Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/unleash-the-power-of-liking-in-infinity-blade-2s-vault-of-te/#comments ImageIt's not a new box set from The Cure, nor from Joy Division, nor from Him. It's not a Tears for Fears reference, nor is it access to Prince's 1980s clothing selections! Nope, Infinity Blade 2's "Vault of Tears" is actually a massive (free) content update headed to Epic's latest iOS entry this Thursday.

Several new enemies are being added, as well as "more than 50 new items" and rewards. Most bizarrely, the ability to "earn extra turns and invite their friends, family, and other non-Infinity Blade players to do in-game damage with the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." You read that right, folks: "the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls." In the biz, we call that a "paradigm shift." Also, awful.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2 (Vault of Tears)

Continue reading Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)

JoystiqUnleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesfacebookinfinity-blade-2twitterupdatevault-of-tearsMon, 21 May 2012 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 update drops next week, introduces ClashMobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/08/infinity-blade-2-update-drops-next-week-introduces-clashmobs/#comments ImageHaving received an iPad 3 update recently, Infinity Blade 2 has a new, more substantial upgrade coming on Thursday. It will tweak the gem interface and let you meld together three gems, creating a single, more powerful jewel. There's also a new game mode, called ClashMob.

ClashMob is a global social game mode where hundreds or thousands of players can come together to take on enemies with massive health pools for the chance to unlock in-game goodies. By recruiting friends into your "Mob," you'll increase your odds at getting some sweet gear, cash, or whatever that particular challenge awards you. You'll be able to enlist folks in your Mob by importing your friends from Facebook and Game Center.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 update drops next week, introduces ClashMobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.1-updatechairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileupdateSun, 08 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/infinity-blade-2-updated-for-ipad-3-new-content-teased-for-next/#comments Playing Infinity Blade 2 on that boring old iPad 2 like some kind of commoner? Get with the times, friend -- it's all about that new iPad now. Epic and Chair have updated the app to take advantage of the "increased memory and processing power, yielding even higher performance and more sophisticated rendering features." In other words, Infinity Blade 2 looks purtier.

Next month brings another Infinity Blade 2 update, adding new enemies, weapons and items, plus a new feature called ClashMob, in which players "work together to complete objectives and earn rewards." Chair promises to reveal more information in the coming month.

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 updated for iPad 3, new content teased for next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-2iosipadipad-3iphonemobilenew-ipadupdateFri, 16 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/infinity-blade-dungeons-namcos-sky-gamblers-shown-off-on-new/#comments
Epic Games president Mike Capps took the stage at Apple's iPad event today to reveal Infinity Blade: Dungeons. Capps noted that the game has players trying to craft the "ultimate weapon." Our friends at Engadget confirm that the game is "definitely a step up" graphically from its predecessors. Dungeons will feature new crafting system and, obviously, will look the best when played on the latest iPad (though presumably it will be compatible with other iOS devices as well). Infinity Blade: Dungeons is "coming soon."

Namco also showed off a new Sky Gamblers game, which bore a very strong resemblance to the company's Ace Combat series. Namco's Jim Sheldon noted that "the extra graphics performance lets​ us ​increase ​​the ​level​ of detail of everything in the game." Sky Gamblers will arrive exclusively on iOS later this month. See a shot of the game in action after the break.

Update: Epic has dropped a few more details on Infinity Blade: Dungeons. The game will see players "assume the role of an apprentice weaponsmith who serves the Master of the Forge," ultimately seeking to forge the Infinity Blade itself. It also features "a dynamic camera system that takes you in and out of battle, weapon crafting and exploration." You can view a trailer for Infinity Blade: Dungeons above.

Update 2: An Epic Games spokesperson tells Joystiq that Chair Entertainment is not behind the development of Infinity Blade: Dungeons, saying, "Infinity Blade: Dungeons is being developed by a team at the Epic Games headquarters in North Carolina, with some creative direction from Chair."

Continue reading Infinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details]

JoystiqInfinity Blade: Dungeons, Namco's Sky Gamblers shown off on new iPad [Update: Infinity Blade trailer and details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleChair-Entertainmentepicinfinity-blade-dungeonsiosipadiphonemobileWed, 07 Mar 2012 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/infinity-blade-franchise-surpasses-30-million-in-revenue/#comments Epic Games announced today that its Infinity Blade franchise has earned over $30 million since the original game launched in December 2010. Infinity Blade 2, available for $7 on the iOS App Store, has generated over $5 million for the developer since its December 1, 2011, launch.

"The success of the Infinity Blade franchise is testament to our talented team who is devoted to making games we want to play, all while using Unreal Engine technology to redefine what is expected from games on iOS devices," Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps said in the company's announcement. "We have so much more in store for players, and will continue to make great content for Apple's evolving platforms."

The original Infinity Blade took three months to reach the $5 million mark in sales, reaching the $10 million milestone this past June, having grossed over $23 million to date. Assisting Epic's franchise math beyond the core iOS titles are digital novella Infinity Blade: Awakening, Infinity Blade: Original Soundtrack and Infinity Blade FX.

Update: Financial details tweaked after further clarification.

Continue reading Infinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue

JoystiqInfinity Blade franchise surpasses $30 million in revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentEpicEpic-GamesInfinity-Bladeinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileThu, 05 Jan 2012 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Cliff B talks Fortnite: 'There's no dudebros in it']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/cliff-b-talks-fortnite-theres-no-dudebros-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/cliff-b-talks-fortnite-theres-no-dudebros-in-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/cliff-b-talks-fortnite-theres-no-dudebros-in-it/#comments We cornered Epic lead Cliff Bleszinski on the VGAs red carpet yesterday to talk about the newly announced Fortnite, and he says that it'll be very different fare from the popular Gears of War series. "There's no dudebros in it," he told us outright. "Not that there's anything wrong with that, right? But creatively for the team, Gears has been amazing for us. But it's fun to kind of stretch our wings and do something that's a little different from the usual."

Epic's Lee Perry is the project lead on this one, but Bleszinski says that he definitely is involved in playing the game and giving feedback on development. "It was a project that was pitched internally. I was a staunch supporter of the idea, because the game is just like a no-brainer -- I was like yes."

So Epic is hard at work on Fortnite, Chair Entertainment is doing Infinity Blade on iOS, and we're curious as to what Bleszinski is up to lately. "I just hang out at the beach these days," he joked. "No, trust me, I have plenty to work on, it's just a lot of unannounced stuff. Trying to figure out where a lot of things are going in the next five years."

Given the success of Chair's iOS offerings, is that platform something that Epic's main branch would consider making games for? Bleszinski says no. "If we were to do that, which we're not, we'd probably make like six or seven iOS games. Our bread and butter is still with triple A and it's still largely with console, but it remains to be seen what happens."

JoystiqCliff B talks Fortnite: 'There's no dudebros in it' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chair-entertainmentcliff-bleszinskiepic-gamesfortniteinfinity-bladespike-vga-2011Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/mustard-infinity-blade-success-didnt-stall-shadow-complex-2/#comments Chair creative director Donald Mustard was nice enough to sit for a few moments with us to talk Infinity Blade 2 so, naturally, we took advantage of his generosity to grill him about the long-discussed (and apparently "largely designed") Shadow Complex 2.

We asked if the runaway success of Infinity Blade is what's kept the follow-up to the side-scrolling action-adventure off of Chair's radar.

"No, I think that's a complete misnomer," Mustard said. "When we sat down to figure out what we wanted to do after Infinity Blade, and we started to wonder 'Do we want to do Infinity Blade 2?', it wasn't about 'Do we want to make more money?' it was about 'Do we have more to say in this genre?' 'Can we push this gameplay somewhere meaningful?' Those are the questions we ask ourselves.

"Now that we've made the first Shadow Complex we kind of know what we're doing and we feel like we can really bring a lot to the Metroidvania genre and Shadow Complex franchise. We want it to be amazing, we want it to be perfect, and we want it to be delivered on the right platforms. It's really about finding the right opportunity for Shadow Complex, not that we've been diverted in any way.

"Everyone on our team at Chair will be dead long before we run out of games we want to make. So we try to be very careful about where we spend our time."

That's right, that's the answer: Mustard is choosy about projects because he's worried about his own mortality. We may not know when Shadow Complex 2 will arrive, but at least we know the source of the shadows: Donald Mustard's gloomy bummer clouds.

JoystiqMustard: Infinity Blade success didn't stall Shadow Complex 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentdonald-mustardinfinity-bladeShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/watch-chair-pitch-infinity-blade-2-as-an-artistic-experience/#comments
Infinity Blade 2 studio Chair Entertainment say the project is much more than just a game, calling it an "artistic experience" in the latest dev diary. As such -- just to be safe -- we'll play the iOS title in a local museum when it arrives next week.

JoystiqWatch Chair pitch Infinity Blade 2 as an 'artistic experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdev-diarydonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgameplayinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobiletrailerWed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/infinity-blade-the-soundtrack-now-available/#comments Epic Games and Chair Entertainment have released Infinity Blade: The Soundtrack ahead of Infinity Blade 2's December 1 launch. Despite containing a finite number of songs, the soundtrack features orchestral scoring from both Infinity Blades 1 and 2, bringing the track listing to a rather sizable 25 jams.

Composed by Josh Aker (Undertow, Shadow Complex) the collection of chronologically recursive music is available on iTunes, Amazon (both regular and On Demand) and Zune for $9.99. You can also purchase each song individually for 99¢ if that's your style, but we can't figure out why anyone would be inclined to do so. It's not like high-fantasy soundtracks usually have singles, after all.

JoystiqInfinity Blade: The Soundtrack now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneJosh-AkermobilesoundtrackSun, 20 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The story of Infinity Blade 2's story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/the-story-of-infinity-blade-2s-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/the-story-of-infinity-blade-2s-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/14/the-story-of-infinity-blade-2s-story/#comments Infinity Blade had a story -- about a nigh-invulnerable God King who serially murders the dumbest family ever. In a video posted to GameSpot, Chair staff and writer Brandon Sanderson introduces the more intricate story of Infinity Blade 2.

In Infinity Blade 2, the God King is dead, and Cyrus, the one that killed him, searches for the "Worker of Secrets" that forged the Infinity Blade. It's a quest that, yes, will involve a lot of dueling -- but even in the brief footage accompanying the interview, we see evidence of more story focus. We see what appears to be a cutscene.

JoystiqThe story of Infinity Blade 2's story originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-sandersonchair-entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphonemobileMon, 14 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Infinity Blade FX' brings the iOS hit to arcades]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/infinity-blade-fx-brings-the-ios-hit-to-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/infinity-blade-fx-brings-the-ios-hit-to-arcades/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/infinity-blade-fx-brings-the-ios-hit-to-arcades/#comments For those looking to while away entire generations at their local Dave & Busters, Epic Games and Adrenaline Amusements are teaming up to put a big-screen version of Infinity Blade in the arcade/fried food chain, in either single-screen or two-player, two-screen configurations.

Infinity Blade FX uses the same cabinet as the arcade Fruit Ninja and Flight Control machines, all of which feature big-ass 46" touchscreens. It'll be in all 57 Dave & Busters locations by October 28, with other arcade and amusement park locations to be added later ... as those places buy machines, we suppose.

Continue reading 'Infinity Blade FX' brings the iOS hit to arcades

Joystiq'Infinity Blade FX' brings the iOS hit to arcades originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadechair-entertainmentdave-and-bustersepic-gamesinfinity-bladeinfinity-blade-fxiosiphonemobileThu, 13 Oct 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/infinity-blade-2-announced-at-iphone-4s-event/#comments

After pulling down $20 million in revenue on Infinity Blade (no seriously) it should come as no surprise that Epic just announced Infinity Blade 2 during Apple's iPhone 4S announcement keynote. Better yet: It's coming December 1.

While Epic's Mike Capps insisted it's "only going to run like this on the iPhone 4S," it doesn't sound like the game will be exclusive to the new device.

Also of note: Need, want, please, now.

Gallery: Infinity Blade 2

JoystiqInfinity Blade 2 coming to iOS December 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applechairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-blade-2iosipadiphoneiphone-4smike-cappsmobileTue, 04 Oct 2011 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Bleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/17/bleszinski-shadow-complex-2-is-largely-designed-and-sitting/#comments Remember when we told you that Shadow Complex 2 was probably going to come out, even though Epic focused on a new iOS title, Infinity Blade, after releasing Shadow Complex? Turns out we were right. Again. Epic's Cliff Bleszinski confirmed to Gamasutra that Shadow Complex 2 is "largely designed" and is just "sitting there."

Bleszinski said Epic and Chair Entertainment, the developer behind Infinity Blade and Shadow Complex, are looking for a partner to help finish the sequel. Even though it left Shadow Complex 2 behind, Bleszinski said developing Infinity Blade for iOS was the right move: "We needed a flagship product for iOS, plain and simple," he said. "And we could have ported Shadow Complex, but it would have been a lot of work and it might not have been the right fit. And then Donald Mustard suggested Punch Out!! with swords with RPG layers and we were like, 'Yes!'"

Update: We got a comment from Chair, which reads:
In a recent interview, Cliff reiterated the same thing ChAIR's Donald Mustard has said in the past and Epic President Mike Capps commented on a few weeks ago. Following the release of Shadow Complex, ChAIR did some really great design work on Shadow Complex 2. ChAIR then shifted gears to develop Infinity Blade upon noticing a huge opportunity with the emerging iOS market.

In regards to the "looking for partners" comment, its likely Cliff was referring to a potential publishing partner. Given the tremendous popularity of Shadow Complex, there's a ton of interest in a sequel and plenty more we'd like to do in that universe. We're confident we'll revisit when the right opportunity presents itself.

JoystiqBleszinski: Shadow Complex 2 is 'largely designed' and 'sitting there' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentcliff-bleszinskiEpicEpic-Gamesinfinity-blademicrosoftmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xboxSat, 17 Sep 2011 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/why-epic-games-hasnt-made-shadow-complex-2-but-never-say-neve/#comments When Shadow Complex was released in 2009, it received critical praise and became a commercial hit. After Epic Games announced that Chair's next game would instead be an iOS title named Infinity Blade, many were curious as to what had happened to the obligatory, post-success sequel. "The reviews were great, it was a record seller for a single-player game on the platform, but at the same time we've got this mobile gaming push that's coming in strong," Epic Games president Mike Capps explained this morning during his GDC Europe keynote.

"And the big thing for me was that we were looking what the iPhone could do, and the games that were on iPhone, and we thought there was a huge gap, so we put our engine team on the problem, and that's where we came up with Infinity Blade," Capps said. "We were thinking about the sequel [to Shadow Complex], we were ready and 'Maybe we should start working on this,' and instead stopped everything and went and made Infinity Blade."

Capps expanded on the possibility of a Shadow Complex sequel when I followed up with him after his presentation. "Never say never," he offered. Of course, when Chair head Donald Mustard answered the same question earlier this year, he said that such a sequel is "a question of when, not if."

JoystiqWhy Epic Games hasn't made Shadow Complex 2 (but 'never say never') originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentdonald-mustardepicepic-gamesgdcgdc-europegdc-europe-2011gdce-2011infinity-bladeiosmicrosoftmike-cappsmobileShadow-Complexshadow-complex-2xblaxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade temporarily on sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/infinity-blade-temporarily-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/infinity-blade-temporarily-on-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/infinity-blade-temporarily-on-sale/#comments Epic Games' "hugely successful" iOS game Infinity Blade is currently half off for ... um, apparently no real reason. A representative for developer ChAIR told us, "This is a temporary sale we're running for an undetermined amount of time." The game, regularly priced at $5.99, is currently available for $2.99.

The universal iOS app has been a hero in the sales department, surpassing $10 million in sales six months after launch. Infinity Blade is currently being turned into a freemium title for Japan, expected to launch this fall.

JoystiqInfinity Blade temporarily on sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-bladeiOSmobileThu, 04 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade sales surpass $10 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/infinity-blade-sales-surpass-10-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/infinity-blade-sales-surpass-10-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/infinity-blade-sales-surpass-10-million/#comments ChAIR Entertainment's Infinity Blade for iOS is a conquering hero of sales, surpassing $10 million in sales during the first six months of release.

"Infinity Blade's success proves that triple-A gaming experiences can be hugely successful on iOS and that there is a valuable, pent up demand for premium content like this," said Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder of Epic Games.

ChAIR parent-company Epic also took the opportunity to note that the Unreal Development Kit (UDK), the free edition of Unreal Engine 3, has reached 800,000 unique installations.

JoystiqInfinity Blade sales surpass $10 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-Entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-blademobileTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chair: More Shadow Complex is 'a question of when']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/chair-more-shadow-complex-is-a-question-of-when/#comments It has been nearly two years since Chair Entertainment wowed us with its action-platformer Shadow Complex, but we still frequently think about how badly we want to return to its technology-filled catacombs. Apparently, we're not the only ones -- in a recent [some of you might have noticed -- as we just did -- the original article actually went up during PAX East. Sorry we missed it the first time around!] interview with Eurogamer, Chair creative director Donald Mustard said, "More Shadow Complex isn't a question of if, it's a question of when," later adding, "Shadow Complex is our baby and we love it dearly and, y'know, we're working on some cool stuff [in general]."

Mustard wouldn't go into more detail about the project, but it doesn't sound like the studio's interested in bringing the original title to smartphones. He said, "Shadow Complex is designed for a controller. I'm not a fan of trying to shoehorn console controls onto touch screens. They don't feel right. You just lose so much precision." Sure, but do you really need much precision when you're wielding a gun that sprays entire hallways with a deluge of foam? We think not.

JoystiqChair: More Shadow Complex is 'a question of when' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-Entertainmentepic-gamesmicrosoftShadow-ComplexxblaxboxSun, 22 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade more successful than Shadow Complex, Rein says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/infinity-blade-more-successful-than-shadow-complex-rein-says/#comments Though Epic Games doesn't divulge direct sales figures, vice president Mark Rein did give me something to work with: Infinity Blade has been more successful than Shadow Complex. "Hugely successful," in fact.

Right now, if you check the leaderboard data (best overall score) for Shadow Complex, you will see the names of 545,023 players. While Rein's comment doesn't necessarily confirm that Infinity Blade has been downloaded more times than Shadow Complex, the former game's lower asking price - $5.99 versus Shadow Complex's $15 - would make it "more successful" either in terms of downloads or revenue.

If it's revenue, our napkin math indicates the iOS-exclusive title being downloaded by at least 1,362,557.5 people, two-and-a-half times the total number of entries on Shadow Complex's leaderboard. If we're talking number of downloads, Infinity Blade should have at least bested Shadow Complex's 545K units.

JoystiqInfinity Blade more successful than Shadow Complex, Rein says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesgdc-2011infinity-blademicrosoftmobilesalesxboxThu, 03 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Chair Entertainment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/whats-in-a-name-chair-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/whats-in-a-name-chair-entertainment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/whats-in-a-name-chair-entertainment/#comments Chair Entertainment Donald Mustard is the creative director and co-founder of Chair Entertainment, the Salt Lake City-based team responsible for 2009's Xbox Live Arcade hit Shadow Complex and last year's iOS hit Infinity Blade. He discussed the origin of his studio's during a panel at GDC:

"The idea of 'Chair' comes from Plato's theory of forms. You guys all remember your Philosophy 101 class from university? Plato theorizes that everything exists in a perfect state, in some metaphysical state, and everything else is just an emulation of that metaphysical perfection. And he uses the example of a chair.

"All of you are now sitting on a chair but if you look around through GDC, you'll see lots of different chairs that look different but all follow the same function. [Plato] postulates that all those chairs are all trying to become the perfect chair that is kind of out there, somewhere.

"And we thought that was actually an applicable concept to game design. Because when we sit around and talk about games, or think about them in our head first, we think, 'Oh man it would be so awesome if this game was like this, or like this, or like that.' And then in our head, it's this perfect thing. And then we have to go through the process of actually making that game and it's never -- at least in my experience -- it's never as perfect as what we first envisioned in our heads.

"So 'Chair' to us means the pursuit of perfection. It's trying to actually get to that ideal image that was first in our head when we thought about it."

Infinity Blade is available -- and still being updated -- on the iTunes App Store as a universal app, compatible with both iPhone and iPad, for $5.99.

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Chair Entertainment originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentDonald-MustardiPadiPhonemicrosoftmobilewhats-in-a-namexblaxboxWed, 02 Mar 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/infinity-blade-in-finite-time-how-chair-made-its-ios-hit-in-fiv/#comments Infinity Blade Released late last year, Infinity Blade ushered in a new era of graphical fidelity in mobile phone games and delivered on Epic's promise to turn its "Epic Citadel" tech demo into an actual game. The Salt Lake City-based team at Chair Entertainment - led by brothers Donald and Geremy Mustard - delivered another hit for Epic on another digitally distributed platform, opening doors for more Unreal Engine licensees all the way. At last year's GDC the brothers Mustard delivered a panel on their XBLA hit Shadow Complex and this year it's Infinity Blade, titled "Infinity Blade: How We Made a Hit, What We Learned, and Why You Can Do it Too!"

"We got a call from Epic saying there's this opportunity," Donald Mustard told a packed GDC auditorium. Epic told him, "Mobile games are really taking off and we've secretly had part of the engine team getting the Unreal Engine to work on mobile devices over the past year and it's ready to go [...] and we really want to get a game out this year that really shows it off. Do you guys want to participate in that?" Mustard replied, "Absolutely." But there was a catch.

Gallery: Infinity Blade: How We Made a Hit, What We Learned, and Why You Can Do it Too!

Continue reading Infinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months

JoystiqInfinity Blade in finite time: How ChAIR made its iOS hit in five months originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChairChair-EntertainmentEpic-GamesGDCGDC-2011infinity-blademobileWed, 02 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade update coming 'very, very soon,' Chair still has 'lots of content' to build]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/infinity-blade-update-coming-very-very-soon-chair-still-has/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/infinity-blade-update-coming-very-very-soon-chair-still-has/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/infinity-blade-update-coming-very-very-soon-chair-still-has/#comments Infinity Blade DLC During the Q&A portion of today's Infinity Blade-focused GDC panel, Chair co-founder Donald Mustard was unsurprisingly asked about plans for future updates for the dev's iOS hit. "We have an update coming very, very soon," Mustard said, acknowledging that he wanted to get that question out of the way, "and it will add a ton of new content to the game and expand on some of the themes and story that you've already started to see." The game's first free update was released less than two weeks after the game's debut.

The next question from the audience? Yup, asking what Chair is working on next. "We're working on something ... cool," Mustard teased. "Actually, right now we're very busy supporting Infinity Blade. That's actually one of the things that's a cool opportunity with these iOS games, is you have an opportunity to put out your game, and then to continue to support it easily."

"It's so easy to make these content updates, and at least we've decided we're going to give our content away for free," he added. "So when you initially buy the game for $5.99 you know we're going to continue to give you content, so we still have lots of content we're building to support Infinity Blade."

Of course, considering Infinity Blade -- the entire game! -- took the team just five months to make, and it was released nearly three months ago, we're guessing there's more going on at Chair's Salt Lake headquaters than just free update development, but we're heartened to hear it nevertheless.

JoystiqInfinity Blade update coming 'very, very soon,' Chair still has 'lots of content' to build originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentDLCDonald-MustardEpic-GamesGDCGDC-2011infinity-bladeiPadiPhonemobileTue, 01 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade, Plants vs. Zombies among International Mobile Gaming Awards winners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infinity-blade-plants-vs-zombies-among-international-mobile-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infinity-blade-plants-vs-zombies-among-international-mobile-ga/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/infinity-blade-plants-vs-zombies-among-international-mobile-ga/#comments The seventh annual International Mobile Gaming Awards ceremony has concluded at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and two US-developed titles came away with special honors. Infinity Blade from Epic Games garnered an award for Excellence in Design (we'd have also given it Supreme Overall Awesomeness) while PopCap's Plants vs. Zombies was picked as Best Casual Game.

European winners included Perfect Cell by France's Mobigame (People's Choice Award); FDG's Beyond Ynth (Excellence in Gameplay, Grand Prix Award) and Snowboard Hero by Fishlabs (Excellence in Gameplay, Operators' Choice) from Germany; the UK-made Papa Sangre by Somethin' Else (Most innovative Game); and AR invaders by Israel-based dev Soulbit (Best Real World Game).

Mobile games will get their next chance to shine at GDC 2011, during both the IGF Awards and Game Developers Choice Awards on March 2.

JoystiqInfinity Blade, Plants vs. Zombies among International Mobile Gaming Awards winners originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ar-invadersbeyond-ynthChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesfdgfishlabsinfinity-bladeinternational-mobile-gaming-awardsiosmobilemobile-world-congresspapa-sangreplants-vs-zombiesPopCapsnowboard-herosomethin-elsesoulbitFri, 18 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/20/infinity-blade-update-coming-tomorrow-detailed-today/#comments Chair and Epic Games announced this morning that the first free content update for iOS game Infinity Blade will arrive tomorrow. Alongside the previously revealed Marrow Fiend -- "rumored to devour its victims, taking their bones for its blade and shield" -- comes a smattering of swords and shields (five each), a shiny new set of armor, and five new helms (the Xmas-themed Holiday Helm, among others).

The level cap will also be adjusted to 45 from 40, and players will be able to purchase gold from within the game. And if you're anything like us, you'll want to be rocking to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra while fighting the Marrow Fiend with the Holiday Helm equipped -- the ability to pump your own music into the game comes as part of the update. Chair further promises "New areas to conquer! New enemies to fight! Multiplayer! New swords, shields, helmets, and magic rings! And more!" for some point next year, so don't go forgetting about Infinity Blade just yet.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (Content Pack #1)

Continue reading Infinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today

JoystiqInfinity Blade update coming tomorrow, detailed today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storechairchair-entertainmentcontent-update-1dlcepicepic-gamesholiday-helminfinity-bladeiosmarrow-fiendmobileMon, 20 Dec 2010 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade conceived as a Kinect game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/infinity-blade-conceived-as-a-kinect-game/#comments If you've played iOS slasher Infinity Blade as much as us, you've probably spent some of your finger-callous massaging sessions thinking, "Why couldn't I be hacking up the God King in the completely callous-free world of Kinect?"

Believe it or not, developer Chair Entertainment is way ahead of you ... and even ahead of itself, in a sense, according to co-founder Donald Mustard.

"We always have some cool ideas on deck, and kind of the inception of Infinity Blade began as a discussion around: 'If we were going to make a Kinect title, what would we make? What would a Chair Kinect game look like?'," Mustard revealed. "That discussion happened, you know, a year and a half ago. We had this really cool design, and it's not that dissimilar from the game you're playing today; it's just been refined and adapted to the iOS screen, which honestly I think is where the design works the best."

Mustard made clear that Infinity Blade isn't a Kinect game rejiggered for iOS so much as an idea sparked by Microsoft's device that found its home on iOS platforms. That said, Chair isn't closing any doors to Infinity Blade on Xbox 360.

"Yeah," co-founder Geremy Mustard added, "if the Kinect really takes off over the holiday season, who knows?"

JoystiqInfinity Blade conceived as a Kinect game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentdonald-mustardgeremy-mustardinfinity-bladeioskinectmicrosoftmobilexboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ender's Game tabled by Chair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/enders-game-tabled-by-chair/#comments Chair Entertainment co-founder Donald Mustard has confirmed to Joystiq that the studio's Ender's Game project has been put on indefinite hold. Announced in early 2008, the downloadable game was to take place in the story's "Battle Room," a place where the protagonist partakes in simulation combat.

"We have and had an amazing design for the Ender's Game game," Mustard assured, but "one of [parent company] Epic's primary objectives is to create original and unique franchises. I don't know that Ender's Game fits into that strategic objective anymore."

"So, probably not," Mustard said of the project's completion. "Not from us."

Still, Chair maintains a good relationship with Ender's Game author Orson Scott Card, who wrote a novel set in the developer's Shadow Complex universe. "If anyone decides they want to make it," Mustard added, "I have some ideas I'd love to talk to them about."

JoystiqEnder's Game tabled by Chair originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-EntertainmentdelaysDonald-MustardEnders-GameEpicEpic-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 14 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Infinity Blade update next week, multiplayer coming soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/first-infinity-blade-update-next-week-multiplayer-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/first-infinity-blade-update-next-week-multiplayer-coming-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/first-infinity-blade-update-next-week-multiplayer-coming-soon/#comments
The problem with releasing Infinity Blade, arguably the best looking iOS game ever? As Chair Entertainment has discovered, it's keeping up with the stream of new content that iOS players have come to expect.

"We're all very thrilled with how cool it looks, but the same amount of time it takes to make a high-res character for Gears is the same amount of time it takes to make one for Infinity Blade or to make these environments," Chair's Donald Mustard told Joystiq. "It takes time to make this stuff look awesome, and we want it to look awesome."

Make no mistake, Chair has a long-term plan for its slash-em-up, but it's a plan the 12-member development team has to be judicious about executing. Though players may have to wait for a bit for some of the big updates (like the multiplayer mode), Chair is taking advantage of the game's early popularity and pushing the first add-on through the App Store door next week.

Continue reading First Infinity Blade update next week, multiplayer coming soon

JoystiqFirst Infinity Blade update next week, multiplayer coming soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-packsChair-Entertainmentdlcdonald-mustardgeremy-mustardinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipod-touchmobileupdateTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade review: Greatness cut down to size]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/infinity-blade-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/infinity-blade-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/infinity-blade-review/#comments I dodge, since even my hefty shield can't save me from a gorgeously rendered mechanical titan and his crushing boot. I curse myself for not wearing my magical healing ring. It was stupid, but I wanted the experience point from leveling up my weaker fire ring. I slash at the titan's hammer, trying to match the angle of his swing so I can successfully parry and hit him with a flurry of blows from my poison-tipped blade. I pull it off and move in for the kill, leaping skyward, the sun glinting off my armor as I bury the sword in the monster's metallic head.

This is Infinity Blade. And it's all happening on my iPhone.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (11/19/10)

Continue reading Infinity Blade review: Greatness cut down to size

JoystiqInfinity Blade review: Greatness cut down to size originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-Entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipod-touchmobileThu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS stunner Infinity Blade priced, plunging into App Store on Dec. 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/ios-stunner-infinity-blade-priced-plunging-into-app-store-on-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/ios-stunner-infinity-blade-priced-plunging-into-app-store-on-de/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/29/ios-stunner-infinity-blade-priced-plunging-into-app-store-on-de/#comments
 Shadow Complex developer Chair Entertainment is delivering its first stab at games for Apple's iOS, the sharp-looking Infinity Blade, on December 9. The Unreal Engine-powered action-RPG will be a universal app for iPhone 3GS / 3rd-gen iPod Touch forward and iPad, priced at $5.99.

Continue reading iOS stunner Infinity Blade priced, plunging into App Store on Dec. 9

JoystiqiOS stunner Infinity Blade priced, plunging into App Store on Dec. 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesinfinity-bladeiosmobilerelease-dateMon, 29 Nov 2010 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Infinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/infinity-blade-trailer-takes-epic-stab-at-knight-fights/#comments Out of the 43 bajillion or so games on the App Store, we can't say we've ever come across one that features as startlingly rendered an environment as the Unreal Engine 3-powered castle in Infinity Blade. Of course, sight seeing is not the reason to load up this Retina Display showcase on your iOS device of the moment -- stabbing the crap out of giant monster bosses is! How predictably Epic is that?

GameTrailers has posted the debut trailer for Infinity Blade -- "coming soon" to iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Infinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights

JoystiqInfinity Blade trailer takes Epic stab at knight fights originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesinfinity-bladeiosipadiphonemobileunreal-engine-3Fri, 05 Nov 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/infinity-blade-announced/#comments Project Sword, the technologically impressive game you've been using to show off your new iPhone 4 to friends, family and Charlie Chaplin, is set to become a full game this holiday. Dubbed "Infinity Blade," the Chair-developed "action-RPG sword fighting adventure" will be available for iPhone 4, iPad and iPod Touch.

Infinity Blade will feature single-player battles within ye olde castle environments and will gradually grant you experience, improved stats and more powerful items. It will be expanded to support a multiplayer mode (and Game Center) via free updates after launch.

According to Epic Games, the Unreal Engine 3-powered demo landed in the hands of over one million people, lured in by the promise of what the company calls "triple-A mobile gaming." How much are people willing to pay for triple-A mobile gaming? Epic has yet to announce a price, but it'll have to be careful not to build a costly moat around its spot on the App Store.

Gallery: Infinity Blade (11/2/10)

Continue reading Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday

JoystiqProject Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairChair-Entertainmentepic-gamesgame-centerinfinity-bladeiosipadiphoneipodmobilerelease-dateTue, 02 Nov 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic talks Project Sword, Unreal Engine on iPhone, and Apple TV as a game console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/epic-talks-project-sword-unreal-engine-on-iphone-and-apple-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/epic-talks-project-sword-unreal-engine-on-iphone-and-apple-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/epic-talks-project-sword-unreal-engine-on-iphone-and-apple-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Following yesterday's dramatic announcement of Project Sword for iOS -- and the dramatic release of the free Epic Citadel tech demo -- Gamasutra spoke to Epic's Mike Capps about the games and the platform. Capps said that putting Unreal Engine 3 content on iPhone wasn't as hard as it seemed, thanks to the device's storage space that can come in handy for textures. "You've got 16 gigs of flash memory, which is way better, faster memory than what most people have generally on a home PC," he said. "So that stuff works really well. It's the big environments that get really complicated on the rendering tools for iPhone. But yeah, we've got some tricks for it."

Capps has his eyes on the future of the platform, both for Epic's own games and licensees. "We've got a few of our licensees using [the iOS tools for UE3] now, who've been testing it with us. So we'll roll it out to existing licensees and then start opening up. I think [Epic VP] Mark Rein has a big plan for how they're going to roll it out and make sure everybody's using it."

Capps also thinks there's potential to turn the new Apple TV into a game console of sorts. "... I can't wait to throw our engineers at it and see if we can get the latency we need to be able to play a game interactively over that wireless link to the Apple TV," he said. "I sure hope so."

Gallery: Epic Citadel ('Project Sword' tech demo)

JoystiqEpic talks Project Sword, Unreal Engine on iPhone, and Apple TV as a game console originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple-tvappletvchair-entertainmentEpicEpic-CitadelEpic-Gamesinfinity-bladeiphonemike-cappsmobileProject-SwordThu, 02 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/gdc-designing-shadow-complex-or-zig-when-they-zag/#commentsShadow Complex slide While Metroid director Yoshio Sakamoto may not have played Shadow Complex, the XBLA darling's creators definitely played Metroid. During a panel titled "Designing Shadow Complex," Chair Entertainment Creative Director Donald Mustard encouraged the audience of prospective downloadable game makers to embrace genre limitations. "So, genre is one of your limitations because you aren't just competing against other games that are released in the downloadable space," Mustard said, pacing across the stage. "You really are competing against Gears of War, Mass Effect 2, Uncharted 2. That is the real competition and you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from those kinds of games. And that is an awesome opportunity."

For Mustard, that meant moving "orthogonally" from what the "big $60 retail games" are doing. Mustard said, "For us, what that ultimately meant is target an old and abandoned genre. Which to us was kind of this Metroidvania side scroller adventure genre that had been abandoned. No one was making games in this genre. And we said, 'What if we took that genre and fused that with some of the modern sensibilities that had come out; some of the modern ideas of AI and physics and graphics? That would be a really cool combination.'

Continue reading GDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag)

JoystiqGDC: 'Designing Shadow Complex' (or: zig when they zag) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chair-EntertainmentDonald-MustardEpic-GamesGDCGDC-2010MetroidvaniaMicrosoftShadow-ComplexXBLAXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/01/joystiqs-top-10-of-2009-shadow-complex/#comments In many ways, Shadow Complex finds itself in similar standing as Rock Band and Guitar Hero; it's a style of game Konami has left for its competitors to refine and perfect. Taking its cues from the Metroids and Castlevanias of the world, the Xbox Live Arcade-exclusive title was able to stand out in 2009, regardless of its forgettable storyline and poorly constructed characters. As an overall experience, Shadow Complex was the best downloadable experience of 2009 -- and one of the year's overall best, for that matter.

Shadow Complex is a prime example of a developer -- in this case, Chair -- designing a game best suited for its platform and skyrocketing past expectations. It proves that 2D exploration and adventure can still have a meaningful impact if approached correctly. Sadly, Konami has decided against bringing new Castlevania experiences of this style to consoles and only now (since 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission) has Nintendo decided to return Samus closer to her roots in the upcoming Metroid: Other M (another game revealed at E3 2009).

It's no surprise that Shadow Complex resonated with us (hell, we dedicated quite a bit of time to the game), and while we weren't left mouth-agape at its originality, the entire experience left us craving more. We have yet to satisfy that craving, as no additional content has been delivered for the game since its August 19, 2009 debut.

Beyond its excellent blend of shooting and platforming, and its tremendous value (only $15!), Shadow Complex stands out as one of the best experiences we've had all year. It simultaneously resurrected our love of the 2D exploration genre and our inner speedrun freak, and is a testament to the maturity of the download space on consoles within the last few years. We hope the franchise will be with us for the long haul.

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JoystiqJoystiq's Top 10 of 2009: Shadow Complex originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionchairChair-EntertainmentEpicepic-gamesjoystiq-best-of-2009MicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeFri, 01 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/microsoft-lists-more-jobs-for-project-natal-343-industries/#comments With Shadow Complex setting very specific week-one sales records on XBLA, Epic and Chair would be kind of nuts to not consider a sequel. One job listing out of a recent crop on Microsoft's employment boards seems to out that likely scenario, implying that Shadow Complex is a bona fide franchise for Microsoft Game Studios and Epic. Said listing specifically calls for a Lead Producer to "lead the publishing side of games made by Epic: Gears of War and Shadow Complex."

Additionally, Microsoft appears to be looking for more able bodies to join its growing pool of Project Natal and 343 Industries employees. Existing job listings call for everything from designers to engineers to even a few artists. Sadly, the company isn't looking for MJOLNIR armor models yet, but just in case, Microsoft, you know how to reach us.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqMicrosoft lists more jobs for Project Natal, 343 Industries; hiring Shadow Complex, Gears of War franchises lead originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industrieschairChair-Entertainmentemploymentepicepic-gamesgears-of-warhalojob-listingjobsmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosproject-natalshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200%]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/xbla-summer-of-arcade-sales-grow-200/#comments
Microsoft had a good summer, according to the company's summary of Xbox Live events. 1 vs. 100 reached nearly 3 million gamers during its beta season by Microsoft's estimates, and the Summer of Arcade Xbox Live Arcade promotion enjoyed a reported 200 percent growth in revenue over last year's sales.

While Microsoft has already relished in Metroidvania success, a press release claims that Trials HD and Marvel vs. Capcom 2 also performed well in first-week sales; and both titles join Shadow Complex in the top five bestselling week-one XBLA games of all time. Sales were no doubt boosted by a cloudy economy that kept folks indoors and looking for inexpensive entertainment. Microsoft capitalized, too, by raising the average price of its Summer of Arcade titles.

During last year's promotion, three of the five Summer of Arcade games were priced at $10, but this year, only two of the five were $10 -- the other three costing $15 apiece. (It's unclear if Microsoft counts Battlefield 1943's sales toward revenue growth; the $15 title was not technically part of Summer of Arcade this year.)

Microsoft also saw success in its bold, new free entertainment department. 1 vs. 100 averaged more than half a million users during each of the game show's live sessions. According to Microsoft, the game's near "three-million" downloads within its 13-week availability places 1 vs. 100 within the top ten downloads in Xbox Live history. If we've learned anything on this gloomy fall morning, it's that people like summer gaming and Microsoft has way too many "top" lists cluttering up its offices.

JoystiqXBLA Summer of Arcade sales grow 200% originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-vs-100capcomchair-entertainmentdataepic-gamesmarvel-vs-capcom-2Microsoftredlynxsalesshadow-complexsummer-of-arcadetrials-hdxblaXbox-360Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/shadow-complex-cheaters-will-have-scores-deleted-gamerscore-res/#comments
Chair Entertainment is ready to lay the smack down on Shadow Complex cheaters. Major Nelson sends word that Microsoft will take action this week against those "verified as cheaters," deleting their records from the Shadow Complex leaderboards, as well as resetting their associated accounts' Gamerscore. Worse still, said accounts will be branded on Xbox.com (and dashboard) as belonging to cheaters.

For those looking to brush up on what constitutes cheating on Xbox Live, feel free to review Microsoft's policy on "Gamerscore corrections." Of course, if you're a cheater, then you probably already know.

JoystiqShadow Complex cheaters will have scores deleted, Gamerscore reset originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentcheaterscheatinggamerscore-correctionmicrosoftshadow-complexxblaWed, 16 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shadow Complex sets week-one sales record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/shadow-complex-sets-week-one-sales-record/#comments That's, um, sales of single-player games (multiplayer ones don't count!). And, uh, you know, we're just talking about Xbox Live Arcade titles -- not that clarifying this awfully specific sales record is an attempt to take away from the much-deserved success of Chair's excellent Shadow Complex or the 200,000-plus downloaders (much of the Joystiq staff included) who didn't wait long to cash in 1200.

Still, we're not going to label Shadow Complex's sales Achievement(R) (as Microsoft does) the "New Era of Downloadable Games." It takes far too much effort to produce a decent Metroidvania experience than it does a mediocre dual-stick shooter, after all.

We will, however, join in on the not-so-subtle peer pressuring. Seriously, you still haven't purchased Shadow Complex? Shame on you. (So ... just direct deposit that check, cool? Thanks Microsoft!)

Gallery: Shadow Complex

JoystiqShadow Complex sets week-one sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionchairchair-entertainmentepicepic-gamesmicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiossalesshadow-complexxblaXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/xbox-live-top-10-dominated-by-shadow-complex-cod/#comments
Major Nelson has revealed the latest figures for Xbox Live activity, which once again sees Call of Duty: World at War being the most played Xbox 360 Live title. That's not to say it's all business as usual, as the Lost Planet 2 co-op demo managed to claw its way onto the list, along with a new Xbox Live Arcade pair, Shadow Complex and Trials HD.

Both titles made it onto the top two spots on XBLA's most played list, with Chair's Metroid-inspired adventure making its debut in first place. The remainder is comprised of usual suspects Battlefield 1943, Marvel vs Capcom 2 and 'Splosion Man.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10 dominated by Shadow Complex, CoD: World at War originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-1943call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-world-at-warchairchair-entertainmentdemoepicepic-gameshalohalo-3lost-planet-2marvel-vs-capcom-2mementooutpost-kaloki-xshadow-complexsplosion-mantrials-hdxblaxbox-live-top-10xbox-live-top-tenTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/community-teamwork-solves-shadow-complex-speed-run-mystery/#comments
For fans of speed runs, Shadow Complex housed a clever secret that allows gamers to skip most of the game and complete it in record time. Surrounding the mystery was knowledge that players are able to obtain the Foam ability within the first 15 minutes of gameplay. Over the last few days (since its August 19 release), gamers across multiple message boards compiled data and quotes, and tried brilliant ideas to crack the code.

And they blew it wide open. If a certain number of tasks are completed within a short time frame, gamers are able to bypass an entire section of the game, landing them within a few rooms of the Foam ability.

Spoiler Warning! YouTube user Nogarda1 showcases the steps needed to cleverly infiltrate the enemy base after the break.

Continue reading Community teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery

JoystiqCommunity teamwork solves Shadow Complex speed run mystery originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairchair-entertainmentepic-gamessecretsshadow-complexspoilersSat, 22 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/spoiler-warning-shadow-complex-secrets-and-strategies/#comments With Shadow Complex closing out the second Summer of Arcade today, the Joystiq crew has been hard at work compiling a series of videos and images to help would-be explorers unlock the secrets of Chair Entertainment's latest adventure.

Of course (as the headline would indicate) this feature is filled to the brim with spoilers and strategies necessary to unlock some of Shadow Complex's many secrets. If you're looking for a Shadow Complex news fix, this isn't the feature for you ... but if you want to know where (and how) to find most of the game's hidden gems, jump in.

Gallery: Shadow Complex

Continue reading Spoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies

JoystiqSpoiler Warning: Shadow Complex secrets and strategies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChairchair-entertainmentEpicepic-gamesMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosMicrosoft-Games-Studiosshadow-complexshadow-complex-mapspoiler-warningtips-and-tricksvideowalkthroughxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeWed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST