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[Fighting game marathon tonight to raise funds for Boston]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/fighting-game-marathon-tonight-to-raise-funds-for-boston/#comments Boston's fighting game community is hosting a 26-hour gaming marathon to raise money for The One Fund Boston, benefiting those who were affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

Starting today at 8 PM Eastern time and running through 10 PM on Saturday, participants will stream tournaments, speed runs, and requested games at Game Underground's retail store and arcade in Framingham, Massachusetts. Local admission is $10, and all marathon content will be streamed at Game Underground's Twitch channel.

The marathon will showcase competitive play for Injustice: Gods Among Us, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition. A full schedule of events is here.

JoystiqFighting game marathon tonight to raise funds for Boston originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bostoncharitygame-undergroundmarathonplaystationps3Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/noisechan-and-nugget-adventures-in-chiptune-features-hot-jams/#comments 'NoiseChan & Nugget Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causesChiptune internet radio program Noise Channel Radio, in conjunction with digital music label Ubiktune, has released a compilation album of (surprise!) chiptune jams, dubbed NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune.

The album, available through BandCamp on a pay-what-you-want basis, features songs from Adventure Time/Double Dragon Neon/Contra 4 composer virt, in addition to 10 other artists. Additionally, all album sale proceeds go directly to Child's Play, which means that while Adventures in Chiptune is technically available for free, you could drop some bucks for a good cause.

Joystiq'NoiseChan & Nugget: Adventures in Chiptune' features hot jams, good causes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandcampcharitychilds-playchiptuneJake-Kaufmanmusicnoise-channel-radioNoiseChan-and-Nugget-Adventures-in-ChiptuneubiktunevirtSat, 13 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/humble-weekly-bundle-serves-up-darksiders-2-also-android-bundle/#comments Darksiders 1 & 2 and Red Faction: Guerrilla & Armageddon comprise the second batch of weekly offerings from Humble Indie Bundle, with all four PC games currently on offer at ridicucheap prices. Pay up $1 and you'll pick up Darksiders and RF: Armageddon, with the soundtracks to both included along with the 'Path to War' DLC for Armageddon.

However, if you're willing to pony up more than the average paying price, you'll also get Darksiders 2 (plus soundtrack) and RF: Guerrilla. At the time of writing, the pair can be yours for around the very, very silly $7.50 mark.

Meanwhile on Android, there's another Humble Bundle for the platform called the Mobile Bundle. Featuring in the latest charitable collection are Contre Jour, Anomaly Korea, Plants vs. Zombies, and Bladeslinger. As ever you can pay what you want, but an average-cough up (around $5.50 at the mo) lets you unlock the secrets of The Room, and generally shoot up stuff in Metal Slug 3. The soundtracks to all, except Contre Jour, are also included.

JoystiqHumble Weekly Bundle serves up Darksiders 2, also Android bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcharitydarksidersdarksiders-2humble-android-bundlehumble-android-bundle-6humble-bundle-weeklyhumble-indie-bundlemobilepcRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-GuerrillaTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang's Mojam spawned Nuclear Pizza War, more; donations still open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/mojangs-mojam-spawned-nuclear-pizza-war-more-donations-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/mojangs-mojam-spawned-nuclear-pizza-war-more-donations-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/24/mojangs-mojam-spawned-nuclear-pizza-war-more-donations-still/#comments Mojang's Mojam spawned Nuclear Pizza War, more donations still openMojam, the Humble Bundle game jam featuring Minecraft developers at Mojang and a host of their indie friends, is over and the world is nine games richer. Mojam featured three official teams from Mojang and one surprise entry, along with teams from indie developers Grapefrukt, Ludosity, Oxeye Game Studio, Vlambeer and Wolfire Games.

The Mojang teams made Nuclear Pizza War, Endless Nuclear Kittens, Battle Frogs and Nuke the Dinosaurs Blueprint Prototype. Grapefrukt made Tektonic, Ludosity made Space Hunk, Oxeye was responsible for 3918, Vlambeer made Wasteland Kings and Wolfire created Low-light. Check out each of the games here. They will all be available for download "in the near future."

The charities Block to Block and the EFF are richer because of the jam, too: So far Mojam has raised $461,000, all for charity, and donations will stay open until March 2. Anyone who donates gets to play the games these indies made with just four days, some random words and probably a lot of energy drinks.

JoystiqMojang's Mojam spawned Nuclear Pizza War, more; donations still open originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitygame-jamhumble-bundlemojammojangpcSun, 24 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang's Mojam starts tomorrow, choose the theme today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/mojangs-mojam-starts-tomorrow-choose-the-theme-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/mojangs-mojam-starts-tomorrow-choose-the-theme-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/mojangs-mojam-starts-tomorrow-choose-the-theme-today/#comments The developers at Mojang, creators of Minecraft, are splitting into two teams and banging out a lineup of complete games in three days for Mojam, from tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET to Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Six additional indie developers will be on hand to help Mojang make some games: Grapefrukt, Ludosity, Oxeye Game Studio, Vlambeer and Wolfire Games.

Mojang will livestream Mojam, and viewers will be able to donate to the charities Block by Block and the EFF. Those who donate will be able to play the final games and any builds that pop up during the jam, and donating more than the average enters those people into exclusive raffles. The previous Humble Bundle Mojam raised $460,000 for charity.

For now, vote for your favorite two words that will inspire the Mojam creations, from a list including "Dinosaur," "Envelope," "French," "Malarkey," "Pizza," "Squashy," "Triangulation," and terrifyingly, "Docking."

JoystiqMojang's Mojam starts tomorrow, choose the theme today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydonategame-jammojammojangpcTue, 19 Feb 2013 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EVO 2013 charity drive raises over $200,000, Smash Bros. Melee final game selection]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/evo-2013-charity-drive-raises-over-200-000-smash-bros-melee-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/evo-2013-charity-drive-raises-over-200-000-smash-bros-melee-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/evo-2013-charity-drive-raises-over-200-000-smash-bros-melee-f/#comments EVO 2013's charity fundraising competition for the benefit of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation has come to a close, raising an astonishing $225,744 for the cause. The Super Smash Bros. Melee community, having raised the most money out of the competing groups ($94,683), will have its game of choice featured as the eighth official EVO 2013 tournament selection.

Of course, reaching the fundraiser's herculean total required the efforts of fighting game communities from all walks. Skullgirls faithfuls piled up $78,760, for instance, while Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo devotees brought in $39,567.

The full list of contributors can be found after the break, and while not every community was able to reach a five-figure sum, every bit matters in the fight against cancer. Good game, everyone.

Continue reading EVO 2013 charity drive raises over $200,000, Smash Bros. Melee final game selection

JoystiqEVO 2013 charity drive raises over $200,000, Smash Bros. Melee final game selection originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breast-Cancer-Research-Foundationcharityevo-2013fundraiserskullgirlssuper-smash-bros-meleesuper-street-fighter-2-turboFri, 01 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/skullgirls-pc-moving-forward-through-new-deal-with-marvelous-aql/#commentsSkullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQLDevelopment of the long-awaited PC version of indie fighter Skullgirls is set to begin in "the coming weeks," thanks to a funding/publishing deal between existing publisher Autumn Games and Japanese publisher Marvelous AQL.

The agreement, which is in its "final stages" according to Peter Bartholow, CEO of developer Lab Zero Games, will allow Skullgirls to be ported to the PC with "expanded multiplayer functionality" as compared to the console version. Bartholow expects the porting process to take "around four months" to complete, with more information regarding the port's new features, as well as details on a public beta, to follow as development progresses.

Meanwhile, Skullgirls' quest to raise the most money for breast cancer research (and therefore become the eighth official EVO 2013 selection) continues. Limited edition posters (left) are now available for pre-order, with 50 percent of all sales going directly to the fundraiser.

JoystiqSkullgirls PC moving forward through new deal with Marvelous AQL originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autumn-gamescharityevo-2013konamilab-zero-gamesmarvelous-aqlpcreverge-labsskullgirlsThu, 31 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Press Paws charity art show to break hearts, empty wallets, save pooches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/press-paws-charity-art-show-to-break-hearts-empty-wallets-save/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/press-paws-charity-art-show-to-break-hearts-empty-wallets-save/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/press-paws-charity-art-show-to-break-hearts-empty-wallets-save/#comments
On February 9, gaming/puppy enthusiasts Amelia Cantlay, Sakura Minamida, Amber Drsata and Laurie Ma, along with their team of volunteers, will attempt to save as many of man's best friends as possible through Press Paws, a gaming-themed charity art show for the benefit of What's Up Dog! LA.

The event is scheduled to take place at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California, and will feature pieces from more than 50 artists, all of which focus on animals in gaming. Art sale and silent auction proceeds go to What's Up Dog! LA, which is why the event's organizers have launched an Indiegogo fundraiser to help cover the cost of printing posters, flyers, providing snacks at the event, etc. Their goal is a meager $3,000, and donations can be made here for those so inclined.

JoystiqPress Paws charity art show to break hearts, empty wallets, save pooches originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artartworkcharityfundraisergallery-nucleusindiegogopress-pawspuppieswhats-up-dogwhats-up-dog-laSat, 12 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First seven EVO 2013 games announced, eighth game determined by charity drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/first-seven-evo-2013-games-announced-eighth-game-determined-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/first-seven-evo-2013-games-announced-eighth-game-determined-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/first-seven-evo-2013-games-announced-eighth-game-determined-by/#comments When it's time for the year's Evolution Championship Series fighting game selections to be announced, normally the process shakes out like this: A post goes up on Shoryuken, the fighting game community cheers and/or jeers for a while, and then everyone gets back to practicing. This year, however, things are a bit different.

Seven games have been announced as official selections, as per usual: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter X Tekken (ver. 2013), King of Fighters XIII and Persona 4 Arena. The eighth game shakes up some paradigms, being selected through an ongoing charity fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Basically, players donate money to the BCRF in the name of whichever game they want to see in the final slot, be it Dead or Alive 5, Darkstalkers 3, Capcom vs. SNK 2, or any of the 13 other eligible titles. Whichever game's community raises the most money for charity before the end of this month will be selected as the final, official EVO 2013 selection.

Donation links can be found here, so if you want to forcefully subject people to a global MLP: Fighting Is Magic tournament, you can do so for a good cause.

JoystiqFirst seven EVO 2013 games announced, eighth game determined by charity drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breast-cancer-research-foundationcharityevo-2013evo2kking-of-fighters-xiiiMortal-Kombat-2011persona-4-arenastreet-fighter-x-tekkensuper-street-fighter-4-arcade-editiontekken-tag-tournament-2ultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Week-long speed run marathon for charity starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/psa-week-long-speed-run-marathon-for-charity-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/psa-week-long-speed-run-marathon-for-charity-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/psa-week-long-speed-run-marathon-for-charity-starts-today/#comments PSA Weeklong speed run marathon for charity starts todayAwesome Games Done Quick 2013 is the third annual marathon gaming event in which players attempt to complete games as quickly as possible for days on end. The marathon runs through Saturday, January 12 and is raising donations for the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

The week-long event is being hosted by the Speed Demos Archive and features over 115 games. Head over to the AGDQ 2013 site to watch the live stream of the event.

JoystiqPSA: Week-long speed run marathon for charity starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agdq-2013awesome-games-done-quickcharitymarathonprevent-cancer-foundationpsaspeed-demos-archivespeed-runsSun, 06 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Replica Portal gun signed by Valve and auctioned on Ebay for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/27/replica-portal-gun-signed-by-valve-and-auctioned-on-ebay-for-cha/#comments Replica Portal gun signed by Valve auctioned on Ebay, for charityThe only thing better than donating to a worthy charity is donating to a worthy charity and getting a full-size replica Portal gun signed by the entire Valve team out of it. Warm fuzzies and a new toy.

Valve signed a replica Portal gun for the Games Art and Music charity event in Florida, and now that the show is over, GAAM is auctioning it off on Ebay, with all of the funds benefiting Child's Play Charity. It's like helping two charities in one go.

The Ebay auction started off strong, but because of some technical issues, it was reset and now needs to make up some ground to reach its previous peak. The auction ends tomorrow, December 28, at 10:37 a.m. PST. If you have a pure heart and an empty space on your mantel, this bidding war might be for you.

JoystiqReplica Portal gun signed by Valve and auctioned on Ebay for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playeBaygaamgames-art-and-musicmicrosoftpcplaystationPortalportal-gunps3replicavalvexboxThu, 27 Dec 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ExtraLives aims to hit $100K for charity with Pokémon marathon this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/extralives-aims-to-hit-100k-for-charity-with-pokemon-marathon-t/#comments ExtraLives aims to hit $100,000 for charity with Pokemon marathon this weekendThe good folks at ExtraLives.org have raised $91,837.25 since 2009, and they're hoping Pokémon will help put them over the $100,000 mark this coming weekend. Starting up on Saturday, December 29, the team is going to start up three different Pokémon sessions at the same time, marathoning Nintendo's addictive little monster capture RPG all the way into 2013.

They'll start with the old Game Boy titles, and then make their way up into the DS era, campaigning the whole time to try and raise money for charity.

The marathon will begin at noon on Saturday, and each of the three streamed screens will be running a different version of Pokemon, so you'll get to see for sure just how different the game is if you go with Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle for your first pet. The infamous Pokémon bootlegs will also be making an appearance. All the money will be going to Free the Children, so it's for a great cause.

Our heartfelt holiday donations: Let us show you them.

JoystiqExtraLives aims to hit $100K for charity with Pokémon marathon this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydsextralivesfundraisinggameboymarathonmobilenintendopokemonstreamingWed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA['MineThon 2' Minecraft marathon for Child's Play now mining, crafting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/minethon-2-minecraft-marathon-for-childs-play-now-mining-cra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/minethon-2-minecraft-marathon-for-childs-play-now-mining-cra/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/minethon-2-minecraft-marathon-for-childs-play-now-mining-cra/#comments 'MineThon 2' Minecraft marathon for Child's Play now mining, craftingTo quote the greatest Christmas movie of all time, "It's not the giving, it's not the getting, it's the loving." But, sometimes loving is giving, especially when you don't expect anything in return. To wit, a group of Minecraft enthusiasts are giving up the next 72 hours of their lives in the hope that you might give up your dollars to Child's Play.

MineThon 2 runs from now until 2 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, December 24, and until then the group of five volunteers will be mining and crafting around the clock, occasionally stopping to host auctions, contests and raffles, perform skits and to interview guests of interest to the greater Minecraft community.

Charitable folks who donate $10 or more are white listed to play on the same server as the MineThon crew, while dropping $15 or more grants server bonuses like call commands and faster queuing. All of the proceeds collected go directly to Child's Play. To watch the event's live stream and/or donate, click here.

Joystiq'MineThon 2' Minecraft marathon for Child's Play now mining, crafting originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycharity-marathonchilds-playchilds-play-charitymarathonMinecraftminethonminethon-2MojangSat, 22 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed marathon for Child's Play happening right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/assassins-creed-marathon-for-childs-play-happening-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/assassins-creed-marathon-for-childs-play-happening-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/assassins-creed-marathon-for-childs-play-happening-right-now/#comments Assassin's Creed marathon for Child's Play charity happening right nowAlpha Iota, an academic honors society from Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, California, is hosting an Assassin's Creed marathon to raise money for the Child's Play charity. This is the second year the organization has hosted the fundraising event; it garnered over $1,400 in donations last year.

The "Assassins4Kids" group is also auctioning off a number of Assassin's Creed-related merchandise, such as paintings and hoodies, and has already clocked over 40 hours in the Assassin's Creed series. Assassins4Kids is streaming the game (and at night, sleeping) marathon through December 19, which can be found after the break.

[Thanks, Roger!]

Continue reading Assassin's Creed marathon for Child's Play happening right now

JoystiqAssassin's Creed marathon for Child's Play happening right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-iotaAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-marathonassassins4kidscharitychilds-playfund-raisingmarathonSun, 16 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble THQ Bundle ends, earns $5 million from 885,000 bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/humble-thq-bundle-ends-earns-5-million-from-885-000-bundles/#comments THQ bundle ends, earning $5 million from 885,000 bundlesThe Humble Indie Bundle's first decidedly non-indie bundle, the THQ Bundle, has come to its anticipated end. All told, says the organization, the bundle raised $5 million, split as buyers chose between THQ, charity donations, and the Humble Bundle group itself.

The whole project seems to have been a rousing success: 885,251 bundles went out the door, and THQ added a few big games into the pack during the sale. The average price for all titles sold was $5.76, and the top contributor to the cause was THQ's president Jason Rubin, who at the end had contributed a total of $10,000 to the proceedings.

In fact, considering THQ's financial battles lately, this might be one of the company's biggest successes this year. Wonder what else they've got over there to bundle up and sell out the door?

JoystiqHumble THQ Bundle ends, earns $5 million from 885,000 bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecharitychilds-playdiscountdonationshumblehumble-bundlehumble-thq-bundlejason-rubinpcsaints-row-the-thirdthqWed, 12 Dec 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Halloween Skin Pack hell-raised $770K for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/minecraft-halloween-skin-pack-hell-raised-770k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/minecraft-halloween-skin-pack-hell-raised-770k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/minecraft-halloween-skin-pack-hell-raised-770k-for-charity/#comments Minecraft Halloween Skin Pack hellraised $770K for charity The Minecraft Halloween Skin Pack racked up a total of $770,448 for charities, developer 4J Studios revealed today. All proceeds from the spooky add-on, sold on Xbox Live for a month at 160 MSP ($2), are being split between the Block by Block, SANDS Lothians, Child's Play, and Macmillan Cancer Support charities. Based on the price, the figure suggests roughly 385,000 players bought the pack, making it a veritable graveyard smash.

4J Studios is hard at work on further Minecraft updates. The next in line, Title Update 7, includes among other things experience points and animal breeding, while Title Update 8 features The End and its Ender Dragon boss.

JoystiqMinecraft Halloween Skin Pack hell-raised $770K for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4j-studioscharityhalloweenmicrosoftMinecraftskinsXBLAXBLMxboxTue, 11 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Speed Gamers return with another 72-hour marathon for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-speed-gamers-return-with-another-72-hour-marathon-for-charit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-speed-gamers-return-with-another-72-hour-marathon-for-charit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-speed-gamers-return-with-another-72-hour-marathon-for-charit/#comments
Texas-based marathon-gaming group The Speed Gamers is preparing for its annual winter charity drive once again, this year raising funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through extensive exposure to Mario and his various exploits.

Starting at 7 p.m. Eastern on December 14, the group's non-stop 72-hour gaming session will work its way through a respectable block of Mario games, spanning the vastness of the plumber's body of work, both new and old. The whole event will be streamed live on the group's official website, where viewers can donate to not only help a worthy cause, but to also win prizes and play practical jokes on the marathoners.

So far this year, The Speed Gamers has already raised $59,324.36 for charity, thanks to its insane 168-hour Pokemon marathon last June. In total, the organization has accumulated $369,304.15 for various causes since it was founded in 2008.

JoystiqThe Speed Gamers return with another 72-hour marathon for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscharitycharity-marathonMake-A-Wishmake-a-wish-foundationmarathonmariomario-marathonnintendosuper-mariothe-speed-gamerswiiwii-uThu, 06 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/zyngas-holiday-charity-drive-turns-in-app-purchases-into-toys-f/#comments Zynga's holiday charity drive turns inapp purchases into Toys for TotsZynga's charity campaign "Oh, What Fun!" runs today through December 31, with 100 percent of select, holiday-themed in-app purchases in seven games directly benefiting Toys for Tots.

Participating games are CityVille, CastleVille, Words With Friends, Pioneer Trail, Bubble Safari, Draw Something and FarmVille, each with specific items to purchase for the charity, such as FarmVille's cheer-ewe-up horse for $1. As always, we're happy to see Zynga isn't sheepish about using puns. We're laughing so hard, there's a cramp in our calf. Sorry, we're really milking this one.

Some of the items have time limits within the charity drive, with FarmVille's ending on December 5 and Pioneer Trail's not beginning until December 17. Check out the full list of games, items and timeframes after the break.

Continue reading Zynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots

JoystiqZynga's holiday charity drive turns in-app purchases into Toys for Tots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcharityiosipadiphonemacmobilepctoys-for-totsZyngaWed, 28 Nov 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[London Games Festival exhibition art being auctioned for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/london-games-festival-exhibition-art-being-auctioned-for-charity/#comments Entire London Games Art Exhibition being auctioned for charityOrganizers of The London Games Festival's large exhibition of video game-related art, which concluded in October, are going to auction off all of the pieces on display for charity's sake. There are over 100 works going out, covering games like Batman: Arkham City, Fable 3, and Dishonored. All of the profit from the auction will go to support SpecialEffect, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for anyone with disabilities.

You can browse through the gallery of art on the Festival's website right now, and they're also taking bids on all pieces at this time. Not all of the art is available for auction right away, but eventually it'll all be up for offer, with new weekly pieces up until December 3. If there's something in there that floats your boat and you feel like paying a little bit of money to charity for some great art, bid away.

JoystiqLondon Games Festival exhibition art being auctioned for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artauctionBatman-Arkham-Asylum-2Batman-Arkham-Citycharityconcept-artlondon-games-festivalrocksteady-studiosTue, 13 Nov 2012 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Desert Bus 6 now accepting donations on its road to Hope]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/desert-bus-6-now-accepting-donations-on-its-road-to-hope/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/desert-bus-6-now-accepting-donations-on-its-road-to-hope/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/desert-bus-6-now-accepting-donations-on-its-road-to-hope/#comments This year's Desert Bus for Hope gaming marathon is now open for donations. In little over 10 days, the bus will leave its virtual depot and take a road trip across several games in an effort to raise money for Child's Play.

The full schedule of this year's fundraising festivities isn't online yet; look for that on Friday. Prizes - sometimes not very good ones - will be given out throughout the event and interviews will be conducted with call-in guests. If you'd like to donate some of your simoleons, you can do that by heading over here.

JoystiqDesert Bus 6 now accepting donations on its road to Hope originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdesert-busdesert-bus-for-hopeloadingreadyrunTue, 06 Nov 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports donates $500,000 of in-game ads to Movember initiative]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/#comments EA Sports donates $500,000 of ingame ads to Movember initiativeIn good guy news, EA Sports is putting up $500,000 worth of in-game advertising for Movember, free of charge. You may have already spotted the ads, which will run this month, in the latest iterations of FIFA, Madden, and NHL.

Movember's been going for several years now, but in case you're yet to link it to the surge of facial hair above November lips, the charity's website can fill you in. In short, dudes grow their mustaches out across the month, all in the name of raising money for men's health charities like the Prostate Cancer and LiveStrong foundations.

While this is excellent of EA Sports, we're a little disappointed to not hear of EA CEO Peter Moore growing out his whiskers - we mean really growing out his whiskers. We reckon he could totally pull off this little number. Of course, even that 'stache woudn't compare to a certain reviews editor's super sexy stylings.

JoystiqEA Sports donates $500,000 of in-game ads to Movember initiative originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityEAEA-Sportsfifa-13madden-nfl-13movembernhl-13Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/esa-raises-800k-for-charity-at-nite-to-unite-event/#comments ESA raises $800k at 'Nite to Unite' eventThe Entertainment Software Association held its 15th annual "A Nite to Unite - For Kids" event in San Francisco last week, and we'd like to congratulate the ESA on raising over $800,000 at the event through the dinner, silent auction, and casino festivities. That money will go to the ESAF, a charity arm of the organization that has raised more than $12 million so far to provide resources and opportunities (many of them related to digital entertainment) to children around the country.

At the gala, the ESA also honored Valve co-founder Gabe Newell with the 2012 ESA Champion Honoree award for "using his technological creativity in interactive entertainment to help teachers utilize new learning software and to develop critical problem-solving skills in students." Sounds like a real honor, and it's all in the name of a great cause. If that's what he got for helping teachers, though, what would they have given him for Half-Life 3?

Continue reading ESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event

JoystiqESA raises $800K for charity at 'Nite to Unite' event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncasinocharitydinneresafeventfestivitiesfundraisingmoneynite-to-unitesilent-auctionMon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft XBLA gets a pack full of skins for Halloween]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/minecraft-xbla-gets-a-pack-full-of-skins-for-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/minecraft-xbla-gets-a-pack-full-of-skins-for-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/minecraft-xbla-gets-a-pack-full-of-skins-for-halloween/#comments Spooky Minecraft XBLA Halloween skins, proceeds to go charity"The Minecraft Halloween skin pack" sounds like a disgusting bag filled with blocky bits of flesh. The real Minecraft XBLA skins are almost as gross, but in a more charming, less messy way.

The Halloween skin pack includes 55 new, creepy character designs donated by developers around the world, and it runs 160 MS Points ($2). All of the proceeds benefit four charities chosen by Mojang, 4J Studios and Microsoft Studios. Bonus side note: For the first time in Minecraft XBLA's history, some of the skins feature capes.

The Halloween skin pack goes on sale on October 26 and will be available through November 26, the day following the end of Minecon 2012 at Disneyland Paris. Do the creep-ah.

JoystiqMinecraft XBLA gets a pack full of skins for Halloween originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityhalloweenmicrosoftMinecraftminecraft-xblaskinsxboxThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie Games for Good marathon is already massive, starts tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/indie-games-for-good-marathon-is-already-massive-starts-tomorro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/indie-games-for-good-marathon-is-already-massive-starts-tomorro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/indie-games-for-good-marathon-is-already-massive-starts-tomorro/#comments Indie Games for Good marathon is already massive, starts tomorrowIndie Games for Good, the massive video game marathon that directly and fully benefits Child's Play Charity, begins tomorrow, October 19, at 10 a.m. PT. Indie Games for Good is an interactive gaming extravaganza, with viewers deciding which games marathoners play (and for how long), and setting challenges and potentially winning prizes.

People who donate get points, which they can use to "buy time" for any particular game on the list, and gaming stops when the donations do. Games already gaining traction include Amnesia, Bastion, CarneyVale: Showtime, Cave Story, Digital: A Love Story, Dungeons of Dredmor, Escape Goat, FTL, I Wanna Be The Guy: Gaiden, Pocket Planes, QWOP, The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, and tons more. Whew.

Last year the Indie Games for Good marathon lasted 79 hours and raised close to $7,000. More than $4,000 has been raised in pre-marathon donations this year. Good luck, gamers for good.

JoystiqIndie Games for Good marathon is already massive, starts tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charitygaming-marathonIndieindie-gamesIndie-Games-for-GoodmarathonpcThu, 18 Oct 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Words with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/words-with-friends-charity-game-pits-edward-norton-vs-snoop-lion/#comments Words with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion, othersEdward Norton, Snoop Lion (formerly Dogg), Kristen Bell and five other really popular people are taking part in the Words with Friends Celebrity Challenge, which will give $500,000 to a charity chosen by the winning celebrity. The Celebrity Challenge begins tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET with a Words with Friends match between Snoop Lion and Jonah Hill, streaming live with commentary.

Participating famous people are Kristen Bell, Sophia Bush, Jonah Hill, John Legend, Snoop Lion, Eva Longoria, Edward Norton and Paul Pierce. Anyone can join any of these "teams" and be entered for a chance to play a game against that celebrity.

For what it's worth, Edward Norton is supremely confident that he'll win for his charity, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund. His first round is against Paul Pierce, captain of the Boston Celtics, who is playing for his own charity, The Truth Fund.

"I think it's great that he has a cause he supports, and I hope the amount he gets from just the first round is going to make him happy because I don't think it's going to go past there," Norton tells The AP. Norton is most concerned about playing against Snoop Lion, citing his experience with wordplay. Norton also lived and worked in Osaka, Japan, after graduating Yale University in 1991, since you seem interested.

JoystiqWords with Friends charity game pits Edward Norton vs Snoop Lion originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritycharitymobilepcwords-with-friendsZyngaWed, 26 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bundle in a Box is DRM-free in Deep Space, with DRM (Death Ray Manta)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/bundle-in-a-box-is-drm-free-in-deep-space-with-drm-death-ray-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/bundle-in-a-box-is-drm-free-in-deep-space-with-drm-death-ray-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/16/bundle-in-a-box-is-drm-free-in-deep-space-with-drm-death-ray-m/#comments Bundle in a Box is DRMfree in Deep Space, with DRM Death Ray MantaBundle in a Box offers pay-what-you-want pricing, starting at $0.99, on a digital box full of DRM-free games - except for that one DRM game in the current Deep Space bundle.

Death Ray Manta is available exclusively via the Bundle in a Box right now, alongside Space Giraffe, The Wreckless, Dark Scavenger and Armalyte, and special content for Droidscape: Basilica when that drops in the final quarter of 2012 for iOS and Android. Paying more than the average ($4.59 as of this writing) gets you Sol: Exodus, Miner Wars Arena, RobotRiot and Armalyte Extras. As the total number of sales increases, more goodies for everyone are unlocked as well.

So far Deep Space has sold more than 1,500 bundles, with 11 days left to buy. Sales benefit the Hellenic Centre for Mental Health and Treatment of Child and Family and the Indie Dev Grant.

JoystiqBundle in a Box is DRM-free in Deep Space, with DRM (Death Ray Manta) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armalytebundlebundle-in-a-boxcharitydark-scavengerdeath-ray-mantadeep-spaceDRM-freeIndieindie-bundlemacpcSpace-Giraffethe-wrecklessSun, 16 Sep 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/angry-birds-go-ga-ga-for-mercury-to-celebrate-freddie-for-a-day/#comments Angry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day

'Freddie For A Day' is an annual event held on Freddie Mercury's birthday, tomorrow, to celebrate the former Queen frontman and raise money for the AIDS charity set up in his name. Angry Birds creator Rovio gets in on the act this year by releasing the above specially created animation. We've got to hand it to Rovio: the late, great Mr. Mercury makes a dynamite Angry Bird.

Freddie For A Day festivities continue throughout the week - although, Londoners, you've just missed out on glamming up The Savoy for a day. Luckily, there are still plenty of other ways to celebrate the rock legend and donate to a very worthy cause.

JoystiqAngry Birds go Ga Ga for Mercury to celebrate Freddie For A Day originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdscharityfreddie-mercuryiosiphonemobilequeenTue, 04 Sep 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer, DC Entertainment and Athene raise over $1 million for African hunger relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/razer-dc-entertainment-and-athene-over-1-million-for-african-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/razer-dc-entertainment-and-athene-over-1-million-for-african-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/02/razer-dc-entertainment-and-athene-over-1-million-for-african-h/#comments Razer, DC Entertainment and Athene over $1 million for African hunger relief
As part of the Sharecraft 2012 Save the Children Challenge, Razer, DC Entertainment and web personality Bachir Boumaaza (more widely known as Athene) have raised over $1 million toward African hunger relief. Athene, sponsored by Razer, used his reach to help garner donations. DC Entertainment pledged to match all donations up to $1 million, and accounts for "approximately half" of the current total ($1,010,704 as of this writing).

The money goes to Save the Children, which will use the funds to aid in the hunger crisis in the horn of Africa. The drive still has two days to go, and those interested in donating may do so here.

JoystiqRazer, DC Entertainment and Athene raise over $1 million for African hunger relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydc-entertainmentrazersave-the-childrensharecraftsharecraft-2012Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Marathon 5 raises over $43k for Child's Play (and counting)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/super-mario-marathon-5-raises-over-43k-for-childs-play-and-co/#comments Super Mario Marathon hits one day, over $40k to Child's PlaySuper Mario Marathon 5 is streaming live from a Mario-themed living room in Indiana, where a group of gamers are playing select levels from a variety of Mario games. The levels they play are determined by the amount of money donated, with 800 total levels across ten Mario games available for them to complete.

Donated money goes directly to the Child's Play foundation, which aims to improve "the lives of children with toys and games in [its] network of over 70 hospitals worldwide." Last year's event raised over $112k in donations to the foundation. Donations can be made here, and the stream can be viewed on the Mario Marathon site.

[Thanks, Stefan!]

JoystiqSuper Mario Marathon 5 raises over $43k for Child's Play (and counting) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdonatemarathonmario-marathonsuper-mario-marathon-5Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle for Android #2 brings Canabalt to Android]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/humble-bundle-for-android-2-brings-canabalt-to-android/#comments
If you have an Android phone, you've probably been eagerly awaiting this day: the day when Semi Secret Software's auto-runner Canabalt jumps through a window and lands on Android. Not only is it out today, it's part of a new Android-focused Humble Bundle.

Other games in today's pay-what-you-want charity collection include Zen Bound 2, Cogs, and Spiderweb's Avadon: The Black Fortress. Those who pay over the average also get Swords & Soldiers.

Though it's an Android bundle, buying it gets you access to all the games across PC, Mac, and Linux as well, plus soundtracks for everything but Avadon. And, of course, you get the positive feeling of contributing to charity or whatever.

JoystiqHumble Bundle for Android #2 brings Canabalt to Android originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidavadon-the-black-fortresscanabaltcharitychilds-playcogseffhumble-indie-bundlemacmobilepcswords-and-soldierszen-bound-2Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Another indie game bundle with Sideway NY, Wasteland Angel, mysteries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/another-indie-game-bundle-with-sideway-ny-wasteland-angel-myst/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/another-indie-game-bundle-with-sideway-ny-wasteland-angel-myst/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/26/another-indie-game-bundle-with-sideway-ny-wasteland-angel-myst/#comments

Let's get ready to Bundle! The latest installment in the pay-what-you-want bundle franchise is the Be Mine Indie Game Bundle, offering five games, a soundtrack and extra incentives when the total payment reaches $3,000, $50,000 and $75,000, with 20 percent of all donations going to Child's Play Charity. The current total is just over $46,000 and the bundle is available until March 3.

The Be Mine Bundle includes Xotic, Sideway New York, Wasteland Angel, Beep and The Ball, and for hitting the $3,000 mark it now includes Nikopol: Secrets of the Immortals and all DLC packs for Xotic when they're released. The $50,000 includes a bunch of soundtracks and $75,000 hits a mystery bonus.

JoystiqAnother indie game bundle with Sideway NY, Wasteland Angel, mysteries originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Be-MineBe-Mine-Indie-Game-Bundlebeepbundlecharitychilds-playmacpcsidewaysideway-new-yorkthe-ballWasteland-AngelxoticSun, 26 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/humble-bundle-mojam-makes-nearly-500k-for-charity/#comments Mojang is everyone's favorite studio to blindly throw money at these days, so it comes as little surprise that the Sweden-based Minecraft creators raised nearly $500K ($458,215.95) this past weekend during a live "game jam." The conceit was that Mojang would arrange a game jam (a "Mojam," if you will) and stream it live across 60 hours, with the resulting product being added to the most recent Humble Indie Bundle, as well as two games developed under similar constraints from Oxeye Game Studio and Wolfire Games.

What games did the three studios end up making? Mojang created an Egyptian/Steampunk-themed RTS slash shoot 'em up called "Catacomb Snatch," which we'll refrain from making lurid jokes about, while Oxeye made a game named "Fists of Resistance" and Wolfire made "The Broadside Express."

As over 81K bundles were purchased, the three studios collectively raised just under half a million dollars, all of which will be donated to Child's Play, Electronic Frontier Foundation, charity:water, and the American Red Cross. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some lurid jokes to make in private.

JoystiqHumble Bundle Mojam makes nearly $500K for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-red-crosscharitycharity-waterchilds-playelectronic-frontier-foundationgame-jamhumble-indie-bundlemojammojangmojang-specificationsmojang-studiosoxeye-game-studiospcwolfire-studiosMon, 20 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Feel-good Sunday post: 11-year-old makes games for cancer patients, charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/feel-good-sunday-post-11-year-old-makes-games-for-cancer-patien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/feel-good-sunday-post-11-year-old-makes-games-for-cancer-patien/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/feel-good-sunday-post-11-year-old-makes-games-for-cancer-patien/#comments Game development has become more accessible to non-professionals with tool suites such as GameSalad, which is what 11-year-old Conner Haines used to start his own studio, Flip Flop Games. Through Flip Flop, Haines began the BElieve program, where he turns game ideas from cancer patients age 5-12 into real iOS titles, with all profit going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Flip Flop's app sales clock in at more than 1,400 so far, and it sounds like Haines is just getting started. He says it takes him two to three months to complete an idea, and eligible kids can submit their ideas right here.

JoystiqFeel-good Sunday post: 11-year-old makes games for cancer patients, charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-year-oldcharityConner-HainesiosipadiphoneMake-A-WishmobileSun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 4 abused by Scrooge-like Steam scamming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/humble-indie-bundle-4-abused-by-scrooge-like-steam-scamming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/humble-indie-bundle-4-abused-by-scrooge-like-steam-scamming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/humble-indie-bundle-4-abused-by-scrooge-like-steam-scamming/#comments This is how nice things like Humble Indie Bundles stop happening: the Humble Indie Bundle 4, which also supports charities like the Red Cross and Child's Play, has people abusing the system for grinchy gain. Here's how the scam worked: oogie-boogies purchased the bundle for a penny, then used the Steam codes from the bundle "to 'legitimize' automated Steam accounts in order to increase their odds of winning prizes in Valve's current raffle promotion."

"This is unfair to legitimate entrants and is definitely not what we wanted to encourage with Humble Indie Bundle 4," wrote organizers on the Humble Bundle blog. "It's a lose-lose situation for the indie developers, charities, Valve, and Humble Bundle."

New orders now have a required purchase price of $1 to obtain Steam keys. For those who can't afford the dollar (*glares at your $5 mocha*), a Steam key can be provided by contacting the support team and promising "not to resell" or "otherwise abuse it."

It's a fair compromise to a sad situation that shouldn't have happened in the first place.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 4 abused by Scrooge-like Steam scamming originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abusecharityhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-4pcsteamsuper-meat-boyThu, 22 Dec 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazy Dave's Wabby Wabbo being sold on iTunes for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/crazy-daves-wabby-wabbo-being-sold-on-itunes-for-charity/#comments
Crazy Dave, whom you might remember as Plants vs. Zombies' power-up purveyor, can't speak English. But that hasn't stopped him from producing a rap song, apparently, which PopCap is now selling for 99 cents on iTunes in order to raise some money for charity this holiday season. The single, which features "Cray-Z" murmuring over a bombastic beat, has already picked up over 600,000 views on YouTube, and PopCap says all profits on the song's sale are going to Concern Worldwide.

What's Concern do with its nonprofit funds? It helps grow plants, of course. How else are we going to take on the coming zombie bobsled threat?

JoystiqCrazy Dave's Wabby Wabbo being sold on iTunes for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityconcern-worldwidecrazy-davedownloaditunespcPlants-vs-Zombiespopcap-gamesTue, 20 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play raises $1.5 million so far in 2011, passes $10 million in total contributions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/childs-play-raises-1-5-million-so-far-in-2011-passes-10-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/childs-play-raises-1-5-million-so-far-in-2011-passes-10-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/childs-play-raises-1-5-million-so-far-in-2011-passes-10-mill/#comments In 2010, Child's Play earned a whopping $2,294,317.53 for charity, a new record for the organization. Lifetime total earnings came to over nine million dollars last year since the charity started back in 2003, which donates countless toys and video games to childrens hospitals across the country. And in 2011, the bar has been raised even higher.

The charity has earned $1.5 million so far in 2011, pushing total earnings over the $10 million mark. News came via a post over on the official blog, where Robert Khoo, president of operations and business development for Penny Arcade, the charity's organizers. Khoo said fundraising this year "is coming along at a record pace" and thinks the $2 million mark is "well within reach."

JoystiqChild's Play raises $1.5 million so far in 2011, passes $10 million in total contributions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidcharitychilds-playdsiosipadiphonekinectmacmicrosoftmobilemovenintendopcpenny-arcadeplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonywiixboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/childs-play-2011-starts-annual-drive-trying-for-2-million-in/#comments Halloween has passed us by, which means the season of charity is here, and Child's Play has started up its yearly drive for donations. Child's Play, started by the fine folks at Penny Arcade, is dedicated to providing sick children in hospitals all over the world with video games and toys to play while they recover, and has raised nearly $9 million in money and donations since it was founded in 2003.

This year, Child's Play is aiming for at least $2 million in donations, in part through a slew of events during the next two months, including the annual Desert Bus for Hope marathon later this month, and a Charity Dinner and Auction on December 8 up in Seattle. The group has picked up $450,000 in donations this year already, putting it well on the way towards its final goal.

You'll probably have a few other opportunities to donate over the next few months, but if you would like to jump in and help the kids out now, Child's Play accepts checks, Paypal donations, or you can even text in your donation by sending "GAMERS" to 50555. So go ahead -- even if the bells haven't started ringing in your neighborhood just yet, take this chance to give a little bit to those in need.

JoystiqChild's Play 2011 starts annual drive, trying for $2 million in donations originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charitydonationsgabehospitalspenny-arcadetychoFri, 04 Nov 2011 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Extra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/extra-life-2011-charity-event-starts-today-to-raise-money-for-c/#comments You may have already heard about this one, but in case not, know that starting today through tomorrow morning, quite a few folks online are going to be playing video games for 24 hours straight, aiming to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

The Extra Life Charity marathon is going on this weekend, and though players don't have to stream (or play the whole 24 hours, really -- it's all in good fun), lots of people will be doing so. Our very own Arthur Gies is even participating in the event all weekend long, as is Massively writer Beau Hindman. The Paragon Studios team will have a livestream up, Rift has a special in-game event going, and outlets like G4, GotGame, Aussie Gamer, and Platform Nation are all joining in to play and raise money.

If you'd like to contribute, it's definitely not too late. Play some games, watch some people playing others, and by all means, head on over to the Extra Life site and donate a few bucks to the cause. It's great to see gamers come together in a huge event like this, to both celebrate the act of playing games, and of course raise some money for charity as well.

JoystiqExtra Life 2011 charity event starts today, to raise money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationseventextra lifeExtraLifegamingmarathonraise-moneystreamingFri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard auctions off old server hardware for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/blizzard-auctions-off-old-server-hardware-for-charity/#comments You can't actually own a piece of Azeroth, because the virtual World of Warcraft doesn't exist -- sorry, ThrallFan6969, it's true. But this is probably your closest chance to the fake thing: Blizzard is auctioning off a group of hardware server blades that were used to run the popular MMO in the past, so for a price you can own the circuits and silicon that served up all of those boars, dwarves, and elves.

All of the money raised in the auctions is going to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. All in all, about 2,000 server blades will be auctioned off, and you can even aim to buy one from a specific realm -- the hardware where your very own characters once resided! Each blade will be mounted in a windowed case adorned with the WoW logo, and the hardware displayed prominently.

The auctions start on October 17 (just a few days before BlizzCon), with sales occurring in four different rounds. Good luck!

JoystiqBlizzard auctions off old server hardware for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCataclysmcharitypcworld-of-warcraftWorld-of-Warcraft-CataclysmwowFri, 14 Oct 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Afterfall Insanity will be $1 if it hits 10 million pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/afterfall-insanity-will-be-1-if-it-hits-10-million-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/afterfall-insanity-will-be-1-if-it-hits-10-million-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/afterfall-insanity-will-be-1-if-it-hits-10-million-pre-orders/#comments
Most games will launch at full price, then either drop in price in response to slow sales, or, in the case of a megahit, be re-released as a cheaper "Greatest Hits" version. For the post-apocalyptic survival horror game Afterfall: Insanity, publisher Nicolas Games is speeding up the timeline.

Nicolas is accepting pre-orders of the game at its official website. You pay $1 now, and if by some miracle this obscure PC horror game gets 10 million pre-orders by its November 25 release date, that's all you'll ever have to pay. That's a pretty good reason to pre-order something that's digitally distributed (and therefore offers no other reason for pre-ordering). And 10% of that revenue will go to an unspecified charity.

Should the collective fanbase fail to reach 10 million in number, all of the proceeds of this initiative will go to said charity, and the game will be sold for $33.90. So, instead of releasing the game first, then adjusting the price based on the popularity, Nicolas is gauging the popularity, and the price, before the thing ever comes out. Insanity!

Continue reading Afterfall Insanity will be $1 if it hits 10 million pre-orders

JoystiqAfterfall Insanity will be $1 if it hits 10 million pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afterfall-insanitycharitynicolas-gamespcpre-orderMon, 10 Oct 2011 17:50:00 EST