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[Grid 2 on pole in this week's UK charts, Fuse debuts 37th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/grid-2-on-pole-in-this-weeks-uk-charts-fuse-debuts-37th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/grid-2-on-pole-in-this-weeks-uk-charts-fuse-debuts-37th/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/grid-2-on-pole-in-this-weeks-uk-charts-fuse-debuts-37th/#comments Grid 2 crosses the line as the third different UK no. 1 in three weeks. That's despite a 29 percent drop in launch sales compared to Race Driver: Grid, which debuted in second place back in 2008 - albeit behind a Grand Theft Auto IV cruising to its fifth week on top.

Perhaps the bigger story, however, is Fuse only just making the UK Top 40. The Xbox 360 and PS3 shooter crackled in at 37th in its first week. Considering the dearth of new releases this month, it's a disastrous showing for Insomniac Games and EA.

Again, best exemplifying the quiet season is FIFA 13, still holding up in second place. Also proving to have strong sticking power is Dead Island: Riptide, which makes it six weeks in the UK top four. Tomb Raider may be about to drop out of the top ten in its 13th week, but much like Lara Croft it's clinging on for dear life.

Continue reading Grid 2 on pole in this week's UK charts, Fuse debuts 37th

JoystiqGrid 2 on pole in this week's UK charts, Fuse debuts 37th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschart-trackchart-track-weeklycodemastersEAfusegrid-2insomniac-gamesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ukvitawii-uxboxMon, 03 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 review: DNF]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/grid-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/grid-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/grid-2-review/#commentsGrid 2 review DNF You're behind the wheel of a V12 monster, brimming with power and torque, throwing out a noise that would make Thor stand up and unironically slow-clap in admiration. You are waiting for the starting line's light to turn green, and your only mission in life is to pilot that tremendous craft beyond the limits of your own courage and, God willing, across the finish line.

Now you're surrounded on all sides by 11 completely homicidal maniacs who want nothing more than to reach their respective vehicle's top speed and crash directly into you and/or anyone else around them. Despite your ability to partially rewind time, you are powerless to stop them and you will die. This is the madness that is Grid 2.

Gallery: Grid 2 (Multiplayer)

Continue reading Grid 2 review: DNF

JoystiqGrid 2 review: DNF originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 28 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GRID 2 BAC Mono Edition is £125,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/grid-2-bac-mono-edition-is-125-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/grid-2-bac-mono-edition-is-125-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/grid-2-bac-mono-edition-is-125-000/#comments You might be thinking that some countries use commas instead of decimal points, but the headline above does indeed say one hundred and twenty-five thousand British Pounds ($188,700). You might also think that's awfully expensive for the special edition of a racing game (any game, really), but allow us to put things in perspective. The GRID 2 BAC Mono Edition isn't so much a special edition of a game as it is a luxury sports car that happens to come with a game.

Specifically, the BAC Mono Edition comes with the Mono, essentially a street legal formula racing car. Also included is a racing suit and helmet, a copy of GRID 2 and a PlayStation 3 on which to play it. According to BAC's website, a Mono with no frills has a base price of £96,495 ($145,919), and that's before throwing in VAT. Only one copy of the BAC Mono Edition is being manufactured, making it something a collector's item. You can place your pre-order exclusively with GAME. Oh, and shipping is free.

Not to be left out, Best Buy is hosting a special edition of GRID 2 in North America. It includes the IndyCar DLC pack and retails for $59.99.

GRID 2 comes out next week.

Gallery: Grid 2 (BAC Mono Edition)

Continue reading GRID 2 BAC Mono Edition is £125,000

JoystiqGRID 2 BAC Mono Edition is £125,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacbac-monocodemastersgrid-2microsoftmonoplaystationps3ukxboxFri, 24 May 2013 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/grid-2-gameplay-trailer-drifts-through-japan/#comments
This gameplay video for Grid 2 shows a racer drifting around turns on a downhill course in Okutama, Tokyo in Japan. Grid 2 is coming to PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on May 28.

JoystiqGrid 2 gameplay trailer drifts through Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersdriftinggameplaygrid-2microsoftokutamapcplaystationps3racerRacingtrailerxboxSat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Metro: Last Light, Dust 514, Jacob Jones]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/psn-tuesday-metro-last-light-dust-514-jacob-jones/#comments
It's quite the week for content on Sony platforms, with several major releases making their debut on the PlayStation Network today. Metro: Last Light, the 4A Games' sequel salvaged by Deep Silver, launches today. If you haven't had a chance to read our review yet, be sure to give that a gander.

It's joined by CCP's EVE Online offshoot (get it?) Dust 514, available free to all PSN users. Jacob Jones and the Bigfoot Mystery eases its way onto PS Vita today as a $3 download, while Rockstar makes good on its promised Manhunt for $10.

PlayStation Plus subscribers' freebie this week is Knytt Underground, which is flanked by discounts on both Metro: Last Light and a special pre-order price on Grid 2. For the full list of what's in this week's content dump, hit up the PS Blog through the source link below.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Metro: Last Light, Dust 514, Jacob Jones originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesccpcodemastersdust-514grid-2jacob-jones-and-the-bigfoot-mysterymanhuntmetro-last-lightplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psn-tuesdaypsprockstarsonyvitaTue, 14 May 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/#comments THQ may be no more, but several parties have filed claims against the defunct video game publisher. The Kurtzman Carson Consultancy group shows Double Fine, Codemasters and even individual former executives Jason Kay and Jason Rubin are seeking financial compensation for unpaid obligations from THQ

Double Fine (PDF link) is looking for $595,000, claiming THQ offered up Stacking and Costume Quest as free PlayStation Plus downloads without Double Fine's knowledge, and that none of the PS Plus revenue was shared. Codemasters (PDF link) is looking for an exact $1,002,714.25, seeking reimbursement for unpaid royalties and storing quantities of Bodycount, Dirt 3 and F1 2011 discs in a warehouse somewhere. Kay (PDF link) and Rubin (PDF link) are seeking $2.1 million each for failed "employment obligations." The two claim unpaid vacation time, sick leave and severance.

THQ's final assets were auctioned off for nearly $7 million earlier this week, including Darksiders, Homeworld and the Drawn to Life series. The results of the first auction were posted in January, facilitating the transfer of ownership for Saints Row 4, Homefront, Company of Heroes 2 and more.

JoystiqDouble Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountclaimcodemasterscostume-questdirt-3double-finef1-2011jason-kayjason-rubinlawsuitstackingthqFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GRID 2 shows off elimination racing in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/grid-2-shows-off-elimination-racing-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/grid-2-shows-off-elimination-racing-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/grid-2-shows-off-elimination-racing-in-europe/#comments
We always known being in last place at any time in a race was a bad thing, but in Grid 2's European circuit, it's extra bad due to their preferred Elimination-style racing: every few minutes, the car in last place is immediately kicked from the race.

JoystiqGRID 2 shows off elimination racing in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 29 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

JoystiqSony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 is to racing what UFC is to fighting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-is-to-racing-what-ufc-is-to-fighting/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-is-to-racing-what-ufc-is-to-fighting/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-is-to-racing-what-ufc-is-to-fighting/#comments
Grid 2 imagines a world where one driver, across all disciplines, is crowned the king of the road. As the player, you're off on a trek across the globe, competing in the disciplines permeating North America, Europe and Asia - recruiting drivers into the World Series of Racing along the way.

The WSR is the dream of Patrick Callaghan, the organizer of the WSR and mouthpiece throughout Grid 2. While you're racing to improve your own status and become a top driver, you're serving double duty to prove that the WSR is the place for the elite drivers to compete at the very top level.

So, essentially Grid 2 is the Ultimate Fighting Championship of racing games.

Gallery: Grid 2 (2/14/13)

Continue reading Grid 2 is to racing what UFC is to fighting

JoystiqGrid 2 is to racing what UFC is to fighting originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/#comments Namco Bandai extends Codemasters PAL distribution deal through 2013Namco Bandai Europe is continuing to distribute British developer/publisher Codemasters' games throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this year. That distribution now covers "all key" EU territories, including the UK & Ireland. The new agreement represents both an extension and expansion of the two companies' distribution partnership, first cemented in 2010, and includes Grid 2 plus some "unannounced" Codemasters games.

The news follows the recent announcement of restructuring at Codemasters, with 80 people reportedly laid off as a result. As for this side of the ocean, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment handled Codemasters' distribution in the Americas throughout last year after taking over from THQ - we can't see Namco Bandai America going back, somehow.

Continue reading Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013

JoystiqNamco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacodemastersdistributioneuropenamco-bandainamco-bandai-europePALMon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 slides into North America May 28, May 31 elsewhere]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grid-2-slides-into-north-america-may-28-may-31-elsewhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grid-2-slides-into-north-america-may-28-may-31-elsewhere/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/grid-2-slides-into-north-america-may-28-may-31-elsewhere/#comments Grid 2 slides into North America May 28, May 31 elsewhereCodemasters' Grid 2 crosses the retail finish line on May 28 in North America, and on May 31 outside of those shores. The British developer, which endured layoffs earlier this month, also outlined the racer's various pre-order bonuses for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC today.

GameStop pre-orders come with the McLaren Racing Pack and GTR Racing Pack. The former includes the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, and two extra routes to navigate the Brands Hatch circuit with, while the latter offers the Nissan GT-R SpecV and five routes for Yas Marina. Both packs grant access to exclusive online events.

Best Buy pre-orders get the IndyCar pack, which bundles in the Dallara IndyCar, two more routes for the Indianapolis Motor SpeedWay Oval circuit, and again access to a special online event. Meanwhile, Amazon gets the Head Start pack, which includes the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT, discounts for car upgrades, and a RaceNet bonus.

Gallery: Grid 2 (Pre-Order Bonuses)

Continue reading Grid 2 slides into North America May 28, May 31 elsewhere

JoystiqGrid 2 slides into North America May 28, May 31 elsewhere originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 31 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leisure Suit Larry 'Greatest Hits and Misses' collection now on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/leisure-suit-larry-greatest-hits-and-misses-collection-now-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/leisure-suit-larry-greatest-hits-and-misses-collection-now-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/leisure-suit-larry-greatest-hits-and-misses-collection-now-on/#comments Leisure Suit Larry 'Greatest Hits and Misses' collection now on GOGClassic PC adventure gaming examples of how not to pick up women have been spritzed with horrendous cologne and dressed up as GOG's Leisure Suit Larry "Greatest Hits and Misses" collection. The $10 pack includes the first five Larry jams, the oldest of which (Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards) comes in both Original and VGA flavors.

The release of this collection marks the first time that Larry's adventures have swung both ways, by which we mean "been both PC and Mac OSX compatible," obviously. The collection also includes the 1981 text-based DOS/Apple II game Softporn Adventure, which despite how it sounds, is mostly about navigating a bar and reading newspapers. Not that we've played it or anything.

Since this collection's screenshots and trailer are borderline not safe for work, we've decided to err on the side of caution and refrain from hosting them on our family friendly internet blog-o-site. Clicking all up on the source link below will take you where you want to go, if you're into that sort of thing.

JoystiqLeisure Suit Larry 'Greatest Hits and Misses' collection now on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersGOGleisure-suit-larryleisure-suit-larry-3-passionate-patti-in-pursuit-of-pulsating-peleisure-suit-larry-5-passionate-patti-does-a-little-undercover-wleisure-suit-larry-6-shape-up-or-slip-outleisure-suit-larry-goes-looking-for-love-in-several-wrong-placesleisure-suit-larry-in-the-land-of-the-lounge-lizardsmacpcSierrasoftporn-adventureSat, 19 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters restructuring, reports suggest 80 layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/codemasters-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/codemasters-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/codemasters-restructuring/#comments Grid and Dirt developer Codemasters is consulting "affected employees" as part of a restructuring process, with 80 people reportedly being laid off as a result. A "strong source" told GamesIndustry International the figure, saying the majority of those layoffs are being made at the company's global headquarters in Southam, England.

A Codemasters spokesperson told us there is no confirmed number of affected employees, referring to numbers reported elsewhere as "speculative." Codemasters' official statement says the restructuring is "not companywide," and that the process isn't expected to affect development of "core console and PC titles" like Grid 2 and this year's Formula One game.

Codemasters' official statement reads:
"As the Company realigns its operations to focus on areas of increased strategic importance and decrease resources in areas that are not delivering value for the business, the Company has proposed the restructure of certain aspects within its digital development and publishing units in line with future product strategy. As a result of the proposed restructure, the Company has therefore entered into a period of collective consultation with the affected employees. The restructure is not companywide and is not anticipated to impact the development of its core console and PC titles such as Grid 2 or its annual Formula One title."

JoystiqCodemasters restructuring, reports suggest 80 layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtformula-1gridlayoffsrestructuringukFri, 18 Jan 2013 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters hires achievement bloggers to design achievements for Grid 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/codemasters-hires-achievement-bloggers-to-design-achievements-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/codemasters-hires-achievement-bloggers-to-design-achievements-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/codemasters-hires-achievement-bloggers-to-design-achievements-fo/#comments Codemasters hires achievement bloggers to design achievements for Grid 2Dan Webb is the editor-in-chief of both Xbox 360 Achievements and PS3 Trophies, two sites that have covered metarewards on the two major consoles for a few years now. But he's never actually helped write an achievement list, and so Codemasters is finally giving him that chance with Grid 2. Webb and the rest of his writers will not only create the achievements for the upcoming racing game, but will have a series of posts, videos, and other content showing off what actually goes into the process of giving away all of those gamerpoints.

"Codemasters have put their faith in us to work with them on creating the ultimate list," says Webb in the press release, "and we're looking forward to repaying that trust to design Achievements and Trophies with unique objectives that will put a smile on players' faces with each and every unlock." We're interested to see just what Webb and the developers create. Even if things don't work out, odds are they won't make the worst achievement list ever, right?

JoystiqCodemasters hires achievement bloggers to design achievements for Grid 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscodemastersdan-webbgridgrid-2microsoftplaystationps3ps3-trophiesracingtrophiestrophyxboxxbox-360-achievementsWed, 28 Nov 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 drives forward years later after tech upgrade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/grid-2-drives-forward-years-later-after-tech-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/grid-2-drives-forward-years-later-after-tech-upgrade/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/10/grid-2-drives-forward-years-later-after-tech-upgrade/#comments Grid 2 reaping the rewards by meeting ambitions with technologyBy the time Grid 2 wheels into stores it will have been nearly five years since the Race Driver series welcomed a new installment. Codemasters spoke previously about waiting for technology to meet the Southam studio's ambitions, but we wanted to know the specific ways in which the lengthy pitstop benefits the racer.

"The thing for us is that sometimes you get a car that's been modeled to such beautiful, beautiful detail," Grid 2 Associate Producer Iain Smith told Joystiq, "that when you see it in the environment it just jars. It looks like it's from a showroom. It's not lit the same way as the environment, it just feels like this glossy thing in the middle of something that's actually quite tangible and real. We try to make sure those two things blend in a much more realistic way."

Continue reading Grid 2 drives forward years later after tech upgrade

JoystiqGrid 2 drives forward years later after tech upgrade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersCodemasters-Southamgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 10 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters not ruling out Wii U ports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/codemasters-not-ruling-out-wii-u-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/codemasters-not-ruling-out-wii-u-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/codemasters-not-ruling-out-wii-u-ports/#comments

A Wii U version of Grid 2 isn't being ruled out, Codemasters tells us. The British studio announced the racing sequel for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC last month, but not Wii U. However, Grid 2 Associate Producer Iain Smith told Joystiq "there's every opportunity at some point down the line" for the racer to come to Wii U.

"It's not being ruled out certainly," Smith said, "And certainly [that applies] across all Codemasters titles. Some platforms are more appropriate for certain types of games, but we just have to make decisions as and when they're appropriate. We can't say too much more at the moment."

Continue reading Codemasters not ruling out Wii U ports

JoystiqCodemasters not ruling out Wii U ports originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 gets out of the garage in summer 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/grid-2-gets-out-of-the-garage-in-summer-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/grid-2-gets-out-of-the-garage-in-summer-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/08/grid-2-gets-out-of-the-garage-in-summer-2013/#comments Grid 2 gets out of the garage in summer 2013

Grid 2 is set to launch next summer, Codemasters' Ben Walke writes on the European PlayStation blog. The video above provides a look at some of the new cars, tracks and settings, along with an ESRB warning that assures us this is a US and EU endeavor.

Grid 2 will feature "handpicked automotive icons" covering four decades from the US, Europe and Asia, and will take place in Paris, Abu Dhabi, the California Coast and many other "beautiful" cities, Walke writes. Grid 2 will also include an extensive multiplayer system utilizing RaceNet, Codemasters' online tracking system.

JoystiqGrid 2 gets out of the garage in summer 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersgridgrid-2microsoftpcplaystationps3RacingxboxWed, 08 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grid 2 announcement teased]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/grid-2-announcement-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/grid-2-announcement-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/grid-2-announcement-teased/#comments Grid 2 teased

It looks like Codemasters is poised to bring its Grid racing series back for another lap. Earlier today we saw the teaser trailer above, which depicts a car spinning its wheels, followed by a logo identical to the one used by the original Grid in 2008, save for the extra "2."

According to the trailer, "The Race Returns" on August 8, 2012. Codemasters further teased the video on its official Twitter account. "This looks... interesting?" the company wrote, before doling out the obligatory promotional hashtag, #TheRaceReturns.

Codemasters was partly acquired by Indian company Reliance Big Entertainment in 2010, after which it promised another Grid game. "In Southam it's full steam ahead with the next iteration in our Flashpoint series, as well as the next Dirt and Grid," said Gavin Cheshire, former VP of studios at Codemasters and current CEO of Caperfly. We guess they've been gassing up the cars this whole time.

JoystiqGrid 2 announcement teased originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt Showdown multiplayer demo(lition) available today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/dirt-showdown-multiplayer-demo-lition-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/dirt-showdown-multiplayer-demo-lition-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/dirt-showdown-multiplayer-demo-lition-available-today/#comments
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The demo for Dirt Showdown will be alive and kicking up dust on Steam, Xbox Live Marketplace and PSN today, Codemasters has announced. The demo includes the single-player mode's 8 Ball race, which runs by San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and the multiplayer Rampage mode. Rampage is an eight-player demolition derby where points are earned for crashes and take-outs.

The Dirt Showdown demo also offers the first taste of RaceNet, a free online tracking and comparison extension for Codemasters racing games. Those who sign up for RaceNet get some special perks when the full game launches on May 25, including $20,000 of in-game currency. Yes, 20 big ones. Either that's an awesome bonus, or Dirt Showdown operates in a universe where everyone is a millionaire.

JoystiqDirt Showdown multiplayer demo(lition) available today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-ballCodemastersdirt-showdownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RampagerampagementxboxTue, 01 May 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt Showdown shows up May 24 in Europe, May 29 in North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dirt-showdown-shows-up-may-24-in-europe-may-29-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dirt-showdown-shows-up-may-24-in-europe-may-29-in-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/dirt-showdown-shows-up-may-24-in-europe-may-29-in-north-america/#comments Image
DiRT Showdown, Codemasters' spinoff about spinning out, will crash wildly into retail starting May 24. Codemasters announced regional release dates for the Xbox 360/PS3/PC racer today, with that May 24 date kicking off the release in mainland Europe.

A UK release will follow on May 25. The game will then drive across the Atlantic in time for a May 29 release in North America. A demo will be released worldwide May 1, featuring both single-player and multiplayer wreckin'. The release is the first from the new "Codemasters Racing" label, and will be the first game to use "RaceNet," an online hub for Codies racers. You'll be able to join up for the demo, and track your progress against friends.

Along with the date announcement came some rare news: Dirt Showdown will be sold at GAME, which, along with Gamestation (and Walmart in North America), will offer an exclusive "Hoonigan" edition of the game with some in-game bonuses ... like Monster Energy liveries for some of the cars. Free advertising with your game!

Continue reading Dirt Showdown shows up May 24 in Europe, May 29 in North America

JoystiqDirt Showdown shows up May 24 in Europe, May 29 in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-showdownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3release-datexboxThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. to distribute Codemasters games in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games-in-2012/#comments British developer/publisher Codemasters has left THQ Partners, who handled its distribution in the Americas during 2011, in favor of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, who will now take care of distribution, sales and marketing for all of Codemasters' 2012 releases in North and South America, including Dirt Showdown and F1 2012.

Fake eyewitness accounts report seeing THQ Publishing outside of Codemasters' bedroom window, holding a ghetto blaster above its head that was said to be playing "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. We have, however, received conflicting reports that a freshly embittered THQ Publishing has opened a record shop and hired a young and enthusiastic Jack Black to work behind the counter.

JoystiqWarner Bros. to distribute Codemasters games in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemastersdirt-showdownf1-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3thq-partnersWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentxboxMon, 26 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt Showdown is about driving cars into other cars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/dirt-showdown-is-about-driving-cars-into-other-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/dirt-showdown-is-about-driving-cars-into-other-cars/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/dirt-showdown-is-about-driving-cars-into-other-cars/#comments
Take all that serious business about driving you learned in the Dirt rallycross games and throw it out the window. Actually, throw it through the damn window, as smashing stuff is pretty much par for the course in Dirt Showdown. We're pretty sure that's all you do in it, actually.

JoystiqDirt Showdown is about driving cars into other cars originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecodemasterscodemasters-southamdirt-showdowngameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 14 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/dirt-3-complete-edition-enters-the-race-march-20/#comments The Dirt 3 Complete Edition officially launches March 20 in North America, running (or racing) $40 for Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows. The Complete Edition contains more than $30 of additional content, which by our calculations means you're getting a 5,000 percent increase in value. Again, that's by our calculations, and we never said we were very good at mathing.

Continue reading Dirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20

JoystiqDirt 3 Complete Edition enters the race March 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemasterscodemasters-southamdirt-3microsoftpcplaystationps3q1-2012release-datexboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 01:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/codemasters-giving-dirt-3-a-complete-edition/#comments Codemasters has announced that it's releasing a "Complete Edition" of Dirt 3, due out sometime this March for Windows, Xbox 360, and the PS3. The $39.99 release will include the full game, 12 new tracks in two different new locations and lots of new cars and liveries to play around with.

The two new tracks run through the snowy mountain roads of the Alps and some urban streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, and the new cars include the BMW M3 Rally, the Ford Escort Mk II and the Mini Cooper S Gymkhana, in addition to a slew of others. You can see a few shots of the game below, and read the entire press release after the break.

Gallery: DiRT 3 Complete Edition (2/11/12)

Continue reading Codemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition

JoystiqCodemasters giving Dirt 3 a Complete Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpscodemastersdirt-3dirt-3-complete-editionmicrosoftmonte-carlopcplaystationps3shibuyaxboxSat, 11 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Buckle up, this Dirt Showdown trailer may give you whiplash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/buckle-up-this-dirt-showdown-trailer-may-give-you-whiplash/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/buckle-up-this-dirt-showdown-trailer-may-give-you-whiplash/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/buckle-up-this-dirt-showdown-trailer-may-give-you-whiplash/#comments
If there's one thing we'd have to say the Dirt series has been missing, it's demolition derby -- cars crashing into cars crashing into cars. Another thing: so many pyrotechnics. Dirt Showdown realizes this and offers a taste of both in the latest trailer.

JoystiqBuckle up, this Dirt Showdown trailer may give you whiplash originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-showdownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-ubisoft-atari-many-other-publishers-seeking-payment-fr/#comments Someone in Germany -- perhaps even some people -- illegally pirated a copy of Prison Break: The Conspiracy. Hard to believe as it may be, it appears to be the case according to TorrentFreak, who delved into German public records looking for game publishers who have employed German law to track down (and demand money from) people who allegedly pirated various games. In Germany, Koch Media publishes the Prison Break game, and has been demanding settlements of "several hundred Euros" from offending IP addresses.

The records indicate that several major publishers, either directly or through subsidiaries/secondary parties, have been sending out letters to German citizens requesting varying levels of payment in return for not being sued. Where things get murky, however, is how the publishers are seeking out the accused pirates, using not always reliable "IP address-only evidence" -- easily circumvented with proxy domains and such. You know, hacker stuff.

TorrentFreak's report indicates that a variety of publishers and distributors are involved, including (but not limited to): Atari, Koch Media (representing Techland's Dead Island and Prison Break, and Eidos/Square Enix's Deus Ex: Human Revolution as well as Dungeon Siege 3 and various Final Fantasy titles), Daedalic Entertainment (representing LucasArts), Codemasters, BitComposer, Ubisoft, Kalypso Media, dtp entertainment, and Aerosoft. It is currently unclear how many settlement notices have been sent out by each company, or if any will continue doing so after these actions have been brought to light.

Witcher 2 developer CD Projekt Red was recently pursuing similar cases in Germany until it announced the end of the practice last week.

JoystiqReport: Ubisoft, Atari, many other publishers requesting payment from German pirates originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerosoftataribabypiratesbitcomposercodemastersdaedalicdtp-entertainmenteidoseidos-interactivegermanykalypso-mediakoch-medialegallucasartsmacmicrosoftpcpiracypiratesplaystationps3square-enixtechlandubisoftxboxMon, 16 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt Showdown ditches rally for arcade-style events]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/dirt-showdown-ditches-rally-for-arcade-style-events/#comments
If you lamented Dirt 3's decorum and its increased focus on the rally discipline, Codemasters has a flashy alternative in Dirt Showdown, coming to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in May 2012. Gamespot has the first details on the spinoff, which eschews racing for a trio of arcade-style modes and a plethora of pyrotechnics.

Dirt Showdown features "Hoonigan events," in which you perform driving stunts within compounds around the world (similar to Dirt 3's gymkhana challenges). You'll also find a crunchy ode to collisions in the demolition derby events, alongside some more straightforward (minus those devilish hairpin turns) racing modes. You won't find point-to-point style dashes through lush foliage and arid landscapes here -- though Gamespot notes they'll "return with a renewed focus on simulation in Dirt 4."

The preview claims that Showdown has an answer to Need for Speed's Autolog, allowing racers to challenge and monitor each other's performance online. A "mission-based" mode provides the foundation for much of these social challenges.

It seems the game's style and tone, compared to Dirt 3, is perhaps best captured in the "King of the Ring" gametype, which sees all participating cars racing to a central point and then disintegrating into a shiny cloud of wrecked bits. And to think, we used to be so impressed when those triangles came flying off the cars in PlayStation's Destruction Derby.

JoystiqDirt Showdown ditches rally for arcade-style events originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt-showdownmicrosoftpcplaystationps3q2-2012racingrelease-datexboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters teases Dizzy revival (ask your European friends)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/codemasters-teases-dizzy-revival-ask-your-european-friends/#comments A mysterious website, "eggcitingnews.com," popped up overnight, featuring an egg carton bearing the vintage Codemasters logo, and something inside with big cartoon eyes and a red mitten. "Guess who's back?" the caption reads. The domain is owned by Codemasters.

This all appears to be leading up to the return of Codemasters' one-time franchise character, Dizzy. While Dizzy was most prominent in America as the star of a few unlicensed NES games published by Camerica, including two for the Aladdin Deck Enhancer, the walking egg was genuinely popular in Europe. His games are essentially adventure games, involving wandering around 2D landscapes, solving puzzles, and saving the "Yolkfolk."

It's unclear from this teaser site exactly what Codies has planned. It could be as simple as a GOG-style re-release, or it could be an HD remake of a Dizzy game, or even a completely new game. We just can't glean much information from a picture of an egg carton.

JoystiqCodemasters teases Dizzy revival (ask your European friends) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecodemastersdizzyTue, 22 Nov 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 2011 crashing into Vita launch lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/f1-2011-crashing-into-vita-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/f1-2011-crashing-into-vita-launch-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/f1-2011-crashing-into-vita-launch-lineup/#comments
Is your life like F1 racing itself? Are you moving too quickly, too dangerously to sit down on the couch and indulge in an F1 racing simulation? Good news then, as Codemasters has announced that F1 2011 will be released in time for the launch of PlayStation Vita on February 22, making it just the thing for the racing fan on the go.

The game features plenty of single-player modes, full support for online and local multiplayer and, presumably, lots of pointy cars. Check out a new trailer above.

Continue reading F1 2011 crashing into Vita launch lineup

JoystiqF1 2011 crashing into Vita launch lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersf1-2011playstationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 17 Nov 2011 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters shutting down Bodycount developer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/codemasters-shutting-down-bodycount-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/codemasters-shutting-down-bodycount-developer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/codemasters-shutting-down-bodycount-developer/#comments Codemasters is preparing to close down its Guildford studio, which was responsible for Bodycount. The shuttering will affect the 66 employees, who were informed today about the 30-day consultation shut-down period (based on the studio's size), required by UK law.

"As we look to take greater leadership in the racing category, Codemasters is proposing a studio structure that adds resource and strengthens our best-in-class racing teams," a company spokesperson said in a statement. Those being laid off are being "encouraged" to apply for positions at Codemasters' Warwickshire HQ (Dirt, Grid, F1 Online) and the Birmingham studio, which is working on a new racing IP.

Bodycount's "poor design choices and lack of any compelling moments" didn't sit well with us, nor with critics in general, and earned it a Metacritic score in the low-50s. The game premiered in 36th place on the UK charts two weeks ago, then disappeared. It's a IP that's not likely to be heard from again.

JoystiqCodemasters shutting down Bodycount developer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountCodemastersguildford-studiolayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount review: Mindless manslaughter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/bodycount-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/bodycount-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/02/bodycount-review/#comments In some ways, I admire Bodycount -- it's a game that says, "OK, shoot guys. That's really all we want you to do. Shoot them with your gun, move on, and then shoot more dudes, because shooting dudes is fun." And you know what? It's right. In Bodycount, mowing people down is satisfying, thanks to your obscene amount of power and the sheer volume of dudes being tossed your way.

However, nowadays, when other entries in the shooting-dudes genre offer us so much more than that, Bodycount wears pretty thin, pretty quickly.

Gallery: Bodycount (E3 2011)

Continue reading Bodycount review: Mindless manslaughter

JoystiqBodycount review: Mindless manslaughter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersguildford-studiomicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 02 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount demo shoots Xbox Live, PS3 version forthcoming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/bodycount-demo-shoots-xbox-live-ps3-version-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/bodycount-demo-shoots-xbox-live-ps3-version-forthcoming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/bodycount-demo-shoots-xbox-live-ps3-version-forthcoming/#comments Bodycount
Codemasters has announced a new demo for Bodycount. The Xbox Live demo of the unabashed shooter is available now and clocks in at a hefty 1.45GB, so you'll have to count the minutes before you even get to the bodies. A PS3 demo "will follow" at some point in the future.

Continue reading Bodycount demo shoots Xbox Live, PS3 version forthcoming

JoystiqBodycount demo shoots Xbox Live, PS3 version forthcoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdemomicrosoftplaystationps3psnxboxxbox-liveTue, 16 Aug 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters announces F1 Online: The Game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/codemasters-announces-f1-online-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/codemasters-announces-f1-online-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/codemasters-announces-f1-online-the-game/#comments As if fantasy football wasn't enough of a workplace distraction, Codemasters has recently announced F1 Online: The Game, which is, as you may have guessed, a free-to-play, browser-based Formula 1 racing game/management simulator.

Set to launch sometime in Q1 2012, F1 Online allows players to race as their favorite real-world teams, or as a fictional team of their own creation. Full-scale World Championships and Grand Prix events will be available, qualifying runs and all, and social networking integration means you'll be able to immediately notify your friends upon beating Cyber-Alonso's lap record by 0.000001 of a second.

For the more managerially-minded among us, team-management functionality will let the player "manage the commercial, research, production and race crew functions required for success on track," meaning that those reports you needed to finish totally won't get finished. McLaren-Mercedes, Williams, Lotus-Renault, and Force India are all present and accounted for, and with the inclusion of world-famous circuits like Monaco and Silverstone, F1 Online: The Game looks to be the racing enthusiast's ideal time-waster.

JoystiqCodemasters announces F1 Online: The Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlonsoCodemastersF1F1-Online-The-GameFernando-AlonsoForce-IndiaFormula-1Lotus-RenaultmacMcLaren-MercedespcSilverstoneWilliamsSun, 14 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount dev diary shows off some variety]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/bodycount-dev-diary-shows-off-some-variety/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/bodycount-dev-diary-shows-off-some-variety/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/bodycount-dev-diary-shows-off-some-variety/#comments
The thing about a title like Bodycount is that it really takes the focus off the what, who and where of the killing and puts it on ... well, the killing. This developer diary rectifies that, showing off the variety of both your opponents and the battlegrounds where you'll square off.

JoystiqBodycount dev diary shows off some variety originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxMon, 08 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount developer diary is just crazy about its guns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/bodycount-developer-diary-is-just-crazy-about-its-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/bodycount-developer-diary-is-just-crazy-about-its-guns/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/bodycount-developer-diary-is-just-crazy-about-its-guns/#comments In this first developer diary for Codemasters' straight-laced shooter, Bodycount, a few of the game's creators get together to talk about a subject near and dear to their hearts: Wildlife preservation. Oh, wait, did we say wildlife preservation? We meant guns. All of the guns.

JoystiqBodycount developer diary is just crazy about its guns originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdeveloper-diarymicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dirt 3 Monte Carlo DLC now available worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/dirt-3-monte-carlo-dlc-now-available-worldwide/#comments Codemasters probably had no idea the accidental synergy it was creating, dropping the Monte Carlo DLC for Dirt 3 the same week that the soon-to-be hit romantic comedy of the same name was arriving in theaters, but here we are. Unfortunately, Selena Gomez isn't a new rallycross driver in the upcoming pack, and as far as we know, there isn't any rallycross in the film. What a waste!

Regardless, the $10 pack is now available on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 via their respective digital storefronts, and on PC via the Games for Windows Marketplace. It comprises eight new tracks set in the miniscule Mediterranean monarchy of Monaco (specifically Monte Carlo, of course). If, like us, you don't have a summer villa in the DLC's lavish setting, you may want to take a peek at the maps in action before purchasing the pack -- for that, we suggest heading into our gallery below.

Gallery: DiRT 3 (Monte Carlo Track Pack DLC)

JoystiqDirt 3 Monte Carlo DLC now available worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirt-3dlcgames-for-windowsgames-for-windows-marketplacemicrosoftmonte-carlopcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxboxxbox-livexbox-live-marketplaceWed, 29 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Count the days until Bodycount's August 30 release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/count-the-days-until-bodycounts-august-30-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/count-the-days-until-bodycounts-august-30-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/count-the-days-until-bodycounts-august-30-release/#comments Late last week, we learned that scintillatingly explodey Bodycount would launch its campaign against restraint and ammo conservation this August. That date's just gotten a bit more specific: the month is still accurate, but just barely so, with Bodycount scooting in under the tripwire on August 30.

Continue reading Count the days until Bodycount's August 30 release

JoystiqCount the days until Bodycount's August 30 release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersmicrosoftplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 29 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount bringing an arsenal to consoles this August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bodycount-bringing-an-arsenal-to-consoles-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bodycount-bringing-an-arsenal-to-consoles-this-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/bodycount-bringing-an-arsenal-to-consoles-this-august/#comments Bodycount may have missed its intended "early 2011" release window, but it seems that Codemasters wasn't far off. Today the publisher announced an August launch for the title and gave us a new peek into the game's 'splosion-packed action. As you'll see in the clip after the break, Bodycount is clearly about employing a variety of weapons as often as possible, all the while chasing an elusive enemy known as "The Target." (Seriously.)

Apparently you'll be extending the pile of bodies across Africa, Asia and "mysterious bases" (okay, stop it) in said search, but the folks at Codies won't speak up until an upcoming community Q&A. You can participate in that over at the US PlayStation Blog.

Continue reading Bodycount bringing an arsenal to consoles this August

JoystiqBodycount bringing an arsenal to consoles this August originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersgameplaymicrosoftpcplaystationps3q3-2011release-datexboxFri, 24 Jun 2011 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters takes down GRID PS3 and PC servers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/codemasters-takes-down-grid-ps3-and-pc-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/codemasters-takes-down-grid-ps3-and-pc-servers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/codemasters-takes-down-grid-ps3-and-pc-servers/#comments Fans of Codemasters' 2008 racing title GRID received some bad news this weekend: The multiplayer servers for the PC and PS3 versions of the game have been taken offline. A post on the publisher's forums explains, "This follows the decision by a third party provider to decline the offer of an extended contract to continue online play on these platforms." The provider apparently decided the 360 SKU's servers were worth saving -- Xbox Live players still have access to the game's full range on online features.

We wish Codemasters would really think these kinds of actions through before executing them. You guys know what the repercussions for this outage will be, right? Jilted PS3 and PC players are going to get into real-life illegal street racing. Do you really want to be responsible for people falling into that lifestyle, Codemasters? Do you?

JoystiqCodemasters takes down GRID PS3 and PC servers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersGRIDonlinepcplaystationps3racingSun, 19 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bodycount preview: The journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/bodycount-preview-the-journey/#comments I'm going to take the mic here for a moment, readers, and tell you something personally: It has been fascinating to watch the development of Codemasters' FPS Bodycount. I originally posted the game's unofficial announcement early last year, saw a preview and talked to creator Stuart Black at last year's E3, saw the game in action after Black left the project and, finally, got to see and play it last week at this year's E3 conference.

Long story short, I've basically had a front row seat on the development of this one, and it's been very interesting to watch it develop over the past 16 months. Black's original vision was not much more than just a demo level, a slick future shooter with a snappy female voice feeding orders in your ear. And from preview to preview, that vision has been prodded and poked by other developers, growing up into the game Bodycount has become.

Unfortunately, much of what appealed in the initial vision has gotten a little muddied along the way. Some elements of that early demo are still in there (and there's a whole lot more besides), but Bodycount's gone from a lot of unique potential to a much more mundane reality.

Gallery: Bodycount (E3 2011)

Continue reading Bodycount preview: The journey

JoystiqBodycount preview: The journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-wilsonbodycountcodemasterse3-2011fpsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shooterstuart-blackxboxSun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST