Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Yahoo buys social gaming software company PlayerScale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/yahoo-buys-social-gaming-software-company-playerscale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/yahoo-buys-social-gaming-software-company-playerscale/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/yahoo-buys-social-gaming-software-company-playerscale/#commentsYahoo buys social gaming software company PlayerScale While Yahoo was in the news recently for its acquisition of Tumblr, it was also busy buying up another company this week: PlayerScale. PlayerScale's CEO Jesper Jensen announced the company's acquisition on its official site.

Founded in 2011, PlayerScale creates software that aids developers in scaling their games across social, mobile and casual platforms, including XBLA, Facebook, the iOS App Store and Google Play market. Its service has over 150 million users across 4,000 titles, according to the company's site. Hard numbers on how much Yahoo spent to pick up PlayerScale, as well as Yahoo's plans for social gaming going forward have yet to be revealed.

JoystiqYahoo buys social gaming software company PlayerScale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitioncasualmobileplayerscalescalesocialsoftwareYahooSat, 25 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/farmville-2-updates-zyngas-cow-clicker-but-not-too-much/#comments FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cowclicker but not too muchFarmVille. Just the name likely conjures up some vivid thoughts and opinions in the minds of gamers everywhere. As the flagship casual social game for both Facebook and Zynga, FarmVille can't help but be a lightning rod for debates about gaming's audiences, game design, and the role that video games can and do play in our daily lives. Time labeled the game one of the "fifty worst inventions" of all time, but that hasn't stopped over 80 million people from logging on and doing some cow and crop clicking.

And now Zynga (which itself has attracted plenty of controversy recently) is going to try and recreate the game's success with a brand new version called, simply, FarmVille 2. Director of Design Wright Bagwell showed Joystiq what the future of FarmVille's crops and farm animals looks like, how the game will reach out (but not too far) toward a more hardcore audience, and how Zynga plans to take the world's most popular and oft-hated casual and social game and make it even more casual and social.

Gallery: FarmVille 2 (9/5/2012)

Continue reading FarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much)

JoystiqFarmVille 2 updates Zynga's cow-clicker (but not too much) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualclickingcow-clickingfacebookfarmvillefarmville-2gamesmobilepcsocialzyngaWed, 05 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/amazon-announces-amazon-game-studios-starts-with-a-facebook-g/#comments Amazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game
Amazon's evolving from a digital marketplace into a content creator as well, today announcing its first game development studio - "Amazon Game Studios" - with the launch of its first game, "Living Classics." The company's starting somewhat unremarkably with a hidden object game (which it's dubbing a "moving object game"), and it's ready for you to play on Facebook right now. There's also a trailer for the game above.

Per the announcement, the studio is also hiring. And hey, despite our reluctance to play casual games, it's hard to get upset at someone hiring game devs.

JoystiqAmazon announces 'Amazon Game Studios,' starts with a Facebook game originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-game-studioscasualfacebookliving-classicsmacpcMon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cave to put projects on hold, refocus on social gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/cave-to-put-projects-on-hold-refocus-on-social-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/cave-to-put-projects-on-hold-refocus-on-social-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/cave-to-put-projects-on-hold-refocus-on-social-gaming/#comments It's easy to forget sometimes that video games are a business, as well as a means of artistic expression and recreation. Even developers like Cave, whose sterling reputation is due almost entirely to its long-time devotion to the incredibly esoteric bullet-hell genre, have to make tough decisions in order to continue existing.

The Deathsmiles developer's fiscal outlook isn't shaping up to be quite what it had expected, and as a result the company will be placing unknown projects on hold in order to devote more resources to social gaming, Andriasang reports.

Originally expecting to earn ¥1.4 billion ($18.9 million) in sales between June 1 and November 30 2011, the company now anticipates earnings of ¥1.3 billion ($16.8 million), which has prompted Cave to change its forecasted operating gain of ¥10 million to an operating loss of ¥31 million for the period. Operational earnings for the entire year were lowered from ¥310 million to ¥50 million.

In a nutshell, people aren't buying as many infuriatingly difficult games as expected, which is surprising considering how popular masochism has become recently.

JoystiqCave to put projects on hold, refocus on social gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcavedeathsmilesearningsmicrosoftpcsocialxboxSat, 14 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arkadium and Microsoft Studios sign multi-year publishing deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/arkadium-and-microsoft-studios-sign-multi-year-publishing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/arkadium-and-microsoft-studios-sign-multi-year-publishing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/arkadium-and-microsoft-studios-sign-multi-year-publishing-deal/#comments K-I-S-S-I-N-G Casual and social game developer Arkadium has inked a deal with Microsoft Studios to develop exclusive titles across multiple, unnamed platforms. The agreement is described as a "multi-year, multi-game partnership" between the two companies, though exactly how many years the deal will span is unclear.

Given the pedigree of Arkadium, which has developed numerous casual titles for the web and mobile devices - word games, puzzle games and the like - it seems likely that it will create games for Xbox Live and Windows Phone. Presumably, the company will also continue to provide games for Microsoft's MSN web portal. Of course, given Microsoft's recent inclination to bring apps to iOS, we could be in for more surprises.

Continue reading Arkadium and Microsoft Studios sign multi-year publishing deal

JoystiqArkadium and Microsoft Studios sign multi-year publishing deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkadiumcasualmicrosoftmobilesocialxboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former Myspace CEO Owen Van Natta now former Zynga executive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/former-myspace-ceo-owen-van-natta-now-former-zynga-executive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/former-myspace-ceo-owen-van-natta-now-former-zynga-executive/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/former-myspace-ceo-owen-van-natta-now-former-zynga-executive/#comments Owen Van Natta has resigned from his position as an Executive Vice President of Business Operations at casual/social gaming megalith Zynga, according to a regulatory filing released Thursday. While Natta maintains his position on the company's board of directors, his involvement in the developer's daily operations has ceased.

Natta served as Facebook's Chief Revenue Officer until joining Myspace in 2009, where his tenure as CEO lasted until being scooped up by Zynga in August of 2010. Natta takes 2.1 million shares of Zynga stock with him, leaving behind 4.6 million of his original 6.8 million shares which had not fully vested to maturity. Despite delaying its IPO earlier this year, Zynga is still expected to go public before long, and depending on how that goes Natta's shares could either extend his resignation indefinitely, or amount to a whole lot of his last name.

JoystiqFormer Myspace CEO Owen Van Natta now former Zynga executive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfacebookmacmobilemyspaceOwen-Van-NattapcsocialzyngaSun, 20 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 'Casual' interest in portable gaming systems down 29 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/report-casual-interest-in-portable-gaming-systems-down-29-per/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/report-casual-interest-in-portable-gaming-systems-down-29-per/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/report-casual-interest-in-portable-gaming-systems-down-29-per/#comments Got your grain of salt ready? Good! Survey and statistical analysis firm Cowen and Company has published the results of a survey that suggests "casual" gamer interest in dedicated handheld gaming systems has declined by 29 percent over the last 5 years. 37 percent of people polled play games on a dedicated device, while 52 percent primarily use their phones. The study goes on to say that companies like EA, who have invested heavily in iOS and Android gaming, are better positioned for the future of the market as compared to other companies such as Nintendo.

Now, these are "self-identified" casual gamers, mind you, and knowing what that means in practical terms or how it affects the results of this survey is an impossibility. It's also no big shocker that the Great Smartphone Boom of the early 21st century has had an impact on dedicated devices of all kinds, from gaming systems to navigation units to carrier pigeons.

Seriously, our carrier pigeon side-business is really, really tanking. This may not have been the smartest investment we could have made.

JoystiqReport: 'Casual' interest in portable gaming systems down 29 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidcasualdsiosiphonemobilenintendoplaystationplaystation-vitaportablepspsonystatisticssurveyvitaSun, 20 Nov 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[We want to play Peter Molydeux's 'CasCore' prototype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/we-want-to-play-peter-molydeuxs-cascore-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/we-want-to-play-peter-molydeuxs-cascore-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/we-want-to-play-peter-molydeuxs-cascore-prototype/#comments
One of our favorite Twitter accounts, @petermolydeux, is a constant source of entertainment, but now he's taken it to the next level. Rather than leave it up to us to imagine his insane gaming ideas, he's gone ahead and created a video proposal for CasCore, a game that marries the casual gameplay of Wii Sports' bowling with the hardcore survival-horror genre.

Give your imagination a break already and check out the prototype video above. How else will you see a child's dreams crammed into a bowling ball?

JoystiqWe want to play Peter Molydeux's 'CasCore' prototype originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowlingcascorecasualcasual-hardcorehardcorepeter-molydeuxsurvival-horrorwii-sportsMon, 14 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga reveals intent to go public]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zynga-reveals-intent-to-go-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zynga-reveals-intent-to-go-public/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/zynga-reveals-intent-to-go-public/#comments Zynga today announced the launch of its new, sure-to-be-massive 'Ville social game, in which players from disparate backgrounds will be able to log on, buy a portion of a company through microtransactions and watch their profits grow!

This new venture differs from other Zynga hits like FarmVille and FrontierVille in just a few key ways.

1. It doesn't actually have "Ville" in the title.
2. Players play with actual, totally real money.
3. Players' company won't necessarily grow. In fact, it may shrink through no fault of their own.
4. The company is Zynga, which made almost $600 million in revenue in 2010.
5. It's not a game, but a stock offering.

OK, so maybe Zynga's filing of an S-1 form, detailing its intent to become a publicly traded company at some point in the future, isn't a new game announcement. But if you guys know of a better way to trick you into reading a story involving both the stock market and casual games, we'd love to hear it.

Continue reading Zynga reveals intent to go public

JoystiqZynga reveals intent to go public originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfinanceipomobilepcs-1stock-marketzyngaFri, 01 Jul 2011 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Plants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/plants-vs-zombies-down-to-3-40-on-steam-until-thursday-afternoo/#comments Though they may not know it yet, folks who've yet to get down with PopCap's horticultural undead defense sim are having a great day. It's never been cheaper to pick up Plants vs. Zombies -- until Thursday at 1PM ET, the game's marked down to $3.40 on Steam.

Continue reading Plants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon

JoystiqPlants vs Zombies down to $3.40 on Steam until Thursday afternoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualpcPlants-vs-Zombiespopcap-gamessteamWed, 04 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/free-realms-coming-to-the-playstation-3-on-march-29/#comments Sony Online Entertainment has announced a release date for casual free-to-play MMO Free Realms' arrival on the PlayStation 3, and it's just a few weeks from now, on March 29. The game was originally brought out on PC a few years ago, and is breaking new ground: "We'll be the first free-to-play casual MMO ever offered on the PlayStation Network," lead designer Stephen Bokkes told Joystiq.

SOE already has a major console MMO on the PS3 in the form of DC Universe Online, but Bokkes says that development of Free Realms ran separately from the superhero game. "I can't say that we took any cues specifically from DCUO" in terms of controls or design, he said. Bokkes' team developed console-style controls for each minigame in the title, from pet-raising to kart racing, and even rebalanced them for console-specific gameplay. A lot of technical work was done as well: "We actually had to port the renderer over," says producer Ryan Wells.

The PS3 version won't allow players to team up with their friends on PC, however. "It was certainly considered," says Bokkes, but in the end was too difficult to pull off correctly. "The difficulty comes in with linking the accounts." Another difficulty was setting a schedule for updates -- the team says it would like to do simultaneous updates across platforms, but "it becomes really hard when you're going through multiple approval paths," according to Wells. Free Realms has been relatively popular on the PC, and it'll be interesting to see how a console audience reacts at the end of the month.

Gallery: Free Realms PS3

JoystiqFree Realms coming to the PlayStation 3 on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfree-realmsminigamesmmoplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentFri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fruit Ninja Frenzy to plant seeds on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-frenzy-to-plant-seeds-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-frenzy-to-plant-seeds-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-frenzy-to-plant-seeds-on-facebook/#comments Halfbrick's Fruit Ninja has grown into a wildly lucrative property since first sprouting up on the App Store in April 2010. It's since branched out onto Android and Windows Phone 7, and its first true offspring won't fall far from the (money) tree.

Fruit Ninja Frenzy will be a free-to-play Facebook game and is currently in development with no confirmed launch date. Halfbrick says Frenzy will offer "60 second gameplay with many powerups, unlockables and achievements," and will lean on a collectible in-game "juice" currency, which players can purchase with real money.

Halfbrick promises that beta tests "will be announced soon."

JoystiqFruit Ninja Frenzy to plant seeds on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfacebookfree-to-playfreemiumfruit-ninja-frenzyhalfbrick-studiosmacpcThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CityVille's monthly user population now 100 million strong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/cityville-monthly-user-population-now-100-million-strong/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/cityville-monthly-user-population-now-100-million-strong/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/cityville-monthly-user-population-now-100-million-strong/#comments We had an inkling this CityVille thing our mom keeps sending us requests in would be a big deal, but we underestimated just how big. After launching and quickly overtaking FarmVille's active monthly user count, Zynga's latest casual hit has now approached "sensation" levels of interest: it's enjoying over 100 million active users right now.

Casual Gaming reports there are now a total of 100,064,578 monthly active users. FarmVille's active monthly user count hovers around 57 million. Now, in case you don't quite get how big a deal this is, know that CityVille only launched on December 2, 2010 -- FarmVille's been on Facebook since June of 2009. So, in under seven weeks, Zynga's managed to usurp the most popular game on Facebook and almost double its user count.

Actually, now that we think about it, can you usurp yourself? Eh, we're sure Zynga's far too busy counting cash money to ponder such matters.

JoystiqCityVille's monthly user population now 100 million strong originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcityvillefacebookpczyngaFri, 14 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zuma Blitz now launching multicolored marbles at Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/zuma-blitz-now-launching-multicolored-marbles-at-facebook/#comments PopCap shouldn't be allowed to do this, right? There should be some kind of legislation protecting our poor, non-gaming relations from the casual game developer's insidiously addictive creations -- sadly, no such law exists. In its absence, PopCap was recently able to put Zuma Blitz on Facebook. With its weekly tournament ladders, player progression system, unlockable power-ups and all manner of social networking features, it will almost certainly bring the lives of many a Facebook gamer to a grinding, sudden halt.

No kidding, guys -- we stopped in the middle of writing this post to see how well the marble-matching title translated over to Facebook, and an hour of our life was siphoned into the ether in what seemed like seconds. We ask that if you're going to Zuma, you take precautions to Zuma responsibly.

JoystiqZuma Blitz now launching multicolored marbles at Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfacebookpcpopcapzumazuma-blitzWed, 15 Dec 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riccitiello: EA backing away from big acquisitions, not buying Harmonix]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/riccitiello-ea-backing-away-from-big-acquisitions-not-buying-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/riccitiello-ea-backing-away-from-big-acquisitions-not-buying-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/30/riccitiello-ea-backing-away-from-big-acquisitions-not-buying-h/#comments In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello revealed a core attribute that the megapublisher is prioritizing in the coming years: Thriftiness. He explained the company has no interest in pursuing more multi-million dollar acquisitions for now -- rather, he said the company will focus on better integrating some of the major casual game developers it acquired over the past year, including Playfish, the Facebook game developer EA bought out for $300 million (with $100 million in potential bonuses) last November.

When pressed on whether the publisher was considering purchasing the recently let-go Rock Band developer Harmonix, Riccitiello responded that such an acquisition would "look like I'm doubling down on yesterday." He added, "I'm sure some smart investor will buy the business feeling that they can catch a falling knife, but more people have been cut trying to catch falling knives than have benefitted from getting the timing exactly right." That seems awfully harsh, but we suppose it's not quite as harsh as if EA were to buy the developer then dissolve it a few years later.

JoystiqRiccitiello: EA backing away from big acquisitions, not buying Harmonix originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitioncasualeaharmonixJohn-riccitielloplayfishrock-bandTue, 30 Nov 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA['Dying for Daylight' features story by True Blood author]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dying-for-daylight-features-story-by-true-blood-author/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dying-for-daylight-features-story-by-true-blood-author/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/dying-for-daylight-features-story-by-true-blood-author/#commentsAuthor Charlaine Harris writes the "Southern Vampire Mysteries" novels that provide the source material for HBO's True Blood. Oberon Media's casual game label I-play announced today that Harris is writing the story for its upcoming vampire-centric PC release, Dying for Daylight. The first episode will be out in January.

The game will star Dahlia, a vampire who has appeared in some of Harris's novels. Neither the plot nor the gameplay mechanics were revealed, so we're just going to guess it's a hidden object game, except instead of "objects," you're searching for places to get it on with a vampire or other supernatural monster.

Continue reading 'Dying for Daylight' features story by True Blood author

Joystiq'Dying for Daylight' features story by True Blood author originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcharlaine-harrisdying-for-daylighti-playoberon-mediapcvampiresTue, 09 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Silly Bandz for DS seems like a stretch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/silly-bandz-for-ds-seems-like-a-stretch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/silly-bandz-for-ds-seems-like-a-stretch/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/26/silly-bandz-for-ds-seems-like-a-stretch/#commentsZoo Games has announced a DS game based on ... some rubber bands. This December, Zoo will release Silly Bandz, the official game of those rubber bands in the shape of animals and Justin Bieber.

Silly Bandz tasks players with freeing Bandz from capture by launching other Silly Bandz at the structures in which they are trapped. Screenshots found on Amazon show an Angry Birds-esque experience: a side-scrolling game where players knock over colored block-structures and ... is that a giant magnet?

Of course, the actual game content doesn't matter at all, because it ships with a set of twelve video game-themed Silly Bandz -- and the office supplies are the real selling point here. In July, Zoo announced that this game would be released on iPhone as well (without free Bandz, of course), but that version has yet to be dated.

JoystiqSilly Bandz for DS seems like a stretch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualdsnintendosilly-bandzwhatzoo-gamesTue, 26 Oct 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ locks down multi-year rights to Deepak Chopra games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/thq-locks-down-multi-year-rights-to-deepak-chopra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/thq-locks-down-multi-year-rights-to-deepak-chopra-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/thq-locks-down-multi-year-rights-to-deepak-chopra-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not quite an EA-NFL-level blockbuster deal, but THQ has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement for exclusive video game rights to Deepak Chopra's teachings. The deal with rights holder Curious Pictures extends to pretty much every platform imaginable, including XBLA, PSN and WiiWare.

Clearly not meant for THQ's "core" catalog (though yogic ab-building minigames aren't necessarily off the table), the Deepak Chopra games will fit into the publisher's "Casual and Lifestyle Portfolio." Said THQ exec Martin Good, "THQ continues to expand its casual games portfolio and has grand plans to invigorate the lifestyle category with this game."

Dr. Chopra is the author of more than 55 books on "mind-body health, spirituality and peace." You probably won't be able to shoot things in his games, or even stomp on them.

JoystiqTHQ locks down multi-year rights to Deepak Chopra games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcurious-picturesdeepak-chopradsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendoonlinepcplaystationps3psnthe-game-of-secretsthqwiiwiiwarexblaxboxxbox-liveTue, 12 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/popcap-offering-free-bejeweled-2-today-for-birthday-celebration/#comments If it wasn't fairly evident before than PopCap has a very personal vendetta against your work ethic, it should be now -- in celebration of the 10th birthday of the developer's flagship, gem-swapping casual series, its offering a free download of Bejeweled 2 for PC and Mac.

Continue reading PopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration

JoystiqPopCap offering free Bejeweled 2 today for birthday celebration originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bejeweled-2casualfreemacpcpopcappuzzleSun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/thqs-kids-family-and-casual-branch-revealing-new-project-nex/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're the least bit worried about the massive workload THQ seems to have taken on -- seriously, just look at that chart -- you may want to avert your eyes from this particular story. During the publisher's investors call earlier today, CEO Brian Farrell explained that the company "will be unveiling an innovative new product a week from tomorrow in New York," later adding "we look forward to its launch this holiday season."

A representative from THQ explained that this new project is being developed by the "Kids, Family and Casual" (or K.F.C.) management branch of the studio, likely ruling out the chance that this unannounced project is that Saints Row MMO you've always dreamed of. We've contacted THQ to see if we can get any additional details about the project. Like, for instance, will it be crispy, or original? Can we assume it will be finger lickin' good? Will it come with its own secret blend of herbs and spices?

JoystiqTHQ's 'Kids, Family and Casual' branch revealing new project next Tuesday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementbrian-farrellcasualfamilykidsthqMon, 09 Aug 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Google buys casual dev Slide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/report-google-buys-casual-dev-slide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/report-google-buys-casual-dev-slide/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/report-google-buys-casual-dev-slide/#commentsFiled under: , ,

TechCrunch brings news today of the latest kick from the gestating fetus that is "Google Games." The site reports that search giant Google spent $187 million to purchase Slide, developer of the SuperPoke series and other casual games the names of which are actually too sad to type. This comes after a rumored $100 million investment in 'Ville vets Zynga.

This is the point where we'd typically talk about how we're eagerly anticipating the launch of or at least more details on Google Games. But it's becoming abundantly clear from these leaks that we're going to not care about it so hard that it may register on the Richter scale.

JoystiqReport: Google buys casual dev Slide originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualgooglegoogle-gamesmacpcslideFri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's Nintendo Channel update is slathered in Just Dance 2, giving those with an active palette a tasty serving of Ubisoft's follow-up. Not only is there a fun vignette on dancer auditions, but there's also a more filling video showcasing on-going development, behind-the-scenes at Ubisoft. For the rest of this week's content, hit the jump.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualjust-dancejust-dance-2nintendonintendo-channelubisoftwiiTue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga shutting down Street Racing game, offering credit for in-game purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/zynga-shutting-down-street-racing-game-offering-credit-for-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/zynga-shutting-down-street-racing-game-offering-credit-for-in-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/zynga-shutting-down-street-racing-game-offering-credit-for-in-g/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Casual giant Zynga is shutting down its Street Racing game on August 2, immediately rendering void all the in-game items players bought with real money. Zynga offered no explanation in the announcement, simply suggesting that players try other Zynga games. Naturally, people whose fake worlds have crashed around them are upset, starting a petition in Zynga's forum to stop the game from disappearing.

Zynga told Develop that it wouldn't be offering refunds on the money spent in-game, opting instead to give credits equivalent to the cost of any purchase made in the last 90 days, plus an extra 100 units of virtual currency, all usable in other Zynga games. Which is really going to satisfy the people planning to stop playing Zynga games when Street Racing goes away.

JoystiqZynga shutting down Street Racing game, offering credit for in-game purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Casualcasual-gamesFacebookpcSocial-gamesstreet-racingVirtual-GoodsZyngaSat, 31 Jul 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamestop acquiring Flash game portal Kongregate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/gamestop-acquiring-flash-game-portal-kongregate/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/gamestop-acquiring-flash-game-portal-kongregate/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/gamestop-acquiring-flash-game-portal-kongregate/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GameStop just took a huge step into the casual online gaming market, by agreeing to purchase the Flash game portal Kongregate. According to the announcement, the site will remain under the management of founders Jim and Emily Greer following the purchase, which should finalize on August 1.

CEO J. Paul Raines explained the move, saying, "Dolphin Olympics 2 is really, really wonderful." Okay, we made that up (though Dolphin Olympics 2 is really, really wonderful). Raines actually said, "Kongregate advances GameStop's digital strategy by providing a gaming platform for casual, mobile and browser games that can be promoted and played by our existing gamers. We welcome the Kongregate team to the GameStop family."

GameStop has previously experimented with free-to-play online gaming with initiatives including the Legends of Zork browser game and a small "Free2Play" portal on its retail site.

JoystiqGamestop acquiring Flash game portal Kongregate originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualflash-gamesgamestopj-paul-raineskongregateonline-gamespcTue, 27 Jul 2010 10:12:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/popcap-rolling-out-zuma-blitz-on-facebook/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot on the heels of PopCap stating that social features would be added to all its existing games, the company has announced Zuma Blitz for Facebook. Zuma Blitz is "expected to roll out gradually" in three weeks with a beta. The company will update the app with weekly tournaments, new levels, an 'experience points' system to unlock features and "a 'treasure chest' virtual currency-based system for obtaining in-game power-ups."

Zuma Blitz is PopCap's second "full-fledged" Facebook game. The casual e-crack developer previously released Bejeweled Blitz, which, according to PopCap, has had nearly 30 million players and 100 million sessions daily since being introduced 18 months ago.

JoystiqPopCap rolling out Zuma Blitz on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CasualFacebookPopCapPopCap-GamesPuzzleZumazuma-blitzThu, 15 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ModNation Racers career mode getting 'Casual' difficulty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/modnation-racers-career-mode-getting-casual-difficulty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/modnation-racers-career-mode-getting-casual-difficulty/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/modnation-racers-career-mode-getting-casual-difficulty/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you been the recipient of more than a fair share of victory-denying rocket bombardments while playing through the career mode in ModNation Racers? The odds are about to tilt back in your favor -- in a recent post on PlayStation.Blog, SCEA San Diego community manager Ramone Russell announced that United Front Games is currently putting the finishing touches on a Casual difficulty mode for the game's single-player campaign.

The post doesn't specify as to when we can expect the new difficulty. It also doesn't specify whether switching to Casual mode automatically generates and broadcasts a message to your PSN friends, informing them of what a tremendous sissy you are.

JoystiqModNation Racers career mode getting 'Casual' difficulty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualModNation-Racerspatchplaystationps3racingunited-front-gamesupdateTue, 13 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Google invests $100+ million in Zynga, preparing to launch gaming platform]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/rumor-google-invests-100-million-in-zynga-preparing-to-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/rumor-google-invests-100-million-in-zynga-preparing-to-launc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/rumor-google-invests-100-million-in-zynga-preparing-to-launc/#comments Google has "secretly" invested an undisclosed amount of money (estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million) in virtual Ville creator Zynga Games, TechCrunch claims. Why would one highly profitable company dump such a large amount of duckets into another successful company's coffers? TechCrunch believes that it's part of a strategy to partner with Zynga Games in the forthcoming launch of something called "Google Games."

The service is said to use Google logins and will presumably run the Zynga titles popularized by Facebook, albeit with a different payment system (allegedly Google Checkout rather than PayPal). Though these claims are still unsubstantiated -- neither Google nor Zynga have officially confirmed the report -- a recent Google job listing for a "Project Management Leader, games" seems to lend the idea some credence.

JoystiqRumor: Google invests $100+ million in Zynga, preparing to launch gaming platform originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfarmvillefrontiervillegooglegoogle-gamesmacmobilepcrumorzyngaMon, 12 Jul 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FarmVille to rake in iPhone audience's cash this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/farmville-to-rake-in-iphone-audiences-cash-this-june/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During today's all-things-Apple WWDC 2010 conference, Zynga founder Mark Pincus took the stage to announce a startling (albeit not entirely unexpected) technological development for the virtual agriculture industry: FarmVille is heading to iPhone at the end of June. The app will allow you to sync up with your Facebook account and tend to your pre-existing farm on the go.

Pincus teased "withering crop Push notifications," though we're not sure if that was a joke or not. We pray to any and all powers that be that it was.

JoystiqFarmVille to rake in iPhone audience's cash this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecasualfarmvilleiPodwwdc-2010zyngaMon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds casual gaming can help cognition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/study-finds-casual-gaming-can-help-cognition/#comments East Carolina University's Psychophysiology Lab recently published some promising findings from a study on the effect casual games can have on the cognitive abilities of older players. According to Gamasutra, the study, which has run for almost six months and counting, has measured certain mental functions of 40-some participants over the age of 50 as they've played various PopCap games in half-hour chunks over the duration of the study. Researchers have found that even this semi-regular play (like, really, who plays a PopCap game for just thirty minutes) has boosted participants' cognitive response times by 87 percent, in addition to increasing their executive functioning by a whopping 215 percent.

So, what does that mean? The group conducting the study explained these findings could prove casual games (and, in all likelihood, "so-called 'hardcore' video games") could constitute effective mental exercise for the elderly, or those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's. That's really great news, since our grandmother has probably played enough Zuma that she can now move things around with her mind.

JoystiqStudy finds casual gaming can help cognition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alzheimerscasualcognitivedementiaelderlypopcapsciencestudyThu, 27 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yahoo and Zynga announce yet another partnership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/yahoo-and-zynga-announce-yet-another-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/yahoo-and-zynga-announce-yet-another-partnership/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/yahoo-and-zynga-announce-yet-another-partnership/#comments A joint press release from Yahoo and Farmville creator Zynga has announced that the two have entered into a ... wait just a darn minute. Didn't we already write this post? We swear, we wrote this very post just last week. Oh, that was when Zynga partnered with Facebook? Now it's hopping in bed with Yahoo? Man, this casual developer certainly gets around, doesn't it?

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbusinesscasualonlinepartnershipyahoozyngaThu, 27 May 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Playdom adds Acclaim Games to its portfolio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/playdom-adds-acclaim-games-to-its-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/playdom-adds-acclaim-games-to-its-portfolio/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/playdom-adds-acclaim-games-to-its-portfolio/#comments
 Back in the way back when of 2006, a group of private investors got together and decided to purchase the Acclaim name. Resurrecting the company -- the name's built-in brand awareness was a major factor for the purchase -- the new Acclaim Games aimed to grab its own slice of the casual gaming pie. Since then, it's managed to accrue 15 million subscribers through its website, offering a plethora of free-to-play casual MMOs.

And now casual gaming giant Playdom has gone ahead and acquired Acclaim. The press release (PDF link) highlights Acclaim as the perfect fit for Playdom's hefty catalog of social titles. "Joining forces with Playdom is a natural fit," said Howard Marks, Acclaim CEO and the man who will oversee Acclaim operations for Playdom and have an active role in the parent company's business development division. "Both companies share the vision of connecting people globally through quality social games. Our deep expertise in building multiplayer online games and Playdom's vast player community will help us bring out the next generation of social games."

Exact figures for how much Playdom spent on Acclaim are currently not available.

[Via Big Download]

Source - Playdom announces acquisition of Acclaim Games Inc. (PDF)

JoystiqPlaydom adds Acclaim Games to its portfolio originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimacquisitionbusinesscasualcasual-gamesfacebookplaydomsocialThu, 20 May 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook and Zynga make nice, announce long-term relationship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/facebook-and-zynga-make-nice-announce-long-term-relationship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/facebook-and-zynga-make-nice-announce-long-term-relationship/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/facebook-and-zynga-make-nice-announce-long-term-relationship/#comments A joint press release from Facebook and Farmville creator Zynga has announced that the two have entered into a "five-year strategic relationship," which "increases their shared commitment to social gaming on Facebook and expands use of Facebook Credits in Zynga's games." The new union likely comes as a response to reports that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus was considering leaving Facebook behind to start a new social gaming hub.

The terms of the relationship aren't being discussed, but we imagine a new agreement was reached regarding how much Facebook takes from purchases using the aforementioned Credits. We're likely to hear more about the specifics of this agreement in the coming weeks.

JoystiqFacebook and Zynga make nice, announce long-term relationship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementcasualfacebookfarmvillepartnershiprelationshipssocial-networkingzyngaTue, 18 May 2010 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sick of Just Dance? Try KIDZ BOP Dance Party! The Video Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/sick-of-just-dance-try-kidz-bop-dance-party-the-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/sick-of-just-dance-try-kidz-bop-dance-party-the-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/sick-of-just-dance-try-kidz-bop-dance-party-the-video-game/#commentsWe get it. Sometimes you just need to put something on the TV to get a break from the kids. Now that they've danced to all the MC Hammer a human being could ever dance to in Just Dance, you've got to resort to stronger, more potent forms of distraction. That's why we're here to tell you about KIDZ BOP Dance Party! The Video Game.

A joint operation between D3Publisher and those weird cover albums you see advertised on Nickelodeon, the new Wii game will launch on September 21 and will feature "24 contemporary hits" -- including pint-sized renditions of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi," Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and Pink's "Get the Party Started." Really? Kids know who Pink is?

The game will also have five different modes of play: Free Play; Challenge; Dance Off; Shop; and Dress-Up. Challenge mode will allow two players to dance cooperatively, while Dance Off will feature a head-to-head mode. The remainder of the game will be single player only but don't fret: if there's one thing kids are great at doing, it's sharing their toys.

JoystiqSick of Just Dance? Try KIDZ BOP Dance Party! The Video Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casuald3d3publisherdancekidz-bopkidz-bop-dance-partymusicNintendorhythmWiiThu, 13 May 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap offering 75 percent off Zuma for yo' mama]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/09/popcap-offering-75-percent-off-zuma-for-yo-mama/#comments Out of observance for this most matronly of holidays, PopCap has reduced the price of its Aztec themed casual puzzler Zuma by 75 percent. Until May 12, you (or your female progenitor) can pick up the PC or Mac version of Zuma for just $4.95 on PopCap's official site. If you ask us, it makes for a much better Mother's Day present than assorted chocolates. Or store-bought flowers. Or bath salts. Or the three-disc Blu-ray Extreme Unrated Edition of Fried Green Tomatoes.

JoystiqPopCap offering 75 percent off Zuma for yo' mama originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualmothermothers-daypopcappuzzlesalezumaSun, 09 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Zynga planning to ditch Facebook, start 'Zynga Live' service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/report-zynga-planning-to-ditch-facebook-start-zynga-live-ser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/report-zynga-planning-to-ditch-facebook-start-zynga-live-ser/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/report-zynga-planning-to-ditch-facebook-start-zynga-live-ser/#comments Facebook and Farmville developer Zynga may go separate ways, causing the casual game developer to find another coop for its geese to lay golden eggs. TechCrunch reports that Zynga CEO Mark Pincus held an all hands meeting the other day informing staff that the company was going to launch "Zynga Live." The basic issue here is that Zynga isn't cool with the 30 percent cut that Facebook takes from customers using Facebook credits to purchase Zynga's in-game products.

The breakup could happen "tomorrow, it could be in six months" according to a TechCrunch source. The real test if the companies seek other pastures is whether Zynga's games, like Farmville and Mafia Wars, keep bringing in that casual crowd without the massive installed base of Facebook. Hardcore gamers can have a hard time following the differences between a platform, publisher and developer -- you think their moms won't?

[Via Games.com]

JoystiqReport: Zynga planning to ditch Facebook, start 'Zynga Live' service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualfacebookfarmvilletechcrunchzyngaFri, 07 May 2010 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[See the sites in EA's Monopoly Streets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/see-the-sites-in-ea-monopoly-streets/#commentsWhen you're locked in one of those days-long Monopoly games that just won't end (in other words, pretty much every Monopoly game ever), wouldn't it be more thrilling to spend that time in a 3D Monopoly board-world? We'll find out with the release of EA's Monopoly Streets for Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 this fall.

Monopoly Streets reimagines the classic board game as a dynamic gameworld encountered from street level. As players buy and build up properties, they'll see actual buildings erected, styled in accordance with the neighborhoods' economic status. That's right -- you'll be able to see the Water Works for yourself! Each player will also have a headquarters that grows and crumbles with the player's fortunes. And if none of this sounds at all like the Monoppoly you know and love, "classic game board" modes will also be playable. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions will also feature online play and DLC.

In addition to Streets, EA will release a more traditional Monopoly game for DS this fall. As if that's not enough unilateral control of the virtual board game market, the company has also revealed the browser-based Monopoly City, currently in development for release on EA's Pogo portal.

JoystiqSee the sites in EA's Monopoly Streets originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board-gamecasualDSeaElectronic-ArtshasbroMicrosoftmonopolymonopoly-citymonopoly-streetsNintendopogourban-planningWiiXbox-360Thu, 06 May 2010 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Man 'beats' Bejeweled 2 after playing for 3 years]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/man-beats-bejeweled-2-after-playing-for-3-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/man-beats-bejeweled-2-after-playing-for-3-years/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/man-beats-bejeweled-2-after-playing-for-3-years/#comments We admire all forms of dedication -- even the absolutely insane forms. A California steel contractor named Mike Leyde recently displayed one such type of persistence by playing a single round of his casual game of choice, Bejeweled 2, for 2,205 hours and 51 minutes over the course of three years. In that time, he collected 4,872,229 gems, earning the game's highest calculable score, 2,147,483,647, at which point the score display got really perplexed and went blank. (Check out a video of Mike's achievement after the jump.)

According to PopCap, Leyde is the first person to ever "beat" Bejeweled 2. That's one way of looking at it, we suppose. Another way of looking at it is to say that everyone else who's ever played Bejeweled 2 is a quitter. Yeah, that's right. Why don't you follow through with something for once in your life? Sheesh.

Continue reading Man 'beats' Bejeweled 2 after playing for 3 years

JoystiqMan 'beats' Bejeweled 2 after playing for 3 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebejeweledbejeweled-2Bejeweled-Twistcasualhigh-scoreiPodkill-screenmatch-3Microsoftmike-leydepopcapPopCap-GamesXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel planning Flash game adaptations for download platforms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/marvel-planning-flash-game-adaptations-for-download-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/marvel-planning-flash-game-adaptations-for-download-platforms/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/marvel-planning-flash-game-adaptations-for-download-platforms/#comments Marvel executive vice president Ira Rubenstein says that the comics company has been experimenting in-depth with Flash games (not to be confused with games about DC's The Flash), and that it's looking to bring some of its most popular online minigames to console download services. The comic book company's strategy in terms of gaming was "like a TV pilot system," he told an audience at today's LA Games Conference.

The plan was to come up with lots of Flash games and deploy them on Marvel's websites very quickly. Now, some hits are emerging (he gave the example of the Super Hero Squad Stark Tower Defense game), and the next step for the company is to focus on improving and supporting those hits on platforms like XBLA, iPhone, and iPad.

Rubenstein says "the combination of classic gameplay with a brand twist" like that found in Stark Tower Defense is what's selling with audiences. And he says that big sales like those of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 prove that there's a space for Marvel games on the downloadable game platforms, so it makes sense to invest in Flash "hits" by taking them there. Which is fine by us -- let us know when we can pay our $10 for our Deadpool Match-3 on PSN.

JoystiqMarvel planning Flash game adaptations for download platforms originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applecasualcomicsflashflash-gamesgamesipadiphoneiPodira-rubensteinla-games-conferencela-games-conference-2010marvelmarvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftpsnstark-tower-defensexblaXbox-360Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[InstantAction streaming service launches: play Monkey Island in this post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/instantaction-streaming-launches-play-monkey-island-in-this-pos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/instantaction-streaming-launches-play-monkey-island-in-this-pos/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/instantaction-streaming-launches-play-monkey-island-in-this-pos/#comments InstantAction's new streaming service has debuted, allowing select games to be played not only in a browser window, but in an embeddable applet if desired (for those of you running Windows, anyway). The selection of games is currently limited to just one, The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition. The service allows the game to be played for 20 minutes for free, with the option to buy it for $9.99.

Does it work? See above. You know. The Monkey Island game running directly above this text. Did you realize when you opened Joystiq this evening that you'd be clicking your way into the future?

[Update: We mistakenly called the service "Gaikai-powered," which is inaccurate. Gaikai will provide some limited functionality in certain use cases; however, the embedded game above uses InstantAction's "chunking" technology to feed the actual executable to your computer. How and when will Gaikai be used? Look for our interview with InstantAction CEO Louis Castle later today.]

[Thanks, Matthew!]

JoystiqInstantAction streaming service launches: play Monkey Island in this post originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventurecasualinstantactionlucasartsMonkey-Islandstreamingthe-secret-of-monkey-islandthe-secret-of-monkey-island-special-editionThu, 29 Apr 2010 22:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Playdom CEO: 'Core gamers are playing this stuff']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/playdom-ceo-core-gamers-are-playing-this-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/playdom-ceo-core-gamers-are-playing-this-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/29/playdom-ceo-core-gamers-are-playing-this-stuff/#comments
Social gaming is bigger than ever. Playdom CEO John Pleasants gave an interview on stage at the LA Games Conference today, and said that while the western market for Facebook and social games currently pulls in over $750 million, it's going to balloon to as much as $4 to 5 billion in the next five years or so. His own company is developing at an extremely rapid pace -- it's purchased and acquired enough companies and studios to have ten different teams developing, and they plan to release ten games, "all original ideas," in just the next five months.

So why aren't you "core" gamers playing these games yet? Pleasants says you are. He told Joystiq after the presentation that "If you look at something like Mobsters 2, and you go look at the boards where people are talking about it, they're like, 'Look, I love this game, but I have to go back and play Halo.' Core gamers are playing this stuff." He said that the numbers alone prove that traditional gamers are already on board with social games. "This business is bigger than that business, in terms of reach," he told us. "By definition, those circles overlap."

Pleasants also believes that the core game companies like Sony, EA, and Microsoft already know that -- in the next year or so, he said, almost 20% of the social gaming market will be owned by bigger brands. "This space has gotten enough notice now that people believe it's real."

JoystiqPlaydom CEO: 'Core gamers are playing this stuff' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandscasualeaElectronic-Artsfacebookhalojohn-pleasantsla-games-conferencela-games-conference-2010marketmicrosoftmobsters-2mobsters-2-vendettaplaydomsocial-gamingsonywesternThu, 29 Apr 2010 16:45:00 EST