done... this is just a very unfortunate logistical problem where key people are no longer available to work on it."

Fawkner claims there was "ONE sound bug remaining to be fixed, and it would have been good to go." He won't give up hope entirely, but admits that finishing the project is "unlikely to happen." So, um, anyone with working knowledge of PSP development want to help a brother out?

JoystiqPuzzle Quest 2 canceled for PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancelledinfinite-interactiveplaystationpsppuzzle-quest-2sonysteve-fawknerThu, 21 Jul 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix's canceled top-down shooter Project Dropship revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/square-enixs-canceled-top-down-shooter-project-dropship-reveale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/square-enixs-canceled-top-down-shooter-project-dropship-reveale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/square-enixs-canceled-top-down-shooter-project-dropship-reveale/#comments Footage of a downloadable title that was purportedly in the works at Square Enix's Los Angeles-based studio is being featured on Siliconera. The Western-themed top-down shooter, titled Project Dropship, was not formally announced before its quiet cancellation, but based on the footage it looks like it was fairly far along in development. It also looks and sounds like it had a Firefly thing going for it, which is really, really working for us.

Or, rather, it would have worked for us. Now it just makes us sad that nobody's made a Firefly game yet. What gives, entire video game industry?

Continue reading Square Enix's canceled top-down shooter Project Dropship revealed

JoystiqSquare Enix's canceled top-down shooter Project Dropship revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledmicrosoftplaystationproject-dropshipps3psnsquare-enixxblaxboxThu, 30 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Wet sequel dries up, canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/wet-sequel-dries-up-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/wet-sequel-dries-up-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/wet-sequel-dries-up-canceled/#comments Wet 2 Wet 2 was confirmed to be in development last November, but it would seem that's as far as the sequel is going to get. Siliconera points to the LinkedIn profile (now appended) of a former Behaviour Interactive employee that had listed the title as canceled. The site also notes that around March or April of this year several employees working on Wet 2 left for other companies. Another LinkedIn profile of a current Behaviour employee notes Wet 2 as a past project.

Bethesda, which published the first Wet game, told us today, "We are not publishing Wet 2." Behaviour had yet to respond to our request for comment as of publishing.

JoystiqRumor: Wet sequel dries up, canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behaviourBehaviour-InteractiveBethesda-SoftworkscanceledcancellationWet-2Tue, 17 May 2011 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Footage of canceled 'Sonic Extreme' hoverboarding game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/footage-of-canceled-sonic-extreme-hoverboarding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/footage-of-canceled-sonic-extreme-hoverboarding-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/footage-of-canceled-sonic-extreme-hoverboarding-game/#comments YouTube user ProtonX3 has released a series of videos demonstrating a reportedly canceled Sonic the Hedgehog hoverboarding game for the original Xbox, entitled Sonic Extreme (not to be confused with Sonic X-Treme). Not to cast any aspersions on the potential merits of the game, but the same engine was also used to create a skateboarding game starring anthropomorphic thumbs (also canceled, apparently). But hey, it probably would've been better than Sonic Free Riders, right?

Check out some footage after the break and find a lot more on ProtonX3's YouTube channel.

Continue reading Footage of canceled 'Sonic Extreme' hoverboarding game

JoystiqFootage of canceled 'Sonic Extreme' hoverboarding game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledmicrosoftsonic-extremesonic-the-hedgehogxboxMon, 02 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem: Critical Mass trailer skips the PSP version for good reason]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/duke-nukem-critical-mass-trailer-skips-the-psp-version-for-good/#comments After a mysterious quiet period (which is totally uncharacteristic for a Duke Nukem game), Deep Silver and Apogee are planning to release Duke Nukem: Critical Mass for DS this week in Europe and next month in North America. You can see it in action in the trailer after the break, and, well ... it looks like a thoroughly humiliating experience, narrated by Jon St. John.

Surprisingly, the press release accompanying the trailer says that the PSP version is coming out at the same time -- but Deep Silver informs us that it was actually canceled. So if you're in Europe and in line for Critical Mass on PSP ... go home.

Continue reading Duke Nukem: Critical Mass trailer skips the PSP version for good reason

JoystiqDuke Nukem: Critical Mass trailer skips the PSP version for good reason originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apogeecanceleddeep-silverdsduke-nukemduke-nukem-critical-massnintendoplaystationpspsonyvideoThu, 07 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST