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[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<![CDATA[Frozen Synapse stars in new Humble Indie Bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/frozen-synapse-stars-in-new-humble-indie-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/frozen-synapse-stars-in-new-humble-indie-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/frozen-synapse-stars-in-new-humble-indie-bundle/#comments
The latest Humble Indie Bundle has only one pay-what-you-want participant -- Frozen Synapse, the "simultaneous" turn-based strategy game from Mode 7 Games -- but exceeding the average price will transform it from misnomer into a proper collection of games.

Paying more than the average price ($4.27 at time of writing) will net you another cold bonus in the Humble Frozenbyte Bundle, which offers an assortment of games from the Finnish indie developer. Those include Trine, Shadowgrounds, Shadowgrounds: Survivor, the canceled Jack Claw prototype and a pre-order for the upcoming Splot. Plus: your money can go to Child's Play and The Electronic Frontier Foundation as you see fit.

Since Humble Bundle games work across multiple platforms (Jack Claw excluded), Frozen Synapse makes its debut on Linux, complete with a free copy of the soundtrack. We'd love a chance to listen to it in isolation, as most of the music gets drowned out by our utterances of "oh shit oh shit" when both players execute their plans at once.

JoystiqFrozen Synapse stars in new Humble Indie Bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityfrozen-synapsehumble-frozen-synapse-bundlehumble-frozenbyte-bundlehumble-indie-bundlejack-clawlinuxmacpcshadowgroundssplottrineWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[You can game and give for good on Xbox 360 October 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/you-can-game-and-give-for-good-on-xbox-360-october-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/you-can-game-and-give-for-good-on-xbox-360-october-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/you-can-game-and-give-for-good-on-xbox-360-october-1/#comments Microsoft is looking to chip in for charity through a new initiative on October 1 called Gaming and Giving for Good. All you have to do to get involved is register and get to gaming online. Basically, family and friends pledge money for each hour you game online. Don't have Gold? Don't sweat it -- by registering, you'll get a free weekend of Gold so you can fulfill your end of the bargain.

All proceeds benefit Extra Life, a fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals which supports over 170 hospitals across North America. GameStop has partnered with Microsoft to host in-store events promoting the Gaming for Good event.

JoystiqYou can game and give for good on Xbox 360 October 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityextra-lifegaming-and-giving-for-goodmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Relic Entertainment holds charity auction to mark developer Brian Wood's death]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/relic-entertainment-holds-charity-auction-to-mark-developer-bria/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/relic-entertainment-holds-charity-auction-to-mark-developer-bria/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/08/relic-entertainment-holds-charity-auction-to-mark-developer-bria/#comments A signed Xbox up for auction to commemorate Brian Wood's death. If you've finished the game, you'll know that Relic Entertainment's recently released Warhammer 40000: Space Marine is dedicated to developer Brian Wood, who passed away in a car accident last year (but not before turning the car so that his pregnant wife would survive the wreck). This week happens to mark the one year anniversary of Wood's death, and to honor him, Relic has started up a set of eBay auctions featuring a number of Space Marine and Relic-related goodies, from signed posters and game copies to even consoles and other promotional items.

Most of the auctions end in about four days on Sunday, and plenty of the items only have a few bids so far. All of the money will go to setting up a memorial bench for Wood in Vancouver, where his wife and now 9-month old daughter live. The company has also set up a memorial trust in his honor, as well as an in-company internship. This auction is a great way to show your support for Wood's legacy, and get some one-of-a-kind Relic gear to boot.

JoystiqRelic Entertainment holds charity auction to mark developer Brian Wood's death originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryauctionbrian-woodcharityebaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3relic-entertainmentwarhammer-40k-space-marinexboxThu, 08 Sep 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Operation Supply Drop sends games to overseas troops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/operation-supply-drop-sends-games-to-overseas-troops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/operation-supply-drop-sends-games-to-overseas-troops/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/operation-supply-drop-sends-games-to-overseas-troops/#comments As many of you in the U.S. enjoy your day off from labor, spare a thoughtful moment for your troops overseas. When your fighting men and women aren't irritating Sarge or stuck on KP duty peeling potatoes*, they'd like to be out there collecting coins or blasting Covenant ships right along with you.

Front Towards Gamer's Operation Supply Drop is making it happen, collecting money to buy consoles and games and sending them to troops stationed across the globe. Above you see the 18th Airborne Corps and the huge bundle of joy they recently received as a result of Operation: Grease Gun. Next up is Operation: Dragon Punch, which will soon be shipped out to MEDEVAC Blackhawk pilot Ryan and his team stationed in Northern Afghanistan.

If you'd like to help the troops win the war against boredom, you can donate via the Chipin link here. And get this: A $30 donation will net you 1600 MS points! But, of course, you're not giving for that reason. No, we'd never think that. Never.

*Ed. note: the sum total of our military knowledge is lifted from Beetle Bailey strips.

JoystiqOperation Supply Drop sends games to overseas troops originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitymicrosoftoperation-supply-dropplaystationps3xboxMon, 05 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mojang auctioning off custom Minecraft Xperia Play on eBay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/mojang-auctioning-off-custom-minecraft-xperia-play-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/mojang-auctioning-off-custom-minecraft-xperia-play-on-ebay/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/mojang-auctioning-off-custom-minecraft-xperia-play-on-ebay/#comments Custom-made Minecraft Xperia Play phone
This custom-designed, limited edition Xperia Play phone is being both given away at Gamescom later this week, and auctioned off on Ebay by Mojang to benefit a charity of the Minecraft team's choice. And it's definitely well-designed, from that sweet skin on the device's back to the matching in-game wallpaper.

But as beautiful as the phone is (at least $1,325 of beauty, as of this writing), that's not even the most beautiful thing about it. The real gorgeousness is that someday, someone will be able to build a replica of this phone, using the scene on it, inside the actual game of Minecraft, while using this very phone. It's overwhelming!

JoystiqMojang auctioning off custom Minecraft Xperia Play on eBay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncharityebayMinecraftmobilemojangpcsonyMon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Molecule designer kayaking around the UK for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/media-molecule-designer-kayaking-around-the-uk-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/media-molecule-designer-kayaking-around-the-uk-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/media-molecule-designer-kayaking-around-the-uk-for-charity/#comments The folks at LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule have proven time and time again that their brains don't work in quite the same way as everyone else's. Take, for example, John Beech: Though most normies would elect to bring their kayaking trip to a close after an hour or two, John has decided to row his plastic vessel around the entire circumference of the United Kingdom. It's a mind-searing 2,450-mile trip that will take him two months to complete; and he's doing it all for a good cause. (Naturally!)

You can check Beech's progress on Media Molecule's site, and sponsor his attempt by donating money to GamesAid, a UK-based organization which distributes funds to other, smaller charities. We'd also suggest that you wish him luck on his sojourn, but we're not sure about the quality of the Wi-Fi on his tiny boat.

JoystiqMedia Molecule designer kayaking around the UK for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitygamesaidjohn-beechkayakLittleBigPlanet-2media-moleculeplaystationps3ukThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Help Somalia hunger crisis by playing Bad Company 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/help-somalia-hunger-crisis-by-playing-bad-company-2/#comments
Somalia is in bad shape, you guys. Two back-to-back seasons of inadequate rains have prevented the country's agricultural infrastructure from producing enough food to cover the needs of its people, and as a result roughly 3.7 million Somali citizens are in need of assistance. The situation is so dire in some parts of Somalia that the UN has declared it a famine, which could spread throughout the entire country in as little as two months.

It's bad, and once again, a group of intrepid gamers have taken it upon themselves to help when help is needed most. Battlefield community site Don't Revive Me Bro has joined forces with pro gaming organization Quantic Gaming, fellow community resource Battlefieldo, and DICE's own Daniel Matros to produce First Person Saviors, a 24-hour Battlefield: Bad Company 2 event benefiting Somalia's people.

The event, which started this morning at 9 AM GMT (5 AM EDT) and runs until that time tomorrow, urges players to join specially-marked "Somalian Hunger Relief SHR" servers, rather than their usual virtual homes. Donations will be accepted by Gamers Outreach, 100 percent of which will be passed along to the World Food Programme to aid in their humanitarian efforts.

In addition to the warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get from knowing you've done a good thing, people who donate are also automatically entered into drawings for prizes and giveaways, held at specific donation intervals. The event is also an opportunity to test your mettle against some of the best Bad Company 2 players in the world, as well as actual DICE employees. So get to it! Go kill some dudes, and help save millions.

JoystiqHelp Somalia hunger crisis by playing Bad Company 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bad-Company-2BattlefieldBattlefield-Bad-Company-2BattlefieldocharityDICEDont-Revive-Me-BrofamineFirst-Person-SaviorsGamers-OutreachpcQuantic-GamingsomaliaWorld-Food-ProgrammeSat, 06 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 3 takes in a cool $1 mil in first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/humble-indie-bundle-3-takes-in-a-cool-1-mil-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/humble-indie-bundle-3-takes-in-a-cool-1-mil-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/humble-indie-bundle-3-takes-in-a-cool-1-mil-in-first-week/#comments After making an impressive showing during its first 17 hours of availability, the third Humble Indie Bundle has racked up quite a few more successful hours: It just passed $1 million in total payments, a figure it garnered with a little over 215,000 downloads.

The bundle, which was recently expanded with the independently developed shooter, Steel Storm, is bringing in an average purchase price of a little under five bucks. In contrast, Linux purchasers are dropping an average donation of $11.62.

There's a little over one week left before the promotion ends, so if you're planning on participating, make sure you try to follow the example set by our open source OS brethren.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 3 takes in a cool $1 mil in first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-3indielinuxmacpcsalesTue, 02 Aug 2011 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Bundle 3 includes free Minecraft play until Aug. 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/humble-bundle-3-includes-free-minecraft-play-until-aug-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/humble-bundle-3-includes-free-minecraft-play-until-aug-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/humble-bundle-3-includes-free-minecraft-play-until-aug-14/#comments As ever, the latest Humble Indie Bundle is as great a deal as you want to make it (but don't cheap out -- it's for charity!), and it's gotten better since its announcement. Now, in addition to the five games you'll own permanently, you'll also get the opportunity to play Minecraft for free until August 14. That's a great deal for that guy who hasn't played Minecraft yet!

That's actually the third way Notch is helping out with Wolfire's charitable efforts -- he is also the top contributor to the bundle, paying $4,048 for games he likely already had. We know he had VVVVVV, at least, since he made a new level for the Bundle version. You can put in your own financial contribution to the Bundle here.

JoystiqHumble Bundle 3 includes free Minecraft play until Aug. 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityhumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-3MinecraftpcFri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 3 rakes in $500K in 17 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/humble-indie-bundle-3-rakes-in-500k-in-17-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/humble-indie-bundle-3-rakes-in-500k-in-17-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/humble-indie-bundle-3-rakes-in-500k-in-17-hours/#comments At what point does the Humble Indie Bundle become so successful that it can officially stop being so darn humble? We're not sure if there's a set limit, but we think that the recently launched third edition of the indie game compilation has cleared the bar: In its first 17 hours of availability, Humble Indie Bundle 3 has been downloaded over 105,000 times, pulling in more than $500,000 for the five games included therein.

Keep in mind, these impressive figures were accumulated in less than a day -- we can't wait to see how much cheddar these worthy titles (alongside Child's Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation) can nab during their full two-week run. Of course, first, we're going to have to find out the latest dollar-to-cheddar currency exchange rates. We're pretty sure it's $3.09 per brick, but that ratio might be a tad outdated.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 3 rakes in $500K in 17 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-yet-it-movescharitycogsCrayon-Physics-Deluxehammerfighthumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-3indiepcsalesvvvvvvWed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Humble Indie Bundle 3 packs VVVVVV, Crayon Physics Deluxe, And Yet It Moves, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/humble-indie-bundle-3-packs-vvvvvv-crayon-physics-deluxe-and-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/humble-indie-bundle-3-packs-vvvvvv-crayon-physics-deluxe-and-y/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/humble-indie-bundle-3-packs-vvvvvv-crayon-physics-deluxe-and-y/#comments The Humble Indie Bundle, the wildly successful, DRM-free pay-what-you-want charity game collection curated by Wolfire Games, is back ... right now! The Humble Indie Bundle 3 includes Crayon Physics Deluxe, Cogs, VVVVVV (now with a level editor and a new level by Minecraft creator Notch), Hammerfight, and And Yet It Moves -- all playable natively in Linux, OSX, and Windows. Some of the games are newly ported specifically for this purpose.

As always, you'll be able to pay whatever amount you like for the bundle, and you'll be able to specify how much of that payment goes to the EFF, Child's Play, the developers, or Wolfire itself (to offset the costs of hosting the Bundle). The bundle will go away in two weeks, so you have that long to decide how much to chip in, and to whom. We assume you've already decided to buy it.

JoystiqHumble Indie Bundle 3 packs VVVVVV, Crayon Physics Deluxe, And Yet It Moves, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>and-yet-it-movescharitycogsCrayon-Physics-Deluxehammerfighthumble-indie-bundlehumble-indie-bundle-3macpcvvvvvvwolfire-gamesTue, 26 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon charity marathon aims to catch them all at the same time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/pokemon-charity-marathon-aims-to-catch-them-all-at-the-same-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/pokemon-charity-marathon-aims-to-catch-them-all-at-the-same-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/pokemon-charity-marathon-aims-to-catch-them-all-at-the-same-time/#comments If you haven't spent all your money on charity gaming marathons yet, another opportunity for you to throw money at human suffering is coming up -- and this time, it's a test of both endurance and gluttony.

Starting on July 15, Pro3Studios will embark on a 72-hour marathon, in which it will attempt to catch all the Pokémon species in Pokémon FireRed, Emerald, Diamond, Pearl, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, and White -- simultaneously. The gameplay will be streamed on a 3x3 grid, allowing you to watch it all happen in real time.

As this is going on, the group will accept donations through PayPal for the Children's Miracle Network. Those donations will allow viewers the privilege of naming some Pokémon and specifying a song for one of the players to sing on air -- and also, you know, help children.

JoystiqPokemon charity marathon aims to catch them all at the same time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydsgame-boymarathonnintendopokemonPokemon-Black-and-Whitepro3studiosMon, 11 Jul 2011 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ExtraLives' 'Mop Up Marathon' raising money for school]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/extralives-mop-up-marathon-raising-money-for-school/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/extralives-mop-up-marathon-raising-money-for-school/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/extralives-mop-up-marathon-raising-money-for-school/#comments We oppose video games being used to educate, but we'll make an exception just this once. ExtraLives.org will raise money to build a school in an underdeveloped country with a 'Mop Up Marathon' of the games they've missed in similar events through the years. Find a full list right after the break.

Continue reading ExtraLives' 'Mop Up Marathon' raising money for school

JoystiqExtraLives' 'Mop Up Marathon' raising money for school originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityextra-livesextralivesmarathonMon, 11 Jul 2011 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Play For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/play-for-japan-the-album-helps-rebuild-japan-available-now/#comments Announced last May and originally slated for a June release, Play For Japan: The Album is finally available for your listening pleasure. The album features original tracks by 18 of gaming history's greatest composers, including Silent Hill's Akira Yamaoka, Metal Gear Solid 4's Nobuko Toda, and if you buy the album from iTunes, Super Mario Bros.'s Koji Kondo.

The album is already available via iTunes in the US, Canada, and UK, and will be available everywhere else (from iTunes and Amazon) starting July 15. It costs $9.99 USD, one hundred percent of which benefits the Japanese Red Cross' efforts in rebuilding Japan's infrastructure. It also benefits your eardrums. The full track listing is after the jump.

Continue reading Play For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now

JoystiqPlay For Japan: The Album helps rebuild Japan, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokaamazoncharitydisaster-reliefitunesjapan-earthquakeKoji-Kondometal-gear-solid-4musicNobuko-Todaplay-for-japanplay-for-japan-the-albumreliefsilent-hillSuper-Mario-BrosSat, 09 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Charity Alert: The Speed Gamers marathon Star Wars games to benefit tornado victims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/charity-alert-the-speed-gamers-marathon-star-wars-games-to-bene/#comments The 2011 tornado season has been one of the deadliest in recorded history, with hundreds dead and thousands of lives irrevocably changed across the face of the south-east. Over 1,100 confirmed tornadoes have been recorded so far, and the official season hasn't even ended yet.

The Speed Gamers, never ones to rest on their laurels, are once again pledging hundreds of hours of their lives to continuous, charitable gaming. From right now through July 18, TSG will be plowing through a that's-no-moon-sized pile of 25-plus Star Wars games, from Rogue Squadron to Lego Star Wars and everything in-between. That's 168 hours of gaming, with 100 percent of donations going to Direct Relief International. The group aims to raise $30,000 in total, which would bring their lifetime charitable contributions to over $300,000. Hit the source link to find out how you can help, and also how much Jar-Jar Binks someone can take before all of their internal organs shut down.

[Thanks Cody!]

JoystiqCharity Alert: The Speed Gamers marathon Star Wars games to benefit tornado victims originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydisaster-reliefstar-warsthe-speed-gamersthespeedgamerstornadotornado-relieftornadoesSat, 09 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dress your Avatar in Bungie finery for charity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dress-your-avatar-in-bungie-finery-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dress-your-avatar-in-bungie-finery-for-charity/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/dress-your-avatar-in-bungie-finery-for-charity/#commentsBungie is a company that hardly needs any more exposure on Xbox Live, and Avatar clothing is something that hardly needs to be purchased by anyone, but exceptions can be made for good causes!

In honor of the developer's 20th anniversary, it's made new Bungie logo t-shirts available on the Avatar Marketplace for both male and female avatars. The proceeds from the 80 Microsoft Point ($1) purchase go to "charity" -- none is specified, but we would assume it's Bungie's own Foundation, which gives pre-loaded iPads to children's hospitals.

If you'd like to interact with Bungie in a more violent manner, the team is playing Halo: Reach all day (it's "Bungie Day") and giving away steaks.

[Thanks, David from Berkeley]

JoystiqDress your Avatar in Bungie finery for charity originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-clothingavatar-marketplacebungiecharitymicrosoftxblmxboxThu, 07 Jul 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA['Game Play' theater festival combines gaming and performance art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/game-play-theater-festival-combines-gaming-and-performance-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/game-play-theater-festival-combines-gaming-and-performance-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/26/game-play-theater-festival-combines-gaming-and-performance-art/#comments Brooklyn-area nerds are about to receive a special gift from the cultured world of indie theater. For the majority of July, The Brick Theater will play host to "Game Play," a theater festival comprised of gaming-oriented stage productions, musical performances and interactive performance art, among other things.

The schedule is pretty wild and ranges from what you'd expect (chiptune dance parties), to what you wouldn't (nerd-culture burlesque shows.) For instance: Romeoo and Julietet, a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's classic, will be performed entirely within World of Warcraft, while Modal Kombat uses real-ass guitars to control Mortal Kombat characters, as seen after the break.

The venue has even turned one event, their Rock Band Karaoke Night, into a fundraiser for Child's Play, granting free admission to anyone with a Child's Play donation receipt. The festival runs from July 7 through the 31, and tickets are available now. Hit the source link to check out the full schedule, but be careful: there are some seriously-almost-entirely-nude naked people on this website. You have been warned!

Continue reading 'Game Play' theater festival combines gaming and performance art

Joystiq'Game Play' theater festival combines gaming and performance art originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brooklynburlesquecharitychilds-playfestivalmodal-kombatRomeoo-and-Julietettheatertheater-festivalSun, 26 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[4th Annual Mario Marathon triple-jumps into action today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/#comments For the fourth year in a row, a group of insane people will board themselves up in a small, Mushroom Kingdom-decorated room to beat every level, collect every star and stomp every Goomba the Super Mario franchise has ever produced. Why would someone purposefully, harmfully oversaturate themselves with such a wonderful, timeless franchise? Because they're the Mario Marathon. It's in their blood.

The crew is kicking off this suicide mission today at 11 a.m. ET, starting with a playthrough of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Even though it hasn't started yet, the event has already raised $13,000 for Child's Play. We encourage you to go watch these poor souls hurt themselves with Mario, and then, if you feel so inclined, reward their efforts with a donation to a good cause.

Joystiq4th Annual Mario Marathon triple-jumps into action today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdsmarathonmariomario-marathonnintendoSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiFri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Beat Ne-Yo at Child of Eden to help Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/beat-ne-yo-at-child-of-eden-to-help-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/beat-ne-yo-at-child-of-eden-to-help-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/beat-ne-yo-at-child-of-eden-to-help-japan/#comments Hey, there's a headline we didn't expect to write today. Ubisoft's new Child of Eden promotion, "Project Hope," challenges players to exceed musician Ne-yo's high score in the "Evolution" level to boost Ubisoft's donation to Japanese earthquake relief.

$100,000 is already pledged; for every score on that level's "Normal Kinect" leaderboard exceeding Ne-Yo's 306,800 between now and July 4, Ubisoft will add an additional dollar, up to a maximum of $20,000.

While replaying this game over and over again for leaderboard position seems like a weird subversion of its happy, love-everyone vibe, it's hard to argue with a good cause. And it is a promotion that results in a lot of time spent playing Child of Eden, so that's nice.

Continue reading Beat Ne-Yo at Child of Eden to help Japan

JoystiqBeat Ne-Yo at Child of Eden to help Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychild-of-edenearthquakejapankinectmicrosoftne-yoq-entertainmentubisoftxboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/dirt-3s-colin-mcrae-charity-dlc-released-proceeds-go-to-good-c/#comments Codemasters has announced the first DLC for Dirt 3, and says that all proceeds from the sale will go to charity. The Colin McRae Vision Charity Pack is now available for the Xbox Live and Games for Windows versions of the game (for 160 Microsoft points / $2), and allows players to drive a Ford Escort Mk II with five different liveries. The PS3 version will be available as soon as the PlayStation Store returns.

This was the car famously driven by Colin McRae, the original namesake of the Dirt series who died in 2007. All proceeds from the pack will go to the Colin McRae Vision Charity, which raises funds for worthwhile causes around the world in McRae's name.

Codemasters says that this is the first of a few weeks' worth of DLC packs. Each will feature more cars and new tracks going forward.

Continue reading Dirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause

JoystiqDirt 3's Colin McRae charity DLC released, proceeds go to good cause originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitycodemasterscolin-mcraedirt-3dlcmicrosoftpcreleasexboxThu, 02 Jun 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amnesia marathon (and scare-a-thon) for charity this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/amnesia-marathon-and-scare-a-thon-for-charity-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/amnesia-marathon-and-scare-a-thon-for-charity-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/28/amnesia-marathon-and-scare-a-thon-for-charity-this-weekend/#comments Charity's great and all, but we've found that it rarely affords us opportunities to watch people scream and cry in terror. What's up with that? We need to cause suffering as we're easing it. Luckily, a group of gamers is filling that void this weekend, with a charity gaming marathon guaranteed to make you feel good and make the participants feel scared to death.

Vernon Shaw and his brother Tim plan to take turns in an Amnesia: The Dark Descent marathon tomorrow and Sunday -- while the inactive player and a group of volunteers conspire to scare the player "in every way imaginable." It's the perfect weekend for the more sympathetic sadists in our audience!

Proceeds from the marathon will go to Camp Kesem UCSD, which holds annual camp events for children of cancer patients. The event will be livestreamed here.

Continue reading Amnesia marathon (and scare-a-thon) for charity this weekend

JoystiqAmnesia marathon (and scare-a-thon) for charity this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnesia-the-dark-descentcharityfrictional-gamespcscare-to-careSat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Game music superstars contribute new music to 'Play for Japan' album]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/game-music-superstars-contribute-new-music-to-play-for-japan-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/game-music-superstars-contribute-new-music-to-play-for-japan-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/game-music-superstars-contribute-new-music-to-play-for-japan-a/#comments The name of the "Play for Japan" charity initiative typically refers to playing games, but a group of well-known video game composers, led by Silent Hill's Akira Yamaoka, has decided to play some music to raise money for earthquake relief.

The album features new songs by composers such as Bear McCreary, Nobuo Uematsu, Tommy Tallarico, Super Mario Bros. musician Koji Kondo, and Creatures Inc. president Hip Tanaka, who has branched out in recent years from his work as a Nintendo composer (Metroid, Dr. Mario) into the role of a chiptunes DJ.

The album will be released in early June on iTunes, with all proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross. Check out the unexpectedly creepy cover art by Yoshitaka Amano above, and a significantly less creepy statement from Yamaoka after the break.

Continue reading Game music superstars contribute new music to 'Play for Japan' album

JoystiqGame music superstars contribute new music to 'Play for Japan' album originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 May 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-yamaokacharityearthquakejapanmusicplay-for-japanMon, 23 May 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Help the JPAG help their own ... and maybe get some swag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/help-the-jpag-help-their-own-and-maybe-get-some-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/help-the-jpag-help-their-own-and-maybe-get-some-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/help-the-jpag-help-their-own-and-maybe-get-some-swag/#comments By participating in the Peanut Butter and Shelley fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday, from 3-7PM ET, you'll be helping a deserving Joystiq Podcast Appreciation Group member cover his wife's overwhelming medical bills. That's the most important thing, and if you want to claim that's why you're getting involved, we won't blow up your spot.

But you should know that you'll also have a shot at a list of rad prizes being raffled off, including a ton of games, DVDs and comics, an original Alan Black photochop, crocheted goods and so, so much more. Help for whatever reason you like, but giving generously may just be one of your last chances to get right before the upcoming Rapture. Make sure you don't miss it.

JoystiqHelp the JPAG help their own ... and maybe get some swag originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityjoystiq-podcast-appreciation-groupjpagFri, 20 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's various studios raise over a million dollars in charity for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/eas-various-studios-raise-over-a-million-dollars-in-charity-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/eas-various-studios-raise-over-a-million-dollars-in-charity-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/24/eas-various-studios-raise-over-a-million-dollars-in-charity-for/#comments EA says that thanks to a variety of promotions and initiatives from quite a few of its studios, the company has raised over a million dollars for helping those affected by the recent natural disasters in Japan. There were quite a few different efforts going, from selling FIFA 11 DLC to auctioning off Dead Space 2 gear and even selling a brand new iOS app called Frog Minutes.

Employees at the Canada Burnaby campus also assisted by packing 100,000 meals with Kids Against Hunger, which were then sent out to affected areas in Japan. If you'd like to donate to the Red Cross and its efforts in Japan, you can do so right here.

JoystiqEA's various studios raise over a million dollars in charity for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydead-space-2eaearthquakefifa-11frog-minutesjapanreliefSun, 24 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Child's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/childs-play-golf-tournament-to-be-held-just-before-e3/#comments Child's Play and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation are teaming up for the first annual Child's Play Invitational Golf Tournament. The event will be held at the Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena on Sunday, June 5, right before E3 kicks off.

The entrance fee for the tournament (a third of which is tax deductible) is $150 for those with clubs, or $175 if you need to rent some -- we hear they frown upon picking up sticks from the ground to use as clubs. All proceeds go to the Child's Play network and partner hospitals. Beyond the good feeling of helping sick children, the entrance fee will also net participants gift bags and other perks; it's all listed after the break.

Continue reading Child's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3

JoystiqChild's Play golf tournament to be held just before E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playchilds-play-charityEntertainment-software-associationentertainment-software-association-foundationesaWed, 20 Apr 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Humble Bundle features Frozenbyte games and prototype]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/new-humble-bundle-features-frozenbyte-games-and-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/new-humble-bundle-features-frozenbyte-games-and-prototype/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/new-humble-bundle-features-frozenbyte-games-and-prototype/#comments Humble Bundle's third, pay-want-you-want indie games collection, "The Humble Frozenbyte Bundle," is now available from the official site for the next fifteen days. As the name implies, the new set features the works of Finnish developer Frozenbyte, including the platformer Trine and the top-down shooter series Shadowgrounds.

The bundle also includes a pre-order license -- no, not for Trine 2, but for Splot, a mysterious (yet adorable-looking) title that's still under development. Most intriguing, Frozenbyte has tossed in the source code for a canceled project called Jack Claw. According to Edge, the developer hopes to crowd-source the game to completion and offer it for free to everyone that helps.

Like past Humble Bundles, this one is DRM-free and -- with the exception of the Windows-only Jack Claw code -- all the games are available to download for PC, Mac and Linux. Additionally, purchasers are entitled to Steam, Desura and OnLive product keys for compatible titles, as well as the soundtracks for Trine and the Shadowgrounds games.

Oh! And how could we forget? Any two portions of your purchase can be donated to the Child's Play Charity and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a public interest nonprofit that protects consumers' digital rights. Check out the Frozenbyte Bundle promotional video after the break to find out more about this most awesome offering -- or just go buy it already!

[Thanks, Luis!]

Continue reading New Humble Bundle features Frozenbyte games and prototype

JoystiqNew Humble Bundle features Frozenbyte games and prototype originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdesuraelectronic-frontier-foundationfrozenbytehumble-bundle-inchumble-frozenbyte-bundlehumble-indie-bundlejack-clawlinuxmaconlivepay-what-you-wantpcshadowgroundsshadowgrounds-survivorsplotsteamtrineTue, 12 Apr 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Fortress 2 hats raise $430,000 for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/team-fortress-2-hats-raise-430-000-for-japan/#comments Valve has announced the total sum brought in during its two-week Team Fortress 2 charity drive, which sold three limited edition in-game hats to raise funds for the Japanese disaster relief fund. The amount is beyond incredible: In just 14 days, the TF2 community gave $430,543.65 to aid in recover efforts following the devastating earthquake which hit Japan on March 11.

If you managed to miss out on this promotion, don't worry -- much like the charitable Team Fortress 2 hats pictured above, donating to the Red Cross' Japanese disaster relief efforts never goes out of style.

JoystiqTeam Fortress 2 hats raise $430,000 for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydisaster-reliefhatsjapanpcTeam-Fortress-2valveSat, 09 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS hosting charity auctions and other fundraisers this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/tgs-hosting-charity-auctions-and-other-fundraisers-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/tgs-hosting-charity-auctions-and-other-fundraisers-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/tgs-hosting-charity-auctions-and-other-fundraisers-this-year/#comments The earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan won't stop the cosplay, commerce, and inevitable, infinite Monster Hunter lines that represent the Tokyo Game Show. Organizer CESA announced today that the 2011 edition of the Japanese trade show will be held on schedule, from September 15-18. The Makuhari Messe convention center suffered some damage, but repairs are already underway.

The show won't ignore the current situation in Japan, however -- it'll use its ability to gather massive numbers of people (with disposable income) for good. Charity auctions and "other fund raising initiatives" will take place, in order to gather some money for relief. That'll be our excuse for spending way too much money at TGS this year, as opposed to our usual excuse, which is ... oh, we never bothered to come up with one.

JoystiqTGS hosting charity auctions and other fundraisers this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesacharityearthquakejapantgs-2011Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Fight for Relief' tournament raises $30,000 for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/#comments The fighting in yesterday's Fight for Relief event has ended, and the amount of funding brought in by the two charity fighting game tournaments and the live video feed has been tallied at $30,879. That's a lot of relief to come out of a day of battle, all going to Japan through GlobalGiving.

If you'd like to hear about how the matches went, check out NeoGAF's live play-by-play thread, in which you can see forum members being amazed by Justin Wong's performance in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as the amazingness was happening.

Joystiq'Fight for Relief' tournament raises $30,000 for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityfight-for-relieffighting-gamejapanmicrosoftplaystationps3tournamentxboxMon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST